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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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
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 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
Monday, November 15, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Vitamin D and Luekemia
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a significant difference in the progression of cancer and patient death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who had adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood compared to those who did not.
It appears that adequate levels of vitamin D in the blood help to slow the progression of CLL. This is very important because CLL is typically a slow moving disease. Often, when the early stages of CLL are first detected, the physician does not immediately begin chemotherapy because chemotherapy medications are so damaging. These early patients are usually simply monitored for progression of the disease, waiting for it to reach a level at which time chemotherapy benefits out-weight the known damages of the drug.
The fact that Vitamin D has shown a potential in slowing the progression of this cancer provides these patients with an early treatment option that was unavailable to them in the past.
According to Dr. Shanafelt, hematologist at Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D insufficiency, in general, is widespread. "Between one-fourth and one-half of patients seen in routine clinical practice have vitamin D levels below the optimal range, and it is estimated that up to 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D insufficiency," he says.
There is a growing body of evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for development and/or progression of several known cancers. Some studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. In other studies, low vitamin D levels may be associated with poorer clinical outcomes in colorectal, breast, melanoma and lung cancers, and lymphoma.
If you know of a patient that has been diagnosed with CLL, you should get a copy of the Mayo study to them and their doctors.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
Source: Medical News Today
It appears that adequate levels of vitamin D in the blood help to slow the progression of CLL. This is very important because CLL is typically a slow moving disease. Often, when the early stages of CLL are first detected, the physician does not immediately begin chemotherapy because chemotherapy medications are so damaging. These early patients are usually simply monitored for progression of the disease, waiting for it to reach a level at which time chemotherapy benefits out-weight the known damages of the drug.
The fact that Vitamin D has shown a potential in slowing the progression of this cancer provides these patients with an early treatment option that was unavailable to them in the past.
According to Dr. Shanafelt, hematologist at Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D insufficiency, in general, is widespread. "Between one-fourth and one-half of patients seen in routine clinical practice have vitamin D levels below the optimal range, and it is estimated that up to 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D insufficiency," he says.
There is a growing body of evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for development and/or progression of several known cancers. Some studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. In other studies, low vitamin D levels may be associated with poorer clinical outcomes in colorectal, breast, melanoma and lung cancers, and lymphoma.
If you know of a patient that has been diagnosed with CLL, you should get a copy of the Mayo study to them and their doctors.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
Source: Medical News Today
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
B Vitamins Promote Healthy Brains
Another study in Europe shows that the B vitamins are beneficial in preventing senile dementia and alzheimer's disease.
According to Medical News Today, "A two-year clinical trial in England has shown that B vitamins, including B-6, B-12 and folic acid, slow down mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition which is a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia"
B6, B12, and Folic Acid are essential nutrients. B6, or Pyridoxine, for example, is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It benefits both physical and mental health. B12, or Cyanocobalamin, is equally important. It is needed in red blood cell formation and food absorption. B12 is required for nerve tissue health and helps to maintain fertility! Folic acid is considered a "brain food", and is essential for red blood cell formation. It is well known for its importance in pregnancy. A daily intake of 400 micrograms has been shown in some studies to prevent many of the neural defects in infants, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. It may also be beneficial in preventing premature births.
Clearly, the B vitamins included in the studies regarding brain function are essential chemical components of health, and are shown to aid in healthy neurological tissues and functions. The question is not whether or not they should be included as a daily supplement. The question is when are the neurological experts going to get on the band wagon and start recommending B complex vitamins to all of their patients?
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
According to Medical News Today, "A two-year clinical trial in England has shown that B vitamins, including B-6, B-12 and folic acid, slow down mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition which is a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia"
B6, B12, and Folic Acid are essential nutrients. B6, or Pyridoxine, for example, is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It benefits both physical and mental health. B12, or Cyanocobalamin, is equally important. It is needed in red blood cell formation and food absorption. B12 is required for nerve tissue health and helps to maintain fertility! Folic acid is considered a "brain food", and is essential for red blood cell formation. It is well known for its importance in pregnancy. A daily intake of 400 micrograms has been shown in some studies to prevent many of the neural defects in infants, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. It may also be beneficial in preventing premature births.
Clearly, the B vitamins included in the studies regarding brain function are essential chemical components of health, and are shown to aid in healthy neurological tissues and functions. The question is not whether or not they should be included as a daily supplement. The question is when are the neurological experts going to get on the band wagon and start recommending B complex vitamins to all of their patients?
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Monday, November 1, 2010
Fatty Liver Disease and Curry
Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that chemicals found in the spices that give Curry its "zing" might be helpful in the treatment of patients with benign fatty liver disease.
Benign fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity and weight gain, can lead to fibrosis of the liver, and possibly cirrhosis, cancer, or even death. Liver tissues can also be damaged by medications, such as Tylenol, through consumption of alcohol, and from poisoning.
The chemical, according to researchers, is Curcumin, and it is present in turmeric.
"My laboratory studies the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis and is searching for natural ways to prevent and treat this liver damage," said Anping Chen, Ph.D., who is the director of research in the pathology department at Saint Louis University. "While research in an animal model and human clinical trials are needed, our study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis."
Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis affects approximately 5% of the US population. Typically, medical options have been limited. Often, the medical doctor will take a "wait and see" attitude. This approach is more reactive and less pro-active.
Another herb that has been touted for years to be beneficial in treating of liver toxicity is Milk Thistle. Milk thistle may help to protect the liver from damage due to toxins, and might actually stimulated new liver tissue growth.
For those that are suffering from liver disease, there are options. Since the liver is often damaged by medication use, it makes sense that the best current options for treatment are herbal.
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Benign fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity and weight gain, can lead to fibrosis of the liver, and possibly cirrhosis, cancer, or even death. Liver tissues can also be damaged by medications, such as Tylenol, through consumption of alcohol, and from poisoning.
The chemical, according to researchers, is Curcumin, and it is present in turmeric.
"My laboratory studies the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis and is searching for natural ways to prevent and treat this liver damage," said Anping Chen, Ph.D., who is the director of research in the pathology department at Saint Louis University. "While research in an animal model and human clinical trials are needed, our study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis."
Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis affects approximately 5% of the US population. Typically, medical options have been limited. Often, the medical doctor will take a "wait and see" attitude. This approach is more reactive and less pro-active.
Another herb that has been touted for years to be beneficial in treating of liver toxicity is Milk Thistle. Milk thistle may help to protect the liver from damage due to toxins, and might actually stimulated new liver tissue growth.
For those that are suffering from liver disease, there are options. Since the liver is often damaged by medication use, it makes sense that the best current options for treatment are herbal.
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Good Fats, Bad Fats
Oils and fats in our diets are made up of building blocks called fatty acids. There are healthy fats and oils, and some that can be quite damaging. For example, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, or CLA, which is often found in many dietary supplements, has been found to cause benign fatty liver disease and resistance to insulin. On the other hand, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can be helpful in reversing the affects of CLA.
Recent studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are helping to demonstrate the benefits of DHA and EPA.
Darshan S. Kelley, lead researcher, has indicated that results show that in laboratory rats, DHA has demonstrated itself to be beneficial in protecting the animals from the dangerous affects of CLA. The tests show that EPA was not as affective.
Insulin resistance can lead to early development of diabetes, and benign fatty liver disease can lead to non-alcoholic cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Dr. Kelly indicates that further tests are needed to further investigate the healthy benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA.
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Stress Reactions Reduced by Walnuts
Researchers at Penn State set out recently to determine if the consumption of walnuts, walnut oil, and flax seed oil would reduce some of the physiological effects suffered by people who are under stress.
Sheila West, associate professor of biobehavioral health, stated that "People who show an exaggerated biological response to stress are at higher risk of heart disease. We wanted to find out if omega 3-fatty acids from plant sources would blunt cardiovascular responses to stress."
Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in plant based oils have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. They also have been shown to reduce the inflammatory response of the body. Walnuts and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. During the study, subjects were placed on strict diets that also included walnuts, walnut oil, and flax seed oil. Stress was induced through public speaking and through placing feet into basins of ice water.
The researchers at Penn State found that the consumption of walnuts, walnut oil, and flax seed oil reduced the blood pressure of subjects both at rest and under stress in the laboratory environment. They also found that c-reactive proteins, a marker for inflammation, were also reduced. This is important because the reducing of both blood pressure and inflammation are beneficial in reducing cardiovascular disease.
The subjects in the study were given about 18 walnut halves per day and one tablespoon of walnut oil. It is important to note that the walnuts and oil were substituted for other fats in what was described as a "typical American diet."
Keith E Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Sheila West, associate professor of biobehavioral health, stated that "People who show an exaggerated biological response to stress are at higher risk of heart disease. We wanted to find out if omega 3-fatty acids from plant sources would blunt cardiovascular responses to stress."
Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in plant based oils have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. They also have been shown to reduce the inflammatory response of the body. Walnuts and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. During the study, subjects were placed on strict diets that also included walnuts, walnut oil, and flax seed oil. Stress was induced through public speaking and through placing feet into basins of ice water.
The researchers at Penn State found that the consumption of walnuts, walnut oil, and flax seed oil reduced the blood pressure of subjects both at rest and under stress in the laboratory environment. They also found that c-reactive proteins, a marker for inflammation, were also reduced. This is important because the reducing of both blood pressure and inflammation are beneficial in reducing cardiovascular disease.
The subjects in the study were given about 18 walnut halves per day and one tablespoon of walnut oil. It is important to note that the walnuts and oil were substituted for other fats in what was described as a "typical American diet."
Keith E Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Its a Bouncing Baby Stone...
Yesterday I got a call from my mother. She informed me that my Father was passing two kidney stones! OUCH!
If you have ever passed a kidney stone, you know how painful it can be. The medical doctors told my father that if he was unable to pass the stones, that they might have to fly him from Pinetop AZ to Phoenix for treatment. Fortunately, Dad was able to pass the stones in the night, but not without quite a bit of pain and a little blood loss.
Although I can't do anything about the stones that my dad passed last night, there are some things that I can advise him of that might help him in the future. They could help you as well.
According to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN), the very diet recommendations that have been found to reduce high blood pressure has also been show to reduce the tendency to develop kidney stones.
The diet is called the DASH diet, and it stresses the importance of increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in the diet. It further recommends reducing sugars, sweets, and red or processed meats.
Imagine that... a healthy diet is a healthy diet... what a technological breakthrough. I wonder what else a healthy diet helps with...
Anyway, excuse my sarcasm.
If you tend to suffer from kidney stones or know someone who does, pass this information along. Most who have experienced the excruciating pain of passing a stone will agree that if changing their diet can prevent only one stone, it is well worth it.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
If you have ever passed a kidney stone, you know how painful it can be. The medical doctors told my father that if he was unable to pass the stones, that they might have to fly him from Pinetop AZ to Phoenix for treatment. Fortunately, Dad was able to pass the stones in the night, but not without quite a bit of pain and a little blood loss.
Although I can't do anything about the stones that my dad passed last night, there are some things that I can advise him of that might help him in the future. They could help you as well.
According to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN), the very diet recommendations that have been found to reduce high blood pressure has also been show to reduce the tendency to develop kidney stones.
The diet is called the DASH diet, and it stresses the importance of increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in the diet. It further recommends reducing sugars, sweets, and red or processed meats.
Imagine that... a healthy diet is a healthy diet... what a technological breakthrough. I wonder what else a healthy diet helps with...
Anyway, excuse my sarcasm.
If you tend to suffer from kidney stones or know someone who does, pass this information along. Most who have experienced the excruciating pain of passing a stone will agree that if changing their diet can prevent only one stone, it is well worth it.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
Vitamin B for Brain
Vitamin B has been show to slow the shrinking of the brain that occurs in aging. Certain B vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, are known to control levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimers.
In a study of nearly 170 volunteers at Oxford University, researchers used MRI scans to measure the rate of brain shrinkage over a two-year period. They found that on average, the brains of those taking a tablet that combined folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 shrank at a rate of 0.76 percent a year, while those in the placebo group had a mean brain shrinkage rate of 1.08 percent. Those subjects in the study with high homocysteine blood levels benefited the most, with a nearly 50% decrease in brain shrinking rate when compared to subjects in the study group that were taking placebos.
According to an article on the CNN website, the researchers said that "The two-year clinical trial is the largest to study the effect of vitamin B on MCI and one of the first disease-modifying trials in the Alzheimer's field to show positive results."
The researchers made it clear that this was a limited study and that more research is needed.
William Thies, chief medical officer of the Alzheimer's Association, expressed his concern as well saying that "No recommendations can or should be made to doctors or the public regarding use of B vitamins based on this study. No clinical or personal habits should be changed as a result of this article." (Translation: heaven forbid that we find something as benign as vitamins helping with this horrible disease. How can we make money selling Vitamin B? We need a drug!)
I find the position of William Thies perplexing. Tell me, what can it hurt to try an increased dosage of the B Vitamins? We are talking about an illness for which there is no medical answer, so if taking an increased amount of Vitamin B fails to make a difference, then what is lost? What is gained... increase health in general?
As for me, I believe that we should increase our vitamin consumption across the board, and that includes an increased dose of the B Vitamins. It might not slow down brain matter loss, senile dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease, but then again, it just might. Either way, the B vitamins are necessary for healthy physiology. Perhaps What Dr. Thies wants is for our at risk adult population to just sit and wait for the next "miracle" drug with all of its unknown side effects. After all, a cure is just around the corner, right? Brilliant.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
In a study of nearly 170 volunteers at Oxford University, researchers used MRI scans to measure the rate of brain shrinkage over a two-year period. They found that on average, the brains of those taking a tablet that combined folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 shrank at a rate of 0.76 percent a year, while those in the placebo group had a mean brain shrinkage rate of 1.08 percent. Those subjects in the study with high homocysteine blood levels benefited the most, with a nearly 50% decrease in brain shrinking rate when compared to subjects in the study group that were taking placebos.
According to an article on the CNN website, the researchers said that "The two-year clinical trial is the largest to study the effect of vitamin B on MCI and one of the first disease-modifying trials in the Alzheimer's field to show positive results."
The researchers made it clear that this was a limited study and that more research is needed.
William Thies, chief medical officer of the Alzheimer's Association, expressed his concern as well saying that "No recommendations can or should be made to doctors or the public regarding use of B vitamins based on this study. No clinical or personal habits should be changed as a result of this article." (Translation: heaven forbid that we find something as benign as vitamins helping with this horrible disease. How can we make money selling Vitamin B? We need a drug!)
I find the position of William Thies perplexing. Tell me, what can it hurt to try an increased dosage of the B Vitamins? We are talking about an illness for which there is no medical answer, so if taking an increased amount of Vitamin B fails to make a difference, then what is lost? What is gained... increase health in general?
As for me, I believe that we should increase our vitamin consumption across the board, and that includes an increased dose of the B Vitamins. It might not slow down brain matter loss, senile dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease, but then again, it just might. Either way, the B vitamins are necessary for healthy physiology. Perhaps What Dr. Thies wants is for our at risk adult population to just sit and wait for the next "miracle" drug with all of its unknown side effects. After all, a cure is just around the corner, right? Brilliant.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Stop Smoking and Eat Your Vegetables
Smoking causes lung cancer. Period. This is a certain and verifiable statement. The best way to avoid or reduce your risk of developing the deadly disease of lung cancer is to quite smoking.
But there is more...
A recent study published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, states that eating vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of contracting lung cancer.
The interesting thing about the study is that the researchers determined that the quantity of the vegetables was not as important as the variety of the vegetables.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
But there is more...
A recent study published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, states that eating vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of contracting lung cancer.
The interesting thing about the study is that the researchers determined that the quantity of the vegetables was not as important as the variety of the vegetables.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Water Water Everywhere!
Do you want to loose weight? Drink water. Simple, yes, but effective.
A recent study compared two groups of people that were placed on a natural, whole food diet. One group was then also told to drink two cups of water before each meal. No other restrictions were given.
The results, in retrospect, were quite predictable. The group that drank water BEFORE each meal lost more weight than those that did not drink water.
So, if you are interested in trying to drop a few extra pounds, start your meals out with water. Oh, by the way, did I mention that your body needs water? This is a diet tip truly without any adverse side effects.
Keith Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
A recent study compared two groups of people that were placed on a natural, whole food diet. One group was then also told to drink two cups of water before each meal. No other restrictions were given.
The results, in retrospect, were quite predictable. The group that drank water BEFORE each meal lost more weight than those that did not drink water.
So, if you are interested in trying to drop a few extra pounds, start your meals out with water. Oh, by the way, did I mention that your body needs water? This is a diet tip truly without any adverse side effects.
Keith Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
www.biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Paleo-Mediterranean Diet
OK... so think about this. Early man and his diet. We were hunters, gatherers, and then, finally, farmers. If you take these thought into consideration every time that you go to the store, open the fridge, or go the the food pantry, you are likely to make better food choices.
The paleo-mediterranean diet simply means that the diet consists of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, fish, and smaller amounts of whole grains. The mediterranean diet also includes SMALL amounts of cultured dairy products. It stresses the eating of very little simple carbohydrates, those commonly found in sugar, pastas, breads, cakes, candy, and soda.
In western societies, the rate of hypertension in the population is roughly one in four. High blood pressure, however, is virtually non-existent in societies that follow a hunter-gatherer type of diet.
If you wish to live longer with less of a risk of high blood pressure and all the diseases that it brings, it is time to take a close look at your diet.
Keith Biggs, DC
Biggs Chiropractic & Acupuncture
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
480-985-3334
The paleo-mediterranean diet simply means that the diet consists of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, fish, and smaller amounts of whole grains. The mediterranean diet also includes SMALL amounts of cultured dairy products. It stresses the eating of very little simple carbohydrates, those commonly found in sugar, pastas, breads, cakes, candy, and soda.
In western societies, the rate of hypertension in the population is roughly one in four. High blood pressure, however, is virtually non-existent in societies that follow a hunter-gatherer type of diet.
If you wish to live longer with less of a risk of high blood pressure and all the diseases that it brings, it is time to take a close look at your diet.
Keith Biggs, DC
Biggs Chiropractic & Acupuncture
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
480-985-3334
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Vitamin D Therapy
I have an elderly patient that recently told me that her medical doctor determined that she was Vitamin D deficient through a routine blood chemistry test. To treat the deficiency, she was given a prescription for 50,000 IU Vitamin D, to be taken once weekly for about 4 weeks.
Vitamin D is a hot topic these past several days. It is essential for proper bone health, muscle function, brain function, immune function, and many other physiological actions within the body. Kudos to the MD for making the diagnosis.
The problem is, what will this patient do when she is done taking the 50,000 IU of Vitamin D?
I hope that the patient was instructed in proper nutrition so as to prevent a blood deficiency of Vitamin D again, though I doubt it.
Historically, the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for vitamin D is 400 IU. The RDA is the MINIMAL daily dosage. Anything below that level causes significant disease, the most common is known as Rickets in children, and Osteoporosis in adults. It was also thought in the past that daily intakes of vitamin D above 2000 IU was toxic and detrimental to the body.
The good news is that these archeic thoughts regarding dosages are showings signs of weakening. Dr. Vasquez, DC, ND, DO, for example recommends doses of 2,000-10,000 IU for chronic musculoskeletal pain patients.
Some studies show that by taking an additional 1,000 IU per day, a person can reduce their risks of colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Vitamin D is produced in the body when it is exposed to sunlight. It is also present in many of the foods we eat, including fish, fish oils, grains, and eggs.
Back to my chiropractic patient. Instead of massive temporary doses of vitamin D, she should be placed on a daily supplementation of 2,000-5,000 IU, with a follow-up blood test in a couple of months. The goal is better health for the long term, and not an immediate spike of blood vitamin D levels for the short term. The long term benefits for this patient could be incredible, and unlike taking medications, vitamin therapy causes no detrimental long term affects.
Keith Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-985-3334
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Vitamin D is a hot topic these past several days. It is essential for proper bone health, muscle function, brain function, immune function, and many other physiological actions within the body. Kudos to the MD for making the diagnosis.
The problem is, what will this patient do when she is done taking the 50,000 IU of Vitamin D?
I hope that the patient was instructed in proper nutrition so as to prevent a blood deficiency of Vitamin D again, though I doubt it.
Historically, the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for vitamin D is 400 IU. The RDA is the MINIMAL daily dosage. Anything below that level causes significant disease, the most common is known as Rickets in children, and Osteoporosis in adults. It was also thought in the past that daily intakes of vitamin D above 2000 IU was toxic and detrimental to the body.
The good news is that these archeic thoughts regarding dosages are showings signs of weakening. Dr. Vasquez, DC, ND, DO, for example recommends doses of 2,000-10,000 IU for chronic musculoskeletal pain patients.
Some studies show that by taking an additional 1,000 IU per day, a person can reduce their risks of colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Vitamin D is produced in the body when it is exposed to sunlight. It is also present in many of the foods we eat, including fish, fish oils, grains, and eggs.
Back to my chiropractic patient. Instead of massive temporary doses of vitamin D, she should be placed on a daily supplementation of 2,000-5,000 IU, with a follow-up blood test in a couple of months. The goal is better health for the long term, and not an immediate spike of blood vitamin D levels for the short term. The long term benefits for this patient could be incredible, and unlike taking medications, vitamin therapy causes no detrimental long term affects.
Keith Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-985-3334
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
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