LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

Colon / Colorectal Cancer

CONSTIPATION INCREASES RISK OF THIS???

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There are some who say that death begins in the colon.  They’re really not too far off the mark.  True health is not possible without a healthy gut.  There are two issues with constipation.

First is the consequences of constipation.  Now, as I sit here typing this post over lunch, I’ll try not to get too graphic, but think of the poor little cell lining the GI tract (colonocyte in the case of the colon).  In constipation, the view doesn’t change much.  That little guy is exposed to chemicals, byproducts and waste products from compounds that the body had earmarked for elimination.   If those nasties were not moving along at a healthy pace and I was a colonocyte, I know I would not be a happy camper.

Because of this, the risk of cancer and diverticulosis / itis goes up.  Waste products and toxins that were supposed to be removed get reabsorbed.  A perfect example is the glucuronidation of hormones like estrogen.  This is process by which the body will get rid of levels of excess hormones that it doesn’t need.  It occurs principally in the liver and the conjugated hormones are put into the gut for disposal.

With constipation, these conjugated hormones spend too much time in contact with evil bacteria able to un-conjugate the hormones, sending them back into our bodies in their mutated forms.  These mutated forms of hormones such as estrogen can disrupt hormonal balance in the body.  For this reason among others, a woman having PMS complaints needs to evaluate their overall gut function.

The second issue is what creates the constipation in the first place.  It’s not uncommon for this to begin in infanthood.  It seems that parents are sometimes told that their little infant having a bowel movement every couple days is ok…UGH!!!  This can be a very early warning sign of food allergies and, in an infant I would look at dairy-related constipation first.

Poor quality diets can also lead to constipation, as can too little fluid intake.  Many medications can cause constipation as a side effect.  Antibiotics can destroy the healthy bacterial flora.  Gall bladder problems may contribute (an entire post by itself).

So, fixing constipation begins with those concerns mentioned above.  In the short term, magnesium will easily fix constipation.  NEVER use stool softeners as your gut will adapt to them and become dependent.  I usually recommend 400 mg of high quality magnesium before bed.  This amount may be altered by individual circumstances such as stress levels, base dietary intake and other supplements.  But magnesium can’t NOT work (ever heard of anyone not getting cleaned out the day before a colonoscopy?). 

Add to this probiotics to balance out the bacterial flora and produce more stability within the gut.

With all this in mind, looking at this particular article and finding a 23% increased risk of heart disease in those with constipation should now make a little more sense.  It is not likely a direct result, but rather the lifestyle or food allergies that created the constipation coupled with the problems created by the constipation. 

Either way…get it fixed.

Read more…

WHY NOT ALL FIBER IS CREATED THE SAME

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As devastating as it is for human health, few I have come across truly understand the difference between a whole grain or refined carbohydrate.  The typical answer include white sugars and flours.  The real answer is far more expansive. 

The whole grain contains the germ (the bulk of the protective nutrients), endosperm (the calories) and the bran (the fiber).  To extend shelf life and increase palatability to the oblivious American public, the germ and bran is lopped off and we’re left with the endosperm–the calories minus some 90% of the phytonutrients that where present in the whole grain.  The result is a devastating calorie rich/phytonutrient poor staple consumed by the vast majority of Americans.  So “enriched wheat flour,” “sugar” and “high fructose corn syrup” all fall into this category.

 In comes the fiber story.  There is no doubt that fiber, both soluble (able to be digested by the bacteria in our guts to beneficial compounds) and insoluble (“roughage”-not digestible at all) are good for our gut.  This study just expands on this, finding that fiber’s benefits extend to lowering pretty much every other cause of death.

But do not fall into the opposite end of the processed grains spectrum.  Many products like fiber supplements and many of the big name breakfast cereals (Quaker, Post, Kellogg’s, etc…) contain only the bran.  This leaves out the heavy phytonutrient content of the germ that is also devoid in the refined carbs like enriched wheat flour.

I have no doubt that the benefits of whole grains and dietary fiber are derived not merely from the fiber content, but rather the entire blend of the grain, nut, fruit, vegetable or bean.  Remember this next time you read an ingredient label.  “Fiber” does NOT appear on the ingredient label of a whole grain.

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/171/12/1061

December 29, 2000 Research Update

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James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com

Efficacy, tolerability of peppermint, caraway oil in functional dyspepsia

There are so many studies popping up in regards to natural therapeutics and GI disturbances. Considering that mainstream medicine has few “fixes” for GI problems, this is good news. One of the reasons why mainstream medicine has such difficulty with GI problems is that the majority of them are functional problems rather than structural problems; and pharmaceuticals and surgery are grossly ineffective for functional problems. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E15&filetype=abstracts&article=81330

Drug Treatment of Patients With Acute Bronchitis

For many years now, researchers have been calling for clinicians to halt the use of antibiotics for many upper respiratory tract infections as well as acute bronchitis–the studies continue to show very little or no benefit again and again. This study points to increased likelihood for additional prescriptions for antibiotics during a follow-up visit if they were prescribed during an initial evaluation. If you have been following the Research Updates for any length of time you’ll understand the dangers to human health antibiotics pose by destroying normal flora. Does Drug Treatment of Patients With Acute Bronchitis Reduce Additional Care Seeking?: Evidence From the Practice Partner Re http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/10/997

Prescription Medication Costs

Both patients and physicians are generally unaware of how very expensive many medications are. If more patients had to bear the brunt of prescription meds we would see a dramatic plummet in the use of many meds and insurance rates would definately drop. I do find it interesting, though, that many patients consider certain natural products “expensive.” If they only knew what that prescription drug they take every day costs… Prescription Medication Costs: A Study of Physician Familiarity http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/10/1002

Primary Care Practice Patterns and Adherence to Acute LBP Guidelines

I probably shouldn’t comment on this because I am so biased, but I will anyway. Primary care physicians, in general, have a very, very shallow understanding of the normal musculoskeletal biomechanics, and it is no better when those mechanics alter and begin to cause pain. Just like I would not attempt surgery because I have no training in it, primary care physicians should not attempt to treat musculoskeletal disease for the same reason. A Survey of Primary Care Physician Practice Patterns and Adherence to Acute Low Back Problem Guidelines –http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/10/1015

Early x ray for low back pain confers little benefit

Too often, radiographs are taken when a patient presents with musculoskeletal pain, without the presence of red flags that indicate the need for x-rays. The case is even worse for MRI and CT scans. As an example, recommendations for suspected herniated discs from both the orthopedic and neurological texts are for 30 days of conservative care, at which time advanced imaging may be requested if the patient has not improved. I can’t tell you how many times patients have come into my office with an MRI in hand from a disc herniation that could have been identified from a good history and physical exam only. bmj.com Ferriman 321 (7275): 1489a http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7275/1489/a

Impaired transit, tolerance of gas in the irritable bowel syndrome

Could this reduced tolerance to gas and distension in the GI tract be a result of low level inflammation caused by altered flora and intestinal permeability? And, remember that there can be additional gas formed by the fermentation of sugars by bacteria in the GI tract. Most carbs should not make it down to the bacteria; digestion should occur with digestive enzymes instead. Gut — Abstracts: Serra et al. 48 (1): 14 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/1/14

Fibre, butyrate and colon cancer in rats

Health reports in the news everywhere were quick to jump on the research that fiber has no effect on colon cancer, and yet no “equal time” was given to why the results of the research study may have occurred. I have mentioned the importance of healthy bacteria flora, and this study begins to delineate the effects of various types of fiber. Gut — Abstracts: Perrin et al. 48 (1): 53 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/1/121

 

December 4, 2000 Research Update

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James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com

Intestinal Warfare: Short-Chain FOS in Health and Disease

Yet another article amongst the multitude supporting the importance of probiotics in our overall health. FOS is a sugar that is not well digested by humans. However, beneficial bacteria in the GI tract do use this for fuel so they can thrive. Inulin is another substance that has similar effects. This article touches on a few of the potential benefits of probiotics…reducing pathogenic bacteria such as clostridia, lowering rates of colon cancer and increasing the absorption of certain nutrients. Consider this in the context of antibiotic use–is antibiotic resistance really the major concern with overuse? I think it’s actually very insubstantial. Killing off normal, beneficial flora is the major issue with antibiotic use. Synergy Abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1523-5408.2000.00068.x/abstract

Vaccines Pose No Diabetes, Bowel Disease Risk

This view is very short sighted. Much like the authors that dispute the findings of Dr. Andrew Wakefield and the measles/autism link. Vaccines do provide a benefit to any population. But we must use them judiciously, and I do not think this is done. It is well researched that vaccinations can affect the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, thereby altering the body’s ability to balance autoimmune disease from allergy. Many times researchers will look only for the obvious side effects, and when they are not found, declare the vaccine safe. In reality the danger may come from an alteration in normal physiology caused by the vaccine, leading to a certain chronic disease. Vaccines Pose No Diabetes, Bowel Disease Risk http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/284/18/2307.extract

Effects of DHEA on bone mineral density and body composition

I think that DHEA does have a place in managing disease risk in some patients. The important thing to remember is the DHEA is a precursor to some of the most powerful hormones in the body and should not be used without proper guidance and monitoring of hormonal levels in the body. Synergy Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106916

Salivary, not serum/urinary levels elevated with topical progesterone

It is well known that most serum markers for hormonal levels are not accurate. Most hormones are bound to proteins in the blood and are not active when bound. It is only the free hormones that are active, and these can be measured simply and effectively in the saliva. This may also explain why many researchers have stated that progesterone creams are not effective–they were checking serum, not saliva. Synergy Abstract

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2265.2000.01130.x/full

Progression from allergic sensitization to asthma

This summary article has some important ideas. It makes it very reasonable to see how constant exposure to allergic substances can bring about asthma. This is one strong reason to eliminate common allergens in the diets of infants and children such as milk, corn and eggs. Synergy Abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1399-3038.2000.00503.x/abstract

Cardiovascular and CNS Events from Supplements Containing Ephedra

I have been telling patients this for a long time now. Many diet supplements containing ephedra can be dangerous (all those metabo-stuff). The levels are not controlled in the supplements so it can be virtually impossible to know how much you are getting. There are much safer, although not easier, ways to lose weight and get energy. Original Articles — NEJM http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200012213432502

Women Have High-Risk Periods for weight Gain

This study suggests that during certain periods is a woman’s life she is more prone to weight gain. One such time is during early menarche–a time when few teenage girls are making healthy choices to promote good health for a lifetime.

(article) Three key periods of women’s lives have been found to be especially risky for weight gain, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) in Long Beach, California. Investigators examined the causes of weight gain in women at the beginning of their menstrual cycle, after pregnancy, and after menopause.”The prevalence of obesity in women has almost doubled in the last 20 years. Therefore, identifying key stages and causes of weight gain will be critical for developing prevention programs to stop or slow down this trend,” said Charles Billington, MD, president-elect of NAASO and professor in the Department of Medicine at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.In young girls, early menarche may operate in the development of obesity. Support for this notion comes from 2 studies, conducted by researchers at Tufts Univers! ity School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. These studies suggest that early menarche operates mainly as an intermediate on the pathway to later obesity. Early menarche may also contribute independently to increase the risk of later obesity. “weight retention after pregnancy may be a factor in the obesity of young women, according to an overview of research, presented by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While most women experience a modest weight gain after pregnancy, obese women are at risk for substantial weight gain. “weight gain during menopause may be significantly prevented by long-term changes in dietary intake and increased physical activity, according to findings of the Women’s Healthy Lifestyle Project, a 5-year, randomized clinical trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Improved Vascular Endothelial Function After Oral B vitamins

More evidence related to the ability of B vitamins and folic acid to lower your risk of heart disease via homocysteine lowering. A tip for finding the highest quality supplements…look for phosphoralated B vitamins such as P-5-P (pyroxidal-5-phosphate–vitamin B6). This saves the liver the job of having to do it… Circulation — Abstracts: Chambers et al. 102 (20): 2479 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/20/2479

CAN GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY CAUSE CANCER?

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Gastric banding.  Gastric sleeve.  Roux-en-Y bypass.  There are in increasing number of procedures available that fall under the category of bariatric surgery.  This is also increasing coverage for the procedures by insurance if certain criteria are met.  Roux-en-Y is the most common form of surgery used.  But are these procedures safe?

Let’s get one thing on the table right now.  ANY time you alter digestion, be it with drugs that suppress acid production (Nexium, prilosec, etc..) or with surgery this is a price to be paid.  That price can be severe, with the end consequence being death.

I have mentioned before that the body does two things–digestion, and everything else.  We already know that malabsorption of nutrients leading to nutrient deficiencies occurs. We know that the risk of gallbladder problems goes up.  We know that the bariatric surgery patient’s diet is forever altered.  Far too often, the patient puts the weight back on because they never learned the right way to be eating for their body in the first place.

But what about the short term?  Well, there are rapid positive changes that can occur such as reversal of diabetes and weight loss.  But what about after that?  We’ve already mentioned the long term nutrient deficiencies that will plague the bariatric patient for the REST of their lives.

This particular article begins to shed light on some more severe consequences of the Roux-en-Y bypass surgery.  Elevation of cancer markers in the rectum are known to be present 6 months after the procedure.  This study looked at what happens 3 years later.  Do the markers improve?  Not even close.  There remains, 3 years after the procedure, a 4,000% increase in the tumor marker macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the rectum.

It is still too early to determine what this does to the risk of colorectal cancer.  But, if I were to place my bets, I’d bet that the rates of colorectal cancer in these patients are going to be markedly elevated.  Some much for the short term benefits…

The bottom line is that the right lifestyle changes are always your best answer.  Our office has also had success with our in house weight loss program as well, that helps to educate patients while assisting with initial rapid weight loss.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT DIABETES–CANCER WILL GET YOU FIRST

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The beauty about not taking good care of ourselves is that every aspect of our physiology goes to hell in a handbasket.  There’s no need to worry about focusing on a single organ system or medical specialty.  Just assume that everything bad is happening.  See?  No need to needlessly focus on your cardiologist and worry about your GI doc finding something.  They will, don’t worry.

On the plus side, this is why positive lifestyle changes can be so profound.  They don’t just improve what you are shooting for (weight loss, lower cholesterol, etc..), but improve everything.  Massive bang for your buck.

In this particular study, authors looked at patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH or NAFLD).  This is prediabetes.  Period.  Bad enough news.  But they looked for the presence of colon cancer and found a massive 534% higher risk of having advanced cancers in those with NAFLD.

Now maybe you can understand why I get frustrated when a new patient comes into my office and proudly states that their doctor is “keeping an eye on” their progression to diabetes.  As if there is no concern until one crosses that magical barrier of blood glucose to be called diabetic.  If you are prediabetic (too much weight in the abdominal region, ANY lipid / cholesterol problem, PCOS, high blood pressure, gout, sleep apnea, etc..) then understand that your single goal is to make lifestyle changes to pull back from the progression.  Anything less is signing an early death war

IS COLONOSCOPY OVERUSED?

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I’m pretty sure there are no readers out there that actually enjoy the process of a colonoscopy.  (actually–it’s the day BEFORE the procedure that’s the rough part)  We have them done because we are fearful of the ramifications of not finding a cancer early enough.  We follow our physicians’ recommendations as to how often they should be repeated if we have a clear report.  Our doctors are, of course, following the recommendations determined from the medical literature, right?

Not even close.  The recommendations for those with a clean colonoscopy is to wait 10 years before the next one.  In this particular study of Medicare patients, repeat colonoscopies were done too soon in almost 43% of patients.  This is a tremendous waste of resources.

Now, I understand that early detection saves lives.  But we also need to understand that false positives, which occur with a degree of regularity with any cancer screening, come with their own set of problems.  Dangers with the procedure itself (anesthesia, biopsy, etc..) or the stress of a potentially dire diagnosis create additional testing and costs.  With any type of screening, there is balance that needs to be obtained.  We cannot afford to test every single person every single year and identify potential problems that may never develop into real problems.  The health care system here in the US is already massively expensive without this added burden.

The answer?  Prevention coupled with appropriate screening.  Colon cancer has a very long list of things that we KNOW contribute to it.  Prediabetes, animal based diets, constipation, low fiber (both soluble and insoluble), imbalanced bacteria in the gut, heterocyclic amines from grilled foods and probably 20 other things I’m forgetting right now.  The more we do on prevention, the less important the screenings become.  The poorer our lifestyles, the more important the screenings become.  Personally, I would rather prevent something from happening rather than catching it earl

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/archinternmed.2011.212?etoc