The Enviroment and Cancer, What can we do?

It is common to hear about organic foods or drinking pure water while visiting my office. In the current issue of TIME magazine, an article was presented titled "President's panel analyzes environmental cancer impact" by Tiffany O'Callaghan that touches on these and many other health related issues. The following are a few excerpts from that article:

Environmental toxins are a greater cause of cancer than previously believed, according to a new report from the Presiden't Cancer Panel...

... what evidence there is suggests that the "true burden of environmentally induced cancer has been grossly underestimated," the authors write.

10 Cancer Panel Recommendations

1. Drink filtered tap water

2. Store food and water in glass, stainless steel or BPA- and phthalate-free containers

3. Minimize children's and pregnant women's exposure to carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

4. Choose fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers; wash all produce to remove residues

5. Choose free-range meat that has not been exposed to antibiotics or growth hormones

6. Minimize consumption of processed, charred or well-done meats

7. Turn off lights and electrical devices when they're not in use

8. Drive a fuel-efficient car; walk, bike or use public transportation

9. Check home radon levels

10. Reduce radiation exposure from cell phones and medical tests; avoid UV overexposure

Fish Oil, is it really as good as they say?

The answer is a resounding "Yes!" It isn't just hype, there is a lot of sound scientific research on fish oils. Just for fun, I did a search on the PubMed data base at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. There was a return of almost 16,000 research articles. No, I didn't read all of them but a quick scan reveals that there are many different benefits of taking fish oil supplements and having fish in our diets. Fish oils are a natural anti-inflammatory which means they have far reaching benefits for our health. This research on fish goes back decades when we realized that regions where diets included fish had low rates of heart disease. It was the fat in the fish, also known as omega 3 fatty acids, that had a cardioprotective effect. Fish oils also helps lower triglycerides and increase good cholesterol while preventing blood from clotting and reducing blood pressure. In fact, in many parts of Europe, it is considered tantamount to malpractice to omit prescribing fish oils to someone who suffered a heart attack because it works so well. Research also reveals oOther positive health benefits in the following areas:

• Acne and Skin Health
• Alzheimer's and Brain Health
• Arthritis
  
• Cancer Prevention (certain types)
  
• Children's Health and Development
• Digestive & Gastrointestinal Health
• Eye Health and Vision
• ADHD, ADD
• Depression & Anxiety
• Immune System Enhancement & Immune Diseases
• Pregnancy, Fetal and Newborn Health
• Respiratory Health & Allergies
• Relief of Chronic Pain

As you can see, this is an amazing list and is by no means complete. As you might imagine, in the United States, our diets typically lack adequate levels of Omega 3's for optimal health. Because of that, for most people, I recommend a quality fish oil supplement that is purified and tested such as Carlson's. As always, it is a good idea to get professional advice when dealing with health issues.

Cancer Prevention with Vitamin D

In July 2009, a group of experts published a paper in the Annals of Epidemiology titled "Vitamin D for Cancer Prevention: a Global Perspective". They report that simple supplementation of our diets by taking Vitamin D3 could substantially lower the rates of colon, breast, ovarian, renal, pancreatic, aggressive prostate and other cancers. By raising our serum levels of Vitamin D3 to 40 to 60 ng/mL, we could prevent approximately 58,000 new cases of breast cancer and 49,000 new cases of colorectal cancer each year. That is 25% of breast cancer and 27% of colorectal cancer prevented each year. They go on to state that three fourths of the deaths from these diseases in the US and Canada could be prevented. Do you know anyone at risk for these cancers?

This paper is not unusual in that there are over 3000 research studies published in biomedical journals and 275 epidemiological studies on Vitamin D. Most of these studies show that lower levels of D3 equate to higher levels of Cancer and note that both sun exposure and supplementation appear to be effective in reducing cancer.

The "National Academy of Sciences-Institute of Medicine recommend adequate intake should be revised upward to at least 2000 to 4000 IU/day." "...and there are no consistently established adverse effects of Vitamin D3 intake in the range below 4000 IU/day that would be sufficient to justify a lower adequate intake."

Low levels of D3 also increase the incidence of myocardial infarction, type-1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and even falls.

Are you getting enough Vitamin D3? Anyone living north of 30 degrees latitude is most likely deficient and all of us here in Oregon are way north! Consider supplementing yourself with at least 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day. It is inexpensive and is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your heath.

If you are in doubt and want to be sure, there is a simple test from ZRT Labs using a drop of blood that can tell you what your levels are. If you are interested in the test, just let me know. We provide lab tests at cost to anyone interested. In addition, of course we carry high quality Vitamin D3 that costs less than a cup of coffee per week!

Let's Live Longer!

I think it is pretty safe to say we would all like to live longer. Not just live longer but be healthier. Enjoying our gardens, pets, hiking, dancing, travel, kids, grand kids - there are a lot of wonderful things to live for. Great thing about all the research in science and health these days is that we can take some steps to achieve a longer and healthier life. Some of the steps are so simple and yet so powerful. I'd like to share a few of them with you.

Okay, what would I consider simple? How about drinking more water? Yes, if you know me at all, you already know I'm a fan of good clean water. Replacing soda pop and especially those new energy drinks with water is a great way to save money and do something healthy for your body. Especially consider eliminating drinks with artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup. There are many studies that show that people who drink diet drinks actually gain weight!

Everyone knows exercise is good for you. Yes, there seems to be some controversy on how much to do but most people agree, some form of regular exercise is an important thing to do. Walking is simple, inexpensive and oftentimes, you can squeeze in some extra walking by not parking right next to the front door of the store, taking the stairs and walk instead of drive for those short errands. A mini-trampoline is an inexpensive way to get some exercise and won't set you back too much. Exercise is not only is good for your heart and general conditioning, it is great for your brain and mental sharpness too! After all, what good is a fit body if you can't find your mind! Ping pong, jump rope, swimming, tennis, aerobic classes, the list is endless. Just find a couple of things you like and get started!

Of course I am huge fan of taking a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement along with fish oils. Unfortunately, it seems the quality and nutritional content in many of our foods is not what it used to be. That, on top of our "fast lane" lifestyle and we just don't eat like we should. We spend hundreds of dollar per month on insurance; what about spending a few dollars on something that will do us some good? Of course I would be happy to have a discussion with you regarding what supplements to take.

What else can we do that is inexpensive you say? Floss daily! Yes, that's right. Science has shown for some time now that peopole who floss reguarly live longer. How can that be, you ask? Flossing reduces bacteria that like to hang out in our gums which in turn gets into our vascular system contributing to arteriosclerotic disease as well as various gum problems and even stroke! A study at Emory University with the Centers for Disease Control, indicated that people with gingivitis and periodontitis have a mortality rate that is 23 percent to 46 percent higher than those who didn't. Let's get flossing!

Finally, taking care of your posture and spine can contribute to better quality of life and longevity. Most of us don't think about the nerves that control and regulate our body's functions unless the are really acting up. When our spines are healthy and balanced, we are stronger and more stable and this allows our nerve system to function as it was intended to; with no irritation or interference. A study in the top rated orthopedic journal Spine reported that as a person's posture starts to get poor, they will have increased pain, a tendency to have more disability and yes, a shorter life span. Periodic chiropractic checkups can be helpful in keeping your posture looking good and you functioning, working and playing at optimal levels.

Want more information? Feel free to contact me by email anytime. Also, you are welcome to attend one of my free mini-seminars on health, given regularly.

Pain Pills

It is pretty common for a person in the United States to take a pain pill for various aches. Doctors have known for many years that taking NSAIDs/ analgesic pain killing drugs puts people at risk for a number of serious side-effects. One of those side effects is what is known as end-stage renal disease. What that means is your kidneys have totally failed and you have to go get dialysis on a regular basis.

How bad is the risk? According to the New England Journal of Medicine, if you take 1000 pills of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in your lifetime, you will increase your risk of total kidney failure by 100 to 220%. For those who take 5000 or more pills in their lifetime, the risk of kidney failure goes up 8.8 times! While that sounds like an astronomical intake, it is just one pill every 3 days during the life of an average adult.

Many of you have been to Costco and seen the large bottles of Tylenol there which contain hundreds of pills. 2 or 3 bottles of this seemingly innocent pain killer may result in more than you bargain for.

In this short blog, we discussed over the counter pain medications and their impact on your kidneys. Other serious side effects include gastrointestinal problems and liver damage or even liver failure. It is much easier and smarter to try and protect our liver and kidneys as opposed to having to replace them!

As a chiropractor, I know that there are many safer alternatives for relief of pain. Simple things like ice packs or plant based nutritional support may help. Chiropractic care to relief pressure on soft tissues and reduce inflammation of joints or even acupuncture care can all help with pain syndromes.

Drink Up!

I always love studies but look at them with open minded skepticism. I think you should do that too. Keep your mind open but consider the source and if what you are hearing makes sense to you. Check with someone in the “know” if you are not sure about something. Remember that there is a lot of misinformation and half truths on-line.

I just read recently about a very practical application and that is “How much water should we drink?”. From the International Sports Medicine Institute, we should consume as a general rule ½ oz of liquid for every pound of body weight and if you are athletic, 2/3 oz. That means if you weigh 180 pounds, you need 90 oz of good ol’ H2O per day. If you are active, pregnant, live in a hot or dry climate, the intake requirement goes up by an additional 2.5 to 3.5 glasses of liquid per day. Also, keep in mind that some beverages such as alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body.

I’d like to add that good quality water is recommended since there tend to be a lot of things in there we might not want in our bodies. A simple filter like a Brita improves the taste and easily removes things like chlorine. If you want to remove fluoride from your water, a more sophisticated system is necessary.

Workshop

I just had the pleasure of hosting a chiropractic workshop in my office with doctors from all over the country attending. We had people from as far as Pennsylvania and a chiropractor even flew in from Japan for the 3 day event. Care of people with difficult health and spine issues were the main topic with hands on training emphasized. Dr Deed Harrison, easily one of the top experts in the country on the spine and chiropractic care was the principal instructor. His specialty is spinal rebuilding using various hands on methods.

What is next? I will be at Western States Chiropractic College in March demonstrating and presenting information on digital motion x-ray techniques. 100 local doctors are expected to attend. The speakers for this even will be Dr Aaron DeShaw, a nationally known attorney and also Dr Art Croft, one of chiropractic's leading experts in the field of whiplash injuries.

In April, I will have the pleasure of attending a workshop led by
Dr Scott Heun who will teach on how to better understand and communicate with people in the office. This event will be in Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival so I am hoping for an afternoon of sightseeing as well.