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2014-04-03
In this issue, we take on an unusual topic for a naturopathic publication: the novel, anticancer activity of a prescription medication, metformin. Metformin is best known as a diabetes medication; it commonly used as the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, as well as conditions of prediabetes, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is increasing interest in metformin in the treatment and prevention of cancer, including among naturopathic physicians specializing in oncology.
2014-04-03
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by an infiltration and destruction of the thyroid gland by the immune system. In this condition, immune cells produce antibodies against a key enzyme that is required for thyroid hormone production — thyroid peroxidase — and/or against thyroglobulin, which is the building block of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s is believed to be the most common cause of hypothyroidism in North America, and is among the most common causes of goiter in areas of the world where iodine intake is considered sufficient.
2014-04-03
Sleeping can be complicated business! Those individuals with no difficulty achieving healthy, regular sleep would think it the simplest of physiologic phenomena. Roughly 30% of the population suffers from insomnia, however,[1] which has real and important health consequences, in addition to affecting quality of life. Even short-term sleep disruption is associated with metabolic problems, insulin insensitivity, poor blood-sugar control, increased body mass index (BMI), increased pain and inflammation levels, and even increased mortality.
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Over the last year or so, Naturopathic Currents covered several novel agents that are important with respect to mental health, including vitamin D, choline, and GABA. In this article, we discuss another up-and-coming agent: N acetylcysteine (NAC). There is a body of emerging evidence suggesting potent effects of NAC in a variety of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and schizophrenia.
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In the last decade, migraine headaches have become a common health complaint. A review in 2013 indicated that anywhere between 16.2% to 22.7% of adults over the age of 18 complained of episodic or chronic migraines. The occurrence was higher in females than in males, and specifically in women of reproductive age. A large amount of data on the rates of migraine occurrence, treatment, predisposing factors, comorbidities, and prevention has been collected and analyzed by the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) study; this is an ongoing study that is continuing to collect and report such data on migraine epidemiology.
2014-03-03
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition consisting of ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, defined as excess activity of testosterone and related androgen hormones. PCOS affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, and is a common cause of infertility. However, women with PCOS often suffer from more subtle disturbances in other hormone axes as well, such as thyroid and adrenal systems.
2014-03-03
The number of couples experiencing infertility and/or resorting to assisted reproductive technology (ART) is on the rise. A study released in 2012 found that among Canadian couples (women aged 18–44 years), the prevalence of infertility ranged from 11 to 15%, and this was an increase compared to previous statistics.
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Resveratrol is an important phytonutrient and antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin of red grapes, peanuts, and some berries, and is touted as the health-promoting compound found in red wine. In the last few years, resveratrol research has exploded. Well over 1,000 research papers have been written to examine the health benefits of this plant compound in the past two years alone.
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Confusion about the harmful and beneficial health effects of fats abounds. Low-fat, no-fat, good fat… Where does the truth in all this really lie? As you might suspect, the answer is more complex than the no-fat/low-fat proponents would have you believe. Fats form the lipid membrane that surrounds each cell in your body, and the relative proportions of different fats present in the membrane plays a critical role in normal cell functions. In this article, we explore the different kinds of dietary fats, common myths associated with them, and the ideal fats to consume through diet and/or supplementation.
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Many readers will be aware of an ongoing public debate regarding the validity of naturopathic medicine. The debate often centers on the existence of evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of naturopathic medicine. In this article, we throw new light on the state of naturopathic medicine research and highlight the oft-overlooked body of evidence that already exists.
2014-02-01With the growing prevalence of cognitive decline, there is a need for sustainable lifestyle interventions to support, maintain, and improve cognitive health. As physical exercise bolsters bodily health, so too is there a need for mental training. The evolution of technology offers new, promising mediums for cognitive training. This medium is the realm of virtual reality, video games, and mobile devices, that allow for the development of individualized training regimes tailored to suit the person’s needs.
2014-01-03Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol or “the sunshine vitamin,” is an emerging nutrient with an array of potential therapeutic roles. In addition to its well-known role in bone health, vitamin D is being studied as an important agent in modulating immune function, mood, and cognitive function, as well as cardiovascular risk factors and protective effects against cancer development.
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Chronic pain affects a large percentage of the general population on a daily or otherwise regular basis. It includes a variety of different conditions, such as osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, fibromyalgia, low-back pain, and even repetitive strain conditions such as various types of tendonitis and other injuries that do not heal properly.
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Turmeric is a golden-color spice widely used in South Eastern and Middle Eastern cooking. Besides being a popular spice, it is also an important herb used in many disciplines of medicine. The medicinal use of turmeric dates back to 4000 years ago in India. It takes on many different names: Indian saffron, haldi, rhizoma curcumae (jiang huang), asterre merite.
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and extreme fatigue. It has long been considered a controversial diagnosis, largely because its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Some have thought it to be a form of malingering, or a psychosomatic condition; others have viewed it as a rheumatologic or neurologic illness.
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