Pistachios - An extremely healthy snack.

Pistachios: all they're cracked up to be 

May 29, 2013 — A new research study, using an experimental model that mimics digestion, suggests that nearly all of the polyphenols in pistachios are released to the body during digestion. The new findings, when considered along with earlier research that suggests dietary fat may not be completely absorbed, is a win-win for those on the lookout for nutrient-rich snacks they can feel good about as part of an overall healthy diet.

The new study appears in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition and was conducted by the Model Gut Group at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) in the United Kingdom in association with the University of Messina, Italy.1
The study specifically looked at polyphenols and antioxidants, such as gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), found in pistachios. The study found that these polyphenols and antioxidants, which are also found in fruits and vegetables, are released during digestion, making them available to the body.

This study may be interesting because it suggests that the body may be able to absorb the polyphenols and antioxidants found in pistachios, which may be significant because nutrients aren't always readily accessible by the body. As an example, iron in spinach is naturally harder for the human body to absorb. However, the iron can be made more readily absorbed by the body when combined with vitamin C.

Pistachios: antioxidants you can see

Pistachios are the colorful nut, owing their green, yellow, and purple-red colors to the antioxidants and polyphenols found in the kernels and skins. It's easy to spot the good nutrition provided by pistachios: their true colors shine through in their green and yellow kernels, and their purple and red skins.
Fat in pistachios may not be completely absorbed2

A preliminary study published in the January 2012 issue of British Journal of Nutrition suggests that the fat in pistachios may not be completely absorbed by the body. The small, randomized controlled-feeding study, which is the first-of-its-kind research with nuts, suggests we may consume less calories per serving than originally thought.

Conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the study suggests that pistachios provide 160 calories per 30 gram serving (approximately 1 ounce).

The research measured the energy value of pistachios by feeding 16 healthy adults the nuts as part of a controlled diet and calculating the energy value from differences in energy excretion during the dietary treatment timeframe. The resulting energy value of one 30-gram serving of pistachios was 5-percent less than previous calculations.

The snacking bottom line

Pistachios are a great-tasting, fun, and healthy snack with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. A naturally cholesterol-free food, 90-percent of the fat in pistachios is the healthy unsaturated type. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts, which is more nuts per serving than any other snack nut. Be sure to color your plate with pistachios.

Source: PistachioHealthInstitute.org

Reprinted from:  http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/14186/54/pistachios-%20all%20they-re%20cracked%20up%20to%20be/


References
1Mandalari, et al. Bioaccessibility of pistachio polyphenols, xanthophylls, and tocopherols during simulated human digestion. J Nutr. 2013; 29:338-344.
2Baer DJ, Gebauer SK, Novotny JA. Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet. Br J Nutr. 2012; 107(1):120-5.

Healing Foods: Turmeric (Curcumin)

For centuries folk medicine depended on natural, herbal and nutriceutical remedies.  With the advent of pharmaceutical medicine many of the old remedies and their benefits were lost by the wayside. Much to the detriment of society. However, with the ever growing lists of side effects of today's patent drugs, their lack of true healing and the epidemic of secondary chronic disorders that they leave behind, interest is once again being shown to the old ways, their benefits and their safety.

The following article, exerpted from greenmedinfo.com, reviews the benefits and the recent research behind the age old spice, turmeric.  Definitely an impressive resume' of benefits and a spice worth adding to your diet.
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Turmeric is one the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today.  Its medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of over 5600 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies.  In fact, our five-year long research project on this sacred plant has revealed over 600 potential preventive and therapeutic applications, as well as 175 distinct beneficial physiological effects.

Given the sheer density of research performed on this remarkable spice, it is no wonder that a growing number of studies have concluded that it compares favorably to a variety of conventional medications, including:

• Lipitor/Atorvastatin(cholesterol medication): A 2008 study published in the journal Drugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from Turmeric compared favorably to the drug atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. [i] 
  
  
• Corticosteroids (steroid medications): A 1999 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric, the saffron colored pigment known as curcumin, compared favorably to steroids in the management of chronic anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease.[ii]  A 2008 study published in Critical Care Medicine found that curcumin compared favorably to the corticosteroid drug dexamethasone in the animal model as an alternative therapy for protecting lung transplantation-associated injury by down-regulating inflammatory genes.[iii] An earlier 2003 study published in Cancer Letters found the same drug also compared favorably to dexamethasone in a lung ischaemia-repurfusion injury model.[iv] 
  
• Prozac/Fluoxetine & Imipramine  (antidepressants): A 2011 study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica found that curcumin compared favorably to both drugs in reducing depressive behavior in an animal model.[v]
  
• Aspirin (blood thinner): A 1986 in vitro and ex vivo study published in the journal Arzneimittelforschung found that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects compared to aspirin, indicating it may have value in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring anti-arthritis therapy.[vi] 
  
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene found that curcumin (as well as resveratrol) were effective alternatives to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells.[vii]
  
• Oxaliplatin (chemotherapy drug): A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that curcumin compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agenet in colorectal cell lines.[viii]
  
• Metformin (diabetes drug): A 2009 study published in the journal Biochemitry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK (which increases glucose uptake) and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression  (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, they found curcumin to be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids(THC)) more potent than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). [ix]

Another way in which turmeric and its components reveal their remarkable therapeutic properties is in research on drug resistant- and multi-drug resistant cancers. 

We have found no less than 54 studies indicating that curcumin can induce cell death or sensitize drug-resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.[x]

We have identified 27 studies on curcumin's ability to either induce cell death or sensitize multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.[xi]

Considering how strong a track record turmeric (curcumin) has, having been used as both food and medicine in a wide range of cultures, for thousands of years, a strong argument can be made for using curcumin as a drug alternative or adjuvant in cancer treatment.

Or, better yet, use certified organic (non-irradiated) turmeric in lower culinary doses on a daily basis so that heroic doses won't be necessary later in life after a serious disease sets in.  Nourishing yourself should be the goal of a healthy diet.

For the references go to the original article: 

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Controlling Blood Sugar Without Drugs

If you or a family member or friend have difficulty controlling blood sugars and aren't thrilled about the prospect of a lifetime on glucose reduction meds here is an article from natural news with some great recommendations.

(NaturalNews) Nearly one-third of all Americans today are either diabetic or pre-diabetic, which basically means their bodies have lost the ability to properly process sugar. As a result, excess sugar molecules, typically from junk foods, accumulate in the blood and vital organs leading to chronic illness and eventually premature death. But if you are one of the millions of people that struggles with blood sugar issues, or even full-blown diabetes, you do not have to go the pharmaceutical drug route to find relief or a cure.

Like most other types of chronic illness, diabetes and pre-diabetes are more often than not the direct result of poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and nutrient deficiency. Almost all chronic disease, in fact, is the long-term consequence of one or more of these dietary and lifestyle failures, which means correcting them also has the potential to fully cure disease, in many cases. Here are some helpful tips for overcoming your blood sugar woes, which in turn may help eradicate disease and restore your health: 

1) Cut out the sugar, grains, and omega-6 fatty acids. The standard American diet, commonly referred to as "SAD," is jam-packed with simple carbohydrates like refined sugar, processed flour, and vegetables oil, all of which spike insulin levels and cause inflammation. Carbohydrates in general are toxic to the body, particularly when not enough energy is being expended, as whatever carbohydrates are not used are sugar.

"Any form of carbohydrate is eventually broken down by the body into glucose, a simple form of sugar," explains the Wellness Mama blog. "While the body can use glucose for fuel, levels that exceed what is needed are toxic to the body ... when the body senses glucose in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to signal the body to store the glucose as glycogen."

Once the body's glycogen receptors become "full," however, glucose continues to cycle through the body's bloodstream, triggering the production of even more insulin. Not only does all this excess insulin damage the glycogen receptors, but it also ends up overburdening the pancreas, which of course produces insulin, and storing the excess glucose as fat inside the body. Carbohydrates, in other words, are primarily responsible for making people fat, and not actually fat itself.

So rather than continue gorging on corn chips, cookies, snack crackers, breads, and other heavy-carbohydrate foods, switch to low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed meat and butter, pastured eggs, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and raw, full-fat dairy products. As long as you are not allergic to any of these foods, you should be able to get your blood sugar and insulin levels under control, and avoid creating a toxic environment within your body where disease is able to thrive.

2) Reduce stress levels and recharge your adrenal glands. For many people, excess stress leads to the production of too many stress hormones, which can severely damage the endocrine system. And when the endocrine system is out of whack, and hormones are not being produced and regulated as they should, the body loses its ability to properly metabolize nutrients, including sugar. The end result, of course, is a propensity for high blood sugar and eventually diabetes.

"When stress occurs, whatever the source, the hypothalamus signals the adrenals to release cortisol (and adrenaline)," adds Wellness Mama. "Excess cortisol can contribute to hormone imbalance in the body since the body uses hormones like progesterone to manufacture cortisol. Excess cortisol ... can also interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce fat burning ability, raise insulin, suppress thyroid function and cause gain in belly fat."

To avoid over-stressing your body, be sure to get plenty of rest every night, preferably going to bed before 10:30pm in order to allow your adrenal glands a chance to "recharge." You can also de-stress nutritionally by mixing one inch of fresh, minced ginger together with a one-half teaspoon of ground black seeds, also known as black cumin (Nigella sativa), and eating it. This natural remedy is just one example of a practical way you can promote relaxation.

3) Exercise regularly, repair your gut, and eat plenty of "good" fats. One of the most effective ways to remedy insulin resistance is simply to engage in more physical activity. Exercise, it turns out, has been

To go along with this, make sure to avoid foods that may be damaging your intestinal lining and causing
eventually broken down and turned into
"cortisol belly." Such foods include wheat- and gluten-based products, grains in general, excess sugar, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), and lack of beneficial bacteria. Correcting gut problems may require supplementation with probiotic bacteria, zinc L-carnosine, and the amino acid L-glutamine, as well as consumption of healthy saturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
shown in numerous studies to have a powerful blood sugar-correcting effect, especially smaller amounts of high-intensity exercise. Pushing your muscles on a regular basis will also help increase their ability to utilize insulin, which can effectively correct insulin problems over time.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040240_blood_sugar_regulation_diet_and_exercise.html#ixzz2Su6r20sf

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Military Recognizes Chiropractic for Back Pain

Patients with acute low back pain receiving a combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy and standard medical care experienced a statistically and clinically significant reduction in their back pain and improved physical functioning when compared to those receiving standard medical care alone, reports an article in the April 15 issue of Spine (CLICK HERE to access the online version).

The study followed 91 active-duty military personnel between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

The study found:

• Disability scores were significantly improved in the standard medical care plus chiropractic manipulative therapy group than in the standard medical care only group at both week two and week four of the study.
• Pain Rating scores were significantly improved in the group that received chiropractic manipulative therapy when compared to standard medical care alone at both week two and week four.
• Overall improvement rating by participants as "pain completely gone, much better or moderately better", was 17 percent in the standard medical care only group compared to 73 percent of respondents when chiropractic manipulative therapy was included as part of their care.

"It is critical that we explore drug-less approaches to reduce pain," said Wayne B. Jonas, M.D., President and CEO of Samueli Institute. "Chiropractic manipulation is an important option to consider for musculoskeletal disorders, which is the most prevalent pain complaint in the military."

So even if your medical doctor is caring for your low back complaint, explore chiropractic.  You can vastly improve your odds and speed of recovery.  And maybe the best part.....no medication side effects.

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Chiropractic: Health and Wellness

Enjoy this brief video with some very interesting information regarding the studies done which found Chiropractic care to beneficial in so many ways other than back and neck pain.

Wishing you great health,
Dr. Heller

What's the Difference?

One of the things that chiropractic patients often find difficult to understand is why chiropractic recommendations and practices are so different than what they are used to from their medical practitioner.

The primary difference is what the doctor is focused on, how they are viewing the problem which the patient has.  The chart below gives a compare/contrast of focus between "vitalistic" chiropractic and "mechanistic" medicine.

All Sodas Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Online health news, Medscape reported on Febuary 14, 2013 that a new study from France suggests that women who drink large amounts of diet soda are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study followed  66,118 women in France exploring links between diet and cancer.  What they found was that there were 1369 new cases of type 2 diabetes diagnosed during the follow-up period from 1993 to 2007.

In self-reported dietary consumption of soft drinks, the average intake of regular sodas was 328 mL/week, while for diet sodas it was higher, at 568 mL/week.   The study considers this high consumption.  For those of us here in the States let me convert that for you.  328 mL = about 11 oz. or slightly less than one can of regular soda/WEEK.  568 mL = 19 oz of diet soda/WEEK.  I'm guessing many of us know friends, family, co-workers or ourselves that consume more than this amount through the week.

The risk for type 2 diabetes was elevated among the women by about 30% with consumption of regular soda greater than 11 oz./week and more than doubled with consumption of diet soda greater than 19 oz./week.  These are risk factors after adjusting for other influencing variables.

Moral of the story?  Don't be fooled into thinking that diet means that it is better for you and that there are no health consequences with its consumption.

What the body needs and what most of us don't get enough of is water.  Try replacing soda consumption with water consumption.  Carry a water bottle with you, keep one on your desk at work if possible, get frequent drinks during any breaks through the day, whatever it may take.  Many common health complaints from mental fog, to muscle aches to back pain to fainting have been related to dehydration (lack of water).

In the interest of your better health,

Dr. Heller




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