By JEROME HIGGINS
SOME complementary medicines have been tested in quality scientific trials to show they are effective, but most have not.
The first fad of my professional career was glucosamine about 15 years ago.
Sure, glucosamine is still around, but it’s not that trendy anymore.
The reason is the initial research into glucosamine was strong, particularly when combined with sulfate or chondroitin, in regard to alleviation of arthritis symptoms or joint pain.
Subsequent studies have shown inconsistent results.
Completely anecdotally from my experience, patients with knee, lower back and neck osteoarthritis appear to be the most likely to benefit.
Exercise, losing weight, strengthening, and hands-on treatment are by far better treatments.
Another complementary medicine that has been tested is fish oil: scientific trials have shown fish oils high in EPA and DHA can lower triglycerides (i.e. bad, or 95 per cent of, dietary fats) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (i.e. the good cholesterol) and they are recommended for people with high triglyceride levels.
But look out if you’ve got liver dysfunction, becase this will reduce your body’s ability to process the oil effectively.
Fish oil also can inhibit blood clotting in high doses (i.e. you’ll keep bleeding).
Another great way of receiving the benefits of fish oil is, wait for it – eating fish regularly.
Like glucosamine, fish oil also lacks sexiness these days.
It’s all about krill oil.
I remember when someone first asked me about krill oil about eight years ago.
I couldn’t believe it.
Why bother the poor little krill when fish oil seems to be doing the job OK?
Don’t even get me started on calamari oil (seriously).
Although clinical trials involving krill oil are still limited, there has been some evidence in small trials that krill oil can also lower triglycerides in people with elevated levels.
No large trials have compared the cardiovascular effects of krill oil with fish oil.
Like all medicines, complementary medicines can have benefits, side effects, cause allergic reactions, and may interact with prescription medicines, so they still need to be used with care.
My advice is to, firstly, do your own research (www.nps.org.au is a good place to start).
Secondly, start with low dosages and work up to recommended daily intakes to allow for onset of adverse reactions; thirdly, always seek medical advice if you are taking other medication concurrently; and finally, and most importantly, never believe the hype and stay sceptical.
