LifeCare Chiropractic

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Heart Disease, Stroke, Blood Pressure Tips

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 11, 2000 Research Update

by

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

Vitamin C was inversely associated with 20-year incidence of stroke

Remember the recent study suggesting carotid artery thickening with vitamin C? Well, many people overreacted to just ONE article, much like they did several years ago when it was shown that vitamin C initiated DNA damage. Well, as for the DNA damage, everyone forgot to look at the fine print–vitamin C also protected against a more damaging type of DNA damage at the same time. This article now suggests a very strong protective effect of vitamin C on stroke. Entrez-PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=0011022052&dopt=Abstract

Public attitudes towards the healthiness of fruit juices

Too many people do not understand the differences in fruit juices. The concept that something like Sunny Delight should be given to kids is ridiculous–it’s basically sugar water. The same thing goes for fruit juice cocktails. The cocktails all have added sugar, 100% juices do not. Your best bet…pure, filtered water and the whole fruit. Synergy Abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00001-16.x/abstract

The public perception of the role of dietitians

This review evaluates the public perception of dietitians. I have met many dieticians that are really very knowledgeable about functional medicine and health. Unfortunately, I feel that most dieticians are very poorly equipped to deal with human health. Truly understanding nutrition is a monumentous undertaking, and requires a strong foundation in physiology and biochemistry, coupled with hours and hours of continuing education. I have met too many diabetics who’s “nutritionist” had never even mentioned glycemic index. Considering that I believe that nutrition and lifestyle changes is one of the most powerful tools any physician can use, the public’s view of dietitians is upsetting. Synergy Abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00001-2.x/abstract

Vitamin C and the healing of venous leg ulcers

Antioxidant therapy has many health benefits. By increasing the number of whole fruits and vegetables as well as increasing antioxidant intake can decrease risk, incidence and severity of almost every disease known to man. This study does not show a benefit of vitamin C. However, the dosage of 200 mg/day is considered very low. I would like to see the study done with several grams used, coupled with other antioxidants and ginko biloba. Since vitamin C is crucial for the formation of healthy connective tissue, the idea that vitamin C can help with wound healing is not unreasonable. Synergy Abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-277x.2000.00001-9.x/abstract

Tea and Heart Disease: Protection Via Estrogenlike Activity?

There are so many benefits coming to light about tea that it is surprising that it is not more popular. These benefits range from cancer prevention to heart disease to osteoporosis. The interesting thing about this abstract is that it does not differentiate between green and black tea. Most of the research points to green tea as being much more beneficial that black. Also of note is the quantity of tea consumed. Most studies look at 3-4+ glasses per day. Tea and Coronary Heart Disease: Protection Through Estrogenlike Activity? http://jn.nutrition.org/content/133/9/2883.full

Panax Ginseng and Diabetes

This is an editorial commenting on the interaction between diabetes drugs and ginseng potentially resulting in hypoglycemia. My two cents on this…if panax ginseng has the potential to act as a glucose lowering agent, why would we not use it to reduce/eliminate the use of “accepted” diabetic drugs, all of which can have severe, sometimes fatal, side effects? Ginseng also has many other beneficial properties–can this be said of many of the diabetic drugs? Would we include liver failure with the troglitazone-class drugs and increased amyloid production killing off remaining beta cells with insulin secretagogues? Ginseng could be used with conjugated linoleic acid (a PPAR-gamma ligand much like the troglitazones) and exercise to strongly control many cases of diabetes. Panax (Ginseng) Is Not a Panacea http://archinte.ama-assn.org/issues/v160n21/ffull/ilt1127-5.html

Fish Oil Fatty Acids, DHA and DPA, and Acute Coronary Events

This is a nice overview of the benefical effects of essential fatty acids. It even notes a danger to many sources of fish today–high mercury content. Stick with deep sea, cold water fish to avoid mercury. And, note the use of hair analysis to measure mercury content. Hair analysis has long been thought of as “voodoo” and yet the research strongly favors the use of hair analysis for heavy metal exposure. Circulation — Abstracts: Rissanen et al. 102 (22): 2677 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/22/2677

Impaired Arginine Transport in Human Heart Failure

L-arginine supplementation is such a simple and safe method for reducing the risks for cardiovascular disease. Although the research has been around for years, I still think it will be many more yet before arginine makes it into clinical practice. Probably will become popular just a few months after multivitamin use to lower homocysteine levels and CVD… Circulation — Abstracts: Kaye et al. 102 (22): 2707 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/22/2707

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?

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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

April 5, 2000 Research Update

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Here is yet another example of the poor quality of many nutritional products…

Among 25 major brands of supplements containing glucosamine and/or chondroitin used for treating osteoarthritis, nearly one third were found not to contain all labeled ingredients. These results were reported by ConsumerLab .com, which conducts the largest independent analysis of dietary supplements sold in the United States. More alarming, almost half (6 of 13) of the glucosamine-chondroitin combination products tested did not pass — all due to low chondroitin levels. Similarly, the 2 chondroitin-only products tested did not pass. In contrast, all 10 of the glucosamine-only products tested passed. One possible explanation for the low pass rate for chondroitin-containing products is economic — chondroitin costs manufacturers approximately 4 times as much as glucosamine.

A drug used for Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis may be strong cause of birth defects when taken by the male. If only these parents knew that there are many non-pharmaceutical methods to handle these diseases.

Paternal use of 6-mercaptopurine shortly before conception may be linked to the development of “startling” congenital deformities, according to findings reported in the March issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

New vaccine for pneumococcal disease, including ear infections. Now, before you go run out and get your little one vaccinated, consider how many drugs and vaccines are pulled off the market for safety reasons in their first few years. Let someone else be the guinea pigs..

A study published in the March issue of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal confirms that a newly approved vaccine is at least 90% effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease in young children. The study also shows that the vaccine, Prevnar, reduced common ear infections by 7%, multiple ear infections by 23%, and the need for ear tubes by 20%.

Major increases in asthma in our children. Could it be the poor diets? The poor quality air? The extensive use of antibiotics when they are not needed?

The prevalence of asthma-associated disability in US children has more than doubled since 1969, according to a report in the March issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. They found that the prevalence of disabling asthma in children has risen 232% since 1969.

Or maybe it’s Tylenol use?? Thorax — Abstracts: Shaheen et al. 55 (4): 266

Yet another marker for heart disease that will go unnoticed for DECADES before someone decides it may be a good idea. Cholesterol levels is not becoming outdated, they ARE ALREADY outdated.

Our current study disclosed that RLP-C (remnant-like particle cholesterol) levels are strongly associated with coronary artery disease, especially in patients with normal total cholesterol levels. Moreover, RLP-C/HDL-C ratio may be even more significantly associated with the presence of coronary artery stenosis in normocholesterolemic patients. Am Heart J 139(2):305-310, 2000.

 

BLOOD PRESSURE USING MEDICATIONS – IS LOWER WORSE?

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It is, of course, no big shocker that I am going to say that lifestyle is the only answer to safely lower blood pressure.  It should also be well known that the class of drugs known as beta blockers actually increase the risk of stroke and diabetes, and do not change the risk of dying.
 
The approach of blood pressure control with medication is lower is better.  But, as will anything using medication, when we begin to mess with our physiology, there is always a price to be paid.  This particular study looked at the benefits of lowering blood pressure below 130 systolic.  If you believe in mainstream medicine and that life is made better through chemistry, than this sounds like a reasonable goal.
 
However, while the risk of stroke was lowered by aggressive blood pressure lowering below 130, the risk of dangerous side effects went up 40%.  There was also no other benefit to the patient other than lowered stroke risk (in other words–a single intervention targeting only a single outcome-stroke, with absolutely no benefit to any other aspect of our health).
 
Contrast this to lowering blood pressure with lifestyle changes.  First, lifestyle will never bring you to a dangerously low blood pressure.  Dangerous side effects?  Only if you consider feeling better and looking better “dangerous.”  Single outcomes?  Lifestyle changes will cut across every other disease state in addition to lowering your risk of stroke.
 
Most case of high blood pressure stem from being prediabetic.  Manage the interplay between insulin and your cells with the right choices and you are well on your way to lowering your blood pressure.  That means exercise, more fruits / veggies, cut back on calories, increase intake of omega 3 fats while avoiding hydrogenated and reducing omega 6 and doing your best to avoid the toxic chemicals of the world we live in.
 

Research Update (April 2, 2000)

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Yogurt as a health food that can stimulate the immune system? There is very strong evidence that the probiotics in yogurt have numerous health effects. AJCN — Abstracts: Meydani and Ha 71 (4): 861

Soy can lower cholesterol. Not new news, but always nice to see further evidence backing it up. Watch out for the side effects, though: lower risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, eases menopausal symptoms, may help with osteoporosis… AJCN — Abstracts: Normén et al. 71 (4): 908

Another study showing that whole grains can protect against diabetes. Won’t see this evidence from Dr. Atkins book… AJCN — Abstracts: Meyer et al. 71 (4): 921

Silica may prevent aluminum absorption, and aluminum has been linked to many health problems, including Alzheimer’s. AJCN — Abstracts: Jugdaohsingh et al. 71 (4): 944

Some people worry about the caffeine and tannins in tea effecting calcium absorption. My advice is usually not to worry about it because somehow things work out because nature somehow puts everything together right. Here’s evidence of tea protecting against osteoporosis. AJCN — Abstracts: Hegarty et al. 71 (4): 1003

This is scary…the incidence of diabetes is increasing in kids. The name “adult onset” has been dropped because too many kids are getting the disease. This is definately a result of kids eating such processed foods with no nutrition.

Diabetes Care 23(3):381-389, 2000 If the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children are increasing and if this increase cannot be reversed, our society will face major challenges. That is, the burden of diabetes and its complications will affect many more individuals than currently anticipated, and the cost of diabetes to our society will cause us to consume enormous resources. Also, many more Americans will be taking potent medications, which have attendant risks, for most of their lives.

More bad news. It is becoming increasingly evident that the drugs commonly used to treat diabetes MAY ACTUALLY PROMOTE THE DISEASE. The reason? Certain drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin (secretagogues), but it also produces a protein called amyloid, which can damage the pancreas itself. But don’t worry, they suggest using a relatively new drug called troglitazone (Rezulin).

South Med J 93(1): 24-28, 2000. We may wish to rethink our current methods of treating type 2 diabetes. We must ask whether we should allow this hyperinsulinemia/hyperamylinemia state to continue or even complicate matters by using insulin secretagogues, thus increasing endogenous insulin and amylin.

Oops… that new drug they’re recommending? The FDA pulled it because it has some strong links to liver failure… But never fear, nature to the rescue. Troglitazone is a PPAR agonist. So is congugated linoleic acid (CLA), an essential fatty acid with no side effects.

The diabetes drug troglitazone (Rezulin) was withdrawn from the market on Tuesday following a request from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics, has been linked to potentially life-threatening liver failure in some patients. An FDA spokesperson said that the drug has been linked to 63 deaths and 90 confirmed cases of liver failure. The drug has been on the US market since mid-1997, but soon after its launch, reports of liver failure emerged among patients taking the drug.

THESE 2 COMMON CHILDHOOD SURGERIES INCREASE RISK OF DEATH YEARS LATER

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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