Researchers have found that the available evidence on the effects of xylitol (a natural sugar substitute used in candy, gum, and toothpaste) is insufficient to prove it prevents tooth decay. The investigators found low-quality evidence that tooth decay was lower among children who used a fluoride toothpaste containing xylitol when compared with children who used a fluoride-only toothpaste. An analysis of the rest of the data covering other xylitol-containing products like xylitol syrup, lozenges, and tablets found little or no evidence the sugar substitute prevents tooth decay. The authors also highlighted the fact that several of the studies did not give sufficient information about xylitol’s side effects, such as bloating, diarrhea, and laxative effects. Cochrane Database Systematic Review, March 2015

Quote: “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” ~ Molière

Lack of quality sleep has previously been associated with a number of poor health outcomes including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stoke. After questioning 481 chronic low back pain patients, a team of South Korean researchers reports that 43% of the patients developed mild-to-severe insomnia after they developed back pain. They further note that back pain patients who also had musculoskeletal pain in at least one other body site were over eight times more likely to report sleeping difficulties. The Korean Journal of Pain, April 2015

Flavonoids are compounds found in foods such as tea, chocolate, red wine, fruit, and vegetables that have been associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer and some cardiovascular-related diseases. A new study that followed 1,063 elderly women for five years found that those with the highest intake of flavonoids were over 30% less likely to die from any cause over the course of the study than the participants with the lowest flavonoid intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2015

Can yoga help seniors remain flexible as they age? To test this premise, 22 older adults practiced yoga and 20 elderly men and women practiced calisthenics for a year, while 24 seniors served as a control group. One year later, the researchers found the control group experienced a reduction in overall flexibility while the yoga and calisthenics groups scored higher on flexibility assessments compared to their scores from the start of the study. However, those in the yoga group scored four times higher on flexibility assessments than those in the calisthenics group suggesting that the slow and passive movements found in yoga are more helpful in improving flexibility than the fast and dynamic movements of a calisthenics routine. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, September 2014

A new study finds that cloth towels can easily become contaminated with the dangerous germs that can cause foodborne illness and may be the top contamination hazard in your kitchen. Previous studies have found that bacteria commonly found in raw meat and poultry can grow on cloth towels overnight, even if they are washed and rinsed in the sink. Food Protection Trends, March 2015

Mental Attitude: Can Boredom Be Good for You?

The conclusion of a new report suggests that boredom can actually lead to creativity. Researchers found that participants who completed a boring task were more creative afterwards than a control group that was assigned more interesting work. University of Central Lancashire psychologist Dr. Sandi Mann believes it is important for children to be bored. She adds, “Unlike so many parents today, I am quite happy when my kids whine that they are bored. Finding ways to amuse themselves is an important skill.” The Psychologist, March 2015

Chiropractic: Workplace Bullying Affects the Body Too!

An analysis of twelve previously published studies regarding workplace bullying estimates that 11% of employees are subjected to abuse at some level. Along with the emotional problems that arise from such workplace conflict, the authors of the study note that victims are also at greater risk for musculoskeletal complaints, especially neck pain. Innovations in Clinic Neuroscience, February 2015

Wellness/Prevention: Keep Kidney Stones at Bay.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following to reduce kidney stone risk: drink two liters of water per day, limit sodium to no more than 1,500mg per day, and limit meat to two servings daily of no more of 6-8 ounces (~170-227g) each. American Academy of Family Physicians, April 2015

Quote: “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ~ Mark Twain