My Blog

Cravings...What your Body Really Wants

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 11:43:49 -0600

Via Naturopathyworks.com

If you crave this…
What you really need is…
And here are healthy foods that have it:

Chocolate
Magnesium
Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits

Sweets
Chromium
Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calves liver, chicken
Carbon
Fresh fruits
Phosphorus
Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
Sulfur
Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
Tryptophan
Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach

Bread, toast
Nitrogen
High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans

Oily snacks, fatty foods
Calcium
Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame

Coffee or tea
Phosphorous
Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
Sulfur
Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetables
NaCl (salt)
Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
Iron
Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries

Soda and other carbonated drinks
Calcium
Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame

Alcohol, recreational drugs
Protein
Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
Avenin
Granola, oatmeal
Calcium
Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Glutamine
Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
Potassium
Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens

Salty foods
Chloride
Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt

Preference for liquids rather than solids
Water
Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.

Preference for solids rather than liquids
Water
You have been so dehydrated for so long that you have lost your thirst. Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.

Pre-menstrual cravings
Zinc
Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables

General overeating (Hot Flashes)
Silicon
Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Tryptophan
Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Tyrosine
Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables

Lack of appetite
Vitamin B1
Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
Vitamin B3
Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
Manganese
Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
Chloride
Raw goat milk, unrefined sea salt

Tobacco
Silicon
Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
Tyrosine
Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

The Power of Vitamin D

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 15:43:19 -0600

With the coming of the winter and the decrease in sunlight, there is no better time than now to talk about the importance of Vitamin D.

First, I should let you know about the “nerdy” science information:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also known as calcidiol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], also known as calcitriol [2].

So, with all the heavy science out of the way the important thing to know is vitamin D is essential to ensure calcium absorption in the gut to maintain adequate blood calcium levels and enable normal mineralization of bone. In addition to bone health current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more [3]. Lastly with the flu season upon us, R Edgar Hope Simpson, who became famous in the late 1960s after he discovered the cause of shingles, proposed that a principal cause of seasonal influenza is linked with the deficiency of solar radiation which triggers the production of vitamin D in the skin [1]. The vitamin D promotes the immune response to fight of the flu.

Now you know the importance of vitamin D the next phase is where to get it and how much to take. Adequate Intake levels have been established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Recommendations are: 5 micrograms (200 IU or International Units) daily for all individuals (males, female, pregnant/lactating women) under the age of 50 years-old. For all individuals from 50-70 years-old, 10 micrograms daily (400 IU) is recommended. For those who are over 70 years-old, 15 micrograms daily (600 IU) is suggested. Some authors have questioned whether the current recommended adequate levels are sufficient to meet physiological needs, particularly for individuals deprived of regular sun exposure. The upper limit for vitamin D has been recommended as 2,000 IU daily due to toxicities that can occur when taken in higher doses [4]. However the skin produces approximately 10,000 IU vitamin D in response 20–30 minutes summer sun exposure—50 times more than the US government's recommendation of 200 IU per day!

Below I have a list of the most Vitamin D rich foods provided by the National Institute for Health (NIH). The most important thing I want to point out is where milk lands in the list. In a future blog I will be detailing the many misconceptions about Milk and why it is not as healthy as you may have been taught. As with calcium, though high in Vit. D, it is not the best source for Vit. D and calcium. Look for that in future posts and feel free to call or email with any questions. Thanks again for reading and take care.

Food IUs per serving* Percent Daily Value**[2]
Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon
1,360 340
Mushrooms, enriched with vitamin D, 3 ounces
400 100
Salmon, cooked, 3.5 ounces
360 90
Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 ounces
345 86
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1.75 ounces
250 63
Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces
200 50
Orange juice fortified with vitamin D, 1 cup (check product labels, as amount of added vitamin D varies)
142 36
Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified, 1 cup
98 25
Yogurt, fortified with 20% of the DV for vitamin D, 6 ounces (more heavily fortified yogurts provide more of the DV)
80 20
Margarine, fortified, 1 tablespoon
60 15
Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, 0.75-1 cup (more heavily fortified cereals might provide more of the DV)
40 10
Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is found in yolk)
20 5
Liver, beef, cooked, 3.5 ounces
15 4
Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce
12

References:
1. http://www.independent.ie/health/vitamin-d-might-lessen-your-flu-risk-1924363.html
2. http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp
3. http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
4. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind
5. http://children.webmd.com/news/20091026/u-s-kids-may-need-more-vitamin-d
6. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/337/10/670

The Winning Edge

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 08:51:21 -0600

My blog today is not actually my blog but rather a research paper done by Keith Wassung an exercise physiologist who researched the benefits of chiropractic for athletic performance. Whether you are young or old an olympic athlete or a regular joe chiropractic can help you not only feel better but perform better.

Athletic Performance & Chiropractic
By Keith W. Wassung     Athletes have been benefiting from Chiropractic care for many years; however, it has only recently been receiving attention from the media. Athletes of all types, from the weekend warrior to the world-class athlete, utilize Chiropractic because it is a drug-free way to better health and performance.
Chiropractic adjustments help ensure that the body functions as efficiently as possible, which can maximize healing and recovery from all types of injuries.
“I would estimate that in excess of 90% of all world-class athletes use Chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential.”
SEAN ATKINS, Ph D Exercise Physiologist
The following is just a partial list of athletes who use Chiropractic care:
Joe Montana, Roger Craig, Keith Jackson,
Emmit Smith, Chris Carter, Evander Holyfield
Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones, Jr., Wade Boggs,
Penny Hardaway, Jon Smoltz, Ken Griffey, Jr.
Mark McGwire, Ryne Sandberg,, Ricky Bell,
Brett Butler, Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan,
Scottie Pippin, Charles Barkley, John Stockton,
Robert Parish, Gerald Wilkins, Lee Haney, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Dr. Frank Columbu, Irving Fryar, Brett Hall,
Tiger Woods, Roberto Clemente
Michael Carbajol, Bob Hayes, Muhammad Ali,
Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Alex Karras, Gary Clark,
Mark May, Charles Haley, Bill Fralic, Dan Marino, Warren Moon,
Tim Dwight, Jack Dempsey,
Fred Funk, Beth Daniel, Mary Lou Retton,
Olga Korbut, Wayne Gretzky, Rocky Marciano,
Dan O’Brien, Bruce Jenner, Donovan Bailey,
Mac Wilkins, Dwight Stones, Mary Decker,
Willie Banks, Nancy Ditz, Gregg Blasingame,
Billy Jean King. Tracy Austin, John McEnroe,
Ivan Lendl, Jim Connors, Jan Stephenson,
31 percent of NFL teams use chiropractors in an official capacity as part of their staffs and a full 77 percent of the trainers have referred to a chiropractor for evaluation or treatment. A survey of certified NFL trainers revealed that 100 percent of them agree that players will use chiropractic care without referral from the team medical staff. 1
The science of Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a proper nerve supply is essential to controlling and regulating the functioning of the human body.

The nervous system controls every activity in the body by sending and receiving nerve messages and is protected by the bones of the spine called vertebrae. When the spine is in its optimal structural position, the nerves are protected and optimal communication exists between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. The vertebra of the spine is susceptible to certain stresses and forces, which can cause them to lose their proper position. These minor misalignments of the spine, which are known as “vertebral subluxations”, cause nerve interference and weaken the entire structure of the spine. Athletic training can often jar and misalign the spinal column, because the spine is at the center of the body. Impact to the legs, feet, head, shoulders and torso often radiates to the spine.
Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral subluxations by physically adjusting the spine. This restores the spine and nervous system to a more optimal level of function, which maximizes the body's performance and healing potential.

Anyone who engages in athletics can benefit from regular Chiropractic checkups to ensure that their spine is balanced and free from structural stress and subluxations. When the spinal column is brought into balance and alignment, the body's nervous system and body biomechanics (posture) are maximized.
"Changes in the optimal spinal position produce spinal pathologies and loss of function. Spinal pathologies destroy joint reflexes, arc fibers and cause nerve impedance" 2

"Postural strength and coordination are essential for injury prevention and sports performance" 3
Thomas Harris, MD The Sports Medicine Guide

"Posture affects and moderates every physiological function, from breathing to nervous system function, and despite the considerable evidence that posture affects physiology and function, the significant influence of posture on health is not addressed by most physicians" 4
American Journal of Pain Management

In an average year, 25 million people visit a doctor for injuries that they suffer as a result of athletics. In professional sports, injury is the number one reason for early retirement. Overall, 67 billion dollars is spent each year for the treatment of athletic injuries. 5
U.S. News and World Report

There are essentially two categories that athletic injuries fall into: acute or traumatic, which is usually the result of a sudden impact or unseen force; and repetitive overuse such as swinging a racket or a golf club. In fact, virtually every workout results in micro-injuries as the body is torn down and then rebuilt through rest and recovery.

As a society, we have been conditioned to believe that symptoms are bad and that the key to health and recovery is their removal.
However, symptoms are actually part of the body's healing and repair process.

Symptoms represent the body’s best efforts to heal itself. By treating symptoms, you are suppressing the body’s natural response and inhibiting the healing process. Instead of treating symptoms, doctors should stimulate the body’s defenses to allow for completion of the healing process.” 6
Dr. Stephen Cummings

If you had a fire in your house, you would not cut off the alarm and then relax, thinking that the fire is gone. The same thing happens to your body when you continue to ignore or mask symptoms. This is why athletes often develop chronic injuries.

"Many treatments, compounds and medications claim to speed the rate of healing. I have not read a single scientific article that demonstrates that healing time can be increased artificially. You cannot beat nature. All doctors can do is to be very careful that they do not slow down the natural healing process." 7

William Southmayd, MD

Chiropractic's focus on the nervous system and postural biomechanics allow the body to function properly and to heal itself. The healing process always occurs from within the body, but research has shown that Chiropractic has an amazing potential to assist the body in the recovery process.

"The quality of healing is directly proportional to the functional capability of the nervous system to send and receive nerve messages" 8

Journal of Neurological Science
More sports-related non-fatal injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments than any other type of unintentional injury. Standard medical procedures may be necessary when an athlete is injured. Traditional medical professionals specialize in the management and care of fractures, dislocations, lacerations and damaged tendons and ligaments. However, many athletes leave the hospital with as much spinal stress (subluxations) as they were suffering from when they entered.

Doctors of Chiropractic focus on the entire structure of the body rather than just the obviously injured part. For this reason, they can often detect and help to prevent an injury that might normally be overlooked or ignored.
"You obviously cannot compete at your fullest if you are not in alignment and your body cannot heal itself properly if your spine is not in alignment."

Dan O'Brien, Olympic Decathlete

"Chiropractic has really helped me to keep my body in line to help my body recover"

Chris Carter, Minnesota Vikings
"Chiropractic has helped keep me injury free--that is half the trick to staying in competition"

Lee Labrada, Mr. Universe
"The best way to use Chiropractic is not only after injuries, but before they occur"

Arnold Schwarzenegger, 7 time Mr. Olympia

Because Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in the field of human biomechanics, they are very aware of proper posture and movement. By observing an athlete in action, a Chiropractor can often detect and prevent a structural problem that can lead to injury or poor performance. Athletic injures are often caused by improper biomechanics or muscle imbalances within the spine.

"Chiropractic has helped thousands of athletes, professional and amateur, overcome an injury without resorting to surgery”. 9

SPORTS MEDICINE

Athletes have also discovered that Chiropractic care allows them to achieve an optimal level of performance when training and competing in their respective sporting event. A proper biomechanical structure allows athletes to achieve and maintain their optimal level of performance-safely and naturally. There is a growing body of research and case studies, which clearly show the relationship between Chiropractic care and athletic performance.

A Canadian research team included Chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of sixteen injured female long distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, seven of them actually scored "personal best" performances while under Chiropractic care. 10

The extent of Chiropractic's "winning edge" was tested on fifty athletes who were divided into a control group and a group, which added Chiropractic care to their usual training procedures. After six weeks, the group under Chiropractic care scored significantly better on standard tests of athletic ability. When tested on their reaction time, the control group demonstrated less than one percent improvement, while the Chiropractic group achieved reaction times more than eighteen percent faster than their initial scores. 11
A landmark research effort from the New Zealand School of Chiropractic and the University of Auckland, has evaluated the effects chiropractic adjustments may have on reaction times. Two groups were tested to study variations in reaction times; one group received spinal adjustments, while the other group, only receiving a short period of rest, acted as a control group for comparison.

There was a marked improvement for the group that received an adjustment over the group that got nothing but rest. The group that got only a rest period did show an average decrease in reaction time: 58 milliseconds, an 8% faster reaction time. The group that received the chiropractic adjustment showed a decrease in reaction time of 97 milliseconds, representing a 14.8% faster reaction time. 12
The implications for these findings are far reaching for any activity in the “game of life,” and the data can objectively support anecdotal evidence of enhanced athletic performance under chiropractic care. The ability to react more quickly to any of the demands life can impose provides added performance enhancement benefits for athletes, who rely on optimum reaction reflexes to perform at their maximum competitive capacity. Field based practice experiences indicate that chiropractic care appears to both enhance an athlete’s ability to perform and to recover from injuries when they occur; this study provides objective evidence that a vital component of athletic performance—rapid reaction time—is markedly improved through the chiropractic adjustment.
TOP ATHLETES UTILIZE CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE

"Athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performances on the field; Chiropractic is one of the best ways to accomplish this"
 Dr. Nick Athens, Team DC San Francisco 49ers

"I definitely try to get on a basis where I use Chiropractic at least twice a week. I would say definitely say that it helps me to perform at a higher level"
 Emmit Smith, Dallas Cowboys

"My shooting has improved because of Chiropractic. I feel more balanced and have more coordination and control. Since I have been under Chiropractic care, I have improved by leaps and bounds"                       Gerald Wilkins, New York Knicks

"Chiropractic is essential for running. If I could put a percentage value on it, I would say that I compete 8-10% better from regular Chiropractic care"                                          Dan O'Brien, Olympic Decathlete

"Chiropractic helps athletes win without pain and aids in enhancing performance naturally"

Tonya Knight, Professional Bodybuilder

"I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to Chiropractors to get that extra edge.”

Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

It is estimated that 30 million children now participate in organized sports including soccer, football, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, skating and baseball. Correspondingly, as participation increases, injuries increase. Sports injuries to young people now exceed the occurrence of infectious disease. 13

More than 700,000 children under the age of 15 are taken to the hospital emergency room for treatment of sports-related injuries. In fact, children between the ages 11-15 account for 55% of all sports-related injuries that require hospitalization.14

Sports and recreational activities account for 4.3 million or 36% of all injuries to children in the United States.15

                                        AMERICAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN

The increase in emergency-related injuries for children includes well-known injuries such as broken arms and twisted ankles-these injuries are certainly not new. What is new; however, are the types of children’s sports injuries seldom seen in past generations. They are overuse injuries caused by small, but repetitive injuries to the body’s tissues, joints and spinal column resulting in chronic health conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments for children of all ages are of tremendous benefit for the treatment and prevention of injuries and to maximize performance potential.

Chiropractic’s focus on the spine and nervous system is also important for children, since it is their nervous system, which controls their entire growth and development.

CHIROPRACTIC FACTS

Chiropractic is the fastest-growing and second-largest primary health care profession.

Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive, demanding professional education on par with medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs).

Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers.

Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states.

Chiropractic is recognized by governmental health care programs.

The Doctor of Chiropractic is an effective source of preventative and wellness care.

The process of chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.

REFERENCES

1. Stump, J, DC, Redwood, D, DC, JMPT, March/April 2002, Volume 25 - Number 3, The use and role of sport
      Chiropractors in the National Football League
2. Wyke, B (1987) Backache Diary
3. Harris, T. The Sports Medicine Guide
4. Lennon, J. (1994, Jan.) American Journal of Pain Management
5. U.S News and World Report, (1989, July 31)
6. Cummings, S. Everyone’s Guide to Homeopathy, Putnam Publishing, New York, 1997
7. Southmayd, W. MD Sporthealth, p.35
8. Edwards, J. PhD (1994, Aug) "Nerve dysfunction and tissue healing" Journal of
      Neurological Science" p. 146
9. Edelson, E. Sports Medicine, p. 68
10. Grimston, SK, Engsberg JR, Shaw L & Vetanze NW, (1990) "Muscular rehabilitation
      Prescribed in coordination with prior Chiropractic therapy as a treatment for sacroiliac
      subluxations in female distance runners" Chiropractic Sports Medicine p.2-8
11. Lauro, A. & Mouch B. (1991) "Chiropractic Effects of Athletic Ability" "The Journal of
   Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation" pp. 84-87
12. Kelly DD, Murphy BA, Backhouse DP, J Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics 2000 May; 23(4):246-51.
      Use of a mental rotation reaction time to measure the effects of upper-cervical adjustments on reaction time.
13. Christensen, K. DC, (1997, May/June). Sports Related Back Injuries in Young Athletes.”
      The American Chiropractor
14. Zipperer, R. MD (1996, March) “Sports Sense” Consumers Research Magazine
15.   Bijur, P.E. MD (1996, March) “Incidence of Sports Injuries in Children and Adolescents”
    American Family Physician, p. 1349

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Office Ergonomics and Increasing Productivity

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 13:01:25 -0500

How many hours did you spend sitting at your desk or in front of your computer today? The average American works at a computer for 8 hours a day. The way you sit for those long hours at the desk or computer can have a profound affect on your health and productivity. So, did you sit with proper posture at work today? Did you start to notice those aches, pains or headaches? As you read through the rest of this article think about your typical work day and try to implement a few changes that will help you work smarter and feel better thus, making you more productive.

Just because you do not work in construction or lift heavy objects all day does not mean you can’t get hurt at work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a study in 2007 and found “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), often referred to as ergonomic injuries, are injuries or illnesses affecting the connective tissues of the body such as muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal disks. MSDs accounted for 29 percent of all workplace injuries requiring time away from work in 2007.” Furthermore “Among major disabling injuries and illnesses, median days away from work were highest for carpal tunnel syndrome (24 days).” The most time spent away from work was not from lifting heavy objects or falling on the job, they came from the repetitive stress of keyboarding, writing and mousing. Another study, conducted by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, found that the average cost to employers of one workplace injury is $27,000. Of theses injuries many are preventable by changes with workstation setup, posture and rest.

Whether you are dealing with headaches, back/neck pain or or carpal tunnel these are clues from your body to tell you something is not right. Now you know the clues, the next step is knowing what to do to correct the problem. Chiropractors are the leading experts in posture and spinal health and the following recommendations are based on Chiropractic principals to improve spinal health. The first recommendation is to have chair that allows proper back support and to use it! As easy as it sounds this is a common mistake. There is a tendency when you get busy to slouch, hunch forward or sit forward on the chair negating the back rest all together. The ideal posture has your back (mid and lower) in contact with the chair at all times with feet flat on the floor. This allows the natural curves of your spine to be supported by the chair and bear gravity effectively. The next common mistake is improper monitor placement. The top of your monitor should be in line with you eyebrows and straight out in front of your chair. This positioning prevents prolonged tipping/turning of the head/neck that cause strain on the muscles, often leading to headaches or neck pain. The third recommendation deals with keyboard positioning. Ideally your keyboard should be close enough to you so that your arms are comfortably bent with elbows resting on an arm rest. Your wrists should be straight or bent down but never extended or arched back towards you. The final recommendation is to take a break at least every hour to get up and move around. Whether you are surfing the internet, watching TV or finishing that big project allowing 5-10 minutes every hour to get up stretch and move can prevent muscle tension build-up.

With these few changes you can help to prevent many of the common ergonomic related issues that cost time and money. If you find yourself struggling with headaches, back/neck pain, carpal tunnel or have a business that could use ergonomic advice, call Dr. Casey Moore at Moore Chiropractic & Wellness Center for a NO CHARGE consultation to see how Chiropractic can fix or prevent those aches and pains (952) 926-7515.

Flu Season and Chiropractic

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 15:52:57 -0500

Flu Season and Chiropractic
Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function is a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators in disease processes, and the role of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems in development of immune related illnesses,
Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body -- including the immune system -- chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function.
“Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases,” stated Dr. Christopher Kent, World Chiropractic Alliance Vice President.
Dr. Kent explained: “A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body."
Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.
Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health life style practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices and stress reduction approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune response. According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for Social Research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald et al., 2003), chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function.
Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either. During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licenser in many states.
Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths -- a loss of one patient out of every 15. 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. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery.
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 response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the manipulation was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before and 30 and 45 minutes after the chiropractic procedure. This research demonstrated an “enhanced respiratory burst” following the chiropractic adjustment. This “burst” is needed for our immune cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
According to Dr. Terry Rondberg, president of the World Chiropractic Alliance, “While we would love to say we (chiropractors) figured this out, the truth is we didn’t. We simply take advantage of it to help our patients.”
He added that, “In many ways this is old news since the relationship between the nervous system and the immune system was reported by the New York Times in 1993. According to that article ‘Scientists have found the first evidence of an anatomical connection between the nervous system and the immune system. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby.’ Our health care system needs to catch up with the research.”
“I would recommend to any person concerned about the upcoming flu season to add chiropractic to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune function and give their body every extra bit of security it needs” stated Dr. Rondberg.
For more information visit the World Chiropractic Alliance’s website at http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org or Call Moore Chiropractic and Wellness Center at 952-926-7515.