Standard Process Inc. Whole Food Supplements Since 1929.
Clinical Research Review
May/June Edition
This is a resource for those who want evidence-based information on clinical nutrition, the whole food philosophy in clinical practice, and research on Standard Process ingredients. Research summaries of scientific reviews and articles will be updated bi-monthly.
IBS sufferers turn to alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often find that medication does not relieve their symptoms. In this study, the authors evaluate complementary and alternative medical options for IBS treatment. They discuss the documented support for treatment using peppermint oil, fiber (soluble and insoluble), herbal formulas, probiotics, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. Based on their review of the published literature, they report that different interventions work for different symptoms.
The article abstract can be found at:
Alternative medicine complements lifestyle choices
Why patients use alternative medicine. Results of a national study
Using a mailed questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was performed to determine the parameters surrounding use of alternative medicine. The author tested 3 theories that predict use of non-conventional medical options: dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, need to feel more control in health care decision making, and overall life philosophy. Respondents were asked if they used alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, hypnosis, relaxation, or massage, and if so, for what health problem. Practices were excluded if they were considered standard medical care (exercise to treat hypertension or psychotherapy to treat depression). Response rate was 69 percent and, of those who responded, 40 percent said they had used alternative medicine in the past year. The top 5 ailments listed were: back problems, allergies, sprains/muscle strains, digestive problems, and respiratory problems. The top 4 treatments among the respondents who used alternative treatments were chiropractic, lifestyle diet, exercise/movement, and relaxation. However, a wide range of therapies were being used for each health problem listed by respondents. The author found a number of characteristics that seemed to predict the use of alternative medicine, and unlike other studies, negative attitude toward conventional medicine was not predictive of alternative medicine use.
The article abstract can be found at:
Evaluation of alternative options in
treating chronic mental health disorders
Complementary medicines in mental health
Although less well known, alternative medicines for chronic mental illness are being pursued by patients who are unhappy with their mainstream Western medical options. Conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia and others are being treated with a variety of options. Things like herbal formulas, food supplements, and options like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and biofeedback are widening the treatment continuum. This article specifically discusses the documented effectiveness, mechanism of action, and safety concerns for St. John's wort, SAMe, n-3 fatty acids, L-Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxy-tryptophan, Folic acid, Inositol, Selenium, Valerian, Passion Flower, Chamomile, Kava Kava, Star flower, Lemon balm, Hops, Oats, Lavender, Melatonin, Bach flower, Rauwolfia, and Vitamin E. While it can be difficult to determine effectiveness for these methods, perceived effect is often based on traditional use or similarity in substance to a conventional medication. This paper states that some patients are also changing their perception of treatment from disease centered to symptom centered, which corresponds to the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic options. As patients embrace these options, it's important for clinicians to know and discuss how they could affect a patient's condition in terms of deterioration, side effects, and other potential health risks.
An extract of this article can be found at: