A Glimpse at Alternative Therapies

from Consumer Reports

Acupuncture
There is some research to show acupuncture does work, especially for chronic headaches, chronic back/neck pain and osteoarthritis.

Apple Cider Vinegar
There is very little scientific evidence to support the claims of regulating blood sugar, promoting weight loss, lower cholesterol or reducing the risk of cancer.  If you suffer from heartburn, drinking apple cider vinegar would be like "throwing gas on a fire" (Benjamin Kligler, M.D.).  Regular use can trigger nausea, damage tooth enamel and irritate the esophagus.

Ear Candling
In 2017 a review by Seth Schwartz M.D. concluded candling to be ineffective and dangerous, reporting it can block the ear with wax, damage hearing and possibly set your hair on fire.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Combined, a top selling supplement for aching joints was shown not to be any better than a placebo during a trial of 1625 patients with osteoarthritis in 2015. 

Green Coffee
Supplements have been linked to side effects, including headaches and urinary tract infections

Kava
Used in drinks and supplements to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.  Some countries have banned Kava, Canada is not one.

Kratom
Promoted as a safe pain reliever it has been suggested it can be as addictive as opioids as it affects the same brain receptors.

Light Therapy
A proven treatment for seasonal affective disorder.  It may also help with depression and bipolar disorder

Massage
A good massage will do more than relax you.  Research shows it can help some people with back pain and those recovering from injury.

Meditation
Research suggests meditation may help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Melatonin
A 2017 study found that some of the supplements didn't contain what the label stated. Instead of Melatonin, Seratonin was found in the products which is a chemical that regulates mood instead.

Omega 3
A 2017 research review concluded the pills might provide some benefit to people with a history of heart disease but there was not enough evidence to show if they improve cardiac health in people without existing heart problems.

Probiotics
For general health you are better off getting probiotics from your diet than a supplement. fermented foods and yogurt may offer benefits far beyond what you can find in a supplement.

Tai Chi
Research suggests it cuts the risk of falls in older adults, helps with chronic pain and may ease symptoms of depression, osteoarthritis and Parkinson's disease.

Tea
After water, this is the most widely consumed drink in the world.  Research shows regular tea drinkers have a lower risk of diseases such as Type A diabetes and heart disease.  Doesn't matter what you drink, green , white and black teas are all rich in health friendly flavonoids.

​Turmeric
Unlike the laboratory mice, when humans digest turmeric, little of the very important curcumin is absorbed.  Make sure you check with the doctor before taking turmeric supplements as the can interact negatively with certain medications such as blood thinners.

Yoga
While many use practice yoga for flexibility or relaxing, it can also relieve low back pain, reduce blood pressure and ease depression.