CAM

Plant extract offers hope for infant motor neurone therapy
A chemical found in plants could reduce the symptoms of a rare muscle disease that leaves children with little or no control of their movements. Scientists have found that a plant pigment called quercetin – found in some fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains – could help to prevent the damage to nerves associated with the childhood form of motor neuron disease,spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The study is published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Eurekalert!

Yoga regulates stress hormones and improves quality of life for women with breast cancer undergoing
Researchers found that while simple stretching exercises counteracted fatigue, patients who participated in yoga exercises that incorporated controlled breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques into their treatment plan experienced improved ability to engage in their daily activities, better general health and better regulation of cortisol (stress hormone). Women in the yoga group were also better equipped to find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for the women in the other two groups. Eurekalert!

Exploring alternative treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection
Alternative therapies have not been effective in eradicating the bacteria but have been shown to maintain low bacterial levels. Nevertheless, some of them are useful in preventing the adverse effects of antibiotics, modulating the immune response, gastroprotection, and the general promotion of health. Therefore, those agents can be used as adjuvants of allopathic anti-H. pylori eradication therapy. Ayala G, Escobedo-Hinojosa WI, de la Cruz-Herrera CF, Romero I. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Feb 14;20(6):1450-1469. Review. PMID: 24587621

Effectiveness of acupuncture to treat irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis
Acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms. Chao GQ, Zhang S. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Feb 21;20(7):1871-1877. Review. PMID: 24587665

 

Meat and cheese may be as bad for you as smoking
Not only is excessive protein consumption linked to a dramatic rise in cancer mortality, but middle-aged people who eat lots of proteins from animal sources — including meat, milk and cheese — are also more susceptible to early death in general, reveals the study to be published March 4 in Cell Metabolism. Protein-lovers were 74 percent more likely to die of any cause within the study period than their more low-protein counterparts. They were also several times more likely to die of diabetes. Eurekalert!