LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

Vitamins

SIMPLE VITAMIN MAY HELP WITH AUTISM?

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There is no longer any doubt that the rates of autism has increased.  It’s not merely “better diagnosis.”  There is clearly something we are doing to our children that is affecting the way their brains function and relate to the world around them.

Years ago, I used to think it was merely something that the child was getting or not getting.  Give them the right foods or supplements, or take away the wrong chemicals or foods or vaccinations, and everything would be great.  And certainly we hear miraculous stories of kids who were taken off of dairy or given Secretin and became normal again.  But, unfortunately, these are anecdotal stories and don’t seem to apply to the general population.

The more I have learned about epigenetic modification by chemical exposure in the womb, the more I have been convinced that, in the vast majority of cases, the way the child’s genes are being expressed is not reversible.  The combination of poor nutritional status and / or exposure to some or one of the tens of thousands of FDA approved chemicals alters the DNA of our children in the womb.  This forever changes the actions of that gene, much in the same way that a liver cell, while containing ALL of the DNA to be a brain cell, is permanently modified so it is only a liver cell.

This epigenetic modification is likely brought on by a trigger in the early years.  This trigger could very well be exposure to mercury containing vaccinations, or even the immune burden from the vaccinations themselves.  We just don’t know yet, but it does make sense.

So what happens after the fact?  I’ve seen and heard some sad stories of parents who feed their children nutritionally poor and processed foods, soda and candy.  The excuse is usually that their child is a picky eater (this is actually a common excuse–parents of autistic children or not).  Given what’s at stake, this is an unacceptable excuse.

Why would we NOT give any child’s brain the best nutrients at the optimals levels to function at it’s highest?  The brain of a child has a massive level of metabolic activity, and the growth of neurons and the development of learning and language is beyond comprehension.

If the above is not reason enough, this particular article finds that the addition of B vitamins and magnesium lowered the urine levels of dicarboxylic acids in autistic children.  Dicarboxylic acids can be used as a marker of oxidative stress and damage to certain fatty acids in the body. 

Kryptopyrrole (known as the mauve factor because of the color change that occurs on urine testing) has been long known to be a marker for improvement in both autism and schizophrenia.  Niacin, B6 and zinc have been shown to lower levels of this compound, so this study is in line with what has already been studied.

Certainly supplementation with these nutrients will not miraculously turn around the child, but it again supports the use of the highest quality diets as well as targeted supplementation.

Read more…

November 27, 2000 Research Update

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

Proton pump inhibitor may lead to cancer

Many of the drugs used to treat ulcers today are being used for long periods, although the long term research has never been done. Most patients with ulcers make too little stomach acid, NOT too much. So the use of drugs to reduce this production disrupts an incredibly important process. The acid is needed to absorb many essential nutrients (calcium, Vit B12, iron…), acitivate most digestive enzymes and kill off bacteria in the upper GI tract that aren’t supposed to be there. The use of “acid blockers” in this study confirms the increase in bad bacteria producing acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in the upper GI tract. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E14&filetype=abstracts&article=75839

HDL raising effect of orange juice in hypercholesterolemia

There are several ways to lower cholesterol levels safely, and increasing intake of fruits and veggies is such a wonderful way. In addition to helping with cholesterol, it will also lower your risk of many other diseases. Adding exercise will also increase HDL levels, as well as the addition of soy to your diet. Want a great cholesterol fighter? How about a smoothie made at home? Frozen yogurt, toss in some probiotics, filitered water, ice and several servings of fruit. Drink it on your way to work!! AJCN — Abstracts: Kurowska et al. 72 (5): 1095 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1095

Heavy coffee consumption and plasma homocysteine

I know I’ll get shot for this one, but the evidence is mounting that coffee may increase your risk of heart disease through homocysteine. Can’t give up your coffee? Try increasing your intake of whole grains to up your B vitamins to lower that homocysteine level. AJCN — Abstracts: Urgert et al. 72 (5): 1107 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1107

Effects of dietary fructose on plasma lipids in healthy subjects

With the increased intake of high-fructose containing soda and drinks, this is definitely a contributing factor in the rise in cholesterol levels in certain patients. remember that fruit also contains fructose, but the additional nutrients (fiber, bioflavenoids…) far override any effects on lipid levels. AJCN — Abstracts: Bantle et al. 72 (5): 1128 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1128

Folate intake, lifestyle factors, and homocysteine concentrations

As far as the research community is concerned, homocysteine is well established as an independent risk factor for heart disease. Unfortunately, clinicians have not quite caught up. This is unacceptable based on the evidence that simple supplementation with folic acid, B12 and B6 can reduce levels. AJCN — Abstracts: Rasmussen et al. 72 (5): 1156 http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/72/5/1156

Some Herbs Should Be Avoided by Nursing Mothers

This article mentions funugreek, comfrey and St. John’s wort use in pregnancy. While care should always be used with pregnancy, it does amaze me that authors will suggest avoidance of St John’s wort during nursing, but continuing with pharmaceutical antidepressants is acceptable.

(article) Two popular herbal remedies for nursing mothers — fenugreek and comfrey — can pose a health risk to their infants, according to Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence, who reviewed the use of herbs by breast-feeding mothers at a presentation during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics. While there is no proof of its benefit, Dr. Lawrence said that there “are data about the risks. Specifically it can cause hypoglycemia in the nursing mother and it can raise blood pressure.” She said that in some infants fenugreek has been associated with increased “colic and diarrhea.” While she advises women to avoid fenugreek, comfrey is “much more dangerous and is banned in Canada.” Comfrey is rubbed on the nipples of nursing women to prevent dryness and cracking, she said. “But it does pass to the infant,” she said, and has been associated with hepatic veno-occlusive disease in infants. She recommends that physicians caution nursing mothers who have postpartum depression that self-medicating with St. John’s wort may be risky. She said that although studies have demonstrated some efficacy for St. John’s wort, “those studies were done in men, not women. Also, St. John’s wort does contain a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, but because the FDA does not regulate herbs there is no way to determine how much of the SSRI is passed to the infant.” In concluding, Dr. Lawrence said that nursing mothers should be steered away from most herbs, but “there are some teas that I can recommend for women who want a nice herbal tea. Chicory, peppermint, orange spice and red bush tea are all fine. Rose hips is an especially good tea because it has a very high concentration of vitamin C.”

Diet, infection and wheezy illness:lessons from adults

This article is suggesting that the predisposition for allergies and asthma may begin as early as the womb. Intake of adequate levels of Vit E and C may be instrumental to the developing fetus’ immune system. Incidence of these diseases are also strongly linked to diet, namely saturated fats and Vit E and C status. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=pai%2E2000%2E4&filetype=abstracts&article=77875

WILL DIET PROVIDE ENOUGH B12 AS WE GET OLDER?

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First and foremost, we need to understand just how darn important B12 is to the proper functioning of our bodies.  Playing in the same physiological circle as B6, folic acid and betaine, which is called methylation, B12 plays a role in neurological function (depression, cognitive decline, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers), cancer prevention, cardiovascular function and bone health.  This is, of course, a brief list.

B12 needs proper digestion and stomach acid levels to be absorbed.  As we age, we lose the region of our stomach that produces stomach acid (parietal cells) gets worn away.  This leads to problems absorbing B12.  This is also a problem with stress and drugs that shut down digestion (Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex, etc..).  Good thing that stress is not an issue in today’s society and that patients put on acid blocking drugs never take them longer than a few months…….

This study looks at whether or not the current dietary recommendations for B12 intake is adequate for an aging population.  The answer is definately no.  So what do we do?  Supplementation is very easy, but B12 levels in the supplement need to be high to overcome the poor absorption.  Our office uses a B12, B6 and folic acid lozenge that has 2,000 mcg of B12.  Not sublignual

THE MOST POWERFUL ANTI-AGING STRATEGY?

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Despite what you see in ads and on the internet, there is only one strategy that has been shown to increase lifespan in mammals by upwards of 30%.  It’s not a supplement.  It’s not an herb.  It’s not exercise.

Calorie restriction without nutrient restriction.  High phytonutrient, low calorie.  This means that your 1200 calories / day comes from broccoli and not a Big Mac Value Meal.  This is completely opposite of the Standard American Diet.  The aforementioned value meal is almost completely devoid of phytonutrition, with the solitary onion being the exception so long as it hasn’t been weeks since it left the ground.

It is known that calorie restriction activates the SIRT family of genes and that activation of these genes are responsible for the beneficial effects.  We do know that the number and efficiency of our mitochondria improve.  This is a VERY good thing.  Think on this–the more calories our body takes in, the lazier our energy factories get.  On the flip side, our bodies are extremely efficient at scrambling and using efficiently calories when they are sparse. 

This particular study finds yet another benefit–the increased production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) type molecules.  CoQ10 has been promoted as an anti-aging supplement for some time now.  Why spend the money on a supplement when you can help your body make more naturally?

How do we cut calories?  First, make sure that 90% of what crosses your lips has value.  No processed foods.  Lots of colors, spices, flavors and scents that came directly from Mother Nature.  Split meals.  Cook less.  By more expensive organic grass fed beef but cook less of it.  Use spices.  Drink tea and coffee unsweetened–leave ANY sweeteners out of the picture.  Spread your peanut butter (natural, of course) a little thinner.  Split that Starbucks.  Better yet, skip the massive, oversized venti with the whip cream and split the small with reduced pumps of syrup.  Skip the syrup and try flavored balsamic vinegars.  Go for the Amy’s entree for lunch that has 280 calories instead of 360.

Be creative but thoughtful.  Consider how you can nip a few calories here or there but keep the quality of the food high.  You’ll be surpised at the results.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584911001961

ALL HEART ATTACKS PATIENTS NEED THIS VITAMIN

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Ok.  Ok.  I know you get it.  Vitamin D is important and almost everyone is deficient.  But I’m STILL not seeing this in the patients we’re seeing in the office.  A recent new patient has been diagnosed with osteopenia (“pre” osteoporosis), had low levels of D on bloodwork, has a strong family history of osteoporosis and her doctor told her she should be on 2,000 IU / day.  That’s what we START patients on if they don’t have all these issues.  The cost and safety of bumping a patient with these factors up to 4,000 IU / day is minimal.

Another potential new patient stopped in to ask some questions.  She’s had MS for over a decade.  Her recommendations from her neurologist and PCP are to take 2,000 / day, again in the presence of low levels in her bloodstream.  And there were no recommendations for her 2 teenage boys to start on vitamin D as well (vitamin D seems to play a large role in the onset, but not treatment, of Vitamin D).

This particular study again points out just how darn deficient we are as a society.  In patients who experienced a heart attack, 96% (yes…just 4% short of 100%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D.  And keep in mind that this was <30 ng/ml, while experts recommend >60 ng/ml as optimal.

Many physicians would argue that the links between heart disease and low vitamin D are not definitively proven yet.  But those same physicians will give out statins in a candy dish up by the checkout counter with even less data supporting their effectiveness.  Given the safety and low cost of vitamin D supplementation, it should be malpractice to not at least have the discussion with our patients.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002914911003924

DO OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE NEED MORE VITAMINS?

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The fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, in addition to many of the phytonutrients out there may accumulate in people who are carrying more adipose tissue around than is ideal.  This corresponds greatly with the consistent finding that obesity contributes greatly to lower levels of circulating Vitamin D.  Basically, instead of running around in the blood stream doing good things, these fat soluble vitamins and phytonutrients get sequestered in the fat cells and are unable to protect us.

This is probably further complicated by the strong association with gallbladder problems and prediabetes.  In prediabetes, the elevated lipids in the bloodstream (i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides) have a tendency to precipitate out in the gallbladder to produce stones.  Allow this to go on long enough and you’ve got gallstones or at least sludgy bile.  Bile is absolutely necessary to absorb fat soluble nutrients like the ones mentioned above.

All this adds up to the very important need to supplement if our weight is less than ideal.  That means a good quality multivitamin (NOT ones that you take once per day – these are all inferior for a variety of reasons – a good quality multi should start at about $15 / month) and additional supplementation of Vitamin D starting at 2,000 IU / day.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2011.01890.x/abstract