Prozac, the antidepressant taken by an estimated 40 million people, and similar drugs are “little better than placebos” says a new review. The analysis, published February 26, 2008 in the journal PLoS (Public Library of Science) Medicine, examined available data on the drugs, including results from 47 clinical trials. It broke new ground by incorporating data that the manufacturers chose not to publish, which the researchers obtained under U.S. freedom of information laws.
The trials compared the effects on patients taking the drugs with those using a placebo. The drugs in the trials included fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Seroxat), venlafaxine (Effexor) and nefazodone (Serzone).
When all the data was compiled, it appeared that patients taking the drugs had improved, but those on placebo improved just as much. The only exception: the most severely depressed patients did better on the drugs. Prof. Irving Kirsch of Hull University, who led the study, concluded that, “there seems to be little reason to prescribe antidepressant medication to any but the most severely depressed patients, unless alternative treatments have failed.”
Eli Lilly, maker of market-leader Prozac, disputed the review’s conclusion. “Extensive scientific and medical experience has demonstrated that fluoxetine is an effective antidepressant," it said in a statement.
My view: The fact is that a variety of lifestyle, dietary and psychotherapeutic interventions have a much better record of success against depression than these drugs have ever had. Serious depression is a medical problem that in many cases demands serious pharmaceutical treatment, but patients with mild or moderate depression would be much better served trying a prudent mix of exercise, diet and cognitive therapy.
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Ginkgo Biloba for Sharper Memory in Old Age
Ginkgo biloba has long been used to enhance memory. The latest news on this popular herb comes from a small study showing that taking it at 85 or after may protect memory at a time in life when forgetfulness can become a problem. Investigators at Oregon State University at Corvallis found that ginkgo lowered the risk of memory problems by 70 percent compared to a placebo. About half of the 118 participants took a standardized ginkgo extract three times a day; those in the other half took the placebo. None had memory problems when the study began. During the course of the 42 month-long study, 14 people taking the placebo and seven who took the ginkgo developed mild memory problems. The downside: an increased risk of stroke among participants who took the ginkgo. The researchers said that the strokes were caused by blood clots, not the bleeding problems that have been linked to ginkgo. They noted that the findings - and the stroke risk - need to be investigated in larger studies. The results were published online on Feb. 27, 2008 in Neurology.
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Exercise to Prevent Gallstones
Worried about gallstones? If so, exercise might head off problems. At least, it seems to work in mice. Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana, fed 50 mice that were prone to gallstones a diet designed to promote formation of the stones. They then divided the mice into an endurance exercise group (the animals ran for 45 minutes a day five days a week) and the mouse version of a couch-potato group. After 12 weeks, the investigators euthanized all the mice so that they could compare the animals’ gallstones. Those from the sedentary mice weighed a total of 143 milligrams, while those from the exercising mice weighed 53 mg. It would be tough to do the same kind of study in humans because it takes years for our gallstones to form, the researchers said. But they suggested that since the formation process is the same in humans as it is in mice, exercise could have the same positive effect on human gallstones. The study was published in the March 2008 Journal of Applied Physiology.
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Tofu with Cilantro Sauce
Soy foods are a wonderful source of beneficial phytoestrogens and can help protect against several types of cancer. One of my favorites is tofu. Tofu has a neutral flavor and absorbs different seasonings, making it versatile and an excellent choice for culinary experimentation. In this dish, which can be served as a light entrée or side dish, it develops real zest from a sauce made with fresh cilantro and ginger root. Cilantro, also known as fresh coriander or Chinese parsley, is an herb used in Asian and Mexican cooking. Ginger provides anti-inflammatory effect along with its unique, spicy flavor.
Serve this to anyone still unsure about tofu. They'll be pleasantly surprised and you will absolutely delight the bean curd lovers in your life.
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Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
Eating for Your Energy: Become a Grazer. A large meal can trigger your body to release more insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to drop and leaving you in a fatigue-inducing slump. Skipping meals only deprives your body of needed calories, and sets you up for energy-draining overeating at your next meal. Instead, eat smaller meals or healthy snacks throughout the day, which will help keep blood sugar levels steady.
Featured Discussion:
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I find this problem … baffling (and) hope that someone (can) point me in the right direction. Whenever I lay on my left side, I immediately have to make a trip to the restroom, regardless of day or night.
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The Future of Health Care in America
Join us Thursday, March 13th, 2008 for a lecture by Dr. Andrew Weil. Twice the cover subject of TIME magazine, Dr. Weil is a Harvard-trained physician and author of several bestselling books including Spontaneous Healing, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health and Healthy Aging. Click here to register.
Tackling the Toxic Table: Foraging for Healthy Food in a Global Economy
Join Dr. Weil on Sunday, April 13, 2008 and a group of bestselling authors, health and nutrition experts, nutrition researchers and journalists for an exciting and informative discussion of what is "good" food - from the personal to the global.
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5th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
April 13-16, 2008 - Expanding on the success of the first four Nutrition and Health annual conferences, the 2008 meeting will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. For more information: http://www.nutritionandhealthconf.org/index.htm
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