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Complementary and alternative medicine
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than 70 per cent of Canadians regularly use alternative health care therapies such as chiropractic care, yoga, acupuncture, vitamins and minerals, herbal products and homeopathic medicines. New research on complementary and alternative medicine continues to emerge. Read more about the latest evidence below.
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Engaging in the arts to improve mental well-being
Research explores the effects of group art-based programs on depressive symptoms. -
3 evidence-based benefits of tai chi
“Meditation in motion!” Research investigates the effectiveness of tai chi on various areas of health and well-being. -
3 outdoor activities and their effects on our health
Looking for outdoor activities that can improve your health? Learn what walking, guided gardening, and forest therapy have to offer. -
Supplements for falls prevention: What role can vitamin D and calcium play?
Research looks into whether vitamin D and calcium supplementation are effective for fall prevention. -
Being one with nature: The effects of forest therapy
Is nature calling us back? Research looks at the health benefits of forest therapy. -
Fact or fiction: The impact of vitamin D on 3 common diseases
Research tackles whether vitamin D is an effective option for the treatment or prevention of 3 common diseases. -
Finding success with non-drug strategies: 3 common diseases and conditions that can benefit
Research points to various diseases and conditions that can benefit from non-drug strategies. -
Living with dementia: Non-drug options for pain management
Pain reduction in people living with dementia. Non-drug options may be a good first step. -
Is vitamin D effective for mild to moderate asthma? It appears not!
Stay up to date! New research reverses initial finding of the positive impact of vitamin D use in people with mild to moderate asthma on severe asthma attacks. -
Let the music play: The role of music in cancer care
Research shows that music-based strategies may have the potential to improve many physical and psychological outcomes in adults with cancer. -
Reviewing conservative treatments for urinary incontinence in women
Can women lean on conservative treatments for urinary incontinence? Research highlights where the evidence lies for different options. -
Probing probiotics: 3 evidence-based benefits related to their use
From digestive to respiratory health, research highlights the potential benefits of probiotics. -
Preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections with probiotics?
Looking to avoid an acute upper respiratory tract infection? Research provides insight on probiotics as a preventative strategy. -
“Sweet dreams are made of these?” 3 strategies that aim to improve sleep
Sleep and sleep quality play an important role in keeping us healthy. There are multiple strategies that aim to help us sleep longer or better; research sheds light on which ones are effective and which ones we may want to pass on. -
Digestive health: 3 strategies to either do or not
Research highlights effective strategies and points of caution around treating specific digestive health issues. -
Caring for the skin you are in: What works?
Get your “skin in the game,” literally! Research shows that different non-drug topical treatments are available and may be beneficial for improving the health of your skin. -
6 evidence-based strategies for reducing blood pressure
Looking for strategies to help you reduce your blood pressure or keep it in check? From lowering your salt intake to supplements, multiple strategies are available to increase your chance of success. -
Can calcium supplementation reduce the risk of high blood pressure?
Looking to prevent high blood pressure? Research demonstrates that increasing calcium intake, namely through supplements, has a role to play. -
Horticultural therapy: Are there benefits to guided gardening?
Happy gardening! Research shows that horticultural therapy may hold physical and emotional health benefits. -
Preventing type 2 diabetes with the “sunshine” vitamin?
Prevention, prevention, prevention. Can vitamin D supplementation help keep type 2 diabetes at bay? Research findings appear to be positive for certain populations. -
Preventing lung cancer: Do supplements have a role to play?
Research highlights the lack of effectiveness and safety concerns associated with the use of supplements for lung cancer prevention. -
‘Behind the Music’: Music-making for cognitive health
Do you or a loved one live with cognitive impairment or dementia? You may want to try or consider music-making therapy. Preliminary research shows benefits for cognitive function. -
Turning on the tunes: 3 evidence-based benefits of music
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do! Research lends support to the use of music for improving our mental and physical health. -
Looking to catch some quality zzz’s? Let’s talk music!
They say if "you snooze, you lose”. But getting enough sleep, as well as good quality sleep, is important for our mental health, cognitive health, and physical health. Some evidence suggests that music may be a promising non-drug-based strategy for improving sleep quality in older adults. -
Finding success with non-drug treatments: 4 common conditions that can benefit
Are you living with dementia, high blood pressure, or urinary incontinence? See what the research has to say about your options for non-drug treatments. Hint: promising possibilities lie ahead. -
Getting “alternative” with nerve pain: Could herbal treatments be a source of relief?
Considering complementary and alternative options for nerve pain? You should know that the current evidence base on the potential benefits and harms of herbal treatments—specifically, nutmeg and St John's wort—is uncertain. -
Supplementing our diets with supplements for heart health?
At one time or another, dietary supplements have been a feature of many of our shopping carts and medicine cabinets. But is there substance to the hype when it comes to our heart health? The research suggests no, except in very specific scenarios. -
Keeping calm with non-drug options for people with dementia
Are you looking for non-drug alternatives for the management of agitation in dementia? The evidence shows there are several potentially effective options. -
Fact or fiction: What the research says about cannabis use for common conditions
Cannabis is increasingly touted as an effective treatment for a variety of ailments. But does the research support this? Find out whether cannabis is “worth the hype” for three common health conditions. -
5 research-based ways to support those living with type 2 diabetes
Are you looking for strategies to add to your diabetes management plan? Consider these 5 research-based techniques. -
Is echinacea good for upper respiratory tract infections?
The use of echinacea to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections continues to be a matter of hot debate. New research weighs in on the conversation. -
Does cannabis offer new hope for folks with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Is cannabis the answer for people with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis? The evidence is still out on its safety and effectiveness. -
Fact or fiction: Research reveals the truth about common supplements
There are many claims out there about the health benefits of dietary supplements, but not all claims are backed by evidence. Talk to your health care provider about which supplements may be beneficial to you. -
Preventing dementia: Are vitamin and mineral supplements worth the money?
Dementia is a major concern as we age. If you're hoping to fend off this devastating condition, based on current evidence, vitamin and mineral supplements may not be the answer. -
The up-and-up on treating premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a frustrating experience that can bring any man down. On the up-side, there are many treatments that can help. -
Is it just me, or is it hot in here? Take the heat out of menopause with these treatments
Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. If you are suffering from your own personal heat wave, find comfort in the fact that there are options available to help cool you down. -
Painful knees? What about acupuncture?
For people with knee osteoarthritis, living pain-free may seem a distant dream. The ancient practice of acupuncture may offer a way for people to reduce their pain and get back to their daily routine. -
Can vitamin D ward off acute respiratory tract infections?
Looking for ways to ward off acute respiratory tract infections? Vitamin D3 supplements may be your answer to helping prevent these unwelcome events. -
Painful knees? What about acupuncture?
For people with knee osteoarthritis, living pain-free may seem a distant dream. The ancient practice of acupuncture may offer a way for people to reduce their pain and get back to their daily routine. -
Help flu shots stick with prebiotics and probiotics?
Preventing the flu is top-of-mind for many people during flu season. Supplementation with prebiotics or probiotics may be one way to enhance the flu shot’s protective effects. -
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A supplement to modern diabetes management?
Tai Chi and ba duan jin are Traditional Chinese Medicine practices that have been around for thousands of years. New research brings these age-old practices into the present as possible additions to standard type 2 diabetes care. -
Vitamin D: A possible ally in the fight against diabetes
Could vitamin D supplementation help you improve your blood sugar control? Research shows promise for some people living with type 2 diabetes. -
Cannabis for chronic nerve pain: A half-baked solution?
Although some people suffering from chronic neuropathic pain might find some relief with cannabis-based medications, the side effects may outweigh the benefits. -
Yoga for diabetes: breathe, relax, stretch…and reduce your blood sugar levels?
Are you a yogi? If not, consider rolling out your mat and giving yoga a try. Research shows that adding yoga to your diabetes management plan may be an effective way to keep your blood sugar under control, and can also help improve blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. -
Depression got you down? Try these 3 self-care strategies
Coping with depression can feel like an uphill battle. In addition to treatments prescribed by your doctor, taking an active role in your treatment through self-care strategies – such as exercise, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and reminiscence therapy – can make a big difference in how you feel. -
Struggling to lose weight? Mindfulness may be the solution
Mindfulness may be one way to help control your eating habits and become more physically active. -
What works best for relieving back pain?
Low back pain can be debilitating but it can be managed with non-drug therapies and medications if needed. What works best? Find out recommendations from recent research evidence. -
3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging
Want to age well? Consider making yoga part of your regular activities. -
Digestive problems? Try probiotics
Got probiotics? These “good for you” bacteria, found in certain foods and available as supplements, contribute to a healthy digestive system and improve gastrointestinal problems. -
3 alternative options for pain relief
Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs. -
Acupuncture: An effective treatment for chronic headaches
Research shows that acupuncture is worth a try for people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines. -
Exercise plays an active role in treating depression
Depression is a serious chronic disorder common among older adults. Exercise is recommended as part of a depression treatment plan. -
Weeding out the truth: Cannabis-based medications for cancer patients
Cannabinoids are active chemicals found in cannabis (marijuana) that are approved for medical use. Research shows they may be a promising way to ease nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment. -
Back pain? Try exercise!
Low back pain can make getting through the day challenging enough without worrying about keeping up your exercise regimen. But before you throw in the (gym) towel, read the latest research about the best types of exercise for relieving back pain. -
Antioxidant vitamins for eye health? Research evidence provides clarity
Cataracts and macular degeneration commonly develop as we age. Will taking antioxidant vitamins help prevent these vision problems? -
Music can help ease your hospital stay
If you’re undergoing surgery or other hospital treatments you’re probably not thinking of boogying to the beat. But research shows music therapy can reduce anxiety and pain and help ease depression and fatigue. -
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps prevent relapse in people with depression
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can help prevent relapse among people with depression. -
Don’t rely on fatty acid supplements for protection against heart disease
Fatty acids (such as those found in fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) provide health benefits, including lowering risk of heart disease. Fatty acid supplements may help lower blood pressure, but don’t prevent heart attacks in people already diagnosed with heart issues. -
Fish-oil supplements: another weapon against high blood pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish promote heart health. Taking fish-oil supplements is an effective alternative to eating fish. -
Vitamin D and calcium: A dynamic duo in the maintenance of strong bones
Calcium and vitamin D supplements help keep bones healthy and may reduce the risk of bone breaks in older adults. -
Can treatment prevent dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment?
Treatments including Alzheimer's medications, vitamins, exercise, and memory training, are not effective in improving cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. -
Does vitamin C help with the common cold?
Vitamin C taken regularly as a supplement doesn't change the frequency of catching a cold but may help a little with the duration and the severity of your symptoms. -
Can yoga relieve the pain and disability associated with low back pain?
Studies have concluded that yoga is effective in reducing back pain and related disability, particularly in the short term. -
Polypharmacy, part 4. Medication review encourages best use and reduces adverse effects.
Periodically ask a healthcare provider to check your medications. This can ensure the least harm and most benefit overall, and reduce drugs taken and interactions in polypharmacy. -
Polypharmacy, part 3. Online drug interaction checkers to assess side effects.
Online drug interaction checkers are useful, but have some problems with identifying adverse effects. Always talk to a healthcare provider to confirm your risk for side effects. -
Polypharmacy, part 2. Risk of drug effects with multiple medications in the elderly: aging changes.
Aging may change the effects and risk profile of different drugs. Polypharmacy may increase, decrease, or cancel effects of different drugs, foods, and supplements. -
Polypharmacy, part 1. Pitfalls of multiple medications: taking multiple drugs and risk of interactions.
Many older Canadians are taking multiple medications (polypharmacy) to manage their health conditions. Taking 5 or more medications can increase your risk of drug interactions.
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