tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Focused on the impacts and causes of weight gain and strategies for weight reduction and maintenance. 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-56497 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

It's not enough that soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to cavities and weight gain, among other negative health consequences. Now comes a study that suggests high daily intake of soft drinks can elevate your risk of developing heart disease. According to the study, published in Circulation, a publication of the American Heart Association, study participants who drank the most sugar-sweetened beverages daily had a 20 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who drank the least.

By Editorial Staff It's not enough that soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to cavities and weight gain, among other negative health consequences. Now comes a study that suggests high daily intake of soft drinks can elevate your risk of developing heart disease. According to the study, published in Circulation, a publication of the American Heart Association, study participants who drank the most sugar-sweetened beverages daily had a 20 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who drank the least. 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-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-56220 2012-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

On Sept. 13, 2012, New York City's Board of Health announced the adoption of new regulations that will limit the size of sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues, coffee shops, pizza shops, delis, food trucks, etc. The regulations will restrict the size of non-diet soft drinks sold in these venues to 16 ounces or less.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher On Sept. 13, 2012, New York City's Board of Health announced the adoption of new regulations that will limit the size of sugary drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues, coffee shops, pizza shops, delis, food trucks, etc. The regulations will restrict the size of non-diet soft drinks sold in these venues to 16 ounces or less. 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-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-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-55990 2012-07-15T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-15T12:00:07-07:00

Every day, there seems to be a new weight-loss diet in the news. One of the things I've found is that most good programs work, as long as you stick to the program. In my experience, I've realized that changing a patient's mindset to their weight-loss approach and understanding how we can fit a "program" into their lifestyle and belief system increases the changes of success.

By Jasper Sidhu, BSc, DC Every day, there seems to be a new weight-loss diet in the news. One of the things I've found is that most good programs work, as long as you stick to the program. In my experience, I've realized that changing a patient's mindset to their weight-loss approach and understanding how we can fit a "program" into their lifestyle and belief system increases the changes of success. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55863 2012-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2012-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica was a surprise discovery when researchers from the National Geographic Society began their study of longevity hot spots (aka, blue zones) around the world. When they heard the region had a reputation for healthy aging, they suspected it wouldn't stand up to their scientific scrutiny. However, this changed when they reviewed the quality work of demographer Dr. Rosero-Bixby.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica was a surprise discovery when researchers from the National Geographic Society began their study of longevity hot spots (aka, blue zones) around the world. When they heard the region had a reputation for healthy aging, they suspected it wouldn't stand up to their scientific scrutiny. However, this changed when they reviewed the quality work of demographer Dr. Rosero-Bixby. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55806 2012-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

With childhood obesity and cholesterol levels on the rise, informing parents how to continue to make healthier lifestyle choices should include the oils they use in their daily lives. When it comes to oils, there are several choices; whether the oil is used for baking, cooking, marinating, flavoring or garnishing determines if it is the best choice. For example, when baking, healthier choices include coconut and palm oil, but high-oleic safflower and sunflower oil are the overall best for this purpose.

By Claudia Anrig, DC With childhood obesity and cholesterol levels on the rise, informing parents how to continue to make healthier lifestyle choices should include the oils they use in their daily lives. When it comes to oils, there are several choices; whether the oil is used for baking, cooking, marinating, flavoring or garnishing determines if it is the best choice. For example, when baking, healthier choices include coconut and palm oil, but high-oleic safflower and sunflower oil are the overall best for this purpose. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55781 2012-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

I am regularly asked about statins by chiropractors whose general medical practitioner tells them they need to be on statins because their total cholesterol is a little over 200 mg/dL. Most DCs generally don't want to take the medication, of course, but get some fear put into them about dying of a heart attack and that statins are protective in that regard.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN I am regularly asked about statins by chiropractors whose general medical practitioner tells them they need to be on statins because their total cholesterol is a little over 200 mg/dL. Most DCs generally don't want to take the medication, of course, but get some fear put into them about dying of a heart attack and that statins are protective in that regard. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55762 2012-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

The other day I read a couple of nutrition articles in a chiropractic publication that covered topics I have previously addressed in detail. The authors cited positive studies to support their positions, but ignored negative studies that easily dominate the literature in both cases. As I was reading those articles and muttering words that are unfit to print, this thought crossed my mind: What percentage of the readers realized that what they just read was akin to two pundits from the same political party telling the audience they were getting both sides of a given issue?

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN The other day I read a couple of nutrition articles in a chiropractic publication that covered topics I have previously addressed in detail. The authors cited positive studies to support their positions, but ignored negative studies that easily dominate the literature in both cases. As I was reading those articles and muttering words that are unfit to print, this thought crossed my mind: What percentage of the readers realized that what they just read was akin to two pundits from the same political party telling the audience they were getting both sides of a given issue? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55662 2011-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

As I alluded to in part 1 of this series [Sept. 9 issue], I've discovered it is extremely difficult to determine what foods are consumed in the longevity hotspots (aka, "blue zones") around the world, for a number of reasons.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN As I alluded to in part 1 of this series [Sept. 9 issue], I've discovered it is extremely difficult to determine what foods are consumed in the longevity hotspots (aka, "blue zones") around the world, for a number of reasons. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55625 2011-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

In this sedentary society of ours, there has been a progressive decline in physical activity and a concomitant increase in weight gain despite multiple warnings from governmental agencies and a large and ever-increasing number of scientific publications recommending much greater amounts of physical activity and exercise, along with a reduction of caloric intake. An increase in obesity, deconditioning, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and overall increased morbidity are some of the consequences.

By Malik Slosberg, DC, MS In this sedentary society of ours, there has been a progressive decline in physical activity and a concomitant increase in weight gain despite multiple warnings from governmental agencies and a large and ever-increasing number of scientific publications recommending much greater amounts of physical activity and exercise, along with a reduction of caloric intake. An increase in obesity, deconditioning, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and overall increased morbidity are some of the consequences. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55613 2011-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Once or twice each month, we conduct a survey in an effort to help doctors of chiropractic better understand what is happening in the profession. The results of these surveys can be found in the pages of DC PracticeINSIGHTS magazine (www.dcpracticeinsights.com). Our most recent survey has to do with overweight patients and how DCs address this issue in their practices. The data we gathered proved very enlightening. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55607 2011-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million adults and children in the United States live with diabetes. One of the most common problems diabetics face is foot ulcerations; when not properly cared for, such ulcerations can lead to loss of part or all of the lower extremity.

By Mark Charrette, DC According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million adults and children in the United States live with diabetes. One of the most common problems diabetics face is foot ulcerations; when not properly cared for, such ulcerations can lead to loss of part or all of the lower extremity. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55567 2011-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Back on April 27, 2010, the Santa Clara County (California) Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance banning the use of toys to encourage children to eat unhealthy meals offered by restaurants. This was the first move by a government body to try to address the obesity epidemic that is plaguing America's children. Approximately 12.5 million children over 2 years of age are currently considered obese. That's 17 percent of our children or one out of every six kids.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher Back on April 27, 2010, the Santa Clara County (California) Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance banning the use of toys to encourage children to eat unhealthy meals offered by restaurants. This was the first move by a government body to try to address the obesity epidemic that is plaguing America's children. Approximately 12.5 million children over 2 years of age are currently considered obese. That's 17 percent of our children or one out of every six kids. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55512 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

After reading substantial criticism regarding the USDA replacing its food pyramid guide for healthy eating with a plate divided into fruits, vegetables, grains and protein (see "A Pyramid Is Replaced by a Plate," Aug. 12 issue), it made me wonder what the healthiest people around the world eat. Anyone who spends any time researching nutrition knows you can find a critic for almost everything, including (in my opinion) some of the healthiest things man can consume.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN After reading substantial criticism regarding the USDA replacing its food pyramid guide for healthy eating with a plate divided into fruits, vegetables, grains and protein (see "A Pyramid Is Replaced by a Plate," Aug. 12 issue), it made me wonder what the healthiest people around the world eat. Anyone who spends any time researching nutrition knows you can find a critic for almost everything, including (in my opinion) some of the healthiest things man can consume. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55451 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

The much-maligned USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) food pyramid has been replaced by a four-quadrant plate. The pyramid had little impact on the average person for the simple reason that people do not think of meals in the form of a pyramid. People also do not think in serving sizes.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN The much-maligned USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) food pyramid has been replaced by a four-quadrant plate. The pyramid had little impact on the average person for the simple reason that people do not think of meals in the form of a pyramid. People also do not think in serving sizes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55398 2011-06-17T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-17T12:00:07-07:00

One of the things that stands out for me in my experience teaching nutrition-related programs to individuals and groups is the underappreciation of the damaging effects saturated fat has in promoting heart and vascular diseases. Key aspects of saturated fat and lipoprotein physiology help clarify the matter, allowing you to share this important message with patients.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS One of the things that stands out for me in my experience teaching nutrition-related programs to individuals and groups is the underappreciation of the damaging effects saturated fat has in promoting heart and vascular diseases. Key aspects of saturated fat and lipoprotein physiology help clarify the matter, allowing you to share this important message with patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55347 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

More than 50 million Americans suffer with chronic pain, accounting for more than 25 million physician visits per year for low back pain alone. The outcome is a nation of people who rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief. Unfortunately, this is associated with various side effects that can be life-threatening for some. The second leading cause of peptic ulcers is the use of NSAIDs. Concerning ulcer-induced mortality, one third of NSAID / aspirin deaths are associated with low-dose aspirin use, presumably to prevent cardiovascular disease.

By David Seaman, DC, MS, DABCN More than 50 million Americans suffer with chronic pain, accounting for more than 25 million physician visits per year for low back pain alone. The outcome is a nation of people who rely on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief. Unfortunately, this is associated with various side effects that can be life-threatening for some. The second leading cause of peptic ulcers is the use of NSAIDs. Concerning ulcer-induced mortality, one third of NSAID / aspirin deaths are associated with low-dose aspirin use, presumably to prevent cardiovascular disease.