Chiropractic Info
Greenwashing - Beware the consumer.
28 October 2008GREENWASHING
I have often wondered about ‘environmentally friendly’ SUV’s, or the mountain of cleaning and houseware products that have recently shown up on the grocery store shelves. All of a sudden it seems that you can buy any of these items and more in either an “environmentally friendly” version, or a regular version. Both are often made by the same company and you can find them right next to each other on the supermarket shelf.
Did they build a new factory I wonder, is it a totally different process, totally different chemicals? Did they just tweak a few ingredients and design new packaging or is it a totally new product made genuinely with conscious materials?
So yes, I am a little concerned about these ‘green’ products that are showing up so fast and furiously on our grocery store shelves. The question isn’t even limited to what is in the product or how the products are made, but we also have to wonder things like: how is it transported? How is it packaged, how is it manufactured? So many things to think about if we are going to be truly earth conscious; if toxic energy and chemicals are spewed into the atmosphere while these products are manufactured its good to know. It may be declared a non-toxic product on the shelf but if it wasn’t manufactured responsibly we might think twice. In purchasing these products it seems to be important to understand the how/why/what/where, so that we can not only think about the potential health impact of using the product but also the negative impact from the production and transportation of the product on our environment.
I have just become familier with the term Greenwashing: Wikipedia lists this as, Greenwash[ing] is a term used to describe the perception of consumers that they are being misled by a company regarding the environmental practices of the company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations which attempt to appear that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.
Greenwashing was coined by suburban NY environmentalist Jay Westerveld in 1986, in an essay regarding the hotel industry’s practice of placing green placards in each room, promoting reuse of guest-towels, ostensibly to “save the environment”. Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward waste recycling was being implemented by these institutions, due in part to the lack of cost-cutting affected by such practice. Westerveld opined that the actual objective of this “green campaign” on the part of many hoteliers was, in fact, profit increase.
Westerveld hence monikered this and other outwardly environmentally-conscientious acts with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing. [wikipedia]
Companies profiting from ‘suggesting’ their products are green? No, say it isn’t so!
At The Greenwashing Index you will find an online interactive forum where you can discuss your concerns about green claims, look for you favorite products or check out advertisements and declarations companies have made about their product lines.
If you are concerned about a product that you have bought or are considering purchasing an environmentally safe product, you can go to the Scientific Certification Systems to help you find environmentally conscious products.
A couple of good companies we know about, 7th Generation, and Planet Inc.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy ~ Be conscious!
Call Dr Paul or Dr Susan for your next chiropractic appointment. Evergreen Colorado 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Chiropractic care, immune responses and other ways to boost your pregnancy chances.
24 October 2008Are you struggling with fertility challenges?
Seldom in life is anything quite as challenging to deal with than the inability to either get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. You can take years to get pregnant only to lose it within weeks, or you don’t get pregnant at all.
While those around you remark how easy it was for them to get pregnant, or you listen to yet another pregnant woman bemoan the pregnancy foibles, it only makes your pain worse. You say to yourself “I would take every bout of morning sickness, every pain, every ache, with glee, just to know I was pregnant, just to know I was going to have a baby!”
But for some women it just does not happen, either naturally or with medical intervention. Why?
Several factors can affect fertility: diet, immune problems, stress, or even just now knowing basic biology. But often that is just not the case.
For those women who have struggled to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy the journey has been an intensive education into the workings and miracles of pregnancy. Many could run rings around the average fertility specialist, endocrinologist, or person on the street. They can chart cycles, tell you all about basal body temperature, progesterone levels, estrogen, IUI’s, IVF, fertility drugs and side effects, donor cycles, shared risk cycles, and living by an FSH number every month, these can be just a few of the issues women have to struggle with. Every month is devoted to charts, cycle days, injectables, ovulation kits, and home pregnancy tests. It can become a vicious cycle of beginning hope and crushing failure. After 36 or more unwanted menstruation cycles you can imagine people begin to lose hope.
There are several ways to try to improve your fertility without going through a battery of invasive tests or trying medical intervention to achieve pregnancy. Besides, before trying expensive IVF treatments you might want to ensure your body is in optimal health for any pregnancy that might occur. Dr Randine Lewis of The Fertile Soul, has the utmost confidence in eating organically, utilizing acupuncture, using Eastern herbs, and meditation to achieve pregnancy. She has several retreats each year where like minded women and couples can come together to talk and learn the latest in non-medical fertility options.
The World Chiropractic Alliance offers hope to women struggling with fertility problems: “Chandler, Ariz. – According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 6 million women in the United States are infertile, and over 9 million use some kind of infertility service. A series of research papers published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR) suggests that chiropractic adjustments, performed by chiropractors to address nerve interference caused by spinal distortions, could offer hope to many of these women.
The 12 studies in the series found that chiropractic had positive results regardless of the woman’s age, number of year’s infertile, previous medical intervention or health history including miscarriages, blocked fallopian tubes, amenorrhea, colitis, or trauma.
The first in the series, “Insult, Interference and Infertility: An Overview of Chiropractic Research,” reviewed 14 retrospective articles on the possible effect of spinal problems on fertility. All of the women in these studies were found to have vertebral subluxations – misalignments and/or related problems of the spine that interfere with how the nerves work. These problems in the spine can be corrected by chiropractors with painless adjustments to the affected spinal area.
Infertility can also be immune related:
Dr Alan Beer, now deceased, wrote the book “Is your body baby friendly” and this touches on immune related problems regarding implantation failure, early miscarriage and non-pregnancy achievement causes. He discusses low leukocytes and high natural killer cell activity as one of the causes of multiple miscarriages and failed pregnancy. This is a very comprehensive book that details multiple case studies of people who had been termed “unexplained infertility patients.” He explains that due to immune problems of various types these women are unable to either achieve a pregnancy or maintain a pregnancy either naturally or with medical intervention. If you or someone you know has been struggling with unexplained fertility this is an excellent book to read.
From the Beer Clinic website:
The Alan E. Beer Center for Reproductive Immunology & Genetics researches and treats couples who experience recurrent miscarriages, multiple pregnancy losses or repeated in vitro fertilization failures. Through science and a deep understanding of the role of the immune system in pregnancy, we help such couples achieve a successful pregnancy.
The Alan E. Beer Center for Reproductive Immunology and Genetics was established by Dr. Alan E. Beer in 2003. An internationally known and respected physician and scientist, Dr. Beer specialized in the treatment of infertility, implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Sadly, Dr. Beer passed away in May of 2006. His research shows that there are five categories of immune problems that can cause pregnancy loss, IVF failures, and infertility.
Many doctors are loath to accept that immune problems can cause fertility issues, you may be met with resistance when asking a regular reproductive specialist about this area of research. Look for a doctor who is trained in both immunology and reproductive endocrinology.
Fish oil has been shown to help with High natural killer cell activity which unfortunately tends to increase with each failed pregnancy. About has this to say about NK cells: “It would be hard to dispute that NK cells can be elevated in women who have recurrent miscarriages, as numerous studies have found this to be true. Scientists have fleshed out a few mechanisms in which elevated NK cells could terminate an otherwise viable pregnancy, usually with the idea that a disordered immune system is causing the cells to attack the pregnancy. At least one study has found evidence that NK cells in the uterus do attack cells from the pregnancy in cases of spontaneous miscarriage, although it’s unclear what those results mean. …”
For some pregnancy is just not an achievable possibility but for many there are options out there that will boost your chances and answer some much needed questions.
Make an adjustment! Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan to discuss chiropractic options call 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Still thinking of having a flu shot this year?
21 October 2008The flu vaccine debate roars back into our daily life as winter once again approaches. Run, hide, and be very afraid, the FLU is back. Ok, so what is the flu? Some of the symptoms are fever, feeling excessively tired, painful joints, runny nose, cough, cold, and at its worst, congestion that can potentially lead to pneumonia, sickness, and diarrhea. These are all very uncomfortable to deal with, no doubt. But what of the risks of the flu shot?
Mercola posted this newsletter article at his website: “Additionally, a Group Health study found that flu shots do not protect elderly people against developing pneumonia — the primary cause of death resulting as a complication of the flu. Others have questioned whether there is any mortality benefit with influenza vaccination.
Vaccination coverage among the elderly increased from 15 percent in 1980 to 65 percent now, but there has been no decrease in deaths from influenza or pneumonia.
There is some evidence that flu shots cause Alzheimer’s disease, most likely as a result of combining mercury with aluminum and formaldehyde. Mercury in vaccines has also been implicated as a cause of autism. Three other serious adverse reactions to the flu vaccine are joint inflammation and arthritis, anaphylactic shock (and other life-threatening allergic reactions), and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralytic autoimmune disease. …”
Mercola points out that the flu shot has such high levels of mercury you may be better of having a good dose of the flu than suffering the side effects later in life of accumulated mercury and other toxins that flood into your brain with this vaccine. In this article, Mercola has an 8 point check list to help you ward off the flu and other seasonal ailments with some very simple solutions, including supplementation of Vitamin D to help strengthen your immune system.
If you want to avoid the flu this year, practice good hand washing, get plenty of sleep and maintain a regular schedule of chiropractic appointments. To read how chiropractic care can prevent the flu and help you avoid a flu shot read our article from February here: “CHANDLER, ARIZ, Nov. 8, 2004 — The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) is recommending that people of all ages add chiropractic to their strategy for warding off and fighting the flu and its effects this season…”
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Family Chiropractic, Evergreen Colorado.
Start a preventative maintenance schedule that’s convenient for you!
303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
*Update:
1. Safeminds.org Safeminds Alert - Flu Vaccines what you need to know. Get ALL the facts. In March of 2001, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement warning pregnant women and young children not to eat fish containing high levels of mercury because it causes neurological problems in children. Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that these same women and young children (ages 6 to 59 months) should get flu shots. Despite what you may have heard, flu shots still contain mercury in the form of the preservative thimerosal. In fact, some flu shots contain more mercury than the EPA recommended safe level for seafood.
2. SAFE MIND’s recently obtained the transcribed minutes to the Simpsonwood meeting held June 7-8, 2000 in Norcross, Georgia where the finding of the Vaccine Safety Datalink analysis of Thimerosal containing vaccines and neurodevelopmental outcomes were reviewed by a panel of experts. There were a number of additional findings not previously reported in the VSD data contained in this document. Read the PDF here.
More on High Fructose Corn Syrup.
18 October 2008As more and more consumers and professionals steer clear of corn syrup, especially high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), the industry is spending big bucks to fight back.
You have probably seen the ads in which one person questions the use HFCS and the second person shoots them down, saying (smugly) that it is a natural sweetener made from corn. The first person is left feeling foolish, and stumbling for words.
Advertising professionals know that one of the most effective ways to sell a product or an idea is to convince the audience that if they do not use your product they will look foolish.
In both TV and magazine ads, the corn producers argue that HFCS is natural since it does not contain aritificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. But they do not explain that in order to change corn into a sweetener, it must go through multiple chemical processes that may leave residues of the chemicals, and these can cause reactions. [read our previous article on how corn syrup is processed into HFCS.] People who have difficulty processing sulfur and sulfur-based preservatives may be reacting to this residue. This may explain why some families report that their child reacts to corn syrup and HFCS, but not to other sweeteners. [It is also widely thought by some parents of children on the autism spectrum that their children react negatively to sulfur based products.]
We find a similar situation with vanillin (imitation vanilla). Despite the argument that the two share a common chemical structure, our sensitive children and adults react adversely to vanillin, but not vanilla.
Carbonated soft drinks might be especially troublesome, according to research conducted at Rutgers University. Dr. Chi-Tang Ho, a professor of food science, has found that carbonated beverages with HFCS are very high in “reactive carbonyls,” which are believed to cause tissue damage. But they are not found in table sugar (sucrose). People with diabetes have elevated levels of these reactive carbonyls, which are linked to the complications from the disease.
Another possible reason for reactions to corn syrup and HFCS is the use of genetically-modified corn. Researchers at York Laboratories in England found that in 1999, one year after Monsanto’s genetically modified soybeans first entered the food supply, soy allergies increased by 50% in just one year. Both soy and corn are over-used in processed foods, which may also explain why they are now common food allergens.
HFCS and Obesity
One of the biggest problems with HFCS could be its own success; it provides many benefits for food manufacturers. It gives bulk to foods, enables breads to brown and helps keep them soft, can prevent freezer burn in frozen foods, provides sweetness, and is added to low-fat foods to compensate for the loss of flavor when fat is removed. It is also very inexpensive.
Consumers expect to find sweeteners in desserts, but HFCS is used in many unexpected places, including: mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, lunchmeats, soups, salad dressings, crackers and cough syrup. Both low-fat yogurt and “healthy” smoothies can have a whopping 10 teaspoons of HFCS in a serving and soda has even more. In addition to other sweeteners, the average American eats over 40lbs of HFCS each year! Processed foods and restaurant food (especially fast foods) are loaded with it, but perhaps the biggest offenders are the typical foods served in school cafeterias. Visit school lunch. org .
Reprinted from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States, visit their website at Feingold.org
Make an Adjustment! Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for your next chiropractic wellness appointment, 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Recalls, and warnings, how do you know?
14 October 2008Recalls, notices, and items removed from the market, how do you find out?
Your favorite headache medicine just got a black box warning, but you still have 500 left in your bottle so you will never know until the end of the pill bottle that you should have been much more careful with.
Your dog food contains plastic, your water is tainted, and the drug you have taken for 10 years suddenly gets pulled from the market. How on earth do you find this information in a timely manner? Many people are not aware that the FDA provides a free, email update service to those who register their email address, and when products or items are recalled or removed due to a safety issue, you will be informed via email.To subscribe go to FDA enter your email address, confirm and select your preferences. Then click the under the heading View all subscriptions available for: U.S. Food and Drug administration. You will be taken to an extensive list of possibilities.
Including but not limited to:
- Animal and veterinary health.
- Color additives.
- Consumer Health Information.
- Food and Nutrition.
- Pediatrics and Ethics.
- Recalls and safety alerts.
To name just a few of the categories.
It’s actually very interesting to see how much is recalled that we don’t ever hear about from mass media, a couple of recent additions have been:
Barry Callebaut USA LLC is conducting a voluntary recall on its product sold by Kroger Stores under the brand “Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips”, 12 oz.
Or how about:
HUA XIA Food Trade USA, Inc. of Flushing, NY, is recalling YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes (all codes and all lots are affected) and YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink packaged in 250ml flexible paperboard boxes (all codes and all lots are affected) because it may be contaminated with melamine.
Or finally:
Tristar Food, Jersey City, NJ is initiating a nationwide recall of all of their 100 ml plastic bottle packages of Blue Cat Flavor Drink (Lanmao) because it may be contaminated with Melamine.
Become an informed consumer, educate yourself, it is simply not enough to rely on someone else to keep you updated.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for your next chiropractic health check at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
More reasons to avoid Soy products.
10 October 2008The Evil That Soy Does!?!
This came into my inbox on Tuesday from Dr. Mercola’s newsletter posted for all to read at his website Mercola.com
We have already written about the merits or rather demerits of consuming too much soy, but now it seems that any amount is too much if it is the wrong genetically modified, processed version such as soy lecithin. Soy lecithin is incredibly hard to avoid especially if you choose to eat those processed food varieties. To make the processed food stable and give it a shelf life longer than your carrots, companies simply have to add products to your food to make it last, be it high salt content, preservatives, additives or soy. Consuming any of these products in high quantities can be detrimental to your health. As always fresh is best when it comes to what you are putting in your body.
Dr. Mercola goes on to say: What’s So Wrong With Soy?
Unlike the Asian culture, where people eat small amounts of whole soybean products, western food processors separate the soybean into two golden commodities–protein and oil. And there is nothing natural or safe about these products.
Says Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of The Whole Soy Story, “Today’s high-tech processing methods not only fail to remove the anti-nutrients and toxins that are naturally present in soybeans but leave toxic and carcinogenic residues created by the high temperatures, high pressure, alkali and acid baths and petroleum solvents.”
Dr. Daniel also points out the findings of numerous studies reviewed by her and other colleagues — that soy does not reliably lower cholesterol, and in fact raises homocysteine levels in many people, which has been found to increase your risk of stroke, birth defects, and yes: heart disease.
Other common health problems linked to a high-soy diet include:
Thyroid Problems, including weight gain, lethargy, malaise, fatigue, hair loss, and loss of libido
Premature puberty and other developmental problems in babies, children and adolescents
Brain damage
Reproductive disorders
Weakened immune system
Severe, potentially fatal food allergies.
Most soy, perhaps about 80 percent or more, is also genetically modified, which adds its own batch of health concerns.
Despite these findings, many people still want to believe the hype, thinking that these studies must somehow be wrong. But the content of soy itself should be a clue. For example, non-fermented soy products contain:
• Phytoestrogens (isoflavones) genistein and daidzein, which mimic and sometimes block the hormone estrogen
• Phytates, which block your body’s uptake of minerals
• Enzyme Inhibitors, which hinder protein digestion
• Hemaggluttin, which causes red blood cells to clump together and inhibits oxygen take-up and growth
• High amounts of omega-6 fat, which is pro-inflammatory
To read the article in its entirety and also view comments posted by Dr.Mercola’s readers go to the Mercola website. Simply put, Mercola has a plethera of information on reasons not to consume Soy. It is such an important topic to understand, as more and more in the coming months, companies are going to be touting soy as the next big health food/drink. In reality soy is not the answer to your health situation, a well-balanced, nutritious diet with adequate amounts of exercise is. Read the articles, become informed and choose whether soy is right for you based on the information you find out not just on what we can write here.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Beat the Halloween Highs & Lows this year!
6 October 2008HALLOWEEN candy can seem less of a treat to parents, teachers, and children, who are hung-over from a candy high, the week after All Hallows Eve. It’s no secret that the week after Halloween is terribly taxing on everyone, kids don’t sleep well, tantrums escalate, emotions run high, and patience is hard to find.
Now no-one wants to take the fun out of Halloween, it’s a spooky, cute tradition that my children adore. But, I absolutely refuse to let my little darlings turn into Mr. Hyde after a hard night binging on colorful candy treats.
I don’t want to spoil the fun of trick or treating, or the joy of handing out treats to the other kids in the neigborhood, but I can limit what my children ingest. We live in a neighborhood that attracts several hundred children on Halloween night; it starts with a parade and finishes with kids going door to door to collect their treats.
Around 6:00 pm the little kids come by with little buckets or baskets, escorted by giggling parents holding cameras and snapping away furiously as their little bumble-bee or pea-pod climbs onto my porch and lisps “twick or tweat.”
Around 7 pm -ish we see the older kids about 8-12 years old, still polite, and dressed up but instead of the little bucket they come bearing a large pillow case, these kids are still quite happy for you to dispense one candy or treat into their carry alls.
Later, around 8 pm the big kids start to come by, and this is where I have one problem with Halloween night. Seriously shouldn’t one stop trick or treating at an age where stubble starts to show through the face paint, or when you are not actually wearing a costume but you are just looking scary with your girlfriends/ mother’s/ aunts eyeliner while toting a large black trash bag. Please don’t expect me to dish out my Newman’s Own candy treats, or even the little toys that I bought especially for tonight. Seriously do you really want or need a pirate yo-yo or a bouncy ball – I think not. Worse yet, these are the kids whose parents or older friends stay in the car, driving slowly down the street as their kids/friends troll door to door, scaring old ladies and making dogs bark in fright.
Remember little kids are cute; teens beyond puberty are just plain weird and scary.
Anyway my point being – handing out gluttonous amounts of nasty chemicals to kids dressed in weird outfits is just a tirade waiting to happen. This Halloween make a stand, get your kids to trade candy with the “Halloween Fairy” – switch their chemical laden chocolate and high fructose corn syrup concoctions and swop it for the good, old fashioned non-chemical variety. Yes it is out there, and making a come-back. Now I confess I do not hand out the ‘good’ candy to trick-or-treaters – it does tend to be more expensive, so instead I buy little bouncy balls, kaleidoscopes, crayons, note pads and other trivial trashy fare (I am looking for the lesser of two evils obviously) and hand that out. By 8:00 pm I turn off my porch light, thereby avoiding the Mad Max teenagers looking for left-over candy.
So for my kids, A: They are limited to the amount of candy they can keep and B: They get to choose from my stash of gluten free, natural, non-preservative, chemical and additive free candy. And in return I don’t get two out-of-control, tummy aching, whiny, junk laden kids to deal with, well at least not because of the candy.
Where to get this candy? Some I buy online, some is purchased from our local supermarket, health food store, or the farmers market. See some of our favorites below:
Natural Candy Store: Gummy Bears, cotton candy and the Natural candy party mix. We can also get gluten/dairy free candy here.
Sunspire Drops - colorful M&M type candy.
Yummy Earth Lollipops and candy
Any of the Newman’s Own candy works as well, that seems to be readily available at most retail stores.
Pretty much we can replicate whatever the other kids are eating but in a natural healthy (!) way, or as healthy as candy can be, because as I am sure you will agree, I am pretty sure the apple won’t suffice on this occasion.
Have a safe, happy, and tolerant Halloween holiday.
For your entire chiropractic healthcare needs call
Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Inflammation fighting foods.
4 October 2008What do pineapples, olive oil, dark chocolate, cherries, tumeric, fish, flaxseed, almonds, apples and whole grains have in common?
These 10 foods are all great inflammation fighters and can be eaten to deter or lessen the inflammation in our bodies. What is the impact of inflammation on our bodies? According to Wikipedia the definition of Inflammation (Latin, inflamatio, to set on fire) is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. Inflammation is not a synonym for infection. Even in cases where inflammation is caused by infection it is incorrect to use the terms as synonyms: infection is caused by an exogenous pathogen, while inflammation is the response of the organism to the pathogen.
When are bodies are inflamed there is a negative reaction. Some, but not all, types of arthritis are the result of misdirected inflammation. Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in joints. Some types of arthritis associated with inflammation include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder tendinitis or bursitis
- Gouty arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
A wide range of other problems can be linked to inflammation including infertility.
As always our diet can have a negative or positive effect on our overall health and well being, but it helps to know what helps and what hurts. Pro-inflammatory foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may also raise your risk for chronic disease. Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body. This is partially due to the unhealthy fats used in preparing and processing these foods, especially trans fats and saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.
Saturated fats are also found in meats, dairy products, and eggs. While all of these foods are important source of minerals and vitamins, you don’t need the extra saturated fat. These foods also also contain fatty acids called arachidonic acid. While some arachidonic acid is essential for your health, too much arachidonic acid in the diet may make your inflammation worse. Be sure to choose low fat milk and cheese and lean cuts of meat, which will not promote inflammation.
So run don’t walk to the grocery store and buy some of these categories of inflammation fighting foods and leave the fries to those who don’t know any better.
MSN Health lists the top 10 as follows:
- Pineapples With its potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes (in particular, bromelain), pineapple is an all-body anti-inflammation cocktail. It also protects against colon cancer, arthritis, and macular degeneration, says Grieger. If only the “colada” part of the equation were as healthy. Have half a cup, two or three times a week.
- Olive oil The extra-virgin variety is rich in beneficial monounsaturated fats. “Its fatty acids and polyphenols reduce inflammation in cells and joints,” says Grieger. A study in the journal Nature found that it’s as effective as Advil at reducing inflammation. “Have two tablespoons a day,” says Bowerman.
- Bing cherries Research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that eating up to 45 bing cherries a day can lower the risk of tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and gout, says Bowerman. Studies also suggest that they reduce the risk of chronic diseases and metabolic syndrome. “They taste great on yogurt or cereal,” says Bowerman.
- Dark chocolate “The flavonoids in dark chocolate inhibit platelet clumping, which reduces the risk for stroke, heart attack and embolisms,” says Bowerman. “It’s high in calories, so limit yourself each day to a half bar with at least 70 percent cacao.”
- Turmeric Curcumin, the polyphenol that gives the spice its tang and yellow hue, has anti-tumor, anti-arthritis, and anti-inflammatory properties. “Studies show that it also inhibits the growth of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s,” says Bowerman. Sprinkle half a tablespoon on fish or chicken to add color and flavor.
- Wild fatty fish Mackerel and other wild fatty fish contain a hearty dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the heart, cells, joints and brain. “Stay away from farmed varieties,” says Bowerman. “They contain undesirable levels of omega-6 fatty acids.” The DHA and EPA in the oil of these fish also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Shoot for four six-ounce servings a week. “I like mine grilled with olive oil, lemon and sea salt,” notes Bowerman.
- Flaxseed Rich in protein and fiber, these seeds taste great on cereal and yogurt. Their oil also comes in pill or liquid form, and is high in alpha-linolenic omega-3s, which puts them next to wild fish on the list of heart-healthy fare. “They’re a great brain food too,” says Andrews. Shoot for a tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day.
- Almonds These energy-rich snacks lower bad cholesterol, thanks to plant sterols, and benefit diabetics by lowering blood sugar. They’re also rich in amino acids, which bolster testosterone levels and muscle growth. “Eat a third of a cup a day with the skins on. The skin is full of antioxidants,” says Bowerman.
- Apples An apple a day reduces swelling of all kinds, thanks to quercetin, a flavonoid also found in the skin of red onions. Quercetin reduces the risk of allergies, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prostate and lung cancers. If given the choice, opt for Red Delicious. They contain the most inflammation-fighting antioxidants.
- Whole grains Whole grains—oatmeal, wheat flour, barley, brown rice—are high in fiber, which calms inflamed tissues while keeping the heart strong and the colon healthy. Not all breads and crackers advertised as “whole grain” are the real deal. “Read the label,” says Grieger. “Those that aren’t whole grain can be high in fat, which increases inflammation.” Try for two slices of whole-grain bread a day.
Make an adjustment: Stay healthy ~ Be Happy.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for more information on an anti-inflammatory diet and your ongoing chiropractic care.
303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
An update on the effectiveness of D-mannose.
29 September 2008An update on D-Mannose to resolve urinary tract infections. I had previously written: “This new product that these (UTI) bacteria are highly attracted to will kill bad bacteria fast. In fact they would rather bind to this substance than the lining of the urinary tract. When the proper dose is taken the bacteria promptly detach from the urinary tract lining and bind to this substance. Now the freely floating bacteria attached to this substance is then eliminated upon urination flushing the infection away. ”
After a trial by fire this weekend, I can say that in my case, the D-mannose failed to perform as suggested. Sadly I am back on antibiotic treatments after a hellish weekend of waiting for the supplement to do its work. I must confess to not using this as a preventative treatment, I only started to use it once I already had a UTI and maybe that was the error. I gave it my best shot taking 12 pills over the course of 5 hours and the following day taking 12 pills over 12 hours. It did initially seem to ward of the symptoms but after about 24 hours on the supplement my symptoms came back with avengeance.
It seems as this may be natural answer for some people in knocking out a bacterial infection, but not in my case. Not one to give up, although I am resigned to antibiotics again this time, I have already found the following cures at Home Remedies, and I will be trying these the next time.
- A mixture of 1/2 tsp baking soda in eight ounce glass of water can be very helpful on the first signs of urinary tract infection. The presence of baking soda in your system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine.
- It is very important for your system to have a good flow of urine. This can be done by consuming plenty of water. It cleanses your body by diluting and flushing out the unwanted substance.
- Cranberry juice disallows bacteria to cling to the cell, which line the urinary tract. It is a great remedy to fight this infection. If you cannot have the cranberry juice directly you can mix it with apple juice to add some taste.
- You can make an essential oil by using equal parts of sandalwood, bergamot, tea tree, frankincense and juniper. Mix all these ingredients to make an oil to be rubbed over your bladder area. Continue this massaging technique for three to four days once the symptoms subside.
- You can consume at least two capsules three times a day of Echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal to fight the infection.
- In acute cases try having 1/2 tsp of tincture every hour. Severe infection needs severe measures. Blend equal parts of pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea, and uva ursi tinctures. Have 20 drops of this blended mixture every two hours for first two days and later 1 tsp four times a day, till you have completely recovered. Have a soothing tea such as marshmallow root to counter the strong antiseptic effect of urva ursi.
We would love to know what works for other people. Let us know by posting your comments about your experience with this supplement or other supplements that you found that you consider the cure all for you.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for your next chiropractic appointment at
303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Do you suffer from persistent back pain?
24 September 2008When a bad back keeps you out of the workforce the effects can be devastating. Living on a workers comp pay-check can be more than limiting to your lifestyle, and with the pain often comes depression.
Some people spend their entire lives with a bad back. Pub Med Central (the American Public Health Association) cites a study that states just how prevalent back pain and lost work hours are. In fact 101.8 million work days were lost due to back pain in 1988: The objective of the study was as follows: “Back pain is the most common reason for filing workers’ compensation claims and often causes lost workdays. Data from the 1988 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to identify high-risk industries and to estimate the prevalence of work-related back pain and number of workdays lost. METHODS: Analyses included 30074 respondents who worked during the 12 months before the interview. A case patient was defined as a respondent who had back pain every day for a week or more during that period. RESULTS: The prevalence of lost-workday back pain was 4.6%, and individuals with work-related cases lost 101.8 million workdays owing to back pain. Male and female case patients lost about the same number of workdays. Industries in high-risk categories were also identified for future research and intervention, including those seldom studied. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides statistically reliable national estimates of the prevalence of back pain among workers and the enormous effect of this condition on American industry in terms of lost workdays.
For many people with back pain, knowing what caused it is irrelevant; first and foremost people are looking for immediate relief. Although knowing what’s wrong and the duration of the attack will ultimately dictate the treatment for the condition. It often comes down to a few different problems for most people; think muscle strain, over-exercise due to work or play, stress / tension or an accident that causes no breakages only muscle strain. Symptoms and treatment can be similar in each case.
Most people start with over-the-counter medication such as an anti-inflammatory or aspirin product specifically targeted for back and body pain, if that doesn’t do the trick many will move onto prescription medications. Sadly this is often not enough to maintain long term recovery.
If you chose the pain medication route, remember that the area should also be iced on a regular 20 minute schedule for the most effective treatment, along with the use of ibuprofen as this can help reduce the inflammation further.
As with all medications NSAIDs carry significant side-effects. The most common side effects from ibuprofen are rash, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. NSAIDs are also known to reduce the ability of blood to clot and therefore increase bleeding after an injury. Ibuprofen may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and the ulcers may bleed. Sometimes, ulceration can occur without abdominal pain, and black, tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) due to bleeding may be the only signs of an ulcer. NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys.
For persistent pain Chiropractic care will provide the most efficient and effective therapy.
Your chiropractor can relieve the back pain you already have with regular adjustments and healing therapies, and will work with you until the pain has gone; but best of all your chiropractor can specifically assist you in learning how to stretch, bend, and lift objects in a way that will help to avoid the strains and pulls in the first place. Regular adjustments will also help you maintain good posture and reduce the incidence of repeat back strains and will lessen the likelihood of your joining the ranks of a stay-at-home workers-comp victim any time soon.
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!
Contact Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for your next chiropractic appointment at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com