Discover the Science of Health
A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the United States has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and some falling out of favor. Overall, natural products (dietary supplements other than vitamins and minerals) remain the most common complementary health approach.
Two recent research studies contribute to the growing body of evidence that the population of microbes residing in our intestines plays vital roles in our health. One is a meta-analysis of studies done to determine if taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can alleviate antibiotic associated diarrhea; results are reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association [1]. The other evaluated the effects of red wine on the different species of bacteria in the gut; it appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [2].
A new online resource, designed to give health care providers easy access to evidence-based information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), was unveiled recently by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health. With this new resource, providers will have the tools necessary to learn about the various CAM practices and products and be better able to discuss the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine with their patients.
Health Highlights is a biweekly summary of particularly interesting articles from credible sources of health and medical information that we follow & read. For a complete list of recommeded sources, see our links page.
Which color do you like: red or blue? The BPS Research Digest blog reviews a recent study that assesses the contrasting effects of the colors red and blue on mental performance.
Dean Giustini examines the 20 specific health indicators proposed by the Institute of Medicine to measure the overall health and well-being of Americans.
Dr. Mark Crislip provides an exposition on the science and spin of probiotics.
The Patient Report.com documents a New York Times article that provides a quick education on how to search for a doctor.
David Bradley asks to a pharmaceutical science expert to comment on a post criticizing an herbal remedy and reader comments.
