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.
Visit our web sites: keefeclinic.com & keefeclinic.quora.com
The Seasonal Stress on the Body
When temperatures and humidity swing back and forth, the body is forced to constantly adapt.
These factors combine to explain why sinus infections, colds, and respiratory irritation spike during seasonal transitions.
Chiropractic: Keeping the Body’s Defenses Strong
The nervous system plays a central role in how the body adapts to stress—including seasonal change. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve communication that regulates immunity, sinus drainage, and circulation. Chiropractic adjustments restore balance and improve the body’s resilience, giving the immune system a stronger platform to respond. Patients often notice fewer colds and quicker recovery times when under consistent chiropractic care.
Nutritional Therapy: Fueling the Immune System
Seasonal shifts place extra demands on the immune system, making targeted nutrition essential.
Acupuncture and Exercise: Targeted Support
The Takeaway
Seasonal transitions stress both the immune and respiratory systems. Cold, dry air, humidity shifts, and allergens combine to increase vulnerability to sinus problems and viral infections. Chiropractic adjustments and nutritional therapy form the foundation of natural care, while acupuncture and exercise provide added support for smoother adaptation and stronger resilience.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that often go unnoticed but dramatically increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. A person is considered to have metabolic syndrome if they present with at least three of the following:
In the U.S., nearly one in three adults has metabolic syndrome. Yet because it doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, it’s often overlooked until more serious disease sets in.
Why It Happens
The syndrome is driven by lifestyle and environmental factors: poor diet, chronic stress, lack of exercise, disrupted sleep, and toxin exposure. Genetics play a role, but most cases can be improved with natural interventions that restore balance to metabolism and the nervous system.
How Natural Healthcare Can Help
1. Diet Therapy
2. Targeted Nutritional Therapy
Certain nutrients directly support metabolic health:
A practitioner can test for deficiencies and tailor supplementation to the individual.
3. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments restore balance to the nervous system, reducing stress on the body and improving communication between brain and organs. Research shows that spinal alignment influences autonomic nervous system balance, which helps regulate:
By reducing interference in the nervous system, chiropractic care may improve the body’s ability to adapt and heal.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to:
Clinical studies have found acupuncture beneficial in lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and reducing systemic inflammation — all key issues in metabolic syndrome.
5. Lifestyle & Stress Reduction
Putting It All Together
Metabolic syndrome is reversible for many people. By addressing diet, restoring nervous system balance through chiropractic and acupuncture, and using targeted nutritional support, natural healthcare provides a comprehensive, root-cause-oriented strategy. Rather than managing symptoms with more medications, this approach strengthens the body’s innate healing capacity.
Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome may be one of the most overlooked health problems in America, but it doesn’t have to lead to chronic disease. With natural healthcare — diet therapy, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and nutritional support — patients can reclaim their health, restore balance, and prevent the serious conditions that so often follow.
The Tech Neck Problem
In our digital age, hours spent on phones, tablets, and laptops often force us into a forward head posture. This “tech neck” posture strains the muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine, gradually reducing the normal forward curve (lordosis) that is essential for spinal health. Loss of this curve can result in:
The Role of Prism or Lazy Glasses
Prism (or “lazy”) glasses use a system of mirrors or prisms to redirect your line of sight downward while you keep your head upright and your neck neutral. Instead of bending your neck to look at a book, phone, or laptop, you can keep your posture aligned and still see clearly.
Benefits for Cervical Health
Beyond Neck Pain
Because posture impacts the entire nervous system and circulation, reducing strain in the neck can also improve overall energy levels, concentration, and even breathing capacity.
Practical Applications
Conclusion
Prism or downward-looking glasses are a simple, low-cost tool that can support spinal health in a world where “tech neck” has become the norm. Combined with chiropractic care, postural correction exercises, and ergonomic adjustments, they can be part of an effective strategy to restore and maintain the health of the cervical spine.
Fear and anxiety are among the most common struggles people face today. While occasional fear is normal, chronic anxiety can become overwhelming, affecting health, sleep, relationships, and quality of life. To address it effectively, we need to understand not only the emotional causes but also the biochemical, neurological, and nutritional factors that make some people more prone to anxiety.
Common Causes of Fear and Anxiety
Biochemical, Neurological, and Nutritional Roots
Neurological & Biochemical Factors
Nutritional Factors
Natural Remedies and Treatments
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Nutritional Support
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
EFT is a powerful mind-body method that combines gentle tapping on acupuncture points with verbal acknowledgment of the emotion or fear being experienced. By doing this, EFT calms the amygdala and reprograms stress responses. Clinical studies suggest EFT reduces cortisol, lowers anxiety, and helps people release stuck emotional patterns. Many patients find it quick, easy, and empowering as a self-help tool they can use anytime anxiety strikes.
Natural Healthcare Approaches
Final Thought
Fear and anxiety aren’t just “in your head.” They are whole-body experiences influenced by brain chemistry, hormones, nutrition, and past experiences. The good news is that natural healthcare offers many effective tools—from nutrition and chiropractic care to EFT tapping—that can help restore balance and peace of mind.
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
CHIROPRACTIC: Chiropractic adjustments to the rib cage can be surprisingly helpful for a variety of issues. Here's how they might help, depending on the situation: 1. Relieving Rib or Chest Pain ometimes, ribs can become slightly misaligned at the joint where they connect to the spine or sternum. This can cause sharp pain when breathing, moving, or twisting. A chiropractic adjustment can help restore proper alignment, reducing tension and discomfort. 2. Improving Breathing When the rib cage is tight or misaligned, it can limit your ability to take full breaths. By adjusting the thoracic spine (where the ribs attach), chiropractors can improve mobility in the chest wall and help you breathe easier. 3. Easing Mid-Back and Shoulder Tension The muscles between and around your ribs (like the intercostals and serratus anterior) can get tight from poor posture, stress, or overuse. Adjustments, especially paired with soft tissue work or rehab exercises, can reduce muscle tension and promote better posture and movement. 4. Helping with Postural Issues Poor posture (like forward head posture or rounded shoulders) can strain the rib cage and thoracic spine. Adjustments can encourage better alignment, which over time helps correct posture and reduce strain. 5. Supporting Recovery from Injury If you’ve had a rib sprain or subluxation (a rib that’s partially out of place), chiropractic adjustments (done carefully!) can help reposition the rib and allow the surrounding muscles to relax and heal.
IN THE NEWS: Concerns about artificial coloring in our foods. Understanding that nothing affects everyone the same there is strong evidence that certain people particularly children can react to artificial coloring. The following are some of the potential health problems: 1. Hyperactivity in Children Studies, especially the well-known Southampton study, suggested a link between certain artificial food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children. This led to the EU requiring warning labels on foods with certain dyes, but the FDA hasn't banned them in the U.S., stating evidence isn't conclusive. Dyes implicated: Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Red 40, and others. 2. Allergic Reactions & Sensitivities Some people are sensitive to certain dyes and can been linked to allergic-type reactions in a small subset of people, especially those also sensitive to aspirin. 3. Cancer Concerns (Animal Studies) Some older dyes like Red 3 (Erythrosine) have shown carcinogenic effects in animal studies, especially at high doses. Red 3 was partially banned in the U.S. (not allowed in cosmetics, but still used in some foods — wild, right?). Other dyes have shown tumor growth in lab rats under certain conditions, but human data is limited. 4. Behavioral or Neurological Effects There’s ongoing research on whether artificial dyes affect mood, behavior, or neurological function, especially in sensitive individuals — but so far, no strong evidence for a widespread effect in adults. Newsflash: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will move to phase out the remaining eight artificial food dyes from America's food supply within two years, his department announced Monday April 21, 2025, a significant escalation in his fight to rid the country's food of additives that studies suggest could be harmful.
WELLNESS: Ozempic Linked to 19 Adverse Health Events GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, originally intended as diabetes medications, have gained popularity for weight loss, leading to global shortages despite having modest benefits. Research shows these drugs reduce seizures and substance addiction risks, but they increase the likelihood of 19 other health conditions, including fainting, kidney problems and pancreatic issues. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with potential risks of acute pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, making the trade-off dangerous for users. Ozempic's manufacturer Novo Nordisk reported $40.6 billion in revenue, highlighting how the "magic pill" mentality and ultraprocessed food consumption create a profitable cycle for pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers. Instead of relying on weight loss drugs, focus on optimizing cellular energy production through dietary changes, avoiding vegetable oils and supporting your gut and mitochondrial health. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Aug 20;7(8):e2423385--The Epoch Times, January 28, 2025--Nat Med. 2025 Jan 20--Front Public Health. 2022 Oct 20;10:996179
FUNNY BONES: Police incident report: A man reported that a squirrel was running in circles on Davis Drive and was not sure if it was sick or had been hit by a car. An officer responded and as he drove on the street he ran over the squirrel.@@ Finding a lifeless hedgehog in the road, a quick-thinking animal lover scooped it up, placed it in a box with some food and rushed it over to her local wildlife hospital. There, it was examined by vets, who immediately identified it as the fluffy bobble from a woolly hat. "I would have immediately known from the weight," said Janet Kotze, of Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital in Knutsford. Still, "bless her, her heart was in the right place".
Chiropractic, Exercise, Natural Healthcare & Nutritional Foundations
Back, neck, and joint pain are among the most common reasons people seek care. Whether the issue is a herniated disc, degenerative joint disease, ligament strain, or tendon inflammation, the body has remarkable ability to heal when given the right support. A comprehensive approach that combines chiropractic care, exercise, natural healthcare, and advanced therapies like shockwave therapy can provide both relief and long-term recovery.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to restricted joints, reduce nerve irritation, and improve alignment. Research has shown chiropractic care to be among the most effective approaches for low back pain and disc-related issues. By correcting misalignments and reducing abnormal pressure on discs and nerves, chiropractic allows the body’s own healing mechanisms to work more efficiently.
Specific chiropractic techniques can:
Exercise & Rehabilitation
Movement is medicine. Targeted exercise helps stabilize the spine and strengthen the supporting muscles and ligaments. A good program often includes:
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and even intervertebral discs. It works by:
This therapy has been shown to help with disc degeneration, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shoulder problems, and chronic joint pain—making it a strong complement to chiropractic care and exercise.
Natural Healthcare Approaches
A natural approach to healing emphasizes restoring the body’s biochemical and structural balance. This includes:
Nutritional Foundations for Connective Tissue Healing
Whether we’re talking about discs, cartilage, ligaments, or tendons, the nutritional needs are remarkably similar. These tissues are built primarily from collagen, proteoglycans, and matrix proteins. Deficiency in any of the following nutrients slows repair and weakens the structure:
Essential Nutrients
Cartilage & Disc-Specific Nutrients
Protective Antioxidants
Supportive Foods
Putting It All Together
When patients combine chiropractic adjustments to restore structure, exercise to stabilize, shockwave therapy to accelerate healing, and targeted nutrition to rebuild the connective tissues, the results can be profound. This approach doesn’t just mask pain—it helps repair and strengthen the very tissues causing the problem, leading to longer-lasting relief and improved quality of life.
At Keefe Clinic, we emphasize this integrative approach: adjusting alignment, guiding safe rehabilitation, using natural and physiologic therapies, and ensuring patients have the nutritional foundation to heal. If a case requires specialized medical attention, we also coordinate referrals to the appropriate specialists.
📞 For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 918-663-1111.
📠 Fax: 918-663-2129 | 📧 Email: docjohn@keefeclinic.com
Keefe Clinic – 5016 S. 79th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK
Hormone imbalance is one of the most common but least understood drivers of women’s health problems. Two conditions that highlight this are dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and the challenges surrounding menopause. Both reflect underlying shifts in hormonal regulation, nutrient status, and how the body processes stress. While medications often focus on masking symptoms, natural healthcare aims to restore balance through diet, nutrition, and holistic support.
Dysmenorrhea: Understanding the Imbalance
Dysmenorrhea is usually related to an excess of prostaglandins (inflammatory compounds) that make the uterus contract too strongly. This imbalance is worsened by poor diet, stress, and lack of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Natural Approaches
Menopause: Shifting Hormones, Shifting Needs
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone production decline, often leading to hot flashes, mood swings, bone loss, and cardiovascular risks. Instead of seeing this as “deficiency disease,” natural healthcare looks at it as a transitional phase that can be supported with nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Key Dietary Supports
Lifestyle & Natural Therapies
Putting It All Together
Hormone imbalances don’t have to control your life. Whether dealing with dysmenorrhea or transitioning through menopause, the foundation of healing lies in nutrition and natural support. Adding magnesium-rich foods, omega-3 sources, cruciferous vegetables, and phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy can dramatically improve symptoms without the risks tied to conventional hormone replacement therapy.
The truth is, soy does not promote breast cancer — instead, it can protect against it. Combined with a whole-foods diet and holistic therapies, soy and other natural supports can help women move through each life stage with strength, balance, and health.