Chiropractor in W.P.B.: Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition is about how chiropractic in conjunction with nutrition can be a solution for managing and reducing the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  While there is no known cure for MS, research shows some healthy behaviors can positively impact your MS development, quality of life and ultimately your life expectancy

Chiropractor in W.P.B: What is Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)?

Typically, M.S. patients are less than 55. And it is more prevalent in women than men. Often, MS appears in patients who reside in temperate climate zones and are of western European ethnicity. Relapses commonly occur in women 2 to 3 months after childbirth.

MS is characterized by episodic attacks that initially resolve, but eventually leave residual neurologic deficits. And the initial episode often will resolve in days.  Next, the patient may remain symptom free for months or years. Eventually, however, symptoms recur.  Lastly, Symptoms usually will involve a region and consist of numbness, tingling, weakness, diplopia (double vision), dizziness, or urinary sphincter dysfunction (urgency or hesitancy).

Chiropractor in W.P.B: What is the Cause of M.S.?

First, the cause of MS is unknown, but scientists think it may be an immune disorder (condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake).

Second, There is an apparent genetic relationship due to the association of MS and HLA-DR2.  The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is a family of genes found on chromosome 6 which provide the instructions to make a group of proteins known as the HLA complex. The HLA proteins are present on the surface of cells, and they help the immune system to distinguish foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria from the body’s own cells and tissues. 

Third, the primary role of the HLA complex is in the regulation of the immune system to defend against disease. Your individual HLA type is inherited from your parents. In MS, the immune system fails to distinguish between the body’s tissues and foreign proteins.  This results in your body attacking your own central nervous system. 

Fourthly, MS attacks myelin as if it were foreign. And Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord.  MS is a disease characterized by patchy demyelination with reactive gliosis.  Gliosis is a process leading to scars in the central nervous system that involves the production of a dense fibrous network of neuroglia (supporting cells) in areas of damage.  This occurs in the spinal cord, optic nerve (nerve for transmitting visual images), and white matter of the brain.  And Gliosis is a prominent feature of many diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Chiropractor in W.P.B: Diagnosis and Findings on Imaging for M.S.

Indeed, no single test can diagnose MS. The medical history, neurologic exam and lab tests helps rule out other diseases and confirm MS. For example, Laboratory evaluation may reveal mild lymphocytosis (increased white blood cells) or increased protein count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunoglobulm G (type of antibody) are more often seen in the CSF.

Finally, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will demonstrate multifocal areas of patchy demyelination in the brain or cervical (neck) spinal cord.  

 

 

Chiropractor in W.P.B:Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for Multiple Sclerosis

Calcium and magnesium– studies found may help with relapses of MS

Coenzyme Q10 90 mg plus Coenzyme A– helps with fatigue and mood elevation in MS and for strengthening the immune system

Essential Fatty Acids- (e.g. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), flax seed oil, primrose oil, omega-3 essential fatty acid complex)- Deficiency is frequent in MS patients

Garlic – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in multiple sclerosis

Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM)- for pain and exhibits antiinflammatory properties.

Acidophilus- Important for digestion and absorption of nutrients

Creatine – to help with muscle atrophy (loss of muscle mass) common in MS

Free form amino acid complex– predigested/separated amino so available readily for use by the body.

Grape seed extract– A strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation

Multienzyme complex- processing food properly

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)- for repair, metabolism and energy

Multiglandular complex– to help endrocine and hormonal systems

Selenium- an antioxidant and immune system booster

7-keto DHEA- may help fat loss by increasing metabolism.  Also, may help increase muscle mass.

Vitamins: Vitamin A (with carotenoid), C and E with bioflavonoids – An antioxidant and immune system stimulant. Fights free radical damage. Vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 and choline and inositol (vitamin B8)-  Assists immune system function and keeps nervous and immune systems function better Vitamin D– To help calcium absorption Vitamin K-may help with nausea and good for bone health

Herbs– Burdock, dandelion, echinacea, goldenseal, pau d’arco, red clover, St. John’s wort, sarsaparilla, and yarrow are great detoxifiers. Lobelia, skullcap, and valerian root calm the nervous system and may help with insomnia.

 

Chiropractic WPB: Lifestyle/Diet Recommendations for MS:

While there are numerous diets for MS, the Mediterranean diet appears to be the best. Moreover, the best diet maybe mostly vegetarian for MS.  So try to eat lean meats and wild caught fish (salmon,flounder, cod) if necessary. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Heat/ warm surroundings should be avoided.  A higher body temperature makes it harder for demyelinated nerves to conduct electrical impulses. This can make it more difficult for you to function. Therefore, avoid exposure to heat, such as hot baths, showers,sunbathing, and overly warm surroundings. Swimming in cool water is a good choice. Learn techniques to de-stress and beat anxiety.  Plenty of sleep is important as exhaustion may trigger an attack.

First, avoiding processed foods and eating mostly organically grown foods will help decrease chemicals and additives.

Second, Gluten  and dairy should be avoided. Cow’s milk is hard to digest for many people. Many people have food allergies that are making their conditions worse.  Gluten may be one of yours.

Third, excess Sugar causes inflammation and interferes with your immune response.

Fourth, alcohol and smoking should be omitted

Fifth, drink plenty of good quality water (8 glasses) everyday.

 

Chiropractor in W.P.B.: Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition

Are you seeking a natural treatment to help relieve Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms?  Chiropractic is a popular CAM (complementary alternative medicine) therapy for symptom relief of M.S. Your chiropractor in W.P.B. can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor in W.P.B.: Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition.

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.  Posted: 7/21/24

This was a 56 year old patient who was an office worker.  To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Ziona instead of her real name. Ziona was a patient who was treating with me for her back and hip problems originally.  Then one day, she told me her 2^nd and 4th fingers on her right hand were getting stuck” when trying to extend from a flexed position. Also, she reported having to extend the involved finger passively with her other hand.   Often, she reported a dull ache in the palm of the right hand.

Ziona had a history of occupational overuse with her fingers.  Furthermore, this was especially true for grasping maneuvers.  She didn’t know how it started and couldn’t remember any injuries to her fingers. Ziona herself thought it was a trigger finger.   

Ziona’s examination

Upon examination, she had limitation of range of motion at those fingers with certain movements. A small nodule was palpated at the base of the involved finger.  It was mildly tender to  pressure or gripping.

She would be referred out for further evaluation to her primary care doctor if there was no improvement within 12 visits. 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: the Cause of Trigger Finger

Firstly, the cause is due to the flexor tendon of the fingers pulley system dysfunctioning.   Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach the muscles to the bone enabling the muscles to move the bones. So the tendons of the fingers pass through at the base of the proximal (near) phalanx of the thumb or finger.

Secondly, through inflammation (e.g. due to autoimmune disease), trauma, repetitive injury, congenital/genetic (e.g. juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) variation and hormonal factors, the tendon sheath enlarges. This happens proximal to the pulley system.  Next, it is caught as the finger or thumb moves into extension.

Thirdly, this is a form of stenosing tenosynovitis. Moreover, there is hypertrophy (abnormal enlargement) and inflammation of the tendons and its sheath. Subsequently, resulting in catching and locking sensations due to the inability to slide smoothly within its sheath. 

Fourthly, trigger finger pain shows up as an unusual ache, stiffness, discomfort or progressive pain in the palm of the affected finger. Frequently, a distinct snapping or clicking sound becomes increasingly noticeable while trying to extend or flex the finger digit. 

Fifthly, Trigger finger frequently affects the dominant hand, with the thumb and ring finger being the most commonly affected digits. Additionally, there will be a tender nodule or swelling at the distal (far) palmar crease of the hand effected.

Ziona’s West Palm Beach Chiropractic Treatment

The goal of Ziona’s treatment was started with a focus to relieve pain. Next, conserve and restore the mobility of the finger joints.  Finally, to preserve and strengthen surrounding musculature. 

 Treatment consisted of:

-Chiropractic manipulation or mobilization of the finger, and associated regions consisting of her hands and wrists.                             

-Soft tissue manipulation (cross friction /myofascial release, pressure points, postisometric relaxation) to the muscles and soft tissues (i.e., tendons, ligaments) involved.

-Home exercises for self stretching and strengthening muscles.

-Nutritional support for osteoarthritis were recommended  (i.e., glucosamine sulfate, boswellia, horsetail, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Vitamin C) were recommended. 

-Recommendations for modification and avoidance of aggravating activities

Ziona got pain relief and improved function in her fingers within a few visits.  She no longer reported her fingers being “stuck”.   

 

Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger

Your West Palm Beach chiropractor offers a range of treatments to bring pain relief for a variety of conditions. A West Palm Beach chiropractor can treat trigger fingers naturally.   Contact us at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment with a chiropractor in West Palm Beach today or to learn more about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment for Trigger Finger.

 

 

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Stress and Nutrition is about how chiropractic and nutrition can help relieve your stress.

Stress is defined  as “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation” (1).  Psychosocial stress pervades modern life and is known to have an impact on health. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts. For instance, negative changes such as an illness, injury, job loss, or a relationship break-up can contribute. Similarly, positive changes such as a promotion, a mortgage, or the birth of a child still produce stress. 

Chronic stress can lead to physical symptoms such as: headaches, muscle tension in the face, neck, back, shoulder/ chest pain, an upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, exhaustion, sexual dysfunction and menstrual changes, increase or loss of appetite, problems sleeping/insomnia.  Anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobic disorders are among the more serious emotional manifestations of stress. Many people attribute their stress-related symptoms to “nerves,” and in fact stress usually does affect the parts of the body that are related to the nervous system. 

Moreover, a state of continual stress ultimately wears out the body. And it especially effects the immune response and increases susceptibility to illness and slows healing.  Researchers estimate that stress contributes to many major illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine and metabolic disease, skin disorders, and infectious ailments of all kinds, insomnia or other changes in sleep patterns, and/or gastrointestinal disorders. Most definitely, almost all body functions and organs are effected.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: our bodies release stress hormones.  These include adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and cortisol. And the hormones create physiological changes to help us cope with the threat or “danger”. And the “fight or flight” response and is apparently designed to prepare one to face an immediate danger.

Firstly, the endocrine system gets activated with stress. The endocrine system plays an important role in regulating mood, growth/ development, tissue function, metabolism and reproductive processes. Furthermore, our metabolism is affected. Your hypothalamus located in the brain plays a key role in connecting the endocrine system with the nervous system. The hypothalamus sends Stress signals to activate the release of stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine (adrenalin) from your adrenal glands.  Next, glucose (blood sugar) is produced by your liver to provide the extra energy. Thereafter, most people reabsorb the extra glucose when the stress subsides.  However, for some people there is an increased risk of diabetes.  Subsequently, the Cortisol released as a consequence to stress suppresses the immune system and inflammatory pathways.  As a result, we become more susceptible to infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. In other words, our ability to fight off illness is reduced.

Secondly, stress can effect your gastrointestinal system. Heartburn and acid reflux might begin if you have changed your eating habits.  For instance, you may be eating more or less.  You may have started eating more fatty and/or sugary foods. So the ability of our intestines to absorb nutrients from our food may be reduced. The result may be stomach pain, bloating and nausea, diarrhea or constipation.

Thirdly, heart rate and blood pressure increase when you are stressed. Once the stress passes, it returns to normal.  However, if chronically experienced, damage to blood vessels and arteries may occur. You will have an increased risk for hypertension, heart attack or stroke.

Fourthly, your respiratory system is working to breathe harder and more quickly with stress. This is to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood around your body. For asthmatics, this could be a problem. For others it can cause hyperventilation. The last scenery is more likely if someone is prone to anxiety and panic attacks.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: Nutritional Changes to Deal with Stress

Achieving a normal body weight if you are overweight is important to deal better with stress.  Also, eating a low-glycemic-load diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can reduce the risk of developing the diseases associated with stress.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for Stress

Beta-carotene,selenium, and vitamins C and E-as antioxidants to  fight damaging free radicals due to stress

Gamma-amino- butyric acid (GABA) -Acts as a natural calming agent and nutrition for the brain.

Glutathione– An antioxidant protects against cell damage

Inositol- a sugar that may help with mood and depression

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NADH)- helps with generating energy

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)- may help beat depression

Taurine- amino acid for brain and heart function defense

Trimethylglycine (TMG)- helps decrease homocysteine levels in the blood and acts like SAMe to elevate mood and decrease depression.

vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)- for proper nervous system function

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids– to help the  overworked adrenal glands

Calcium and magnesium– to replenish lost minerals from stress response

Coenzyme Q10 plus Coenzyme-for increasing energy and function of the heart and immune system.

L-tyrosine– amino acid; essential for the production of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Melatonin– may provide better, deeper sleep

Fiber (oat bran or psyllium husks)– for proper bowel movements

Multivitamin and mineral complex- to get all necessary nutrients

Raw adrenal glandular and raw thymus glandular– to help the adrenal and thymus glands, significant in the body’s stress reaction.

Vitamin E– Needed for immune system reaction and also an antioxidant

Zinc– necessary for immune system reaction and for protection from free radical damage

Herbs: Ashwagandha (natural sedative), Ginko Biloba (brain function),Milk thistle (cleanses liver), Catnip (anti-stress and sleep aid),Chamomile (sleep aid and relaxing), Dongquai, chiznadra support kidneys, adrenals and nervous system.  Hops( for stress and need for alcohol), Kava Kava (sooths the mind), Passion flower (calming), St John’s wort (for nerve pain), Siberian Ginseng (to endure stress), Skullcap ( relieves headaches and helps with sleep).Valerian (sleep aid)

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: How can Chiropractic care help ?

 

1. Reduces muscle tension

Chronic back pain is influenced by stress. Chiropractic care can help relieve your stress and anxiety by relieving tension in the neck, back and other stress-related issues. Stress causes your muscles to tense. This  impedes your posture when walking and sitting. A chiropractor helps you loosen the tension you are feeling and corrects your posture.  Regular adjustments from a chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help your body keep things moving freely. Adjustments will help your joints to move freely and will relieve pressure on veins, arteries, muscles, and underlying structures.  The result is improved blood circulation and lymphatic system drainage.

 

1. Optimizes nervous system function
   

A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach will utilize adjustments to your spine to help restore your autonomic nervous system and body to a natural balance.  The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions, such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. This system has a built-in stress response that causes physiological changes to allow the body to combat stressful situations. This stress response (“fight or flight response”) is activated in case of an emergency. However, this response can become chronically activated during prolonged periods of stress. Prolonged activation of the stress response causes havoc on the body – both physical and emotional.  Chiropractic adjustments sooth your irritated nerves and thereby help deactivate the stress response.

 

1. Personalized patient care

A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach will use natural healing solutions and guide you to develop a program to manage your stress levels unique to your life situation.  These various natural strategies include manipulation/ manual therapy , and diet/nutritional recommendations. In addition, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach will give you  exercise recommendations and important pointers on how to relax. 

 

During stressful times, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help relieve your stress!

In conclusion, chiropractors focus on the evaluation and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal (NMS)-based disorders.  However, chiropractors also help manage the multiple potential causes of ill health including acute and chronic stress. Successfully reduce your stress and its consequences with natural chiropractic care!

Are you experiencing stress and need relief? Call your chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment today or to find out more about Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Stress and Nutrition.

 

 

References

1. “Stress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress. Accessed 10 Sep. 2020.

2. References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.
3. Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
4. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor 

*Please consult your doctor (M.D. who is monitoring your condition) about the above supplements.

 

 

 

Incredibly, 90 to 95% of diabetics in the United States have type 2 diabetes.  This is the type that is able to be reversed or prevented.  In fact, Type 2 diabetes may affect as many as 20% of the senior U.S. population (ages 65 to 74 years). Approximately 5.4 million adults in the United States have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.  However, many cases can be avoided by making appropriate lifestyle changes.

In people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream leading to hyperglycemia. If it is not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, edema, nerve damage, and infections of the mouth, gums, lungs, skin, feet, bladder, and genital areas. And skin sores may develop and fail to heal properly. Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Diabetes Mellitus and Nutrition is about nutritional supplementation/diet and lifestyle changes to help diabetes mellitus.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that results in chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to absence of insulin, decreases in insulin, and/or decreased sensitivity of insulin receptors (areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood). Generally, Diabetes mellitus is evident in two forms: (1) type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and (2) type 2, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Usually, type 1 diabetes becomes apparent in childhood or adolescence.  And type 2 diabetes shows up later in life (over the age of 40).

Microvascular complications of diabetes are those long-term problematic changes to small blood vessels. Unfortunately, it can lead to various health problems such as: retinopathy (disease of retina of eye), nephropathy (kidney disease), and neuropathy (nerve damage disease).

Moreover, it is estimated that 40% of  people in the United States are prediabetic according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, it appears long-term damage occurs in the pre-diabetic state (especially to the cardiovascular system) prior to the full development of diabetes. 

 

Doctors diagnose diabetes by measuring blood sugar levels. The categories and criteria for diabetes are:

 

Pre-diabetes	Diabetes
-pre-diabetes at 100 mg/dL for a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)	-fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of 126 mg/dL or higher
-140 mg/dL for an oral glucose tolerance test (2 h PG; OGTT).	-a 2-hour plasma glucose (2 h PG; glucose tolerance test) of 200 mg/dL or higher
	-patients with apparent signs and symptoms of diabetes with a random plasma glucose concentration of 200 mg/dL or higher

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  PHYSIOLOGY regarding Diabetes Mellitus

 

Firstly, your Glycemic metabolism is controlled by the interaction of insulin (which has mainly a hypoglycemic/lowers sugar or glucose function) and hormones that are referred to as counterregulatory.

Secondly, these counterregulatory hormones include glucagon (hormone that your pancreas makes to help regulate your blood glucose), epinephrine/norepinephrine (chemical messengers also known as adrenaline, that play an important role in the body’s fight or flight response), cortisol (steroid hormone that is produced by your 2 adrenal glands, helps in immune response and metabolism), and growth hormone (secreted by pituitary and helps metabolism).

Thirdly, in general, these hormones act to stimulate glycogenolysis (happens in the liver and kidney to produce glucose for balancing the blood sugar) and gluconeogenesis (process in the liver when glucose is formed from non-carbohydrate sources).

Fourthly, Catecholamines (e.g. adrenaline) in particular, suppress insulin secretion and stimulate hepatic (liver) glucose production.

Fifthly, the hypoglycemic function of insulin is various.  This includes promoting the uptake of glucose by mainly muscle and adipose tissue (fat), inhibiting the breakdown of glycogen (promotes glycogen/”glucose”stores), and inhibiting the production of other sources of energy such as from free fatty acids.

Lastly, Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which your body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. The body may not produce enough insulin to move the glucose into the cells. Also, the cells may stop responding normally to insulin (insulin resistance).  Finally, the resulting high levels of glucose in the blood and the inadequate amount of glucose in the cells together produce the symptoms and complications of diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes may include:

-increased urination and thirst

-loosing weight even if not trying to

-Diabetes can damage nerves and cause problems with the sense of touch

-Diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, neuropathy and vision loss.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). Risk factors include:

• Family history: a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes.
• Age: While you can get type 1 diabetes at any age, it typically develops in children, teens, or young adults.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

So Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have similar risk factors. To start with, if you already have prediabetes, this is an added risk factor to develop type 2 diabetes. Additional risk factors are:

-Are overweight or obesity.

-Are age 45 or older.

-Your parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.

-Are physically active less than 3 times a week.

-Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

-You had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.

-Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk.

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for Diabetes Mellitus

Alpha-lipoic acid– may be helpful for peripheral nerve damage in diabetic patients. And helps control blood sugar levels.

Chromium picolinate – may improve glucose tolerance

L-carnitine plus L-glutamine plus taurine– helps mobilize fat, decreases sugar cravings and aides in activating insulin.

Quercetin- protects the eyes from damage due to diabetes

Raw adrenal glandular and raw pancreas glandular and thyroid glandular-  Aids in rebuilding and replenishing these organs.

Vitamin B complex – helps improve glucose tolerance

Plus extra Biotin (vitamin B7)- May improve glucose tolerance and reduce pain from diabetic neuropathy.

Inositol– type of hormone like compound. May help improve diabetic neuropathy.

Vitamin B12 plus folic acid- helps diabetic neuropathy

CoenzymeQ-10 plus Coenzyme A– helps glucose tolerance and stabilizes blood sugar.

Magnesium– may improve insulin production

Manganese– may help with repair and metabolism

Psyllium husks– good fiber source and mobilizes fat

Evening Primrose Oil– improves diabetic neuropathy

Aloe Vera Juice- May lower blood sugar levels

D-Vitamin D- Helps maintain good blood flow in patients with diabetes who live in climates where don’t get enough sunshine.

A-Vitamin A with carotenoids– antioxidant that helps the eyes

C-Vitamin C with bioflavonoids-may help slow complications due to diabetes (vascular problems)taken in normal amounts.

E-Vitamin E– helps improve glucose tolerance

Calcium– helps lower the risk of diabetes

Copper complex– helps metabolism.  Imbalance of copper may lead to progression of diabetes

Maitake extract– helps with glucose tolerance

Multienzyme complex plus proteolytic enzymes- Good digestion is essential for diabetes recuperation

Pantethine- (Pantothenic acid form) In some studies, pantethine seems to lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in people with diabetes.

Pycnogenol or grape seed extract- antioxidant for connective tissue and may help blood sugar levels

Garlic- Enhances immunity and improves circulation.

Gymnema- May help  fight sugar cravings and lower high blood sugar

Asian Ginseng- May help with production of insulin and help with activating more insulin receptors

Herbs: Cedar Berries (for the health of the pancreas), Fenugreek seeds (may support blood glucose control), Huckleberry (helps body with protection against diabetes complications),  Juniper berries (might help lower blood sugar), dandelion root and uva ursi (for blood sugar levels and clearing of toxins)

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Diet/Lifestyle for Diabetes Mellitus

First, Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.  Be sure to include plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps to reduce blood sugar spikes and keeps you full. Subsequently, oat or rice bran crackers with nut butter or cheese are great between meals. Legumes, root vegetables, and whole grains are additional sources of carbohydrates and protein.

Second, complex carbohydrate intake is important. Similarly, High-glycemic foods such as white rice/ flour products, starchy vegetable (potatoes), and many processed foods are converted into blood sugar during digestion very fast.  Your insulin level will spike. Instead, eat Carbohydrates found in low-glycemic foods such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, and low-starch vegetables and fruits. These are converted into blood sugar more slowly (raises insulin levels slowly).  

Third, Omit saturated fats, trans fats, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, and simple sugars (except to balance an insulin reaction). Good fats and oils include extra virgin olive oil, fish oil, almond oil and butter, avocados, nuts, and seed oils such as sesame, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin. Substituting polyunsaturated fats such as these and other vegetable oils also decreases cognitive decline in people with diabetes.

Fourth, among many studies emphasizing the need for exercise in reducing the morbidity (condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition) of diabetes, some indicate minor lifestyle changes may affect mortality (relating to death).

For example, in an 8-week walking program of 10,000 steps/day for women, the benefits of improved glucose tolerance and a reduction in blood pressure was realized.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

With Diabetic Neuropathy, you will typically have low back pain along with burning pains in the lower extremities (limbs) and poor balance. Also, it can affect your arms and hands with numbness and pain. Indeed, neuropathy is a diabetes complication that causes nerve damage throughout your body.  Hence, about half of all people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Furthermore, it is more common in those who have had diabetes for many years. 

In one study a patient with diabetic neuropathy was treated with chiropractic manipulation to the intertarsal and mortise joints (foot and ankle joints) and chiropractic myofascial therapy to the quadratus plantae muscles (muscle at bottom of foot) 18 times over 4 months. This treatment brought about dramatic improvement in both symptoms and clinical signs of nerve function. (1)

In conclusion, the study found that joint dysfunction may play a role in susceptibility to diabetic neuropathy and the treatment brought about improvement. Therefore, chiropractic treatment may bring about improvement by normalizing joint and nerve function in the areas affected.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Diabetes Mellitus and Nutrition

Diabetic Neuropathy can be helped naturally at Meiri Chiropractic.  Most certainly, this involves spinal adjustments or extremity (limbs) manipulation and soft tissue techniques along with the use of modalities (i.e. heat therapy, electric muscle stimulation) and rehabilitation/home exercises.

Are you suffering from diabetic neuropathy?  As holistic health care professionals, chiropractors are health care providers who discuss and help implement nutritional changes for our patients as well.  Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you manage your neuropathy symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Call 561-253-8984 today!

 

 

References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

*Please consult your doctor (M.D. who is monitoring your condition) about the above supplements.

 

The leading cause of death in the United States is coronary artery (heart) disease (CAD or CHD). It is probably also the leading cause of disability.  Although there are numerous factors leading to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), it appears there are four major risk factors: cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.  Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: High Cholesterol and Nutrition is about nutritional supplementation/diet and lifestyle changes to help Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Wellness is Important

The emphasis must be on lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol, including not smoking and the management of the other three risk factors. And the second leading cause of death by disease is cancer.  Next, the third leading cause of death is diabetes. Furthermore, a high fat diet has been implicated as leading to cancer. Of course, adult-onset diabetes is linked to diet as well. Indeed, wellness is attained starting with healthful eating and exercise.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  PHYSIOLOGY regarding High Cholesterol

Firstly, cholesterol is not in and of itself the problem. Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by your liver. It is used for important functions, such as making hormones, nervous system function and digesting fatty foods. However, too much cholesterol can cause plaques in blood vessels. Plaques can cause inflammation, rupture and cause clots, leading to a heart attack.

 

Secondly, the liver makes half of the body’s cholesterol. The other half is acquired by diet.

 

Thirdly, there are two main fats carried in the blood: cholesterol and triglycerides. These are packaged with proteins (apoproteins) into lipoproteins.

 

Fourthy, the lipoproteins are classified based on the density. So the higher the triglyceride content, the less dense they are. The three main lipoproteins are: high density lipoproteins (HDLs), low density lipoproteins (LDLs), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). In addition, LDLs contain about 75% lipid and 25% protein, whereas HDLs contain an equal ratio.

 

Fifthly, the VLDLs produced in the liver transport triglycerides to cells. And when the VLDLs have lost enough of the triglyceride, they become LDL particles. LDL then provides cholesterol to the cells. And any excess of LDL is metabolized in the liver, providing cholesterol for bile (stored in gallbladder). So LDLs that are oxidized are potentially more harmful.  It appears LDLs effect the arterial wall, and possibly through antibodies developed against the oxidized (free radical reaction) LDLs.

 

Lastly, HDLs are produced in the liver and assist in transfer of apoproteins among the other lipoproteins. Indeed, HDLs may be protective by a reverse cholesterol transport-carrying process.  HDLs carry excess cholesterol to other lipoproteins or to the liver.

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  What is Hyperlipidemia

 

Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is when you have an increase in either plasma cholesterol or plasma triglycerides. These may occur in combination or in one form. Typically, there are three main causes: (1) dietary, (2) genetic, and (3) secondary to other diseases or drugs. And the mildest is the dietary cause.

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Genetic/Familial hypercholesterolemia

 

The genetic cause of high LDLc is familial hypercholesterolemia. Due to a defect in the LDL receptor gene, there is a reduced ability to process LDLc particles. Subsequently, this results in an LDLc level that is almost twice that of normal. However, to make matters worse, many patients have even higher LDLc from their high dietary intake. As a result, these patients have an increased risk of developing coronary artery (heart) disease in their 30s and 40s. In conclusion, although there appears to be a genetic component, poor diet and lack of exercise make the disorder much worse. Exercise and weight loss are  pivotal to gaining normal cholesterol levels.

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Some Facts about cholesterol

Ideal serum cholesterol values are below 200 mg/dl.  Values above 240 mg/dl require further analysis by your primary care doctor.  Coronary risk factors are: male gender, cigarette smoking, hypertension, severe obesity, diabetes, family history of premature (before age 55) coronary heart disease, diagnosed cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (below 35 mg/dl). For adults, a normal triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL. Your total cholesterol looks at a combination of triglycerides, HDL and LDL numbers. If your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol are high, but your HDL is low, you have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

The chart below summarizes some of the various levels:

 

(LDLc) Elevation LDL Cholesterol: <100: Optimal 100-129: Near optimal/above optimal 130-159: Borderline high 160-189: High ~190: Very high

Total Cholesterol <200: Desirable 200-239: Borderline high ~240: High

HDL Cholesterol <40: Low ~6 0: High

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Chiropractor in West Palm Beach:  Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for High Cholesterol

 

Apple pectin– it binds to fats and heavy metal, thereby lowering cholesterol levels

Calcium- suggested that a high calcium intake may reduce lipid absorption by forming indigestible calcium-lipid complexes

Chinese red yeast rice extract- has cholesterol lowering abilities in body

Chromium picolinate-  needed for normal metabolism of fats, including cholesterol. Research shows a link between higher chromium intake and healthier arteries and levels of blood cholesterol

Coenzyme Q10- plus Coenzyme A- improves circulation, boosts immune system and metabolism

Fiber (oat bran or guargum)- Soluble fiber  (e.g. oatmeal) can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.

Garlic–  may inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol

L-carnitine- helps by increasing HDL cholesterol, inhibiting LDL cholesterol production

Lecithin granules/capsules or Lipotropic factors- A fat emulsifier; cholesterol lowering

Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids- if you are taking cholesterol lowering drugs (deplete this) this will help boost your immune system

Complex of vitamin B plus extra vitamin Bi (thiamine) and vitamin B3 (niacin)- helps lower cholesterol

Bioflavonoids with Vitamin C – helps lower cholestrol

Vitamin E- improves circulation

Essential fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil, fish oil, primrose oil)- natural blood thinner and reduces LDL levels

Proteolytic enzymes- prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol becomes oxidized it sticks to and builds up in blood vessel walls forming plaques.

Selenium- defieciency has shown to lead to CHD- heart disease

Shiitake extract or reishi extract- in some studies Reishi was able to decrease total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol

Herbs-  Cayenne (capsicum), goldenseal, and hawthorn berries help to lower cholesterol.  Cinnamon has been shown to lower cholesterol.

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Diet/Lifestyle for High Cholesterol

 

Eat foods with high soluble fiber. Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol by binding it to the small intestine. Once inside the small intestine, the fiber attaches to the cholesterol particles, preventing them from entering your bloodstream. So instead, cholesterol will exit the body through the feces. For instance, oats, oatmeal, oat bran, whole grains, whole fruits (apples) and legumes (beans, peas).

Include the following cholesterol-lowering foods in your diet: almonds, apples, bananas, carrots (flushes out bile in liver so lowers cholesterol), cold-water fish, dried beans, garlic, grapefruit, oats, olive oil, salmon, strawberries, and walnuts. Strawberries in particular were shown to reduce damage from oxidation to the bad (LDL) cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.

Reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Saturated fats include all fats of animal origin as well as coconut and palm oils.Use vegetable oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive, soybean, flax seed, primrose, and black currant seed oil. Olive oil is best. Do not eat any nuts except raw, unsalted pecans, walnuts, and almonds. 

Eliminate from the diet all hydrogenated fats and hardened fats and oils such as margarine, lard, and butter. Eliminate heated fats or processed oils.  And avoid fried or fatty foods. It’s important to read food product labels in detail. Choose nonfat milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and skinless white poultry meat (preferably turkey), but only in moderation.

Do not consume alcohol, cakes, candy, carbonated drinks, coffee, gravies, nondairy creamers, pies, processed or refined foods, refined carbohydrates, tea, tobacco, or white bread.

In large amounts, coffee can elevate blood cholesterol levels, more than doubling the risk of heart disease. Cream substitutes (nondairy coffee creamers) are not good alternatives to cholesterol-heavy dairy products.  This is because it has coconut oil, which is a highly saturated fat. Instead, use Soy milk or almond milk.

Get regular moderate exercise daily.  Try to de-stress and avoid continued tension. Incorporate stress release techniques.

 

 

Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: Your Nervous System and Health

As chiropractors, we believe in the concept of wellness for our patients and we recognize things like receiving chiropractic adjustments, exercising, eating healthy/good nutrition and sleep hygiene as important parts of a wellness program.  Such a wellness program will certainly lower your risk of developing CHD and lowering cholesterol.

Finally, this is where your chiropractic adjustment comes in. Getting regular adjustments to get your body aligned keeps your nervous system at it’s optimum which helps the rest of your body function better.  Chiropractic adjustments helps manage stress levels, improves your overall health and keeps you moving.

Contact your Chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractor in West Palm Beach: High Cholesterol and Nutrition.

 

References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

*Please consult your doctor (M.D. who is monitoring your condition) about the above supplements.

 

 

 

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Alzheimer’s and Nutrition is about nutritional supplementation and lifestyle changes to help Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.  And Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the United States.  It accounts for approximately 65% to 75% of all cases. In fact, there are more than 4 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, it appears women live longer than men with Alzheimer’s and so represent twice as many cases. The combined cost of direct management and lost productivity is at least $100 billion annually. In fact, the National Institute on Aging estimates that as many as 5 million Americans over the age of 65 have some form of Alzheimer’s disease. In its latest statement, the Alzheimer’s Association states that “as many as one in three older people will die from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the United States”. And more and more patients are afraid of losing their memory. 

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are things you can do to maintain your cognitive health as you get older in regard to cognitive dysfunction.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

It is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually it severely affects multiple brain functions.  The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems.  For instance, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.  Next, common symptoms include memory loss, concentration problems, confusion with familiar tasks, difficulty communicating, mood changes, and anxiety.  Finally, the stages of Alzheimer’s disease leads to increased mental and physical deterioration until eventually the person needs 24-hour care.

Scientists think Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These deposits (amyloid) form plaques around brain cells. Yet another protein (Tau) deposits in tangles within brain cells.  Although it’s not known exactly what causes this process to begin, scientists now know that it begins many years before symptoms appear. Lastly, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) are decreased so brain signals/messages are not sent.

Risks for developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Firstly, age is the single most significant factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases after you reach 65. However, early- or young-onset Alzheimer’s disease can affect people from around the age of 40.

Secondly, the genes you inherit from your parents can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the actual increase in risk is small unless you have a specific single gene.  Then the risk is much higher.

Thirdly, if you have Down’s Syndrome, suffered head injuries, hypertension, diabetes and/or have cardiovascular disease you are at a greater risk.

Fourthly, you can lower your risk by: not smoking/avoiding second hand smoke, eating a healthy diet and loosing weight if necessary, leading an active life mentally and physically, avoiding excess alcohol/drugs.

Fifthly, the latest research shows that factors that increase the risk also include: hypertension, hearing impairments, social isolation, untreated depression, toxins/air pollution.

More on Alzheimer’s Disease

As mentioned above, those patients with a genetic predisposition are more at risk.  Moreover, in combination with atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes mellitus they are at a substantially higher risk of cognitive decline.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high level of total homocysteine in the blood.  Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when proteins are broken down. High homocysteine levels usually indicate a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate.  So nutritional deficiencies seem to be a cause. The B vitamins are important in cognitive functioning.  And it is well known that the processed foods constituting so much of the modern diet have been stripped of these essential nutrients.

Lastly, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is both one of exclusion and inclusion (diagnosis that is left over after all other possible differential diagnosis are ruled out).

 

Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for Alzheimer’s Disease

Acetylcholine- Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which works by sending signals between nerves. Choline supplements are your best bet for raising acetylcholine levels

Acetyl-L-carnitine– an amino acid, helps brain function and reduces degeneration of memory

Boron- improves brain function

Coenzyme A- assists body in eliminating many toxins

Coenzyme Q10- for energy to cells

Folic acid– Aids in controlling homocysteine level balance

Iron– Deficiency should be checked by physician

Lecithin– (mixture of fats)- helps memory

Multivitamin and mineral complex – all nutrients are necessary for optimum body function

Phosphatidyl serine– Improves memory.

Pycnogenol or grape seed extract– Protects brain cells from free radical destruction

S-Adenosylmethio- nine (SAMe)- Lowers homocysteine levels.

Selenium- Acts as antioxidant for brain cell protection.

Trimethylglycine (TMG) –Assists the body in utilizing vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin B6. It also helps to body detoxify (e.g. homocysteine) and increases levels of the natural mood enhancers such as S-adenosyl-methionine.

Vitamin A plus carotenoids (including beta-carotene) and vitamin E- protects against antioxidant damage

Vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex plus extra pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)-Needed for brain function and seen lacking in people with Alzheimer’s disease.  Deficiency can lead to depression, memory and mental difficulties.

Zinc– Excellent immune system stimulant.

Apple Pectin– great for removing toxic metals (e.g. mercury) which may lead to Alzeimer’s

Calcium and Magnesium- calms the nervous system

Free-form amino acid complex– for tissue repair and brain function

Kelp- supplies minerals needed for body

Melatonin- aids sleep while improving brain function

Superoxide dismutase– strong antioxidant

Vitamin C and bioflavonoid– increase immune function and level of energy

Herbs- Butcher’s broom promotes healthy circulation. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the brain.  Studies indicate Ginkgo helps mental functioning for Alzeimer’s patients.  Kava kava and St. John’s wort help to calm emotions. Studies suggest that curcumin (a compound in turmeric) and rosmarinic acid inhibit the formation and extension of beta-amyloid fibrils, and destabilize existing beta-amyloid plaques. Rosmarinic acid is a plant phenolic (dietary polyphenols, natural antioxidants) that is present in significant quantities in oregano, sanicle, gypsywort, rosemary, marjoram, the mints, and sage. Chinese herb qian ceng ta (Huperzia serata) or club moss increases memory retention. Valerian root improves sleep. Balm and sage may contribute positively to brain chemistry.  Cat’s claw, when mixed with other herbal extracts (such as ginkgo, gotu kola, and rosemary), inhibits the buildup of plaques in the brain.

Diet/Lifestyle Changes for Alzheimer’s

First, it’s crucial to keep active and intellectually involved.  Continue to learn as well as get plenty of exercise. Second, have allergy testing performed for any possible environmental and/or food allergies. Third, avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, processed foods, and environmental toxins, especially metals such as aluminum and mercury. Smoking more than doubles the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  And all metals in excess are toxic to the body. Fourth, Do not drink tap water. Drink 8 glasses of good quality water.  Herbal teas will suffice as well. 

Regular exercise throughout adulthood can reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Try biking, walking, swimming, and/or golf. Research shows that walking three times a day improves brain function and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  In addition, people who tend to experience psychological distress appear to be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease versus those who are less prone to experience distress. It’s important to learn to de-stress through meditation or some relaxation technique.  Similarly, people who most often had negative emotions such as depression and anxiety were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s then those who were less prone to negative emotions.

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach and Your Nervous System/ Brain

As chiropractors, we believe in the concept of wellness for our patients and we recognize things like receiving chiropractic adjustments, exercising, eating healthy/good nutrition and sleep hygiene as important parts of a wellness program.  Such a wellness program will certainly lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Even if you don’t have a family history of Alzheimer’s, as you age, your nerve cells lose speed and flexibility. You might start forgetting more and remembering less. 

Finally, this is where your chiropractic adjustment comes in. Getting regular adjustments to get your body aligned keeps your nervous system which your brain is part of, functioning at it’s optimum!

Contact your Chiropractor  in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Alzheimer’s and Nutrition.

 

References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

*Please consult your doctor (M.D.) who is managing your condition in regards to the above supplements.

 

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High blood pressure is a multifactorial condition that is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. And the complexity of blood pressure shows the need for alternative interventions such as chiropractic. Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: High Blood Pressure and Nutrition is about supplementation and lifestyle changes to help high blood pressure.  

 

What is Hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Hypertension is a systolic (pressure when your heart pushes blood out) blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic (pressure when your heart rests between beats) blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. According to the Centers of Disease Control, nearly half of adults have hypertension (48.1%, 119.9 million).  Unfortunately, about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension don’t have their hypertension under control (22.5%, 27.0 million).  In fact, some don’t even know they have it.

The above figures pertain to the 90 percent of all hypertension cases labeled as “primary,” or “idiopathic”(unknown cause).  In other words, hypertension is not secondary to the disease but is the disease. So these don’t have a cause, such as hypercalcemia, hyperaldosteronism (due to adrenal disease), renovascular (due to kidney problems) disease, drug iatrogenesis (effects of conventional drug), hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

What happens if hypertension isn’t managed?

Chronic hypertension accelerates the development of atherosclerosis (thickening/hardening of arteries) and is thus a major risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Additionally, the physiologic consequences of continued high blood pressure contribute to the development of congestive heart failure, hypertensive retinopathy (eye disease), and hypertensive kidney disease. Furthermore, hypertension combined with  diabetes, smoking or dyslipidemia (imbalance of lipids), increase your risk for cardiovascular disease tremendously. 

Helpful Supplementation/Nutritional Recommendations for Hypertension

Calcium- relaxs vascular smooth muscle and increases sodium excretion.

Magnesium-deficiency can contribute to hypertension

Potassium- assists sodium and water excretion. 

Coenzyme Q10 plus Coenzyme A- helps with heart function and for immune function

Essential Fatty Acids– black currant seed oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, primrose oil- Improves circulation and to decrease blood pressure

Garlic– helps to lower blood pressure

L-arginine– (amino acid that helps the body build protein) important role in heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

L-carnitine plus L-glutamic acid and L-glutamine– also amino acids, aids in helping heart disease.

Selenium-a mineral which supports immune and cognitive function. Deficiency has been linked to heart disease.

Vitamin E-acts as a blood-thinning agent (may be contraindicated if taking prescription blood-thinners).

Vitamin C- with bioflavonoids– Improves adrenal function and reduces blood-clotting tendencies.

Lecithin (capsules) (group of fatty substances found in plant and animal tissues) or lipothropic factors (choline, methionine, betaine, folic acid, and vitamin B₁₂) Helps digestion, improves liver function and helps lower blood pressure.

Bromelain- (Enzyme found in pineapple) aids in digestion of fats.

Chinese red yeast rice extract- has cholesterol lowering ability

Kelp- source of mineral and iodine

Barley and wheatgrass juice– contains important nutrients.

Maitake extract, shiitake extract, reishi extract– To help reduce high blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

Multivitamin and mineral complex with vitamin A and zinc-All nutrients are needed in balance.

Proteolytic enzymes– helps cleanse the circulatory system. Also, completes protein digestion.

Raw heart glandular– Strengthens the heart.

Vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B3 (niacin)*only take Niacin under supervision of physician and choline (nutrient similar to B vit) and inositol (form of sugar found in body)-

Important in cardiovascular health.

Vitamin B6- helps in decreasing tissue hydration and thereby pressure on cardiovascular system

Herbs for high blood pressure/hypertension- cayenne (capsicum), chamomile (avoid chamomile if you have hayfever), fennel, hawthorn berries, parsley, and rosemary. Hops and valerian root are good for stress.  Mistletoe decreases headaches and dizziness due to hypertension. 

 

Diet/Lifestyle Changes for Hypertension

 Weight Loss 

Weight reduction is usually helpful.  Indeed, there is an average rise of 6.5 mmHG systolic blood pressure for every 10% increase in body weight over ideal weight.  And this is especially true if weight gain is due to body fat and not muscle. To be effective, weight loss usually requires a combination of lowered caloric intake in addition to more calories utilized. Importantly, a moderate exercise program is necessary.

 Alcohol Restriction

Alcohol restriction reduces blood pressure and risk of stroke in heavy drinkers. Similarly, for “casual” or responsible drinkers they should limit to no more than 2 drinks per day.

 Sodium Restriction

Decreasing sodium intake may help 20% to 50% of hypertensives.

Mild Sodium Restriction (2500 to 4500 mg/day) is for drug-controlled mild hypertension only.  This may enhance herbal diuretic therapy for hypertension. It entails no salty foods, table salt or salty seasonings.  So minimal salt is allowed in cooking.

Obviously, moderate sodium restriction (1500 to 2500 mg/day) produces better results than mild.  No salt at all may be used in cooking or eating.  And most processed foods must be avoided.

Modification of Dietary Fat Intake

First, Lowering total fat and saturated fat may reduce viscosity (thickness) of  blood.  Second, Saturated fats are found in animal-based foods like beef, pork, poultry, full-fat dairy products and eggs. Third, Increasing polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils, fish oils, etc) may affect vascular and renal prostaglandins (hormone like compounds in body which dilate peripheral blood vessels and thereby to lower arterial pressure).

The Pritikin diet with exercise may reduce blood pressure by 21/11 mmHg in nonmedicated patients and by 7/5mmHG in medicated patients.  A low-fat diet, the Pritikin diet focuses on unprocessed fruits and vegetables, lean animal foods,and non-fat dairy products.

The DASH diet (which stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension) is also for lowering high blood pressure naturally. Focus is on eating a variety of easy-to-find healthy foods while reducing your empty calories, high sodium foods, added sugar, refined grains and unhealthy fats.

Drug/Nutrient Interactions

Diuretics (water pills) are a class of medications that remove water and electrolytes from the body by increasing urination. They’re often used to treat hypertension. Some diuretics for high blood pressure cause sodium excretion. 

Exercise Therapy

Exercise has an effect on blood pressure as well as contributing to weight loss and stress reduction. Regular aerobic exercise and moderate circuit weight training for 10 weeks reduces blood pressure 14/15 mm Hg.

Stress Reduction

Identify and minimize sources of stress and explore relaxation therapies.  Stress reduction and meditation have been shown to be effective for hypertension.

Heavy Metal Detoxification

Cadmium and lead accumulation may contribute to hypertension. Vitamin C and nutrient minerals may help lower your  body burden of these toxic metals.

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: High Blood Pressure and Nutrition

Firstly, research on chiropractic spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic hypertension  was published in the May 2007 issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension by Bakris and colleagues. In this research, 50 hypertensive patients, blood pressure reductions were -17/-10 mm Hg in the treatment group receiving upper cervical (neck) chiropractic spinal manipulation versus -3/-2 mm Hg in the placebo group.

Secondly, chiropractic focuses on the more natural forms of healing, and looks for ways to encourage the body to heal itself. Your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes that can help lower high blood pressure including, regular exercise, weight loss, healthy eating, and not smoking along with your adjustments.

Thirdly, many studies have been performed utilizing chiropractic treatment to lower blood pressure, some using chiropractic treatment alone, some in conjunction with blood pressure lowering medications. Most cases of hypertension are corrected with prescription medication, although some cases are difficult to control. And these prescription medications have many side effects.  While Chiropractors do not treat hypertension/high blood pressure, Chiropractic care helps to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Next, this allows the nervous system to regulate all the functions of the body including blood pressure.

In conclusion, call Dr. Natalie Meiri, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to find out more about Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: High Blood Pressure and Nutrition or to schedule an appointment today!

 

References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

*With all the above supplements, please first check with your doctor (M.D.) who is managing your condition.

 

 

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Menopause and Nutrition is about how to minimize or eliminate the unpleasant side effects of menopause.

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. It is a natural progression in life. Many women experience few if any symptoms during this time.  However, others may suffer from some, or all, of the following: anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, feelings of bloating, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, decreased interest in sex, loss of concentration, mood swings, night sweats, reduced stamina, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and itching, weight gain, cold hands and feet, joint pain, hair loss, and skin changes.

Above all, though a natural progression in life, it is the time women become increasingly vulnerable to other, potentially serious health problems. Over the long term, the diminished supply of estrogen increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and vaginal atrophy. Remarkably, all the above can be avoided through a proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and chiropractic care.

 

Menopause Symptoms

After 12 months without menstruating, a woman is in menopause. The average age of menopause onset in the Unites States is 51.  Decreased circulating levels of estrogen with menopause appear to affect the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small but important area in the center of the brain between the pituitary gland and thalamus. It plays an important role in hormone production and helps to stimulate many important processes in the body. The hypothalamus controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems.  It is also involved in sleep and emotional activity.

So 95% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience “hot flashes”. These flushing and sweating episodes are sudden in onset and last several minutes.  A sensation of face and neck hotness extends to the front of the chest. The skin temperature may increase as much as 5° and may result in wetting of clothing through excess perspiration. Physiologic responses that also occur include an increase in heart rate perceived sometimes as palpitations.

Furthermore, there may be symptoms of headache, dizziness, and nausea during the episodes.  Many women have night sweats and also have difficulty falling asleep. And often awaken early without being able to fall back to sleep. Approximately 80% of women experience these episodes for more than 1 year with as many as 20% of women having symptoms for more than 5 years.

 

The Hormones involved in Menopause

Many years before a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries slow their production of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen and progesterone are commonly thought of as sex or reproductive hormones. While estrogen is indeed essential for reproduction, it also acts on many nonreproductive organs and systems in the body. Cells in the vagina, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver, and brain all contain estrogen receptors, and require this hormone to stimulate these receptors for normal cell function.

 

Helpful Supplementation/Lifestyle Recommendations for Menopause

Beta-1, 3-D-glucan– (a fiber can be found in oats, barley, and some mushrooms. Boosts immune system and gives anti-aging nutrients.

Cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate- found in certain animals, including cows.  Helps joint to keep lubricated and inflammation down.

Coenzyme Q10 plus Coenzyme A- Helps with overall physical- mental processes in body.

Dehydroepiandros-terone (DHEA)- Boosts your memory function and helps with stress.

Essential Fatty Acids (primrose oil, black currant seed oil)- Has sedative and diuretic characteristics.  Helps in estrogen production.

Lecithin capsules– group of fatty substances found in plant and animal tissues.  Acts as a base for vitamin E to help reduce hot flashes and menopause symptoms

Multienzyme complex with Hydrochloric acid (HCL)-  Aids digestion. And HCL declines with age

Soy or flax protein– Has phytoestrogen plant compounds with structures similar to estrogen.  Eat fermented soy products or flax if you can’t tolerate soy.

Vitamin B complex and extra pantothenic acid (Vit B5) and Pyridoxine/folic acid (Vit B6)- increases circulation, minimizes water retention, and anti-stress to help adrenals.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)- manages calcium in the body

Vitamin E– helps with hot flashes

Boron– helps with calcium absorption

Calcium and Magnesium– protects bone density and is calming

Quercetin – a plant pigment is an antioxidant flavonoid, found in fruits and vegetables. May help with hot flashes

Silica– needed for connective tissue and calcium absorption

Zinc and copper- helps to reduce menopause symptoms and bone loss

L-Arginine and L-lysine– enhances liver function

Multiglandular complex– may stabilize hormone balance

Multivitamin and mineral complex with potassium and selenium- helps complete nutrition which is needed for decreasing symptoms.  Potassium aids nervous system function and can be depleted during perspiration in hot flashes. Selenium may be needed for hormonal balance.

Vitamin C plus mixed bioflavonoids– important to decrease symptoms and for heart health.

Homeopathy– various remedies

 

Herbs- Anise, black cohosh, fennel, licorice, raspberry, sage, unicorn root, and wild yam root are natural estrogen promoters. Hops and valerian root help to calm the body and promote better sleep. Ginseng has been shown to help improve mood during menopause. Kava kava decreases anxiety. Gotu kola, black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai decrease hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and depression. St. John’s wort is helpful if you suffer from anxiety or depression. Siberian ginseng aids in symptoms of depression and in estrogen production.

 

Menopause Diet/Lifestyle Recommendations

Firstly, a healthy, unprocessed diet is crucial for helping your body get used to the hormonal changes. Eat tons of fruits and veggies, high fiber foods, clean and lean proteins like fish mostly and minimum amounts of meat, healthy fats such as olive and coconut oil, and foods that supply natural phytoestrogens.  These include: soybeans, flaxseeds, nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, celery, parsley, and alfalfa.

Secondly, a high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to explain why hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms rarely occur among women in Asian cultures. Nevertheless, if you have breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, or have had or are at risk for any of these, avoid soy.

Thirdly, avoid dairy products as much as possible. For example, limit your consumption to small amounts of low-fat yogurt if you must have dairy. Dairy products and meat promote hot flashes. Make sure you take calcium and vitamin D as supplements to reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Fourthly, amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, nettle, seaweed, and watercress are rich in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis. Interestingly, seaweed and soy foods are commonly consumed in Japan, where 10 to 20 percent of women experience hot flashes compared to 70 to 80 percent in Western countries.

 Fifthly, avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, and hot soups and drinks. They can trigger hot flashes, aggravate urinary incontinence, and make mood swings worse. They also make the blood more acidic, which prompts the bone to release calcium to act as a buffering agent. This is an important factor in bone loss.

Sixthly, get regular moderate exercise.  Exercise is important for cardiovascular health and for building bone density.  Also, exercise helps decrease stress levels and increase natural endorphins (brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters/chemicals).

Lastly, substitute garlic or onion powder for salt when cooking. Excessive salt increases urinary excretion of calcium. Try to drink 2 quarts of quality water or/and herbal tea each day.  This will help prevent drying of the skin.

 

Menopause and Joint Pain

A common symptom often associated with hormonal changes is pain. More than half of women experience arthralgia (pain in a joint) around the time of menopause. The causes of joint pain in postmenopausal women can be difficult to determine as the period of menopause coincides with a rising incidence of chronic rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the prevalence of arthralgia does appear to increase in women going through menopausal transition.  Studies have shown this to result from reduction in estrogen levels. This may have to do with various interactions between sex hormones and pain processing pathways, immune cells and chondrocytes (cartilage cells).

Given a growing concern regarding estrogen replacement therapy, a search for alternatives in the management of menopause is prevalent. Many studies have found that the use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms is common, and women who use them generally find them to be beneficial. Chiropractic intervention in the treatment of postmenopausal climacteric symptoms especially in the area of joint pain and many other symptoms is effective.

If you are suffering from menopause or just need more wellness, contact your chiropractor in West Palm Beach.  Call 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to learn more about West Palm Beach Chiropractic: Menopause and Nutrition.

 

References:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 *For all the above, please check with your primary care doctor before implementation of  supplement recommendations.

 

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Ear Infection and Nutrition is about the natural treatments and preventative recommendations available for Ear infections through chiropractic and nutrition.  Incredibly, almost all children get an ear infection before they are 4 years old. In fact, Otitis media the technical name for a middle ear infection, is the most common diagnosis in children.  Approximately two thirds of all children in the United States are affected by age 2 with otitis media. Furthermore, it is the second most common diagnosis in medicine since adults get it also.

 

What is Otitis Media?

It is an infection of the space behind your ear drum in your middle ear. With acute otitis media your child or infant (although adults are affected) has a fever.  They will complain of deep ear pain, a pressure sensation, and decreased hearing.  Acute otitis often occurs after serous otitis (effusion in the middle ear) with the eustachian tube (tube that links the nasopharynx/upper throat to the middle ear) involvement. In addition, viral infections and other causes of eustachian tube inflammation can cause blockage or  negative pressure. So middle ear fluid resulting from negative pressure provides a culture medium (adequate liquid environment) for bacteria.

Cause of Acute Otitis Media

Potential risk factors for acute otitis media include: Younger than 2 years old (because the eustachian tube is shorter and angled less), Male gender, time spent at a Day care Center, fall or winter season, exposure to cigarette smoke, genetic factor, prior history of acute otitis media.

In the United States, acute otitis media (infection of middle ear) counts for as much as 30 million patient visits to the primary care doctor annually.  And it may cost as much as $5 billion.  However, the diagnosis of acute otitis media is actually a difficult one. Studies have indicated that 40% of the time, doctors are not sure of their diagnosis. Moreover, there are various criteria, making the diagnosis even more difficult.

Never the less, the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) standard is probably the most utilized.  It states the following:  1) signs of a middle ear effusion (fluid in spaces/between tissues)  2) rapid onset (over 48 hours)  3) plus another sign or signs including otalgia (pulling of the ear by infant)  4) otorrhea (ear drainage) and irritability (in infant or toddler)  5) fever.

One study found if these criteria were used, there would be a reduction in the diagnosis of acute otitis media by over 20%. And the cause in less than 10% of cases, viruses are the single cause.  Also, co-infection with viruses (bacteria and virus) is prevalent. 

 

What is Serous Otitis Media?

Serous Otitis Media is effusion or a collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space.  You will have a feeling of fullness for several weeks, and possible hearing loss or pain.  It is usually associated with a past history of upper respiratory infection, an episode of acute otitis, or barotrauma (injury caused by a change in air pressure).

The cause of serous otitis media is a persistently closed eustachian tube which allows negative pressure to develop in the middle ear.  This then causes discharge of fluid into the middle ear space. It is common in children because of a more horizontal canal. However, it can happen in both adults and children because of infection, allergy, or barotrauma.

 

What is External Ear Infection/ Otitis Externa?

Otitis Externa or swimmer’s ear can absolutely happen from swimming. This affects the outer ear. You will have ear pain, itching, and discharge. Also, you may have pain by pulling on the ear and discharge.  And your ear canal may have erythema and edema (redness and swelling). It often happens during warm, humid weather.  The cause of otitis externa is due to an infection (bacterial or fungi) of the ear or ear canal.  Is is caused by exposure to infected water.  Additionally, it is caused by scratching or overaggressive use of cotton applicators. Keeping your ear dry is especially important for prevention.

 

Helpful Supplementation/Lifestyle Recommendations for Ear Infections

Carotenoid Complex (pigments that give red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their color and are antioxidants) for adults for fighting infection

Cod Liver Oil – for children is great for delivering vitamin A

Colloidal silver– has natural antibiotic properties.  Can be used topically or orally.

Manganese– ear problems have been observed in people with deficiencies

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids– boosts immune system to stop infections

Zinc– speeds immune response

Primrose oil– reduces inflammation

Vitamin B complex– important for healing

Vitamin E– helps immune function

Herbs– Echinacea extract, olive leaf extract, goldenseal extract (all fight infection)

Avoid most common foods that cause allergies:  wheat, dairy, corn, oranges peanut butter, sugar/simple carbohydrates .  Try a three to four day rotation diet to see what foods may be causing symptoms.

If bottle-fed, your baby may be allergic to milk. Breast-fed babies are less likely to have ear infections. Try finding a soy or nondairy alternative baby formula for 1-2 months.

Homeopathy- various remedies

Eardrops– containing garlic, mullein and St Johns wort

 

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach

Firstly, chiropractic Adjustments in West Palm Beach to the neck help the fluid in the ears to drain.  The fluid build up in the ear can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Secondly, if the ear can continue to drain without a buildup of fluid, a subsequent infection maybe avoided. Thirdly, without the fluid retention in the ear, children and adults can build up their own antibodies and recover more quickly. 

There was one study indicating that the limitation of medical intervention and the addition of chiropractic care may decrease the symptoms of ear infection in young children. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) states before yet another round of “maybe-they’ll-work-and-maybe-they-won’t” antibiotics or the drastic step of surgery, more parents are considering chiropractic to help children with chronic ear infections.  Chiropractic is safe and effective.  It’s certainly worth a try before inserting tubes in your child’s ears.

If you or your child is suffering from ear infections or just need more wellness, contact your chiropractor in West Palm Beach.  Call 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to learn more about West Palm Beach Chiropractic: Ear Infection and Nutrition.

 

References:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 *For all the above, please check with your primary care doctor before implementation of  supplement recommendations.

 

 

 

Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Nutrition for Sinusitis is about the natural treatments and preventative recommendations available for sinusitis (sinus infection) through chiropractic and nutrition. There are higher rates of sinusitis in the South, Midwest, and among women in the U.S.A. Kids younger than 15 years of age and adults aged 25 to 64 years are affected most.

 

Indeed, the symptoms of sinusitis can be very painful and uncomfortable. This includes fever (usually low-grade, but higher in some cases), cough, headache, earache, toothache, facial pain, cranial pressure, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of the sense of smell, fatigue, malaise, halatosis and facial pain. Furthermore, it can even cause facial swelling along with a stuffy nose and thick discharge of mucus.  Next, the postnasal drip may cause a sore throat, nausea and difficulty sleeping. 

 

Anatomy of Paranasal Sinuses

The paranasal sinuses are located near the nose and connect to your nasal cavity. There are four paranasal sinuses: maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal. They are named corresponding to the respective bone from which it takes its name. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull and facial bones around the nose.  These are air-filled cavities within the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary bones. All drain into the superior (upper) or lateral (side) aspect of the nose. The sinuses’ lining the mucosa (mucus membrane) is continuous with the nasal cavity.  Therefore, any infections from the nasal mucosa can easily spread to the sinuses.

Cause of Sinusitis

The cause of Sinusitis is multifactorial.  Most people with colds have an element of viral sinusitis. If you have atopy, a genetic immune system problem that makes you more likely to develop allergic diseases (e.g. seasonal allergies), you are more susceptible to sinusitis. So sinusitis can be caused by allergens, environmental irritants, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. For example, irritants are animal dander, polluted air, smoke, and dust.

First, a viral upper respiratory infection may cause sinusitis secondary to edema. Second, inflammation of the nasal lining and the production of thick mucus that obstructs the paranasal (near to nose) sinuses allows a secondary bacterial overgrowth. Third, allergic rhinitis (hayfever) can lead to sinusitis.

Other risk factors of sinusitis include:

• Air travel can lead to inflammation of the sinuses, because of changes in air pressure.
• Chronic sinusitis may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking, and exposure to irritant fumes and smells.
• Allergic sinusitis may be caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially allergies to milk/ dairy products.
• People with compromised immune systems (e.g. HIV) are more susceptible to sinusitis

 

 

Helpful Supplementation for Sinusitis

Acidophilus – to replace the necessary bacteria in intestines

Bee Pollen– helps with healing

Flaxseed oil– reduces inflammation

Multivitamin and mineral complex– to enhance proper nutrition

Quercetin – an antioxidant, increases immunity and decreases reaction to allergens

Calcium and Magnesium – Helps with stress.

Multienzyme complex– improves digestion

Raw thymus glandular– for immune function protection

Coenzyme Q10– helps immune system

Colloidal silver– acts as a natural antibiotic

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)– helps with pain relief

Garlic– stimulates immune response

Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM)– provides some pain relief and reduces inflammation

Proteolytic enzymes– aids in destruction of free radicals

Pycnogenol or grape seed extract- Powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and the frequency of colds and flu. Also helps neutralize allergic reactions.

Sea mussel– contributes to needed amino acids and aids in the functioning of the mucous membranes.

Zinc lozenges– acts as antiviral and immune system booster

Vitamins:

A with mixed carotenoids –  (check with your doctor if pregnant)- are antioxidants helpful against allergens, enhances immune response

B complex –nerve function optimization.

B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6(pyridoxine) and vitamin B12– Aids in the formation of antibodies and therefore helps immune system function.

C with bioflavonoids– helps immune function, in preventing infection and decreasing mucus.

E– speeds healing

 

Herbs-   Anise, fenugreek, marshmallow, and red clover help to loosen phlegm and remove congestion.  Bayberry is a decongestant and astringent.  Goldenseal, Echinacea helps the immune system and fights viral infection.  Mullein decreases inflammation and soothes irritation.  Nettle is good for all types of allergies and respiratory problems. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Natural lifestyle/diet recommendations

Firstly, drink plenty of water and fresh vegetable/ fruit juices. Secondly, consume plenty of hot liquids such as soups and herbal teas. These help the mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure. Secondly, adding cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and raw onion to soups or teas may bring even faster relief. Thirdly, eliminate sugar from your diet. Fourthly, reduce your salt intake.  Fifthly, limit or omit dairy foods, except for low-fat soured products like yogurt and cottage cheese. Dairy products increase mucus formation. Lastly, mix a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Use a squeeze spray bottle or an eyedropper to instill the solution in the nostrils, one side at a time. Repeat this procedure three or four times a day as necessary for relief from stuffiness.  This rinses debris or mucus from the nasal cavity.

 

Chiropractic Care For Sinusitis

In conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques may provide significant relief for sinusitis.

Acupressure Point Stimulation

Acupressure is a method of manual point pressure applied to acupuncture points for producing analgesia (insensibility to pain).  One method of treatment is by  manual (by hand/finger) pressure.  In theory, blockage or other dysfunction in the meridian causes illness.

 

Chapman (Neurolymphatic) Reflexes

Chapman reflex points are found in the deep fascia and are associated with specific viscera (organs).  These reflex points can be used as a diagnostic aid (diagnosis of illness) to locate a pathologic (indicative of disease) change.  Also, these reflexes influence visceral function through nervous system input. Finally, these reflexes are useful for influencing the motion of fluids, mostly lymph. And for influencing visceral function through the nervous system.

 

Cranial Manipulation– Cranial Manipulation to the face and skull is a very gentle technique designed to improve the movement of the bones of your head. It reduces pressure in the head/face.

 

 

Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will adjust you to improve the relationship between the spine and nervous system, which affects the function of all the organs and systems in your body. She will educate you on how to prevent future suffering by learning and implementing a lifestyle for health self enhancement.  In this regard, we may give take home exercises, recommend ergonomic changes and nutritional/lifestyle changes.  Call Dr. Natalie Meiri, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to find out more about Chiropractic in West Palm Beach: Nutrition for Sinusitis or to schedule an appointment.

 

References:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 *For all the above, please check with your primary care doctor before implementation of  supplement recommendations.