Dr. Ronald Reichert ND

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01/31/2025

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Phytosome and Sleep Quality

It is estimated that one-third of adults worldwide suffer with insomnia symptoms.1 In one controlled cross-over study2, 30 participants (13 men and 17 women aged 18 to 65 years) with disordered sleep were randomized to receive 400 mg of standardized Melissa officinalis phytosome or placebo 30 minutes before bedtime for 30 days. At the conclusion of the trial, those using the Lemon balm had a significant reduction in the Insomnia Severity Index score (6.8 ± 4.1 compared to 9.7 ± 3.7 in the placebo group). Moreover, in those employing the active ingredient the slow wave sleep phase (SWS) increased on average by 15% while the rapid eye movement (REM phase) decreased by 10%. Overall, 87% of participants using the herbal extract reported various degrees of sleep improvement in contrast to only 30% in the placebo group.

References:
1.Klimt F, Jacobi C, Brähler E, Stöbel-Richter Y, Zenger M, Berth H. Insomnia symptoms in adulthood. Prevalence and incidence over 25 years. Sleep Med. 2023;109:240-244.
2.Di Pierro F, Sisti D, Rocchi M, Belli A, Bertuccioli A, Cazzaniga M, Palazzi CM, Tanda ML, Zerbinati N. Effects of Melissa officinalis Phytosome on Sleep Quality: Results of a Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Cross-Over Study. Nutrients. 2024;16:4199.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

01/24/2025

Cinnamon and Early Postmenopausal Symptoms

Cinnamon is one type of herbal medicine that may be value in Type II diabetes.1 However, a recent study determined that cinnamon may also be helpful for menopause symptoms.2 Sixty postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years were randomized to receive 1 gram of cinnamon capsules daily or placebo for 8 weeks. Based on the Menopause Rating Scale, those employing the cinnamon had fewer symptoms (13.95 ± 4.16) in contrast to the control group (16.64 ± 4.16). Psychological symptoms associated with menopause were also reduced in the active group.

References:
1.Allen RW, Schwartzman E, Baker WL, Coleman CI, Phung OJ. Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Fam Med. 2013;11:452-9.
2.Refaei M, Karami Z, Kazemi F, Moradkhani S, Masoumi SZ, Jenabi E, Jafari M. Cinnamon potential in alleviating early postmenopause symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. Menopause. 2024;31:1078-1084.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

01/17/2025

Creatinine monohydrate and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome/Myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a chronic disorder that is estimated to affect 17 to 24 million people throughout the world.1 One uncontrolled study assessed the impact of creatine on those with CFS/ME.2 Eleven participants with CFS/ME (7 women, 4 men, average age 40.6 years) were asked to consume 16 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for 6 weeks. Cognitive and fatigue assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. The researchers concluded that creatinine monohydrate not only increased creatine levels in certain parts of the brain (using magnetic resonance spectroscopy) but also triggered a reduction in fatigue scores and an improvement in the participants grip strength. Moreover, certain aspects of cognition (i.e. reaction times) were also better.

References:

1.Arron HE, Marsh BD, Kell DB, Khan MA, Jaeger BR, Pretorius E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1386607.
2.Godlewska BR, Sylvester AL, Emir UE, Sharpley AL, Clarke WT, Martens MAG, Cowen PJ. Six-Week Supplementation with Creatine in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Feasibility Study at 3 Tesla. Nutrients. 2024;16:3308.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

01/10/2025

Folic Acid, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), and Cognition in Older Adults with MCI

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) is associated with an increased risk of conversion to Alzheimer’s dementia. One study estimated this risk to be 18.4% annually.1 In a 6-month controlled study,2 160 participants (aged greater than 60) with MCI were randomly assigned to 4 groups: folic acid + DHA (800 mcg/800 mg/day), folic acid (800 mcg/day), DHA (800 mg/day), and control. Cognition was measured at specific intervals at baseline, 6 and 12 months using the Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. In addition, laboratory markers for amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and homocysteine (Hcy) were recorded at baseline and at 6 months. Results demonstrated that after 180 days, cognition had improved in the active groups compared with placebo. Moreover, the use of folic acid and/or DHA led to significant reductions in amyloid plaque as well as homocysteine levels. However, at the 12-month mark and after the supplements had ceased for 6 months, cognitive improvements declined and were similar to baseline and control group scores.

References:
1. Thaipisuttikul P, Jaikla K, Satthong S, Wisajun P. Rate of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in a Thai hospital-based population: A retrospective cohort. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2022;8:e12272.
2. Bai D, Fan J, Li M, D**g C, Gao Y, Fu M, Liu Q, Liu H. Cognitive Function After Stopping Folic Acid and DHA Intervention: An Extended Follow-Up Results from the Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2024;8:1285-1295.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

12/27/2024

Standardized Grape Extract and Cognition in Healthy Older Adults

Cognitive decline is a known risk factor with aging. One controlled study addresses this issue using a standardized grape extract. Ninety-six healthy older adults (greater than 60 years of age) were randomized to receive 250 mg of a commercially available grape extract standardized to proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins or placebo for 84 days. Using a wide variety of tests (i.e. MMSE, RBANS, ENB-2), the researchers concluded that this form of grape extract significantly improved overall cognition in both short and longer term scenarios. (1)

Reference:
1.Amone F, Spina A, Perri A, Lofaro D, Zaccaria V, Insolia V, Lirangi C, Puoci F, Nobile V. Standardized Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Extract Improves Short- and Long-Term Cognitive Performances in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial. Foods. 2024;13:2999.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

12/20/2024

Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Depression?

The use of omega 3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder has been controversial. A recent controlled trial attempts to shed more light on this issue. (1) Sixty patients (average age 35 years) with major depressive disorder were randomized to receive 3.2 g omega three polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA, 2.1 g and DHA, 1.1 g) per day in divided doses or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the conclusion of the study and in contrast to placebo, those taking the fish oil had a significant reduction in their depression based on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

Reference:
1.Wu SK, Yang KJ, Liu WC, Malau IA, Zailani H, Chang CH, Huang SY, Chang JP, Chiu WC, Su KP. The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as the Monotherapy for Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2024;16(21):3688.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

12/13/2024

Zinc Supplement and Type II Diabetes

Diabetes is a worldwide concern as statistics show that it has increased to 828 million people. (1) While lifestyle factors including diet, exercises and weight control are key components in controlling this disease, the judicious use of supplements may also be of value. (2) In an open label study, 80 participants newly diagnosed with Type II diabetes and on hypoglycemic prescription medications were randomized to receive given 50 mg of zinc per day or no zinc for 12 months. By the conclusion of the study, those taking the zinc had better glycemic control with reductions in hemoglobin A1C, postprandial blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. (3) As a note the use of oral zinc can nausea in some individuals.

References:
1.NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in diabetes prevalence and treatment from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 1108 population-representative studies with 141 million participants. Lancet. 2024;404(10467):2077–93.
2.Richardson CR, Borgeson JR, Van Harrison R, et al. Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Michigan Medicine University of Michigan; 2021 Oct.
3.Chhina GS, Chhabra A, Luthra SR, Khattar S, Singh P, Luthra S. Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Cureus. 2024;16:e69180.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

12/06/2024

Inulin and Migraine Severity

Inulin is a well-known prebiotic fiber supplement that has a wide number of benefits. In a recent controlled trial, the use of inulin was of benefit in easing migraines. (1) In that study 80 women (aged 20-50 years) with migraines were randomly assigned to receive 10 g per day of inulin with food or beverages or a matching placebo for 4 months. By the conclusion of the trial, those consuming the inulin reported having fewer duration, frequency, and severity of migraine attacks compared to placebo. Moreover, the inulin group also had a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression.

Reference:
1.Vajdi M, Khorvash F, Askari G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial to test the effect of inulin supplementation on migraine headache characteristics, quality of life and mental health symptoms in women with migraine. Food Funct. 2024;15:10088-10098.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

11/08/2024

Ginger Extract for Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness

The use of supplemental ginger is a well-known herbal remedy for nausea. However, a recent controlled study from Japan suggests that it has other beneficial effects. One hundred healthy individuals (20-73 years of age) with eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness were randomized to receive 100 mg of a ginger extract or placebo for 2 months. At the conclusion of the study and unlike placebo, the use of ginger helped reduced eye fatigue. In men under the age of 51 years, retinal blood flow and body warmth was improved. Women under the age of 51 had a reduction in should stiffness likely through the improvement of peripheral blood flow.

Reference:
Higashikawa F, Nakaniida Y, Li H, Liang L, Kanno K, Ogawa-Ochiai K, Kiuchi Y. Beneficial Effects of Ginger Extract on Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study. Nutrients. 2024;16:2715.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

11/01/2024

Weight Training and Muscle Strength in Elderly Adults

Sarcopenia or loss of muscle mass with age is an important factor to address as we get older. In one study, 369 older adults (aged 64 to 75 years of age) in Denmark were randomized at retirement age to one of three groups: 1 year of either heavy resistance training (weightlifting 3 times a week), moderate-intensity training (resistance bands and body weight exercises 3 times a week) or a non-exercising control group. Volunteers were then reassessed 4 years later. Remarkably and unlike the other groups, heavy resistance training helped to preserve both isometric leg strength and lean muscle mass. Resistance training with weights is an important part of maintaining good health in the elderly.

Reference:
Bloch-Ibenfeldt M, Theil Gates A, Karlog K, Demnitz N, Kjaer M, Boraxbekk CJ. Heavy resistance training at retirement age induces 4-year lasting beneficial effects in muscle strength: a long-term follow-up of an RCT. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024;10:e001899.
Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

10/25/2024

Lifestyle Changes or Psychotherapy for Mild Depression?

Changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise) has an important impact on mood. In one study, they took a group of individuals (men and women average age 45 years) who had a mild depression and assigned them to either psychotherapy (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy) or lifestyle modifications (i.e. exercise and Mediterranean style diet) consisting of six online video sessions. After 2 months of treatment, the improvement in depression symptoms (as measured by PHQ-9) was 37% in the psychotherapy group versus 43% in the lifestyle group. This research suggests that both treatment approaches were equally effective.

Reference:
O'Neil A, Perez J, Young LM, John T, Turner M, Saunders D, Mahoney S, Bryan M, Ashtree DN, Jacka FN, Bruscella C, Pilon M, Mohebbi M, Teychenne M, Rosenbaum S, Opie R, Hockey M, Peric L, De Araugo S, Banker K, Davids I, Tembo M, Davis JA, Lai J, Rocks T, O'Shea M, Mundell NL, McKeon G, Yucel M, Absetz P, Versace V, Manger S, Morgan M, Chapman A, Bennett C, Speight J, Berk M, Moylan S, Radovic L, Chatterton ML. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote-delivered, online lifestyle therapy versus psychotherapy for reducing depression: results from the CALM non-inferiority, randomised trial. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2024;49:101142.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

10/18/2024

Saw Palmetto: Helpful for Overactive Bladder?

Saw palmetto is well known herbal remedy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men. However, a recent controlled research study suggests that it may also be helpful for women older than 50 years of age with an overactive bladder. In that study, Japanese women with overactive bladder were given 320 mg of saw palmetto extract daily for 12 weeks. At the end of study, those women who took the herb had a significant reduction in daytime urinary frequency and night-time urination.

Reference:
Yamada S, Shirai M, Ono K, Kageyama S. Beneficial Effects of Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract on Urinary Symptoms in Japanese Female Subjects by a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022;14:1190.

Disclaimer:
The information found in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding an existing medical condition and/or starting/modifying an existing treatment or new health condition.

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