The Role of Science in CAM

Science is defined as the study of knowledge. For as long as there is something new to learn, science would intervene for the unquenchable search for new information and understanding. Same happens for the study of alternative medicines.

As a non-profit organization advocating on alternative, complementary and integrative medicines, The Peterson Group is often faced with numerous complaints regarding the lack of evidences on conventional medicines and questions on issues which we, admittedly, have not yet known ourselves. We call for more research and pragmatic trials which are rarely seen from treatments claiming benefits from mere touch. In gathering evidences from some of the most notorious places to use alternative medicines, we have learned how culture has been one of the biggest factors in it adaptation and success. Science is a mere coincidence as the treatment in acupuncture in China, herbs in South Korea, smoke treatments in Bangkok, Thailand and homeopathy in Jakarta, Indonesia continue to stay mainstream despite of its conventionalism.

Science is meant to be unbiased and risk culture and tradition in order to prove a treatment’s effectivity. Yet, in order for the components of an outcome to be fully measured, specific effects of the intervention and non-specific effects such as true placebo effects, cognitive measurement biases and other effects should be included.

Negative true placebo effects (‘frustrebo effects’) in the comparison group and cognitive measurement biases in the comparison group and the experimental group make the non-specific effect look like a benefit for the intervention group. However, the clinical importance of these effects is often dismissed or ignored without justification. The bottom line is that, for results from open pragmatic trials to be trusted, research is required to measure the clinical importance of true placebo effects, cognitive bias effects, and specific effects of treatments.

Science has greatly stated that just because alternative method is known to extract placebo effect which can treat a certain disease or ailment, it would immediately justify its processes. It does not even assure that all medicines claiming to be alternative are not fraudulent. Therapy should be measured on the treatment’s capability to alter physiological condition and not base on the less predictable placebo effect. Science has the critical role to make sure that all evidence is prevalent and not just a hinting thought.

Medical facts are determined through a process in which hundreds of medical practitioners and scientists are gathered for observation, deliberation and review. It is not, as they emphasize something which can be decided with a single cure of luck.

Reiki: Quack or Not

In previous articles, we have discussed aromatherapy, yoga and other alternative and traditional medicines which claim to be good for our health and wellness even without scientific study to back them up. Still, these methods of healing and treatments have astonished even those practicing medicine that they began to integrate it on their own processes. Integrative and complementary medicines also started to emerge and patronized.

Another one that is making a name in medical practice is the Japanese method called Reiki. Rei means Universal Life while Ki would mean energy. According to researches and reviews made by The Peterson Group, this practice is not in any way affiliated with religion or religious beliefs.  This method is believed to be taken from unlimited life force supply from any living being which means that anyone can learn and do this. The only cases of fraudulent act may come from people asking for payment when doing this. It is therefore advisable to go to a legitimate practitioner.

This method is also done for free in many hospitals to help patients recuperate from an operation or illness.

It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy. It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free flowing. When this is true a person’s body and mind is in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.

A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness.

A session is usually 60 to 90 minutes long. A discussion will usually take place during an initial session with a Reiki Practitioner. They will describe the session to the client, give the client an opportunity to discuss any particular problems or issues they are experiencing and ask them what they are hoping to achieve from their session. For the actual session, the client will rest comfortably on a massage table on their back with their shoes removed. Reiki can be performed with the client sitting comfortably in a chair as well. Unlike massage therapy, no articles of clothing are removed and a client is always fully clothed; loose, comfortable clothing is suggested. A session can either be hands-on, where a Practitioner will apply a light touch during the session, or hands-off where they will hold their hands slightly above your body. If a client prefers not to be touched they can indicate this to the practitioner before they begin.

According to one practitioner in Jakarta, Indonesia states that sessions should be repeated 6-8 times to fully recover from pain or totally get rid of stress.

CAM for Menopause

Just as many complementary, alternative and integrative medicines are emerging nowadays, more and more people are patronizing non-scientific based treatment for any illness, disease, physical or physiological disablement. Even menopausal women are now exploring these medicines to either prevent or lessen the effects brought by this natural phenomenon.

According to The Peterson Group experts had found out that many middle aged women use black cohosh, multibotanical supplements and dietary soy has grown dramatically, perhaps in part due to fear of prescription hormones. This makes it important for doctors to be prepared to provide patients with up-to-date, evidence-based information as there are a lot of women who tend to believe claims of almost impossible effects in an almost impossible time frame. With little flowery words from fraudsters and a desperate middle-age, the deal may spread like wildfire among other women.

Patients should know that few CAM remedies for menopause-related symptoms have been scientifically evaluated and, to the extent they have been studied, robust evidence for the efficacy of many therapies is lacking. In randomized controlled clinical trials, soy foods, is flavone supplements, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids have not consistently been shown to be better than placebo for treating hot flashes.

On the other hand, a growing body of evidence suggests that mind and body practices such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and acupuncture may benefit women during menopause.

Mind and Body Therapies for Menopausal Symptoms

A 2010 review of 21 papers assessed mind and body therapies for menopausal symptoms. The researchers found that yoga, tai chi, and meditation-based programs may be helpful in reducing common menopausal symptoms including the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, sleep and mood disturbances, stress, and muscle and joint pain.

Another 2010 review based in Jakarta, Indonesia assessed studies that examined the use of acupuncture for hot flashes related to natural or induced menopause. The studies that the researchers included in their review were limited to acupuncture studies performed using needles stimulated by hand or electrically. The researchers found that acupuncture may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes; they also concluded that the effect may occur regardless of where the acupuncture needle is placed on the body. However, some studies did not provide sufficient evidence to support the use of acupuncture for hot flashes due to their small size and poor quality. Further research is needed to provide more conclusive results.

The Peterson Group is also currently conducting research and studies relating to menopausal stage of women, hot flushes and how further the use of alternative medicines can ease pain or side effects related to it.

Radionics: Science or Magic

Radionics is one of those alternative medicines which, until now, has been a cause of debate among its analysts. There have been certain studies but the mystery still remains.

According to studies conducted by The Peterson Group, a world-wide non-profit organization with an aim to identify both the negative and positive effects of alternative, integrative and complementary medicines, radionics is now being acknowledged in research centers as one of the ways to treat diseases and ailments albeit the continuous search for its process.

On the other hand, studies from Jakarta, Indonesia have simple explanation for radionics’ healing effects: life force. This energy has been believed at by traditional studies but is not supported by western belief.

Based on the nature of radionics itself, it is easy to see why western science is going to dismiss its validity. First of all western science does not, as yet, recognize the existence of any form of energy known as Life-Force. The question of putting up certain rates and ratios to represent organs, structures and functions, are dismissed as fraudulent since they consider such rates as arbitrary.

With the arguments of scientific studies, one may be tempted to think that because science is not able to find out how the machinery, treatment and the process itself work, it is considered quackery and a manifestation of public deception. But what if a person says he has a brain to a kid, wouldn’t able to prove it and explain how he got the brain, should the kid also perceive him to be a fraud and without a brain?

To further explain, radionics theory has two basic principles:

1.            the concept that man and all life forms share a common ground in that they are immersed in the electro-magnetic field of the earth

2.            that each life form has its own electro-magnetic field, which is sufficiently distorted, will ultimately result in disease of the organism

The scope of Radionics itself is unlimited as no one knows the limits as no one can ever even define it. At some point, it is used to determine the structural and functional integrity of the body and identify the causes of disease hidden within.

At another level, the determination of the states of the energy centers (chakras) provides a picture of energy flows in the body and enables the practitioner to gain a deeper insight into the reasons behind certain physical and psychological imbalances. To this may be added and analysis of the qualities of energy within specific psychic structures.

It can be used to complement other forms of therapy, and its efficacy is such that it forms a complete system of healing on its own right.

Hair Loss Issues and Medications

Being vain in today’s generation is an accepted norm and with the existence of everything which helps us achieve our better self, the world is conceived to offer all the solutions for every problem.

One of the most embarrassing moments in one’s life which many people do experience but are afraid to admit is hair loss. Admit it or not, with a lot of emerging products from hair coloring to achieving the perfect curl, we knowingly damage our hair for the sake of beauty. Fortunately, we have existing solutions for this issue as well.

According to a study conducted by the Peterson Group, an online community dedicated to know the real effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative medicines in the new generation’s health and lifestyle, there are various choices available to prevent hair loss. Treatments can range from medications, surgery, laser therapy, wigs and hairpieces. Physicians may suggest combination of one or two method in order to get the best results.

It is important to know the cause of your hair loss to prevent any complications. If your hair loss is caused by a certain internal disease, a treatment may be needed. This will include drugs to reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system. Warning signs should be watched out for. Only your legitimate doctor can treat it properly for you.

Medications are available to treat pattern baldness. Two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss are:

1.            Minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil is an over-the-counter liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp twice a day to grow hair and to prevent further hair loss. It may be used by men and women. With this treatment, some people experience hair regrowth, a slower rate of hair loss or both. The effect peaks at 16 weeks and you need to keep applying the medication to retain benefits. This medication is not allowed to be imported to some countries including Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Possible side effects include scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth on the adjacent skin of the face and hands, and rapid heart rate (tachycardia).

2.            Finasteride (Propecia). This prescription drug is available only to men. It's taken daily in pill form. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show some new hair growth. You need to keep taking it to retain benefits.

Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Women who are or may be pregnant need to avoid touching crushed or broken tablets.

There are cases of deaths due to adverse effects of drugs taken without any prescription from the doctor and we would like our readers to be informed of the possible outcome when you continue taking medications which you have little knowledge of. Please review your options cautiously and consult your doctor when side effects occur.

Supplements for Athletes

Physical fitness and good health is very important for athlete. Each athlete has his own goals and body to take care of. There is a special training program and nutrition plan from which each supplement is being weighed and estimated, each food reviewed. Everyone has to have an edge of a healthier lifestyle than others.

The Peterson Group, an online community aiming for to create awareness on the real effects of alternative, complementary and integrative medicines, has athletes registered as members. We ask them what supplements they are taking and how sure they are on its effectiveness. We have gathered their answers and here are the results of the survey:

Caffeine for Endurance

Caffeine has given an edge to tennis players, cyclists, soccer players, runners, rowers, and others in scientific studies. In some trials, the stimulant boosted athletes’ speed. In others, it helped them last longer before they spent all their energy. Some studies show that caffeine can curb soreness after exercise, too. This kind of nutrient cannot only be found in coffee. You can take in caffeine through energy drinks and shots, tablets, chewing gum, sport gels and sprays. A little warning from our athlete friends though, each individual has special caffeine needs so you must first read the label before taking it.

Creatine

Experts consider creatine safe for healthy people, such as athletes. Some people take a higher dose for the first week -- about four servings of 5 grams each per day -- to “load” their muscles with the supplement. Then they drop to a “maintenance” dose of about 2 grams per day.

Beta-Alanine for Burning Muscles

Athletes take beta-alanine in a capsule or a drink powder to curb that burn so they can push through the exercise. A cyclist states that he take beta-alanine for 4 weeks which is backed up by some studies conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ergogenic Drugs

Ergogenic drugs are substances that are used to enhance athletic performance. These drugs include illicit substances as well as compounds that are marketed as nutritional supplements. Many such drugs have been used widely by professional and elite athletes for several decades. In recent years, research indicates that younger athletes are increasingly experimenting with these drugs to improve both appearance and athletic abilities.

In the United States, they have released the Athlete Guide to the 2015 Prohibited List just recently. The list is intended to provide practical guide on the detailed information regarding how prohibited drugs can affect an athlete.

CAM Review: 5-HTP

With a lot of CAM and Integrative Medicines lurking in the market today, you just might not know you are already purchasing one. But because of the desire for illness to get cured, trials are made to those medicines which are said to heal even without scientific bases. From this, labs and medical practitioners identify medicines even without doing a clinical testing but mainly on observations of what a certain herb or supplement can do to a person.

The Peterson Group, an online community with an aim to identify the real effects of Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative medicines to be able to determine its importance to the society. One supplement that was to our attention is 5-hydroxytriptan, better known as 5-HTP which is being used by some people in an effort to support their mental health and immune system.

5-HTP has been used for a variety of conditions including anxiety, various sleep disorders, hyperactivity disorders, cerebellar ataxia, depression, primary fibromyalgia syndrome, and migraines. This type of CAM is mostly used in developing cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand.

However, medicinal use of 5-HTP has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and much of the information available regarding 5-HTP's use is anecdotal and not supported by research. FDA fears that the supplement is one of the products manufactured by fraudulent importers who take advantage of the mainstream demand of the product and its price.

It's also important to note that not all of the research available on 5-HTP includes studies done in humans, and more research is needed to determine if 5-HTP is a safe or effective supplement. Although FDA and the authorities have not done any arrest on the illegal exchange of 5-HTP, they never lack warning individuals on the possibility of scam.

For what it’s worth, 5-HTP is said to have the following effects:

• 5-HTP and Weight Loss - Some studies show that 5-HTP appears to help support weight loss by causing a decrease in appetite.

• 5-HTP and Anxiety - Given the fact that 5-HTP is a building block or precursor to the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin, scientists have explored the potential benefit of 5-HTP in lowering anxiety.

• 5-HTP and Depression - Because of serotonin's known benefit in treating depression, 5-HTP is thought to possibly play a beneficial role in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Human Growth Hormones

In every continent and every nation, each culture has their own pride and their own insecurities. Americans may want to get some tan like many Asians. Being Asian, however, may have a lot of insecurities than any others. One of the most known complex of Asians especially those living in, let’s say, Cambodia, the Philippines or Indonesia is height.

The average height of a typical South East Asian male is 163 cm. Asian people that stand 175cm. and above are mostly from South Asia where records of tallest men and women are reported to come from. Because of this, many Asians are tagged as “midgets” or “little people” which, of course, can hurt anyone’s pride.

According to a study of The Peterson Group, an online community which has an aim to bring awareness to the real effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicines, a supplement has been discovered to increase the usual growth of an individual.

Products which are said to contain Human Growth Hormone (HGH) have been patronized by those who are not that blessed when it comes to height. However, experts say that hope is unfounded. And worse, these products can be harmful as most are products of fraudulent acts without any aim to help you grow but to make money out of the great desire to be taller than what is supposed to. A teenager in Jakarta, Indonesia was even reported to be hospitalized and it was later found out that he has taken height increasing supplements which is believed to contain HGH, only, it was a scam.

HGH, produced by the pituitary gland, spurs growth in children and adolescents. It also helps to regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism, and possibly heart function. Produced synthetically, HGH is the active ingredient in a number of prescription drugs and in other products available widely over the Internet.

HGH Uses and Abuses

In a review, synthetic human growth hormone was developed in 1985 and approved by the FDA for specific uses in children and adults. In children, HGH injections are approved for treating short stature of unknown cause as well as poor growth due to a number of medical causes, including:

• Turner's syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a girl's development

• Prader-Willi syndrome, an uncommon genetic disorder causing poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones, and a constant feeling of hunger

• Chronic kidney insufficiency

• HGH deficiency or insufficiency

• Children born small for gestational age

In adults, approved uses of HGH include:

• Short bowel syndrome, a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed due to severe intestinal disease or the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine

• HGH deficiency due to rare pituitary tumors or their treatment

• Muscle-wasting disease associated with HIV/AIDS

But the most common uses for HGH are not FDA-approved. Some people use the hormone, along with other performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids in an attempt to build muscle and improve athletic performance. Yet HGH's effect on athletic performance is unknown.

Supplements for Weight Loss

There are more than thousands of supplements emerging in the market today. And there are a lot of people depending on supplements for their daily wellness. Despite government’s warnings on the possible effects of using supplements and other complementary, alternative and integrative medicines, the greater public has tried different CAM especially for existing problems of weight loss.

There isn't a lot of science backing up the claims, and some have health risks. A doctor’s prescription is best to rely on before taking any medications or herbs. Also, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has cracked down on some weight loss supplements that had prescription drugs in them that weren't noted on the label. You can't always tell what you're getting.

The FDA does regulate dietary supplements, but it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.

The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization bringing awareness on the effects of non-scientific based and herbal medicines which are being patronized by a lot of people from all over the world, has found some common ingredients found in over-the-counter supplements and remedies for weight loss.

1. Chitosan

This is a sugar that comes from the hard outer layers of lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. It’s said to block the absorption of fats and cholesterol.

The reviews on whether it works for weight loss are mixed. Doses from 1 to 5 grams have been studied.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says there is “insufficient reliable evidence to rate” chitosan for weight loss. Some studies show it may help, and others show it doesn’t. And many of the studies aren’t very good. Still, cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Taipei, Taiwan and Singapore are continuously promoting the use of chitosan with their drugs and food.

2. Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is a mineral that enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical to metabolism. Your body also needs it to store carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

There are claims that chromium supplements can:

• lower appetite

• help burn more calories

• cut body fat

• boost muscle mass

But one review of 24 studies examining the effects of 200 to 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of chromium a day found no significant benefits. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says that chromium is "possibly ineffective" for weight loss.

Rarely, chromium supplements can cause side effects such as:

• insomnia 

• irritability 

• headache

Also, at least three people have developed kidney and liver damage when taking chromium. People with either kidney or liver problems should not take it.

3. Beta Glucan

A concentrated soluble fiber derived from yeasts, mushrooms, and algae, beta-glucans come in many forms but all have the effect of lowering cholesterol with the additional benefits of weight loss and helping control diabetes.

CAM also dominates Cancer Fight

The treatment for cancer has been developed ever since its discovery. Thousands of victims have lost their lives because of the lack of solution despite billions of dollars invested for the elimination of this killer illness. In frustration, many people with cancer and families of these victims result to anything that can help them including complementary and alternative treatments. If cancer makes you feel as if you have little control over your health, alternative cancer treatments may offer some feeling of control. But many alternative cancer treatments are unproved and some may even be dangerous.

To help you sort out the real treatments from scam CAMS, The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization with an aim to deliver awareness on the real effects of CAM, prepared these alternative cancer treatments that are experts on the field claim. There is also a growing evidence that these treatments may provide some benefits:

1.       Acupuncture

Reviews show acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer. This process is widespread not only in China where it originated but to its neighboring countries as well from the Buddhist country of Thailand, Islam country of Indonesia where reports show increasing practice in Jakarta to the liberal states in United States.

2.       Aromatherapy

People with cancer that is estrogen sensitive, such as some breast cancers, should avoid applying large amounts of lavender oil and tea tree oil to the skin.

3.       Exercise

Exercise may help you manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise may help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better. Many studies now show that an exercise program may help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life.

4.       Hypnosis

Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress. It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.

5.       Massage

Massage can be safe if you work with a knowledgeable massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.

Glutathione: An Anti-Oxidant and Whitening Trend

In Asia, reports of the rampant usage of said “whitening” pill and products that have contents of glutathione, a small protein composed of: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine – amino acids involved in the detoxification process of the body, thus strengthening the immune system. It is among the top nutrients needed by the body to maintain good health, prevent disease and delay the skin’s ageing process.

In Jakarta, Indonesia and India, a lot of people, especially women are using products which claim to have glutathione. Before anything else though, The Peterson Group, a world-wide non-profit organization with an aim to identify both the negative and positive effects of alternative, integrative and complementary medicines, would like to introduce what Glutathione really is and its importance in our health.

In layman’s terms, glutathione is basically a naturally occurring substance that acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier. It is something that can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma, and burns.

A handful of researchers are saying the antioxidant glutathione can do all that and maybe more.

Antioxidants -- the most well known of which are vitamins C and E -- are important for good health because they neutralize free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease.

Further reviews on its effects show that glutathione is also associated with skin whitening. It is known to help remove dark spots and blemishes, prevents wound scars and outbreak of pimples, and delay formation of wrinkles and age lines.

Glutathione injections were one of the big time news from the media. It was reported later though that there are fraudulent sellers of products which claims to have high dosage of glutathione within it. Fraud people also act as doctors in injecting chemicals which they claim as glutathione for such a low price to the public. After subsequent use of these chemicals, serious side effects and fatal complications were reported. So what’s the culprit? Definitely the fake and the sub-standard ones! Also, FDA has warned the community that Glutathione injections are not an approved skin whitening products. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to take caution when using these chemicals. You’ll never know, your dream of achieving a luminous skin may end up to a scary result.

Understanding Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is known all around the region for its different names. It may be Tylenol in Jakarta, Indonesia or Paracetamol in the Philippines. You have probably taken acetaminophen at one time or another for fever or pain relief.

When used as directed, taking acetaminophen is generally safe and effective. But it can be harmful if it’s not taken correctly. The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization bringing awareness to the public on the effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicines has taken the step to further review this over-the-county drug, which according to many is one of the thousand placebo medicines in the market.

Benefits

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used medicine for pain relief in the United States. For most people, when used as directed, it safely reduces fever and relieves many kinds of mild to moderate pain -- from backaches, headaches, and sprains to arthritis and menstrual cramps. And when it’s taken correctly, side effects are rare.

Another benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn’t cause stomach upset or heart problems -- both possible risks with the other major type of OTC pain relievers, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Risks

When taken incorrectly, however, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Specialists also gives out warning that this drug increases risk of liver damage if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks every day, take more than the recommended dose (overdose), or if you take any additional drugs that also contain acetaminophen at the same time.

How to Use Acetaminophen Safely

• For some health conditions, talk with your doctor first. Ask your doctor about taking acetaminophen if you have liver disease or have three or more alcoholic drinks a day. If you’re at higher risk for liver damage from acetaminophen -- even at the recommended dose -- your doctor may advise you not to take it.

• Take it as directed. Take acetaminophen as instructed on the Drug Facts label or follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. Don't take it for longer than 10 days without checking with your doctor.

• Make sure to use the correct dosage. Don’t take more acetaminophen than directed or take it more often than directed. Taking more than recommended can damage your liver -- and won’t provide any more pain relief.

• Don’t take other medications with acetaminophen. Read labels carefully so you don’t take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in more than 600 different OTC and prescription medicines, including pain medications, fever reducers, and cold and flu symptom remedies.

The Effects of Dietary Supplements

Trying to lose weight? Have you done almost all of the exercise that you can get like yoga and tai chi? Have you ever considered taking dietary pills to lose weight? As a health advocate and one of the nation’s medical research agencies—supporting, reviewing and proving scientific studies on alternative, complementary and integrative medicines, The Peterson Group is trying to justify the effects of dietary supplements to a person’s life. In our research, we have found the dangers of weight loss pills.

1. No Guarantee

Dietary supplements do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold to the public. With so many companies and products, it is easy for unsafe ingredients to find their way into popular diet pills, going unnoticed until adverse reactions and complaints are reported to the FDA.

2. Risk for Stroke and Heart Attack

The main ingredients in many diet pills are stimulants that have been found to increase risk for heart attack and stroke. Often these stimulants are prescription level drugs that have been banned from the market, but they illegally make their way back into these pills due to poor regulation of dietary supplements.

3. Addiction

Diet pills often contain amphetamines, anti-anxiety drugs, and antidepressants. Not only is this a dangerous mix, but these drugs are also highly addictive.

4. Multiple Side Effects.

Some diet pills contain fat blockers that decrease nutrient absorption and cause stomach upset. Other reported side effects of diet pills include constipation, headaches, and mood swings. In cities like Singapore, New Delhi, India and Jakarta, Indonesia, reports have increased on cases that shows adverse effects of dietary supplements intake.

5. Fraud Claims on Labels

Don’t believe every claim you read on the labels of dietary supplements. In a report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an analysis of 127 dietary supplements (including weight loss pills) found that 20 percent made illegal claims on the labels stating that the product cured or treated disease.

6. Ineffective

Many diet pills are simply a combination of caffeine and other diuretics, which cause water loss. Initially this results in a lower number on the scale, but this is not true fat loss and the water weight will return. Additionally, extreme water loss due to diet pills can cause dangerous dehydration.

7. You won’t change your habits.

Long term weight loss requires a change in your eating and exercise habits to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Taking a pill as a quick-fix method does not encourage you to gain a better understanding of how foods and exercise affect your weight. You are less likely to check food labels, record your food intake, and fit in your exercise if you think a pill is going to do the work for you. Taking pills forever is not sustainable

Homeopathic Height Increase Medicine: Being Tall A Boon or Bane?

South East Asians are known for a rather small height and we are oftentimes being criticized because of this. In response, we result to some conventional methods such as taking height increase medicines. These medicines are now considered a trend that a lot of it is being sold in streets. You can find a lot of these in packages around the streets of the suburban parts of Jakarta, Indonesia, Taipei, Taiwan and Tokyo, Japan. The experts fear that the usage of these fraud medicines can cause severe effects to an individual’s health.

In reviews conducted by The Peterson Group, one of the leading sources for trustworthy facts and timely health news and information regarding alternative, integrative and complementary medicines, conventional allopathic treatment, that most of us resort to, does not offer any medicine or specific treatment that can contribute in the growth of height. The anabolic steroids that are mostly suggested by the doctors for growing taller are not always effective and the side effects are too severe. This is where homeopathic medicines can make a lot of difference.

Although being short in height is not a disease or a shortcoming, having an average height does contribute to a striking personality. Moreover, a person can fulfill many activities with less effort if they have a good height. Lack of such abilities can make short-heighted persons feel alienated and depressed and it has been observed that many also lack confidence due to being short.

It’s necessary to now that why our body growth stops. The growth is not only dependent on genetic but hormones equally plays important role in body's growth. Cartilage is the joint which is present in between the hormones bones. Now it is proved that cartilage plays an important role in the growth of the body. Cartilage is like sponge or cushion present between the joints of the bones. Cartilage can be kept fit & fine by supplying good required amount of energetic food to the hormones because the development of the cartilage is the reflection of the growth of height.

Homeopathic medicines for height increase readily harmonize with the body’s immune system due to which they start creating immediate effect unlike other regular medicines that only suppress the body’s immune system.

Homeopathic medicines are natural and do not cause any side effects. Moreover, they can be taken for long duration without any fear of addiction. Most of the medicines are derived from natural components and hence these medicines have a holistic approach towards treatment. Therefore, you can continue taking this medicine even if you are being prescribed some other medicines in allopath, ayurveda or Unani.

So does homeopathy help one grow taller? The answer is yes, but to a certain extent. While you cannot defy genetics, you can certainly couple a good diet, exercise and homeopathic concoctions to grow a few inches taller!

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The Peterson Group is a non-profit organization with an aim to create awareness to the public on the wide spread of alternative medicines and its incorporation with evidence-based medicines that have been used in substitute for scientifically based medicines.

To prove the effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative Medicines, we have gathered team of professionals to distinguish the importance of these methods in the society, review the efficiency through various tests and experiments, gather complaints and create the awareness, thus, the existence of this site.