Secretin for Autism

Secretin for Autism

The secretin story holds an important lesson that extends far beyond autism. “Many families, if not a majority of families” with a child suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) “pursue dietary and nutritional approaches as components of treatment. Estimates of...
Ginger Powder as a Pain-Killer

Ginger Powder as a Pain-Killer

There have been at least eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ginger for pain. You may recall that I’ve previously explored the use of spinach for athletic performance and recovery, attributed to its “anti-inflammatory effects.” Most athletes...
Foods That Improve Sexual Function in Women

Foods That Improve Sexual Function in Women

Addyi (flibanserin), the drug marketed for “hypoactive sexual desire disorder,” is ineffective and unsafe. What about dietary approaches for female sexual dysfunction? “The creation and promotion of ‘female sexual dysfunction’ [as a mental disorder] is a textbook case...
Aloe Is Put to the Test Against Cancer

Aloe Is Put to the Test Against Cancer

From a case report to a randomized controlled trial, aloe is put to the test against cancer. For a half century, aloe vera “gel processors and distributors armed with biblical quotes and anecdotal testimonials…[have sought] recognition for their products”—too often,...
Takeaways on Soy and an Edamame Recipe

Takeaways on Soy and an Edamame Recipe

Edamame is soy in its most whole-food form. The pods containing young soybeans are a snack or starter, first popularized in East Asia. Soybeans naturally contain a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. People hear “estrogen” in “phytoestrogens” and assume that...
Aloe Fails to Help Radiation Therapy Skin Burns

Aloe Fails to Help Radiation Therapy Skin Burns

What are the effects of aloe on radiation burns caused by cancer treatment and on the cancer itself? “Worldwide attention was drawn to the possible value of gel prepared from Aloe arborescens [aloe] after the Second World War, when skin burns of victims of the nuclear...