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This blinded, randomized, controlled trial found that a biofield therapy and a mock treatment did not differ in their effectiveness in relieving cancer-related fatigue, although they both were significantly better than control. The biofield therapy did lead to significantly greater cortisol variability, which is associated with fatigue.
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In a prospective study of women with breast cancer who had undergone axillary node dissection, use of manual lymphatic drainage techniques over 5 months provided no additional preventive benefit with respect to development of arm lymphedema over general preventive lifestyle measures and individualized exercise therapy.
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The study authors reviewed observational data on chocolate consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease, and found strong evidence of a protective effect. The wide variety of methods employed across studies, among other issues, make cause and effect assumptions premature, though they do fall in line with previous data suggesting chocolate's health benefits.
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Dried plums (prunes) are safe and more effective than psyllium for treating mild-to-moderate constipation.
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In a shocking series of findings, this well-done prospective study showed that in men older than age 55 years a higher proportion of serum omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, actually may increase the risk for high-grade prostate cancer.
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Regular coffee consumption is associated with a prominent decrease in fatal or metastatic prostate cancer.
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In a small 5-week pilot trial examining the use of magnesium for the treatment of hot flashes, women with a history of breast cancer experienced improvements in hot flash frequency and severity, but no significant impact on overall quality of life.
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A very low energy diet followed by a weight maintenance program results in significant improvements in weight, obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic factors, and quality of life for at least a year.
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This systematic review searched for studies using any methodology that measured outcomes in cancer patients who received energy healing techniques. Some evidence of improvements in psychosocial outcomes was found, but the methodological deficiencies in the original studies undermined confidence in their findings. The reviewers call for further research studies designed according to high-quality research standards.
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Sleep disruption in menopause is common. one-fourth to one-half of all women will note some sleep complaint during menopause, as compared to approximately 15% in the general population.