Third-Hand Cigarette Smoke: South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Residents Ask, "Is It Safe Or Is It Dangerous?"
Posted by Dr. Kurt Meininger at 10:52 AM
South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:
By now, just about everyone knows that second-hand smoke is bad; but, this new finding makes the situation much worse.
Weight Gain in South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming? The Current Bad Economy Could Make You Fat!
Posted by Dr. Kurt Meininger at 10:20 AM
South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:
Some evidence of all this is already manifesting. McDonald’s, with its high fat and calorie "Dollar Menu", is still doing well. Third quarter profits were actually better than average. Whole Foods (which sells organic, natural and gourmet foods) has seen profits drop with the economy.
The combination of eating cheaper "junk" food and lack of exercise may not only be a prescription for weight gain – it can be deadly. Eating correctly and exercising should be the LAST things you cut out of your budget.
Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals The 12 Foods With The Highest Pesticide Count And The 12 Foods With The Lowest
Posted by Dr. Kurt Meininger at 2:40 PM
South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:
Over the years there has been a great debate over organic versus non-organic foods. Do you really need to go organic… or… is it just a waste of money?
The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a nonprofit organization that advocates in Washington D.C. for policies that protect global and individual health. Among the many valuable services they provide is a Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
It is based on the results of nearly 43,000 pesticide tests performed on produce and collected by federal agencies between 2000 and 2004. Nearly all of the data used took into account how people typically wash and prepare produce - for example, apples were washed and bananas peeled before testing.
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions of or to grow organically yourself:
Peaches - Apples - Sweet bell peppers - Celery - Nectarines - Strawberries - Cherries - Lettuce - Grapes (imported) - Pears - Spinach - Potatoes
Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following 12 foods do not have to be organic. These had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination:
Broccoli - Eggplant - Cabbage - Banana - Kiwi - Asparagus - Sweet peas (frozen) - Mango - Pineapple - Sweet corn (frozen) - Avocado - Onion
Why Should You Care About Pesticides?
The EWG points out that there is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood.
A few other notes from the EWG: Nectarines had the highest percentage of samples that tested positive for pesticides (97.3 percent) followed by peaches (96.6 percent) and apples (93.6 percent). Peaches had the highest likelihood for multiple pesticides on a single sample: 86.6 percent had two or more pesticide residues.
For more information about how we can improve your overall health or for more information about our pain relief services, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com
Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Fibromyalgia Research Reveals Benefits Of Vitamins C and E! Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals Fibromyalgia Solution.
Posted by Dr. Kurt Meininger at 12:48 PM
South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Fibromyalgia Doctor Comments:
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach. Often, the spine is neglected and chiropractic care is, therefore, underutilized. This seems surprising since so many patients have spinal pain and chiropractic care is one of the most proven treatments for this condition. Chiropractic care of the fibromyalgia patient may also incorporate a structured exercise program utilizing strength training and aerobic components, as well as nutritional adjuncts.
Sound nutrition is one of the keys to vitality. One scientific study (Altindag O, Celik H. Total antioxidant capacity and the severity of the pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Redox Rep 2006;11(3):131-5.) looked at antioxidant (such as vitamin C and E) markers in the blood of patients who had fibromyalgia symptoms. The researchers wanted to see if patients with low levels of these vitamin markers experienced more pain. The results indicated that patients with fibromyalgia are exposed to oxidative stress and this increased oxidative stress may play a role in the cause of the disease. Supplementation of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E may be indicated based on the results of the study.
A preliminary study (Bramwell B, Ferguson S, Scarlett N, Macintosh A. The use of ascorbigen in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients: a preliminary trial. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(5):455-62.) looked at 12 fibromyalgia patients and gave them a blend of vitamin C and broccoli powder. The results suggested that physical impairments were reduced and quality of life was increased.
Vitamins such as C and E can act as antioxidants protecting your cells from damage. They are found in fruits (oranges, strawberries, kiwi) and vegetables (kale, broccoli, bell peppers). Heat and processing can destroy their actions so eating raw forms may be preferred. If you do not eat lots of servings (e.g. five to nine) of these foods every day, it is wise to consider supplementing with natural source vitamins to boost your blood stream antioxidant levels. There is some scientific debate about the benefits of natural versus synthetic vitamins and whether it's best to consume them through primary food sources. The important thing is to take a step in the direction with whatever path you choose. It may make an important difference in how much pain you experience as the above cited studies suggest. With less pain, this may help you to move and exercise more.
To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive fibromyalgia program may be of benefit to you or a loved one regaining health, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/
Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Until recently, Fibromyalgia (FM) was felt to be a condition that could only be diagnosed after eliminating other conditions that are more "testable." A recent study suggests an MRI can identify patients with FM from those without it. Though this may be relieving for those suffering with this condition, it doesn’t change the difficulty in treating FM.
We have all felt tired and burned out in the past and thought nothing of it. Can you imagine feeling that way all the time? The degree of fatigue, inability to concentrate, fear of driving a car, confusion, depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation can be overwhelming. Frequently, health care providers seem to have little or no compassion for those coming to them with these symptoms. It may be that they feel helpless, as most treatment approaches utilizing pharmaceuticals either don’t work or may create side effects can be worse than the condition.
Diet is also important since food is the fuel our bodies run on. If you put diesel fuel into your regular gas engine car, the results will not be good! The engine will kick and sputter and eventually die after gumming up the fuel lines. This is analogous to eating too many refined carbs (simple sugars), eating transfats, eating too excessively and/or eating too quickly.
There is a general dietary approach that is very effective in both improving quality and producing a "full" feeling without the need to eat a large quantity of food. The basic premise is to eat like we did back in the Paleolithic era, when humans were hunters and gatherers. This means only grass fed animal meat, fruits and vegetables are the primary foods consumed. This also means minimizing the grain related foods we currently eat a lot of such as bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, etc.
For more information, google "paleodiet" or visit sites such as paleodiet.com where diet recommendations, cook books, and other information can be obtained. Also, anti-inflammatory diet and vitamin recommendations are available. We have more information about these methods at our office.
For more information on Fibromyalgia or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com/.
The amount of caffeine (about 135 mg) in an 8-oz. cup of coffee is enough to raise your metabolism for more than 2 hours. Drinking coffee before a workout may give you an extra kick. Caffeine may help free stored fat, so your body can burn it for energy as you exercise. (If you have high blood pressure, avoid caffeine before exercise.) Reuters, July 2006.
If You Exercise More And Eat Better - You Might Live Longer!
Posted by Dr. Kurt Meininger at 4:36 PM
The chromosomes of people who exercise more and eat better do not degrade as quickly as people who do not. This suggests a healthy lifestyle may not only lengthen life by helping to stave off disease, but also by slowing the process of aging itself. The effects of aging have been linked to a shortening of chromosome components known as telomeres, which protect the ends of chromosomes and keep the DNA in the middle from being damaged. Over time, telomeres shorten and both cells and DNA become more vulnerable to various forms of damage. This may be one of the primary mechanisms connected to age-related decline. Shorter telomeres have been correlated with an increased risk of both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
It has been found that the telomeres of smokers, the obese and those with sedentary lifestyles tend to be shorter than average. This spurred an investigation if an improvement in lifestyle could be directly connected to telomere protection? Lifestyle changes included a moderate aerobic exercise routine, classes in stress management and relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and supplements of vitamins and fish oil. After lifestyle changes, telomerase activity increases by an average of 29 percent. The level of telomerase increase is also correlated with a decrease in levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and the frequency of intrusive thoughts (a marker of stress).
For more information about exercise, diet and pain relief, call our office at 770-777-0900 or go to http://www.painreliefcare.com/.
Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
You may or may not know this, but in some circles, garlic is known as the “stinking rose.” Why? Because, garlic is one of nature’s most impressive foods! Its medicinal properties have been valued for centuries. There are reports of Greek and Roman soldiers eating garlic before going into battle. Legend has it that Egyptians ate garlic to increase their strength and stamina while building the pyramids. (If that legend only revealed how they actually built the pyramids – now that would be something!)
Anyway, the point is – garlic has been eaten for a long time with the belief it enhanced health. That’s the “rose” part of the name. And if you have ever been around garlic, you know where the “stinking” part came from. But, as it turns out, what makes garlic stink might be responsible for its wonderful health benefits. Here is why…
According to a January 31, 2009 article in Science Daily, “Researchers have widely believed that the organic compound, allicin – which gives garlic its aroma and flavour – acts as the world's most powerful antioxidant.” In this study, the authors believe they know why. They found allicin decomposes rapidly and produces an acid: sulfenic acid. This acid reacts with free radicals in your body. In other words, it becomes a very powerful antioxidant.
And check this out: According to the researchers, “The reaction between the sulfenic acid and radicals is as fast as it can get, limited only by the time it takes for the two molecules to come into contact. No one has ever seen compounds, natural or synthetic, react this quickly as antioxidants.”
Garlic’s Triple Power: Garlic is quite incredible because it helps you in three ways: antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s health blog, “Studies have even found it is effective at killing antibiotic-resistance bacteria, including MRSA, and for reducing fungal infections, such as yeast infections, and fighting viruses and parasites. “But that’s only the beginning. Garlic is great for your heart, as it helps to induce the relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels, which improves blood flow throughout the body. This can help to prevent a potentially deadly form of high blood pressure, as well as heart attack and stroke.” It is also believed that garlic helps prevent heart disease by inhibiting the formation of plaque on arteries.
Can Garlic Prevent Cancer? Maybe so. At least, that’s what a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (November 2006; 84(5): 1027-1032) suggests. The researchers used data from a network of Italian and Swiss case-controlled studies. Comparing patients to controls, they found those with the highest intake of onions and garlic had the most protection from an assortment of cancers including: Esophageal cancer; Colon cancer; Breast cancer; Ovarian cancer and Prostate cancer.
What About Garlic And Weight Loss? Can garlic help you lose weight too? The American Journal of Hypertension, reported on a study in which 2 groups of rats were purposely fed a diet to make them fat and hypertensive. Then one group of rats was given allicin. The group that received allicin not only stopped gaining weight! What’s more, a third group was fed allicin from the start and gained very little weight over the course of the experiment.
What’s Better: Supplements Or Raw Garlic? In many cases, eating the whole food is better than supplementation. Garlic is no different. The beneficial reaction in garlic starts taking place a few minutes after it is cut into or smashed open. But, the strength will quickly diminish and be gone in about an hour. So it is best to chop or press garlic, wait a few minutes, and then eat it.
This may not be the best tasting approach, but it is probably the most effective. If you start to stink like ripe garlic cloves – simply cut back on the amount you eat. You should be able to find an amount your body can tolerate, without smelling.
If you have any questions about Nutrition and Diet or if you’d like to find out more about our Pain Relief Services and Treatment programs, please call us at 770-777-0900 and go to our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.