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