Pain and Inflammation—The Dietary Connection

Our bodies use the food we eat to maintain bones and muscles and also to produce chemical messengers that
affect how we function.  A diet rich in highly processed foods, especially sugars, can cause an increase in the
amount of chemicals associated with inflammation in the body.  When these chemicals are found in higher
levels we experience increased pain sensations including but not limited to muscle aches, spasms and joint stiffness.

A higher level of inflammation in the body, besides causing pain, can lead to serious problems in the future.
Research studies showed a link between high levels of inflammation and the possibility of developing heart disease. 

(http://www.americanheart.org).

Foods like leafy green vegetables, and cold water fish such as salmon help to reduce inflammation.  Limiting consumption of refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, sugary snacks and white rice can help to decrease pain.  The use of certain supplements like essential fatty acids, ginger or digestive enzymes may be helpful in reducing inflammation.

It is very important to read labels on foods.  Highly processed foods contain more of the inflammation-causing substances.   Did you know that high fructose corn syrup is often used instead of sugar and it has the same effect of increasing inflammation?  Another confusing fact is that a box or can of food often contains more than one serving.  The nutritional information is only given per serving so the amount of fats and sugars may appear lower than the content of the box or can.   A bagel from a typical bagel shop is 3 - 4 servings of bread!  The Department of Agriculture has some useful information about serving sizes:

http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/Pubs/
Brochures/HowMuchAreYouEating.pdf

A good way to assess your diet is to keep a diet diary listing everything you eat and drink for 1-2 weeks.   Once you have gathered the listing, see how many sugars and starches you are eating.  Large numbers of those items can actually be a cause of bodily pain but you can improve how you feel by following the nutritional guidelines.

 

Flu Season Is Coming—Are You Ready?

The 1917-18 influenza outbreak was devastating to the American population with an estimated 20 million deaths throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licensure in many states.

In Davenport, Iowa, -- a loss of one patient out of every 15 was reported under medical care . Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths -- one out of 866.  Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25.

Research shows the relationship between chiropractic care and the immune system.  One such study, conducted by Patricia Brennan Ph.D and her team, found that when a chiropractic “manipulation” was applied to the middle back, the immune activity of white blood cells taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the adjustment was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before the chiropractic procedure.

A current prevention strategy being proposed for flu infection is the flu vaccine.  Flu vaccines contain toxic compounds such as mercury and aluminum.  These compounds are added to preserve the vaccine and to provoke a strong immune reaction.  Mercury and aluminum are associated with dementia. A leading immunogeneticist stated that after 5 consecutive shots an individual’s chance of developing Alzheimer’s is 10 times greater.  The flu vaccine does not completely prevent flu infections since it is not possible to know for sure which strains to include in the vaccine.   Furthermore, mutations in the virus may significantly decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.

A more natural approach including chiropractic care, proper rest, nutrition and hygiene have much fewer risks in flu prevention.  Indeed, simple handwashing can make a big difference in the spread of infection.  

Find out how we can help you have a healthy winter season!