Laser Therapy effective for reducing neck pain

Laser Therapy Effective for Reducing Neck Pain

Reduces acute pain immediately, chronic pain up to 22 weeks following treatment, concludes literature review.

By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor

A literature review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials concludes that low-level laser therapy “reduces pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain” and compares favorably with other forms of therapy for neck pain – particularly pharmacological interventions.¹

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After analyzing the 16 studies, the reviewers determined that in the two acute-pain studies, subjects receiving low-level laser therapy “had a significant RR [relative risk] of 1.69 … for improvement immediately after treatment versus placebo.” For the 14 studies investigating chronic neck pain, reviewers determined that relative risk for pain improvement with low-level laser therapy was 4.05 compared to placebo by the end of the treatment period. Moreover, seven studies providing follow-up data 1-22 weeks following the conclusion of treatment showed that “the pain-relieving effect in the short term (<1 month) persisted into the medium term (up to six months)” and that for chronic pain, there was an “average reduction in visual analogue scale [scores] of 19.86 mm, which is a clinically important change.” Compared with placebo, adverse effects seen in the treatment groups were similar and mild for all studies reviewed.

“Whatever the mechanism of action, clinical benefits of LLLT occur both when LLLT is used as monotherapy and in the context of a regular exercise and stretching programme,” the reviewers conclude. “In clinical settings, combination with an exercise programme is probably preferable. The results of LLLT in this review compare favourably with other widely used therapies, and especially with pharmacological interventions, for which evidence is sparse and side-effects are common.”

for full article go to http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=54434

Snow shoveling safety tips

Here in Portland, we don’t see much snow…but when we do we are ready to shovel that white stuff out of driveways and sidewalks! Anyone who has shoveled snow before knows how good a workout it can be. When you consider that the average shovelful of snow weighs 5-10 pounds, the average driveway or walkway may hold hundreds of pounds of snow. But despite the benefits, shoveling snow can also be physically stressful; bending, lifting and twisting, combined with the exposure to freezing conditions, can take a serious toll on the body. Typically, the arms, shoulders and back get sore and may occasionally feel pain. Unfortunately, pain is a sign that an injury has already occurred or that mechanically you are doing something incorrect in shoveling the snow. In short, there is a right and a wrong way to shovel snow, and paying attention to your technique can make a big difference in how you feel the next day. Here are some quick tips on how to shovel snow smarter and avoid being injured.

* Be prepared: Spray your shovel with Teflon so the snow won’t stick to it. The more snow that stays on the shovel, the heavier it gets and the more chance for injury – and frustration.

* Do a warm up first: A tight, stiff body is asking for injury.  A few minutes of stretching can save you a lot of pain later. (And when you are shoveling, don’t forget to breathe. Holding your breath makes you tight and stiff.)

* Layer your clothing: Layered clothing will keep your muscles warm and flexible. You can shed a layer if you get too hot. Make sure you wear gloves that cover your wrists completely; if your wrists get cold, then your fingers, hands and arms will be cold too.

* Wear the right shoes: Choose shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard, frozen ground.

* Use the right size shovel: Your shovel should be about chest high on you, allowing you to keep your back straight when lifting. A shovel with a short staff forces you to bend more to lift the load; a too-tall shovel makes the weight heavier at the end.  Also keep one hand close to the base of the shovel to balance weight and lessen the strain on your back.

* Timing is everything: Listen to weather forecasts so you can shovel in ideal conditions. If possible, wait until the afternoon to shovel. Many spinal disc injuries occur in the morning when there is increased fluid pressure in the disc because your body has been at rest all night.

* Drink lots of water: Drinking water frequently throughout the day helps to keep muscles and the body hydrated. Be careful with hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. Coffee contains caffeine, which ha a dehydrating effect and adds even more stress to the body.

* Use proper posture: When you do shovel, bend your knees and keep your back straight while lifting with your legs. Push the snow straight ahead; don’t try to throw it. Walk it to the snow bank. Try to shovel forward to avoid sudden twists of the torso and reduce strain on the back. The American Chiropractic Association recommends using the “scissors stance”, in which you work with your right foot forward for a few minutes then shift ot the front foot.

* Take your time: Working too hard, too fast is an easy way to strain muscles. Take frequent breaks. Shovel for about 5 minutes at a time then rest for two minutes or so.

* See your Chiropractor: Gentle spinal manipulation will help keep your back flexible and minimize the chance for injury. If you do overdo it, your Chiropractor can help you feel better and prevent further injury.

So enjoy the snow this year, but remember that when it comes to shoveling snow, safety is absolutely paramount. Taking heed of these simple tips could mean the difference between spending your day enjoying the beauty and wonder of the new snowfall or lying in bed with a sore back, sprained ankle or other injury that could have easily been avoided. Talk to your doctor for additional information.

Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac., DAAPM.

TO your health December 2009.

Cold Laser therapy offered at Elixia!

Laser Therapy for Disc Herniations

By Fred Kahn, MD, FRCS(c) and Michael Patterson, MSc

Low back pain has obvious lifestyle and financial burdens; when it is accompanied by radiation of pain and numbness in the lower extremities, it can be truly debilitating. Lumbar disc herniations account for only 4 percent of low back pain patients, but account for a high percentage of low back pain costs.

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A painful disc herniation results when a tear of the annulus fibroses allows migration of the nucleus pulposus (protrusion), resulting in nerve root irritation. Lumbar disc herniations typically occur in individuals between the ages of 30-40 years,^1-2 when the nucleus pulposus is still fluid and the annulus is weakened by strenuous activity and age. Due to this relatively young demographic, poor treatment outcomes can result in decades of suffering for these patients.

Prior to the existence of imaging studies, little was known about the healing mechanism of disc herniations. Imaging studies have confirmed what has been long suspected: Disc herniations can decrease in size and even disappear spontaneously, leading to decreased pressure on the nerve root.³

In adult discs, blood vessels are normally restricted to supplying only the outer layers of the annulus. Low oxygen tension at the center of the disc leads to an anaerobic metabolism, resulting in high concentrations of lactic acid and low pH. These deficiencies in metabolite transport limit both the density and metabolic activity of disc cells.⁴ Collagen turnover time in articular cartilage is approximately 100 years⁵ and is theorized to be even longer in the disc.⁶The result is that intervertebral discs have a limited ability to recover from metabolic or mechanical injuries such as herniations.

There have been a number of mechanisms investigated in attempts to determine how disc herniations heal. It is generally accepted that the herniated disc fragments are reabsorbed.^7-8 Histological investigations have shown the presence of granulation tissue with abundant vascularization surrounding the fibrocartilaginous fragments.⁷ Within the granulation tissue, the prevailing cell types are macrophages with fibroblasts and endothelial cells.⁸ These cell types have been demonstrated to be positively affected by laser therapy. Thestimulation of macrophages and fibroblasts could be the primary mechanism by which laser therapy heals disc herniations.⁹

Inflammatory markers such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-a are also present at the site of disc herniations, leading to higher prostaglandin E2 concentrations. Two studies have demonstrated that laser therapy is effective in reducing prostaglandin E2 concentrations.^10-11 Bjordal has demonstrated that inflammation is greatly reduced 75, 90, and 105 minutes after active laser therapy compared to levels prior to treatment.¹¹ The reduction in inflammation appears to be another method by which laser therapy promotes healing in disc herniations.

There is substantial published research on the effectiveness of laser therapy in treating LBP and lumbar disc herniations. The majority of these research articles discuss chronic (nonspecific) low back pain either alone^12-14 or with exercise.^15-16 These positively inclined studies seem to be absent in reviews from either the American Pain Society / American College of Physicians¹⁷ or the Cochrane Collaboration.¹⁸

The Cochrane study they refer to found that “three high quality studies (168 people) separately showed statistically significant pain relief with laser therapy in the short-term (less than three months) and intermediate term (less than 6 months) when compared with sham laser therapy.”¹⁸ Two small trials (151 people), also included in the Cochrane review, independently found that the relapse rate in the laser therapy group was significantly lower than in the control group at six-month follow-up. The conclusion was that “based on these trials, with a varying population base, laser therapy dosages and comparison groups, there is insufficient data to either support or refute the effectiveness of laser therapy for low back pain.”

The resounding statements from both of these meta-analyses were that “more studies are required” and “larger trials on specific indications are warranted.” Lacking in the conclusions were any suggestion of “how many patients and studies” are required to provide sufficient evidence. A recent study examining the effectiveness of laser therapy in treating lumbar disc herniations as measured using clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found that “low power laser therapy is effective in the treatment of patients with acute lumbar disc herniations.”²⁰

Invariably, studies provoke questions. Some of the more common parameters for consideration are duration and extent of laser therapy treatment, joules per centimeter square of irradiation, power settings, etc. One must conclude these studies and meta-analyses, although well-intentioned, may in many instances be misguided. In our experience, almost 40 percent of all patients presenting for treatment suffer from back problems characterized by severe pain, and more than 85 percent can be treated successfully with laser therapy.²¹

The financial justification for the use of laser therapy as the first line of defense in disc herniations is overwhelming. Data collected from the SPORT trial found that the average surgical procedure cost $15,139, which rises to $27,341 when other costs such as diagnostic tests and missed work are factored in.21 The cost of conservative treatment in that same study averaged $13,108. In our experience, even the most extreme example of a herniated disc patient (receiving 40 treatments), resulted in a total treatment cost of just $3,200. When diagnostic tests and health care visits are factored into this equation, the total cost of laser therapy is closer to $5,700. This is a savings of more than $20,000 versus surgery and $7,500 over standard conservative treatment. Moreover, laser therapy is noninvasive and no adverse events have been reported in more than 3,000 publications.

In summary, this review of the current literature clearly reveals some of the shortcomings of meta-analyses and the performance of studies without standardized methodologies. We conclude that medical convention has demonstrated that the relief of symptomatic disc herniations continues to be problematic; and that both conservative and surgical solutions in the majority of cases appear to be equally ineffective. While the application of appropriate therapy requires a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, pathology and biomechanics of the spinal column, we feel that laser therapy presents the most logical and effective therapeutic approach in managing these pervasive medical conditions.

References

1. Adams MA, Hutton WC. Prolapsed intervertebral disc. A hyperflexion injury. 1981 Volvo Award in Basic Science. Spine, 1982;7:184-191.
2. Gallagher S. Letter to the editor. Spine, 2002;27:1378-1379.
3. Teplick JG, Haskin ME. Spontaneous regression of herniated nucleus pulposus. Am J Roentgenol, 1985;145(2):371-5.
4. Urban JP, Smith S, Fairbank JC. Nutrition of the intervertebral disc.Spine, 2004;29(23):2700-9.
5. Verzijl N, DeGroot J, Thorpe SR, Bank RA, Shaw JN, Lyons TJ, Bijlsma JW, Lafeber FP, Baynes JW, TeKoppele JM. Effect of collagen turnover on the accumulation of advanced glycation end products. J Biol Chem, 2000;275(50):39027-31.
6. Adams MA, Roughley PJ. What is intervertebral disc degeneration, and what causes it? Spine, 2006;31(18):2151-61.
7. Doita M, Kanatani T, Harada T, Mizuno K. Immunohistologic study of the ruptured intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine. Spine, 1996;21(2):235-41.
8. Groenblad M, Virri J, Tolonen J, Seitsalo S, Kaeaepae E, Kankare J, Myllynen P, Karaharju EO. A controlled immunohistochemical study of inflammatory cells in disc herniation tissue. Spine, 1994;19(24):2744-51.
9. Young S, Bolton P, Dyson M, Harvey W, Diamantopoulos C.Macrophage responsiveness to light therapy. Lasers Surg Med, 1989;9(5):497-505.
10. Lim W, Lee S, Kim I, Chung M, Kim M, Lim H, Park J, Kim O, Choi H. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of 635 nm light-emitting-diode irradiation compared with existing COX inhibitors. Lasers Surg Med, 2007;39(7):614-21.
11. Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Iversen VV. A randomised, placebo controlled trial of low level laser therapy for activated Achilles tendinitis with microdialysis measurement of peritendinous prostaglandin E2 concentrations. Br J Sports Med, 2006;40(1):76-80.
12. Toya S, Motegi M, Inomata K, Ohshiro T, Maeda T. Report on a computer randomized double blind trial to determine the effectiveness of the effectiveness of the GaAlAs (830nm) diode laser for attenuation in selected pain groups. Laser Therapy, 1994;6:143-148.
13. Soriano F, Rios R, Gallium Arsenide laser treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective, randomized and double blind study. Laser Therapy, 1998;10:175-180.
14. Basford JR, Sheffield CG, Harmsen WS. Laser therapy: a randomized, controlled trial of the effects of low-intensity Nd:YAG laser irradiation on musculoskeletal back pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 1999;80(6):647-52.
15. Gur A, Karakoc M, Cevik R, Nas K, Sarac AJ, Karakoc M. Efficacy of low power laser therapy and exercise on pain and functions in chronic low back pain. Lasers Surg Med, 2003;32(3):233-8.
16. Djavid GE, Mehrdad R, Ghasemi M, Hasan-Zadeh H, Sotoodeh-Manesh A, Pouryaghoub G. In chronic low back pain, low level laser therapy combined with exercise is more beneficial than exercise alone in the long term: a randomised trial. Aust J Physiother, 2007;53(3):155-60.
17. Chou R, Huffman LH. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline.Ann Intern Med, 2007;147(7):492-504.
18. Yousefi-Nooraie R, Schonstein E, Heidari K, Rashidian A, Pennick V, Akbari-Kamrani M, Irani S, Shakiba B, Mortaz Hejri SA, Mortaz Hejri SO, Jonaidi A. Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain.Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2008: CD005107.
19. Bjordal JM, Klovning A, Lopes-Martins RA, Roland PD, Joensen J, Slordal L. Overviews and systematic reviews on low back pain. Ann Intern Med, 2008;148(10):789-90.
20. Unlu Z, Tasci S, Tarhan S, Pabuscu Y, Islak S. Comparison of 3 physical therapy modalities for acute pain in lumbar disc herniationmeasured by clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2008;31(3):191-8.
21. Tosteson AN, Skinner JS, Tosteson TD, Lurie JD, Andersson GB, Berven S, Grove MR, Hanscom B, Blood EA, Weinstein JN. The cost effectiveness of surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation over two years: evidence from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). Spine, 2008;33(19):2108-15.
22. Kahn F. Low intensity laser therapy: The clinical approach. Proc of SPIE, 2006:6140, 61400F-1-61400F-11.

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Dr. Fred Kahn is a graduate of the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and the diplomate of the American Board of Surgery. He is the founder of Meditech International, Inc.

Dr. Michael Patterson received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in medical biophysics from the University of Western Ontario. He is the research and education manager for Meditech.

Flu Virus Precautions

With the current concern about the combination flu -human flu virus, swine flu virus and bird flu virus, now is the time to address your health, even before you get sick.

Keeping your immune system healthy is your first line of defense.

Eating right, exercising and getting enough rest are the 3 most important things you can do to keep your immune system strong. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, all high in antioxidants and immune boosting vitamins. Also, get at least 20 minutes of exercise per day. Exercising will help keep your body oxygenated. It will also help you fall asleep faster and to have a deeper, more restful sleep. A properly rested body is not as susceptible to viruses as a body that is in a chronic state of fatigue.

 

Another main immune suppressor is stress. Mental stress also causes very physical effects to your body. When you are under mental stress, your body is under more physical stress than you think. If you are feeling the effects of your own stressful lifestyle, try to relax with a yoga class, or meditation. The healing power of touch is also a wonderful and proven way to relax and unwind. Keeping your body in proper alignment and keeping your joints healthy gives your body that little extra boost to deter the effects of stress and today’s hectic lifestyle.

5 Tips to help you stick with your fitness plan

1. Make sure you stick to a schedule.  When you are setting up your schedule to exercise or train, be sure that you are still allowing time for rest for yourself and your family. Exercise should be something you look forward to, not something you dread. If you create a schedule that you can follow, you will be less apt to get frustrated when you can’t follow your schedule.

2. Stay hydrated. Make sure you are hydrated before, during and after your workout. You want to maintain your fluids throughout the day, not just hydrating while you are working out. Remember, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Properly hydrated bodies are able to circulate waste products more efficiently and will cut down on muscle fatigue and soreness the following day.

3. Wear proper attire. Everyone wants to start school in a new outfit. Why not start your exercise program in some fancy exercise duds. Make sure that the fabrics you choose are proper for the activity you are doing. When exercising outdoors during the winter, layering is essential. Cotton is forbidden.  If exercising indoors at a gym, cool breathable fabrics are the best choice.

4. Warm up AND Cool down. A proper warm up will prevent injury by improving the elasticity of your muscles.  After exercise, make sure to properly cool down to prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is a byproduct of too much lactic acid accumulation in your muscles. Lactic acid is the waste product of muscle energy. If you cool down properly by stretching and moving slowly, you will help your muscles to pump the excess lactic acid out.

5. Don’t overdo it. Burn out is one of the main reasons people stop working out. Make sure that you are allowing your body proper rest between hard workouts. Sometimes it is as little as 24 hours rest, but sometimes your body needs more. Listen to your body. If you are feeling fatigue an exercise that is usually easy for you,  slow down, or take a break. You cannot increase your fitness if you are constantly run down. Your body needs to recover properly in order to continue to improve endurance, muscle tone and elasticity.

Food Additives, what you don’t know can harm you.

 By Christine H. Farlow, DC: From To Your Health, Dec. 2008

Every day we are bombarded with ads on TV, radio and in magazines and newspapers trying to sell us the latest and greatest processed cuisine and “fake” foods. The ads promote great taste, low fat, added nutrients, attractive appearance and a host of other reasons to choose their product. There are even chemical concoctions marketed as better than real food, such as egg replacer products, nondairy dairy foods, fake meats and cheeses, and butter substitutes.

Are these products really good for you? You’ve undoubtedly heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: To determine the healthfulness of any product on the market, you must first read the label. Note the information on the front of the package. That’s what the manufacturer wants you to believe about the product. Manufacturers use terms like healthy and natural on the packaging even when the product is far from healthy or natural. These terms are undefined by the food industry; that means manufacturers can use them to mean anything they want.

The ingredients list is the most important area to read on every food package before you decide to purchase the product. Frequently, you’ll have difficulty finding the ingredients list, and when you find it, you’ll discover it’s in a very tiny print and in a color that blends in with the packaging, making it very difficult to read. That’s not just an accident. This is the information many food manufacturers don’t want you to read. They make it difficult so only the most dedicated label readers will follow through and actually read what’s in their product. The solution: Get a magnifying glass and carry it with you when you shop. Unless you’re really good at reading the very tiny print, you’ll probably need it.

Why do you need to be a dedicated reader of the ingredients list? Because virtually all foods that are packaged in any way – in a bag, box, bottle, jar or can – contain food additives. Food additives are chemicals added to processed foods, most with little nutritional value, to make them look good, taste good, give them an appealing consistency or texture, and give them a long shelf life so they can sit on the grocery store shelf for a year (or more) and still taste fresh when you get around to eating them. Nearly all foods that have been through some form of processing contain food additives.

Preservatives are chemical additives used not only in foods to keep them fresh, but also in many nutritional supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. These chemicals can cause a wide variety of adverse effects. Two particularly troublesome additives that are widely used are aspartame and MSG.

The Big Two: Aspartame and MSG

Aspartame, also known as Equal, NutraSweet or Spoonful, is an artificial sweetener used in many diet beverages, sugar-free foods, gum, candy, OTC medications, nutritional supplements and certain prescription drugs. Consumption of products containing aspartame has been associated with 92 different adverse reactions, from headaches, dizziness and difficulty breathing to memory loss, seizures and death. If a product label says the product contains phenylalanine or has a warning that phenylketonurics should not use it, the product most likely contains aspartame. (Phenylketonuria is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency, resulting in the buildup of phenylalanine and its metabolites in the blood. This can lead to severe mental retardation and seizures unless phenylalanine is restricted from the diet, starting at birth.)

MSG is in almost all processed foods and most restaurant meals. It’s even in some foods that say “No MSG” or “No Added MSG.” Even some restaurants that say they do not use MSG have it in their food, and they may not even be aware of it.

How is this possible? MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It’s the glutamate component that’s the problem. Processed free glutamic acid, which is often referred to as MSG, is formed during the manufacturing of processed foods. It is not the same as glutamic acid, which is a component of protein. Processed free glutamic acid occurs only as a result of the manufacturing process. It’s a neurotoxin (i.e., it is toxic to the nervous system), and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin rashes, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), migraine headaches, depression and seizures. In addition, MSG is addictive – it makes you want to keep eating. It’s a contributing factor to the obesity epidemic.

MSG can be hidden in a variety of ingredients you wouldn’t expect to contain MSG. For example, certain ingredients that always contain MSG include amino acids, autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, gelatin, any kind of hydrolyzed protein, textured protein and yeast extract.

Some of the ingredients that may contain MSG include barley malt, boullion, broth, stock, carrageenan, any kind of flavors or flavoring including natural flavors, maltodextrin, any kind of protein such as soy protein, plant protein, pea protein, corn protein, whey protein, anything that is protein fortified, protein concentrates and protein isolates, seasonings, and anything that is ultra-pasteurized. 

Both aspartame and MSG are excitotoxins. They cross the blood-brain barrier and excite your brain cells to death. Like aspartame, MSG is not only in food. It can also be found in cosmetics and personal care products, nutritional supplements, OTC and prescription medications, and even the chicken pox vaccine.

Of particular concern is the fact that many of the food additives in the foods you eat every day have never been fully tested for safety. Often, no testing has been done to determine if the chemicals being added to our food may cause cancer, DNA damage, birth defects or reproductive disorders.

Also, additives are not tested for the potential combined effects of multiple additives in a single product or several products being consumed at the same time. A good example of this is sodium benzoate. Recently, it was discovered that in products containing both sodium benzoate and vitamin C, these ingredients can react and cause the formation of benzene. A number of beverages, containing both sodium benzoate and vitamin C, were tested. In many of these products, benzene was detected. Benzene is known to cause cancer; sodium benzoate is a common preservative used in beverages and liquid nutritional supplements.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are more than 3,000 different chemicals purposefully added to our food, and new ingredients are added every year. Here’s a general rule of thumb when checking ingredients on food labels: If the list of ingredients is long, there are probably a lot of chemical additives in the product, and you’re risking your health by eating it. If the list of ingredients is short, it may or may not contain harmful additives, so you need to read the label carefully before you purchase it. That’s the most important point: Be an informed shopper. Look at what you’re buying before you and your family eat it. Your health is that important.

10 Other Food Additives to Avoid

1 Artificial Sweeteners Splenda or Sucralose, Acesulfame-K ( also known as Acesulfame-potassium or Sunette) and Saccharin. Splenda is chlorinated sugar, although it can be made chemically without any sugar at all. Contrary to manufacturers’ claims, it is partially absorbed and metabolized in the body. Recent  independent studies have shown a strong relationship between Splenda and migraine headaches. Acesulfame-K has caused cancer in lab animals. It has not been adequately tested.

2 Saccharin was once banned as a carcinogen, but was delisted in 1997 due to industry pressure. Studies still show that it may cause cancer. Artificial sweeteners, in general, have been linked to weight gain.

3 Ingredients derived from corn, soy, canola or cottonseed If they are not organic, these ingredients are probably genetically modified. In the U.S., 60-70 percent of the food on the grocery store shelves contains genetically modified ingredients. Genetically modified ingredients are not required to be labeled in the U.S., and it’s not likely it will be required in the near future.

4 Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils If the label says “No Trans Fats,” check the ingredients to make sure there are no partially hydrogenated oils. It is legal to say “No Tans Fats” if there is less than 0.5 grams per serving. However, what’s listed as a serving size on the label is often less than one might eat in a single serving. So the amount of trans fat consumed would be more than the 0.5 grams. More importantly, though, is that no amount of trans fat is safe.

5 Artificial colors or FD&C colorsMost are derived from coal tar, which is a known carcinogen. They must be certified by the FDA not to contain more than 10 ppm of lead and arsenic. Certification does not address any harmful effects these colors may have on the body. They may contain carcinogenic contaminants and cause allergic reactions.

6 Olestra or Olean This “fake fat” robs the body of carotenoids and fat- soluble vitamins. It required a warning on the label until 2003 because of the severe gastrointestinal symptoms which may occur after ingesting. However, the FDA relaxed the requirement for a warning label based upon industry-sponsored studies and stated that “most consumers are aware of the fat substitute’s potentially adverse gastrointestinal effects.”

7 Nitrates and nitrites They are mostly in processed meats. The FDA knows nitrates and nitrites cause cancer, but allows them because they prevent botulism. They can also cause headaches and dizziness. Carrageenan Also known as Irish Moss. There are two forms of carrageenan that are important here. Native carrageenan and degraded carrageenan. Native carrageenan has not caused cancer in lab animals, but there is not enough data available yet to determine whether it is carcinogenic to humans. Degraded carrageenan has caused cancer in lab animals and is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. According to renowned carrageenan researcher Dr. Joanne Tobacman, native carrageenan can be broken down in the stomach to the degraded form. Carrageenan is also a possible source of hidden MSG.

8 BHA and BHT Widely used antioxidants. BHA is also a preservative. BHA can cause liver and kidney damage, behavioral problems, infertility, weakened immune system and is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. BHT cannot be evaluated for its ability to cause cancer because of a lack of data. The studies just haven’t been done. BHT has been banned in several countries, but not in the U.S.

9 Caffeine It’s addictive and may cause headaches, irritability, nervousness, and fertility problems. It increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, heart disease, behavioral changes, insomnia. There is not enough data available to determine if it can cause cancer in humans. It’s in energy drinks which contain as much or more caffeine than a cup of coffee. These beverages are sold at middle schools and high schools, and kids are drinking multiple cans a day.

10 Potassium bromate Used mostly in bread and baked goods to give them a sponge-like quality. It’s a possible carcinogen and can cause nervous system issues, kidney disorders and gastrointestinal upset. Banned worldwide, except for the U.S. and Japan.

 

 

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Chiropractic Care

Motor Vehicle Accident Information No matter how fast you are going, or how much damage is done to your car, any time you are in an accident damage is done to your body. The amount of damage that is done to your car is not equal to the amount of damage done to your body. Research shows that even if you have no damage to your car, you can still sustain injuries in an accident. Automobiles are designed for a collision, but the human body is not. Injuries sustained in an accident can have long term effects if left untreated. Even without symptoms, it is a very good idea to see a doctor in the case of a car accident. There can be damage without symptoms, or there can be delayed symptoms. Your doctor can help to determine the location and extent of your injuries and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Insurance in Oregon Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in Oregon is entitled to Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy. Oregon Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers these services no matter who was at fault. Each person involved in an Oregon motor vehicle accident can receive up to $15,000.00 worth of natural health care at no cost. You do not need a referral from a Medical Doctor to see a Chiropractic Physician. Elixia Wellness Group has an excellent relationship with auto insurance companies and our friendly and competent billing specialist will take care of the billing for you. The only thing you have to do is focus on healing your body.

8 Tips on Stress Management Techniques

8 Tips On Stress Management Techniques

Stress, burnout and physical exhaustion have become a way of life
for many people, especially this time of year with the holidays upon us.
You need to feel that you can get a handle on what
stresses you, and diffuse this stress in different ways so as to
maintain both your physical and emotional health.

The ways we and others cause stress can come from habits or our own
thoughts and feelings about how things are going. Or perhaps your
own actions can be adjusted to cause less stress.

If you want to be calm and relaxed, with less stress then be sure
to read these different stress management techniques for some ideas
to help.

Be organized. You can plan all you want, but if you cannot find the
project, list or information you were to work with, it is pretty
stressful.

Make a list of what you want to accomplish, and then decide which
are the most important things to do on that list. Do that first and
then go to your less important items.

Allow for interruptions and changes. If you schedule yourself so
tight that you can’t be interrupted for the 15 minutes you spent
talking to an unexpected caller, you may find yourself highly
stressed. Chill out and realize that there will be some
interruptions and you can handle that.

Have realistic expectations of yourself and others. No one is
Superman. You cannot get three days work done in one day. Don’t
wait till the last minute and put so much stress on yourself with
huge amounts of work.

Take some time for a break a couple times a day. It is like
changing gears and allows your mind to rest for a few minutes while
you do something you enjoy, not something you have to do. Find some
time each day to exercise or take a walk. This helps to burn off
more stress.

Take care of your body. When you feel the effects of stress on your
body, don’t wait to get treated. Come in for a treatment and a relaxing
massage.

Six benefits of green tea.

Fall has officially arrived in the Northwest, and with it come cool days, cold nights, and yummy warm beverages. Green tea is a wonderful way to warm up, and can increase your health at the same time. There are several benefits to drinking green tea. Green tea has been in eastern cultures for over 4,000 years but it is only recently that it has gained recognition for its medicinal benefits. Here are just 6 known health benefits of green tea :

1. Green tea helps to prevent cancer.  EGCG is a powerful antioxidant found in many teas, but is present in much larger concentrations in green tea.  Antioxidants fight chemicals that are naturally produced in the body that can cause cancer and other health issues.  Studies have shown green tea can slow the growth of cancer cells.  While research hasn’t been done on every type of cancer, green tea has shown that it may reduce the risk of one cancer up to 60 percent.  It has also been shown it may decrease the reoccurrence of certain cancers.

2. Green tea is excellent for dental health.  Green tea contains bacteria fighting agents that kill  and stop plaque production.  Less plaque means you have cleaner, healthier teeth and gums.  Green tea also helps fight bacteria responsible for bad breath.

3. Green tea is great for the heart.   The EGCG in Green Tea has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels.  Specifically, it lowered “bad” cholesterol more than it does “good” cholesterol.  EGCG also helps prevent against heart attack and stroke by inhibiting the production of blood clots.  Green tea also helps to lower levels of stress hormones in the body, leaving you more relaxed.  Being stressed out can cause damage to the heart along with the rest of your body.  Drinking green tea could help keep your heart beating a lot longer.

4. Green tea helps to boost immune system.  Green tea contains an amino acid that helps fight bacteria and improve the immune response in your body.  If you regularly drink green tea, you fall ill less often.

5. Green tea helps to ease rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis.  However, you can consider drinking green tea on a regular basis to reduce your risk of getting it. In cultures where more people drink green tea regularly, there is a much lower incidence of rheumatoid arthritis. 

6. Green tea is known to help in weight loss.  When you eat a lot of carbohydrates, your body responds by producing a lot of insulin.  This leaves you feeling tired and craving more food.  Green tea has been shown to help keep blood sugar at lower levels and helps to reduce insulin production. Consequently, you also eat less and lose weight.  Studies have also found that green tea can speed up your metabolism rate. The faster your metabolism, the faster you slim down.

Cold season is upon us, read this before you reach for over the counter cold medicines.

Think twice before you give your children any type of cough or cold medicine. A new study published in the medical journal of Pediatrics, concludes that treating a child’s’ cough with water is as effective as any cough syrup.

The study consisted of 100 children with upper respiratory tract infections. The children had been coughing for an average of 3 days.

“The children were given one of three treatments 30 minutes before bedtime: a cough syrup containing dextromethorphan, a cough syrup containing diphenhydramine or a placebo syrup.

Children in all three groups showed a dramatic reduction in cough frequency, but those taking the placebo — essentially flavored water — had the best results. On four other measures, the three treatments had virtually identical outcomes.”

The two active ingredients in most over the counter cough syrups are dextromethorphan which is used to clear phlegm, and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that reduces swelling in the respiratory tract. The study suggested that in children, neither drug made much difference.  Dr. Ian Paul, a professor of pediatrics at Penn State Children’s Hospital and the study’s lead author said, “Cough symptoms went away within a few days, regardless of whether the child was taking medicine or a placebo.”  He continued, “Nighttime coughing affects the child and the parents. Nobody gets any sleep. Even so, parents really need to think twice before giving these medications that have doubtful positive effects on their children’s symptoms and may have a potential for side effects.”

Try this for natural for a natural cough remedy, a simple mixture of water and honey is a great, natural way to treat a child’s nighttime cough.

Lemon is very important in home remedies for colds. The vitamin C from a fresh squeezed lemon increases the body’s resistance to colds, decreases toxicity and reduces the severity and duration of the illness. Boil water, add the juice of a fresh squeezed lemon and honey to taste. For added immunity add 30 drops of elder berry extract to the tea. Drink 3-4 cups per day.

Try this for natural for a natural cough remedy, a simple mixture of water and honey is a great, natural way to treat a child’s nighttime cough.

A few more natural remedies are listed below.

Take Vitamin C to maximize immunity. Any viral illness will increase your need for Vitamin C. You want to immediately saturate your body with Vitamin C as soon as you feel that you are getting sick. Ideally you should take 500-1000 milligrams of Vitamin C every hour of the day to maintain saturation levels. If that is inconvenient you should take 3 equal doses of 2000 milligrams throughout the day. Too much Vitamin C can cause loose stools and gas. If you develop intestinal upset, decrease the dose by 1,000 milligrams per day until the symptoms go away. Once you start feeling better, continue to take 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C a day to keep colds at bay.

Vitamin E works with Vitamin C to help protect your cells from oxidative damamge. Any time you are fighting an infection free radicals and toxins are released in your body which makes it difficult to fight off the infection. Take 400-800 IU of Vitamin E daily while fighting your cold.

Zinc lozenges help decrease the intensity and duration of a cold. Be careful to take Zinc with a meal as it can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach.

Goldenseal helps strengthen the immune system and also seems to fight localized viruses. This makes it particularly good for a sore throat. Take 175-350 milligrams 3 or 4 times per day for 10 days starting at the first sign of your cold.

Here at Elixia Wellness Group, we offer natural immunity boosting supplements and can create a taylor-made protocol for you or your child’s symptoms. We also perform techniques to treat chronic sinus congestion. To schedule an appointment call (503) 232-5653.