Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: BUTYRATE — THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS CONNECTOR THAT INFLUENCES MOOD AND COGNITION Butyrate, produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber, acts as a signaling molecule in the gut-brain axis, influencing stress, pain tolerance, immunity, and brain health. Found in foods such as butter, cheese, whole grains, legumes, and fruits. Through multiple mechanisms, including specific enzyme inhibition and NF-κB pathway regulation, butyrate reduces neuroinflammation and protects against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Butyrate influences key neurotransmitters including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, while also increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuronal growth and cognitive function. The vagus nerve serves as a communication highway between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals about butyrate levels that affect mood regulation, stress response, and immune function. Optimizing gut health through dietary fiber and homemade fermented foods helps promote butyrate production and maintain a healthy gut-brain connection. Energy source: Butyrate is the primary energy source for colon cells, providing them with ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Gut health: Butyrate helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Immune function: Butyrate modulates immune responses in the gut, reducing inflammation and protecting against intestinal diseases. Metabolic health: Butyrate has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce body fat, and regulate blood sugar levels. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 31;15(21):4631, Abstract--Cleveland Clinic, September 20, 2023, The Gut-Brain Connection-- Neuroscience Letters, Volume 625, June 20, 2016, Pages 56-63
WELLNESS: HOW DOES HOT LEMON WATER BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH? Lemons are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, minerals and flavonoids that support immune function, digestion and provide powerful antioxidant benefits for overall health. Hot lemon water improves digestion by increasing gastric acid, enhancing intestinal motility and supporting gut microbiota through its natural citrus compounds. One way drinking lemon water boosts immune health is through its vitamin C content, which enhances lymphocyte function, improves pathogen elimination and supports your body's natural defense mechanisms. Hot lemon water aids in weight loss by promoting fullness, reducing calorie intake, supporting metabolism and replacing high-calorie sugary drinks. Lemon water supports your body's natural detoxification processes by acting as a mild diuretic, providing antioxidant support and helping maintain liver and kidney function. Science Daily, August 18, 2017--Health.mil, January 10, 2022--AllRecipes, February 21, 2024--Science Direct, Lemon
CHIROPRACTIC: DID YOU KNOW? Chiropractic care is widely known for alleviating back and neck pain, but it also provides several lesser-known benefits, such as: 1. Improved Digestion Spinal misalignments, especially in the mid-back, can impact nerve signals to the digestive system. Adjustments may help relieve acid reflux, bloating, and constipation. 2. Enhanced Immune Function The nervous system and immune system are closely linked. Chiropractic care helps reduce stress on the nervous system, potentially improving immune response and overall resistance to illness. 3. Better Sleep Quality Spinal misalignments can contribute to discomfort and poor sleep. Regular chiropractic care may reduce tension, relieve pain, and promote relaxation, leading to better sleep patterns. 4. Increased Lung Function & Breathing Misalignments in the thoracic spine can impact lung function. Adjustments may help improve respiratory capacity, benefiting individuals with asthma or other breathing issues. 5. Boosted Energy & Reduced Fatigue By decreasing tension and improving circulation, chiropractic care may help reduce fatigue and increase overall energy levels. 6. Enhanced Athletic Performance Many athletes use chiropractic care to improve flexibility, reduce the risk of injuries, and optimize overall physical performance. 7. Balanced Blood Pressure Studies suggest chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, may help regulate blood pressure. 8. Hormonal Balance & Menstrual Relief Chiropractic adjustments may help regulate hormones, potentially easing PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, and menopause-related discomfort. 9. Reduced Anxiety & Stress Chiropractic care can help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. 10. TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief Chiropractors can help alleviate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain by adjusting the jaw and neck to improve alignment and function.
FUNNY BONE: REAL FUNNY QUOTES FROM INSURANCE CLAIMS: "The accident happened because I had one eye on the truck in front, one eye on the pedestrian and the other on the car behind."@@ "I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought."@@ "I pulled into a rest stop with smoke coming from under the hood. I realised the car was on fire so took my dog and smothered it with a blanket." @@ The claimant had collided with a cow. The questions and answers on the claim form were - Q: What warning was given by you? A: Horn. Q: What warning was given by the other party? A: Moo.@@ "I didn't think the speed limit applied after midnight" @@ "I knew the dog was possessive about the car but I would not have asked her to drive it if I had thought there was any risk."@@ "Windscreen broken. Cause unknown. Probably Voodoo