Acupuncture may reduce side effects of breast cancer drugs

Acupuncture may reduce side effects of breast cancer medications such as aromatase inhibitors, a recent study published in the journal Cancer has suggested. Aromatase inhibitors are estrogen-lowering drugs being used to treat estrogen-responsive breast cancers. Some of the common side effects of aromatase inhibitors are hot flashes and menopausal symptoms.                                                                              

In the randomized clinical trial study, acupuncture reduced menopausal symptoms in aromatase-inhibitors treated breast cancer patients. No side effects or risks were reported after acupuncture treatment, the researchers have noted.

The study included 47 breast cancer patients who were assigned to receive either acupuncture treatment or a sham treatment for eight weeks. Reduced severity and frequency of hot flashes, night sweats, joints and muscle pain were reported in the treatment group.

Yoga improve overall wellbeing of breast cancer patients

Practicing yoga could improve quality of life and general well being among breast cancer patients, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has suggested.                                                                       

The study was conducted by the researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study involved about 191 breast cancer patients who were divided into three groups based on physical activity. No activity, yoga practicing and simple stretching group. Some of the common yoga exercises are relaxation techniques, breathing and meditation. All the participants have received radiation therapy.

When compared to other groups, yoga practiced group has experienced improved overall well being and quality of life including ability to engage in routine activities with reduced stress and fatigue. Research studies have suggested that yoga restored normal neural activity and reduced stress hormones such as cortisol.

Eat yogurt to cut diabetes risk

Eating low-fat yogurt and cottage-cheese could reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus by one-third, a study has suggested in Diabetologia.                                                                          

The study has assessed 4000 UK people between 45 and 74 years of age, including 753 type-2 diabetics. When compared to non-eaters, people who consumed large amounts of low-fat yogurt, fromage frais and cottage cheese were less likely to develop type-2 diabetes by 28%.

Although the study could not prove the causal link, the association between the factors was strong.