Survey Reveals Antibiotic Overprescribing for Children in Hospitals
Node Smith, ND A recent study on antibiotic prescribing patterns has estimated that approximately a third of all antibiotics prescribed for children, globally, are meant to prevent potential infection rather than treat a current infection or disease.1 The published findings were part of a worldwide survey and can be found in the Journal of the […]
Essential Oils and Abnormal Breast Development in Boys
Node Smith, ND A study was presented at the 100th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, in March, that essential oils are incredibly concentrated extracts of a narrow range of plant constituents and can have very powerful effects on human physiology – some of them unwanted. The paper presented, was on the effects of essential […]
Interesting Holistic Methods to Reduce Stress in Teenagers
Node Smith, ND A recent study supports a very holistic and functional way to address stress among teenagers – at school. The study has been ongoing in New Mexico, by 4 faculty members at New Mexico State University in collaboration with local high schools.1 The study’s intent has been to find effective measures to remedy […]
Medicating Stress and Depression Away- The Search for the “Dr. Feel Good” Pill (Part II)
Dr Sarah LoBisco, ND In Part I, I discussed the prevalence of major depression in America and that the current approach to “fix” mood imbalances with a pill is not effectively addressing the root cause. I reviewed a recent study that discovered that a receptor for stress was elevated in those with major depression. The […]
Discontinuing Exercise May Increase Depressive Symptoms
Node Smith, ND A new research study on mental health from the University of Adelaide concludes that cessation of exercise can actually result in an increase of depressive symptoms.1 This supports the well documented finding that exercise is actually one of the most consistently beneficial treatments for mild to moderate depression. The study reviewed many […]
Insomnia Cure: Embrace a Victorian Sleep Pattern
Node Smith, ND A new theory on sleep health is beginning to question commonly held beliefs about insomnia. The theory comes from sleep habits of individuals in Victorian times. “Biphasic” sleep pattern Before electric lighting was commonplace in homes, people would typically go to bed when it got dark and sleep about 5 hours and […]
Intermittent Fasting 5:2 Diet Better than Daily Calorie Restriction Diets
Node Smith, ND Intermittent fasting is getting a lot of press for its positive effects on metabolism, weight loss, cognitive function and health in general. A new study compared a popular intermittent fasting protocol (or “diet”), the 5:2 diet, with a conventional daily calorie restriction diet.1 The study found that the 5:2 diet resulted in […]
Exercise Reduces Risk for Dementia in Women
Node Smith, ND A recent study found that middle aged women who are engaged in a high level of physical fitness are 90 percent less likely to develop dementia later in life.1 This is a great finding because many people are under the impression that there is little that can be done to actually prevent […]
Lead Exposure Can Be an Issue For Adults as Well
Node Smith, ND We all know that lead exposure during childhood causes developmental delays and neurological damage, as well as inflammation, kidney damage and even cancer. The effects of even low levels of lead in children are relatively well known, but this heavy metal also affects adults who are exposed to excessive amounts during life. […]
Herbal Treatment for Urinary Incontinence and Overactive bladder
Node Smith, ND Chances are, if you suffer from an overactive bladder, or urinary incontinence, you know about it. Frequent bathroom visits and nighttime awakening to urinate may have become very frustrating. Many people who try prescription drugs for these conditions have had limited success, while many others refuse to use pharmaceuticals and attempt to […]