A healthy diet helps wound healing following dental surgery. The importance of nutritional intake for wound healing is well established. For example, the elderly are particularly prone to nutritional deficiencies due to various factors such as poor dentition, relying on dentures, difficulty chewing food, and being on various medications, and are therefore more likely to […]
READ MOREDepression
Mediterranean diet can help prevent depression. A study of over 3500 people aged 35-60 years old found that an “anti-inflammatory” diet can help prevent depression. The Mediterranean diet rich in seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds, good oils such as olive oil and avocado, vegetables (> 5 daily) and fruit (1-2 daily) can help moods. The Inflammatory […]
READ MOREBack pain
Stretching, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) & Relaxation strategies help reduce back pain. A number of studies suggest CBT and relaxation therapies may benefit chronic low back pain with significant improvement in quality of life and pain relief. A recent randomised clinical trial of adults with chronic low back pain demonstrated Mindfulness Based stress reduction and […]
READ MOREPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Improving the diet and taking fish oils, calcium & vitamin D can help relieve PMS. A healthy plant-based diet high in omega-3 fatty acids eg fish oils may help reduce PMS and the intensity of cramps. A high intake of dietary vitamin D and calcium is associated with reduce risk of PMS. Diet and sex-hormone […]
READ MOREPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms of PMS. Aerobic exercise may help relieve symptoms of PMS, and improve energy and concentration. Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haematological and hormonal parameters in young women. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2015 May;35(4):389-92. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2014.960823. Epub 2014 Oct 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25279689
READ MOREBreast cancer – hot flushes
Magnesium before bed may help improve sleep and reduce hot flushes. Magnesium may play a role in alleviating hot flushes in women who have suffered breast cancer. A pilot phase II trial of magnesium supplements to reduce menopausal hot flashes in breast cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2011 Jun;19(6):859-63. doi: 10.1007/s00520-011-1099-7. Epub 2011 Jan 27. […]
READ MOREDental anxiety
Dental anxiety helped with relaxation & music distraction. A trial of 90 patients with dental anxiety compared brief relaxation with music distraction and found both methods helped to reduce anxiety. Brief relaxation was significantly better than music distraction and the researchers concluded “brief relaxation was safe, economically sound and effective as a non-pharmacological approach to […]
READ MOREInsomnia – poor sleep
Lifestyle – counselling, meditation & yoga can help improve sleep. Cognitive behavior therapy, daily exercise, especially in the mornings, and stress management strategies such as meditation and yoga can improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2015 Aug 4;163(3):191-204. doi: 10.7326/M14-2841. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26054060
READ MOREOsteoarthritis
Exercise can help. Low impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, Tai chi and gentle yoga can help osteoarthritis of the joints. Comparative Effectiveness of Tai Chi Versus Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2016 May 17. doi: 10.7326/M15-2143. [Epub ahead of print]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=tai+chi+pain+ANN+intern+Med+2016 The effect of Tai Chi on four […]
READ MOREArthritis
Natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as Curcumin & Fish oils can help. Supplements that may benefit arthritis pain include curcumin and fish oils. Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study. J Orthop Sci. 2014 Nov;19(6):933-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-014-0633-0. Epub 2014 Oct 13.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25308211 A 32-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of RA-11, […]
READ MORE