Natural Standard Podcast

According to a new study, Alzheimer’s patients who have close relationships with their caregivers may experience slower mental and physical decline. These beneficial effects were similar to common Alzheimer’s drugs, including galantamine (Razadyne®), donepezil (Aricept®) and rivastigmine (Exelon®).

This month, Natural Standard launched two new interactive tools to help clinicians and consumers make safer therapeutic decisions.

A new study suggests that probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria naturally found in the body and commonly added to cultured milk products, may help prevent cold and flu viruses in children.

New evidence suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from seafood may be associated with mood-altering affects in pregnant women.

New evidence from a small study suggests that D supplements may improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight.

Early findings from a federal investigation suggest that there may be ethical problems with a large-scale study on chelation therapy, an alternative treatment in which chemical compounds are injected into the blood. According to the report from the U.S. Office for Human Research Protections, researchers did not properly inform the participants of potential health risks. The probe also revealed that some of the researchers have been disciplined by state medical boards, and at least three are convicted felons.

Two new studies suggest that being obese and eating a high-fat diet may both be associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

According to a recent study published in Fertility and Sterility, foot reflexology may not significantly improve ovulation or pregnancy rates among women with fertility problems.

Cancer rates are generally lower among vegetarians compared to meat eaters, but a new study suggests that this may not apply to all types of cancers.

A new study suggests that supplementation with the amino acid N-acetylcysteine may help reduce symptoms of trichotillomania, an impulse-control disorder that causes people to pull out hair from various body parts.

A new study suggests that breastfeeding may be linked to improved academic performance compared to formula feeding.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned Matrixx Initiatives to stop selling three over-the-counter Zicam® products, marketed as cold remedies, after more than 130 people reported developing long-lasting or permanent loss of smell (called anosmia). The warning applies to: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel®, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs® and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product).

New laboratory evidence suggests that yellow alder (Turnera ulmifolia) extract may enhance the effects of antibiotics in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a type of bacteria that does not respond to treatment with certain antibiotics, including ampicillin (Principen®) and other penicillins.

A new research analysis published in the Lancet questions traditional recommendations for daily, low-dose aspirin therapy.

Learning relaxation and breathing techniques during pregnancy may not reduce the likelihood of needing an epidural or Caesarian section, researchers report in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.