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Researching Chiropractic: Raynaud’s Syndrome

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Raynaud's Syndrome

Resolution of Raynaud’s Syndrome

A 29-year-old woman had been suffering from cold, stiff hands with discoloration for the previous 10 years as well as intermittent spinal stiffness.

She had subluxation-based chiropractic care for 11 weeks that added up to 15 visits. Both pre and post x-ray studies were utilized to show correction of abnormal curvature of the spine and pelvis.

After 15 visits, she had significant improved neurological function and symptom relief of Raynaud’s Syndrome.

Do you know someone who always has cold hands and feet? Chiropractic Care could help! Please share this with them.

Researching Chiropractic: Treatment for Ear Infection

Treatment for Ear InfectionHow can Chiropractic care help with the Treatment for Ear Infection?

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Treatment for Ear infection in a 10-year-old

This boy suffered from fluid-filled ears, allergies and sleep disturbances. He was prescribed Flonase® and Zyrtec® for his allergies. His parents brought him in for chiropractic care.

A chiropractic examination found a loss of normal neck curve, sacrum misalignment, and subluxations in the upper back (3rd thoracic or T3), lower (lumbar) spine and the base of the skull.

The child was adjusted at T3. His ear started draining immediately and continued draining for the next two days. After two weeks of care X-rays were retaken and showed restoration of normal neck curve and alignment of the sacrum and pelvis. The child’s otitis media resolved.

Please share this with parents, or anyone else, who suffered from ear infections or ear pain, or have kids that do. Thank you!

The Magic of Retracing

Do you know what Retracing is?retracing

Retracing is a fascinating healing phenomenon that is found in all natural healing arts. It is seen as a person develops increased balance, harmony and strength. It is especially seen in chiropractic. What exactly is it?

Retracing is when old physical injuries, emotional pain, stress and toxins leave the body as it heals. It is a wonderful thing, even though it may feel uncomfortable, because in its wake it leaves a healthier, stronger, cleaner and happier person. The phrase “better out than in” is a good description of retracing.

Sometimes retracing is dramatic

People laugh or cry, feel old aches and pains, relive an accident or trauma or detoxify with diarrhea, vomiting, fever and flu-like symptoms. That is rare, but when it occurs it is often seen in a person with a lot of vitality who has the strength to handle it.

Sometimes retracing is subtle

A person who may feel “no different” after an adjustment and then have powerful dreams that evening is releasing deep emotional stress. Or conversely, they may report better sleep than they had in years. Retracing is a very individual affair.

Don’t let it scare you

Sometimes patients have contemplated leaving care because of it. Don’t! It’s good for you and it means you are on the right path to healing. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms after care please bring it to our attention. Retracing is almost always temporary and you’ll feel much better after it passes.

Have you ever experienced the healing of retracing? Tell us about it!

90% Of Pregnant Women Are Refusing The Flu Shot

A mother’s instinct regarding the Flu shotflu shot

A mother’s instinct is very powerful and that may be why an overwhelming majority of pregnant women are now refusing the flu shot in spite of medical doctors telling them the vaccine is safe for their unborn baby.

A shocking report from the National Coalition of Organized Women (NCOW) presented data from two different sources demonstrating that the 2009/10 H1N1 vaccines contributed to an estimated 1,588 miscarriages and stillbirths. A corrected estimate may be as high as 3,587 cases. (1)

Alessandro Bertoucci, PhD analyzed the practices of 256 physicians treating more than 600,000 patients. He flu shotreported that 91% of pregnant women are declining influenza vaccines due to fears of miscarriage and suspected toxins in the vaccine itself.

What do you think about the Flu Shot?

  1. Dannemann E, King P, Goldman GS. A comparison – probably 2009-A-H1N1-flu-shot-related fetal loss and maternal deaths in pregnant women attributed to unverified H1N1-infection related complication – an upside-down risk benefit reality. National Coalition of Organized Women Report. August 11, 2010.

Chiropractic for Better School Performance

Chiropractors correct abnormalities of the intellect as well as those of the body.

D.D Palmer, Discover of Chiropractic

Could Your Student Benefit From Chiropractic Care? Chiropractic for Better School Performance

Want to give your child an edge in his or her studies for their academic (and athletic) best? Many parents turn chiropractic for better school performance in their children.

For over a century chiropractic’s beneficial effect on brain and neurological function has helped students improve their school experience.

Science Backs Chiropractic for Better School Performance

Clinical studies and case histories have reported on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for brain function, concentration, balance and coordination. This is especially important information for the millions of children in the US with a neurological and/or learning disorder such as:

  • dyslexia
  • ADD (attention deficit disorder) Chiropractic for Better School Performance
  • ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
  • minimal brain damage
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • seizures
  • asthma
  • 0depression
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • bipolar disorder
  • autism
  • Asperger’s syndrome
  • many others

Exactly how does chiropractic improve brain function?

Initial research indicates that blood flow to the brain improves and that chiropractic adjustments decrease inflammation and stress on the nervous system leading to decreased anxiety, improved well-being and improved brain function.  Adjustments appear to balance nerve reflexes in the spinal cord.  Other mechanisms may be involved as well. (1-3)

It is most important that all students get their spines checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic so they may function at their best. Give your child a winning edge – bring them in for a chiropractic checkup. Call and make an appointment today! (517) 627-4547

References

  1. Yates RG, Lamping DL, Abram NL, Wright C. Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety. JMPT. 1988; 1:484-488.
  2. Shambaugh P, Pearlman RC, Hauck K. Changes in brain stem evoked response as a result of chiropractic treatment. In Proceedings of the 1991 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, FCER:227-229.
  3. Kent C. Models of vertebral subluxation: a review. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. 1996;1(1):11-17.

Vacations and Back Pain: NOT FAIR!

Subluxations Don’t Take Vacationsvacations and back pain

A very interesting thing happens on vacations –we may do lots of things that we don’t usually do.   There’s nothing wrong with this at all.  Actually it is a very good thing   In my humble opinion, it is always a good idea to try and play outside of your regular comfort zone even if it is just for a week.

 Vacations and Back Pain: Give me a break!

One of the things we tend to do differently during vacations is that we change our healthy habits… especially eating and drinking.  Before you think that isn’t true for Dr. Ray and myself, I will tell you it is true for us as well. While we made every effort to stay fairly close to our normal eating patterns, and we were blessed with a fabulous Farmers Market in Boyne City where 80% of the offerings were organic, it did not stop us from eating stuff like ice-cream and chips, and maybe more bread than normal.

All things that are more of a chemical stress on the nerve system and could trigger more subluxations.   Given our involvement with our grandchild and all the activities we got involved in, our usual regime was all over the place.  We were blessed tho’, in that we traveled with 3 chiropractors in our group, so we did get checked virtually daily….and that was priceless but not the norm for most people.

Maintain Healthy Habits to Avoid Back Pain on Vacation

Creating health is about eliminating negative values like spinal subluxations, pesticides and toxins, lack of sleep, lethargic lifestyle choices, sugar and artificial sweeteners.  And at the same time making sure positive values such as reducing subluxations, consuming good clean water, getting good fuel into your body and moving your body daily,  are a major emphasis in your life.

The less stress there is on the body, mentally, physically and chemically, the easier it is to express a better quality of life.

Remember no matter how good or bad you feel, subluxations don’t take vacations.

Come to our office and get adjusted BEFORE and AFTER a vacation.

Do Food Dyes Affect Behavior?

 This article is from Wellness Mamafood dyes

Coloring Easter eggs with the smell of vinegar in the air, brightly colored sweetened drinks or candies and neon gelatin jigglers (not even healthy ones)…. Those were my childhood memories involving food dyes, and they were great memories.

Most of those foods bring back memories of special times with family, playing outside with neighbors or visits to my Grandma’s house, but my own children (hopefully) won’t associate these memories with brightly colored foods.

This time of year especially, food dyes are especially popular as millions buy little pellets of artificial dyes to color easter eggs and brightly colored jelly beans, marshmallow chickens and more to adorn Easter baskets.

But should our celebrations include these dyes? Short answer: no. Long answer…

food dyes easter eggs

Rose Colored Glasses – Are Food Dyes Harmless?

When I was younger, I never even thought about questioning the safety of food dyes. I assumed that if food dyes were allowed in foods, they must be safe.

Certainly, the food dyes were not the only problems with many of the foods I used to consume and I cringe when I think about the sugar, artificial sweeteners and chemical additives, but food dyes deserve their own scrutiny, especially since they are added to so many foods that are marketed to children!

When we think about it, it seems logical that consuming candy, drinks, or foods with added petroleum based colorings not found in nature might be problematic, but the problem is just that… often we don’t stop and think about it.

Think artificial dyes are a harmless or a minor ingredient? Consider this…

  • Food companies add more than 15 million pounds of artificial food dyes to foods each year (Over five times the amount added to the food supply when our parents were children)
  • Artificial food dyes have been linked to behavioral problems, various types of cancers and other problems (1)
  • The European Union requires foods with food dyes to come with a warning label and has banned many of the dyes still used in the US
  • Many people come in contact with food dyes without even realizing it in toothpastes, crackers, pickles, yogurt, potato chips, pastas and other foods that would not be obvious sources of dyes

What’s In a Dye?

There are seven artificial food dyes approved for use in foods in the US. The most commonly used dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which make up 90%+ of the market.

These dyes are created synthetically in several ways. Some dyes are created by burning coal tar and others are derived from petroleum byproducts like tartrazine and erythrosine.

These artificial dyes are added to foods to enhance their color and make them more “kid friendly” but they are nutritionally void and potentially harmful. Many food dyes have already been banned by the FDA after research found that they caused substantial health problems (from minor illness to cancer) and surprisingly little research has been done to prove that the remaining seven dyes are safe.

Seeing Red: Artificial Food Dyes and Behavior?

In the EU, foods containing artificial food dyes are required to carry a warning that:

Consumption may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Those same foods are routinely marketed to children in the US without any such warning. The FDA currently holds the position that they have not found any conclusive evidence that food dyes cause behavior problems in children but that some children who are susceptible will notice increased symptoms of ADHD from consumption of food dyes:

Exposure to food and food components, including artificial food colors and preservatives, may be associated with adverse behaviors, not necessarily related to hyperactivity, in certain susceptible children with ADHD and other problem behaviors, and possibly in susceptible children from the general population.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released a 68-page report detailing the potential of artificial food dyes to contribute to hyperactivity in children, increase cancer risk and lead to other health problems.

Research suggests that some children may be susceptible to even tiny amounts of artificial dyes but that a significant number of children were affected by amounts over 35 mg per day. Recent research from Purdue University showed the amount of dyes in common foods was much higher than expected and that one bowl of brightly colored cereal or some candy and macaroni and cheese was enough to break the 35mg threshold.

In fact, it was estimated that many children are consuming 3-4 times the 35mg amount per day.

The research on artificial dyes and behavior is still developing, but the personal experience of many moms is astounding. I have friends who noticed a drastic difference in their children’s personalities after removing dyes and who can immediately tell if their children have consumed a food with dyes by the drastic behavior change.

Again- these cases are not scientific research, but for parents of children struggling with hyperactivity, dietary changes might be worth a try.

Feingold Diet and Elimination Diets

Dr. Benjamin Feingold first published a book called “Why Your Child is Hyperactive” in the 1970s. A pediatrician and allergist, Feingold suggested that certain food additives, including artificial dyes, contributed to hyperactivity and symptoms of ADD or ADHD in children.

His book detailed his protocol for reducing these problems in a two-stage approach:

  1. The first stage removes food additives including dyes and salicylate compounds found in some natural foods, as well as chemicals in personal care products and cleaning products. Natural foods containing salicylates include: “Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Berries, Cherries, Cloves, Coffee, Cucumbers, Currants, Grapes, Nectarines, Oranges, Peaches, Peppers (bell & chilli), Pickles, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Rose hips, Tangelos, Tangerines, Tea, Tomatoes.”
  2. Stage 2 helps identify which of the salicylate compounds are not tolerated and develop a long-term plan

The Feingold protocol is still popular today and many moms use this program to help determine if food additives are causing problems for their children. A modified approach to this diet seems more popular in online support groups for moms of children with hyperactivity or allergies. In most cases, it seems that parents notice a benefit to their children from removing artificial dyes, MSG, and excess sugar.

To Dye For: The Bottom Line

Artificial food dyes do nothing to improve the nutritional value of food but simply enhance the color, making processed foods more attractive, especially to children.

While these chemical dyes are still legal for use in the US, they have been banned or carry warning labels in the EU and other countries. The same food companies that sell foods with artificial dyes in the US produce naturally colored versions to sell in other countries, proving that it IS possible to create even their processed foods without the artificial dyes.

Most foods that contain artificial dyes are highly processed anyway and are wise to avoid, but food dyes can be added to unexpected foods like pickles, fresh oranges, meats, yogurts, crackers, canned fruits and much more.

Since these artificial dyes don’t add anything beneficial to foods and are most often found in highly processed foods, nothing is lost by avoiding them. Don’t wait for regulation or warnings, just ditch these foods now.

What to do?

Artificial food dyes are just one item on an ever-growing list of reasons to avoid processed foods. Unfortunately, food dyes can be sneaky so avoiding them can take some effort. Here are some tips:

  • Buy organic– dyes can be hidden in produce, meats, pickles, salad dressings and other foods. Buy organic whenever possible and read labels.
  • Stick to real foods in whole form– A head of broccoli or bunch of spinach is much less likely to contain food dyes than any food that comes in a box or bag.
  • Check Personal Care Products– Many toothpastes, mouthwashes, shampoos and makeups contain artificial dyes as well. Though these are not being ingested, research indicates that they can be absorbed by the body and evidence is lacking on skin safety for these dyes.
  • Use Natural Alternatives– For common artificial food dye containing recipes that you make at home, consider using a naturally derived dye

Do you have any experience with artificial food dyes? Do you let your children consume these foods?

Share your experiences in the comments below.

Diet Drinks, Stroke and Alzheimer’s

Avoid Eating and Drinking Things that Lead to Stroke and Alzheimer’s

So many things we were told were good for us turned out to be bad for us. People thought margarine was better than butter – now they know margarine causes heart disease.

People thought canola oil was a healthy oil but now we know it’s related to heart inflammation. We thought vegetable oils were better than animal fats but later the reverse was discovered.

Diet Soda is NOT GOOD FOR YOUdiet soda causes alzheimer's

So, here’s another thing we thought was good (or at least better) but is actually worse for us: diet soda.

Rather than keeping you slim it was found that diet drinks make you fat; the chemical that makes them sweet makes you crave carbohydrates. But the commercials show thin people drinking diet soda (the power of marketing).

One Diet Soda a Day Triples Your Risk

And now it gets worse. A new study reveals that artificially sweetened soft drinks are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s. In fact, even drinking just one artificially sweetened diet Coke or Pepsi a day was associated with a three times greater risk of later developing dementia and stroke.

The researchers found that people who drank a diet soda daily were three times more likely to develop a stroke caused by a blockage of blood vessels and 2.9 times more likely to develop dementia than those who drank an artificially sweetened soda less than once a week. (1)

As the old saying goes, “If your grandparents, or great grandparents didn’t have it, then don’t eat, drink, wash with or breathe it.

  1. Sacco R, Himali JJ, Beiser AS et al. Diet drinks and possible association with stroke and dementia; current science suggests need for more research. American Heart Association Stroke Journal Report. April 20, 2017.

What’s so bad about spinal back surgery?

Spinal back surgery, also referred to as spinal fusion, is used to relieve back pain. Surgeons fuse the bones together in an operation that can last up to four hours.

The Dangers of Back Surgery back surgery

Spinal surgery is very dangerous, it can cause blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs. It can also cause:

  • infection
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • damage to your spinal nerves
  • pain
  • loss of sensation
  • weakness
  • trigger more problems later on

But what’s even worse is that back surgery rarely cures chronic back pain. (1)

Chiropractic should be explored before anyone considers back surgery.

A NOTE FROM DR. C

Statistically the odds of a repeat surgery goes up as structures that are somewhat mobile become fixated after surgery, and areas above and below have to take up the slack…look at Tiger Woods…he has just had his fourth back surgery!!!

Resource:

  1. Whoriskey P, Keating D. Spinal fusions serve as case study for debate over when certain surgeries are necessary. Washington Post. October 27, 2013.

GREEN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

KEEP EARTH DAY ALIVE ALL YEAR ROUND

While Earth Day in our rear view mirrors, this is the time to embrace more sustainable habits. Here are a few tips to help you develop an efficient, organic and sustainable routine in your own home this spring while using Green Household Cleaners.

Use environmentally friendly, organic cleaning products

Your staple cleaning spray might do the job, but the truth is it could contain harsh, toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment. When buying cleaning products, look at the label to find the words natural or nontoxic on the bottle. If you need some guidance, check the Green Pages to find out what products are available in your area.

Make your own Green Household Cleanersgreen household cleaners

Sometimes money can be a concern, but luckily you can make your own cleaners at home.

For an easy and effective spray cleaner, combine water and 1 tsp of borax into a spray bottle and shake until the borax is dissolved. Then add 2 tbsp of vinegar and shake again. Last, add ¼ of a cup of soap and oils.

This can easily replace your all-purpose cleaner. If you are not ready to let go of your bleach, substitute hydrogen-peroxide-based bleach for weekly laundry instead of using harsh chlorine bleach. Hydrogen peroxide effectively kills mold and mildew, yet it has the power to sanitize and remove stains.

Upcyclinggreen household cleaners

Upcycling is a great way to re-purpose or resell worn, used items in your home. Whether you are radiating with creative skills, or not, simply adding a fresh coat of paint to that old chair sitting in your basement or using old mason jars to sort household items can be an easy way to reduce waste.

To give you some inspiration, break into some acrylic paint and spruce up some empty coffee grounds canisters, such as Folgers, and reuse them for baking product holders like sugar or flour.

If you are ready for a larger project, you can re-purpose old furniture into something new.

Plant a Gardengreen household cleaners

Instead of buying produce and herbs from a store, plant your own garden. Reduce the amount of product and money wasted weekly. It’s as simple as deciding what you use weekly, and then find a place indoors or outdoors to plant your own garden—whether big or small. If you have limited space, use shelves or planters to grow fresh herbs or vegetables like carrots or radishes, add some sunlight, fertilizer and water. Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but plants like ferns naturally freshen the air in your home.

Compostgreen household cleaners

Start composting your leftover food. It’s true. The EPA says food and yard waste currently make up about 20 to 30 percent of U.S. trash, as daily waste hits an average of 1.3 pounds of food. Composting keeps this waste out of landfills and reduces methane, a greenhouse gas. It can enrich soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint, remember composting requires three basic ingredients: browns, greens and water. Browns include materials such as dead leaves, branches and twigs. Greens can be grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps and even coffee grounds .In addition to these materials, eggshells, newspaper shreds, sawdust, hair, lint, hay and other materials are compostable items. Do not compost pet waste, meat or fish bones, dairy products or fat and oils.

Reduce Paper Wastegreen household cleaners

Say goodbye to paper towels! Right now, more than 199 tons of paper has been produced, while paper accounts for 25 percent of landfill waste and 33 percent of municipal waste. However, one tree alone provides enough oxygen daily for three people. While spring cleaning, you might go through a whole roll of paper towel. Save money and reduce paper waste by ditching paper towels and using washable cloths, which are available in fabrics from cotton to microfiber. If you have any old T-shirts or rags lying around the house, these are perfect for spring cleaning and washing for reuse.

Embrace a few sustainable habits this spring and remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to living “green.”