LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

autoimmune

TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE NEUROINFLAMMATION – (12-12-05)

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Treatment of Autoimmune Neuroinflammation with a Synthetic Tryptophan Metabolite

While the biochemistry on this one may be a little deep, this mouse study found that a derivative of tryptophan (not sure why they would need to use a derivative…) was found to shift the immune balance away from autoimmunity which could be a major benefit in many conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Remember that all tryptophan was taken off the market in 1988 due to a contaminant from one single source. Still difficult to find (compare to Tylenol, which was back on the market in days) but 5-HTP is common and gets converted to tryptophan.

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TNF-ALPHA INCREASES INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY – (10-20-05

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Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapies attenuate adaptive arteriogenesis in the rabbit

Recall that TNF-alpha is a molecule that turns on inflammation in the body. More TNF-alpha means more inflammation. It works at a much earlier point in the generation of inflammation than other agents to control pain such as NSAIDs. The newest class of drugs for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns’ and psoriasis blocks the action of TNF-alpha. While it can be very helpful for many patients with this condition (and expensive…) I have always had concerns with long term use of this class of meds.

Here, in this rabbit study, we see that it inhibits the ability of the vessels in the heart to form new branches–a process that is essential for survival of the heart when major arteries get blocked. A complete lifestyle overhaul can work very well in patients with these autoimmune conditions, without the dangers of increased infections, cancer and now ischemic heart disease.

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DISTINCT COMPOSITION OF GUT MICROBIOTA DURING PREGNANCY – (09-01-09)

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Distinct composition of gut microbiota during pregnancy in overweight and normal-weight women

When I describe current research to patients, I note that the lag time between research and clinical practice is about 2 decades. 20 yrs. The frustration I feel with this is truly beyond measure and contributes greatly to the disease burden in today’s society. Probably one of the greatest examples of the chasm between research and clinical practice is with probiotics in natural flora and the wanton destruction with antibiotics.

I had a new patient today that is dealing with multiple health concerns. Lupus, kidney failure, pancreatitis…it’s a long list. Several months ago she was put on IV antibiotics for about 2 wks. Given the strong relationship of the gut to autoimmune disorders, I consider it flat out malpractice that NONE of the specialists she has seen have recommend restoration of the destroyed flora.

In this particular study, we see that the bacterial flora present during pregnancy influences the weight of the unborn child. So, antibiotics given to the mom at any time before pregnancy without instruction in replacement of normal flora is likely a contributing factor to the rise in obesity in children. Quite a disturbing implication.

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