Vitamin D and Allergies in Children

According to this new article on Medical News Today, there appears to be a link between low vitamin D levels and the development of allergies in children.

The study was published in the February 17 online edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

It is an interesting study.  It involved both adults and children. In children, there appeared to be an association between lower Vitamin D levels and allergy development, while in adults, there was no visible connection between the two.

The medical researchers were cautious to make a direct correlation, but advocated that children take 600 iu of Vitamin D daily as a healthy and preventative measure.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

Vitamin D and Hives

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/213251.php

Check out the above link. It is an article that describes a recent study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center that connects Vitamin D deficiency and chronic hives.  Hives are considered "chronic" if they occur at least three times per week last three times per week, according to the article.

Vitamin D is an essential chemical compound that is required for healthy hair, skin, immune system, bones, and much more.  The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 400 iu.  It is quickly becoming clear that this dosage is woefully inadequate.

Considering the body of evidence that has become available regarding the benefits of Vitamin D, this recent study reaffirms the need for greater amounts of supplementation.

I recommend that patients supplement their diets with a minimum of 3000 iu per day. Make sure that you ask your doctor and follow his/her recommendations.

Keith E. Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

Healthy Foods

Check out this link to an article on 14 healthy foods.  It lists several good foods, with good scientific studies behind them.  The moral of the story is that we, as humans, were designed to eat naturally produced foods, not the chemical substitutes manufactured by mankind for mas marketing and business profitability.

When we eat right, we decrease our exposure to disease and illness.  It makes so much sense.  Start doing better today!

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Thanksgiving Survival

Thanksgiving dinner, an American icon.... of nearly 4500 calories!

Here are some ideas to make the day less "heavy".

1) Drink 16 ounces of water before you eat, and only drink water with your meal.
2) Eat more turkey, and more from the relish tray.
3) Keep the stuffing, dressing, potatoes, casseroles to small servings.
4) One pass at the buffet line please!
5) Do you need the pie? If so, take a small slice and avoid the whipping cream and ice cream.
6) Find a "turkey trot" or a "turkey bowl" to participate in.

Most of all, enjoy your family and friends. Take the time to give thanks.

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com

Tainted Turkey

A Texas turkey products company is issuing a recall of some of its products because of possible contamination with a bacteria known as Listeria Monocytogenes.

According to the CNN Health website, quoting the agricultural department, "consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease."

The CNN Health website describes the products in the recall as:

-- 1-pound packages of New Braunfels Smokehouse Sliced Smoked Turkey, with the package code "2210" on the label.
-- 4- to 6-pound packages of New Braunfels Honey-Glazed Spiral Sliced Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Boneless Breast of Turkey, with the package code "2180" on the label.

-- 4- to 6-pound whole breast packages of Stegall Boneless Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast, with the package code "2210" on the label.
-- 4- to 6-pound whole breast packages of Stegall Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast, with the package codes "2180" or "2210" on the label.

Each package bears the USDA mark of inspection and the number "P-975" inside the mark of inspection.

The items were produced on August 4.

Please take the time to look at your turkey breast products and compare the lables.  Consumers with questions about the recall may call the company at 1-800-537-6932.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

Vitamin D Deficiency Related to Strokes

Johns Hopkins University is publicizing a new study that shows that low levels of vitamin D, the essential nutrient obtained from milk, fortified cereals and exposure to sunlight, doubles the risk of suffering a stroke in whites, but not in blacks.

In the United States, stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death. Every year, more than 140,000 Americans are killed by strokes, and hundreds of thousands more suffer neurological disabilities that often are permanent.  This recent study supports prior evidence that links Vitamin D deficiency to heart disease and arterial diseases.


Study co-lead investigator and preventive cardiologist Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S, says that most people would benefit from and could safely take 1000-2000 iu of vitamin D daily. Many could benefit from doses even higher. The current RDA is only 400 iu. 


As many as 50% of Americans have blood levels of vitamin D that are low and unhealthy.

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com

Healthier Choices at Fast Food Restaurants

We live in an instant society, and our food choices reflect our lifestyles.  The purpose of this post is not to argue the pluses or minuses of modern society, but to simply point out a great article on CNN Health that gives parents different options when dining out at fast food restaurants. 

You can connect to the website here. Take a moment, read the study, and make some simple changes for the benefit of your health and that of your children!

Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com