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How can I lower my cholesterol and LDL levels?

January 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Try eating dark chocolate.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;65(8):879-86. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2011.64.

Effects of cocoa products/dark chocolate on serum lipids: a meta-analysis.

Tokede OA, Gaziano JM, Djoussé L.

Abstract

Cocoa products, which are rich sources of flavonoids, have been shown to reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate contains saturated fat and is a source of dietary calories; consequently, it is important to determine whether consumption of dark chocolate adversely affects the blood lipid profile. The objective was to examine the effects of dark chocolate/cocoa product consumption on the lipid profile using published trials. A detailed literature search was conducted via MEDLINE (from 1966 to May 2010), CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of flavanol-rich cocoa products or dark chocolate on lipid profile. The primary effect measure was the difference in means of the final measurements between the intervention and control groups.

In all, 10 clinical trials consisting of 320 participants were included in the analysis. Treatment duration ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. Intervention with dark chocolate/cocoa products significantly reduced serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (differences in means (95% CI) were -5.90 mg/dl (-10.47, -1.32 mg/dl) and -6.23 mg/dl (-11.60, -0.85 mg/dl), respectively). No statistically significant effects were observed for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (difference in means (95% CI): -0.76 mg/dl (-3.02 to 1.51 mg/dl)) and triglyceride (TG) (-5.06 mg/dl (-13.45 to 3.32 mg/dl)). These data are consistent with beneficial effects of dark chocolate/cocoa products on total and LDL cholesterol and no major effects on HDL and TG in short-term intervention trials.

Filed Under: high_cholesterol_and_LDL_levels, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: , , , ,

How can I lower my cholesterol and LDL levels?

December 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Drink  green tea.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;94(2):601-10. Epub 2011 Jun 29.

Green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults: a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials.

Zheng XX, Xu YL, Li SH, Liu XX, Hui R, Huang XH.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The effect of green tea beverage and green tea extract on lipid changes is controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to identify and quantify the effect of green tea and its extract on total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol.

DESIGN:

We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant trials of green tea beverages and extracts on lipid profiles in adults. Weighted mean differences were calculated for net changes in lipid concentrations by using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Study quality was assessed by using the Jadad score, and a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS:

Fourteen eligible randomized controlled trials with 1136 subjects were enrolled in our current meta-analysis. Green tea consumption significantly lowered the TC concentration by 7.20 mg/dL (95% CI: -8.19, -6.21 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and significantly lowered the LDL-cholesterol concentration by 2.19 mg/dL (95% CI: -3.16, -1.21 mg/dL; P < 0.001). The mean change in blood HDL-cholesterol concentration was not significant. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed that these changes were not influenced by the type of intervention, treatment dose of green tea catechins, study duration, individual health status, or quality of the study. Overall, no significant heterogeneity was detected for TC, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol; and results were reported on the basis of fixed-effects models.

CONCLUSION:

The analysis of eligible studies showed that the administration of green tea beverages or extracts resulted in significant reductions in serum TC and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but no effect on HDL cholesterol was observed.

Filed Under: high_cholesterol_and_LDL_levels, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: , , ,

How can I get of infectious diarrhoea quickly?

December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Take probiotics.

“Used alongside rehydration therapy, probiotics appear to be safe and have clear beneficial effects in shortening the duration and reducing stool frequency in acute infectious diarrhoea.”

Here is the complete scientific abstract:

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Nov 10;(11):CD003048.

Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Probiotics may offer a safe intervention in acute infectious diarrhoea to reduce the duration and severity of the illness.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effects of probiotics in proven or presumed acute infectious diarrhoea.

SEARCH STRATEGY:

We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group’s trials register (July 2010), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2010), MEDLINE (1966 to July 2010), EMBASE (1988 to July 2010), and reference lists from studies and reviews. We also contacted organizations and individuals working in the field, and pharmaceutical companies manufacturing probiotic agents.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing a specified probiotic agent with a placebo or no probiotic in people with acute diarrhoea that is proven or presumed to be caused by an infectious agent.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:

Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the trial and extracted data. Primary outcomes were the mean duration of diarrhoea, stool frequency on day 2 after intervention and ongoing diarrhoea on day 4. A random-effects model was used.

MAIN RESULTS:

Sixty-three studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 8014 participants. Of these, 56 trials recruited infants and young children. The trials varied in the definition used for acute diarrhoea and the end of the diarrhoeal illness, as well as in the risk of bias. The trials were undertaken in a wide range of different settings and also varied greatly in organisms tested, dosage, and participants’ characteristics. No adverse events were attributed to the probiotic intervention.Probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhoea, although the size of the effect varied considerably between studies.The average of the effect was significant for mean duration of diarrhoea (mean difference 24.76 hours; 95% confidence interval 15.9 to 33.6 hours; n=4555, trials=35) diarrhoea lasting ≥4 days (risk ratio 0.41; 0.32 to 0.53; n=2853, trials=29) and stool frequency on day 2 (mean difference 0.80; 0.45 to 1.14; n=2751, trials=20).The differences in effect size between studies was not explained by study quality, probiotic strain, the number of different strains, the viability of the organisms, dosage of organisms, the causes of diarrhoea, or the severity of the diarrhoea, or whether the studies were done in developed or developing countries.

AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS:

Used alongside rehydration therapy, probiotics appear to be safe and have clear beneficial effects in shortening the duration and reducing stool frequency in acute infectious diarrhoea. However, more research is needed to guide the use of particular probiotic regimens in specific patient groups.

Filed Under: diarrhea, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: , ,

How can I manage my chronic sinusitis better?

October 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Try nasal saline irrigation.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD006394.

Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Source

Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London/John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery/Cochrane ENT Disorders Group, Level LG1 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK, OX3 9DU. richard@richardharvey.com.au

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The use of nasal irrigation for the treatment of nose and sinus complaints has its foundations in yogic and homeopathic traditions. There has been increasing use of saline irrigation, douches, sprays and rinsing as an adjunct to the medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Treatment strategies often include the use of topical saline from once to more than four times a day. Considerable patient effort is often involved. Any additional benefit has been difficult to discern from other treatments.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical saline in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY:

Our search included the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 4 2006), MEDLINE (1950 to 2006) and EMBASE (1974 to 2006). The date of the last search was November 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Randomised controlled trials in which saline was evaluated in comparison with either no treatment, a placebo, as an adjunct to other treatments or against treatments. The comparison of hypertonic versus isotonic solutions was also compared.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:

Trials were graded for methodological quality using the Cochrane approach (modification of Chalmers 1990). Only symptom scores from saline versus no treatment and symptom and radiological scores from the hypertonic versus isotonic group could be pooled for statistical analysis. A narrative overview of the remaining results is presented.

MAIN RESULTS:

Eight trials were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Three studies compared topical saline against no treatment, one against placebo, one as an adjunct to and one against an intranasal steroid spray. Two studies compared different hypertonic solutions against isotonic saline. There is evidence that saline is beneficial in the treatment of the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis when used as the sole modality of treatment. Evidence also exists in favour of saline as a treatment adjunct. No superiority was seen when saline was compared against a reflexology ‘placebo’. Saline is not as effective as an intranasal steroid. Some evidence suggests that hypertonic solutions improve objective measures but the impact on symptoms is less clear.

AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS:

Saline irrigations are well tolerated. Although minor side effects are common, the beneficial effect of saline appears to outweigh these drawbacks for the majority of patients. The use of topical saline could be included as a treatment adjunct for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.

A recent randomized control study:

Laryngoscope. 2011 Sep;121(9):1989-2000. doi: 10.1002/lary.21923. Epub 2011 Aug 16.

Safety and efficacy of once-daily nasal irrigation for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.

Source

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.A.. jwei@kumc.edu.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS:

To compare efficacy and outcome of daily saline irrigation versus saline/gentamicin for treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

STUDY DESIGN:

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

METHODS:

Forty children diagnosed with CRS were enrolled. Patients were randomized to once-daily irrigation with saline or saline/gentamicin for 6 weeks. Treatment outcomes were measured using 1) Lund-Mackay scoring system of pre- and post-treatment computer tomography (CT); and 2) Sinonasal Quality-of-Life Survey (SN-5) completed at baseline, and after 3 weeks and 6 weeks of irrigation.

RESULTS:

Thirty-four patients completed the study and follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life (QoL) scores after 3 weeks of irrigation within both groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the SN-5 scores between the two treatment groups after 3 and 6 week (P = .067). CT scores for each sinus and total scores were reduced for both groups after 6 weeks, and the differences in scores were statistically significant within each group after treatment, but there were no differences between the two treatment groups. Only one patient required functional endoscopic sinus surgery due to persistent symptoms. Compliance was over 90% for once daily irrigation over the 6 week treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Once-daily intranasal irrigation for 6 weeks is safe and equally effective in the treatment of pediatric CRS using saline or saline plus gentamicin, and QoL was significantly improved after 3 weeks of irrigation in both groups. High tolerance, compliance, and effectiveness of irrigation support its use as a first-line treatment for pediatric CRS before considering surgical intervention.

Some videos showing you how to do a nasal irrigation:

Filed Under: chronic sinusitis, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: , ,

How can I manage my lower-back pain better?

October 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Try Tai Chi.


Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Nov;63(11):1576-83. doi: 10.1002/acr.20594.

Tai chi exercise for treatment of pain and disability in people with persistent low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Source

The George Institute for Global Health and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. amandahall@georgeinstitute.org.au.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effect of tai chi exercise on persistent low back pain.

METHODS:

We performed a randomized controlled trial in a general community setting in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Participants consisted of 160 volunteers between ages 18 and 70 years with persistent nonspecific low back pain. The tai chi group (n = 80) consisted of 18 40-minute sessions over a 10-week period delivered in a group format by a qualified instructor. The waitlist control group continued with their usual health care. Bothersomeness of back symptoms was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity and pain-related disability. Data were collected at pre- and postintervention and analyzed by intent-to-treat.

RESULTS:

Tai chi exercise reduced bothersomeness of back symptoms by 1.7 points on a 0-10 scale, reduced pain intensity by 1.3 points on a 0-10 scale, and improved self-report disability by 2.6 points on the 0-24 Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scale. The followup rate was >90% for all outcomes. These results were considered a worthwhile treatment effect by researchers and participants.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first pragmatic randomized controlled trial of tai chi exercise for people with low back pain. It showed that a 10-week tai chi program improved pain and disability outcomes and can be considered a safe and effective intervention for those experiencing long-term low back pain symptoms.

Filed Under: lower back pain, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: , ,

How can I best manage my acute lower back pain?

October 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Answer: Try to keep moving as much as you can, despite the pain.

Check with your health carer about your particular case of acute lower back pain, but the evidence from this study suggests that you’ll fare better if you keep moving, despite the pain, rather than avoiding moving until the pain goes.

Back Pain? Patients Who Followed Recommendations to Move Despite Back Pain Fared Better Than Those That Rested in Small Study

September 20, 2011 — Patients with acute low back pain who were advised to stay active despite the pain fared better than those who were told to adjust their activity in line with their … > full story
Filed Under: lower back pain, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical Tagged With: ,

How can I get relief from an itchy bottom? (2 answers)

May 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

  

ANSWER (1):  Try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream.

   

Note:  Itchy bottom is technically called Pruritus ani — the irritation of the skin around the anus, causing a desire to scratch.

Scientific evidence:

 Int J Colorectal Dis. 2007 Dec;22(12):1463-7. Epub 2007 May 30. 

1% hydrocortisone ointment is an effective treatment of pruritus ani: a pilot randomized controlled crossover trial.

Ten patients with primary Pruritus ani were randomly allocated to receive 1% hydrocortisone ointment or placebo for 2 weeks followed by the opposite treatment for a further 2-week period. 

Treatment with 1% hydrocortisone ointment produced  a 68% reduction in itch compared with placebo (P=0.019), a 75% improvement in the patient’s  score on a Quality of Life questionnaire (P=0.067), and a 81% reduction in the the irritation appearance score (P=0.01). 

The authors concluded that a short course of mild steroid ointment is effective for Pruritus ani. 

Click here for the  full journal abstract. 

Warning!!! 

  

1% hydrocortisone cream is a safe cream that can be bought over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.  But just to be on the safe side, check with your pharmacist to make sure it’s absolutely safe for you to use.

And remember, the cortisone cream just provides temporary relief from the itch; it doesn’t fix what’s causing the itch (unless, of course, the cause is constant scratching!)

If the itching persists, go see your doctor and try to work out the cause of the problem.  Pruritus ani is a common problem, especially in the elderly, and has  lots of possible causes.  This article gives you lots of information about possible causes.

 

  

Filed Under: itchy bottom (pruritis ani) Tagged With: , , ,

How can I relieve the itch from burns as they heal?

May 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

ANSWER:  Bathe in colloidal oatmeal.

What is colloidal oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that combines with water to form a weak glue or gel.

The scientific evidence:

J Burn Care Rehabil. 2001 Jan-Feb;22(1):76-81; discussion 75.

The reduction of itch during burn wound healing.

Matheson JD, Clayton J, Muller MJ.

Source

Royal Brisbane Hospital Burns Unit, Australia

Abstract

 

Here’s some information about the benefits of colloidal oatmeal for relieving the  itchy symptoms of various skins problems: 

J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Sep;9(9):1116-20.

Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice.

Cerio R, Dohil M, Jeanine D, Magina S, Mahé E, Stratigos AJ.

Source

Department of Dermatology, Barts & The London NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, London, UK.

Abstract

Colloidal oatmeal has a long history of beneficial use in dermatology. It is a natural product that has an excellent safety record and has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, drug-induced rash and other conditions. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo studies have begun to elucidate the multiple mechanisms of action of naturally derived colloidal oatmeal. Evidence now describes its molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity. The avenanthramides, a recently described component of whole oat grain, are responsible for many of these effects. Studies have demonstrated that avenanthramides can inhibit the activity of nuclear factor kappaB and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine, well known key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of inflammatory dermatoses. Topical formulations of natural colloidal oatmeal should be considered an important component of therapy for atopic dermatitis and other conditions and may allow for reduced use of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

What products containing colloidal oatmeal are available? This abstract gives you some ideas. Find out more from your pharmacist and health store operator. 
J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Feb;6(2):167-70.

Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties.

Source

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, Scientific Affairs Department, Skillman, NJ 08558, USA.

Abstract

Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various xerotic dermatoses. In 1945, a ready to use colloidal oatmeal, produced by finely grinding the oat and boiling it to extract the colloidal material, became available. Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in various dosage forms from powders for the bath to shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturizing creams. Currently, the use of colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to the Over-The-Counter Final Monograph for Skin Protectant Drug Products issued in June 2003. Its preparation is also standardized by the United States Pharmacopeia. The many clinical properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from its chemical polymorphism. The high concentration in starches and beta-glucan is responsible for the protective and water-holding functions of oat. The presence of different types of phenols confers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Some of the oat phenols are also strong ultraviolet absorbers. The cleansing activity of oat is mostly due to saponins. Its many functional properties make colloidal oatmeal a cleanser, moisturizer, buffer, as well as a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent.

 Can you make colloidal oatmeal yourself? Yes!

This article is a good place to start. 

The purpose of this study was to find a method to reduce the itch experienced by patients who have sustained burn injuries, by using and comparing the effectiveness of 2 shower and bath oils. One product contained liquid paraffin with 5% colloidal oatmeal and the other contained liquid paraffin. The study was carried out in the Adult Burns Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH), Brisbane. It was conducted during a 10-month period from July 1998 until April 1999. Thirty-five acute burns patients participated in an assessor-blind clinical trial. Patients were asked twice daily to rate their discomfort from itch and pain. The amount of antihistamine requested by each patient was totalled daily. Analysis of data supplied by patients showed that the group using the product with colloidal oatmeal reported significantly less itch and requested significantly less antihistamine than those using the oil containing liquid paraffin.

Filed Under: burns healing, how can I relieve itching from burns healing, managing minor conditions and injuries, physical