Nutrition

Next Page »

More reasons to avoid Soy products.

10 October 2008

The 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

Cancer

Brain damage

Reproductive disorders

Kidney Stones

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 2008

HALLOWEEN 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 2008

What 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.”
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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

Soy.

1 August 2008

SOY

So here I am – still happily ensconced in Starbucks for the duration and my mind is still wandering to all things drinkable, and to the number of folks who wander through these doors and order a soy based beverage. Personally I don’t enjoy the flavor of soy and my children are kept off all soy based products because they are both intolerant. Soy reacts in the body in a similar way to dairy (casein) so if one has an intolerance to dairy chances are they are intolerant to both, hence our avoidance. The beverage of choice in our house is rice milk, and as most contain a small amount of gluten (Rice Dream) we are limited on what to purchase. Trader Joes has a very nice one without a trace of gluten so we generally gravitate to that product. As for SOY, I decided to do a little digging, after all many folks choose it as a healthier more digestible option to dairy or the nut based milks available.

Soy is made from soybeans. The milk is produced by soaking dry soybeans and grinding them down with water. Soy milk contains about the same proportion of protein as cow’s milk (around 3.5%) also 2% fat, and 2.9% carbohydrate and 5% ash.  It is possible to make soy milk in your own kitchen (using staple kitchen items or with a specialized product), as are all the nut milks. They usually require a hardy high speed blender and a milk bag to hold the pulp. Tofu is the coagulated protein from soy milk, much as cheese and cow’s milk. As the bean’s pulp is insoluble in humans, manufacturers enrich their products with calcium carbonate to aid human digestion.

There are many people declaring soy an unsafe product, Weston Price has summarized the dangers they believe are associated with this product and offer a free tri-fold brochure for distribution, they warn:
• High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children.
• Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth.
• Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.
• Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body’s requirement for B12.
• Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for vitamin D.
• Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein.
• Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
• Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and additional amounts are added to many soy foods.
• Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.

And the folks at SoyOnline in NZ are equally concerned: They offer a link from their website to many papers and other articles written on the disadvantages of using soy products and the reasons why they might be harming your health. Including this paper which argues against using soy based formulas for infants in light of the repercussions on their reproductive health.
Possible Effects of Soy Infant Formula by Sally Fallon, Mary Enig, PhD, & Michael Fitzptrck.

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF PHYTOESTROGENS IN SOY INFANT FORMULA
Soy formula, which contains phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein (also called isoflavones) is given to approximately 25% of those US children fed formula. It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. By contrast, almost no phytoestrogens have been detected in dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother consumes soy products. A recent study found that babies fed soy-based formula had 13,000 to 22,000 times more isoflavones in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Scientists have known for years that isoflavones in soy products can depress thyroid function, causing autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid. But what are the effects of soy products on the hormonal development of the infant, both male and female?”

The Mayo Clinic has this warning, “Soy and components of soy called “isoflavones” have been studied for many health conditions. Isoflavones (such as genistein) are believed to have estrogen-like effects in the body, and as a result, they are sometimes called “phytoestrogens.” In laboratory studies, it is not clear if isoflavones stimulate or block the effects of estrogen or both (acting as “mixed receptor agonists/antagonists”). They also have a short paragraph stating: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.”

Soy doesn’t seem to have as good an image as I first thought; the effects on reproductive health should certainly be taken seriously.  It might be worth examining your daily intake, including that soy latte, and start thinking about making changes. I am beginning to realize that often it’s better to take the calories or the caffeine or the fat in a natural state than in a processed “pre-packaged as healthy” state. Enjoy!

For more information on this or any other health related concerns or supplement information contact Dr. Paul and Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic, Evergreen CO. 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be happy!
 

Where have all the bees gone?

19 May 2008

Honeybees are disappearing.
How can this be? Where are they going and what happened to make them leave in the first place?

This article written by Hannah Nordhaus (a Boulder-based freelance writer. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Financial Times, Outside, and other publications.) and published in the High Country News  is both informative and fascinating. It offers an explanation for the dwindling bee population. Not only is it a fascinating in-depth look into bee-keeping but it also explains what is or might be happening to the bee colonies across America.  Read the full article at the High Country News. “Thirty years ago, there were nearly 4 million bee colonies in the U.S. Today, fewer than 2.5 million remain, thanks to a reddish-brown parasite so tiny it could stand on the head of a pin, and to a malady so new no one is sure of its origin. … The beekeeper’s biggest enemy in recent years, however, has been a miniature, blood-red arachnid called the varroa mite. A remarkably adaptive, ticklike creature, the mite burrows into unborn brood and adults alike, feeding, as a tick does, on the bee’s body fluids. It is, said Miller, a “sinister predation” that slowly saps the strength and vigor from a hive, either killing the brood outright or causing deformities that weaken adult bees and make them more susceptible to viruses. And this mite is — besides labor, pasture, honey prices, pollination prices, bacteria, fungi, unpleasant neighbors and other invading insects — what beekeepers think most about these days. “This is going to be the challenge of my career, there is no question about that. My grandfather never heard of it; my dad was barely aware of it; it occupies much of my problem-solving time. This varroa mite,” said Miller, “swaggers like a colossus across beekeeping in North America.”  … The parasite, which is endemic to Asia, first arrived on U.S. shores in 1987, most likely smuggled in some eager apiarist’s luggage. … Apiculturists are looking at a number of potential culprits, from bad weather to bad corn syrup to genetically modified corn to pesticides to miticides, and many suspect the problem is compounded by the presence of the varroa mite, which weakens colonies so that invading pathogens pack a particularly destructive punch. (Scientists suspect the 2005 die-off was exacerbated by a viral event.)” Hannah Nordhaus

What will happen if the mite races ahead and kills off the European honey bee population?  We all know what happened in the “BEE Movie” the bees didn’t pollinate the crops and flowers so they all died, leaving a barren wasteland behind.  Is this a possibility? It seems it might be. According to Burts Bees every third bite of food depends on the bees for pollination. So just what can we do to help keep bees happy?  Simple things such as replacing part of your lawn or grass with flower beds, try to have native plant species that are well suited to local bee populations.  You can even get a free pollinator wheel from Pollinator.org in addition to learning more about the importance of the honey bee and other bugs that are essential for plant reproduction.  This an excellent site to read about garden techniques that will attract the right critters, and how to help save the bees on a global scale.

Try to reduce or eliminate pesticides in your garden when possible, look on the web for some great organic solutions. At Arbico Organics you can even purchase live ladybugs for pest control purposes.

When planting your flower beds, choose plants and flowers that provide a continuous growing cycle instead of just spring blooms, try to select plants that will rotate their blooming season.

And finally visit Burts Bees, they not only sell organic bee based skin care products but they will also send you a free packet of bee-friendly flower seeds.  Watch the videos and read information on the decreasing bee population and how you can help.

Save the Bees!

Make an adjustment, Stay Healthy ~ ‘Bee’ Happy! Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan for all your health concerns. 

Fontana Chiropractic, Evergreen Colorado 303.674.1500 or email  to schedule your next appointment.

Omega Fatty Acids and nutrition.

21 March 2008

New findings on nutrition and ADHD.

The largest clinical trial to date using Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids acids shows the benefits of these “good fats”.

Researchers at the University of South Australia say that parents found the fatty acids were as effective as stimulant drugs in treating symptoms of ADHD.

The study was comprised of 132 children, ages 7-12, who had symptoms of ADHD and were not taking medicine or omega-3 supplements. The product used is called “eye q,” produced by the English company Equazen. It is a blend of both omega-3 and omega-6 esntial fatty acids. This is the product that has been used in previous studies in British schools. (The Feingold Association has asked the company to fill out their product inquiry forms; if it is acceptable it will be added to [our - Feingold] supplement list)

Almost half of the children taking the EFA’s had significant reductions in the ADHD core symptoms of inattention,
hyperactivity and impulsivity. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, led by Dr. Natalie Sinn, was published in the April issue of The Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics.

Disruptive Behaviour Improves.

Earlier this year, another British school, The Eton Hall in Norwich, used “eye q” plus a healthy diet for 28 male students ages 10 through 16, who had behaviour and learning problems. Negative behaviours and tantrums were reduced by half when the supplements, and healthy diet were provided.

Reprinted from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the Unted States, www.feingold.org

The evidence comprised from legitimate scientific studies (see below) just keeps mounting for the positive use of omega oils.  More and more people are taking the omega oils to not only prevent illness, but to maintain health and resolve problems associated with ADHD, speech developments, diabetes and ASD disorders, to name just a few.  For more information on the positive attributes of the Omega fish oils be sure to speak with either Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan who have both done due diligence on the positive nature of these oils.  Fontana Family Chiropractic in Evergreen, Colorado recommends Nordic Naturals  Pro EFA’s for quality and purity. 

Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials MC Morris, F Sacks and B Rosner Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health.   

This article at about.com cites several studies relating to the benefits of Omega fatty acids in different settings, including  Journal of the American  Medical Association, and New England Journal of Medicine. 

Study of fatty acid supplementation in active ulcerative colitis

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com

Weight Loss, maintenance and a healthy lifestyle.

3 March 2008

Weight Loss, Supplements, Vitamins and Your Chiropractor.

Fontana Chiropractic firmly believes that a low carbohydrate lifestyle and exercise is optimum for both weight loss and maintenance. Low carb is the key here, not elimination. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the human body, so we don’t want to eliminate them completely; the goal is to make the best choices when eating them. Remember your grade school biology classes where you learned about a process called photosynthesis? Carbohydrates are a mix of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and are manufactured inside plants from carbon dioxide in the air and water, under the influence of sunlight. The four basic carbs classifications are as follows:

• Simple Carbohydrates (or “simple sugars”), and Complex Carbohydrates (or “complex sugars”) are the two main types.
• For classification purposes carbs are often defined as: sugars, starches and dietary fiber. Generally, sugars are “simple carbs”, while starches and dietary fiber are “complex carbs”. But, just to confuse you even more, fructose (fruit sugar) is a simple carb that behaves like a complex carb! 
• Carbs can be divided according to how fast they are digested, and this impacts just how quickly they raise our blood sugar levels. The Glycemic Index divides carbohydrate-containing foods into high, medium or low glycemic index foods. Typically its best to avoid the ones defined as high, and try to always choose from the low category.
• Ones to avoid: Refined or unrefined carbohydrates, depending on how “processed” they are by food manufacturers.

To really maintain and lose weight long term, you have to find an easy to follow plan that is simple to incorporate into your lifestyle, and Fontana Chiropractic feels that eating low carb (low Glycemic) fits that ideal. Other diets can be easy too, but who wants to eat cabbage soup all day long?  Counting points can get confusing, and meal replacement or food delivery can often become bland and hard to maintain over the long term.  Low GI can mean you still get to eat regular foods that you can choose on a daily basis, but the food choices you make are enabling you to stay fuller longer, feel more satiated and give you enough choices to not become stale or monotonous.

The goal is to replace refined carbs and sugars, alcohol, with foods that are low on the Glycemic Index. David Medosa, the author of “Mendosa.com Living with diabetes”, has this on his website “…The Glycemic index ranks foods on how they affect our blood glucose levels. This index measures how much your blood glucose increases in the two or three hours after eating. The Glycemic index is about foods high in carbohydrates. Foods high in fat or protein don’t cause your blood glucose level to rise much. A lot of people still think that it is plain table sugar that people with diabetes need to avoid. The experts used to say that, but the Glycemic index shows that complex carbohydrates, like baked potatoes, can be even worse. When you make use of the Glycemic index to prepare healthy meals, it helps to keep your blood glucose levels under control. This is especially important for people with diabetes, although athletes and people who are overweight also stand to benefit from knowing about this relatively new concept in good nutrition.” …

Obviously portion control and exercise is important, but to really follow a healthy eating plan you must be able to do it at a restaurant, at the supermarket, in the home, otherwise when confusion and indecision kicks in, the “whatever” attitude follows quickly behind it and you find yourself off your diet once again. In fact the best decision you can make on your ideal weight journey is to remove the word “diet” from your vocabulary and replace it with “healthy eating”.  Stop telling yourself “when I lose 5, 10, 15 pounds” instead start focusing on health, on longevity, on your overall fitness and the rest should fall into place. There is nothing to stop you eating a doughnut once in a while, or indulging in pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, but we all know that we can’t do that every day and stay healthy. Start reading and learning how to make better food choices.  You may just find that the low carb lifestyle is the solution you have been looking for. We all know that losing weight is going to involve replacing bad diet and exercise habits with healthier ones. A low carb plan, based on the Low Glycemic Index Food Pyramid, works very well, and research suggests that such low carb plans are good for blood-glucose control, the key to managing our hunger. Less hunger = easier to maintain. Better yet, a low carb diet seems to produce faster weight loss than more orthodox diets, at least for a few months. Some weight loss studies have shown that this rapid weight reduction advantage is largely dissipated over the course of 12 months, that’s one more reason to think of this as a long term lifestyle and not a “diet”.

To get started here are some examples of low Glycemic foods and their index number:
Fruits:  Cherries (22), Grapefruit (25), Apple (38), Strawberries (40), Grapes (46).
Cereals:  Bran Buds (47), Oatmeal (49).
Vegetables: Broccoli (10), Cabbage (10), Lettuce (10), Red Peppers (10).
Rice & Grains: Brown rice (55), Pearled Barley (25).
Bread: Pumpernickel (41)  ~ HIGH: 100% Whole Wheat (77), French Baguette (95).
For more Glycemic food values, and the ones that can benefit you the most,  see Fifty50  

Foods to avoid: 

1. Fat-free foods, most are supplemented for taste with sugar.
2. Again also avoid sauces or salsa where sugar is one of the main ingredients.
3. Never purchase highly processed or sugar-coated cereals, pancakes, bagels, muffins or waffles, white bread, white rice and pasta, if you must buy those items replace them with the 100% whole grain variety. 
4. Of course we all know to avoid chips, pretzels, and even popcorn,
5. Replace your daily sodas with water to keep yourself hydrated and healthy, the 8 glasses of 8oz water daily is still a good measure.
6. Limit your alcohol to a glass of red wine with dinner, not only is alcohol empty calories, it is also known to cause dehydration. Avoid altogther if you are trying to reduce your weight.

Drs. Paul and Susan are well versed in helping people lose weight.  Their approach follows the rule that: ”Calories in, be equal to, or  less than, the calories we expend”.  Using this approach, incorporated with the Low GI food plan, they are able to help their Evergreen clients maintain or lose weight with a very straight forward approach.  Drs. Paul and Susan are concerned with your overall health, not just weight management. They can give you advice on supplements for health and wellness, advise you on what vitamins you body really needs, and very importantly can give you advice on how to incorporate low impact exercises into your daily regimen to maintain or kick-start any weight loss plan. 

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com

Feingold Program can help resolve behavior, health and sleep problems.

29 February 2008

When Toxins and Genes Collide.

Dr. Feingold is often described as having believed that food additives cause behavior problems; but he did not. His hypothesis was that there are many things that combine to make one child more sensitive than another. These factors include the genetic inheritance, any “insults” (i.e., trauma, exposure to toxins) during pregnancy, difficulties during delivery (such as temporary loss of oxygen), and exposure to toxins after birth. For a child who is already vulnerable as a result, he said that the petroleum-based additives could “trigger” (not cause) the disturbed behaviors.

He did not rule out other causes, but believed that since things like synthetic dyes and flavorings have no nutritional value and are easily replaced with natural additives; this is a good place to start in the search for causes and treatments.

This article is reprinted from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States, www.Feingold.org

Who are the Feingold Organization?

Almost three years ago when I was looking for a reason, and hopefully a solution, as to why our son was having difficulty keeping on track with his developmental stages I, as many of us do, hit the Google search on my computer.  In addition to his development, we had also noticed something else (we had no reason to think this was associated with the development issue), the problem was that if our son ate certain fruits, such as berries, it would make him a little frantic; he would get hyper, giddy, and act almost as if he was drunk, it was both funny and disturbing at the same time.  One night while searching message boards for answers on how to potentially help our son, I came across the Feingold Organization.   I made a decision to purchase the book “Why Can’t my Child Behave.” and while reading the book I discovered that my son could possibly be salicylate sensitive. A list of salicylate reactions are available at Web MD  this list is certainly comprehensive but not all inclusive.  It also occurred to us that not only was he reacting negatively to food, but we realized he had been having reactions to perfumes, cleaners and air fresheners (he would sneeze uncontrollably if he walked into a room that had just been cleaned or had scented candles). Almost immediately we decided that both he and his sister would be well served by us if we removed the toxic chemicals out of, not only their food, but also out of their environment. 

We ultimately made the decision to join the Feingold Organization and now do all our shopping and eating out (we can even still eat at some Fast Food restaurants) using the guide that comes with the membership materials.  We often get asked if this is a hard way to live, “isn’t it inconvenient?” or  “aren’t you being a little too obsessive?” even “Isn’t your grocery bill more expensive?” We have so many answers to those questions and not all of them polite, but we feel the real question everyone should be asking is actually - “how inconvenient or obsessive is it to feed our children chemical free, healthy, nutritious food?” In regards to the question of grocery shopping our answer is a resounding “No, we shop at the same local grocery stores we always have, we now just make better choices and pay more attention to what is in those groceries that we are buying.” We personally have made the choice to eat mostly organic products, particularly when purchasing fruits and vegetables, but it is important to know that, organic, is certainly not a requirement of the Feingold program.
The Feingold Program eliminates these additives:
• Artificial (synthetic) coloring
• Artificial (synthetic) flavoring
• Aspartame (Nutrasweet, an artificial sweetener)
• Artificial (synthetic) preservatives BHA, BHT, TBHQ
The idea is to remove any food dyes, chemical additives, preservatives and salicylates from our food. The Feingold program believes many children and adults are intolerant of these chemicals and many kids with ADHD, ADD or behavior problems can be helped by eliminating these core items.  Eventually the salicylates are added back into your diet individually to see if any reactions are noticed; some people find that healthy food they fed their kids every day was causing their negative behaviors, for us it was definitely strawberries and blueberries that caused the strongest reactions. However, as a side note to that, my son now tolerates both these fruits in small amounts. We have taken many approaches to resolve our son’s digestive problems, one being the Feingold program, and he now tolerates and absorbs many vitamins, minerals and foods without reactions. It’s also important to know that although our daughter is ok eating all dairy and gluten products, our son has  been tested and is intolerant to both of those items, so we make sure to avoid those allergens for him. 

A great place to start to see where you may be eating or ingesting salicylates is to refer to the article posted at WebMD.  For more in-depth articles, previous newsletters and information on reactions to chemical additives, food dyes, and salicylates go to the Feingold website and be sure to read not only the information about the program, but also the success stories posted. In addition to personal stories there are many great articles available at the Feingold website, including one titled “Many learning and behavior problems begin in your grocery cart!” It is a very enlightening read.

So if you find you have trouble concentrating, or someone has suggested your child is not able to focus or behave in school, go to the Feingold website, you might find that just by eliminating some basic things you not only solve the behavior or focus problems, but also resolve those frequent physical complaints (ear infections, asthma, bedwetting, stomach problems, headaches, even seizures), sleep problems, and learning problems, just by diet changes alone.

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and other natural digestive aids.

22 February 2008

PROBITOICS AND DAILY LIVING

Probiotics have been making the news recently with the advent of specially formulated yogurts, cereals and other fortified foods.  More and more we see foods appearing on the supermarket shelves boasting added bacteria strains for healthy digestion. In reality if you have no remarkable digestive issues and you don’t want to add another supplement to your daily regime, the easiest way to introduce good bacteria into your diet is through yogurt, buttermilk or kefir (available at any health food store), these products all contain strains of healthy bacteria. However you need to eat them regularly, and in quantity, to make sure you make the most of the benefits.  If you do have some indigestion, stomach upsets, digestive disorders, or are interested in adding some positive changes to your routine and helping that digestive process along, you might want to look at adding healthy bacteria to your diet.  When you mention the words bacteria and healthy in the same sentence it confuses people, but we must remember not all bacteria are detrimental to your health, and may, in fact, provide some health benefits, particularly those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera.  And here is where the Probiotic comes in.

What are Probiotics?

One widely used definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that “Probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.) The live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria.” The most common strains are thought to be Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus.

A few common Probiotics (the word means “for life”), such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are YEASTS, which are different from bacteria.  My son takes a combination of Prebiotics (Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people’s colons), Probiotics, in addition to a daily dose of Saccharomyces.  We utilize all three remedies to combat reactions to antibiotics prescribed for parasites, anaerobic bacteria and a yeast overgrowth which we have found through testing of his gut.  

For those who suffer from Celiac disease, or similar reactive gut disorders, you may find that Probiotics helps with some of the symptoms associated with flare-ups of these conditions.

Probiotics are widely available, usually in the refrigerator section of your health food store. To learn more about how Probiotics were discovered and the positive actions of Probiotics check out THE NIBBLE.

A good Probiotic should not be terribly expensive; in fact we consider it a fairly inexpensive investment for good stomach health.  Many of my friends with toddlers or infants will use Probiotics to combat what GI specialists term as “Toddler diarrhea” apparently a common complaint in children from age 6 months to 5 years old. 

If you are taking antibiotics it’s a great time to add the Probiotics to your diet along with your daily medication, especially if the course is going to be longer than the standard ten days. If you expect to be on the antibiotics for a long period, you may consider adding in the Saccharomyces boulardii in addition to the Probiotics, to further combat the yeast overgrowth that often occurs while taking antibiotics.

When it comes around to immunization time, a good dose over several days before and after the immunizations of Probiotics, vitamin C and Omega 3 fish oils may actually counteract some of the negative side effects we often see with the shots; it also may help those internal pathways remove toxins from our bodies more efficiently. 

The effect of a yeast infection on a child can be very troubling, and you may not realize the behaviors associated with yeast overgrowth.  My son in particular will become very noise sensitive, hyperactive, unable to focus and generally quite aggressive when his yeast gets out of control. The first sign we watch for is him covering his ears and telling us that sounds make his ears hurt, a quick check of his tongue usually confirms it’s a yeast problem.  He uses pro/prebiotics combinations daily and we expect this will continue at least through his childhood if not his adult life.  Read more about how childhood yeast problems may affect your child. 

Is there a link between yeast and Autism behaviours?  

Read one study that concludes “There is a great deal of evidence that a form of yeast, candida (rhymes with “Canada”) albicans, may cause autism and may exacerbate many behavior and health problems in autistic individuals, especially those with late-onset autism”. The paper linking autism, developmental delays, behaviour problems and yeast, by The Center for the Study of Autism  can be read here.

One brand of probiotic is Udo’s Choice™ these, like all Probiotics, work to maintain the delicate balance of “good” or “friendly” bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract. According to the Udo’s Choice website: Probiotics derive from the extensive group of friendly micro-organisms already present in nature that we commonly obtain from yogurt and raw foods. Udo’s Choice™ Probiotic Blends consist of SIX distinct varieties, each engineered for a specific age group or condition:

• Infant’s Blend, Children’s Blend,
  Adult’s Blend,
  Advanced Adult’s Blend (for seniors),
  Hi-Potency Bowel Blend,
  Super 8 Hi-Potency,
  And Super 5 Lozenge. 

You can go to UDO’s Choice  to learn more about their products and the strains of Probiotics available.

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com

Hyperactivity, Additives & Vitamin D3 ~ Is there a link?

7 February 2008

Study on Hyperactivity and Additives.

The January, 2008 issue of DISCOVER magazine features the 100 top science stories of 2007. One of the scientific events they selected is the 2007 study of food additives and hyperactivity, conducted at the University of Southampton in England. The children, who were drawn from the general population, were placed on a diet that eliminated food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate. They were given either a fruit juice drink or a drink that contained the additives. Both drinks looked and tasted the same.

The children were observed and tested to determine their level of hyperactivity. When they consumed the drinks with the additives their hyperactivity scores were nearly double compared to when they drank the plain fruit juice. The test design was double blind, which means nobody was aware of when the children consumed the additives and when they did not until the study was completed. The research, published in the September 6 issues of THE LANCET, is considered to be the most well designed to date.

Also in Discover Magazine…

Several new studies on the value of Vitamin D3 continue to add to our knowledge of the many benefits of this vitamin, which was virtually ignored until recently. It appears that most tissues and cells in the body require it in order to function well; this may explain why low levels of D3 have been linked with such a broad range of health problems. The amount of vitamin D needed has been grossly underestimated, according to many researchers, and the Canadian Pediatric Society now recommends that pregnant and breast-feeding women supplement their diet with 2,000 IU of it each day.

MORE ON RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF VITAMIN D.

A new study, published in November, is titled “Molecular basis of the potential of Vitamin D to prevent cancer.” The authors write, “Currently, most experts in the field believe that intakes of between 2000 and 4000 IU will lead to a more healthy level of [the vitamin] that will offer significant protective effects against cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovary, lungs, and pancreas.

Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Nov 21

The November issue of SCIENTIFIC AMERICA carried a comprehensive article on vitamin D, repeating what many researchers are finding: the vitamin is essential for optimum health and the current recommendations are inadequate. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum daily intake of only 200 IU for children.

Our bodies will create vitamin D through exposure to sunlight so geography plays a part in the amount of supplementation one would need. People living in Canada and Northern Europe receive insufficient sunlight for most of the year. Those living in Northern Africa, Southern Europe and in all of the United States (including the deep South) still do not receive sufficient sunlight to supply the amount of the vitamin that is needed for good health. John Taylor, PhD, Notes “Vitamin D3 affects the immune system, and anything that affects the immune system affects ADHD.”

Reprinted with permission from Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States,  www.feingold.org

Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com 

Next Page »