Complementary Medicine

The Best of Natural and Pharmaceutical Medicine

Jacob Teitelbaum MD, internist and author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!, researches treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia. See full bio

March 18, 2009

Iron Better than Requip for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Here’s another study confirming what we’ve known for years: that treating low iron (even with normal iron tests) is critical for treating Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), and I find it to be more effective than the medication “Requip.” Read More

February 4, 2009

Treating Glaucoma Naturally

Glaucoma, which is increased pressure in the eyes, has been nicknamed the "sneak thief of sight" because the loss of visual field often occurs gradually over a long time with no other symptoms, and may only be recognized when it is already quite advanced. Natural therapies can help. Read More

January 30, 2009

Vision Loss from Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of age related vision loss (besides needing reading glasses). Fortunately, natural treatments are very helpful for both prevention and treatment. Read More

January 7, 2009

Vision Loss in One Eye

Sudden loss of vision in one eye should be treated as a medical emergency, and the person should immediately be taken to the emergency room. This symptom can be a warning sign for a stroke, just like loss of function in an arm or leg on one side or sudden difficulty with speech can be a warning sign for an oncoming stroke. Caught early, the entire stroke may be prevented, where waiting could leave the person paralyzed. Read More

December 31, 2008

Eye Floaters

Tired of seeing spots when you don't have a dalmation? In rare cases where there is a new sudden shower of them in one eye, this can represent a medical emergency (called a "retinal tear") which should be seen in the ER or by your eye doctor immediately. For the rest of us, this common nuisance can be ignored, but can sometimes be treated as well.
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December 22, 2008

Treating Cataracts Naturally

Feeling like your vision has gotten cloudy as you've aged? Though cataract surgery can be helpful in some, cataracts can often be prevented and treated naturally. Read More

December 16, 2008

Natural Treatments for Pink Eye

Often called "pink eye" or "red eye," conjunctivitis is a painful and/or itchy redness of the whites of one's eyes. It is most commonly due to an allergic reaction or an infection (usually bacterial, but sometimes viral). It can be treated, however, using natural therapies.
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December 8, 2008

Sleep Your Way to Skinny?

Obesity is epidemic, and has many causes. One of them is that the average nights' sleep has dropped from 9 hours a night to under 7 hours a night over the last hundred years, and sleep is responsible for many weight and appetite controlling hormones. So can you really sleep your way to skinny? Many studies suggest you can. Read More

December 3, 2008

Curing Restless Legs Syndrome

Are you tired despite getting a good night's sleep? Do you kick your blankets or bed partner around all night? If so, you may have Restless Legs Syndrome, where your legs are running a marathon all night while you sleep. Read More

November 7, 2008

Eliminate Nerve Pain Naturally

Nerve pain (called neuropathic pain), is one of the more difficult and uncomfortable types of pain. Whether the pain comes from diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgia, chemotherapy, or a host of other causes, this searing, burning, electric shock kind of pain can leave you miserable. Unfortunately, most physicians are still not trained in treating nerve pain, and give anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin (which are not effective and kill over 16,500 Americans unnecessarily each year) or narcotics, which are modestly effective. Read More

Integrative Medicine Basics

Integrative or complementary medicine combines the best of standard medical treatment with holistic approaches including dietary changes, supplements, acupuncture and a focus on how one's mood and outlook impact physical well-being. Visit our Alternative Health Center for more information. &n

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