tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Products and nutrients for healthy and drug-free living. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56550 2013-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently I was asked by the staff at Dynamic Chiropractic to referee some of their water-cooler discussions regarding nutrition. Topping their list was this one about protein and weight loss: "Why is protein important for weight loss and how much should I eat (to lose weight)?" Before I answer, I would like to share a few thoughts on weight loss in general.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Recently I was asked by the staff at Dynamic Chiropractic to referee some of their water-cooler discussions regarding nutrition. Topping their list was this one about protein and weight loss: "Why is protein important for weight loss and how much should I eat (to lose weight)?" Before I answer, I would like to share a few thoughts on weight loss in general. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56542 2013-06-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-15T12:00:07-07:00

A remarkable human study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity showed that overweight, sedentary adults who were given a daily omega-3 fat supplement realized a lengthening of their DNA telomeres and reduced blood markers of inflammation and free-radical damage compared to subjects given placebo.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS A remarkable human study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity showed that overweight, sedentary adults who were given a daily omega-3 fat supplement realized a lengthening of their DNA telomeres and reduced blood markers of inflammation and free-radical damage compared to subjects given placebo. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56506 2013-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

When the National Institutes of Health's AARP Diet and Health Study reported that men who took calcium supplements had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared those who didn't, it was the third large cohort in six months with alarming findings regarding calcium supplements. The Swedish mammography cohort said women who take calcium supplements have a higher risk of mortality and the Heidelberg cohort found calcium supplements increased the risk of CVD in both sexes.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN When the National Institutes of Health's AARP Diet and Health Study reported that men who took calcium supplements had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared those who didn't, it was the third large cohort in six months with alarming findings regarding calcium supplements. The Swedish mammography cohort said women who take calcium supplements have a higher risk of mortality and the Heidelberg cohort found calcium supplements increased the risk of CVD in both sexes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56496 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

It's often been said that scientific studies can be used to support just about anything. But discoveries are never made one study at a time. Only when science is viewed as a process and the sum of these studies are added together can a solid conclusion be reached and used to support patients. When an individual ignores the larger body of research in favor of a single study with a particular finding, they bias their search for evidence and do a disservice to patients.

By Joseph Dever, PhD, DABT and Michael Kemp, PhD, RD It's often been said that scientific studies can be used to support just about anything. But discoveries are never made one study at a time. Only when science is viewed as a process and the sum of these studies are added together can a solid conclusion be reached and used to support patients. When an individual ignores the larger body of research in favor of a single study with a particular finding, they bias their search for evidence and do a disservice to patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56465 2013-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

There are many reasons why nutritional supplements are sometimes ineffective. In some cases, it is simply due to a bad product that does not meet the label claims or is produced with poor quality control. It can also be from exposure to temperature or moisture at any step from the manufacturer to the consumer. However, these are not the most common reasons why nutritional supplements fail to provide the desired results. In my practice, the five most common reasons supplements do not yield the desired effects are caused by how and why they are used.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN There are many reasons why nutritional supplements are sometimes ineffective. In some cases, it is simply due to a bad product that does not meet the label claims or is produced with poor quality control. It can also be from exposure to temperature or moisture at any step from the manufacturer to the consumer. However, these are not the most common reasons why nutritional supplements fail to provide the desired results. In my practice, the five most common reasons supplements do not yield the desired effects are caused by how and why they are used. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56451 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

Earlier this year The New England Journal of Medicine published findings from the study known as "Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet" (the PREDIMED study), which showed that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and/or tree nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts) reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke by 30 percent.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Earlier this year The New England Journal of Medicine published findings from the study known as "Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet" (the PREDIMED study), which showed that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and/or tree nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts) reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke by 30 percent. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56419 2013-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's April and most of the nation is thawing out from winter and looking forward to spring. The winter season is when it is easiest to gain weight ���??���?������¢?? it gets dark earlier, so there is less time to be active outdoors, and we are faced with a six-month run of calorie-laden holidays, starting with Halloween and ending at Easter. Holiday eating is out of control for many people.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN It's April and most of the nation is thawing out from winter and looking forward to spring. The winter season is when it is easiest to gain weight ���??���?������¢?? it gets dark earlier, so there is less time to be active outdoors, and we are faced with a six-month run of calorie-laden holidays, starting with Halloween and ending at Easter. Holiday eating is out of control for many people. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56350 2013-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's almost hard to believe that not long ago, people smoked cigarettes on airplanes, in restaurants and bars, at their worksites and even inside hospitals. In fact, medical doctors often appeared in tobacco print ads in the '50s. And long before that, even Olympic athletes endorsed cigarettes. But the transition from a smoking society to one that places even more strict restrictions on where one can smoke, including parks, schools, theaters, and multi-family apartments, has been slow and litigious, despite decades-old knowledge of how harmful tobacco can be.

By Phil Maffetone, DC and Scott Cuthbert, DC It's almost hard to believe that not long ago, people smoked cigarettes on airplanes, in restaurants and bars, at their worksites and even inside hospitals. In fact, medical doctors often appeared in tobacco print ads in the '50s. And long before that, even Olympic athletes endorsed cigarettes. But the transition from a smoking society to one that places even more strict restrictions on where one can smoke, including parks, schools, theaters, and multi-family apartments, has been slow and litigious, despite decades-old knowledge of how harmful tobacco can be. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56349 2013-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

"Your 6-year-old daughter may need a colostomy bag." Imagine being a parent facing this decision. What would you do? Aubrey spent the first few years of her life in and out of the hospital, facing two surgeries, several biopsies, misdiagnoses and an uncertain future. She was born with anal stenosis - a narrowing of the anal sphincter and opening that makes it difficult for stool contents to be eliminated. Unfortunately, this birth defect (which can be fixed with surgery) was missed.

By Van Merkle, DC, CCN, DCBCN, DABCI "Your 6-year-old daughter may need a colostomy bag." Imagine being a parent facing this decision. What would you do? Aubrey spent the first few years of her life in and out of the hospital, facing two surgeries, several biopsies, misdiagnoses and an uncertain future. She was born with anal stenosis - a narrowing of the anal sphincter and opening that makes it difficult for stool contents to be eliminated. Unfortunately, this birth defect (which can be fixed with surgery) was missed. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56347 2013-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Logan College Receives $700,000 Research Grant From Standard Process; First Graduates of National's Florida Chiropractic Program; Parker Appoints Board Chair; Erratum.

By Editorial Staff Logan College Receives $700,000 Research Grant From Standard Process; First Graduates of National's Florida Chiropractic Program; Parker Appoints Board Chair; Erratum. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56311 2013-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

Anyone who has any interest in weight loss knows there has been a long-running debate regarding the primary factor that causes weight gain. Go to the weight-loss section of any bookstore and you will see the calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein camps, each of whom insists they are the key to weight loss. They all have convincing arguments and they all can cite studies to support their opinions.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Anyone who has any interest in weight loss knows there has been a long-running debate regarding the primary factor that causes weight gain. Go to the weight-loss section of any bookstore and you will see the calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein camps, each of whom insists they are the key to weight loss. They all have convincing arguments and they all can cite studies to support their opinions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56270 2012-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

While cervical myelopathy is not a common clinical encounter, it is the most common cause of spinal-cord dysfunction in people over 55 years of age. The natural history is one of a progressive nature that may lead to the need for surgical decompression. However, the clinical course is variable and requires a case-by-case approach. Myelopathy caused by disc herniation is more common in middle-aged individuals, while senior citizens typically present with spondylotic myelopathy.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN While cervical myelopathy is not a common clinical encounter, it is the most common cause of spinal-cord dysfunction in people over 55 years of age. The natural history is one of a progressive nature that may lead to the need for surgical decompression. However, the clinical course is variable and requires a case-by-case approach. Myelopathy caused by disc herniation is more common in middle-aged individuals, while senior citizens typically present with spondylotic myelopathy. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56237 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

In part 1 of this article [Nov. 4 DC], I discussed the conclusions of a literature review comparing the health benefits of organic vs. non-organic food as published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, and referred to as the "Stanford Study," since it was done by Stanford Medical School faculty, staff and students.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN In part 1 of this article [Nov. 4 DC], I discussed the conclusions of a literature review comparing the health benefits of organic vs. non-organic food as published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, and referred to as the "Stanford Study," since it was done by Stanford Medical School faculty, staff and students. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56212 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is one of the body's instinctual response hormones to the fight-or-flight situation. It is released by the adrenal gland during times of stress and has several functions in the body, such as blood-pressure regulation, glucose mobilization, and reducing inflammation. However, although beneficial and even crucial in many aspects, chronically increased levels of cortisol will impede your body's overall health.

By Corey Mote, BS, DC Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is one of the body's instinctual response hormones to the fight-or-flight situation. It is released by the adrenal gland during times of stress and has several functions in the body, such as blood-pressure regulation, glucose mobilization, and reducing inflammation. However, although beneficial and even crucial in many aspects, chronically increased levels of cortisol will impede your body's overall health. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56210 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

With worldwide obesity rates doubling in the past three decades, is it any surprise that artificial sweeteners have been gaining popularity? Beginning with the creation of saccharin, "sugar substitutes" have become the supposed answer to a dieter's prayer - and part of the daily diet of many of our children. Let's review the various sugar substitutes on the market today to appreciate what they are and why they may not be the best option in terms of your patients' - and your - health.

By Claudia Anrig, DC With worldwide obesity rates doubling in the past three decades, is it any surprise that artificial sweeteners have been gaining popularity? Beginning with the creation of saccharin, "sugar substitutes" have become the supposed answer to a dieter's prayer - and part of the daily diet of many of our children. Let's review the various sugar substitutes on the market today to appreciate what they are and why they may not be the best option in terms of your patients' - and your - health. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56196 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Sales of organic foods increased from $1 billion in 1990 to $26.7 billion in 2010 in the U.S. alone, with most of the increase seen in the past few years. Since 2002, annual sales have increased by $18 billion. Recently, a team of researchers from Stanford University performed a review comparing organic and commercial foods. The review was prompted by a doctor whose patients kept asking her how much healthier organic foods were.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Sales of organic foods increased from $1 billion in 1990 to $26.7 billion in 2010 in the U.S. alone, with most of the increase seen in the past few years. Since 2002, annual sales have increased by $18 billion. Recently, a team of researchers from Stanford University performed a review comparing organic and commercial foods. The review was prompted by a doctor whose patients kept asking her how much healthier organic foods were. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56156 2012-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

A few years ago, results of a small experiment1 comparing self-described (easy) weight gainers with non-gainers came across my desk. I meant to write about it then, but somehow never did. Recently, while going through some notes for a lecture, I stumbled on it again.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN A few years ago, results of a small experiment1 comparing self-described (easy) weight gainers with non-gainers came across my desk. I meant to write about it then, but somehow never did. Recently, while going through some notes for a lecture, I stumbled on it again. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56130 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Endurance and recreational athletes alike may experience glycogen depletion during exercise, known in athletic circles as "hitting the wall." When eaten, carbohydrates break down into small sugars (glucose, fructose and galactose) that get absorbed and used as energy. Any glucose not needed right away gets stored in the muscles and the liver in the form of glycogen, and is the substrate used for exercise. Simply stated, "hitting the wall" is when blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen stores are low or dangerously depleted.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP Endurance and recreational athletes alike may experience glycogen depletion during exercise, known in athletic circles as "hitting the wall." When eaten, carbohydrates break down into small sugars (glucose, fructose and galactose) that get absorbed and used as energy. Any glucose not needed right away gets stored in the muscles and the liver in the form of glycogen, and is the substrate used for exercise. Simply stated, "hitting the wall" is when blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen stores are low or dangerously depleted. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56114 2012-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow its progression. In recent years, many studies suggest specific dietary and supplementation practices influence the development of Alzheimer's. This article continues with the top 10 lifestyle recommendations for baby boomers and young senior patients to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow its progression. In recent years, many studies suggest specific dietary and supplementation practices influence the development of Alzheimer's. This article continues with the top 10 lifestyle recommendations for baby boomers and young senior patients to help prevent Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56081 2012-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow the progression of the disease to any appreciable degree. Currently, an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's and nearly half of all people over 85 years of age are afflicted.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 for which medical treatments are unable to prevent or slow the progression of the disease to any appreciable degree. Currently, an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's and nearly half of all people over 85 years of age are afflicted. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56065 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

Texts and papers that discuss cancer often illustrate how a normal cell is transformed into a cancerous cell. Normal cells should die off; however, they instead go through metaplastic and dysplastic changes, which leads to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells that proliferate and do not die.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN Texts and papers that discuss cancer often illustrate how a normal cell is transformed into a cancerous cell. Normal cells should die off; however, they instead go through metaplastic and dysplastic changes, which leads to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells that proliferate and do not die. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56058 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

If a 14-year-old came to you with a swollen ankle or sore knee, what would you do? Would you be out of line to assume it was due to a sports injury or a twisted ankle from a misplaced step? Would you treat it with a little ice, rest; maybe an adjustment or a brace? What if the pain seemed better, but came back a second time and then a third? What would you do when you realized this "injury" was something more?

By Van Merkle, DC, CCN, DCBCN, DABCI If a 14-year-old came to you with a swollen ankle or sore knee, what would you do? Would you be out of line to assume it was due to a sports injury or a twisted ankle from a misplaced step? Would you treat it with a little ice, rest; maybe an adjustment or a brace? What if the pain seemed better, but came back a second time and then a third? What would you do when you realized this "injury" was something more? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56029 2012-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

We know the process of cooking vegetables destroys valuable micronutrients by altering their shape and chemical composition; but is it possible to eat enough raw vegetables to get the nutrition your body needs? That's where juicing can be valuable, particularly for developing children. Here's just some of the information on juicing you can share with parents.

By Claudia Anrig, DC We know the process of cooking vegetables destroys valuable micronutrients by altering their shape and chemical composition; but is it possible to eat enough raw vegetables to get the nutrition your body needs? That's where juicing can be valuable, particularly for developing children. Here's just some of the information on juicing you can share with parents. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55942 2012-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2012-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

Central serous retinopathy (CSR), or central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), is an eye disease that causes visual impairment. The condition is often temporary, usually affecting only one eye. It primarily affects males between 20-50 years of age, but may also occur in women. The principal abnormality involves leakage of fluid under the retina that tends to accumulate under the central macula. This is the portion of the retina that provides the clearest, most distinct vision. Thus, fluid accumulation under the macula distorts visual capacities, resulting in blurred vision. A blurred or gray spot in the central visual field is common when the retina is detached in this manner. Unfortunately, reduced visual acuity may persist after the fluid has disappeared.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Central serous retinopathy (CSR), or central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), is an eye disease that causes visual impairment. The condition is often temporary, usually affecting only one eye. It primarily affects males between 20-50 years of age, but may also occur in women. The principal abnormality involves leakage of fluid under the retina that tends to accumulate under the central macula. This is the portion of the retina that provides the clearest, most distinct vision. Thus, fluid accumulation under the macula distorts visual capacities, resulting in blurred vision. A blurred or gray spot in the central visual field is common when the retina is detached in this manner. Unfortunately, reduced visual acuity may persist after the fluid has disappeared. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55927 2012-06-03T12:00:32-07:00 2012-06-03T12:00:07-07:00

Piceatannol is a metabolite of the powerful phytochemical resveratrol, which is a polyphenolic compound found in grape skins, bilberries, blueberries, cranberries and peanuts. Resveratrol has been studied for its effects on longevity, heart disease and cancer by its in-vitro ability to increase vasodilation and reduce platelet aggregation, oxidation and pro-inflammatory enzyme activity. The compound has increased the lifespan of yeast, worms and fruit flies.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN Piceatannol is a metabolite of the powerful phytochemical resveratrol, which is a polyphenolic compound found in grape skins, bilberries, blueberries, cranberries and peanuts. Resveratrol has been studied for its effects on longevity, heart disease and cancer by its in-vitro ability to increase vasodilation and reduce platelet aggregation, oxidation and pro-inflammatory enzyme activity. The compound has increased the lifespan of yeast, worms and fruit flies.