Study: probiotics may help treat ulcers

A strain of probiotic bacteria may be useful in treating ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that is considered one of the major risk factors in developing gastritis and gastric/ duodenal ulcers. The study is found in the February 2011 issue of the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal. “Currently, antibiotic-based treatment for H. pyloriContinue reading “Study: probiotics may help treat ulcers”

How well is your fertility treatment working? PCBs linked to IVF failure

A new study published today in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has revealed that PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) found in the environment are associated with the failure of fertilized embryos to implant in the uterus after in-vitro fertilization (IVF). PCBs were banned in the United States and other developed countries in the 1970s afterContinue reading “How well is your fertility treatment working? PCBs linked to IVF failure”

Childhood abuse and peptic ulcers

We all know that chronic stress, certain drugs or lifestyle habits as well as presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (aka H. pylori) all increase the risk of developing ulcers. But now researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered something new- Victims of childhood physical abuse are more than twice as likely to developContinue reading “Childhood abuse and peptic ulcers”

ADHD: look beyond the obvious

About a month ago, a mother brought his 8-year-old son to me. He was having difficulty at school, particularly in math class where he just “couldn’t get the math concepts”. Doctors/ specialists assessed him and concluded that it was ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The mother wanted a drugless approach so she wanted me to assessContinue reading “ADHD: look beyond the obvious”

Are anti-depressants in YOUR water?

The question may not be whether or not they’re lurking in your water, but rather how much there is and what implications this may have on our health.  A study funded by Health Canada and published online in January 2011 has revealed that anti-depressant drugs are now passing into the waterways and affecting fish. Dr. Sébastien Sauvé at the UniversityContinue reading “Are anti-depressants in YOUR water?”

Planning for a (healthy) baby?

Did you know that: In a study done by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 35.6% of male partners of infertile couples had a whole blood mercury concentration higher than the normal range (concentration of sperm, percentage of morphologically normal sperm and percentage of motile sperm were reduced in these men, though the difference wasContinue reading “Planning for a (healthy) baby?”

A new year, a new (lighter) you

Over-indulged this holiday season? Need to shed some extra weight? Whether you suffer from a health ailment due to being overweight or just want to look and feel better, the following health tips can help you shed the excess pounds and make your health a top priority in 2011!  Write it up and break it down! ResearchContinue reading “A new year, a new (lighter) you”

Omega-3 and your baby’s eye health

You may have heard that consuming omega-3s, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), during pregnancy is essential for proper fetal brain/ cognitive development, mental health as well as lowering the risk of postpartum depression. What you may not know is that DHA is also important for visual development. Researchers in Quebec, Canada, studied the effects of maternal omega-3 intake and concludedContinue reading “Omega-3 and your baby’s eye health”

Study: Pomegranate juice and prostate cancer

Love the tarty taste of pomegranate juice and its heart-healthy benefits? Here’s another reason to enjoy more of this antioxidant-packed superfood: Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found that components in pomegranate juice can both inhibit the movement of cancer cells and weaken their attraction to a chemical signal that promotes the metastasis (i.e.Continue reading “Study: Pomegranate juice and prostate cancer”

Be flight-smart this holiday season!

This article is especially dedicated to my patients who fly into Hong Kong for the day just to come see me. Your commitment to your health is commendable and I am honoured to be a part of your journey toward better health.   Traveling this holiday season? Or just a frequent flyer? The following tips will help you stay healthyContinue reading “Be flight-smart this holiday season!”