Two recently published articles discuss the beneficial, and not so beneficial, side effects of taking alternative medications. In Hidden Dangers of Herbal Meds Reviewed, MedPage Today reviews a report by Mayo Clinic researcher Dr. Arshad Jahangir, M.D. that found that due to possible negative interactions with prescription medications, "herbal medicines are not always the harmless nostrums that many patients and even some physicians think." Yet herbal meds are big business in the U.S., and Jahangir believes this may be true because "physicians aren't spending enough time with patients to understand their true needs." To read more . . .
In a recently released study from Australia, researchers found evidence that suggests that fish oil pills may help young people experiencing early "signs of mental illness from descending into schizophrenia." Earlier studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can lower blood pressure and lessen the risk of heart disease. scientists in the field greeted the new findings with cautious excitement. "The results are very impressive and very striking and really represent a step forward potentially for patients and their families." To read more . . .
Still confused? Check out the National Institute of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. You'll find research-based information on numerous treatments and conditions. Go to NCCAM to learn more.
