Muscle spasms and twitches are common signs that something in the body’s balance is off. While most people think of them as “just tight muscles,” they’re often the body’s way of signaling deeper issues involving nervous system stress, mineral imbalance, dehydration, or joint misalignment.
1. The Role of Muscle Imbalance
When muscles on one side of a joint become tight or overactive, opposing muscles weaken or lose tone. This imbalance can pull the spine or joints out of their ideal alignment, increasing tension on nerves and blood vessels. Over time, this can trigger pain, twitching, or even referred sensations elsewhere in the body.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper joint motion and nerve communication, which allows the muscle system to normalize again. Once nerve interference is reduced, muscles can relax and strengthen more evenly.
2. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Muscle tissue depends on precise hydration and mineral balance for proper contraction and relaxation.
3. pH and Mineral Dynamics
A body that’s overly acidic (low pH) can leach minerals such as calcium and magnesium from tissues, increasing the likelihood of cramping and fatigue. Supporting pH balance through a diet rich in vegetables, greens, and mineral-based supplements helps buffer acidity and maintain the muscle’s ability to relax. Chiropractic care complements this by improving circulation and nutrient delivery to those tissues.
4. Nutritional Support
Specific nutrients play key roles in muscular stability:
At Keefe Clinic, we often recommend individualized nutritional programs based on testing, ensuring that supplementation matches each patient’s biochemical needs.
5. Stretching and Postural Correction
Once the nervous system and chemistry are balanced, stretching and posture-based exercises help retrain muscle memory. Gentle daily stretching, coupled with chiropractic adjustments, restores normal range of motion and prevents recurring tightness.
The Takeaway
Muscle spasms and twitches are not random—they’re messages. The key to lasting relief lies in addressing the underlying imbalances in alignment, minerals, fluids, and pH. Through chiropractic care, nutritional support, and guided exercise, the body can restore balance and regain comfortable, natural motion.
For evaluation or questions, contact:
Keefe Clinic
5016 S. 79th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK
📞 (918) 663-1111 | 📠 (918) 663-2129
How Chiropractic, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Shape Brain Health and Mental Clarity
The mind and body are inseparable. Every thought, emotion, and memory is built upon the communication network of the nervous system—and that network depends on a healthy spine, balanced chemistry, and a
Naturally supportive environment. Building a strong mind begins with maintaining the integrity of the system that feeds it.
1. The Chiropractic Connection: Restoring Communication Between Brain and Body
Your nervous system is the electrical grid of your body, and the spine is its main conduit. When vertebrae lose proper alignment, they can interfere with the flow of nerve impulses between the brain and every organ, gland, and tissue.
Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can influence brain and nervous system activity. For example, one study found that a single session of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) led to increased activity in the right parahippocampal gyrus, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and left precuneus in patients with chronic low back pain. Frontiers
Another review concluded: “In the past two decades, research has demonstrated that chiropractic spinal adjustment has a neural plastic effect on the central nervous system (CNS).” Frontiers
These findings suggest chiropractic care may improve nervous system communication, thereby supporting mental focus, memory, and resilience.
2. Nutrition for Mental Focus and Memory
The brain is roughly 60 % fat, and every thought requires energy. Nutritional therapy provides the raw materials your brain needs to function efficiently. The right nutrients can boost neurotransmitter balance, improve oxygen delivery, and reduce inflammation—three pillars of healthy cognition.
Key nutrients for brain health:
Foods that challenge mental clarity:
Let food be information: nourished brain, clearer thinking.
3. Exercising the Mind
Just like muscles, the brain thrives on challenge. Activities such as crossword puzzles, memory games, learning a new skill, or playing musical instruments strengthen neural pathways and create new ones—this is neuroplasticity in action. Even five minutes per day of mental stretching (solving a riddle, reading a complex article, learning a new word) builds resilience in the brain’s executive functions.
4. The Power of Movement and Fresh Air
Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients vital for alertness and memory. Simple walking—especially outdoors—boosts mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Additionally, spending time in fresh air supports vitamin D production and reduces indoor toxin exposure. In contrast, too much time indoors breathing recycled air and under artificial lighting can suppress energy, disrupt sleep rhythms, and dull concentration.
5. Protecting Your Brain from Environmental Toxins
Indoor environments are often loaded with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, cleaning chemicals, and electromagnetic stress—all of which can burden the nervous system. Brain fog, fatigue, irritability often have an environmental component.
Simple steps:
6. The Integrated Approach
True mental health comes from integration—aligning structure (spine), chemistry (nutrition), and environment (lifestyle). Chiropractic adjustments keep the nervous system clear; nutritional therapy supplies the brain’s raw materials; movement, oxygen, and mental exercise keep the circuitry active and strong.
The mind isn’t just a by-product of the brain—it’s a living reflection of how well your entire system communicates and adapts. By nurturing that system naturally, you don’t just protect your mind—you build it.
Vienna, Austria — April 13, 2025 — A groundbreaking study presented today at the ESCMID Global 2025 conference in Vienna has revealed a devastating statistic: over 3 million children worldwide died in 2022 from infections linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The findings spotlight AMR as one of the most urgent global health crises of our time—particularly for children in South-East Asia and Africa, where the burden is highest.
A Mounting Global Threat
The study found that in 2022 alone, 752,000 children in South-East Asia and 659,000 in Africa died of AMR-related complications, with more than 1.5 million additional deaths recorded across other regions. Many of these fatalities were linked to the overuse of so-called Watch and Reserve antibiotics—powerful drugs meant to be used sparingly.
Professor Joseph Harwell, co-author of the study and Senior Clinical Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), warned of dire consequences if trends continue unchecked:
“While the rise in use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics may be necessary to combat resistant infections, the sharp increase poses serious long-term risks. If bacteria develop resistance to these drugs, there will be few, if any, alternatives left to treat multidrug-resistant infections.”
Why Children Are at Greater Risk
Children remain one of the most vulnerable populations affected by AMR, yet they are often neglected in global health initiatives. CHAI, as a founding member of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) with the World Health Organization (WHO), continues to advocate for greater investment in pediatric medicine development and access.
The crisis is worsened in low- and middle-income countries by a combination of overcrowded hospitals, inadequate sanitation, limited diagnostics, and the overuse or misuse of antibiotics—often prescribed without confirmation of bacterial infection.
Between 2019 and 2021, the study found the use of Watch antibiotics increased by 160% in South-East Asia and 126% in Africa, while Reserve antibiotics use rose by 45% and 125% in the same regions, respectively.
Urgent Call for Coordinated Global Action
Experts emphasize that addressing AMR requires a “One Health” approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health systems. Professor Harwell urged policymakers to adopt stronger, evidence-based stewardship:
“We need cost-effective systems that inform treatment guidelines and measure intervention impact. Policymakers must mandate hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs in all pediatric healthcare facilities, and improve age-specific classifications to better track resistance patterns among children.”
Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania have begun implementing surveillance systems and national AMR policies—but the study concludes that far greater global coordination is needed to prevent future generations from facing a post-antibiotic era.
Natural Ways to Strengthen the Immune System and Combat Infection
While the global community works to slow antibiotic resistance, individuals can take meaningful steps to support natural immunity and help the body resist infections more effectively.
1. Optimize Nutritional Defenses
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports every phase of immune function. Key nutrients include:
2. Maintain Gut Health
Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. Probiotics (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains) and prebiotic fibers (found in onions, leeks, and bananas) strengthen gut integrity and limit harmful bacterial growth.
3. Strengthen Natural Barriers
Regular hydration, nasal saline rinses, and adequate sleep maintain healthy mucous membranes—the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
4. Reduce Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress suppresses immune function by elevating cortisol. Prayer, breathing exercises, moderate exercise, and quiet reflection all support balanced immune regulation.
5. Support with Herbal and Nutritional Adjuncts
Research supports immune-modulating botanicals such as echinacea, elderberry, astragalus, garlic extract, and andrographis for their antiviral and antibacterial effects. Always use them under professional supervision.
6. Chiropractic and Nervous System Support
Since immune response is closely regulated by the nervous system, maintaining proper spinal alignment and nerve function can help optimize immune coordination and recovery.
Takeaway
Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis, but personal health resilience starts with strengthening the body’s innate defenses. Proper nutrition, rest, and natural support not only reduce infection severity but may also decrease the need for unnecessary antibiotics—helping preserve their effectiveness for those who truly need them.
What the study actually did
• A Japanese team synthesized 12 “hybrid” vitamin-K molecules by grafting a retinoic-acid side chain onto vitamin K (MK-4). In cell studies, several of these analogues drove neural progenitors to become neurons at ~3× the potency of natural MK-4. In mice, lead compounds crossed the blood–brain barrier and boosted brain MK-4 levels. Shibaura Institute of Technology+1
Why people are talking about it
• Fox News and other outlets highlighted the “reversing brain damage” angle, but the primary sources frame these as candidate regenerative agents that now need animal efficacy and safety testing, then clinical trials. Fox News+2EurekAlert!+2
Bottom line for practice (for now)
• These are lab-made analogues, not off-the-shelf vitamins. They’re not ready for patient use. Retinoids can have real toxicities, and high-dose vitamin K can interact with anticoagulants—don’t extrapolate to supplementation. Watch for: (1) Alzheimer’s mouse-model efficacy (behavior + pathology), (2) toxicity/PK studies, and (3) phase-1 trials or trial registrations. Shibaura Institute of Technology
But here’s how you can use these vitamins to stay ahead of health problems. And we can evaluate your status for these important nutrients. Call 918-663-1111.
Vitamin A—especially in its active metabolite retinoic acid (RA)—plays a deep and multifaceted role in the health, repair, and function of neural tissue. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Brain Development and Neural Differentiation
During embryonic development, retinoic acid acts as a morphogen—a signaling molecule that tells immature cells what type of neuron to become and where to go.
2. Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Formation
In the adult brain, vitamin A derivatives modulate genes involved in synaptic plasticity, which underlies learning and memory.
3. Neuroprotection and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Vitamin A helps stabilize and repair neural tissue through several mechanisms:
4. Retinoic Acid and Neurogenesis
In the adult hippocampus—a region central to memory—retinoic acid stimulates the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis).
This is one reason researchers combine retinoic acid with other agents, such as vitamin K analogues, in regenerative experiments: it encourages both cell growth and proper differentiation.
5. Clinical Implications
In short, vitamin A (via retinoic acid) acts as a gene-level regulator for neuron formation, repair, and communication—essentially a molecular “architect” for the brain. It doesn’t merely protect nerve tissue; it helps build and rewire it.
Vitamin K₂ compounds have longer-chain side groups that change where they act and how long they stay in circulation.
| Goal | Best-supported form | Typical dose range |
| General cardiovascular & bone health | K₂ (MK-7) | 90–200 µg/day |
| Osteoporosis therapy (clinical strength) | K₂ (MK-4) | 15–45 mg/day (used in Japan under supervision) |
| Basic clotting support | K₁ | met through vegetables |
Vitamin K works closely with vitamin D₃ and vitamin A/retinoids—they coordinate calcium metabolism and gene regulation. Many practitioners pair MK-7 (or MK-4) with D₃ for better bone and vascular outcomes.
Summary:
For most healthy adults, vitamin K₂ (MK-7) is the most practical and well-studied form for long-term cardiovascular and skeletal benefits. MK-4 may have additional tissue-specific and neurological advantages, but it requires higher, supervised dosing.
Week of: Monday Oct. 13, 2025
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: The Honest Truth About Vaccine Effectiveness When a vaccine is said to be “95% effective,” it sounds like 95% of people are protected—but that’s not exactly how those numbers are measured. How It’s Calculated Effectiveness comes from comparing infection rates in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated groups: If 2% of unvaccinated people catch a disease and only 0.1% of vaccinated people do, the vaccine is said to be 95% effective. That’s a statistical comparison, not a direct measure of immunity. What’s Often Overlooked -Natural immunity: Many “unvaccinated” participants already have protection from prior infection.-Population bias: Differences in age, health, or exposure risk affect results.-Waning immunity: Effectiveness drops over time—sometimes within a few years. -Case definitions & testing rates: How “infection” is defined or tested varies widely. -Behavioral factors: Those who vaccinate often differ in habits and exposure. What It Really Means Vaccine effectiveness reflects short-term relative risk reduction, not absolute or lifelong protection. It’s useful for public health planning but limited as a measure of true biological immunity. Honest science means acknowledging those limits and communicating them clearly. CDC: Pertussis Vaccine Effectiveness and Duration of Protection — cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td--Witt MA et al., Clin Infect Dis, 2012 – Waning immunity in California outbreaks.--Sheridan SL et al., PLOS ONE, 2014 – Acellular pertussis vaccine efficacy over time.--Domenech de Cellès M et al., PLoS Pathog, 2016 – Natural immune boosting and pertussis dynamics.--Klein NP et al., Pediatrics, 2019 – Effectiveness and duration of DTaP vaccine protection.
CHIROPRACTIC MONTH: American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has announced a national health care observance--October is
National Chiropractic Month
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic? Now is the time to get your spouse or child started on the road to good health.
Complimentary DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray. Tell someone today
WELLNESS: Get Ready for Winter: Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally As the temperatures drop and indoor heating begins, your body faces a double challenge—cold, damp outdoor air and dry, recycled indoor air. Both can stress the immune system and make it easier for seasonal illnesses to take hold. Now is the perfect time to support your health through nutrition, hydration, and chiropractic care. Hydration: Your First Line of Defense Dry indoor air and heated environments draw moisture from your body. Even mild dehydration reduces circulation, slows lymphatic flow, and weakens the immune response. Use this simple hydration formula: Half your body weight (in pounds) = ounces of water daily. For example, a 160-lb person should drink about 80 ounces daily. For optimal flushing, aim for up to 80% of that amount minimum each day. If you’re drinking coffee or tea, add extra water to offset their dehydrating effects. Proper hydration also keeps mucous membranes moist—your natural barrier against viruses and bacteria. Feed Your Immunity A nutrient-dense diet helps your immune cells perform at their best. Protect Your Neck and Maintain Healthy Indoor Air Chilly drafts across the neck and upper back can tighten muscles, reduce circulation, and make you more susceptible to sinus and upper respiratory problems. Keep your neck warm when outdoors, especially in wind or damp conditions. Indoor humidity should be maintained between 40–60% to keep mucous membranes and nasal passages from drying out. Use a humidifier if your home air feels overly dry. The Role of Chiropractic Care Regular chiropractic adjustments help your nervous system function optimally.. Check Your Immune Readiness with Vega Testing Each person’s immune system has unique strengths and weaknesses. Vega testing can help evaluate your immune balance, detect stress points, and identify nutritional needs before symptoms appear. It’s an effective way to make sure your body is ready for the changing season. Doctor’s Tip “True prevention begins before the first frost. Stay hydrated, eat clean, keep your spine aligned, and guard against cold drafts. Your immune system will thank you.”
FUNNY BONE: When a cold, a sore throat, and the flu walk into a bar, the bartender says, "What is this, some kind of sick joke?"@@ A woman called her doctor and said, "I think I have the flu." The doctor said, "Well, take two aspirin and call me in the morning." The woman said, "I don't have two aspirin." The doctor said, "Well, take one and call me in the morning." The woman said, "I don't have one." The doctor said, "Well, just call me in the morning."@@ I once caught the flu... ...at the Airport. Think it was a Terminal Disease
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
CHIROPRACTIC MONTH: American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has announced a national health care observance--October is
National Chiropractic Month
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY
Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic? Now is the time to get your spouse or child started on the road to good health.
Complimentary DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray. Tell someone today
IN THE NEWS: Two Types of People Who Should Never Get the Flu Shot Secondary infections such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, as well as sepsis, are included in “influenza death” statistics, and account for a majority of deaths attributed to influenza every year. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data have repeatedly demonstrated that the flu vaccine does not work for seniors. The 2018/2019 flu vaccines against influenza A and B viruses had an adjusted effectiveness rating of just 12% for those over age 65. Studies have also demonstrated that influenza vaccination has little or no impact on mortality among the elderly. The flu vaccine is routinely recommended for all pregnant women during any trimester, yet some scientific evidence suggests it could place their pregnancy at risk. Research funded by the CDC found an association between flu vaccination during pregnancy and an eightfold risk of miscarriage. Injury following influenza vaccination is now the most compensated claim in the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2019, a total of 5,407 injury claims for flu vaccine were filed. Virulence January 1, 2014; 5(1): 137–142--Health October 2, 2018--Cochrane.org--Precisionvaccinations.com 2019-2020 Recommendations--CDC.gov Upcoming 2019/2020 Flu Season
WELLNESS: The vitamins in your foods are hard at work keeping you healthy. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin. Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. This vitamin also plays an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. The more protein you eat the more pyridoxine your body requires. Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central and peripheral nervous systems. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue. It is also essential for wound healing. Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin," since it is made by the body after being in the sun. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times a week is enough to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D for most people at most latitudes. People who do not live in sunny places may not make enough vitamin D. It is very hard to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You need calcium for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin E is an antioxidant also known as tocopherol. It helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K. Vitamin K is needed because without it blood would not coagulate normally. Some studies suggest that it is important for bone health. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol. Niacin is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also has triglyceride-lowering effects at higher doses. Folate works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Any woman who is pregnant should be sure to get enough folate. Low levels of folate are linked to birth defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folate in the form of folic acid. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is essential for the metabolism of food. It also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and the production of red blood cells. Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. Getting enough carbohydrates is very important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells. Choline helps in normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Lack of choline can cause swelling in liver. Carnitine helps the body to change fatty acids into energy.
FUNNY BONE: What do dolphins need to stay healthy? Vitamin Sea! @@ I wonder if you can help me? I seem to be suffering from a lack of Vitamin U. @@ When life gives you lemons, make lemonade; when life gives you apples, make physics equations. (Looking at you Newton).
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keefeclinic.com & keefeclinic.quora.com
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Pills, injections, and quick fixes might mask pain for a while, but they carry two serious dangers:
A Better Way: Natural Healthcare
Chiropractic, nutrition, and other natural healthcare approaches don’t chase symptoms. Instead, they look for the root cause. Misaligned joints, poor posture, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle stressors — these are correctable. Once the cause is addressed, the pain doesn’t need to be “managed” because it resolves naturally.
The Choice Is Clear
You can cover up the pain and let the problem grow worse, or you can fix the problem and let the pain go away because the body has healed.
Natural healthcare isn’t about chasing symptoms. It’s about restoring balance, correcting causes, and giving the body what it needs to heal itself. Pain is a warning light — don’t put tape over the dashboard. Open the hood, fix the problem, and keep the engine running strong.
When most people think of immunity, they picture white blood cells fighting infection or maybe the lymph nodes swelling when the body is battling a virus. But there are two small, often-overlooked organs that play central roles in keeping the immune system strong: the spleen and the thymus.
The spleen acts as a kind of immune filter. It screens the blood for pathogens, removes damaged red blood cells, and produces immune cells (lymphocytes) that respond to infections. When the spleen is weakened or removed, people are more vulnerable to severe infections—especially from encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae .
The thymus is sometimes called the “training academy” for T-cells. Immature immune cells migrate there to learn how to recognize invaders while ignoring the body’s own tissues. If the thymus is underactive or absent, the immune system becomes confused and either fails to defend against infections or mistakenly attacks the body (autoimmune disease). Severe thymic defects are associated with conditions like DiGeorge syndrome (immune deficiency), while thymic abnormalities have been linked with autoimmune disorders such as myasthenia gravis .
While mainstream medicine has few tools to directly “strengthen” these organs, natural healthcare offers several supportive strategies:
A healthy immune system doesn’t just depend on “strong white cells.” It depends on a finely tuned system where the spleen filters and arms the blood, and the thymus trains the soldiers. Supporting these organs naturally—with nutrition, stress reduction, spinal care, and immune-strengthening herbs—can reduce the risk of both infections and autoimmune problems.
References
For centuries, mushrooms have been prized not only as food but as natural medicine. Modern research is confirming what traditional systems already knew: each mushroom species has a unique profile of compounds—beta-glucans, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals—that support different aspects of health. Here’s a guide to the most researched medical mushrooms, what they may help with, and how best to take them.
Mushrooms are not all alike. Some, like shiitake or maitake, can go straight into your stir-fry or salad bowl. Others, like reishi or turkey tail, are better taken in capsules or tea. Each has its own “specialty”—from brain health to immune support, from cholesterol to energy. Understanding their unique profiles allows you to use them wisely, whether in the kitchen or in supplement form.
In natural healthcare and applied kinesiology, practitioners often encounter puzzling phenomena where the body seems to “misreport” what’s really going on. Two such patterns are known as switching and phantom organ responses. Understanding these effects can shed light on how the nervous system and energetic circuits work — and how to correct them so true healing can begin.
What Is Switching?
Switching is a term used in applied kinesiology and Vega testing to describe a situation where the body gives inaccurate signals about the location or side of dysfunction. For example, a woman may have pain in her right ovary, yet muscle reflex testing indicates a problem on the left side.
Applied kinesiology pioneer Dr. George Goodheart described switching as “a functional disorganization of the nervous system in which information is not processed correctly between the hemispheres.” (Applied Kinesiology Synopsis, 1964).
In simple terms, switching is like the body’s wires being crossed — the stress is real, but the message about where it is has been scrambled.
Possible Mechanisms
Researchers and clinicians suggest several reasons why switching occurs:
Dr. Walter H. Schmitt, Jr., an applied kinesiology physician, observed: “Switching is a neurological short circuit… until corrected, accurate testing and effective therapy cannot be achieved.” (Common Glandular Dysfunctions in the General Population, ICAK, 1981).
Correcting Switching
Practitioners use a variety of methods to reset the nervous system, including:
A symbolic technique I often use involves having patients visualize three shapes:
Combined with light tapping, these images give the nervous system a “map” for reorienting itself, often resolving the confusion in just minutes.
Phantom Organ Responses
An equally fascinating phenomenon is the phantom organ response. This occurs when muscle testing indicates stress in an organ that has been surgically removed — such as a gallbladder, appendix, uterus, or ovary.
This may sound strange, but it parallels the well-documented phantom limb phenomenon in neurology. After amputation, patients often still feel sensations — sometimes even pain — in the missing limb. The brain’s body map hasn’t been erased, so the signals continue as if the limb were still there.
In applied kinesiology, the same principle applies. The nervous system and meridian circuits still “remember” the organ, even after removal. Dr. David S. Walther, a leading voice in applied kinesiology, noted: “The circuit remains even if the organ does not. The reflex will still respond, but interpretation must take into account the surgical history.” (Applied Kinesiology: Synopsis, 1988).
Why Phantom Responses Occur
Addressing Phantom Organ Responses
Why This Matters
Skeptics may dismiss switching and phantom organ responses as quirks, but practitioners know that ignoring them can derail care. If the body is misreporting its stress, therapies may be misapplied, or patients may fail to improve until the error is corrected.
As one ICAK teaching module summarizes: “Switching must be corrected for all other findings to be valid.”
These phenomena remind us that the body is more than just anatomy. It is a living information system, with layers of neurological, biochemical, and energetic communication. By respecting those layers, natural healthcare can achieve deeper and more lasting results.
Conclusion
Switching and phantom organ responses show that the body doesn’t always speak plainly — sometimes it scrambles or replays old signals. But with careful testing and corrective techniques, practitioners can reset the nervous system, restore accuracy, and direct healing where it truly belongs.
In a world where mainstream science often dismisses what it cannot explain, these clinical observations point to a simple truth: the human body is complex, integrated, and wonderfully designed. And when it comes to healing, listening closely — even to its mixed signals — can make all the difference.
Most people think of viruses as short-term invaders: you catch a cold or the flu, your immune system fights it off, and then it’s gone. That’s true for many viruses. But some viruses don’t actually leave — instead, they hide inside our cells, waiting for the right moment to resurface. These are called latent viruses, and they can have lasting effects on our health.
What Are Latent Viruses?
A latent virus is one that remains in the body for life. Instead of being destroyed, it retreats into a dormant state inside nerve cells, immune cells, or other tissues. You may not notice it for years, even decades, but under stress, illness, or aging, the virus can “wake up” and cause problems.
Common Examples of Latent Viruses
Why Latent Viruses Matter Over Time
Supporting the Body Naturally Against Latent Viruses
The key isn’t to “kill” these viruses — science doesn’t have a cure for them yet. The goal is to strengthen the body’s terrain so the immune system keeps them dormant.
1. Nutritional Foundations
2. Botanical and Phytonutrient Support
3. Cellular Energy & Repair
4. Nervous System & Stress Control
Since stress hormones often trigger viral flare-ups:
A Practical Takeaway
You may not be able to completely eliminate latent viruses, but you can make your body an inhospitable place for them to reactivate. Think of it as building a strong fence: the viruses may still be on the property, but they can’t break out and cause damage.
By combining nutrient optimization (including vitamins A and D), botanical support, stress management, and lifestyle balance, you strengthen your immune system’s ability to keep these silent passengers under control. That can mean fewer flare-ups, less risk of chronic disease, and a healthier brain and body as you age.
Bottom Line:
Latent viruses are real, common, and potentially harmful over time. But you’re not powerless. Natural healthcare approaches give your immune system the tools it needs to stay strong, keep these invaders silent, and protect your long-term health.
When it comes to food as medicine, one of the simplest guides is to “eat the rainbow.” The natural pigments that give vegetables their vibrant colors are not just for beauty—they carry specific phytonutrients that target different systems in the body. Each color tends to emphasize a particular healing effect, and when you combine them, you create a balanced nutritional defense for your health.
Red Vegetables – Cardiovascular Protection
Red vegetables such as tomatoes, red peppers, and beets are rich in compounds like lycopene, betalains, and anthocyanins. These have been shown to help reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol, improve arterial flexibility, and support healthy blood pressure. Beets in particular also enhance nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. It’s no accident that the color of blood and the color of these vegetables match their role in strengthening the heart and circulatory system.
Orange and Yellow Vegetables – Immune and Reproductive Health
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. These compounds are converted into vitamin A, which is essential for immune balance, eye health, and reproductive vitality. They also act as antioxidants that protect tissues from free-radical damage. Think of orange and yellow foods as protectors of vision and immunity.
Green Vegetables – Detoxification and Alkalinity
Spinach, kale, broccoli, and parsley are loaded with chlorophyll, magnesium, and sulfur compounds like sulforaphane. These support liver detoxification, improve oxygenation, and help balance the body’s pH. The high magnesium content of greens supports muscular relaxation, heart rhythm, and energy production. Greens also feed the microbiome with natural fiber, helping digestion and gut health.
Blue and Purple Vegetables – Brain and Longevity Support
Eggplant, purple cabbage, and purple carrots are rich in anthocyanins, which protect neurons, improve memory, and may help guard against dementia. These compounds also support healthy blood vessels by reducing inflammation and strengthening connective tissue. Blue and purple foods are strongly associated with healthy aging and nervous system balance.
White and Tan Vegetables – Immune and Hormonal Balance
Garlic, onions, leeks, and mushrooms may lack bright color, but their sulfur compounds, allicin, and beta-glucans pack a punch. These compounds help regulate blood sugar, boost immune function, and offer natural anti-microbial support against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They also assist in balancing hormone metabolism, especially estrogen detoxification in the liver.
Putting It All Together
Eating a full spectrum of vegetable colors ensures your body receives a diverse mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-based compounds. While red vegetables are especially powerful for cardiovascular protection, the greatest benefit comes from combining all the colors on your plate. In natural healthcare, variety is the key to resilience.
Nature is your best medicine cabinet.
1. Natural Pain-Relievers (Analgesics)
2. Natural Fever Reducers (Antipyretics)
3. Supportive Nutrients
4. Non-Herbal Approaches
✅ Summary:
Tylenol reduces glutathione because the liver must use glutathione to detoxify its toxic metabolite (NAPQI).
⚠️ If glutathione is depleted (by overdose, alcohol, fasting, or illness), toxicity risk rises sharply.
💊 This is why acetaminophen is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S.
The administration is expected to advise limiting acetaminophen in early pregnancy (except for high fevers), citing observational studies that report associations with later ASD/ADHD. But a very large Swedish sibling-comparison study (≈2.5M births) found no causal link, and major medical groups still consider acetaminophen appropriate in pregnancy when used as directed—so this will be controversial. JAMA Network+2PubMed+2
For context: news coverage previews the guidance as a sharp departure; expert reactions emphasize that correlation ≠ causation and warn against scaring patients away from the safest available analgesic in pregnancy. Reuters+2Reuters+2
Small randomized trials suggest improved verbal communication and clinical scores in some autistic children treated with folinic acid, particularly those with folate-receptor-alpha autoantibodies (FRAA)—a biomarker tied to cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). Encouraging, but not a cure; larger confirmatory trials are still needed. PubMed+2PubMed+2
Reporting points to an NIH/HHS multi-team effort to probe causes and treatments and to coordinate data—details to come with the formal rollout. The Washington Post
Folinic acid = leucovorin (5-formyl-THF), a reduced folate widely used for methotrexate rescue and with 5-FU in oncology. It is not the same as folic acid or L-methylfolate. NCBI+1
A subset of autistic children show cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), often linked to FRAA that impede folate transport into the brain. In that subgroup, oral folinic acid can bypass the blocked pathway and has shown clinical benefit in trials. (Some clinicians order a commercial FRAT® blood test to detect FRAA and identify likely responders.) PMC+1
Safety notes: Most effects reported are mild (GI upset; occasional sleep/behavioral activation). Folinic acid interacts with antifolate drugs (e.g., methotrexate, trimethoprim combinations) and modulates 5-FU—review meds first. Use in ASD is off-label; work with a clinician. NCBI
As always, discuss medications and testing with your own clinician; pair any trial of folinic acid with standard behavioral/educational supports.
Skin is often called the “mirror of internal health.” Many chronic skin conditions — rashes, dryness, itching, and discoloration — can reflect deeper imbalances in the organs of detoxification, particularly the kidneys and the liver. Understanding how these systems interconnect provides insight into why natural healthcare approaches can make a real difference.
How the Kidneys Affect the Skin
The kidneys are the body’s filtration system, removing waste products, balancing electrolytes, and regulating fluids. When kidney function declines, toxins such as urea, creatinine, and phosphorus accumulate in the blood. These toxins circulate to the skin, causing:
The Role of the Liver
The liver works alongside the kidneys as the body’s other major detoxification organ. It processes metabolic waste, hormones, and environmental toxins, converting them for excretion through bile or urine. When the liver is overburdened:
Thus, liver congestion often worsens the skin effects of kidney stress.
Why the Skin Gets Involved
The skin is a natural eliminative organ. When kidneys and liver cannot keep up with detoxification, the skin takes on more burden, leading to eczema, psoriasis-like eruptions, or unexplained rashes. This is why skin symptoms are often a visible “red flag” of deeper organ overload.
Natural Healthcare Approaches
1. Hydration and Fluids
2. Herbal Support
3. Nutritional Strategies
4. Lifestyle Considerations
Conclusion
Kidney problems can manifest in the skin because of the shared detoxification workload between the kidneys, liver, and skin. When kidneys are strained, the liver compensates, and when both are overloaded, the skin becomes a visible outlet for waste. Natural healthcare techniques — especially hydration, supportive herbs, and nutritional strategies — work not by suppressing symptoms, but by enhancing the body’s built-in cleansing systems.
Where Do These Toxins Come From?
Water Supply Contaminants
Airborne Toxins
Food & Agriculture
Household & Consumer Products
Medical & Lifestyle Exposures
Hydration: The Foundation of Detox
One of the simplest, most powerful tools to aid detoxification is proper hydration. Water helps flush the kidneys, lubricates the bowels, and carries waste out of the body through sweat and urine. Even mild dehydration can slow down these pathways.
At Keefe Clinic we recommend:
Alkaline water can further support detox by reducing acid load and keeping the body’s elimination pathways open and efficient.
How Keefe Clinic Can Help
At Keefe Clinic we offer programs to help reduce toxic buildup and strengthen your body’s natural cleansing systems:
Bottom Line
We live in a toxic world, but with the right tools the body can recover and thrive. Good hydration, clean filtered or alkaline water, and targeted detox programs make it possible to reduce toxic burden, restore energy, and protect long-term health.
Why Water Matters
Every system in the body depends on water. From circulation to digestion to nerve conduction, proper hydration is essential. Even mild dehydration can impair how cells, tissues, and organs function. Over time, chronic dehydration can contribute to health problems that could otherwise be prevented.
Risks of Dehydration
As outlined in Your Body’s Many Cries for Water and supported by clinical research, dehydration increases risk for:
How Much Water Do You Need?
A simple formula makes it easy to calculate daily fluid needs:
Example: A 100-pound person should drink 40–50 ounces daily, more if they exercise, sweat, or work in hot environments.
Why Filtered Water Is Best
City water often contains trace chemicals from treatment and infrastructure, including chlorine by-products, fluoride, heavy metals, agricultural runoff, and even pharmaceuticals in some systems. For the cleanest option:
Filtered water reduces the chemical burden on your body and makes it easier to stay consistently hydrated.
Bottom Line
Hydration is one of the simplest, most powerful health habits. Drinking enough pure, filtered water daily—using your body-weight formula—protects your kidneys, brain, joints, digestion, and overall vitality. Combine this with a quality filtration system, and you’ll give your body the best foundation for health and healing.
“Nutritional dark matter” refers to the thousands of food compounds beyond the classical nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) that are present in whole foods. These include phytochemicals, bioactives, secondary metabolites, minor phenolic compounds, and various molecular species whose identities or functions are not yet well mapped. Researchers estimate >130,000 distinct compounds in foods; only a small fraction are cataloged/tracked in nutrition databases. mgriblog.org+2Osher Center For Integrative Medicine+2
These compounds may affect health via regulatory roles, interactions with the microbiome, antioxidant effects, modulation of metabolic pathways, or even influence gene expression. Osher Center For Integrative Medicine+1
Here are some well‐studied classes, with example foods and source materials from recent research.
| Compound / Class | Foods / Sources | Known or Hypothesized Health Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols, flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, catechins, anthocyanins) | Berries (blueberries, raspberries), apples, tea (green/black), grapes, dark chocolate, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables UCLA Health+2PMC+2 | Antioxidant capacities; reduce oxidative stress; may lower risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers; anti‐inflammatory effects. PMC+1 |
| Phytoestrogens (isoflavones, lignans) | Soybeans, flaxseed, peas, certain fruits (peaches, berries), garlic UCLA Health+1 | Hormonal modulation; potential protective effect against breast and uterine cancers; bone health in post‐menopausal women. UCLA Health |
| Minor phenolic compounds from oils (e.g. hydroxytyrosol, metabolites) | Olive oil (especially extra virgin), olive oil by-products, pomace arXiv+2arXiv+2 | Anti‐atherosclerotic effects; reduced inflammation; lower oxidative damage; possible benefits for cardiovascular health and tumor suppression. arXiv+1 |
| β-carotene & other carotenoids | Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, leafy greens; fruits like mango, apricot, some squash varieties Verywell Health+1 | Precursor to vitamin A; antioxidant; support eye health; may reduce risk of certain cancers when from foods (though high supplemental doses can be risky in specific populations). |
| Antioxidants from fungi / mushrooms | Edible mushrooms in Suillus and other genera; fungal mycelium interacting with plants/soil microbiome arXiv | Protection against oxidative stress; antimicrobial effects; possibly reducing risk of chronic diseases (e.g. neurodegenerative) via dietary antioxidant load. |
| Fiber-related compounds and microbiome substrates | Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit skins, seeds; also many of the “dark matter” compounds feed gut microbes Osher Center For Integrative Medicine+1 | Fiber itself is well known: supports gut health, reduced risk of colon cancer, helps regulate blood sugar, satiety. The additional compounds help microbiome produce beneficial metabolites (short chains, etc.), possibly regulate inflammation or immune function. |
Nutritional dark matter is a frontier in nutrition science. Although much remains unknown, mounting evidence suggests that the thousands of untracked compounds in plant foods play important roles in health: from antioxidant defense, inflammation control, metabolic regulation, to microbiome support. A diet lacking in this complexity may lead to higher risk of chronic disease, impaired resilience, and suboptimal health. While the precise “which compounds, at what levels” are not all mapped out, the direction is clear: whole, varied, minimally processed plant-rich diets give access to far more than just macros and vitamins—they unlock protective, regulatory, and perhaps even therapeutic components we are only beginning to understand.
Key takeaways:
Fall-risk–increasing drugs (FRIDs) are medicines whose side effects—like sedation, dizziness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision, orthostatic hypotension, or impaired balance—can make a fall more likely. Clinicians watch especially for CNS-active FRIDs:
Other categories (e.g., strong anticholinergics) can also increase risk; meanwhile, some widely used drugs (like proton-pump inhibitors) don’t cause falls per se but may worsen fall injuries (e.g., through bone effects or bleeding). The common thread is impaired balance/alertness or compounded risk when several FRIDs are taken together. Ovid+1
Caveat: These are associations. Not every study proves causation, and comorbidities matter. But the pattern is consistent, and FRID exposure is one of the few fall risks clinicians can change. PMC
Even modest side effects can stack. Two or three small hits to alertness, gait, or blood pressure can turn a safe step into a misstep. That’s why guidelines (e.g., AGS Beers Criteria) flag benzodiazepines and related sedatives for avoidance in most older adults, and why deprescribing programs emphasize tapering and safer alternatives rather than abrupt stops. PubMed+1
Falls aren’t inevitable—with the right medication strategy, many are preventable. Review sedating and balance-impairing drugs regularly, avoid unnecessary combinations, taper wisely, and pair medication changes with strength, vision, and home-safety interventions. The evidence says that’s where the biggest wins are for keeping older adults upright, independent, and safe. PubMed+4Ovid+4PMC+4
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: PUBLIC HEALTH A CENTURY AGO — A SNAPSHOT Historical disease patterns show a shift from infectious illnesses to chronic diseases. Conditions like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders have become increasingly prevalent in modern times. Despite longer lifespans from medical advances, the quality of life has declined as modern medicine focuses on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of chronic disease. Past generations maintained physical resilience through daily manual labor and movement, whereas modern sedentary lifestyles have contributed to earlier onset of mobility issues and frailty. Traditional diets consisted of fresh, unprocessed, seasonal foods from local sources, without artificial additives or preservatives; foods provided complete nutrition through whole ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Reclaiming health requires rejecting modern habits that prioritize convenience at the cost of your health and returning to fundamental principles — nutrient-dense food, regular movement, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins. CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, Mortality, NVSR Vol. 48 (11) (Archived)--CDC, Heart Disease--American Heart Association, January 24, 2024--National Health Council, March 28, 2024
WELLNESS: MY OPEN LETTER TO THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION Dr. Mercola In an open letter, I urge the American Dental Association to discontinue supporting water fluoridation, based on research linking fluoride exposure to reduced IQ scores, ADHD symptoms and thyroid dysfunction. Most Western European nations have rejected water fluoridation in favor of education, fluoride-free products and dietary improvements to address dental health concerns. I call for the elimination of mercury amalgam fillings, as research shows elevated blood mercury levels in patients with multiple amalgam fillings. The European Union implemented a comprehensive ban on dental amalgam in January 2025, while many other countries have restricted or banned its use, particularly for vulnerable populations. Despite global shifts toward safer alternatives, U.S. federal programs like Medicaid continue using amalgam fillings, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations with limited health care options. Fluoride Action Network Endocrine System Effects of Fluoride April 19, 2024
CHIROPRACTIC: WORKS WHEN OTHER METHODS FAIL "For years, I struggled with bloating, irregular digestion, and discomfort that no diet or medication seemed to fix. After starting chiropractic care, I was amazed to learn how spinal alignment could impact my digestive system. Within weeks of regular adjustments, my digestion became more regular, the bloating decreased, and I felt more energized overall. Chiropractic care didn’t just help my back — it truly gave me my gut health back!" — Sarah M., Age 34 "I was facing the very real possibility of back surgery due to a herniated disc and constant pain. A friend recommended chiropractic care as a last resort — and I’m so glad I listened. After just a few months of targeted adjustments and rehab exercises, my pain dramatically decreased, and my mobility returned. Today, I’m pain-free and surgery-free. Chiropractic care truly changed the course of my life." — Mark T., Age 48 "After trying to conceive for over two years with no success, I felt emotionally and physically drained. A friend suggested chiropractic care, and though I was skeptical, I gave it a try. My chiropractor explained how spinal alignment can impact hormone function and reproductive health. After a few months of regular adjustments, I was thrilled to discover I was pregnant! I truly believe chiropractic care helped restore balance to my body and made our dream of having a family come true." — Emily R., Age 33
FUNNY BONE: Why don't eggs tell jokes? They crack each other up.@@What is a Karen called in Europe? An American@@What do you call a bagel that can fly? A plain bagel.@@Why was 6 afraid of 9 on New Year's Eve? Because 9, 8, 7... @@What does Joe Biden call space aliens? Undocumented democrats.@@ What is Communism? The Polish say it's the longest and most painful of the roads to capitalism.@@ What's meant by an exchange of opinions in the communist party of the Soviet Union? It's when I come to a party meeting with my own opinion, and I leave with the parties.@@ What is the definition of "accountant"? Someone who solves a problem you didn't know you had in a way you don't understand.@@ What is the definition of a good tax accountant? Someone who has a loophole named after him.@@ So, one large oil company have announced that they are going to be producing fuel from insect urine. I think it is B.P.
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