Valerian and Hops

Valerian and hops combination has been shown repeatedly effective in improving the sleep quality and the sleep latency for those who suffer from insomnia.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease that has a huge economical impact. One area of misdiagnosis is that the failure of physicians to look "outside the box". Certain slow growing cancers can mimic the symptoms of CFS, and unless the physician does a thorough evaluation of the patients, these cancers may be missed.

Retrovirus and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A recent study reported a possible link between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and a retrovirus known as XMRV. However, more recent works from the NIH, the FDA, and the CDC failed to show such link. Expert virologists believe that the link between XMRV and CFS was caused by a "contamination" of the samples with the virus.

AD/HD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a disorder commonly associated with "bad parenting" or "eating the wrong foods". Recent research in this field link AD/HD with genetic disposition. The genetics profile of AD/HD individuals has similarities with those who suffer from autism and schizophrenia.

What is PEG 3350?

PEG 3350 is a synthetic polymer. The "PEG" symbol stands for polyethelene glycol. The "3350" is for its average molecular weight. PEG 3350 has a very high affinity to water and it is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this effect, PEG 3350 is commonly found in "colon preps" used before colonoscopy procedures. It does not have a strong taste, and drinking solutions of PEG 3350 in water are found acceptable by most people. Severe diarrhea ensues after consuming PEG 3350 solutions.

Niacin

Niacin, a B vitamin, is commonly prescribed to patients with high blood lipid profile. It is effective in reducing blood cholesterol level among other benefits. It does cause flushing, however, studies have shown that this minor side effect subsides over time. Other concerns with using niacin are interactions with medications taken for hypertension and diabetes drugs. Its flushing effect, in part, is responsible for a reduction in blood pressure. Other side effects of its use are a decrease in platelets count and a false-positive test for billirubin (i.e., indicates that billirubin level is high where in fact it is not). Do not take niacin with alcohol. Consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking niacin as it does have multiple interactions with many drugs.