Category: Alternative Medicine
FDA to investigate caffeine-laced products
Caffeine is being added to jelly beans, marshmallows, sunflower seeds and other snacks for its stimulant effect. An instant oatmeal on the market boasts that one serving has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. One brand of gum is like having four cups of coffee in your pocket.
FDA warns customers to avoid stimulant found in popular supplements
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to avoid products containing the stimulant dimethylamylamine (DMAA), an ingredient found in many supplements that claim promote weight loss and performance enhancement.
Vilifying food – How fad diets are affecting our children’s health
Just as quickly as one diet is “out,” another diet emerges to take its place. With so many options, celebrity endorsements and websites full of misinformation, how can parents know which diets are safe – especially for kids?
6 Tip-offs to rip-offs: Don’t fall for health fraud scams
Bogus product! Danger! Health fraud alert! — You’ll never see these warnings on health products, but that’s what you ought to be thinking when you see claims like “miracle cure,” “revolutionary scientific breakthrough,” or “alternative to drugs or surgery.”
Beware of fraudulent flu products, FDA warns
FDA warns consumers to steer clear of fraudulent flu products, which can be found online and in retail stores and may include products marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods, drugs, nasal sprays and devices.
No evidence that black cohosh relieves menopause symptoms
Although many women coping with hot flashes and other distressing symptoms of menopause have turned to black cohosh supplements as a treatment alternative, a new study finds no evidence that the herb is effective.
Evidence does not back-up spinal manipulation for acute lower back pain
Spinal manipulation, often used by chiropractors and osteopaths, is no more effective than exercise, NSAIDs or other physical therapy to treat acute lower back pain, according to a review of 20 randomized controlled trials involving 2,674 patients with lower back pain
King County naturopaths charged in medical marijuana cases
Charges allege the naturopaths examined and treated more than 200 patients seeking medical marijuana authorization at a “Hempfest” event in Seattle but failed to conduct an adequate review of the patients’ medical histories; to adequately document their examinations and diagnoses; and to establish an ongoing patient care relationship.
Mercury poisoning linked to skin products
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury after products with the toxic metal turned up in at least seven states.
Viewpoint: Exploring effective pain relief options
The Seattle Times series on methadone deaths highlights the drawbacks of drug treatment for pain and the need to explore alternative approaches, writes Bill Scott.
FDA warns dieters to ‘steer clear’ of HCG weight-loss products
FDA warns consumers to steer clear of “homeopathic” human chorionic gonadotropin weight-loss products, which are typically marketed with dangerously low-calorie diets.
The snake oil salesman is still alive — and on the Internet
The FDA has created a new online resource to help consumers recognize and protect themselves from health scams, fraud and bogus health products:
Yoga no better than stretching for back pain, Group Health study finds
“We expected back pain to ease more with yoga than with stretching, so our findings surprised us.”
Just what is ‘gluten-free’?
Consumers with celiac disease must avoid gluten—proteins found in baked goods made with wheat and some other grains. For those not sensitive to gluten, there’s no health benefit to a gluten-free diet.
When pain doesn’t end
“Pain encompasses the entire person. It’s not just in your leg or back. It encompasses the entire being of who you are and what you can do and don’t do. So physically, mentally psychologically: you have to take care of all of those things.”
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