Integrative Medicine Alert – May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
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The Disruptive Effects of Tablet Readers on Sleep Patterns
The use of light-emitting tablet devices prior to bedtime negatively impacts sleep patterns through disturbances in circadian rhythms.
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Live Longer: Substitute in Whole Grains
When adjusted for possible confounding variables, this analysis of U.S. men and women found an association between higher whole grain intake and lower mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, but no association for cancer mortality.
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Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in patients with Crohn’s disease significantly improved the patient’s CD symptoms, quality of life, mucosal inflammation, serum hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein levels compared to the control group.
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Lactobacillus casei Supplementation Improves Inflammatory Markers and Disease Activity Scores in Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei 01 was provided to women with rheumatoid arthritis at a dosage of 108 colony forming units for a period of 8 weeks and compared to a placebo treatment. Disease activity score and levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-12 were found to be significantly decreased at the end of the intervention. Additional parameters of state and trait anxiety were also evaluated and were not significantly altered by therapies.
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Controversial Removal of Dietary Supplements from Retailers’ Shelves
Until sound testing methodology and retailer/government oversight is honed, clinicians and consumers should discuss the appropriateness of dietary supplement use and the choice of products from reputable companies.