By: Margaret Older, LAc  

http://www.missionwellnesskc.com/Acupuncture.html

Recently there was a piece on ABC Good Morning America about a woman who felt her mercury levels were raised by taking Chinese herbs and other supplements.  Without knowing  levels before these items were taken, whether there was fish (like tuna) consumed or dental fillings (some do use mercury) ,  I cannot say  what caused her levels to be high.  I want to assure people who take herbs that I recommend, they are tested by the labs who produce them and again by a third party independent lab for heavy metals.   Here are links to their websites so you  can read the information yourself.  

https://www.mayway.com/quality-assurance-and-control/

http://www.bluepoppy.com/ (click on Herbal Test Results on top banner)

The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Disc-related Sciatica

Posted by Greg Ingram, DC
(learn more: http://www.missionwellnesskc.com/Chiropractic/bio.html)

 

Some people are under the impression that chiropractic adjustments should be avoided by patients who are suffering from disc related sciatica. In fact, a few of the medical doctors I have worked with in the past have recommended that the patient avoid lumbar manipulation due to disc issues.   (I have actually seen this on referral scripts!)  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  In fact, according to a study published in Spine Journal in 2006, chiropractic treatment is a successful method of reducing and eliminating the acute lower back pain resulting from sciatica.  These results were derived from a random double-blind clinical trial on a set of more than one hundred patients experiencing severe pain and disc protrusions.

More specifically, nearly 55% of the patients receiving chiropractic care were relieved of radiating pain as compared to the 20% of patients from the group that received simulated, or “sham” chiropractic manipulation.  Additionally, 28% of the patients receiving care from chiropractors were free from the local pain as opposed to 6% of those that received simulated manipulations.

In conclusion, chiropractic care is more effective that other forms of sciatica treatment and has the added benefit of being free of side effects that many drugs can cause.

Chiropractic Care for the Treatment of Hypertension

Posted by Greg Ingram, DC

http://www.missionwellnesskc.com/Chiropractic/bio.html


 

A study headed by George Bakris, MD compared blood pressure readings of 25 patients who received specific adjustments to the atlas vertebra (the top bone in the neck), compared to 25 patients who received sham chiropractic adjustments.  Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage hypertension had significantly lower blood pressure than the 25 similar patients who received sham chiropractic adjustments. 

Compared to the patients who received sham adjustments, those who received real chiropractic adjustments saw an average of 14mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).

So how is this possible?   The control centers for the body are located at the base of the brain called the brainstem.  These centers control basic unconscious bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.  If the Atlas vertebra pinches against the brainstem, it may not cause pain but it can upset these basic functions. 

This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination.  The adjustment has the additional benefit of not causing adverse side effects.

Reading Labels by Margaret Older, Lac

            

What are you looking for on a label?   They have so much information, lets break it down further.

            1. Read the list of ingredients.  Do you know what they all are?  If there is something that you have to look up to know what it is and then you are still not sure, don’t eat it. 

            2.  Look for the amounts of sugar and salt or sodium as well as fiber and fat.

The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of sodium for an average healthy adult is 2300 mg which is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon. 

Sugar may hide under many aliases: maltose, dextrose, fructose, honey, molasses and more.   There is no RDA for sugar but about 6 teaspoons per day for an adult woman and 8 for an adult man 

Fiber is beneficial to the whole digestive system as well as the heart.  You should eat 20- 35 grams per day for optimal health benefits.    

Fat comes in many forms.  Unsaturated are the healthier fats.  Avoid trans-fats and saturated fats, they raise “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and may lower “good”  (HDL) which is bad for your heart.  

Understanding Blood Pressure posted by John P. Willits, DC When your blood pressure is taken, 2 sounds are heard. The first is called Systolic, or top number. This is defined as the pressure reading in the arteries when the heart beats, or when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number called diastolic, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. This is when the heart muscle is resting. Actually the lower reading is the more important of the two, but typically more attention is given to the systolic number. The numbers are recorded in millimeter of mercury (mg). The normal [or national average) is considered to be 120/80, though many people may have a "normal" pressure reading a little higher or lower. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is considered any systolic reading over 140mg, and diastolic reading over 90mg. If your blood pressure is close or above these numbers consult your physician, medication may be necessary. Chiropractic care and Acupuncture has been known to lower blood pressure in some circumstances.

FOOD by: Margaret Older, L.Ac

Eating well should be easy.  With a constant stream of diet plans and conflicting studies on what is or isn’t healthy, it can seem difficult.

Lets try and simplify.

1.       Practice moderation.   

                     2.    ALWAYS read labels.  No matter what brand you use, or where  

                            you shop or even if is a product you have bought before. 

3.       Avoid processed food.  Yes, this does include fast food.        

Why moderation ? Here are some examples.  Too much protein can lead to kidney stress, dehydration, calcium loss, gout, high cholesterol and weight gain.   Too little protein can lead to muscle weakness / wasting, swelling due to water retention, low blood pressure, low heart rate anemia and liver problems.  The recommended daily intake for the average adult female is 46 grams and for the average adult male it is 56 grams.  (Number varies with weight and activity level)

Even water can cause problems.  Too much leads to a burden on your heart and circulatory system, kidney overwork that can cause permanent damage and diluted electrolyte levels.   Too little can cause dehydration ranging from mild to severe.   Dry, skin without elasticity, low blood pressure, light-headedness and rapid heart rate.    Over time, this can cause unconsciousness or delirium.  

Why should you use a chiropractor?

This simple explanation was given by Patrick J. White, D.C. http://www.patwhitedc.com/ 938 Princeton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111-4107 Why Should You Use a Chiropractor What a Chiropractor does seems so simple... Just put the bones back where they want to be. What the Chiropractic Adjustment effects is simple — it effects everything!!! When the bones are in their desired place, all of the nervous system can operate at maximum potential. When the nervous system is working with no interference, all of the cells of the body can work in harmony. When the bones are in their desired place, all of the muscles and bones can move properly with minimum resistance. When the musculoskeletal system is working with no interference, there is plenty of energy left for the daily activities of living. When the bones are in their desired place, the person can live a more fulfilled life. What a Chiropractor does seems so simple, and so important.

|t is spring, the season of rejuvenation! Now is the time to escape our “cabins”, get outside,  breathe fresh air and do some spring cleaning - especially of ourselves. During the winter we tend to overindulge in heavy, fatty foods, while at the same time, being less active. Now is the time to address this stale situation.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diet should change with the season. Each season has its own characteristics and its own particular effect. Foods too, have their own qualities which help us adapt better to these seasonal changes.   Remember, when making dietary changes, always try to be moderate and learn to listen  to your body.   Choose the foods you like from the list below as a start and then try one new thing.    If you feel you can’t give up a certain food, then limit it. There is always a chance a recommended food does not agree with you so don’t eat that particular food or related foods. Do Not make drastic changes or you won’t be inclined to continue. Spring is associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder. These organs function to keep all our energies flowing. Stagnation can develop from, as mentioned above, rich foods, less exercise and stress. Thus causing physical symptoms such as general feeling of sluggishness, emotional frustration or agitation.  In order to cleanse this system and give it a new start, we must stop adding to the congestion. Avoid saturated fats like heavy meats, eggs, dairy as well as alcohol and hot peppers. Limit nuts, Eat more unrefined (unprocessed) grains and legumes and choose from the following:   Veggies: parsnips, young beets and carrots, baby greens (often found at farmer’s markets), seaweeds (dulse is a nice mild one to try), watercress, onions, mustard greens, cabbage, kohlrabi, turnips, cauliflower, broccoli.   Fruits: peaches, cherries, lemons, limes, pears, apples   Spices: horseradish, ginger*, basil, cumin, fennel*, turmeric, cardamom*, mint*, dill *indicates traditionally used as a digestive aid                                                                                                Use honey sparingly with or without apple cider vinegar for a little sweet taste or sweet and sour which helps cleanse. You may use just apple cider vinegar. Try Chamomile and/ or Cleaver's tea daily.  Add 5-5 teaspoons daily of cold-pressed flax oil drizzled over one or two meals. Eat I or 2 radishes between meals once or twice a day. Food preparation is important.  Eat only a small amount of raw vegetables but when you cook, use light steaming or quick sautéing. |f you have weak digestion, it is best to avoid raw veggies. Remember, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, acupuncture can help without the drowsy side-effects.   Margaret Older, L. Ac