Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

IN THE NEWS: Even More Evidence for the Link Between Alzheimer’s and Herpes In 1907, the German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer published a description of a 50-year-old woman who suffered from memory problems, hallucinations, and delusions. In the woman’s brain, Alzheimer noticed unusual lumps, or “plaques,” which “were caused by the deposition of an unusual substance.” Eight decades later, the mystery substance was finally identified as a protein called amyloid beta. Though small, it can accumulate in large clusters that are somehow toxic to neurons. Those harmful plaques are one of the hallmarks of the disease that bears Alzheimer’s name. What amyloid beta normally does in the brain isn’t clear. Robert Moir, a neurologist at the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, says that many researchers have cast it as a villainous molecule with no beneficial function.  “It’s just bad, bad, bad,” he says. “But it has become increasingly obvious that this isn’t true.” Moir thinks that amyloid beta has a more heroic role, as a foot soldier of our immune system. It protects neurons from infectious microbes—and from herpes viruses, in particular. William Eimer, a member of Moir’s team, demonstrated this protection by injecting the common herpes virus HSV–1 into the brains of two kinds of mice: normal rodents and ones that were genetically engineered to produce high levels of amyloid beta in their brains. The latter were better at resisting the viruses. Eimer then got similar results when he injected a different herpes virus, HHV–6, into human cells growing in a dish. Amyloid beta protects against these viruses by latching onto them in large numbers, imprisoning them in self-assembling cages. That’s typically a good thing, but Moir argues that if the process goes on for too long, it builds up to the problematic plaques of Alzheimer’s. According to him, amyloid beta is still at the heart of the Alzheimer’s story, but it isn’t the villain. “In our model, Alzheimer’s is caused by amyloid beta’s reaction to something else, and most likely some kind of infection” like herpes, he says. NOTE: Ask about nutrition for the immune system.

WELLNESS: Why Macadamias, Pecans and Walnuts Should Be on Your Shopping List Because macadamia nuts and pecans have high fat and low protein and carb levels, they are superior choices, particularly if you eat a ketogenic diet. Walnuts, despite having a slightly higher protein and carb content, are also an excellent choice mainly because new research suggests eating them may reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. You may not realize most nuts labeled as roasted have actually been fried in vegetable oil, often at high temperatures, putting you at risk of exposure to acrylamide, a possible carcinogen. When choosing nuts, look for high-quality nuts that are certified organic and presented in raw form. Avoid roasted or pasteurized nuts, as well as nuts coated in sugar or covered in milk chocolate. Contrary to what you may think, only dry-roasted nuts are truly roasted. Most nuts labeled and sold as roasted are actually fried in vegetable oil. You can tell this because the ingredient label will identify the type of oil used for frying. This practice is ill-advised for a few reasons:Most vegetable oils are unhealthy and contain an overabundance of omega-6 fats. In addition, some vegetable oils used to fry nuts, such as canola oil, are genetically engineered (GE). Roasting raises the potential for the formation of a possible carcinogen called acrylamide, which results from a chemical reaction between sugars in certain foods and an amino acid called asparagine. Acrylamide, which is best known as the “browning” on chips and french fries, has the potential to form on certain nuts when they are fried or roasted at temperatures above 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) for long cooking times. Vegetable oils heated to high temperatures can easily oxidize, promoting the formation of disease-causing free radicals. Nuts that oxidize can also become rancid and attract fungal mycotoxins. You can identify rancid nuts by a musty, stale or spoiled smell. Nuts roasted at high temperatures may contain lower amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients.

CHIROPRACTIC:  HELPING TMJ TMJ is the shortened name for temporomandibular joint disorders. It describes a group of disorders in which the connecting point between the jaw and the skull becomes painful and swollen. The cause of the disorder can vary widely, and in some instances, no known cause is ever discovered. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of TMJ can vary widely from person to person, but some of the more typical problems are fairly common among most sufferers. These symptoms might include pain in the jaw, trouble chewing or talking, headaches, and neck pain. In some cases, the patient may also experience a bit of dizziness. Since other ailments can cause similar problems, it’s important to be seen by a professional. How Can a Chiropractor Help? Chiropractors may help with TMJ by alleviating tension and dysfunction in the spine. As chiropractors alleviate this dysfunction, it reduces the pressure on various nerves, which then alleviates pain associated with TMJ.

FUNNY BONE:  Round like a shot... Going to bed the other night, I noticed people in my shed stealing things. I phoned the police but was told there was no one in the area to help. The Policeman said they would send someone over as soon as possible. I hung up. A minute later I rang again. 'Hello', I said, 'I called you a minute ago because there were people in my shed.  You don't have to hurry now, because I've shot them.' Within five minutes there were half a dozen police cars in the area, plus helicopters and an armed response unit. They caught the burglars red-handed. One of the officers said: 'I thought you said you'd shot them.' To which I replied: 'I thought you said there was no one available.'@@ Why are iPhone chargers not called Apple Juice?!

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

 

IN THE NEWS: Kids whose mothers do these 5 things are 75% less likely to be obese The best thing mothers can do to ensure their kids avoid developing obesity may be to take care of themselves. That's the main takeaway from a study looking at mothers and children published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled in the US since the 1970s, according to the CDC. Nearly 20% of kids and teens aged 6 to 19 now qualify as obese. Being obese as a child comes with serious long-term health effects, including higher risk for diseases including asthma, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, depression, and risk factors for heart disease. According to the study, genetics play an important role in obesity, but researchers think lifestyle factors may be behind the increased rate in recent decades. So the study authors decided to analyze lifestyle choices of mothers and children to see how they affected obesity rates. Obesity risk is lowest for children whose mothers make five healthy lifestyle choices. These mothers maintain a healthy weight, exercise at least the recommended 150 minutes per week, and don't smoke. They eat a high quality diet, determined by high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, healthy fats, and low consumption of sugary beverages, red and processed meat. Finally, they drink light to moderate amounts, quantified as two small glasses of wine or one standard pint of beer a day.

WELLNESS: Obesity makes breast cancer cells more aggressive We already know that obesity diminishes health in a number of ways. Now the increased spread of breast cancer can be added to that list. Research out of Heidelberg University Hospital and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technische Universität München (TUM) has yielded some enlightening discoveries. During their research, the European scientists found that obesity causes cytokines to be released into the bloodstream. This in turn impacts the metabolism of breast cancer cells, causing them to become much more aggressive. Losing excess body weight will reduce the risk of breast cancer metastasis: Breast cancer metastasis and recurrence after tumor surgery is the primary cause of deaths from cancer in women. Other studies have linked obesity with aggressive breast cancer forms. Important note: Postmenopausal women are at an even higher risk of developing breast cancer that metastasizes. Naturally, we all understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for good health. These research results should give overweight women – at a high risk for breast cancer – even more incentive to lose weight. Take action today: Favor organic (chemical free) fruits and vegetables; eat high-quality protein while avoiding processed foods. Lower mental and emotional stress – especially the repair of toxic personal relationships. Exercise on a regular basis – even if it’s just walking. And, finally, replace those toxic personal care or household cleaning products with safer versions that use natural ingredients like, essential oils. These steps will go a long way to reducing your risk of cancer or any other chronic health problem.

CHIROPRACTIC: KIDS AND TECH NECK Neck problems are becoming way too common with today’s technology. Over the years the development of the proper position of computer monitors and keyboards have become better understood but with today’s smartphones we are back to the starting line. The average head weighs about 10 pounds and it sits on the smallest vertebra in the body. When you lean your head forward just 1 inch you develop up to 16 to 18 pounds of pressure on your spine particularly your low back. This steady head forward posture puts the muscles, discs and joints in the neck under a lot of stress. Over time this can alter the normal curve in the neck leading to degenerative changes. As this process develops headaches, neck tension, eyes and sinus symptoms, shoulder problems, elbow problems, carpal tunnel syndrome are just a few of the issues that can develop. You add the effect of technology on poor sleeping habits you become a neck problem waiting for the point of explosion i.e. symptoms. Unfortunately degenerative changes in the neck don’t always show up symptomatically for a decade or more. When you feel the first symptoms the underlying problem could be very hard to fix. For your kids’ sake you need to discuss keeping the phone out in front of them so they don’t have to bend their head forward and down. Chiropractic adjustments are the most effective treatment for tech neck.

 FUNNY BONE: Q. Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer? A. Because he just couldn't see himself doing it.@@ Wife: "In my dream, I saw you in a jewelry store and you bought me a diamond ring." Husband: "I had the same dream and I saw your dad paying the bill."@@ I just ended a long-term relationship today. I'm not too bothered, it wasn't mine.@@ Never lend money to a friend. It's dangerous. It could damage his memory.@@ Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work.@@ Money isn't everything, but it certainly keeps you in touch with your children.@@ You take away the looks, money, intelligence, charm and success and, really, there's no real difference between me and George Clooney.@@ I saw a sign that said "Watch for children" and I thought, "That sounds like a fair trade".

Visit our web sites:  keefeclinic.com & facebook.com/keefeclinic

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: What are the best foods to fight aging? EDAMAME, or fresh soybeans, have been a staple of Asian cuisine for generations, the beans are rich in isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen – that is. plant-derived, estrogen-like substances. Isoflavones are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. CARROTS This common culinary ingredient, best known in its orange variety, is famously recommended for its high content of beta-carotene, a pigment — and carotenoid — that gives the widespread version of this root vegetable its color.Beta-carotene can be converted by our bodies into vitamin A, which, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication." Our bodies cannot produce vitamin A on their own, so it must be derived from our diet. moreover, research has shown that foods rich in carotenoids — and, of course, carrots are a prime example here — can protect against age-related macular degeneration, the vision damage caused by old age. CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES Another important type of food on our list are cruciferous vegetables — also known as "Brassica vegetables" — which include a wide array of green foods, such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, radish, and kale. These vegetables boast an especially rich nutrient content, including many vitamins (C, E, K, and folate), minerals (potassium, calcium, and selenium), and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin). Cruciferous vegetables also contain glucosinolates, some glucosinolates seem to regulate the body's stress and inflammation response; they have antimicrobial properties, and some of them are being investigated for their anti-cancer potential.

WELLNESS: Reducing stress naturally Stress can be a factor in the breakdown of the body and the development of certain disease processes. Stress has different factors emotional, chemical, structural/neurological and physical. One of the benefits of chiropractic adjustments is that patients report caring less stress in their body. This can have a ramification on the quality of sleep and how well a person handles other life stresses. One type of emotional stress is replaying certain traumas in a subconscious way. This can show up as avoiding certain activities like driving, meeting new people or new experiences. The Emotional Freedom Technique is a tool we use to help eliminate the subconscious stressors. It allows the body to release these programs that are being replayed at the subconscious level thus allowing people to overcome phobias and other things that produce stress. Just improving diet and detoxing the body can improve stress handling considerably. If you feel like stress is taking over we can help. Talk to us today about any issues you feel are affecting your health.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Why Americans Love Chiropractic Findings from the most recent National Health Interview Survey providing data on the use of chiropractic and other complementary health care approaches by U.S. adults reveals why Americans utilize chiropractic and what they value most. The survey provides data on lifetime (54.6 million; 24%) and 12-month (19.1 million; 8.4%) use of chiropractic services and various sociodemographic characteristics. But the most intriguing data illuminates the primary reasons for visiting a doctor of chiropractic and the perceived health and wellness benefits received by chiropractic users. Why visit a chiropractor? Here's why: Reasons for Visiting a Chiropractor For general wellness / disease prevention: 43.6%-To improve energy: 16.3% -To improve athletic or sports performance: 15.4%-To improve immune function: 11.4%-To improve memory or concentration: 5.3% Benefits of Chiropractic Improves overall health or makes feel better: 66.9%-Helps to sleep better: 41.9%-Helps to reduce stress level or to relax: 40.2%-Makes it easier to cope with health problems: 38.5%-Gives a sense of control over own health: 32.5%-Helps to feel better emotionally: 27.4% Why Not Just See an Medical Doctor? Chiropractic treats the cause and not just the symptoms: 61.9%-Chiropractic is natural: 37.5%-Medical treatments do not work for specific health problem: 33.8%-Chiropractic focuses on the whole person: 24.9%-Medications cause side effects: 18.1% So, let's recap: U.S. adults visit doctors of chiropractic for a variety of health and wellness reasons (not just when they have back pain); the majority find it "very important" or "somewhat important" in maintaining their overall health and well-being, yet most all believe it is effective in helping their specific health problems; and chiropractic presents an all-natural, drug-free alternative to traditional medical care. Someone you know needs chiropractic!

FUNNY BONE: An Uber passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and stopped inches from a shop window. For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, "Look man, don't ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me!" The passenger apologized and said, "I didn't realize that a little tap would scare you so much." The driver replied, "Sorry, it’s not really your fault. Today is my first day as an Uber driver – I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years."@@ Walking up to a department store's fabric counter, the pretty girl said, "I would like to buy this material for my new dress. How much does it cost?" "Only one kiss per yard," replied the male clerk with a smirk on his face. "That's fine," said the girl. "I'll take ten yards." With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the clerk quickly measured out the cloth, wrapped it up, then teasingly held it out. The girl snapped up the package, pointed to the old man behind her, and smiled, "Grandpa's gonna pay the bill."

 

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com& facebook.com/keefeclinic

Have you been told ……

“There is no cure for what you have, no one can help you”.....

Really?

 

Many patients have been told this by their medical doctor and yet have gone on to find help through natural healthcare and chiropractic. It's not that the medical doctors were lying to them but what they were really saying is drugs and surgery can't help you. Their language is unfortunate because that traps many people with conditions they live with the rest of their lives. It's also sad that medical doctors are brainwashed in school into believing that if drugs and surgery can't help the patient in front of them, nothing else will.

 

Chiropractic and natural healthcare approaches the body with completely different eyes. We might do some of the same tests like lab work, MRIs or x-rays and physical exams but we interpret the information completely different in some cases. The focus of drug therapy is to find some chemical that will suppress your symptoms. It's like with type II diabetes where the body is not responding to the insulin it's producing so they use chemicals to force the sugar out through the kidneys. This doesn't help the cells that need sugar for proper metabolism to get the sugar they need it just limits the danger of ever increasing blood sugar levels. The natural approach focuses on nutritional and lifestyle changes that help the cells recognize and respond properly to the insulin.

 

It's been said there are no incurable diseases just some incurable patients. The process of getting well can be complex and difficult in some cases the motivation to make the changes in lifestyle and diet are more than some people are willing to do thus they carry their condition to an early grave. The key in any health problem is breaking the code for that disease and to do that sometimes it's as simple as doing basic blood work and understanding the nutritional components of those findings but in some cases it's more complicated, requiring innovative tools to break the code. That's one reason we use a muscle reflex testing protocol that we call Vega testing. The founder of Vega testing was a German medical doctor/dentist who developed this test that included both the protocol of testing along with a sophisticated Ohm's machine to study the response from the body. Because that machine was both expensive and subject to operator error we decided to use a muscle reflex test to work the protocol, it is more objective and quicker. In Vega testing we monitor muscle reflexes in response to certain diagnostic ampules to help us break the code of the disease, understand the underlying components. We can quickly, in a lot of cases, find the underlying toxicity, emotional component, nutritional imbalance that’s allowing the condition to remain in the body. Your body has an ability to heal itself but that ability can be interfered with because of different blockages. Our goal is to determine what those blockages are and remove them allowing your body what it does best, heal.

The basic approach that we use at Keefe Clinic includes determining what body type you are so we can establish the right ratio of fats, carbs and proteins for your particular genetic makeup. Along with that diet, detoxification, possibly an anti-inflammatory diet, and neurological balancing and establishing the necessary neurological pathways so the body can regulate itself and in turn heal itself. Targeted nutritional therapy, exercise, stress handling are just some of the techniques that were used to help the body.

LINK: Vega testing

INNATE INTELLIGENCE

Healing comes from within. The wisdom that made your body can heal your body. Chiropractic science teaches that the body has an inborn ability to heal itself. In chiropractic we call this innate intelligence.

When you cut your finger in most cases all you need to do is clean the cut and the body will do the rest. When you break a bone if it is not severely dislocated the body can pull the bone back together and make it stronger than it was before the break. As a chiropractic physician I rely on your bodies inborn intelligence to produce the results from care. My job is to remove the interference and let innate intelligence to the rest. Yes we have to give innate the proper building blocks through proper diet and nutrition plus we need to stop overloading the body with toxic chemicals and depleted nutrients like refined carbohydrates or junk food.

Exercise, oxygen, clean water, stress reduction and proper rest are all components necessary for good health. Drugs can not give you healthy tissue cells, vitamins can not give you healthy tissue cells without innate intelligence doing its job. That's why the adjustment is so important. The doctor inside needs to have full access to every part of your body in order to maintain good health. Nerve pressure interferes with the innate intelligence's ability to restore health. Who do you know who would benefit from chiropractic care?

Chiropractic releases health from within, not from a pill.

 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

 (918) 663-1111

IN THE NEWS: Healthy living could prevent half of deaths from cancer Following a healthy lifestyle — which includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and refraining from smoking — may prevent cancer, a new study finds. Healthy lifestyle choices could potentially prevent 20 to 40 percent of cancer cases and about half of cancer deaths, the study found. The new findings, however, "provide strong support for the argument that a large proportion of cancers are to due environmental factors and can be prevented by lifestyle modification," the authors of the new study, Dr. Mingyang Song, a research fellow in epidemiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Edward Giovannucci, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, wrote in their paper. The researchers found that women in the high-risk group were 25 percent more likely to get cancer and 48 percent more likely to die from cancer during the study period than the women in the low-risk group. Men in the high-risk group were 33 percent more likely to get cancer and 44 percent more likely to die of cancer than the men in the low-risk group, according to the study.

WELLNESS: Shirataki Noodles — An Incredibly Healthy High-Fiber, No-Carb Food Vegetables aren't the only high-fiber food; shirataki noodles may be the epitome of a high-fiber, low-net carb food, containing about 97 percent water and 3 percent fiber, zero calories, and no digestible carbs. Shirataki noodles are made from glucomannan fiber, which can aid with weight loss, reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, lower cholesterol, and help relieve constipation. This viscous fiber is fermented by gut microbes. Byproducts include short-chain fatty acids that calibrate your immune system and serve as substrate to produce ketones that efficiently fuel your mitochondria.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Hidden fears and brain function Sometimes brain function is inhibited by hidden fears. You might just sense that as stress when you try to balance your checkbook, remember things, or going places. Our brains can have misfiring circuits that cause issues under certain circumstances. For instance you might have a problem reading in front of people or remembering someone's name. Yet when you're alone those issues don't appear to be present or under some other type of circumstance they might not be an issue. That's because our brains can shut down when we fire up a faulty circuit due to past forgotten traumas. Emotional freedom technique can help eliminate these faulty circuits and allow for better brain function. Emotional freedom technique can also help eliminate certain fears or phobias that you are aware that you have. If you are dealing with any issue where you don't believe that your brain is functioning at peak performance then discuss that on your next visit and we can determine if emotional freedom technique might benefit you.

FUNNY BONE: Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.@@ After hearing a sermon on Psalm 52:3-4 (lies and deceit), a man wrote the IRS, “I can’t sleep knowing that I have cheated on my income tax. Enclosed is a check for $150. If 
I still can’t sleep, I’ll send the rest.”@@ While I was out to lunch, my coworker answered my phone and told the caller that I would be back 
in 20 minutes. The woman asked, 
“Is that 20 minutes Central Standard Time?”

LINK:allergies/
Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com-facebook/keefeclinic.com

Stress disorders

When our stress handling system start to break down then we start to break down. When stress gets out of control our cardiovascular system, immune system, digestive system and hormonal system will start to suffer. Improper stress handling can affect our sleep, our attitude, our concentration and memory. The adrenals and the nervous system are the two areas to support first. Sereni-Pro (2-4 per day) is a great product to support the adrenal glands and glycoplex (1-2 per day) is a great B complex to support the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments and exercise can help lessen the hormones of stress and improve your ability to handle stress a lot better.

 

If you have not set up your account at natural partners then go to npscript.com/Keefeclinic and set up an account. There is no charge to set up this account and they do not sell email addresses. Once the account is set up you can order any of their over 9000 products in the comfort of your own home and have them shipped to your door. Note: for period of time you can get free shipping, order today!

Breaking the code of disease

Part of the challenge that any doctor has is trying to understand and to help a patient with a certain condition. In chiropractic and natural healthcare we take a totally different approach in treating our patients. Instead of using drugs that just suppress symptoms, at a cost of sometimes serious side effects, chiropractors try to focus on the underlying cause.

As a patient you might think that in healthcare there is a understanding of the cause for most disease, but you would be wrong. In our society most diseases are just suppressed not corrected. In natural healthcare and chiropractic we don't use suppressive drugs so we must try to understand the root cause in order to help the patient get well.

So what do we do if the cause is not generally recognized or understood? That's where we have to break the code of disease to try to get to the root cause. There are a number of diseases that most doctors would say we don't understand the cause yet chiropractic helps on a regular basis. That's because most doctors don't work with nutritional therapy, energy medicine or chiropractic adjustments.

To give you an example let's look at acid reflux which is a major problem in our society. The predominant approach is just to suppress acid production but of course this does not address the cause or offer a solution for the problem. In natural healthcare we understand the complexities of the digestive system and how it's impacted through the hormonal system, through emotions, through toxicity etc. so instead of writing a prescription that might turn off your acid production and thus compromise normal digestion, we have to unravel the cause in each patient's special circumstances. In natural healthcare/chiropractic one size doesn't fit all.

 

Besides standard tools like lab work, x-ray or physical exam we utilize a biofeedback technique that we call "Vega testing". This allows us, in many cases, to unravel the underlying cause of a given condition for each patient. For instance let's talk about chronic fatigue syndrome it's been my experience that what works for one patient doesn't necessarily work for the next. But with the understanding the body can heal itself and working with the body's intelligence we can usually unravel the hidden code for a particular condition.

We have discovered that not only can you be deficient in certain nutrients you can also be deficient in certain vibratory rates like sound or light (color). Your body is an electrical system, a chemical system and the mechanical system. And each of these systems can be the cause or part of the cause for your condition.

Let me give you an example: back in the 80s the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome was first presented. Even today the consensus is that we don't understand what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. There's more than enough theories on the cause but there is no definitive cause presented. Yet we have gotten very good results by taking each patient as an individual and unraveling the code of their particular condition by investigation of electrical/chemical/mechanical systems and addressing the faults we find in each.

Do you or a family member or friend suffer from any chronic condition? Tell someone about chiropractic today. Natural healthcare is the fastest growing system in healthcare today. First of all it's safe and effective.

 

Crohn's disease

Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is associated with inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to flare-ups. For more than half a million American men and women who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s, inflammation is at the root of their Crohn's disease symptoms

The most common location for Crohn's disease inflammation is the last portion of the small intestine, at the junction where it joins the large intestine, but Crohn's can involve any portion of the intestinal tract.

Abdominal pain and cramping are two of the many Crohn's disease symptoms.

Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people. The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.

Crohn syndrome and regional enteritis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Signs and symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody if inflammation is severe), fever, and weight loss.  Other complications may occur outside the gastrointestinal tract and include anemia, skin rashes, arthritis, inflammation of the eye, and tiredness. The skin rashes may be due to infections as well as pyoderma gangrenosum or erythema nodosum. Bowel obstruction also commonly occurs and those with the disease are at greater risk of bowel cancer.  Among children, growth failure is common. In addition to systemic and gastrointestinal involvement, Crohn's disease can affect many other organ systems.[ Inflammation of the interior portion of the eye, known as uveitis, can cause blurred vision and eye pain, especially when exposed to light (photophobia).] Inflammation may also involve the white part of the eye (sclera), a condition called episcleritis.

Crohn's disease also increases the risk of blood clots; painful swelling of the lower legs can be a sign of deep venous thrombosis, while difficulty breathing may be a result of pulmonary embolism. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the immune system attacks the red blood cells, is also more common in Crohn's disease and may cause fatigue, a pale appearance, and other symptoms common in anemia. Clubbing, a deformity of the ends of the fingers, may also be a result of Crohn's disease. Finally, Crohn's disease increases the risk of osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Individuals with osteoporosis are at increased risk of bone fractures.

Crohn's disease can also cause neurological complications (reportedly in up to 15%).] The most common of these are seizures, stroke, myopathy, peripheral europathy, headache and depression.

People with Crohn's often also have issues with small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome, which has similar symptoms.

In the oral cavity people with Crohn's may develop cheilitis granulomatosa and other forms of orofacial granulomatosis, pyostomatitis vegetans, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, geographic tongue, and migratory stomatitis in higher prevalence than the general population.

The diagnosis of Crohn's disease can sometimes be challenging, and a number of tests are often required to assist the physician in making the diagnosis. Even with a full battery of tests, it may not be possible to diagnose Crohn's with complete certainty.

DIET FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

The fact is, there is no scientifically proven diet for inflammatory bowel disease. Most experts believe, though, that some patients can identify specific foods that trigger their gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly during disease flares. By avoiding your "trigger foods," you may find that your GI symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea are more manageable. At the same time, you will give your inflamed intestines time to heal.

It's possible that at least some of these listed foods will trigger your symptoms:

 

alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine)

butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils

carbonated beverages

coffee, tea, chocolate

corn husks

dairy products (if lactose intolerant)

fatty foods (fried foods)

foods high in fiber

gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions)

nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters)

raw fruits

raw vegetables

red meat and pork

spicy foods

whole grains and bran

 

Gastroenterologists have long known about the many complications and impacts of living with IBD. For example: If you have Crohn’s disease, your life expectancy is two to three years less than someone without the disease.  People with IBD have an increased chance of developing colorectal cancer, correlating with the length of time they have had the disease. The probability of a person developing colorectal cancer after having IBD for 10 years is two per cent. After that, risk continues to rise and is as high as 18 per cent after 30 years. Side effects of the various IBD medications range from decreased fertility to an increased risk of lymphatic cancer. Women who have had surgery for their IBD may not be able to conceive. Due to the diseased intestinal tract’s failure to absorb nutrients, children with Crohn’s disease are usually smaller than their peers, which can have an impact on their social lives. One of the side effects of Crohn’s disease is mouth ulcers, which are painful and make it difficult to smile.

NATURAL TREATMENT

CHIROPRACTIC

Multiple cross-sectional surveys have revealed that 51 percent of patients with inflammatory bowel disease use complementary medicine for treating their illness. These studies indicate an increase in people seeking out alternative treatment methods.

A 2007 study on Crohn's disease patients found that 12 of the 17 participants who received spinal adjustments "showed long-term and stable remission of their symptoms." They also found "that vertebral subluxation is a common and characteristic finding in patients with allergies and Crohn's disease."

A 2003 case study by Dr. Charles L. Blum, reports a 32-year-old female patient suffering from inflammatory bowel disease was relieved of this chronic condition following chiropractic treatment.

 Probiotics

Your gastrointestinal tract contains “good” bacteria, which help with digestion and offer protection against “bad” bacteria. If you have taken antibiotics or have an illness, you may not have a sufficient supply of the good bacteria. Probiotics are living microorganisms that you can consume. They act very much like the good bacteria in your gut.

Probiotics have not been proven to reduce the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and further study is needed. They may be more or less beneficial depending on the location and stage of the disease. Some strains might work for one person but not others. If you decide to try probiotics, talk to your doctor first, and try to find a product that is free of dairy because many people with Crohn’s disease are sensitive to dairy products.

 Prebiotics

Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates found in artichokes, honey, whole grains, bananas, onions, and garlic. They are food for probiotics and for intestinal bacteria. Adding prebiotics to your diet might improve the function of your normal intestinal bacteria. Using prebiotics along with probiotics might make the probiotics more effective.

Fish Oil

Fish oil has long been used to promote cholesterol health, but its benefits to Crohn’s patients have also been suggested. According to a medical journal article in the Cochrane Database of System Reviews, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties. Since Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, a diet rich in omega-3s or omega-3 supplementation may reduce symptoms. According to a small study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM),  patients taking fish oil were twice as likely to remain in remission as those who took a placebo. (NEJM,1996). Talk to your doctor before starting fish oil supplementation. Taking high doses of fish oil, or taking it in combination with blood thinning medication, can lead to bleeding problems.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into special points on your body.  It is believed that this stimulates your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that block pain. They may also strengthen your immune system and help fight infection.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a form of relaxation therapy. With the help of a machine that monitors your body temperature, perspiration level, blood flow, and brain waves, you are able to see how your body responds to pain and learn to control these responses. Over time, you can learn to manage your muscle contractions and pain.

Herbal and Botanical Treatments

Talk to you doctor before trying any herbal or botanical treatments. Some can interact dangerously with medications you might be taking. They may also have undesirable side effects. Some herbal and botanical treatments reported to help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

 

aloe vera juice

slippery elm bark

chamomile

peppermint

Copaiba

Spearmint oil

 

 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 IN THE NEWS: One man lost most of his brain ... and had no idea As it turns out maybe the Scarecrow didn't need that brain after all. Real Clear Science revisits a bizarre case from 2007 in which a relatively normal 44-year-old man—married, two kids, job—turned out to have been going about his life without most of his brain. According to a New Scientist article published when the case was revealed in July 2007, one neurologist estimated the man was missing more than 50 percent to 75 percent of his brain but—other than a slightly below-average IQ of 75, per the study in the Lancet—was suffering no ill effects. Real Clear Science reports the man's condition stemmed from a case of hydrocephalus (an excessive buildup the cerebrospinal fluid that cushions your brain) suffered as a baby. According to the New Scientist, neurologists could not explain how the man could function while the parts of the brain that control motion, language, vision, emotions, and more were severely compressed. In the end, the case was pointed to as an extreme example of the brain's adaptability.

WELLNESS/PREVENTION: Using essential oils to treat the nervous system Essential oils carry biologically active volatile compounds in a highly concentrated form that can provide therapeutic benefits in very small amounts. Black pepper, fennel, and grapefruit oil stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity whereas rose and patchouli oil calm it. An oral lavender oil preparation was found to be as effective as the drug Lorazepam for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Jasmine oil can also uplift mood and help ameliorate depression.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Heart disease is a condition that is best treated through natural methods. Studies show that most medical approaches don't extend life as much is reports would indicate. Balloons, stents and bypass surgery come with several complications. Chiropractic adjustments help balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system which is crucial to heart health. Targeted nutrients to the blood vessels that surround the heart can cause dramatic improvement in short periods of time. Following your body type diet with emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods and balancing the body's pH can take a surgical heart condition and turn it into a healthy heart in the matter of weeks.

FUNNY BONE: I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.@@@ I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.@@@ If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.@@@ Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.@@@ Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

LINK:/the-search-for-health

LINK:emotional-freedom-techniques-eft

LINK:peeling-the-onion

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com&facebook.com/keefeclinic

It is said that we get sick one cell at a time and we get well one cell at a time. The natural healing process can be subtle sometimes, particularly if you are used to a drug affect in dealing with symptoms. Because drugs don’t heal they just suppress symptoms, sometimes the relief can be quick even though the underlying cause is not being addressed at all.

The natural healing process be it chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, detox, better diet or exercise the results come from internal healing and the reestablishment of normal function. Sometimes patients can feel a somewhat fast improvement, but real healing takes time.

If we’re talking about chiropractic adjustments, the purpose is to establish normal nervous system function. Since your nervous system controls and coordinates every part and system of the body you can see why reducing the stress on the nervous system is so important. The body knows exactly what to do to maintain proper function (health), just sometimes it can’t express that information because of stress on key nerves. Be it acid reflux, allergies, headaches, back pain or hormonal imbalances the body knows how to correct these. But when the communication channels of the body get compromised by misalignments, the body is not able to maintain normal function and thus disease is the result. It can take months and maybe years before that disease becomes manifest through symptoms. And so when you start care you might think because the symptoms just started last week or last month that it’s a young condition. The truth is this condition could’ve taken years to first become symptomatic. Yes the symptoms started last week or last month but the condition started years before.

As we begin to correct the problem at the spine then cells that have been functioning improperly take time to heal and reestablish normal function. Luckily symptoms can disappear fairly quickly in most cases and this can be confusing to patients because when the pain is gone or the symptom has left, they can think that they are well again. This can cause them to mistakenly end care too soon. And thus the condition will continue to develop underground until you have breakthrough symptoms eventually, which could be somewhat different than the symptoms you had before.

A similar scenario happens when we are doing nutritional therapy. Nutrients due to faulty diet, stress and other factors can become imbalanced or deficient over time. This will cause cells to start to malfunction and when enough cells are malfunctioning then the organ will start to malfunction. Again symptoms will be the last to appear and usually represent something that’s taken months if not years to develop. As we determine what nutrients are necessary to restore normal function it can take time for the body to do the healing. Again when the symptoms leave it doesn’t mean the process is completed.

There are a series of steps that tend to take place in all healing. The body will need to detox poisons that have developed due to faulty diet and systems that are not functioning properly and thus not detoxing properly. And then nutrient levels have to be reestablished and rebalanced in order for cells to start functioning properly. And as enough cells start to function as they should then the organ will start to function better. The body will start replacing weak and sick cells with stronger or more healthy cells. And so you literally get healthier one cell at a time. As cells and thus organs start to function better then the body as a whole needs to rebalance how organs and glands are functioning in order to maintain overall health.

Health is really more of a journey than a destination. You’re never going to reach 100% health, that’s a goal that you always reach for. And in the process of reaching for better health you will find yourself functioning in much better health. As your body functions better you notice better energy, more restorative sleep, better mental focus and memory, more endurance and less susceptibility to illness.

 

There are five basic steps that you should always be taking on a regular basis if you’re committed to better health.

One is diet, this includes detoxification. Diet must be matched to your genetic makeup in order to supply you with the necessary building blocks to maintain good health. Just eating whole foods is not enough if you’re eating them in an unbalanced manner based on your genetic makeup, you need the appropriate ratio of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Step two is exercise again this should be balance to your body type. Exercise is not only good for conditioning but it helps the heart and improves the body’s elimination of toxins.

Step three is rest and relaxation. This helps eliminate the effects of stress on the body balancing neurotransmitters that can help with a sense of well-being and a better quality of sleep.

Step four is a positive mental and spiritual attitude This helps us focus better on our purpose in life and also improves our sense of well-being.

Step five is a healthy nervous system which is what chiropractic adjustments help accomplish by removing the stress on the nervous system itself.

Health is your most important asset, without it you can’t be as productive as you need, you might not be able to support your family like you want, plus the quality of your life will suffer. The most important thing is that you focus on the most important thing.

LINK:LIGHT, COLOR AND HEALTH

LINK:KIDS AND CHIROPRACTIC

LINK:natural-healthcare-vs-drug-therapy-and-surgery/

 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

IN THE NEWS: FDA revisits safety of health care antiseptics such as Purell After roughly 40 years, U.S. health regulators are seeking data to see if the cocktail of ingredients in antiseptics used in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes are as safe and effective as they were once considered. The Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it is asking manufacturers for more data, including on absorption, potential hormonal effects and bacterial resistance of these 'active' ingredients in antiseptics, to see if they are still appropriate for use in a health care setting. NOTE: antiseptic products have been associated with antibiotic resistant organisms AND thus the use of these could contribute to hospital infections that could be deadly. Hydrogen peroxide and nixall are safe antiseptics and are used by your own white blood cells to kill bacteria.

WELLNESS: Boost Your Brain Health by Developing a Higher Purpose in Life prevents stroke and promotes longer life One of the five laws of health that we promote is a positive mental and spiritual attitude. Personality traits like optimism and having a sense of purpose can benefit your health in a number of different ways, and ultimately help you live longer. One recent study found that having a sense of purpose reduced odds of suffering a stroke by 44 percent. Happiness, optimism, life satisfaction, and other positive psychological attributes are also associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Find your purpose, live your purpose.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: Degenerative joint disease There are different reasons that people develop degenerative changes in their spine and other joints of their body but misalignments can be a big factor. When in joint is out of alignment and you use it repetitively that produces abnormal stresses on the structures of the joint causing a breakdown. Inflammatory chemistry will amplify these misalignments and accelerate the destructive forces leading to forms of arthritis. Chiropractic care along with good diet and exercise can help prevent degenerative joint disease. Patients who maintain some type of ongoing chiropractic care enjoy a lot better health than those who don’t. Stay regular with your care, eat right, increase the anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, exercise (movement equals life) and maintain a positive mental and spiritual attitude. Live long and prosper.

 FUNNY BONES:  Churchill Downs, which hosts the Kentucky Derby, has banned the use of selfie sticks this year. Officials say that if you want to block someone’s view of the race, just do what everyone else does and wear an insanely giant hat. Jimmy Fallon  "In a recent poll, one in four people said they'd donate a kidney to a complete stranger. Yeah, sure... 90 percent of people won't even let a stranger merge in traffic!" --Jay Leno My friend Tom said he stopped watching golf on TV. His doctor recommended that he get more exercise. So now he watches tennis.

LINK: BREAST CANCER

LINK:benign-essential-tremor/

LINK:MY STORY by Dr KEEFE

 

Visit our web site: keefeclinic.com&facebook.com/keefeclinic

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease was officially recognized a hundred years ago, but there's still no effective medical approach for it. Alzheimer's can be a devastating disease that can make a person disappear a little bit at a time. Eventually the person that you knew is no longer there which can be a hopeless experience. There is new understanding about this condition that has led to new approaches to help arrest and even reverse it. Most of you have heard of beta amyloid plaque which many thought was the cause of this disease. This plaque has been found on MRIs and used to be a way of judging the outcome of this disease. A drug was discovered that can reduce this beta amyloid plaque and was rushed into testing. The surprising results were that it accelerated the disease. The trials were quickly abandoned and a new understanding emerged of what was actually going on in the condition.

It has since been discovered this plaque is actually the body's defense against damage to the brain. Beta amyloid plaque is now understood as being in antimicrobial peptide. In other words is part of the body's immune system against damage. Recent studies have shown that while the adaptive immune system has limited access to the brain, the central nervous system can still mount a robust response to invading pathogens, antimicrobial peptides and the innate immune system. Vitamin D has been found to be one of the protective nutrients in controlling the damage to the brain. Even though vitamin D is not a cure-all for Alzheimer's, studies have shown it to benefit not only Alzheimer's but Parkinson's disease.

Studies have also found that the herpes simplex virus (the cold sore virus) is one of the different organisms that can initiate damage to the brain. This particular virus has been found in 90% of adults even though they don't show outbreaks of cold sores. But there are usually other factors besides this virus alone that sets up the process of damage within the brain. Chlamydia (chlamydophila penedumoniae) is also another microorganism found in the brain.

Microglia are a type of glial cell that are the resident macrophages (cells that consume microorganisms) of the brain and spinal cord, and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense. These cells are found around the damaged area of the brain in Alzheimer's. These cells are activated in inflammatory chemistry and can be triggered by viruses, excitatory proteins, a lack of vitamin D and obesity.

Studies show that obesity is a contributing factor to brain disease due to the inflammatory chemistry that is overdeveloped. So part of the process of preventing neurodegenerative disease is controlling inflammation and oxidation stress.

In a UCLA study, patients made dramatic lifestyle changes. They avoided simple carbs, gluten and processed foods. They increased their fish intake, took yoga and meditated. They were instructed to take melatonin, get adequate sleep, incorporate vitamin B-12, vitamin D-3 and fish oil. Within six months, nine of the 10 memory-loss patients saw a noticeable improvement in memory. One patient, who was in the late stages of Alzheimer's, did not show improvement.

Inflammation and tissue toxins are obvious contributors to Alzheimer's. The dietary recommendations and the nutritional support recommended tend to be directed towards reducing inflammation.

Following your body type diet is crucial in controlling inflammation. Also the latest research on sleep indicates this is how your brain detoxifies itself.

Spending time in meditation or prayer can have a calming affect on your nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments are a very effective way to reduce stress to the nervous system and maintain proper nerve function as well as organ and glandular function. Also regular chiropractic adjustments enhance immune function which can be important with Alzheimer's. Exercise is a way of controlling cortisol which is a stress and inflammation producing hormone from the adrenal glands.

Some of the nutrients that can be helpful for Alzheimer's and focus on the Nrf2 antioxidant response pathway : vitamin D, coconut oil (MCT Oil), CoQ10, Alpha lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, acetyl l-carnitine, l-lysine (for the herpes virus), curcumin, caloric restriction (improves mitochondria function), pterostilbene (from resveratrol) , sulforaphane (from broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbages) , green tea extract, garlic, DHA, glutathione, SOD (superoxide dismutase), nutrients for detoxification, exercise (20 minutes per day), sunshine, and a anti-inflammatory diet.

 

Vega testing is an excellent way to determine which of these products your body might need. Nobody needs all of these. Also non-GMO foods and organic foods would be smart if you're dealing with advanced memory issues. The use of Stevia over artificial sweeteners would be recommended and artificial food coloring and other food additives could be an issue. Eat foods in their natural state.

Drugs that damage the brain

Statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, beta blockers, diuretics, tamoxifen, methotrexate, anti-inflammatories, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, nighttime pain relievers, antihistamines, and other sleep aids, such as: Excedrin PM, Tylenol PM, Nytol, Sominex, Unisom, Benadryl, Dramamine and vaccines.

 

LINK:VEGA TESTING- a look at the body’s computer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statin Myopathy: A Common Cause of Chronic Pain

By James J. Lehman, DC

 

 

Statin myopathy is a common dilemma that causes persistent myalgia(1) and chronic pain. Chiropractic physicians should be prepared to evaluate patients with these conditions. This article describes statin myopathy and its differential diagnosis.

While primary care physicians and chiropractic physicians treat more than 90 percent of chronic pain patients in the United States,(2) the treatment approaches vary considerably. Primary care providers, such as allopathic and osteopathic physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants often focus on pharmacological therapeutics, including the use of opioids. Chiropractic physicians focus on nonpharmacological therapeutics to relieve pain due to neuromusculoskeletal conditions, which as of January 2015 are included in the standard of care promulgated by the Joint Commission.(3) As a member of the medical staff for a federally qualified health center, credentialed as a patient-centered medical home, I appreciate the Joint Commission’s new standards. There is a need to revolutionize the treatment of chronic pain in America,(4) and nonpharmacological therapeutics, including chiropractic and acupuncture interventions, are reasonable solutions.

The Community Health Center Inc. of Middletown, Conn. has integrated chiropractic services into nine primary care sites. Chiropractic specialists and chiropractic residents (e.g., nonsurgical orthopedics and neuromusculoskeletal medicine) evaluate and manage chronic pain patients as members of the primary care team. As one of the chiropractic specialists, I have encountered chronic pain patients who do not respond favorably to pharmacological care offered by primary care providers or the nonpharmacological chiropractic treatment. Often these non-responsive patients are taking statins to prevent heart attacks and death.(5) So now I consider statin myopathy as a possible cause of chronic pain. Since my training and scope of practice do not include pharmacological therapeutics, I do not alter the patient’s medications, but as an evidence-based and patient-centered provider, I have a responsibility to the patient and the primary care provider to communicate my diagnosis. Because I’m a member of the medical staff with full access to the electronic health care record, I am able to efficiently communicate my concerns to the prescribing primary care provider.

Since the majority of chiropractic physicians practice as solo practitioners or as associates in chiropractic practices,(6) they face a conundrum when a chronic pain patient presents with the symptoms of statin myopathy. It is common for prescribing physicians to deny drug toxicity and the symptoms of statin myopathy.(7) Although a doctor of chiropractic (DC) is capable of performing focused history and neuromusculoskeletal examination, which is essential when evaluating muscle complaints that may be induced by statins, the diagnosis is complicated for the chiropractic physician because the process usually involves a change in the statin prescription or a “statin holiday,” which is not within the chiropractic scope of practice. However, a DC does have the ability to contact the patient’s medical provider to discuss the statin and work with that provider on behalf of the patient.

Statin Therapy Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in 2010 that 32 million Americans take statin medications. 50 percent of men between 65 and 75 years of age and 39 percent of women ages 75 and older were taking statins from 2005 to 2008. One in four Americans over 45 years of age take statin medications.(8) New guidelines, formulated by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, would increase the use of statins for the older population to 87 percent of men ages 60 to 75 and 54 percent of women in that age range.(9)

The new guidelines recommend statin therapy for the following groups:(10)

• People without cardiovascular disease who are 40 to 75 years old and have a 7.5 percent or higher risk for having a heart attack or stroke within 10 years.

• People with a history of a cardiovascular event (e.g., heart attack, stroke, stable or unstable angina, peripheral artery disease, transient ischemic attack, or coronary or other arterial revascularization).

• People 21 and older who have a very high level of bad cholesterol (i.e., 190 mg/dL or higher).

• People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are 40 to 75 years old.

Incidence of Statin Myopathy

For several reasons, controlled clinical trials underestimate the actual percentage of patients who suffer statin myopathy and suggest that muscle problems are rare.(11) Observational studies in nonselected outpatients show a higher frequency of muscle complaints in the statin groups than in the control groups. Statin myopathy frequency has been reported at 9 to 20 percent with these studies. By some estimates, statin myopathy affects 7 million of the 33 million people taking statins in the United States, or 25 percent of the cases.(12)

In spite of the following warning offered by Consumer Reports regarding the use of statin medications, it appears that prescribing physicians usually reject any possible connection of statins and symptoms supported by evidence in the literature.

If you are taking a statin and have muscle aches, pain or weakness, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a dangerous breakdown in the muscle tissue.

A patient-targeted survey, addressing how physicians responded when patients presented with possible adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to statin medications, demonstrated that physicians usually do not acknowledge patients’ complaints including muscle pain. 87 percent of patients reportedly spoke to their physician about the possible connection between statin use and their symptom. Patients reported that they and not the doctor most commonly initiated the discussion regarding the possible connection of drug to symptom (98% vs 2% cognition survey, 96% vs 4% neuropathy survey, 86% vs 14% muscle survey; p < 10−8 for each). Physicians were reportedly more likely to deny than affirm the possibility of a connection. Rejection of a possible connection was reported to occur even for symptoms with strong literature support for a drug connection, and even in patients for whom the symptom met presumptive literature-based criteria for probable or definite drug-adverse effect causality. Assuming that physicians would not likely report ADRs in these instances, these patient-submitted ADR reports suggest that targeting patients may boost the yield of ADR reporting systems.(13)

Costs

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs lists a significant variation in costs for statin medications. In 2007, a generic statin costs as little as $12 per month or less, with brand-name statin costs escalating to more than $500 per month.(14) Normally, these medications are prescribed for long-term use, and cost is relevant for patients. Of interest is that up to 60 percent of patients discontinue use of statins within two years of the initial prescription.(15)

Key Points

A panel of four physicians, including three cardiologists and one neuroscientist, claims that statins are effective but under prescribed because of muscle toxicity concerns by physicians. The panel offers the following key points regarding statin myopathy:(16)

• There is little consensus on the definition of stat in-induced myopathy, and it is underdiagnosed.

• Abnormal pharmacokinetic activity contributes to toxicity, but some patients may be predisposed by underlying metabolic muscle disorders.

• A focused history and neuromusculoskeletal examination are important in the evaluation of muscle complaints that may be induced by statins.

• In patients with possible statin-induced myopathy, assessing the risks and benefits of statin therapy is essential.

• For patients who cannot tolerate statin therapy, alternatives include a “statin holiday” followed by a rechallenge with a different statin, intermittent rosuvastatin (Crestor) or resin therapy. Sometimes the best alternative is a compromise between the goal level for low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and the level achievable with alternative therapy.

Pharmacokinetic Activities

In 1997, Lennemas and Fager described the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and pointed out the similarities and differences. They explained the crucial role of hypercholesterolemia and the subsequent development of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis and its risks of progression with increasing levels of total serum cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

The statins are reversible inhibitors of the microsomal enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate. This is an early rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by statins decreases intracellular cholesterol biosynthesis, which then leads to transcriptionally upregulated production of microsomal HMG-CoA reductase and cell surface LDL receptors.(17)

Adverse Effects

The FDA added a safety warning about associated cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment and confusion) and the numerous interactions with cardiovascular and other drugs that may increase the toxicity of statins.(18) there are also increased risks of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes. Some drugs interact with statins in a way that increases the risk of muscle injury (myopathy), characterized by unexplained muscle weakness and/or pain.

Statin-Associated Muscle-Related Adverse Effects

In one case series involving 354 patients (age range 34-86 years) who self-reported muscle-related problems associated with statin therapy, 93 percent of the patients reported muscle pain, 88 percent fatigue and 85 percent weakness.(19) Patients with persistent muscle pain due to statin myopathy present with symptoms of muscle weakness, soreness, tenderness, stiffness, cramping or aching, either at rest or with exercise.(20) It is common for women taking statins to experience exertional fatigue and loss of energy.(21) In my experience, many patients suffering with chronic pain present with similar nonspecific muscle symptoms. Warren Hammer, DC, claims his patients complain of nonspecific muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, joint pains, peripheral neuropathy, tendinopathy and lupus-like symptoms that may be caused by the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins).(22)

Differential Diagnosis

It is essential that specific definitions differentiate the types of statin myopathy. While myositis and rhabdomyolysis must be recognized and treated immediately, physicians have a tendency to deny a possible drug connection when a patient presents with myalgia or neuropathy.(23) The specific definitions developed by experts in the fields of cardiology, statin myopathy and drug toxicity attempt to clarify three different statin-associated musclerelated adverse effects: myalgia, myositis and rhabdomyolysis.(24)

A case report described two chiropractic patients presenting with chief concerns of neuromusculoskeletal pain complaints while taking statins. The first patient sought relief of pain in the neck, both legs and knees. The other patient presented with a chief concern of lower thoracic paraspinal pain. Both of these patients responded favorably with a statin holiday and a change in statin medications respectively.(25) The chiropractic physician did not advise the patients to discontinue their medications but referred them to their prescribing physicians.

Statin myopathy patients may present for chiropractic care complaining of chronic neuromusculoskeletal pains affecting the spine and/or extremities. Often there is no history of recent trauma. Provocative maneuvers may or may not reproduce the pains of chief concern. Conservative chiropractic treatments may provide only temporary relief or no relief of the persistent muscle or nerve pain. I suggest that whenever a patient presents with persistent muscle pain and a history of statin medications, you consider statin myopathy as a cause of the chronic pain.

Discussion

Patients suffering with musculoskeletal pain frequently present to chiropractic clinicians for evaluation and management.(27) The rising use of statins indicates that an increasing number of patients suffering with muscle pain, neurological symptoms and chronic pain due to statin toxicity will present to primary care providers and chiropractic clinicians. Hence, chiropractic physicians might be better prepared to evaluate patients with statin myopathy if the chiropractic colleges teach that to chiropractic students and graduates.

Chiropractic students, as part of their training, are taught to perform a differential diagnosis in order to determine the cause of the patient’s neuromusculoskeletal pain symptoms. The students determine the pain generator and its cause through the process of differential diagnosis, involving a focused history and physical examination. It is necessary to discuss the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of statins. The need to communicate directly with the prescribing provider and the patient is stressed to the students. I suggest that evidence-based and patient-centered care mandates that when the neuromusculoskeletal complaints are due to statin myopathy, the attending chiropractic physician should advise the patient and the prescribing provider of these clinical concerns.

I suggest that the majority of chiropractic clinicians may not recognize this drug-induced muscle pain. It would be enlightening to receive feedback from chiropractic clinicians. So, I pose the following question collectively to the readers of this manuscript: “Would you recognize a patient with statin myopathy if he or she walked into your office?” Please respond to my email: jlehman@bridgeport.edu.

Endnotes

1. Fernandez G, Spatz ES, Jablecki C, and Phillips PS. Statin myopathy: a common dilemma not reflected in clinical trials. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Vol 78, Number 6. June 2011.

2. Blondell RD and Ashrafioun L. Treating Opioid Dependency and Coexistent Chronic Nonmalignant Pain.Am Fam Physician. 2008 Nov 15;78(10):1132-1133.

3. Revisions to pain management standard effective January 1, 2015. Standard PC.01.02.07: The [organization] assesses and manages the [patient’s] pain. Joint Commission Online. Nov. 12, 2014. Available from: www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/23/jconline_November_12_14.pdf. [See Jan/Feb ACA News, Page 8]

4. The Mayday Fund. A Call To Revolutionize Chronic Pain Care in America: An Opportunity for Health Care Reform.

5. Baigent C, Keech A, Kearney PM, et al. Efficacy and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment: prospective meta-analysis of data from 90,056 participants in 14 randomised trials of statins. Lancet 2005; 366:1267–1278.

6. For the Good of the Patient: The Integrative Chiropractor. ACA News. Available from:www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3298.

7. Golomb BA, McGraw JJ, Evans, MA Dimsdale, JE 2007. “Physician Response to Patient Reports of Drug Adverse Effects: Implications for Patient-Targeted Adverse Effect Surveillance.” Drug Safety; 30(8): 669-675.

8. Wehrwein P. Statin use is up, cholesterol levels are down: Are Americans’ hearts benefiting? Harvard Health Blog. Available from: www.health.harvard.edu/blog/statin-use-is-upcholesterol-levels-are-down-are-americans-hearts-benefiting-201104151518.

9. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults. J Am Coll Cardiol. Volume 63, Issue 25, Practice Guideline July 2014.

10. Doctor discussion is key for cholesterol treatment. American Heart Association. Blog.heart.org. Available from: http://blog.heart.org/doctor-discussion-is-key-for-cholesterol-treatment.

11. Ganga HV, Slim HB and Thompson PD. A systematic review of statin-induced muscle problems in clinical trials. Am Heart J. 2014 Jul;168(1):6-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2014.03.019. Epub 2014 Apr 12.

12. Vladutiu GD. Genetic predisposition to statin myopathy. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2008;20-648-655.

13. Golomb BA, McGraw JJ, Evans, MA Dimsdale, JE 2007. “Physician Response to Patient Reports of Drug Adverse Effects: Implications for Patient-Targeted Adverse Effect Surveillance.” Drug Safety; 30(8): 669-675.

14. Choosing a Statin to Lower Cholesterol. Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs.

15. Jackevicius CA, Mamdani M, Tu JV. Adherence of Statin Therapy in Elderly Patients with and without acute coronary syndromes. JAMA 2002;288:462-467.

16. Fernandez G, Spatz ES, Jablecki C, and Phillips PS. Statin myopathy: a common dilemma not reflected in clinical trials. Cleveland Clin J Med, Vol 78, Number 6. June 2011.

17. Lennemas H, Fager G. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Similarities and differences. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1997 May;32(5). 403-425.

18. United States Food and Drug Administration FDA drug safety communication: important safety label changes to cholesterol- lowering statin drugs. Silver Spring (MD): The Food and Drug Administration; 2012. Available from: www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm293101.htm.

19. Cham S, Evans MA, Denenberg JO, Golumb BA. Statinassociated muscle-related adverse effects: a case series of 354 patients. Pharmacotherapy. 2010 Jun;30(6):541-53. doi: 10.1592/phco.30.6.541.

20. Linares LA, Golomb BA, Jaojoco JA, Sikand H, Phillips PS. The modern spectrum of rhabdomyolysis: drug toxicity revealed by creatine kinase screening. Curr Drug Saf. 2009 Sep;4(3):181-7. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

21. Golomb BA, Evans MA, Dimsdale JE, White HL. Effects of Statins on Energy and Fatigue With Exertion: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Intern Med/Vol 172 (NO. 15), Aug 13/27, 2012: 1180-1182

22. Hammer W. That Persistent Muscle Pain May Be Drug- Induced. Dynamic Chiropractic – Feb. 24, 2003, Vol. 21, Issue 05.

23. Golomb BA, McGraw JJ, Evans, MA Dimsdale, JE 2007. “Physician Response to Patient Reports of Drug Adverse Effects: Implications for Patient-Targeted Adverse Effect Surveillance.” Drug Safety; 30(8): 669-675.

24. Linares LA, Golomb BA, Jaojoco JA, Sikand H, Phillips PS. The modern spectrum of rhabdomyolysis: drug toxicity revealed by creatine kinase screening. Curr Drug Saf. 2009 Sep;4(3):181-7. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

25. Rodine RJ, Tibbles AC, Kim PSY, Alikhan N. Statin induced myopathy presenting as mechanical musculoskeletal pain observed in two chiropractic patients. J Can Chiropr Assoc. Mar 2010; 54(1): 43–51.

26. Cholesterol Lowering Drugs. Cleveland Clinic. Available from:http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Cholesterol/hic_About_Cholesterol-Lowering_Drugs.

27. Chiropractic: An Introduction. National Center for Complementary and Integative Health (NCCIH).http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/introduction.htm.

28. Kumar A and Cannon CP. Acute Coronary Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management, Part I. Mayo Clin Proc. Oct 2009; 84(10): 917–938.

29. Linares LA, Golomb BA, Jaojoco JA, Sikand H, Phillips PS. The modern spectrum of rhabdomyolysis: drug toxicity revealed by creatine kinase screening. Curr Drug Saf. 2009 Sep;4(3):181-7. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

Dr. James J. Lehman is an associate professor of clinical sciences and director of health sciences postgraduate education at the University of Bridgeport. He is a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist and neuromusculoskeletal medicine specialist at the Community Health Center Inc., in Waterbury, Conn., a federally qualified health center and a patientcentered medical home. Dr. Lehman teaches non-surgical orthopedics, neurosciences, neuromusculoskeletal medicine, evidence-based practice and health care reform classes for the University of Bridgeport. He also serves as the team chiropractor for the Bridgeport Bluefish pro baseball team and mentors fourth-year chiropractic clerks and chiropractic residents in orthopedics/ neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He can be contacted at jlehman@bridgeport.edu.

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS: HOW DO PEOPLE SPREAD STRESS TO EACH OTHER? Working with people who are stressed has both physiological and emotional effects. Perspiration produced under emotional strain releases alarm pheromones, or airborne chemical signals. When inhaled by others, these substances activate the amygdala, the region of the brain linked to emotional arousal, according to a 2009 study in PLOS One. Researchers in the study compared 32 subjects’ reactions to sweat collected from people doing their first sky-dive, including a one-minute free fall, with the response to sweat from people running on a treadmill without any emotional strain. Both types of sweat were kept free of bacteria that cause a bad odor, and both smelled the same, but the exercise sweat didn’t cause the same response, the study showed. Another study, published in 2011 by researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, found that inhaling substances from sweat produced under stress causes people to focus more closely on details in others’ facial expressions that might signal a threat.

WELLNESS:STUDY REVEALS STATINS NOT VERY EFFECTIVE OR SAFE Statin advocates used a statistical tool called relative risk reduction (RRR) to amplify statins’ trivial beneficial effects. The directors of clinical trials have also minimized the significance of numerous adverse effects of statin treatment. Statin use may stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure. The money in medicine has led to a tremendous amount of fraud when it comes to research on drugs. Probably 60% of the breakthroughs you hear about on the news are probably fraudulent. This is the truth: statins have not saved any lives, has not extended any lives and has probably led to increased deaths in the heart disease community. Heart disease is not a drug deficiency. Heart disease is a nutritional, neurological and lifestyle disorder.

 

CHIROPRACTIC: NEUROLOGICAL BASES OF HEALTH chiropractic care offers improved regulatory function of the organs, glands and muscles of the body. The nervous system regulates and controls every organ part and system of the body and relates an individual to his or her environment through the five senses. The nervous system regulates the control of function and healing, and when there’s no interference along the channels of communication with the body then your body can function at 100%. As the adjustments remove nerve pressure then there’s an improvement of function throughout the body. The five laws of health include diet, rest and relaxation, exercise, positive mental and spiritual attitude and last a healthy nervous system. As a chiropractic physician we encourage you to engage in each of these laws to maximize your health potentials. Your family and friends will benefit from chiropractic care, tell others.

 

FUNNY BONES: Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replies, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?" The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."

 LINK:ALLERGIES – COVER-UP OR CURE?

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1 Food sources that help with serotonin production - foods high in B-vitamins (brown rice, chicken, corn ,eggs, green leafs, legumes, meat, nuts, peas, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast), Calcium (almonds, brewer's yeast, green leafs and cruciferous vegetables, fish with bones, sesame seeds, tofu), Magnesium (green leafs, brown rice, sesame seeds, shrimp, salmon) and Tryptophan (turkey, soy foods, peanuts, almonds).

2 Essential fatty acids necessary for serotonin production are the omega 3's (fish oils found in mackerel, salmon, sardine, tuna; walnut oil, flax oil) and 6's (canola oil, chicken, eggs, flax, grape seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, turkey, wheat germ oil) as well as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (black current oil, bluegreen algae, borage oil, evening primrose oil). I've also read that most people have an excess of omega 6's and need to decrease the amount of 6's in their diet in order for the 3's to function well. I guess most of us are lacking in 3's.

3 Long-term stress depletes serotonin levels. Short term stress actually increases serotonin, but after time you get burn-out and it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to produce serotonin. So reduce stress--this can be as simple as adding exercise and meditation to the daily routine or as life changing as choosing to leave a really stressful job.

4-Avoid stimulants because they deplete serotonin over time--this works the same was stress does. We're talking things like caffeine, refined carbohydrates, chocolate, sugar as well as the heavier stimulants like cold remedies, alcohol, street drugs, diet pills and tobacco.

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http://www.keefeclinic.com/wp/emotional-freedom-techniques-eft/

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John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 IN THE NEWS: L-CARNOSINE is a naturally occurring combination of two amino acids, alanine and histidine, that was discovered in Russia in the early 1900s. Most notably, there were a series of astonishing experiments done in Australia that proved that carnosine rejuvenates cells as they approach senescence (cells dying from old age).  Increase Cell Life But in terms of cell life, the increase was an astounding 300%. The cells transferred to the carnosine medium attained a life span of 413 days, compared to just 126 to 139 days for the control cells. Strong Antioxidant It's a great heavy-metal scavenger. Auto-Regulator L-carnosine benefits individuals through the remarkable ability to throttle down bodily processes that are in a state of excess, and to ramp up those that are under expressed. For example, carnosine thins the blood of people whose blood tends to clot too much and increases the clotting tendency in those with a low clotting index. Another example is that carnosine suppresses excess immune responses in those who have "hyper" immune systems (allergies, auto-immune disorders), whereas it stimulates the immune response in those with weakened immune systems - such as the aged. And carnosine even seems to have the ability to normalize brain wave functions.

WELLNESS: SAMe EFFECTIVE FOR DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS A clinical trial published in August 2014 indicates that S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). SAMe was superior to placebo from week one and was superior to escitalopram(Lexapro) during weeks two, four, and six in reducing symptoms of depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. A 50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale occurred in 45% of the SAMe group, 31% in the escitalopram group, and 26% in the placebo group.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK: BRAIN FOG AND LACK OF CONCENTRATION one common cause for this condition is that the body is not detoxifying itself properly. When we talk about detoxification we’re talking about liver, kidney and colon function. Chiropractic adjustments can restore better function to these organs also cleaning up the diet and using targeted nutrition to open up the detox pathways can make a huge difference. This could also be due to a lack of sleep, and chiropractic care along with certain nutrients can improve a person’s sleep pattern. Subluxations at the base of the skull and blood sugar levels can also be a factor.

FUNNY BONE : What's E.T. short for? Because he's only got little legs.---"I stand corrected," said the man in the orthopedic shoes.---- My grandad has the heart of a lion and a life time ban from the San Diego Zoo.---I went on a once in a lifetime holiday. Never again.

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Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 

IN THE NEWS:PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD TAKE IODIDE SUPPLEMENT; DOCS SAY Pregnant women should take an iodide-containing supplement to protect the brain development of their babies, according to the leading U.S. group of pediatricians. Iodine, which the body can get from iodide, is needed to make the thyroid hormones that are required for children’s brain development before and after birth. “Women who are childbearing age need to pay attention to this topic as well, because about half of the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned,” Dr. Jerome Paulson said. “Women in the early part of the pregnancy may not realize they’re pregnant.”

WELLNESS: TOXINS IN THE ENVIRONMENT MAY ACCELERATE AGING, STUDY FINDS Avoiding environmental toxins may be the key to preserving your youth, according to new research. Just as exposure to carcinogens increases a person’s risk for cancer, experts now believe a class of environmental toxins – known as gerontogens – may put people at an increased risk for accelerated aging. Toxins present in cigarette smoke, UV rays and chemotherapy are all suspected gerontogens - capable of accelerating the rate at which a person ages. “Genetic studies have taught us only 30 percent of aging is genetic, meaning the other 70 percent comes from the environment,” study author Dr. Norman Sharpless, director of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina.

CONDITION OF THE WEEK:Prospective Case Series on the Effects of Lumbosacral Manipulation on Dysmenorrhea (Painful periods) Over a 4-week period, 16 females were screened for symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea and motion restrictions of the lumbosacral spine. Thirteen subjects were enrolled into the study. Using the 95% confidence interval (CI) as an estimate, clinically meaningful changes (<5) in general abdominal pain and lower back pain were evident for most patients during the treatment phase, whereas for lower abdominal pain, the improvements were subject and cycle dependent. This prospective case series suggests the possibility that menstrual pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea may be alleviated by treating motion segment restrictions of the lumbosacral spine with a drop table technique.

 

FUNNY BONE:A group of scientists have started attaching sensors to sharks to help predict hurricane intensity. They’re hoping the information they gather will save enough lives to offset the number of lives lost attaching sensors to sharks.

 

 

Courtesy of:

John H. Keefe III, D.C.

(918) 663-1111

 IN THE NEWS : CONSUMING ENERGY DRINKS LINKED TO RISKY BEHAVIORS IN TEENS Consuming highly caffeinated energy drinks like Amp, Red Bull or Rockstar could be a telltale sign of other problems for high school students, according to a Canadian study. The more often students reported drinking energy drinks, the more likely they were to also report feeling depressed, seeking out risky experiences, drinking alcohol or smoking. "Young people tend to mix alcohol with energy drinks - and that's also a problem," lead author Sunday Azagba told Reuters Health.  Energy drink consumption was more common among kids who reported sensation-seeking and had high depression scores along with those that used cigarettes, marijuana and alcohol, the researchers found.

 

WELLNESS:   PATHOGENS IN YOUR MOUTH CAN LEAD TO CANCER IN OTHER PARTS OF YOUR BODY Two independent new studies found a causal link between a common oral bacterium (F. nucleatum) and colorectal cancer; pathogens in your mouth can enter your bloodstream to colonize other parts of your body.  The same pathogenic bacteria has been known to cause stillbirths in mice, but was recently found responsible for a pregnant woman’s intrauterine infection that resulted in her baby’s tragic stillbirth. Consuming naturally fermented foods and incorporating “oil pulling” with coconut oil are two effective ways of balancing your oral and gut flora, which will improve your oral health, as well as your overall health.

 

CHIROPRACTIC:  AN EXPECTANT PARENT’S GUIDE TO CHIROPRACTIC What we cannot see are the millions of different hormonal changes and chemical reactions occurring both in the mother and the developing baby, all of which are controlled and coordinated through the nervous system. Now more than ever, during pregnancy you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of your body, and therefore you need a healthy spine! Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimal uterine function. It prepares the body to be strong, supple, and as balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy. Restoring proper nerve supply to reproductive organs has helped many couples who thought they were infertile. And adjusting women throughout pregnancy is one of the most rewarding parts of our work, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labour and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life.

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