LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

Heart Disease

BONE FRACTURES = HEART DISEASE?

by

I’ve always contended that the human body cares not one squat about the artificial delineations we have created in Westernized medicine.  The body does not recognize that “cardiovascular” problem independently from an “endocrine” problem from a “gastroenterological” problem.

Instead, every single system in the human body interacts with other systems.  The degree of this is so complex as to make our division into “specialties” laughable.  Dr. Jeffrey Bland (a strong influence on the way I view health) always called it “knowing more and more about less and less.”

To me, helping patients to make lifestyle changes that will lower their risk of chronic disease, there is NO differentiation between heart disease and diabetes.  These two conditions are so tightly linked that anything that affects one affects both.  Heck, 70% of diabetics die of cardiovascular issues and we want to consider them separate conditions, both treated by different specialists.

So, the results of this study finding that, in those with heart disease there is a strong correlation with the risk of fractures.  This relationship has actually been getting stronger over the past decade or so–likely because we have more sick people with heart disease rather than dead people who had heart attacks.  Live people are more likely to suffer a fracture…

The bottom line is that lifestyle changes to improve a condition are nonspecific and will lower your risk across the board for all chronic diseases.  This is the beauty of lifestyle changes and the glaring failure of pharmaceutical dominated medicine, which touts one cure for one disease.

Read more…

SHOULD I TAKE ASPIRIN FOR MY HEART?

by

There are a few things in society today that can be repeated with an almost mantra like quality when it comes to preventing heart attacks.  The first is that we need to lower our intake of sodium.  The curtains on this recommendation have recently been pulled back to reveal just how weak of a recommendation this is.  However, not nearly as weak as the other strong recommendation.

For many years now Bayer and mainstream medicine have led you to believe that aspirin is good for our heart and will protect against heart attacks.  While this may be true, the data is so weak as to be pointless.

There is, of course, concern over the dangers of aspirin.  These principally focus on bleeding events such as ulcers and strokes.  Rarely is it brought up that aspirin is suspected to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer as well.

So, as with any intervention, we need to balance the benefits with the risks.  Take broccoli for example.  It can lower your risk of any number of chronic diseases, and the strength of prevention of heart attacks is probably on par with aspirin.  But the side effects!  You know–the dangerous ones associated with broccoli intake like…I’m sure some will come to me in a minute….side effects of broccoli or on the tip of my tongue…Well, I’m sure I read about them all the time………

The point is that lifestyle changes have protective effects that far, far outweigh those of standard recommendations like avoiding salt and taking aspirin.  But we seem to be so darn soft on these recommendations that I don’t think society really takes them seriously.

Getting back to the current study.  Just how effective is aspirin at protecting a first heart attack?  Are you ready for this?

Treat 1,000 people for 5 years.  Do the math–this is an awful lot of money for Bayer…  Ok, so after these 5 years we’ve probably prevented hundreds of heart attacks, right?

Wrong.  2.9 people will have been protected.  Another 2.8 will experience major bleeds as a result of taking the aspirin.  These numbers flat out suck and again highlight our society’s morbid obsession with picking out the really bad interventions like lowering salt intake, taking an aspirin and taking statins and putting them up on a pedestal rivaling Mount Olympus.  All the while burying the real recommendations somewhere in the realm of Jules Verne

Read more…

December 26, 2000 Research Update

by

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

Antioxidant Effect of Estrogen on CMV-Induced Damage of Heart

This study brings up numerous concepts. At first glance, one might suggest that this is the route that HRT protects against heart disease in women. But then, recalling recent studies suggesting no benefit to heart disease in women using HRT, this is somewhat irrelevant. So, how can we benefit from this study? First, the damage induced by CMV is accepted; therapies/lifestyle changes to stimulate the immune system against virus may be of benefit. Next, CMV appears to increase free radical damage to heart muscles; antioxidant therapy and fresh fruits and vegetables can affect this damage. Circulation — Abstracts: Speir et al. 102 (24): 2990 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/24/2990

Endotoxin Shock Related to Increased Oxidative Stress

Endotoxin shock therapies have always focused on increasing blood pressure to counteract the drop in blood pressure. Recent evidence is suggesting that this is not the reason patients die when exposed to endotoxins from bacteria in the bloodstream. Rather, if is the excessively high levels of free radical damage that leads to the fatal consequences in septic shock. This suggests that current therapy for septic shock may be misguided, and high levels of antioxidants may lead to better outcomes. It would be interesting to see a clinical trial adding high level antioxidants to current BP-raising therapies. Circulation — Abstracts: Wiesel et al. 102 (24): 3015 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/24/3015

Strength training w/ fibromyalgia: comparison w/ healthy women

There are a few interesting concepts in this article. First, it confirms the recommendation to add exercise for any fibromyalgia patient. Next, the conclusion of this study suggests that fibromyalgia has a central rather than peripheral origin. I would change this somewhat to a systemic rather than local origin. Much evidence points to fibromyalgia being a state of immune upregulation, many times orchestrated in the GI tract. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Häkkinen et al. 60 (1): 21 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/21

Immobilisation and synovial fluid IL1, TIMP, chondroitin sulphate

It’s always nice to have biochemical evidence to back up what chiropractors have been saying and doing for years–use it or lose it when it comes to joint mobility. Spinal manipulation will help to restore joint mobility after injury or postural stresses, and this study (done on canines) would support such manipulation to achieve/restore healthy joints. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Haapala et al. 60 (1): 55 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/55

Intestinal permeability in Behçet’s syndrome

While this is a wonderful study, the author seems to have totally missed the value of the conclusions gained. He noted increased permeability of all inflammatory diseases studied when compared to healthy controls. With this result the author makes a comment on the lack of specificity of intestinal permeablity for diagnosis of Behçet’s syndrome. Well, of course. Intestinal permeability can lead to upregulation of the systemic immune system (through activation of GALT-gut activated lymphoid tissue) and potentially resultant autoimmune disease. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Fresko et al. 60 (1): 65 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/65

A possible trigger for the autoimmune response in SLE

This is truly a novel study. Most patients with autoimmune diseases can almost pinpoint the time period that their disease began, and many correlate this onset with a sickness or flulike symptoms. This study begins to look at what may cause the immune system to begin to attack itself. The process that may be implicated is the phosphorylation pathway. When a cell dies and its proteins are not properly shielded (via phosphorylation), when the body tries to clear the dead cell, it mistakenly attacks it instead. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Zampieri et al. 60 (1): 72 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/72

A pilot study of N-acetyl glucosamine, in paediatric chronic IBD

This may be another novel use for glucosamine to heal the damage caused by inflammatory attack on the GI tract. Couple this with natural anti-inflammatories and fish oil, as well as an anti-inflammatory diet, and the pediatric patient may be able to avoid the damaging effects of all the drugs typically used for IBD. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E15&filetype=abstracts&article=81337

Lyophilized, inactivated Lactobacillus increases H pylori eradication

What an interesting article!! First, if some by-product of Lactobacillus activity has the ability to inhibit H pylori in the stomach, than could this be a reason why H pylori is so prevalent? Could our processed, unfermented foods low in friendly bacteria be allowing for the rise of other bacteria in our GI tract that are not so friendly? It would be interesting to see a study with this preparation along with high dose vitamin C and added hydrochloric acid. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E15&filetype=abstracts&article=81339

December 18, 2000 Research Update

by

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

Do Chlamydia Pneumoniae and Human Herpesvirus 6 Cause MS?

There has been much interest in the cause of infectious disease on many chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome and multiple sclerosis. As added evidence, the incidence of MS drops as you near the equator. The closer you get to the equator, the greater the sun exposure and the greater the production of vitamin D. vitamin D, while mostly tied to bone health, is also essential for immune function. This lends more credence to the theory of an infectious etiology for MS.

Sem Neurology 20(3):375-386, 2000 Since its initial description by Charcot more than 100 years ago, multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suspected of being related to infection. In the past few years, investigators have identified two newer agents, Chlamydia pneumoniae and HHV-6, in patients with MS. The studies concerning both agents have been of great interest, but controversy nonetheless surrounds the relationship of either agent to demyelinating disease.

Bitter taste, phytonutrients, and the consumer: a review

Many patients ask me, once I describe to them the world of difference on health between whole grains and refined carbs, why anyone would produce such unhealthy foods. The answer–purely a sales move. While the mantra would be that no one would eat a piece of whole grain bread over refined, processed, junk white bread (notice the bias..?), it is just a matter of learning how to prepare and eat with whole grains. Sure…many 4 year olds would love a bowl of frosted flakes; but that same four year old would also love Quaker’s oatmeal squares. AJCN — Abstracts: Drewnowski and Gomez-Carneros 72 (6): 1424 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/6/1424

Effects of acute (-)-hydroxycitrate on metabolism

HCA, found in Garcinia cambogia, has been promoted as a weight loss supplement for many years now. While one study does not mean it is not effective, it does begin to shed doubt on this use of HCA. I still maintain that the only way to loose weight and keep it off are lifestyle changes that become a part of your way of life. AJCN — Abstracts: van Loon et al. 72 (6): 1445 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/6/1445

Contribution of dietary protein to sulfide production in the large intestine

The latest rage in weight loss is the high protein diet. I could not be more against this program for the vast majority of patients, with the possible exception of patients with laboratory confirmed Syndrome X. This diet flies in the face of a very large and solid base of evidence of whole grains and fruits and vegetables preventing just about every disease known to man, while diets high in animal proteins are on the opposite end of the scale. These patients on this diet are trading short term weight loss for long term damage to their bodies. AJCN — Abstracts: Magee et al. 72 (6): 1488 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/6/1488

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of FOS in irritable bowel

FOS is considered a fuel source for friendly bacteria in the colon. This study shows no benefits of FOS use on symptoms of IBS. A few things that they did not consider in this study is the contribution of altered flora in the GI tract. Klebsiella species are known to actually thrive on FOS–possibly worsening symptoms of IBS. I know that I have found high levels of Klebsiella species in fibromyalgia patients that we have run a stool test on. It would be interesting to run a CDSA on the patients in this study and check the results of FOS administration on patients w/o Klebsiella. AJCN — Abstracts: Olesen and Gudmand-Høyer 72 (6): 1570 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/6/1570

Back Belts for Prevention of Back Pain and Injury

There have been several studies that have come to the same conclusion–back belts are ineffective at reducing injuries. There are a few things to consider here. First, it is important to properly fit a back brace so that it works effectively. Second, and most important, is that a back brace does not eliminate the need to practice proper lifting techniques. Many people throw on a brace and instantly become Superman no longer in need of assistance with heavy loads… A Prospective Study of Back Belts for Prevention of Back Pain and Injury http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/284/21/2727.full (for further reading Back Belts in the Workplace http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/284/21/2780.full

Electroacupuncture for Control of Chemotherapy–Induced Emesis

Acupuncture has been holding its own in the research arena lately. Not that thousands of years of anecdotal evidence wouldn’t be enough… Electroacupuncture for Control of Myeloablative Chemotherapy-Induced Emesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/284/21/2755.full

Interleukin-10 generation in atopic children following Lactobacillus

Probiotics are truly showing to be an excellent and effective means of affecting many disease processes. Eczema, IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis…the list goes on. Here is direct evidence that probiotics can effect the immune system. Current Western thinking denies the fact that the GI tract can have any effect on the systemic immune system. Current Western thinking is backward and outdated in this arena. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=cea%2E2000%2E13&filetype=abstracts&article=81622

December 4, 2000 Research Update

by

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

DOES MY CHILD NEED VITAMIN D?

by

I questioned whether I should add yet another boring post on the benefits of vitamin D on “x” disease.  I know–we all get it by now and we are all supplementing with reasonable levels of vitamin D.  If you are not, then there is something seriously wrong with your reading abilities, or you feel that slathering on baby oil mixed with iodine while sunbathing next to the pool here in AZ in July is getting you the levels you need.

But what about our children?  We all grew up without vitamin D supplementation and we turned out just fine, right?  Sure–if you consider massive increases in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer “fine.”

The is unquestionably some as-yet-to-be-determined factor or factors playing a role in the low levels of vitamin D in our population’s collective bloodstreams.  Obesity, UVA penetration through glass and breaking down the formation of vitamin D (think driving in the summer with your AC on and windows up), air pollution and sunscreen may all be factors.

This particular study finds that low levels of vitamin D correlate with many cardiovascular disease risk factors (waist circumference, HDL levels, insulin levels and blood pressure).  Those with the lowest levels were 71% more likely to have these risks factors.  That’s very substantial AND very scary given that this study was done in 12-19 year olds.

Personally, I make sure that my son gets, on top of rational sun exposure, around 800-1000 IU of vitamin D per day.  This is considered a very safe level of supplementation.  It also makes it easier–whenever I take mine, he knows that it’s time for him to take his. 

http://www.ajcn.org/content/94/1/225.abstract

THESE 2 COMMON CHILDHOOD SURGERIES INCREASE RISK OF DEATH YEARS LATER

by

Were do I even begin on this one? There is no doubt that far too many surgeries done in today’s day and age are done without using appropriate conservative methods first. Far more are done without thought to the long term ramifications produced by the removal or alteration of our bodies.

The examples are endless. Overuse of orthopedic surgeries when conservative management such as chiropractic care are well documented to drastically lower the need for surgery. Surgery to remove the gallbladder has been shown to be largely unnecessary in upwards of 70% of cases. Long term outcomes of back surgery may be no better than conservative care. Removal of the gallbladder increases the risk of chronic diarrhea, colorectal cancer and fat soluble vitamin deficiencies.

And this study? Removal of the tonsils and / or removal of the appendix before the age of 20 leads to an increased risk of total mortality, cardiovascular death.  And these events were occuring very young–up to 43 years of age.

While the risk increase in relative percentage was large, the absolute risk was not that great because the risk of these events in this younger population overall is low, it is still an increased risk for surgical procedures that have other alternatives.

For the tonsillectomies, the restoration of healthy bacteria in the back of the throat using probiotics, the avoidance of antibiotics, gargling during flare ups with salt water and avoidance of foods known to thicken up the mucous in the throat (such as dairy) can go a long way towards making sure infections do not recur.

Appendicitis does carry a rather heavy risk of death if it ruptures, so this is not the time to think non-surgical. However, long before an acute episode there is disruption of the normal flora in the gut through stress, antibiotic use and a typical Western diet low in soluble and insoluble fiber. With these approaches, the risk of appendicitis will be lower.

Overall, though, this again suggests that alterations in both the way our immune system works (both organs play a role in immune function) as well as the balance of good bacteria in our bodies (both surgeries were likely preceded and followed up by antibiotic use) play a role in inflammation and our subsequent risk of chronic disease.

Bottom line, especially for our children, is to avoid these procedures at all costs and make sure that they have been exposed to healthy bacteria to help them reduce their risk of infections in the first place.

http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/05/27/eurheartj.ehr137.abstract

YOU KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL, BUT DO YOU KNOW THIS LEVEL?

by

In today’s health environment, thanks to aggressive marketing by the pharmaceutical companies promoting the near godlike power of the statins to lower levels, most everyone knows where their cholesterol sits.  The reality is that total cholesterol, as a risk factor for heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality, is just short of worthless.  The more important value, however, is not known by most people.

Triglycerides have long been known to be a major player in heart disease risk.  The relationship between triglycerides and HDL (“good”) cholesterol is a key factor to look at in evaluating your risk.  Ideally, a ratio of 2:1 or less is desirable.  There are only a handful of patients I have seen where the triglycerides are close to or even lower than the HDL levels.

There reason these levels are so important is that they are driven by our relationship between our insulin and our cells (i.e. prediabetes).  Since prediabetes and diabetes absolutely destroy our cardiovascular system you can see why this ratio is so important.

This particular study further reinforces this, finding that non-fasting levels of triglycerides were the strongest predictor of total mortality.  While non-fasting cholesterol levels were associated with risk of heart attack, the risks of high non-fasting triglycerides were much more severe.   Levels above 443 (normal fasting values should be well under 150) increased the risk of heart attack by 420% and risk of death overall by 50%.  THIS is why you need to know your numbers.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02333.x/abstract