Alternative to Fish oil

Fish oil is one of the best supplements that are often prescribed by CAM practitioners. Omega-3 fatty acids possess highly beneficial effects for modulating risk of prevalent diseases.

But what are the alternatives for people who are allergic to fish oil, or suffer from ‘fish burps’ or do not like the ‘after taste’ of fish oil.

Alternatives to consider include the plant-based:

• Flaxseed oil
• Evening Primrose oil
• Borage oil
• Black Currant oil
• Chia seeds
• Algal oils

Due to the decline in fish species and number and the risk of ocean –borne contaminants, alternative sources of these fatty acids are required. Plant oils contain low amounts of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Algae are in abundance in the oceans’ ecosystems and thus algal oil may be the better alternative. When CAM practitioners seek integrative medicine resources such as vitamins, herbs and other supplements, they should also consider environmental sustainability and act accordingly.

Music as Medicine

Many CAM practitioners recognise the importance of music as an integrative therapy to relieve stress related issues. Typically, the decline in stress levels is due to a reduction in cortisol levels. Testosterone levels are also altered when listening to music. In addition steroid secretion is modified through musical activities in elderly individuals, which further influences psychological states such as tension and anxiety. Levels of steroid secretion vary between individuals with high and low levels of hormone. For instance, individuals with high steroid hormones experience a decline in steroid secretion and those individuals with low steroid hormones experience a rise in secretion. Moreover, reports have been suggestive that music aids cognitive recovery of mood following middle cerebral artery stroke. Likewise, music enhances cognitive recovery and prevents negative mood during the early post-stroke stage. The rudiments of music are sound and vibration; these have been used in many traditional healing systems such as Yoga and Ayurveda. Music therapy has been advocated as an important integrative healthcare solution in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. What makes ‘music therapy’ a unique Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy is that there is little physical requirement. It has also been shown to be of value in the treatment of clients with ‘substance abuse’; it has to be the appropriate type of music. So, to quote Shakespeare,‘ If music be the food of love, play on”.

Important lifestyle advice for women – Avoid Vaginal douching

Vaginal douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. In the United States, about one in four women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors do not recommend douching as it can lead to various women’s health issues.

There are many debates in regards to the pros and cons for vaginal douching. For example, US research suggests vaginal douching exposes women to potential hazardous endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

A clinical study examined urine sample from over 700 women. Results showed urine samples obtained from women who regularly douched had a greater concentration of phthalate metabolites present in their urine which also affect hormonal action.

Not only is vaginal douching harmful, but also the use of other fragranced products utilised around the vaginal area have adverse effects. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), are both common constituents found in fragranced products. Both the constituents are associated with having adverse effects on reproduction, the developmental system and the endocrine system.

Another survey analysis was conducted by the researchers to investigate the use of feminine hygiene products in females aged 20 to 48. From the results, 52% of the women who douched within the last month had a significant increased concentration of DEP metabolites in their urine when compared to women who had never douched. Also, as douche frequency increased, the concentration of DEP metabolites in the urine also significantly increased. As shown by the results, women who douched twice a month or multiple times, they had 152% higher metabolites in their urine.

Other external feminine products such as tampons, sanitary napkin, sprays and wipes were also examined. Fortunately, no links were established between phthalates and such feminine products. On the other hand, intravaginal products are associated with an increased risk to hazardous chemicals.

In conclusion, the cons of douching outweigh the pros of douching. So the best lifestyle advice for women is to limit the use of vaginal douching, as it is hazardous and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, cervical cancer, bacterial vagionisis and other women’s health issue.