Comparative Effectiveness of Psychotherapy vs Antidepressants
for Depression in Heart Failure A Randomized Clinical Trial
PMID: PMID: 38231511
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38231511/
Approximately 50% of people with heart failure experience depressive symptoms, and those with depressive symptoms have lower cardiac function, more ER visits, and poorer health-related quality of life compared to heart failure patients without depression. Only half of the patients with heart failure and depression seek treatment. This study aimed to compare psychotherapy with behavioral activation (BA) to medication management (MEDS) in a randomized controlled trial.
Depressive symptom severity was reduced at six months by 50% in both the MEDS and BA groups, with no significant difference between the two therapies. Both groups saw improvement in physical, mental, and heart failure-specific quality of life at six months, with no difference between groups for mental and heart failure quality of life. A significant increase in physical quality of life favoring the BA intervention was found at six months but not twelve months. BA patients also were less likely to visit the emergency room and spent fewer days hospitalized than MEDS patients.
This study is encouraging because a psychotherapy intervention was found to be as effective as medication therapy. Heart failure patients often have a significant pill burden, and there is a risk of adverse effects when adding an additional medication. Research like this allows clinicians to recommend BA for heart failure patients who may be hesitant to take medical therapy for their depression.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #therapy #depression #heartfailure
Vitamin B6 and folate intake are associated with lower risk of severe headache or migraine in adults: an analysis based on NHANES 1999-2004
PMID: 38042023
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38042023/
Approximately 18% of women and 6.5% of men in the United States suffer from migraines. Previous studies have shown associations between dietary characteristics and migraines. Vitamin B6 is essential in the metabolism of homocysteine, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of migraines. Supplementation with vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels and headache severity in women with migraines. Folate is also essential for homocysteine metabolism, and supplementation has been shown to reduce migraine severity, frequency, and duration. This study explored the relationship between dietary vitamin B6 and folate intake on migraines using the NHANES dataset.
Those with a daily intake of vitamin B6 above 2.39 mg daily had a 28% lower risk of migraine. Those with intake above 502 micrograms per day had a 38% reduced risk of migraines for folate. The results indicated that vitamin B6 and folate synergistically reduced migraine risk when intake of both nutrients was adequate. These study results show that sufficient intake of these two nutrients could prevent 45% of migraines. These results were after controlling for factors such as age, sex, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, and other related factors.
Foods with high levels of vitamin B6 include whole grains, peanuts, bananas, dark leafy greens, poultry, tuna, salmon, and beef liver. Foods high in folate include green leafy vegetables, eggs, beans, peanuts, liver, and many different fruits.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #folate #vitaminb6 #migraines #homocysteine
Effects of citrus flavanone hesperidin extracts or purified hesperidin consumption on risk factors for cardiovascular disease: evidence from an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102055
Hesperidin is a flavonoid (a class of antioxidants) found in citrus fruits. Hesperidin is present in high quantities in the solid and membranous parts of oranges. Previous research indicates hesperidin has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated human trials of purified hesperidin aspects and the impact of hesperidin on cardiovascular health markers.
They found that hesperidin decreased LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP (a marker for inflammation), and fasting glucose, especially at daily doses above 500 mg, duration of therapy greater than six weeks, BMI 30 and above, and age less than 50. Hesperidin decreased waist circumference in subjects with a BMI of 30 or above. There were no serious adverse effects reported.
The authors concluded that hesperidin might help reduce several cardiovascular disease risk factors, but larger and longer trials and outcomes data are necessary.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #CVD #oranges #antioxidants
Snacks contribute considerably to total dietary intakes among adults stratified by glycemia in the United States
PMID: 37883371
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37883371/
One of the recommendations you will see evidence-based practitioners make when people are trying to lose or maintain body fat is to minimize snacking. Unfortunately, when most people snack, they choose hyperpalatable, calorie-dense foods low in fiber, nutrients, and protein. The average American eats three meals and two to three snacks daily. This study examines snacking habits in American adults with and without insulin resistance.
Snacking contributed 498 calories per day, accounting for 22.4% of the overall calorie intake in adults without diabetes. These numbers were less in adults with insulin resistance (468/21.3%), controlled diabetes (435/19.5%), and poorly controlled diabetes (423/19.5%). Refined grains accounted for more than 80% of all grains in the average snack. The average snack did not contain dark green veggies, legumes, organ meats, or seafood. Snacks, sweets, and nonalcoholic beverages accounted for nearly half of the energy consumed during snacking. Alcoholic beverages accounted for 7.3% to 14.6% of calories from snacking, depending on the group. Fruits and veggies only accounted for 5% of energy from snacking, while protein accounted for 8% to 9% of the total energy from snacks.
These results show that most Americans could benefit from reduced snack intake and substituting calorie-dense snacks for fruits, vegetables, and protein.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #snacking #calories #obesity
Snacks contribute considerably to total dietary intakes among adults stratified by glycemia in the United States
PMID: 37883371
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37883371/
One of the recommendations you will see evidence-based practitioners make when people are trying to lose or maintain body fat is to minimize snacking. Unfortunately, when most people snack, they choose hyperpalatable, calorie-dense foods low in fiber, nutrients, and protein. The average American eats three meals and two to three snacks daily. This study examines snacking habits in American adults with and without insulin resistance.
Snacking contributed 498 calories per day, accounting for 22.4% of the overall calorie intake in adults without diabetes. These numbers were less in adults with insulin resistance (468/21.3%), controlled diabetes (435/19.5%), and poorly controlled diabetes (423/19.5%). Refined grains accounted for more than 80% of all grains in the average snack. The average snack did not contain dark green veggies, legumes, organ meats, or seafood. Snacks, sweets, and nonalcoholic beverages accounted for nearly half of the energy consumed during snacking. Alcoholic beverages accounted for 7.3% to 14.6% of calories from snacking, depending on the group. Fruits and veggies only accounted for 5% of energy from snacking, while protein accounted for 8% to 9% of the total energy from snacks.
These results show that most Americans could benefit from reduced snack intake and substituting calorie-dense snacks for fruits, vegetables, and protein.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #snacking #calories #obesity
Effect of Personalized Risk-Reduction Strategies on Cognition
and Dementia Risk Profile Among Older Adults The SMARRT Randomized Clinical Trial
PMID: 38010725
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38010725/
Research supports that 40% of dementia cases are due to modifiable risk factors. Most current research is based on single interventions, which denotes efficacy but not effectiveness. In non-clinical trial scenarios, we combine multiple modalities to reduce disease risk or minimize disease impact. This study examined a two-year multi-domain intervention for dementia prevention.
The study had the experiment group meet with a health coach regularly after determining what modalities (such as better hypertension control, better sleep, social isolation, physical inactivity, etc.) would be the most beneficial for that person to work on to reduce dementia risk. Once that modality was successfully integrated, the patient and health coach would move to the next one.
After two years, the intervention group showed a 74% improvement in the composite cognitive score. Overall, they saw an approximate 145% improvement in the overall risk profile and an 8% increase in the quality of life score in the intervention group. Overall, there were improvements in sleep, depressive symptoms, diabetes control, and social satisfaction with the intervention group.
It's lovely to see studies like this because I believe an integrative model between physicians, health coaches, and patients is the healthcare paradigm to help us combat the chronic disease epidemic amongst American adults.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #dementia #integrativemedicine #healthcoach
Future cardiometabolic implications of insulin hypersecretion
in response to oral glucose: a prospective cohort study
Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102363
Previous research on whether post-meal insulin spikes contribute to diabetes and insulin resistance development is mixed. This is likely due to the methodology of the previous studies, including being cross-sectional (a snapshot) and not correcting insulin for background glucose levels (CIR corrects for this). In fact, a Mendelian randomization study showed that a higher CIR was associated with favorable body fat disposition, higher BMI, lower triglycerides, higher HDL, and lower risk of developing diabetes (PMID: 35748295). This study evaluated CIR response on cardiometabolic markers and the risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes. They initially recruited healthy pregnant women who underwent glucose tolerance testing in the 2nd trimester and evaluated them at three months, one year, three years, and five years post-pregnancy. CIR at one year was used as the reference value for longitudinal follow-up.
In the unadjusted model, at one year, those in the highest tertile of CIR showed favorable changes, including better beta cell function (cells that secrete insulin) and lower blood glucose, and unfavorable changes, including increased waist circumference, CRP and markers of insulin resistance. Similar results were seen at three years with the addition of the highest CIR group displaying less diabetes and prediabetes. At five years, HOMA-IR (a marker of insulin resistance) was higher in the highest CIR tertibles. Still, there was improved beta cell function, lower fasting glucose, and less prediabetes and diabetes.
Continued in the comments
Spousal Concordance of Hypertension Among Middle-Aged and Older Heterosexual Couples Around the World: Evidence From Studies of Aging in the United States, England, China, and India
PMID: 38054385
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38054385/
Diseases do run in families because genetic susceptibility is inherited from your parents. However, I would like to say diseases run in households because that incorporates your genetics and shared environment. Research has consistently shown that your physical and mental environment affects your physical and psychological health.
In the US, hypertension affects approximately 50% of adults. The prevalence of concordant hypertension was 37.9%. Wives whose husbands had hypertension were 9% more likely to have hypertension compared to wives whose husbands didn't have hypertension. Husbands with wives who had hypertension were 6% more likely to have hypertension compared to husbands whose wives did not have hypertension.
It's reasonable to assume that a couple's health behaviors become similar over time (cohabitation). Another theory is that assortative mating leads us to choose individuals with similar demographic and socioeconomic status and similar health behaviors to marry.
When I was in traditional clinical practice, I would tell people that patients who have the best success with their health goals are the ones who embark on a journey of health together. Eating together, family walks, family exercise time, family digital detox, family walks, etc., all promote shared healthy behaviors.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #family #households #CVD #hypertension
Provenance and Clinical Benefit of Medicines Introduced to the French Market, 2008 to 2018
PMID: 37983026
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37983026/
The new Alzheimer's medications that were approved amongst controversy sparked discussions about the clinical benefit of many newly approved medications. This cross-sectional study in France examined the differences between industry and academia-derived new medications regarding clinical benefit.
Six hundred thirty-two new medications entered the French markets between 2008 and 2018, with 73% from industry and 27% from academia. 77.6% of the medicines originating from industry were deemed to have no clinical benefit. In comparison, 64.3% of those from academia were found to have no clinical benefit based on the Prescrire evaluating system. Another system HAS found similar numbers (71.3% vs 61.9%).
The FDA's accelerated approval program of medications has come under fire for approving medicines with little or no clinical benefit. What's worse is that aggregation resources for physicians are sparse, and I've encountered many who do not verify clinical benefits before prescribing medications. AI will be extremely useful to aggregate data on new medicines, their side effects, and their effectiveness to help healthcare consumers and practitioners make informed healthcare decisions.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #medicines #effectiveness #FDA
Acupuncture vs. Massage for Pain in Patients Living With Advanced Cancer: The IMPACT Randomized Clinical Trial
PMID: 37962891
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37962891/
Nonpharmacologic interventions are often necessary when it comes to complex issues like chronic pain. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of massage and acupuncture in cancer patients. This study sought to compare the two modalities for pain and comorbid fatigue and insomnia in patients with advanced cancer.
Both treatments were effective in lower pain scores, with more than half of the patients having clinical responses by the end of the trial. Both treatments improved pain-related functional interference, fatigue, insomnia, and quality of life at 26 weeks. At baseline, 54.7% of the patients were using pain medications, which decreased to 27.5% in the acupuncture arm and 35.6% in the massage arm at 26 weeks. Adverse effects were mild, including bruising, localized pain, bleeding for acupuncture, and transient soreness and headache in the massage group.
The therapists in this training underwent significant training on safety and intervention delivery in patients with advanced cancer, which may limit the generalizability of these findings. However, it is encouraging that randomized controlled trials on nonpharmacological interventions were able to help pain scores and comorbid fatigue and insomnia in patients with advanced cancer.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #cancer #pain #massage #acupuncture
Walking speed and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 38050034
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38050034/
It is estimated that 500 million adults worldwide have type 2 diabetes, which is predicted to increase to 783 million by 2045. Preventative strategies are urgently necessary to decrease the prevalence and incidence of diabetes. Recent studies have shown significant benefits to walking for health. Faster walking speed may reduce the risk of disability, dementia, all-cause mortality, and CVD. This meta-analysis examined walking speed and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Compared with casual walking (<2 mph), those who walked 2-3 mph had a 15% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those who walked briskly (3-4 mph) had a 24% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than casual walking. Walking at a pace greater than 4 mph was associated with a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. BMI attenuated the association by 24% (suggests that 24% of the risk reduction is explained by reduced adiposity), but it remained significant. Each 0.62 mph increase in walking speed was associated with a 9% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The risk changed significantly once reaching a walking speed of 2.4 mph (approximately 87 steps/min for men and 100 steps/min for women).
One important finding is that the authors concluded that reverse causation was less likely to impact the results by subgroup analysis. Further studies need to examine this, but it indicates that faster walking speed may be beneficial and not just a marker of better overall cardiorespiratory fitness.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #walking #diabetes #prevention
App-Based Interventions for Moderate to Severe Depression
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
PMID: 37983028
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37983028/
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and affects an estimated 3.8% of the global population. A previous study found that only about 37% of adults in high-income studies seek treatment. Technology has advanced, allowing app-based interventions to enhance accessibility and efficiency in depression treatment potentially.
This study was a systemic review and meta-analysis of app-based interventions for moderate and severe depression. Overall, they found that app-based interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms with a medium effect size. Programs that offered rewards or incentives were found to have a significantly larger effect size than those without rewards. Interventions delivered under eight weeks had a greater effect size than interventions longer than eight weeks.
Previous meta-analyses have found similar results. When I was in practice, it was often difficult to get people to see mental health professionals promptly. Apps will not wholly replace in-person visits but augment what healthcare professionals do for mental health through in-person visits.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #depression #technology
Association of Smoking Cessation and Cardiovascular, Cancer, and Respiratory Mortality
PMID: 38010645
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38010645/
One of the things I would routinely hear from people who smoke is that the damage has already been done, so why bother stopping? However, the evidence supports that no longer smoking is associated with significant reductions in excess deaths compared to continuing to smoke.
This study examined cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality among those who stopped smoking compared to a group that continued smoking. When comparing current vs. never smokers, there was a 130%, 238%, and 1231% increased risk of cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality, respectively. Ten years after cessation, former smokers avoided 64%, 53%, and 57% of excess CVD, cancer, and respiratory mortality associated with continued smoking. After 20 to 29 years, former smokers did not have a significant increase in CVD mortality. After 30 years, former smokers avoided 100%, 93%, and 97% of excess CVD, cancer, and respiratory mortality associated with continued smoking.
Yes, smoking confers a significant risk of morbidity and mortality, and the earlier one decides to no longer be a smoker, the better. Studies like this dispute the notion that the damage is already done, so why bother? We all have agency in our lives, and the only thing that guarantees no outcome change is inaction.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #smoking #cancer #mortality #lungs
Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
PMID: 37889487
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37889487/
There are a few points from this study that I find interesting. Many online gurus pontificate on the benefits of TRE like it is magic; however, TRE works by inducing a calorie deficit.
This study randomized people to a group doing TRE without calorie counting, a control group, and a calorie-restricted (CR) group targeting a 25% calorie reduction. At the end of the six-month study, they found that energy intake was reduced by 313 kcal/d for TRE, 197 kcal/d for CR, and 16 for the controls. Not surprisingly, they found that body weight decreased more in the TRE group (-3.56% vs -1.78%) than in the CR group. There was no difference in the reduction in A1c between groups (0.91% vs 0.94%). There was also no difference in medication effect score, blood pressure, and lipids.
Both interventions were safe, but certain medications must be adjusted based on A1c levels. This is important because to prevent hypoglycemia and other adverse effects, people with diabetes should engage with their physicians or pharmacists to discuss medication adjustments. This strategy lead to no serious adverse events. There was no difference in hypoglycemic events between the groups.
My takeaway is that CR and TRE can be part of an effective diabetes management strategy with medical oversight. TRE may be easier for people to follow and feel less reactive, which can increase adherence to a calorie deficit. Both plans are viable and effective, and whichever is easiest to follow for you is the best strategy.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #diabetes #TRE #calorierestriction
Relationship of Daily Step Counts to All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events
PMID: 37676198
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37676198/
Increasing movement time throughout the day is one of the simplest interventions to improve multiple health aspects. This study has a few interesting findings that can help shape our plans regarding how much movement (measured by step counts) we should aim for per day.
They found that the optimal step count (defined as maximal risk reduction at the least amount of effort) was approximately 9k steps per day for all-cause mortality (60% reduction) and 7k steps per day for cardiovascular disease risk (51% reduction). An additional benefit was found at higher steps, but the improvement was slight compared to the benefit at the optimum amount. They also found that cadence (measured in steps/min) was independently associated with risk reduction. Going from a low to an intermediate or high cadence was associated with a 21% and 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality. This makes sense as we know exercise intensity is a crucial modulator.
Another thing to take away from this study is the minimum step count to see the improvement compared to 2000 steps per day was 2600 steps for all-cause mortality and 2800 for cardiovascular disease incidence. This is much lower than I previously thought and shows that even small movement increases can result in clinically significant differences. If you want to increase your step count, start with increments of 1000, which equates to about 10 minutes of walking.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #walking #steps #mortality #cardiovascular #cvd #heart #health
Life expectancy associated with different ages at diagnosis
of type 2 diabetes in high-income countries: 23 million
person-years of observation
PMID: 37708900
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37708900/
Type 2 diabetes prevalence has continued to increase. An estimated 15% of the US adult population is diabetic. Up to half of adults are insulin-resistant, and people are being diagnosed at younger ages. This study analyzed data from 97 long-term prospective studies looking at life expectance after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
The authors observed a linear association between earlier age of diabetes diagnosis and increased risk of cardiovascular, all-cause, and mortality from other causes. Compared to those without diabetes, someone diagnosed in their 30s had a 169% increased risk of all-cause mortality, and those diagnosed in their 40s had a 126% increased risk of all-cause mortality. Overall, the risk decreased as the age of diagnosis increased.
An individual diagnosed with diabetes at age 30, on average, lived 14 fewer years than someone who wasn't diagnosed with diabetes at age 30. This number was 10 years for someone diagnosed at age 40. Deaths due to cardiovascular disease accounted for 30-45% of the reduction in life expectancy. The authors hypothesized that the larger excess mortality in younger individuals is due to cumulative exposure to poor metabolic health.
Nutrition, exercise, and sleep are the big 3 of lifestyle medicine important for regulating blood sugars. We have to reverse the trend in diabetes by utilizing these strategies because medications alone are often insufficient.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #diabetes #longevity #medicine
Consumption of ultra-processed foods and risk of
multimorbidity of cancer and cardiometabolic diseases:
A multinational cohort study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100771
Multimorbidity is having more than one chronic illness. According to the CDC, 40% of American adults have two or more chronic diseases. Multimorbidity increases with age, but the young are not spared. A 2023 estimated that in the 20-29 age group, 22% had more than one chronic illness (PMID: 37189096). High intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with several chronic illnesses, but its effect on multimorbidity is not as clear. This study examined the association of UPF intake with the co-occurrence of two chronic conditions involving cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
UPF found intake in this study population was much lower than in the US population (32%-34% vs 60%-70%). This study found that for every one standard deviation increase (about 260 g/day) of UPF, the risk of multimorbidity increased by 9% after adjustment for several confounding factors, including total energy (calorie) intake.
We have covered several studies on this channel recently, showing associations of UPF with various health conditions. How much you eat and what you eat matters, which is why nutrition is a cornerstone of lifestyle medicine.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #nutrition #disease #illness #health
Effects of 4 Interpretive Front-of-Package Labeling Systems on Hypothetical Beverage and Snack Selections A Randomized Clinical Trial
PMID: 37703015
It's estimated that 60% to 70% of the calories Americans consume consist of ultra-processed foods. These foods have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, cancer, and multimorbidity (having more than one chronic disease). Nutrition is a pillar of lifestyle medicine, and there is much debate on how we can encourage people to make healthier food choices. This randomized controlled trial examined four different food labeling interventions on beverage and snack choices and attitudes and perceptions regarding the labeling.
Participants were asked to choose a virtual beverage or snack from an online vending machine that was labeled with five different types of labels: control (calorie labels), green label on healthy products indicating choose often, traffic light style labeling with red (choose rarely), yellow (choose sometimes), green (choose often), physical activity (showing how many minutes of activity required to burn those calories), and warning labels for products high in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, or calories.
In the beverage test, participants in the labeling groups selected lower calorie options (22% to 31% reduction) compared to the control group, with little differences between the labeling strategies. In the snack arm, participants in the labeling groups selected lower calorie options (7% to 10%) compared to the control arm, with little difference between the labeling strategies. They found no difference when they examined the data by educational status. None of the labeling systems elicited a high amount of stigma or disgust towards those with obesity. The warning labels, followed by the physical activity and traffic lights, garnered the most attention, thought about health effects and emotions. These elements are key in instituting behavioral change.
More research is nece
The efficacy of Nigella sativa L. oil on serum biomarkers of
inflammation and oxidative stress and quality of life in patients
with knee osteoarthritis: A parallel triple-arm double-blind
randomized controlled trial
DOI:10.1002/fsn3.3708
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.3708
As someone who has had chronic pain for most of their life, I am always looking for human studies on alternative agents for pain conditions. Chronic osteoarthritis (OA) can be a debilitating condition, and prescription drug treatments such as opioids and NSAIDs can result in serious side effects. This study sought to look at inflammation, oxidative stress, and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis in a gold standard double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
What they found was after six weeks of supplementation, oral Nigella sativa (black seed oil) decreased hs-CRP (a marker for inflammation), MDA (a marker of oxidative stress), and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Still, compared to placebo, only the decrease in hs-CRP was significant. Significant improvements were seen in general, physical, and mental health scales related to N. sativa oil compared to the placebo group. The authors concluded that six weeks of supplementation effectively improved inflammatory markers and quality of life in knee OA. The topical version was effective in improving quality of life.
In the oral N. sativa group, two cases of eczema were reported, and one incidence of contact dermatitis was reported in the topical group. These effects were labeled as mild. Adherence was high, 86% in the oral group and 84% in the topical group.
This study adds to the body of evidence that N. sativa appears to be safe and effective in treating musculoskeletal pain. Have you tried black seed oil? Let us know in the comments.
#Godfirst #lifestylemedicine #lifestyle #Nimbushealthcare #Nimbus #arthritis #pain #supplements
