How's Your CoQ10 Level?

With a fairly regular patient presentation of hypertonic or even spasmodic muscles due to Statin prescription ingestion, it is paramount to consider the cardiac implications that can manifest without the complement of CoQ10. 
So often, we take a prescription, entrusting the often good intentioned internist or cardiologist with the intended benefit of reducing our elevated cholesterol levels, only to experience spastic side effects or worse. The link to the article listed below is a must read if you are candidate for cardiac risk factors, with heredity and lifestyle heading the concern. While diet and exercise can prove to be extremely beneficial behavior modifications, there are times when additional measures must be employed. 
Personally, my elevation in cholesterol (240 total) at age 35 got my attention quickly! I stopped consuming half a brick of cheese in one sitting, avoided ice cream as a go-to desert, and kicked my cardio into a higher gear. I dropped to 179 in one month. If I recall correctly, I believe that I added a tablespoon or two of lecithin granules to my regimen as well. If my numbers elevate with age, I will add a form of CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) to my routine. Red Yeast Rice is another helpful natural remedy for a number of individuals. Always keep your internist and or cardiologist in the loop and COMMUNICATE with any changes you consider! My intention is not to turn you into a maverick and have you abandon your medical team; I just believe that the best informed make the best choices!
Please pay attention to your refined carbohydrate intake! You may not burn off all the calories that you take in, resulting in the remainder being stored. You will not burn fat calories if you keep taking in all the carbs, because your body utilizes carbs before fat. So, please view the article from the below link. Please call upon us at the office if we can assist you in your health needs. 
http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/883.cfm 
Remember to warm yourself up when beginning your spring cleaning or yard work and wear an elastic back brace while engaging in heavier work until your muscles get acclimated after sitting around this winter; our website has exercises to assist you in your flexibility!
Disclaimer This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility. All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

THE MAGNIFICENT HUMAN BODY!

Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The human body is made up of approximately 11 trillion cells, with each interconnected and intimately coordinated like a professional symphony. The central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain, brain stem and spinal cord, is connected to the peripheral nervous system, which include the spinal and peripheral nerves and control our movement and body functions.

Our skull protects our brain and most of the brain stem and our spine protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The spine is is made up of segments of bone called vertebrae, seven in the neck, twelve in the middle back that attach to the ribs and five in the lower back that are just above the pelvis, that include the sacroiliac joints.

The vertebrae and sacroiliac joints are separated by small cushions of cartilage called discs, which contain a jelly-like center called the nucleus and are surrounded by a fibrous structure called the annulus. The disc combines protein with approximately 80% water, giving it an elastic quality and provides for good shock absorption. Together, the bony structures and disc pads are positioned so that the spinal nerves can extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, whether it be to he skin, muscle, digestive system or any other tissue. The muscles that become connected during embryonic development make movement, posture and body heat production possible.

Now, when the nerves become compromised or entrapped due to vertebrae misalignment, impingement from muscle spasming, adhesions/scar tissue or inflammation, the organs and tissues "downstream" will be affected. The nerves are still connected to their designed tissues, however, the quality of the nerve transmission will be either slowed down or ramped up. So, one might experience a very angry sciatic nerve or shoulder pain, or a bladder that is overactive. The analogy of a dimmer switch is applicable in that if you turn it on midway to start, turning it up or down will produce an increase or decrease in the intensity of the light. So, our muscles and other organs still receive the nerve impulses, but altered ones, that may influence the less than happy you!


Now, what are the "takeaways"?


1. Altered nerve transmission may lead to restricted spinal and other joint area motion!

2. Shortened muscle tissue (from over-stimulated nerve transmission) may lead to decreased strength and flexibility, as well as scar tissue development (due to decreased circulation from squeezing on blood vessels)

3. Numbness or tingling may develop in the areas where the nerves travel.

4. Swelling or inflammation may occur in the disc, joints or surrounding soft tissue structures.

5. Degenerative joint disease may occur or be accelerated in the affected areas as bone spur formation.

Our care is designed to assess for preventative care as well as for acute injuries and chronic recurrent pain, utilizing chiropractic adjustments to the involved spinal and extremity points for increased mobility, soft tissue mobilization via FDM and ART to break down scar tissue that can cause nerve impingement, cold laser therapy for inflammation control, electric stimulation for balancing (modulating) the nerve impulses to the involved musculature, including to specific acupuncture points and direction for home care.

As January is typically a month when gyms and health clubs are inundated with an onslaught of post-holiday enthusiasts, February starts off strong, only to see interest wane because of time and cost. Try to be consistent and treat your health as a lifestyle rather than a binge, even if you work out a routine at home. Just be sure that you have the proper guidance in exercising properly.

So, if we can be of help, please give our office a call. We are thankful for the trust that Atlanta to Lake Oconee area residents have had in us for the past 35 years!


Resource: Guyton's Basic Human Physiology; W.B. Saunders Company, 1977

Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.
All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Coming To a Company Near You!

So, here we are, January 2016, hopefully, "Stick a fork in me!" is not your remorseful cry! Thank goodness for the soups and salads planned for the next month!


With the new year individual plans and resolutions, there are inevitably small to medium company concerns for cost containment and increased productivity, while keeping their employees healthy. Considering that, I have sensed a need to address what is becoming more than just an eyebrow raising national interest, that is, on-site soft tissue chiropractic care. The short sessions, without travel time (consider the increasing traffic), missing no more than 15 minutes of work, lessened stress with not having to make those off-site visits, as well as a sense of being "cared for" by the company all make for a happier and more productive employee. Periodic safety meetings with promoting a better understanding of the body as well as preventing injuries augment quality, precise treatment.


Benefits to company (and employee) from on-site care:


· Reduction in health care/worker's compensation costs


· Reduction of recordable injury rates


· Reduction in short term disability


· Reduction in employee turnover


· Lower utilization of radiology services


· Lower utilization of outpatient and emergency services


· Safety education meetings


What is the nature of ailments addressed?


We see a number of conditions caused by repetitive strain, auto and work injuries as well as sports injuries. Headaches, jaw pain (TMJ), neck pain, shoulder pain (rotator cuff), elbow pain (golf and tennis), back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, ankle and foot pain, including plantar fasciitis are all presented in any given arena. These conditions, while possibly work related through repeated strains, may in fact be initiated by digging up the garden, playing a sport, sitting at the computer over the majority of a long weekend or splitting two cords of firewood recently, but, actually triggered by an inadvertent move at work, even before lifting that bucket or bundle of whatever. The nice advantage of on-site care is that it doesn't matter what the cause was (the employee is highly unlikely to confess their off site happenings!) What will be treated is typically considered "first-aid" and care would be rendered with scheduling employees at 15 minute intervals, with only a one hour minimum commitment on a given day by the company. Companies appear to like this arrangement because it allows them the ability to give this a "trial run" without concern.


So, how is treatment rendered?


1. Each individual is asked to fill out a health questionnaire (prior or on-line).


2. The area is addressed by "OSHA considered" first aid soft tissue treatment [OSHA: 1904.7 (b) (5) (ii) (M)] via Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique (GT) to reduce or resolve soft tissue distortions, increase range of motion, break up adhesions, release nerve entrapments and reduce pain.


3. These treatments are delivered one to six times on average before being dismissed to maintenance care, as needed. More involved care, if determined necessary, (cold laser, electro stimulation and spinal adjustments) may be directed to our office.


4. Activity over being sedentary is encouraged in most instances, so returning to work immediately is best ("motion is lotion" to joints, in particular).


5. Proper stretching and exercise recommendations given.


The prudent companies of the future will be proactive in preventative care, as well as treating an employee as if they are in fact, more than just a number.


The essential takeaway is that early and preventative therapy to the muscles, tendons and ligaments can keep tissues more pliable and thus, more forgiving to potential injurious activity.


If you have an interest in taking a step in this direction for your company, or if you think that your employer/ HR person might like more information, or a no-risk consultation, please contact my office. My Linked-In profile will provide a bit more on my background.


Please refer to Foundation for Chiropractic Progress report: http://www.f4cp.com/files/industry-news/f4cp-onsite-clinics.pdf

Infiammazione

Image courtesy of pinkomelet at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sounds like the name of an exotic appetizer at an exclusive Italian restaurant, but in fact, is the word for inflammation: noun; "A localized (or systemic) physical condition, in which part of the body (or whole) becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection." With respect to this aggravating malady and the numerous questions I receive concerning inflammation, possibly some of this discussion will provide some semblance of relief. 

The American diet (particularly what is in the food we consume),the physical activities (the work we strain with, and usually the ones that should be avoided or at the least, modified), and the emotional (all the things we worry about, many of which we either repeatedly get ourselves into, or will be no better from our extra "concern"), are all stresses that overload our bodies and weaken our defense systems and, at the least, add misery to our lives; (my expensive prep school training obviously did nothing to help me avoid the dreaded run-on sentence!). In short, we are most often our worst enemies because of ignorance, laziness or stubbornness ! 

Somewhere, in the archive of articles I've shared, I know that I've addressed the spice tumeric, but with the advent of all the approaching holiday gatherings, along with the diversion from our normally healthy diets :), and increased anxiety, not to mention the awful "onset of maturity", I thought it would be appropriate to re-emphasize what we can do to help when we (over) indulge in less than healthy choices. At our house, much of the now proclaimed "poison" cured meats like Soprasata, prosciutto and capacola are given a free pass to enter in, dwell and be consumed in unusual copious amounts in November and December. Also, the presumable decrease in exercise added to the year-end deadlines and "must do" list will inevitably lead to a more symptomatic expressive you! 

Tumeric, while used predominantly as a culinary spice, has been used in India as a disinfectant, and for treatment for laryngitis, bronchitis and diabetes. Tumeric is derived from the rhizomes, which are the underground stems, of the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. Curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is the most active constituent of tumeric.  

Other studies of turmeric and curcumin have shown the following benefits:

• Turmeric extract worked as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in a study published in the August 2009 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
• Laboratory studies suggest that curcumin acts as a weak phytoestrogen and seems to have cancer protective effects.
• Lab studies have also shown that curcumin induces programmed death of colon cancer cells, and clinical trials are investigating the use of curcumin in treatment of colon cancer.
• Curcumin suppresses microinflammation in the GI tract associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

**Don't use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Pregnant women shouldn't use it without their doctors' approval. In rare cases, extended use can cause stomach upset or heartburn. (Note that piperine can slow the elimination of some prescription drugs including phenytoin [Dilantin], propranolol [Inderal], and theophylline. Some evidence also suggests that curcumin can interfere with a chemotherapy agent used to treat breast cancer, so if you're being treated for this disease, be sure to discuss the advisability of taking curcumin with your physician.**

So, if you follow any of the advertisements from the plethora of vitamin supplement companies, you may notice that there is now a "more absorbable" form of curcumin being marketed and is supposedly superior to the "regular" curcumin that is less absorbable. The difference, however, does not imply that the regular version is more superior. 

If the intended goal is to reduce inflammation in the gut (digestive tract), the less absorbable form seems to work more beneficially. If however the target is the peripheral areas of the body (muscles and other soft tissues), the highly absorbable (and more expensive) type is looking like the best choice. There also seems to be some evidence that 81mg of aspirin (baby aspirin) taken with this version of curcumin may increase the effectiveness by as much as ten times! But again, run this by your primary care doctor to make sure that there are no contraindications with your current meds or health history that you may have forgotten about. The long term combination may not be in your best interest, but in my professional opinion, if you are a senior citizen with a greatly reduced quality of life and nothing from a traditional regimen of medication has helped, natural alternative choices may be worth the try.

So, what else can help with the pain due to inflammation that you experience on a regular or constant basis?

Anti-inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is the one of the best ways to reduce unhealthy, painful inflammation in the body. When you follow a diet based on eating lots of fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans, and healthy oils like olive and coconut oils you’ll not only reduce inflammation in the body, but this can also lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. Regularly checking your urine pH with test strips that you can purchase at your pharmacy or online will help you stay in the "zone" of 7.0-7.5, (this needs to be carried out first thing in the morning and after at least a 3 hour period from anything but water). 

Ginger

Adding this little root to your daily diet can really help to not just fight nausea but also ward off inflammation. Ginger has been a common staple in Asian, Indian, and Arabic healing therapies to treat inflammation associated with arthritis and ulcerative colitis for years. You can take ginger in it’s whole form in smoothies or soups, capsule form, or as a tea. Life Extension mail order vitamins carry a Curcumin+Ginger product that reportedly is most reasonably available through Amazon. I do like this combination.

MSM

This compound with the official name methyl sulfonyl methane combats inflammation with sulfur. Found naturally in cow’s milk, fruits and veggies, as well as meat and seafood, MSM works by adding sulfur to the body which in turn strengthens vital collagen. MSM is available in tablets, capsules, and creams for topical application.

Bromelain

One of the most commonly sold German supplements, this enzyme found in pineapples is often used to treat inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. It is sold in tablet form and also at the grocery store as a meat tenderizer. The version that has an "enteric coating" will enable it to get out of your stomach and into your small intestine, where optimal absorption will occur.

Wobenzym N

This is a commonly used over-the-counter all natural supplement effective in treating inflammation and related conditions. This powerful combination of plant enzymes, antioxidants, and pancreatic enzymes encourages and supports the body’s own inflammation response.

Thus, if you are taking or thinking about taking large doses of aspirin, tylenol or Ibuprofen on a regular basis I hope you’ve now thought again. The side effects of the mainstream over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication consumption far outweigh the benefits. Consider any one of these all natural therapies after, again, consulting with your health care practitioner to avoid possible drug interactions. Remember, however, that many of the natural remedies (just like medications) are not similarly effective to each person.  

So, bring on the holidays! Try to be sensible, find some time to walk ("motion is lotion" for your joints) and find some quiet time to provide some solace from the stresses of the day, even if for 10 minutes (you can possibly find additional time to steal for this as you see the added benefit). AND HYDRATE with mostly water, putting some sliced cucumber in your bottle to alkalize your body and decrease inflammation. Just maybe you can digest some of this material to add some comfort and even relief to your body's misery. 

AND, if you enjoy reading these articles, please "share" with your friends and "Like" us on your Facebook page. Many thanks!!

If our office can be of service to you for your musculo-skeletal and injury health needs, please call us!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Garlic

Ahh, I can still recall my childhood experience of coming into the house with the aroma of garlic sautéing with some onions in a shallow bath of extra virgin olive oil! It was the base for so many of the dishes being prepared, so, it was commonplace, but never disappointing, whether a red or white sauce was on the evening's menu. Meatballs and Italian sausage, braciola, the white clam sauce; I can sense the Pavlovian effect working right now! Garlic has always been a staple in our household, even today, and the suggested health benefits have been growing.

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years; in addition, it has been believed to ward off evil spirits, and at one time was exchanged as a valuable form of currency.  Hippocrates used garlic to heal many different kinds of infections.  In fact, garlic is often used to kill parasites and pathogenic microbes. 

According to the Journal of National Medical Association (JNMA) study, it is reported that garlic contains thirty-three sulfur compounds, all of the essential amino acids, all major minerals, several trace minerals, and Vitamin A, B, and C.  What makes garlic effective treatment against herpes is allicin-ajoene. 

In 1985, the medical journal, Planta Medica, reported positive results using garlic for treatment of herpes simplex.  The study proved the anti-viral properties of garlic and its success in killing the herpes simplex virus.  

In 1988, researchers studied garlic’s medicinal value and reported that it plays an “invaluable role” in prevention and treatment for major causes of death.  The JNMA reported that researchers considered it to be a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immune booster. 

Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with wide-ranging health benefits including usage in treating infections, reducing blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol.

Some believe that garlic can help prevent colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, although very few studies or research has been conducted into garlic health benefits in treating various cancers.

Like many natural cures, it can be difficult to untangle the real health benefits of garlic from the fiction that is often conjured up to sell products such as garlic pills, tablets, and supplements. Study after study has shown that garlic is most effective when eaten fresh and shortly after being crushed, minced, sliced, or chopped.

The vast majority of pills and tablets have no real effectiveness as allicin, the active ingredient in behind most garlic health benefits– peaks quickly after a fresh clove is prepared and disappears over time.

Other garlic health benefits center around its antimicrobial properties, with garlic showing promise as a treatment for staph and MRSA infections. Studies have been limited but garlic has shown effectiveness against more than 30 strains of MRSAs, including many that now resistant to other chemical agents and treatments. A clove a day should be sufficient and garlic can be eaten raw, sliced up into a salad, or very lightly sautéed, although baked garlic and roasted garlic recipes will have little health impact since the cloves aren’t chopped or crushed. Porcelain varieties are highest in allicin content so look for varieties such as Romanian Red, Georgian Crystal, Music and Northern White if you want to max out allicin consumption in your garlic.

If you do decide to use a garlic pill or supplement, do your homework to ensure that the product you’re buying is prepared using a process that preserves the allicin in active form. Many supplements don’t, rendering the pill or extract useless from the perspective of someone looking to explore garlic health benefits.

So, while the local rain has dampened the outdoor plans for today, it might be a perfect time to prepare that delicious meal that may not only bring a smile to your olfactory and taste senses, but, may give you a health boost as well! 

Call us for your musculo-skeletal  needs from injury, repetitive strain or sedentary-itis (pain from inactivity and poor posturing). Our mission is to treat your cause of pain and to guide you in prevention. Also, please "Like" us on Facebook!

Image courtesy of SOMMAI at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Disclaimer 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Magnesium

Image courtesy of Tuomas_Lehtinen at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I was recently reminded of a dietary deficiency that has occasionally echoed loudly in the form of back and leg cramping. Now, I have had a history of producing and painfully passing three 5mm-10mm kidney stones that one could no doubt hear my wailing clear up to New Jersey! I have since learned that I have fared much better with more adequate hydration, Bragg's apple cider vinegar, lemon juice in my water and, the additional supplementation of magnesium. The added benefit for me was that my leg cramping at night has essentially disappeared, aside from a few days of negligence in these habits. Inadequate hydration and magnesium intake are not strangers to me only, but for many of my patients as well. The results from this awareness has been dramatic! As I started to put together an article this month, I came upon an old issue in my "reading room" and decided that the information on magnesium could not be better stated, thus, I am sharing it with you. There are different forms of magnesium; the glycinate and orotate  forms have different absorption, bioavailability and therapeutic values. Magnesium oxide, and to a lesser extent, citrate, can have a laxative effect, so, are not absorbed as well. 

Early symptoms:

• Anorexia
• Apathy
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Muscle twitching
• Poor memory
• Reduced ability to learn

Moderate deficiency symptoms:

• Heart (cardiovascular) changes
• Rapid heartbeat

Severe deficiency:

• Continued muscle contraction
• Delirium
• Numbness
• Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
• Tingling

According to the U.S Library of Medicine, the RDA is 310-320mg for adult females and 400-420mg for adult males. Food sources are:

• Fruits or vegetables (such as bananas, dried apricots, and avocados)
• Nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
• Peas and beans (legumes), seeds
• Soy products (such as soy flour and tofu)
• Whole grains (such as brown rice and millet)

The problem is making sure one gets an ample supply of these foods; therefore, supplementation is much more convenient.

I hope that this information helps even one person!

http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/12/magnesium-the-missing-link-to-a-healthy-heart/page-01

Disclaimer
 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

How to Treat High Blood Pressure with Diet

Photo courtesy of patrisyu at freedigitalphotos.net

Do you struggle with elevated blood pressure? I have flirted with it during periods of reckless eating, ignoring proper hydration and being too busy to exercise. Generally, however, I keep mine in the normal range and, after coming across this video, thought that it would be a good one to share. We will all have those weeks when stress, poor diet and non-existent exercise will pervade into our schedules, but, if we can remember to keep healthy goals during the better part of our lives, we will not only be healthier, but have a better quality of life.

Please watch the video link below when you have 5 minutes. 

Also, remember that when your body is under duress from physical, chemical or emotional stresses, your musculoskeletal system may need some "tuning up". Have a blessed month and call us if you need help!

Dr. Serra