Complimentary and alternative medicine

Question 1

what are the two main safety concerns of the NIH for safe use of CAM?

Answer 1

1. drug interactions

2. contamination

Question 2

what are the 6 NIH recommendations for CAM?

Answer 2

1. check first with doctor
2. research CAM provider
3. is CAM provider willing to work with primary?
4. does CAM provider have experience with specific problem?
5. don’t assume insurance covers the cost
6. keep all providers up to date on who you see and what you take

Question 3

what does the research show for omega 3 and CVD?

Answer 3

reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, blood clot prevention

Question 4

what does the research show for omega 3 and lipids?

Answer 4

1. significant reduction in trigs

2. HDL improvement

Question 5

what is the compound in garlic responsible for its health benefits?

Answer 5

allicin

Question 6

garlic is used for what conditions?

Answer 6

hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol

Question 7

be cautious with garlic if you are on what type of meds?

Answer 7

anti-clotting

Question 8

glucosamine may reduce the effectiveness of what drugs?

Answer 8

hypoglycemic drugs

Question 9

short term ginseng use can be beneficial for what organ system?

Answer 9

heart (antioxidant effects)

Question 10

what are the beneficial compounds in ginkgo?

Answer 10

flavanoids and terpenoids

Question 11

what are the contraindications for ginkgo use?

Answer 11

thiaxide diuretic, aspirin, anti-clotting

Question 12

CoQ10 supplements have been linked to improvement in what conditions?

Answer 12

heart disease, hypertension, CHF, parkinsons

Question 13

what are the medications with very narrow therapeutic windows?

Answer 13

1. anticoagulants (warfarin)
2. arrhythmia medications
3. seizure medications
4. medications that prevent organ transplant