Avoid NSAID's, Reduce Inflammation, Live Better

My readers may have seen in past blogs and Facebook posts information regarding the dangers of analgesics (pain reducers), over the counter and prescription.  The question then arises, what can I do to help control pain.  Aside from addressing the body's structural problems, which lead to pain, with chiropractic evaluation and care, one of our recommendations is Turmeric.  Turmeric has been proven to reduce or eliminate pain better than leading prescription medications. [1]

A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene [2] found that turmeric was an effective alternative to the drugs; aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen and diclofenac and the like, generally considered NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).

Turmeric does not just fight pain and inflammation, it does so much more. [3]

Simple root, Profound action

Most researchers agree that the turmeric’s profound healing abilities can be traced to its powerful anti-inflammatory action.

Full-spectrum turmeric (whole root, as opposed to an isolated curcumin extract) is especially effective because it operates by both mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action.

Most anti-inflammatory foods, work in one of the following ways...

1. They neutralize free radicals in the body which causes inflammation, with a flood of antioxidants or

2. They stop the body from producing the chemicals that initiate inflammation in the first place (this is how aspirin and OTC pain meds work)

What is unique about turmeric is that it combats inflammation through both of these mechanisms.... simultaneously! Its multi-pronged approach allows it to work wonders for aches, pains, and arthritis (by stopping inflammation at the source), while also strongly supporting the immune system with antioxidants.
 

Nearly all diseases and ailments can be traced back to inflammation and oxidative stress…it appears there’s almost nothing that turmeric can’t help.

Not all forms of turmeric are created equal…

Most of the turmeric supplements you see in stores come in the form of encapsulated powders. Many are just the isolated curcuminoids and as we mentioned above the whole root, with complimentary components appear to be most beneficial.

 

The truth is with turmeric powder you may be getting very little actual benefit.  Turmeric powder has a fairly low bioavailability (meaning that a good portion of it isn’t properly absorbed by your body), it often isn’t very fresh, and it’s sometimes made with harsh processes that can destroy or degrade turmeric’s healthful components.

 

Our recommendation;  buy a quality, full spectrum (whole root) supplement or what my family prefers is buying fresh whole root and grate it ourselves as needed. You can crush it or grind it, we purchased an inexpensive "micro grater", it works wonderfully and easy to clean up.  You can also use it for other root foods like garlic and ginger.   It can be difficult to find turmeric root in smaller communities and expensive when you do find it in major chain grocery stores.  We have great luck at Asian markets.  Most usages in cooking or dosing call for a teaspoon or less.  

 

Through experimentation our family has learned to use it in a number of home cooked dishes.  We also enjoy "Golden milk" or "Turmeric tea".   By using turmeric in these ways you can also increase its bioavailability (absorption).  Studies have found that absorption of turmeric components can be increased by either heating the ground up root, adding healthy fats or adding black pepper. Golden milk can do all three.

So, save your liver and kidneys from the abuse of NSAID use and consider giving turmeric a try.  Aside from the pain relieving properties tumeric has also been found to protect the brain, repair the liver, protect the heart after surgery, helps asthma patients and the list could go on and on.  Turmeric has been found to be as effective as 25 drugs, without the side effects.

 

 

 

References:
1. Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Curcuminoids in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Pain Med. 2015 Dec 14. Epub 2015 Dec 14. PMID: 26814259
2. Green Med Info: greenmedinfo.com/blog/science-confirms-turmeric-effective-14-drugs
3. Zingiberaceae extracts for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Nutr J. 2015 ;14:50. Epub 2015 May 14. PMID: 25972154

Tomato, tomaato; Could It Be Causing You Problems?

Let food be your medicine and your medicine be food. - Hippocrates

There are certain foods, even those generally considered healthy, that certain individuals should only consume sparingly or in at least moderation. 

Do you suffer from chronic pain and/or inflammation? Studies show that there can be a link between the consumption of nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes and bell peppers) and chronic pain/inflammation for some people. Find out if you're one of them.

Few people are familiar with the term nightshade vegetables, and many will be surprised to learn that consuming foods from this plant group may be contributing to their pain and inflammation.

Their New "discovery" Is Really Quite Old.

"Conceptually, bioelectronics is straightforward: Get the nervous system to tell the body to heal itself. But of course it’s not that simple. “What we’re trying to do here is completely novel,” - NYT.     

Chiropractic has been helping improve the impulses through the nervous system to the body's tissues to improve all functions of the body since 1897, without the risks of implanted devices.   There is nothing novel about it!  But it is nice that they are finally catching up.

Chiropractic and Young Athletes

Chiropractic is safe and effective approach to improving and maintaining your well being.  Chiropractic is particularly helpful in helping young people maintain and improve athletic performance.

Pregnancy and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Public health advice(from MDs and hospitals) currently considers Tylenol use safe during pregnancy.

It is also know that about half of all pregnant women consume Tylenol as a solution for their pain and discomfort. 

A study just published out of the Journal of American Pediatrics
 in August of 2016 showed that Tylenol consumption by pregnant
women increased the baby having emotional symptoms by 
29%, hyperactivity by 31%, and total difficulties by 46%. 

This is a problem…and one that few doctors, let alone women and future mothers know about. 


So what if these mothers knew there was a
different solution that did not put their 
unborn baby at risk of having emotional, hyperactive, or neurodevelopmental problems? 

This brings us to a study from the Journal of Spine published in 2003. (references below)

Three groups of patients who were in pain were split up and treated
One group got drugs(vioxx and celebrex), one group 
received acupuncture, and one group received chiropractic. 

The results showed that Chiropractic was 5 times better than the drugs and 3 times more effective than the acupuncture!

And…the patients in the Chiropractic group were considered the worst because they had been in chronic pain for the longest compared to the other 2 groups. 

Think about that, what if pregnant women knew about the effectiveness of Chiropractic and its low-risk no side-effects benefits for her or her growing baby! 

Once again, what the public doesn’t know can and will hurt them. 

Explore and experience the possibilities of chiropractic!

For your better health,

Dr. Heller


References

1) Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics. August 15, 2016
Evie Stergiakouli, PhD; Anita Thapar, FRC, PhD; George Davey Smith, MD, DSc

2) Journal of Spine 2003 Jul 15;28(14):1490-502 “Chronic pain: a randomized clinical trial comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation” 
Giles LG, Muller R.

Chiropractic and Limited Antibiotics for Childhood Ear Infections

Chiropractic has been used for decades by 100's of thousands of people for addressing many common ailments.  One such ailment is childhood ear infections.  The question has always been; is it effective?

One of the biggest problems of childhood ear infections is the use and repeated use of antibiotic therapy.  Antibiotics can help knock out an infection, unfortunately they can also wreak havoc on the the good bacteria which helps buffer the digestive tract which possesses about 70-80% of the body's immune system tissues; thereby making the individual more susceptible to reinfection after a bout of antibiotics.  This is the reason we recommend that parents feed their child "active culture" yogurt while on antibiotics and for one week after, to replace the healthy bacteria that are killed off, if they decide to go the antibiotic route with ear infections

A new study with children 5 years of age and younger, found chiropractic care for childhood ear infections was extremely effective, recommending utilizing chiropractic care and limiting medical intervention.

"93% of all episodes improved, 75% in 10 days or fewer and 43% with only one or two treatments. Young age, no history on antibiotic use, initial episode (vs. recurrent) and designation of an episode as discomfort rather than ear infection were factors associated with improvement with the fewest treatments."

Keep your child's body as healthy as possible by including chiropractic into their well child schedule.

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Do-It-Yourself Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Health and Enjoyment

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is one of those super foods that is almost too good to believe.  Not only does it offer numerous health benefits but it is also very versatile around the house and for personal care.   You can find out alot about ACV at this page.  They will offer to sell you a book at the end of the page.  I have no connections with the seller, I only link to their page because they have done a fine job of simply, summarizing the benefits of ACV.  You can also do the research on your own with a simple Google search.

Would you believe me if I told you that Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be a delicious, refreshing and satisfying addition to your summer refreshments? I know, for most of you that have tried ACV, you are probably shaking your head thinking, "yea, right!". Sad but true that most commercial ACV is extremely acidic tasting and overly tart. Even raw, unfiltered, quality ACV such as Bragg's is missing the pleasant tasting experience.

DIY ACV is very economical.
You can use the parts of the
apple that would normally get
thrown away.

Enter the Do-It-Yourself, home brewed ACV with very little cost or investment. It is quite easy with not much of a learning curve. If you can peel an apple and measure sugar and water you can ferment your own ACV.  Most people I talk with about D.I.Y. ACV are under the misconception that they need a "mother" to create ACV.  My simple response to them is "not at all".    All you need is a glass jar, apple peels and cores (you can use the entire apple if you wish), sugar, water and a breathable cover for the jar (I use a paper coffee filter held in place with a rubber band. Keeps out fruit flies better).  It does take time to ferment, about 4 weeks, but very little effort.  I started by using this link as a reference.  One of the things that I have found fermenting ACV that this web page does not mention is that as the apple peels and cores float and protrude above the surface of the water they are prone to blue-green mold. Harmless to you, but not appealing.  I have a small glass dish that just fits inside the opening of my gallon jar which is heavy enough to hold all apple solids under the surface of the liquid but not so heavy that it sinks.  This has prevented the development of mold on my future batches.

We started fermenting by the quart but found that we drank it too fast to keep up and now my family ferments it by the gallon jar usually yielding about 3 quarts.  It is delicious!  It taste more like tangy cider than vinegar.  I actually did a pH test on my first couple batches of ACV to see if it was similar to commercial, raw ACVsuch as Bragg's.  My home fermented ACV pH tested at the same or slightly stronger acid pH than the Bragg's ACV, telling me that I actually did have Apple Cider Vinegar.

Most ACV pages will recommend 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per day to help with health.  It can be taken straight or diluted in water.  My family actually enjoys adding ACV to a glass of fruit juice, giving it a bit of a kick.  Another great way to enjoy ACV, especially during the summer is to make Switchel.  Switchel, or as it was often referred to "haymaker's punch" is as old as the colonies.  A very refreshing, energizing drink and an excellent electrolyte restorer.  No more sugary, caffeinated sport drinks.

Have a safe and healthy summer.

Yours for better health,

Dr. Heller

Non-Drug Pain Management is a Safer Strategy than Opioids

An estimated 126.6 million Americans (one in two adults) are affected by a neuro-musculoskeletal condition.  When these conditions become chronic and over the counter analgesics (pain relievers) no longer control the pain a prescription is often given for opioid pain relievers.

There are no randomized control trials that have shown opioids to improve function, and there is an overriding national public health concern regarding widespread abuse and misuse of these drugs.  The list below are the most common ones prescribed:

Fiorional with Codeine            Robitussin A-C            Tylenol with Codeine

Empirin with Codeine              Roxanol                       Duramorph

Demerol                                    Actiq                            Duragesic

Sublimaze                                 OxyContin                   Percodan

Percocet                                   Tylox                             Dilaudid

Rather than putting your health at risk to opioid side effects safer options to eliminate the cause of the pain should be sought.  Chiropractic can help with most common complaints of musculoskeletal origin.  A short report can be downloaded from this page, giving you a wealth of research referenced information on opioids, pain management and chiropractic.

        Or you can download it directly from:

                         Download ‘Chiropractic: A Safer Strategy Than Opioids’

As primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being, doctors of chiropractic – who receive a minimum of seven years of higher education – are specifically trained to diagnose, evaluate and provide non-pharmaceutical care and rehabilitation to individuals suffering from acute and chronic back, low back and neck pain, headaches, neuro-musculoskeletal and other related conditions.

Poor Posture: An Unknown Threat

An Unknown Threat: What Poor Posture May Be Doing to Your Body

Sit Up Straight! Poor Posture Can Affect Your Body

Feeling tense and achy? It may be due to poor posture.

While the media is touting warnings about “tech neck” — the neck pain and damage sustained from hunching over smartphones and other devices for too long —

you’re actually risking harm to your overall health if any other body part becomes

misaligned.

That’s because, as the American Journal of Pain Management notes, a person’s

posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormonal production.

Yes, every physiological function.

How, you may ask? “Our muscles and ligaments routinely work to balance us as

we sit, stand, bend, and sleep,” says Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president

For every additional degree of imbalance of the posture,
the body must work harder against the effects of gravity.

of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. “Over time, however, uneven stress causes the body to adapt and change — subsequently, causing aches and pains.”

Various factors can contribute to poor posture — including injury, stress, obesity,

pregnancy, and weak postural muscles. Chiropractors have been specifically trained, as part of their minimum seven years of higher education, to provide drug-free, hands-on care that helps to naturally align and strengthen the spine, as well as advise on healthy lifestyle habits.

And as far as habits go, in keeping with National Correct Posture Month, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress is out with tips designed to help you develop smart ways to perfect your posture. Among them:

• Maintain a neutral spine. Meaning, chin up and shoulders pulled back.

• Avoid extended time spent with your head flexed forward.

• Don’t cross your legs while seated.

Check out our Facebook banner and see examples of what we can do for your posture with Advanced BioStructural CorrectionTM at David City Chiropractic

Chirpractic Care For All Over Better Health

Most everyone thinks of chiropractic for the care of back or neck pain. Some may turn to chiropractic for sport and leisure activity injuries.  Truth be told the benefits of regular chiropractic care are so far reaching is is one of the best kept secrets of the healthcare world.

Even our friends at TTAC understand how chiropractic helps the body function better to be healthier.

Check out the link below.

10 Reasons You Should Consider Chiropractic Therapy

Children, Car Seats and Spinal Health

Parents often ask Chiropractors when car seats should be turned to face forward. Remarkable research on this issue helps parents make an informed decision that will best serve their family. Safety concerns led to the evolution of rear-facing car seats. Motor vehicle collisions typically take place withthe vehicle moving forward. The mechanism of this type of accident forces the head and neck of all passengers forward toward the windshield of the vehicle in a quick, jerking movement. The majority of injuries occur as the neck snaps backwards after the initial jolt toward the windshield. Any precaution that minimizes the forward-back jerking motion of the neck as a result of the collision will help lower the severity or prevent any significant bone and soft tissue injuries.

Research shows that the strength and stability of neck alignment and soft tissue will determine the extent of injury. Rear-facing car seats provide stability for an infant’s neck and soft tissue when the muscles and ligaments are not yet fully developed. An infant’s neck, spine, and muscles eventually develop to the point of being able to withstand the majority of trauma from a motor vehicle accident.

Research done in 2007 showed the inaccuracy of previous standards that allowed infants to be turned towards the front of a car after one year of age and a weight of at least 20 pounds. The study states that children up to 23 months old are almost 75 percent less likely to die or sustain serious injury in a rear-facing car seat than a forward-facing one. A rear-facing seat spreads the force exerted on a child's body during a crash more evenly across the entire body, limiting the motion of the head and reducing the potential for neck injury. The protective car seat also keeps the child more contained within the shell of the child restraint than a forward-facing seat. The benefits of a rear-facing car seat rated particularly high in side impact crashes as well.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and many child-passenger safety advocates expanded their recommendations to suggest that infants and young children should remain rear-facing until at least 23 months of age and a weight of at least 35 pounds. Infants and children routinely experience significant stress without ever experiencing a motor vehicle accident. Traumas from birth, falls, accidents, and learning to walk produce enough stress on the spine and nervous system to require regular Chiropractic spinal evaluations for all children. Chiropractors focus on caring for the spine and central nervous system through spinal adjustments and education. Proper car seat safety continues to be one of many important topics that help prevent unwanted spine and nervous system problems for infants and toddlers. Regular Chiropractic care helps infants and children achieve and maintain proper spine and nervous system health throughout life. Waiting to use a front-facing car seat protects the safety and well-being of a child, but not waiting to begin Chiropractic care ensures that every child will be given optimal chance to grow and develop a healthy brain, spine, and body.

Journal of Injury Prevention
2007 Dec; 13(6): 398–402
"Car safety seats for children: rear facing for best protection"
B Henary, C P Sherwood, J R Crandall, R W Kent, F E Vaca, K B Arbogast, and M J Bull