FDA to Tighten Oversight of Supplements

MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to strengthen regulation of dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs, the agency announced Monday.

The changes would be "one of the most significant modernizations of dietary supplement regulation and oversight in more than 25 years," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in an agency news release.

'Mindfulness' Might Help Some Conquer Chronic Pain

FRIDAY, Feb. 1, 2019 -- Instead of popping a painkiller, a little mindful yoga might go a long way toward easing longstanding pain, a new study suggests.

The review of 21 clinical trials involving nearly 2,000 people looked at the effects of two drug-free options for chronic pain: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a program called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). It combines meditation and gentle yoga postures.

Many Supplements Still Contain Dangerous Stimulants: Study

MONDAY, Oct. 22, 2018 -- The U.S. Drug and Food Administration has repeatedly warned manufacturers that many dietary supplements contain dangerous, experimental stimulants. But according to a new report, 75 percent of supplements tested still contain the compounds.

"Consumers turn to supplements for safe, natural ways to increase energy, improve workouts or lose weight," said study author Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor with Harvard Medical School. "[But] what most consumers don't know is that supplements can be sold as if they give you energy, help you lose weight or just about anything, as long as the supplement does not claim to cure or treat disease."

Daily Vitamin D Could Be a Lifesaver for Some COPD Patients

FRIDAY, Jan. 11, 2019 -- Deadly lung attacks may be averted in some COPD patients with a daily dose of vitamin D, new research suggests.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, includes a number of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Nearly all COPD deaths are due to a sudden worsening of symptoms (lung attacks), often triggered by viral upper respiratory infections, the researchers explained.

Mindfulness Can Help Tame Everyday Stress

TUESDAY, Jan. 1, 2019 -- Being in tune with the present moment -- called mindfulness -- can relieve stress and make you an actor rather than a reactor, a wellness expert says.

Focusing on what's happening right now allows people to notice things they might otherwise miss, said Dr. Timothy Riley. He is an assistant professor in the family and community medicine department at Penn State Health.