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HEALTH capsules
High salt intake ups stroke risk
 Older adults with salty diets may have an increased risk of stroke, a new study suggests. It strengthens the case for heavy salt intake as a stroke risk factor, according to Dr Francesco P. Cappuccio, of the University of Warwick in the UK, who wrote an editorial published with the study in the journal Stroke. Researchers found that 2,700 older, mostly minority adults, those who were taking more than 4,000 mg, were nearly three times as likely to suffer a stroke over 10 years, than people who met the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. The AHA recommends 1,500 mg a day. The World Health Organisation advises a limit of 2,000 mg.
Mixed findings on IBS cure
The research on whether acupuncture helps ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has so far been a mixed bag, according to a new review of past clinical trials. The review, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that in some trials, acupuncture seemed to work better than certain medications for IBS.
Progesterone might relieve menopause symptoms
The hormone progesterone helps reduce how frequently and severely women experience hot flashes and night sweats after menopause, according to a new study. Progesterone capsules might offer an alternative therapy to women who don't want to be on an estrogen-based treatment, said the lead author of the study, Christine Hitchcock.
Botox has limited effect on headaches
The main ingredient in botox may be modestly helpful for people with chronic migraines, a new report suggests, but the wrinkle treatment doesn’t seem to offer much relief for those whose headaches are less frequent. Patients who started out having headaches almost daily reported two fewer headaches per month when they were given injections of botulinum toxin A. They also had more side effects, including weak muscles and a stiff neck. — Reuters
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