Supplements
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
Could it be a magnesium deficiency?
16 June 2008What can help muscle cramps, sleepless nights, and even migraines? Is easily available in supplement form and in many of our everyday foods and grains? Its magnesium and it turns out many of us are magnesium deficient.
Having a problem focusing or staying on task? Magnesium is an essential mineral that can improve oxygen use, and dull the pain response in muscles, once it works on your sore aching muscles and sends that revitalizing oxygen back to where it needs to be, it will allow your brain to focus and concentrate so much better on the current events and tasks at hand.
Sore joints and muscles after being in the gym? After working out, soothe those tired muscles by sitting in a bath of Epsom salts (magnesium). Draw yourself a hot bath and dissolve about 2 cups of the salts directly in the water, sit in the bath for as long as you need. It’s said to be as relaxing and beneficial as a massage. Epsom salts are widely available and you will almost certainly find them in your local grocery store.
Also, if your child is having a reaction to something they ate (that blue cotton candy at the carnival for instance), or you just can’t get them to relax them before bed. Allowing them to soak in an Epsom salt bath will help to calm them and get them ready to settle down for the night. Just be sure they don’t drink the bath water as too much magnesium can have a laxative (think Milk of Magnesia) effect on anyone, young, or old. Also just before hopping in the tub, gently rub over the skin with a dry flannel to open up the pores and allow the soothing process to begin.
The good news is that magnesium is available in lots of foods including chocolate, that’s a fabulous excuse to allow yourself to indulge every once in a while. You can also get your daily allowence with a magnesium supplement, a great one you might try is Peter Gillham’s Natural Calm Plus Calcium, they write that it is formulated with 3 parts magnesium to 2 parts calcium. This is specifically to prevent a surplus of calcium robbing the body’s vital magnesium supply and avoiding further the symptoms associated with magnesium depletion.
Magnesium deficiency can be the cause of many different problems including but not limited to: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, imbalanced blood sugar levels, anxiety, depression, fatigue and weakness, cramps, seizures and dizziness. If you are suffering any of these or a combination of these symptoms schedule an appointment to discuss with your Doctor, it may be a simple magnesium deficiency but it might be something more. In the case of persistant migraines or sleeplessness try the magnesium trick and see if it might at least alleviate some of those symptoms.
Other ways to get your daily intake of magnesium; which by the way is 400 mg per day for a male between 19 – 30, 420 mg for 31+ years, and for women 310 mg raising to 320 mg per day once we hit 31. Try adding raw pumpkin seeds, spinach, salmon & halibut, and a wide variety of beans to you diet, and oh ~ don’t forget the chocolate! For more information on Magnesium.
For more supplement information and to discuss what you might be missing in your diet:
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at Fontana Chiropractic Evergreen CO. 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com
Make an adjustment ~ Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy
Omega Fatty Acids and nutrition.
21 March 2008New 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
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and other natural digestive aids.
22 February 2008PROBITOICS 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 2008Study 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
No Long term benefits of ADHD Drugs?!
4 February 2008No long-term benefits of ADHD drugs?
Treating children with drugs does not work in the long term and can stunt growth and lead to other unwanted side effects.
The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD began in 1990 and followed the treatment of 600 children. The study looked at 4 options:
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1. Drugs alone,
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2. Behavioral treatment,
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3. Drugs + behavior treatment,
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4. No special treatments.
(Other treatments were not considered such as the removal of additives and salicylates, supplementation with essential fatty acids, vitamins or other nutrients, vision therapy, sensory integration therapy, food or environmental allergies, heavy metal exposure).
When popcorn is hard to swallow
21 January 2008WHEN POPCORN IS HARD TO SWALLOW
Next time you sit down to watch a movie and chow down on some popcorn you might want to choose something that doesn’t contain “artificial butter flavoring.” A Colorado man’s love for microwave popcorn was found to be the cause of his severe respiratory illness.
There are many documented cases of illness among people working in factories that make the artificial butter flavoring used in popcorn; the culprit is a chemical called “diacetyl.” When it is inhaled it permanently damages the airways in the lungs. Many of these workers are now legally disabled and some (more…)
Omega fish oils, EPA, EFA’s, 3-6-9 and other essential fatty acids.
17 January 2008EFA’s (Fish Oil)
My family first started to take EFAs in 2005; my son then just over a year old, was not talking. He literally was not attempting any verbal communication whatsoever. Luckily for us our pediatrician, alerted to a possible problem with our son’s development, suggested signing up for an early intervention screening. Early Intervention screening is available at no cost through your local Department of Developmental Services office. She also handed me information for a book she thought would be helpful to read-: “The Late Talker. What to do if your child isn’t Talking Yet” St Martin’s Press May 2003 by Marilyn Agin MD, Lisa Geng, and Malcolm J. Nicholl”
In the book there is some great information and resources for parents to explore to help children who have missed verbal milestones. One of the paragraphs mentioned (more…)
Why Nordic Naturals?
25 June 2006
The Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are essential for maintaining optimal mental and physical health. To date, over 2,000 research studies document the health-promoting effects of Omega-3 fatty acids. Every year additional studies
continue to be published, focusing on the mental and physical health benefits of EPA and DHA.
Nordic Naturals was founded by Norwegian native, Joar Opheim, and his wife, Michele, in response to a lack of quality Omega-3 fish oils in the US. For almost ten years, Nordic Naturals has set the standard for freshness, purity, and taste in Omega-3 supplements. Today, they are the leading supplier of fish oils to the natural health market as prominent research organizations and medical facilities
around the world rely on Nordic Naturals for extraordinary results.
Nordic Naturals’ products are produced with exclusive raw materials and a multi-patented manufacturing processes, which deliver freshness and purity levels unheard of only a few years ago.
In the competitive Norwegian market, leading medical doctors are describing Nordic Naturals products as “simply the best fish oils in the world.”
For more information on the benefits of Nordic Naturals visit the site Nordic Naturals.
Download a pdf booklet to print and read offline: 
“Why Nordic Naturals” Booklet
Whole Food Supplements
24 June 2006For 75 years, Standard Process has provided health care professionals with high-quality, nutritional whole food supplements. The extensive collection of products supports the healthy functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, respiratory, skeletal, renal, and other physiological systems.
In order to produce high-quality supplements, the products undergo a unique process. To ensure the utmost quality, many of our raw materials are grown organically on company-owned farmland and then processed utilizing exclusive manufacturing techniques.
For more information on Whole Food Supplements talk to Dr. Susan or Dr. Paul. Or visit the Standard Process website at Standard Process.