Complementary Health: Evidence Review for Healthcare Providers 2023

-

When talking to your patients about complementary health approaches, you want to be able to answer the question: Is there any scientific evidence that this complementary product or practice works and is safe? The resources on this page will help inform you about what the science says (limited to the past 5 years).


Comments

Post a Comment

Labels

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

Ivermectin and Fenbendazole in the Treatment of Psoriasis? A Case Series of 13 Patients (2026)

-
Image
Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting approximately 7.5 million individuals in the United States, with significant economic, physical, and psychological burdens. This case series reports on 13 patients who experienced notable improvements in psoriasis symptoms following treatment with ivermectin and/or fenbendazole, antiparasitic agents repurposed for this indication. Cases were derived from self-reported testimonials shared on social media platforms. Treatment durations ranged from 3 days to 3 months, with dosages varying between 6 mg ivermectin twice daily and combinations with fenbendazole. Rapid resolution of skin lesions was observed in most cases, with some achieving near-complete clearance. While these anecdotal reports suggest potential therapeutic efficacy, controlled clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Introduction Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by hyperproliferation...
Read more

Quercetin and Bromelain for Allergies 2023

-
Image
More than 50 million Americans who live with seasonal allergies. These symptoms tend to crop up with the onset of tree allergy season, followed by grass and weed season, notes Kevin McGrath, MD, an allergist in private practice in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. "The combination of trees, grasses, weeds, and molds makes for a difficult spring for most allergy patients and leads to sneezing, congestion, postnasal drip, sinus pain and pressure, watery eyes, and fatigue," he says. The good news is that there are a myriad of over the counter treatments out there that help ease the debilitating symptoms that accompany seasonal allergies.   Related: Best Nasal Sprays for Allergies What is Quercetin and Bromelain? Studies have shown bromelain combined with quercetin, produce greater anti-inflammatory benefits than either one used alone. Thus, the combination of bromelain and quer...
Read more

Best Vitamin D3 + K2 Supplements in 2026: Doctor-Reviewed Picks for Bone, Heart & Immune Health

-
Image
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 are two of the most commonly deficient—and misunderstood—nutrients today. While Vitamin D improves calcium absorption, Vitamin K2 determines where that calcium actually goes . That’s why taking Vitamin D without K2 may be incomplete—and in some cases counterproductive. After reviewing ingredient quality, dosing accuracy, brand transparency, and real-world user feedback, the following are the best Vitamin D3 + K2 supplements available in 2026 . Most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D . An analysis of data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that average daily vitamin D intakes from foods and beverages were 4.3 mcg in men, 3.8 mcg in women, and 5 mcg (200 IU) in children aged 2–19 years ( NHANES 2017 - 2018 ). Why Trust This Guide? This review prioritizes supplements that meet four non-negotiable criteria : Uses Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) — not D2 Includes Vitam...
Read more

7 Best Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash Brands 2025

-
Image
A meta-analysis of 3 studies (C19early 2025) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may significantly lower risk with  viral clearance . One study shows significant benefit. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 83% [6‑97%] lower risk . Results are consistent with early treatment being more effective than late treatment. A study, published in Nature ( Takeda 2022 ) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations. Another team of international scientists has also demonstrated the usefulness of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes in inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and reducing the risk of viral transmission. The study is published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2022). A scientific review, published in the  Journal of Formosan Medical Association  (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential fo...
Read more

Best Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and D3 Supplements 2026

-
Image
Calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Combined supplements like calcium-magnesium-zinc-D3 have gained popularity recently, especially among people looking to improve bone density or other aspects of their health. This article explores the benefits, uses, and side effects of calcium-magnesium-zinc-D3 supplements. Benefits and uses Calcium-magnesium-zinc-D3 supplements may offer a host of benefits. While research on the combined supplement is lacking, studies on the individual minerals are clear and well established. Keep in mind that calcium is consistently linked to only one of the benefits described below — bone health. Yet, research is ongoing, and taking it alongside zinc and magnesium is perfectly safe. May support bone health Calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D3 help strengthen your bones in a var...
Read more

You can look like a Vampire: Skin Whitening horror stories from the streets of Bangkok

-
Image
Lured by the promise of pearl-white complexions in ads on social media, young women in Thailand fall for cheap creams said to have herbal ingredients but full of toxic mercury, which cause acne, blotches and spidery red veins. (South China Morning Post) - Achara Chairak wanted to look prettier and that, she believed, included having light skin. The lighter the better. The Bangkok office worker tried some brand-name whitening creams sold at pharmacy chains, but they didn’t make much difference to her skin tone. So last year she decided to try one of the creams sold online that promised more dramatic results. The facial cream, the ads claimed, contained traditional herbal ingredients and would produce lasting changes in lightening skin tone. “Before and after” pictures showed women with dark complexions metamorphose into beauties with fair skin. “At first my skin got visibly whiter and brighter,” says Achara, who is in her late twenties. “I was very happy.” She began buying more of...
Read more

Progesterone, Thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and Pregnenolone: The Four Hormones Most Adults Need More Of (2024)

-
In this interview below, repeat guest Georgi Dinkov and I discuss the four hormones most adults need more of if they want to optimize their health. In my introduction I mention that we will review the benefits and mechanisms of action of carbon dioxide (CO2), but that will be covered in Part 2 of this interview that will be posted in the next few weeks. As for hormones, if you’re optimally healthy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unnecessary, as your body will make whatever hormones you need. The problem is that very few people, including me, enjoy truly optimal health. We live in a very polluted world, so "optimal health" is a high bar for all of us. I take four hormones that I believe most adults can benefit from: Progesterone, thyroid hormone T3, DHEA and pregnenolone. Three of these, progesterone, DHEA and pregnenolone are available over-the-counter. Thyroid hormones, however, require a doctor’s prescription. You also need to get routine blood tests done (typicall...
Read more

9 Best Vitamin D3, K2 and Magnesium Supplements 2026

-
Image
Magnesium, vitamin D and Vitamin K2 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Dosage The typical daily dosage recommendations for these nutrients are: Magnesium: 400–500 mg Vitamin D3: 800 IU (20 mcg)  Vitamin K : 120mcg Food With Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Magnesium: dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, leafy vegetables, and legumes Vitamin D3: avocados, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy products and eggs Vitamin K: turnips, spinach, kale, brocolli, soybeans, carrots, Chicken If you’re concerned you may be deficient in any of these nutrients, talk to a health professional who can test your levels and determine whether you should eat more of these foods or take a supplement. Benefits and uses 1. May support bone health Magnesium  plays a key role in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids calci...
Read more

Fotona 4D vs Ultherapy vs Thermage FLX: Which Non-Surgical Facelift is Best?

-
Image
💡 At a Glance: Executive Summary Choosing between non-surgical facelifts depends on whether your primary concern is skin laxity (sagging) , deep structural volume loss , or surface texture and fine lines : Ultherapy (HIFU): Best for deep structural lifting of the SMAS layer (jowls, submental chin, brow lift). Thermage FLX: Best for smoothing surface fine lines, skin crepeiness, and tightening the dermal layer (face, eyes, body). Fotona 4D / 5D: Best multi-layered treatment addressing skin texture, pigment, tightening, and nasolabial folds (via intraoral laser). Biostimulators & Fillers: Best for restoring lost facial fat and bone volume (midface flattening, deep hollows). Thread Lifts: Best for instant physical suspension of severe lower-face sagging without surgery. The demand for non-surgical facial rejuvenation has exploded. With advanced technologies like monopolar radiofrequency, micro-...
Read more

Vladimir Zelenko Protocol: Prophylactic and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 (updated May 2021)

-
Image
A retrospective study analyzing Dr Zelenko's patient data was accepted for publication after a rigorous peer review process. The study finds that early intervention and treatment of high-risk patients with COVID-19 resulted in significantly fewer hospitalizations and deaths. The treatment consisting of zinc, low-dose hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and azithromycin, is also referred to as "The Zelenko Protocol." Dr Zelenko has since updated his protocols to incorporate new evidence. Introduction This webpage compiles content related to the early outpatient treatment protocol that has been proposed by Dr. Vladimir Zelenko for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dr. Zelenko originally risk-stratified patients and treated high-risk patients with hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and azithromycin.  He has since evolved his protocols to include a quercetin protocol for low-risk patients as well as guidelines for prophylaxis. Dr. Zelenko shared the details of his protocol on March and April 2020 in open...
Read more

Archive

Show more