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Gibsons Chiropractic Blog

September 28, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 09-27-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

Krazy About Kale

TYH image On the hunt for a nutritious, vitamin-packed vegetable that is also loaded with great flavor? Try kale. There are many reasons to pile this cruciferous veggie on your plate. It is low in calories, has zero grams of fat and contains nearly 20 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber, which promotes regular digestion, prevents constipation, lowers blood sugar and curbs overeating.

Need more reasons? Kale also contains the glucosinolate isothiocyanate (ITC), which fights the formation of H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), a bacteria that can attack the digestive system and cause big problems. Kale is also a superstar in the arena of carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. There are also tons of vitamins in kale – think vitamins C, D, A and K. All boost immunity, help maintain healthy bones and teeth, and maximize overall health. Enjoy!


Dodging Diabetes

TYH image The number of adults with diabetes worldwide has more than doubled since 1980 to a mind-numbing 347 million, officially making it a global epidemic. But believe it or not, there’s good news about diabetes: There are a number of ways to combat and even outright prevent this growing disease.

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Alcohol Attributed to Most Cancers

TYH image A European study found that “an important proportion of cases of cancer can be attributable to alcohol consumption, especially consumption higher than the recommended upper limits.” The “upper limits” were defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

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September 17, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 09-16-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

4 Vitamins You Can’t Do Without

TYH imageVitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, and cell division. Adequate amounts of vitamin A help to regulate the immune system and protect against infections by producing the white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Dietary sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, eggs, milk.

TYH imageVitamin C: As you probably already know, a daily dose of vitamin C is one of your easiest and most effective weapons against illness. Vitamin C’s profound ability to protect cells from free radical damage can help lower your risk of various diseases and conditions, while improving iron absorption to promote healthy blood cells. Dietary sources: Fruits and vegetables, particularly cantaloupe, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, green and red peppers, tomatoes and winter squash.

TYH imageVitamin D is actually a hormone the body creates naturally from diet and sunlight. It is vital for maintaining a strong immune system, regulating inflammation, assisting in calcium absorption, and decreasing the risk of chronic diseases. Since vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and enables normal mineralization of bone, it is needed for healthy bone growth and remodeling. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen. Dietary sources: Fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, fortified foods.

TYH imageVitamin E helps to prevent blockages in the coronary arteries. Additionally, vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent to protect the liver, which can metabolize and excrete some forms of vitamin E. Antioxidants such as vitamin E effectively protect cells from free-radical damage, which contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and other serious health conditions. Dietary sources: Nuts, seeds, vegetables oils (soybean, canola, etc.), green leafy vegetables.

Remember to talk to your health care provider if you are considering taking any of these vitamins as supplements so they can recommend an appropriate dosage.

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Eat Healthier When Eating Out

TYH image Americans are eating out at an ever-increasing (sometimes daily) rate, and usually paying the health consequences. It’s tough enough finding healthy food when grocery shopping these days, but put your trust in the hands of a burger joint, a diner, a pizza parlor or the vast majority of other restaurants and you’re generally asking for trouble. Here are five substitutions to infuse a little more health into your next dining experience away from home.

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How to Improve Your Mood

TYH image Ever run into someone who’s irritable? Not exactly the person you want to be around. Now consider that on some days, that person is you. When you’re in a good mood, everything seems right; when you’re in a bad one, look out! Between work, kids and the countless other responsibilities your daily life entails, how do you stay sane and avoid becoming a stressed-out, irritable mess? It starts by understanding and then controlling some of the primary causes. Here are three big contributors to irritability; figure out how to reduce them and improve your day.

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September 2, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 08-31-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Brought to you by www.toyourhealth.com

Find Your Fountain of Youth

TYH image History shows us that people will go to great lengths to search for ways to remain young. The literal and figurative quest for the elusive “Fountain of Youth” is alive and well to this day. While there is no way (at least yet) to “live forever,”  the process of searching has helped us to learn more about the multitude of factors that seem to allow for longevity and lifelong health. Here are some easy ways to find your own Fountain of Youth and live a healthier, happier life.

  • Hydration is important for cellular functioning, so make sure you drink liquids regularly throughout the day.
  • The phytonutrients in plant-based foods are essential for health and wellness. Eat plenty of vegetables and low-sugar fruits every day.
  • Rest is necessary for your body to run optimally. The way to figure out how much sleep you need is to think about how much you sleep on a relaxing vacation, when you fall asleep naturally and wake up without an alarm. The number of hours you get on a relaxing vacation per day is generally how much time your body is craving for sleep.
  • Take time to have fun with your loved ones. Social support and positive experiences have been seen in studies to be beneficial to health.
  • Make sure to keep your body moving every day, even if it’s just walking up and down stairs at work or taking a noon-time stroll around the block. Exercise is key to living a long and healthy life!

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Jump-Start Your Next Workout

TYH image Has your workout program been in a downward spiral lately? Have you been doing less and less physical activity? Are the once pain-free activities now causing increased pain? If so, you might want to resume your workouts with isometric exercise. Find out more about isometric exercises and try these beginner exercises to get you started.

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Too Much Salt in Your Diet?

TYH image The fast- and processed-food industries offer a staggering variety of sodium-laden foods, many of which make a huge dent in your recommended daily allowance for sodium in a single serving. These days, a major culprit when it comes to sodium intake isn’t what we sprinkle on our foods – it’s the food itself. Here’s why sodium can be dangerous in excessive amounts and what you can do to help keep it in check.

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August 8, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 08-08-2011

By Dr. Stacey

[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

Interval Training: Blast the Fat

TYH image In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than your body consumes and uses on a daily basis, pure and simple. Exercise is one of the main ways to burn fat calories.

A great way to burn fat and lots of calories is through interval (circuit) training. Interval training breaks up the work with periods of rest. Not only does interval training allow you to improve your fitness quickly; it is also more effective than continuous exercise for burning lots of calories during exercise and increasing your after workout metabolic rate. Here are some fantastic interval training exercises that will help you burn calories and lose weight:

Circuit #1

  • 20 Push-ups
  • 20 Squats
  • 20 Mountain climbers
  • 20 Jumping jacks

Circuit #2

  • 20 (10 per leg) Lunges
  • 20 Siff squat
  • 20 Dips on chair or bench
  • 30-Second run in place/high knees (repeat)

Circuit #3

  • 30 Bench step-ups – alternate legs
  • 30 Push-ups on bench
  • 30 Dips on bench
  • 30 Seconds skip/jog or sprint to a tree (or swings) and back. Repeat four times.

Circuit #4 Obstacle Course (Repeat 3-4 times)

  • Set out 2 cones ( or some sort of markers) about 15 yards apart
  • Run from cone to cone for 30 seconds
  • Take a 5-second break
  • Skip from cone to cone for 30 seconds
  • Take a 5-minute break
  • Shuffle side ways from cone to cone for 30 seconds
  • End with plank hold for 30 seconds

Whichever circuit you pick, repeat the entire set of exercises 3-4 times. Your doctor can give you more information about proper performance of these exercises while helping design an exercise program suitable to your health needs.

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Try This: Greek Goodness

TYH image When it comes to yogurt, the health benefits are endless. Yogurt has everything from probiotics, which help promote healthy digestion, to calcium, which is essential for strong bones.

In the past few years an alternative to regular yogurt has made its way on to the shelves – Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is another type of yogurt known for having a thick consistency and is packed with just as many health benefits as regular yogurt – some might say even more. Here are some of the primary nutritional differences between the two:

  • Greek yogurt has approximately double the protein of regular yogurt.
  • Greek yogurt has fewer carbohydrates and less sodium than regular yogurt. This could be beneficial to diabetics and those watching their caloric intake.

So try Greek yogurt on its own or in a smoothie. Whether Greek or regular, be sure to choose low-fat or nonfat varieties.

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Three Ways to Avoid Burnout

TYH image 1. Cross It Off: Burnout is physical and mental exhaustion, commonly caused by too much work, stress or routine. It also can be a lack of organization that overwhelms you. The solution: make a list of your daily, weekly and monthly priorities, then cross them off your list one by one. Satisfaction of accomplishment and feeling “in control” will keep you motivated for the long term.

2. Change It Up: No matter what we do, life boils down to a series of routines that are both comforting (most of us need routine) and also put us at risk of suffering burnout. Whether it’s your same old diet, same old workout or same old month-to-month schedule, mix things up occasionally to stay fresh and invigorated. Try new foods, vary your workouts and plan a few vacations.

3. Give It a Rest: Because burnout is synonymous with exhaustion, the remedy is to take a physical and mental vacation from the norm. Good health is a lifestyle, so pursue it with awareness that you’re in it for the long haul. Life is more than 24/7 of dieting, exercising and working excessively. Make time to rest, recover and rejuvenate. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.

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July 22, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 07-21-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Source: www.toyourhealth.com

The Purple Pill Myth

The entire digestive process is orchestrated by good stomach acid. If there isn’t enough, the gallbladder doesn’t get triggered properly to function, and the pancreatic enzymes aren’t released for proper digestion.

So, knowing the vital functions of stomach acid,  it seems absolutely insane to take antacids or proton-pump inhibitors such as that little purple pill, doesn’t it?

How does the stomach acid get turned off? And what can be done about it? The main reason stomach acid gets turned off is from stress caused by high carb intake (high sugar levels are enormously stressful for the body), mental stress, physical stresses like excessive exercise, or physical stresses such as inflammation, infections, anemia or food intolerances.

Most people simply need supplementation of digestible betaine hydrochloride (HCI), for three to six months to restore proper acidity to the stomach and eliminate the symptoms they’re having. Mucilaginous vegetables like okra are especially effective for that. The stomach lining heals quite quickly, so after 10 days of eating okra or taking okra pills, you can add in the betaine hydrochloride with each meal. Make sure that it’s taken with or right after a meal.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for low stomach acid, but it’s quite weak. It will help a little, but you might also consider supplementation, because if you are continuing to stress your body in whatever way that you do, the apple cider vinegar might not be enough, and considering how much we need good acid, it might be worthwhile to supplement.

It’s not just a matter of fixing the problem once and thinking you’re done. Pay attention to symptoms, and ask your doctor about betaine hydrochloride if you start having problems. Anytime you have a large meal, or when you travel, or in periods of high stress, you take it just as a precaution.

You will be amazed at how quickly those acid reflux, sour stomach, and gas problems will be resolved without having to take a lifetime of purple pills when you incorporate these simple, natural strategies. Ask your doctor for more information regarding digestive health.

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In Shape For Life

After the age of 40, we tend to lose about 0.5 to 2 percent of our muscle each year. If you aren’t concerned about looking good, then also realize that this loss is a large factor in falls in older age, which can most often lead to fractures and even death. The good news is that there’s an answer to helping fight this. Follow these steps and you will find yourself getting in shape for life:

Step 1: Don’t sit too long

The first goal is to avoid sitting or resting for long periods of time. A study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that people who sit for most of the day are 54 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. The shocking fact is that this is independent on whether you smoke or exercise! It doesn’t matter if you exercise or smoke. Sitting long periods still increase the risk.

Step 2: Start a Walking Program

Start with small steps. The best way to do this is get a simple pedometer. Those cost a few dollars and are well worth it. Stick to your regular routine for the first week and record how many steps you walk every day. Do this every week until you can get to a goal of 10,000 steps per day. This is the big goal so don’t aim for it from the start. It’s about aiming for smaller goals first and then reaching them.

Step 3: Start a stretching (warm up) program

Good news is that you don’t need to spend as much time holding a stretched position as we previously thought. That’s because we are often confused between stretching and warming up. Warming up is about moving body parts slowly and through a full range of motion until your muscles get warmed up. This is the best thing to do before you start any exercise program. Research has shown that static stretching, those positions that you hold for several seconds, can sometimes be responsible for increasing injuries, not decreasing them.

Step 4: Start a strengthening program

Researchers at University of Michigan Health System found that an adult can add 2.42 pounds of lean muscle and increase overall strength by 25 to 30 percent after 18 weeks of resistance training. This can occur well into the 80′s and 90′s so its never too late to start.

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You Are What You Drink

Not all calories are the same, especially when it comes to the calories you drink. Most people tend to revolve their diet plans around the foods they consume, often forgetting that what they drink on a daily basis is just as important. Countless drinks on the market tend to be very high in sugar content, which we all know eventually turns into fat, derailing our weight-loss goals.

Some drinks are also loaded with tons of calories that often can be just as high as an entire meal. Learning what drinks to watch out for and which ones to consume can make a big difference in your overall weight and health. Let’s take a look at a few healthy options that can help you meet your long-term goals.

When it comes to finding the perfect drink to complement your healthy eating goals, the number-one thing you need is just five letters: water!

Water is a basic beverage that provides essential benefits like helping to digest your food properly and hydrating the body, but most importantly, it contains zero calories.

When considering beverages, it is essential to always read the nutrition facts just like you would with food. The first ingredient listed is the most common ingredient; the least common ingredient is listed last. Your drink should be mostly water or 100 percent juice, depending on the beverage. If you see sugar first on the label, watch out!

Other things to consider: Try to keep your sugar intake lower than American Heart Association’s limits for added sugars: 100 calories (6 tsp) for women and 150 calories (9 tsp) for men per day. (These shouldn’t be coming from beverages, since many of your foods contain sugars).

So this summer, satisfy your parched taste buds with water; and if you can’t forgo your favorite sip (or more) of something less healthy, do it in small amounts! Small changes can equal big results! Drink well.

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June 22, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 06-21-2011

By Dr. Stacey

[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

The Sensible Route to Slim

In the long run, repeated episodes of unhealthy weight-loss attempts are more likely to cause damage to our body and outweigh the health benefits of short-term weight loss. That doesn’t mean it’s better to stay at an unhealthy weight. We just have to make sure that we are losing weight in a healthy way and are able to maintain that weight loss.

It takes about a 500-calorie deficit per day to lose about 1 pound per week. If you incorporate exercise that burns an additional 500 calories per day, then you can lose 2 pounds per week. My recommendation would be to aim to lose no more than 2 pounds per week on average. “On average” takes into consideration that the initial weeks may result in greater weight loss because of the loss of retained fluids from exchanging fatty, salty foods for a healthier, more balanced diet. But overall, you should average out to about 2 pounds per week. If you are losing more than that, then you are more likely resorting to less-healthy methods of weight loss, which can hurt your metabolism and health in the long-term.

Believe it or not, people who lose weight at a slow, steady rate tend to keep the weight off longer because they are incorporating new, healthier habits instead of taking drastic measures to get the weight off. When we shift our focus from ‘”dieting” to “creating a healthier lifestyle,” we are more likely to succeed in keeping the weight off for good. Here are a few ways to do just that:

Water: Make it a daily priority to stay hydrated with water and to incorporate vegetables and water into every meal. Portions do not need to be large, but by keeping these two ideas in mind, you will be less likely to become deficient in essential nutrients your body needs to function.

Fibre: Remember to increase fibre in your diet, but at a rate that is slow and gradual. If you increase your fibre intake too quickly, you may bloat and become gaseous. Therefore, start to increase your dietary fibre (soluble and insoluble) gradually to about 20-30 grams per day.

Consider drinking green tea. Green tea flavoring ranges from jasmine to genmaicha (green tea combined with roasted brown rice) to dragon well (hint of sweetness), just to name a few. Green tea has been shown in some clinical studies to have a beneficial impact on many aspects of health, including improvements in cholesterol, weight loss and weight maintenance. The healthy ingredients found in green tea include, but are not limited to, flavonoids, polyphenols and amino acids.

Ultimately, it’s more important that you cross the finish line and achieve a healthy, fit lifestyle you can maintain, rather than losing a lot of weight quickly, but being unable to maintain the healthy weight because you took extreme measures to lose it. We all know that extreme measures cannot be maintained long-term.

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Stretching Your Limits

Stretching is important for several reasons. It improves flexibility, which can come in handy whether you’re reaching down to pick up a pencil from the floor, climbing a ladder to the roof or trying to grab your overeager child before they run into the street. From a sports perspective, flexibility allows you to move more easily and with a greater range of motion while reducing the odds that you’ll pull, strain or overstretch something in the heat of battle. It also can protect against long-term injury, in the sense that flexibility and range-of-motion deficits can cause overcompensation patterns to develop.

Because stretching makes your body more flexible, it also has mental health benefits. First, picture yourself on the couch after a long day’s work or a morning at the racquetball court, sore, stiff and in pain. Now picture yourself on the same couch after the same activities, but well-stretched, blood and oxygen circulating properly, able to achieve a superior range of motion despite your draining day. Now that’s a reason to stretch, isn’t it?

Traditionally, stretching routines have followed the principle of static holding; that means holding a stretch in a single position for 20-30 seconds or more. These types of stretches, known as static stretches, were the only stretches in town for years. Of late, experts in the fitness world increasingly question whether static stretching, particularly before running or performing a sport, has value. In fact, they theorize that static stretching may actually increase injury risk if performed before participating in an activity.

The reason for this concern is because when your muscles are cold, they’re at their most stiff. That makes perfect sense, right? Again, picture yourself heading out for a run – without warming up your body – after spending a sedentary day at your desk at work and another hour in your car coming home. Static stretching could actually overstretch the muscle, straining or tearing it.

The solution, according to more and more experts, is to warm up first, complete your physical activity (say, a run) and then perform static stretches, when your body can handle it. The bottom line is that cold muscles are much easier to injure than warm muscles; applying a prolonged, static stretch before you’re adequately warmed up could do more damage than good.

So, does that mean you shouldn’t stretch before an activity? Of course not. But you might not want to do static stretches. Instead, try dynamic active stretches – things like knee lifts, arm circles, walking lunges, leg swings, torso twists, etc. Think of dynamic stretches as a way to warm up your body in a gentle fashion that prepares you for your activity. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

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Nuts About Almond Butter

More than 3 million people in the U.S. have peanut allergies, among them millions of children. (Allergies among children have doubled in the past two decades, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.) Fortunately, adults and children can snack on almond butter as a sandwich spread or use it as a dip for veggies and know it’s good for them. Here’s why:

  1. It contains less calories and saturated fat and more fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin E and magnesium (based on a 2,000 calorie diet) than peanut butter.
  2. It can protect your heart. It’s high in monounsaturated fats, which are associated with a reduction in heart disease risk.
  3. Almond butter is packed with essential minerals. Some of the highly concentrated minerals found in almond butter include manganese and copper. It’s also rich in calcium, iron and magnesium.
  4. Almond butter is an excellent protein source. Almonds are packed with protein. One quarter-cup of almonds alone contains 7.62 grams of protein – more protein than an egg provides (only 5.54 grams).
  5. It tastes great! With a smooth, grainy texture and creamy, nutty taste, this alternative to peanut butter complements everything from toast to vegetables.

So why not try almond butter today? Your doctor can tell you more about the nutritional value of nuts and how to incorporate them into a balanced, nutritious diet.

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June 15, 2011

How to Maximize Calcium Intake

By Dr. Stacey
By carolyn_r on Jun 14, 2011 10:00 AM in Tips & Updates

By Carolyn Richardson

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body.  While 1% of the body’s calcium supports critical metabolic functions like muscle function, nerve transmission and the secretion of hormones and enzymes, the other 99% is stored in the bones and teeth. 

While many of us try to eat more high-calcium foods and take calcium supplements, the fact is that only 30% of the calcium we consume is absorbed into the body.  There are a number of factors that affect just how well your body uses calcium and knowing these interactions will help you to benefit from your calcium intake.
 
Foods that Reduce Absorption

Dietary calcium from eating dairy products and taking supplements may meet the recommended daily allowances set forth by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, however there are factors that negatively affect how the approximate 1000 to 1300 mg a day needed for most adults stays in the body.  For example, phytic acid and oxalic acid can bind to calcium and be excreted through the intestinal tract.  Phytic acid is found in whole grains, nuts, and legumes, while oxalic acid is found in healthy staples such as spinach, celery, pecans, tea and beets.  Another set of healthy foods that may negatively affect calcium absorption are those high in fiber and protein.  And according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), “Alcohol, phosphates(found in soft drinks and meats), sugar, and… high levels of sodium may also be linked to calcium excretion.”  
 
Enhancing Calcium Absorption
 
In addition to dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, good food sources of calcium are kelp, carob flour, kale, chinese cabbage, broccoli, rhubarb, watercress, parsley, blackcurrants, and globe artichoke.  Many cereals and fruit juices are fortified with calcium, which you may also notice is fortified with Vitamin D, with good reason.  Vitamin D increases the absorption of Calcium from the gastrointestinal tract.  You may also find many calcium supplements also have Vitamin D, this will help the body absorb more calcium than it would had Vitamin D not been present.  Another way to enhance calcium absorption is by taking supplements throughout the day.  Not only is calcium absorption highest in doses less than 500 mg, but according to Washington University researchers, calcium taken at bedtime could help stave off bone loss that occurs at night.

Interactions to Avoid

Calcium interacts with many over-the-counter drugs and minerals, so take heed to the following when eating or taking calcium supplements.  If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines regularly, ask your doctor if it’s safe to use calcium supplements. Calcium can interact with drugs for heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and other conditions. Also, avoid taking a calcium supplement with an iron-containing foods or supplements.  You may find that many multivitamins that include a high dosage of iron, have smaller amounts of calcium.  The reason is because calcium inhibits iron absorption, so be sure to wait two hours between taking a calcium supplement and iron supplement.  Some specific drug interactions that impact utilization of calcium include anti-inflammatory drugs known as corticosteroids.  Used to treat asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, these drugs reduce the body’s ability to activate vitamin D, and thus decrease calcium absorption.  Antibiotics also seem to decrease calcium absorption. Lastly, watch out for aluminum.  According to MIT, “aluminum (foods cooked in aluminum cookware including the use of acidic foods with the cookware), aluminum foil, [and] antacids containing aluminum…” inhibit calcium absorption. 
 
Calcium Supplements

Because calcium is so important to bone health and avoiding osteoporosis late in life, it’s important to consider taking calcium supplements if your diet is not adequate.  According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, the Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) for calcium for children and adults ages 1 year and older is 2,500 mg/day.  Yet, even at normal levels, calcium supplements may cause gas, bloating and constipation.  When looking for calcium supplements, keep in mind that calcium carbonate is the most cost-effective source of calcium.  Consider also that calcium dissolution varies from 33% to 75%, that is to say, some supplements may break down more readily in the intestinal tract than others.  Lastly, watch for the elemental calcium per tablet not per serving. Sometimes labels can be confusing.  Remember to track your calcium intake by checking your nutritional analysis daily after logging your food and supplements.  By comparing your calcium intake daily over a week’s period, you should be able to determine if you are getting enough or may need to increase your intake of calcium.
 
For more information, visit the Calcium Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet.
 

Your thoughts…
 
How do you get your daily dose of calcium? 

May 13, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 05-12-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Maximize Metabolism With a Healthy Thyroid

So, how much do you know about the thyroid gland? Some people have never even heard of it. Thyroid health should definitely be on your radar because its primary function is to release hormones that control your metabolic rate. In other words, a healthy thyroid helps your body utilize energy quickly for cellular activities. And that’s what keeps your body – right down to the individual cells – in motion, using energy efficiently throughout the day (and night) to function properly and stay in good health.

The Basics

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck, just below the voice box (larynx). Thyroid activity is stimulated by the pituitary gland, which secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal the production of thyroxine in the thyroid. There are two main thyroid hormones consisting of two aromatic rings of tyrosine linked together with the addition of iodine at select places: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine). When these hormones are insufficiently produced due to thyroid dysfunction, a condition known as hypothyroidism can occur.

When assessing for thyroid function, many doctors will first test TSH levels. As discussed, elevated TSH can be indicative of primary hypothyroidism. Most resources cite 0.4-4.0 mlU/L as normal range. However, many patients express symptoms of hypothyroidism with TSH higher than 2.5 mlU/L. This diagnosis is often referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism. Even in these less severe cases, hypothyroidism can cause many classic symptoms including weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, menstrual problems, fatigue, edema, and dry skin, hair, and nails. Depression is also common in these patients, and many report forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

Nutritional Factors

When analyzing thyroid function, three nutrients of concern are iodine, selenium, and the amino acid tyrosine. Remember, thyroxine is synthesized from tyrosine bound to iodine molecules. Selenium acts as a co-factor for enzymes known as deiodinases. These enzymes are the catalysts in the reactions involved in thyroid production and conversion. Patients concerned with thyroid health should work with their doctor to carefully monitor their intake of all three of these essential nutrients.

The most common example of nutrient deficiency causing thyroid disease is iodine deficiency. Prior to the introduction of iodized salt in the 1920s, iodine deficiency was common in the Great Lakes and Appalachian regions of the United States. This region was referred to as the “Goiter Belt” at that time due to the characteristic enlarged thyroid (goiter) seen in people with iodine deficiency.

It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of the world’s population is at risk for iodine deficiency, and outside of the United States, this remains the leading cause of impaired thyroid activity and mental retardation. Even here in the U.S., despite the prevalent use of iodized salt in our food supply, undiagnosed iodine deficiency remains a cause of hypothyroidism. While the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), conducted from 1971-1974, found that 2.6 percent of U.S. citizens suffered from iodine deficiency, NHANES III [conducted from 1988-1994] saw that percentage rise considerably, up to 11.7 percent suffering from deficiency.

If you find yourself expressing symptoms of low thyroid activity, talk to your doctor, who may run tests to check your TSH and T3/T4 levels. And keep in mind that while less common than hypothyroidism, you can also experience hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid that releases too much hormones instead of too little. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, restlessness, weakness, itching, nausea and vomiting, among other unpleasantries. Talk to your doctor about thyroid health and learn more about how to keep your body in motion.

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Perfect Your Posture, Improve Your Health

Ever try balancing a book on your head (for more than a second)? To do it, you need more than just patience; you need ideal posture.

One hundred and thirty thousand years ago, when residents of the planet possessed complete Neanderthalic characteristics, posture wasn’t really that high on the list of health priorities, to say the least At the time, we assume finding food, surviving the seasons and avoiding death by all manner of creatures were considerably more important. But this is 2011 and we can stand upright, walk upright and consider our health a precious asset. And yet, like the Neanderthals, our apparent disinterest in good posture remains.

Why is good posture so important? It’s pretty simple. When the spine is properly aligned with its natural curvature and the entire body – from the ears to the shoulders to the hips, knees and down to the ankles and feet – is in balance, we maximize spine health and avoid poor posture-related pain and dysfunction. Ideal posture creates ideal balance; it also optimizes breathing and circulation. And shouldn’t we all want to achieve that?

May is National Correct Posture Month, so we thought it was high time to get you out of your slumped, bent-back, round-shoulders position that is likely all too common if you work at a computer, spend considerable time texting or checking e-mail on your cell phone (who doesn’t these days?), or engage in any of the countless activities that put your back, neck and spine at risk courtesy of poor posture. It’s time to stand tall, walk tall and improve your spinal health, all at the same time!

For tips on the best ways to perfect your posture, look no further than Straighten Up America, a health promotion initiative developed in 2005 with an admirable vision: to educate the public about the importance of good posture and spinal health, to the point that “every American will take two or three minutes every day to care for their spinal health, just as they care for their dental health.” Straighten Up, which partners in promoting the nation’s health with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, is designed to get children and adults up and moving while they improve their posture and spinal health. The Straighten Up program also includes healthy lifestyle recommendations congruent with the goals and objectives of Healthy People 2010, America on the Move, Steps to a Healthier US and the 5 A Day programs.

One of the earliest tests of this program proved quite encouraging: After five weeks of daily practice of “Straighten Up” exercises, more than 80 percent of participants reported improved posture; just under 80 percent said they had strengthened their core muscles; and 80 percent reported that after performing the exercises, they now sat and stood more upright, and their backs felt more comfortable in that position.

Are you and your family ready to perfect your posture? To download the complete list of Straighten Up exercises and for more information, visit www.straightenupamerica.org.

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A Little Fat Can Go a Long Way

Let’s face it: Too many of us eat too much fat, and when we do, it’s usually the bad kind, not the good. What are good fats? We’re talking monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, and research demonstrates moderate consumption of these fats confer a number of health benefits. Yes, a little fat can go a long, long way, for better or worse; let’s learn more about the healthy variety and why they’re so important for your health.

As of 2008, an estimated 205 million men and 297 million adult women were obese; that’s more than half a billion adults worldwide. The United States is the biggest (no pun intended) offender, with the highest collective body-mass index (greater than 28 kg/m2) among high-income countries. In fact, from 1980-2008, BMI rose the most in the U.S., increasing by more than 1 BMI point per decade.

While there are many causes of obesity, excess intake of fat – particularly saturated fat – is a major contributing factor. Fortunately, not all fat is bad in moderation. Replacing some of that saturated fat intake with small amounts of healthier fats can not only help you avoid the health conditions listed above, but also provide a variety of other health benefits.

Try Mono/Polyunsaturated Fats

Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most oils are high in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats. Oils from plant sources (vegetable and nut oils) do not contain any cholesterol. Common cooking oils include canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. Additionally, walnut and sesame oil are often used for their full-body flavors. (Coconut oil and palm kernel oil, however, are high in saturated fats and for nutritional purposes should be considered solid fats.)

Canola Oil - Rich in omega-3 alpha-linoleic acids, canola oil may counteract elevated levels of fibrinogen, a blood clotting factor that, at elevated levels, is associated with increased risks of inflammation and inflammatory processes including coronary heart disease. Researchers from the University of Helsinki (Finland) investigated whether consumption of canola (rapeseed) oil, rich in omega-3 alpha-linoleic acids, could counteract elevated levels of fibrinogen. The researchers evaluated the effects of canola-type rapeseed oil on serum lipids, plasma fibrinogen, and fatty acids in 42 men and women with elevated fibrinogen and cholesterol. Study participants replaced one-quarter of their dietary fats with canola oil. During the six-week study period, canola oil doubled the intake of alpha-linoleic acids, while fibrinogen levels were reduced by 30 percent. The alpha-linoleic acids also helped to decrease plasma omega-6s and increase docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels.

Olive Oil and its phenolic compounds, oleuropein and cafeic acid, exert beneficial effects on fat oxidation and cardiac energy metabolism. In that previous studies suggest anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, Geovana Ebaid, from Sao Paulo State University (Brazil), and colleagues investigated the effects of olive oil and its compounds on calorimetric parameters, myocardial oxidative stress and energy metabolism in heart tissue.

Walnuts / Walnut Oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, walnuts and walnut oil may help the body to better respond during times of stress. Sheila G. West, from Penn State University, and colleagues studied 22 healthy adults with elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, supplying each subject with meal and snack foods during three diet periods of six weeks each in duration. The first diet period consisted of an “average” American diet: a diet without nuts that reflects what the typical person in the U.S. consumes each day; the second diet included 1.3 ounces of walnuts and a tablespoon of walnut oil substituted for some of the fat and protein in the average American diet; and the third diet was comprised of walnuts, walnut oil and 1.5 tablespoons of flaxseed oil.

More Healthy Fat Means Less Fat on You

Being overweight or obese can lead to serious health consequences, and fat is a major culprit. In short, we consume too much fat, and when we do, it’s often the saturated variety, the kind that contributes to high cholesterol, heart disease and other major issues. Now don’t get us wrong; “healthier” fats, the mono/polyunsaturated fats and fats containing omega-3 fatty acids, are still fats; but evidence suggests that in moderation, they can actually improve our health in many ways, rather than the other way around. Now that’s some good news. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

April 15, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 04-14-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Healthy Snacks for Kids: Nuts and Seeds

Research continues to reveal that nuts and seeds do not deserve their bad reputation. Absolutely, they are high in fat; but it’s the good fat, not the bad, and when eaten in moderation, their health benefits far outweigh the dangers of their fat content. The fact is, the more we learn about nuts and seeds, the more we realize that they’re one of the best snack-food options for children.

In 1996, the Iowa Women’s Health Study found that women who ate nuts four or more times a week were 40 percent less likely to die of heart disease. Since then, similar studies performed by the Harvard School of Public Health and Loma Linda University in California have found the same. And the Physicians’ Health Study (2002) determined that men who consumed nuts two or more times per week had a noticeably reduced risk of sudden cardiac death.

Studies performed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that three times as many people who were trying to lose weight were able to stick to a diet that included moderate fat content in the form of nuts and seeds. Researchers suggested that the fat, protein and fiber in nuts helped the dieters feel full longer, so many felt less deprived and ate less during the day.

Another study of women by the Harvard School of Public Health reported that there was a 30 percent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in those women who ate five or more 1-ounce servings of nuts per week as compared with women who rarely or never ate nuts.

Finally, studies published in the Journal of Nutrition and elsewhere have found that seeds, flax seeds in particular, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have proven benefits in the fight against heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases.

Nuts are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, with 1 ounce of Brazil nuts containing 780 percent of the recommended daily intake of selenium, and walnuts providing the most omega-3 fatty acids of any common nut. Almonds are a wonderful source of copper, magnesium and phosphorous, and provide 6 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. And the June 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that pecans contain the highest antioxidant capacity of all nuts.

In short, the worst thing you can do for yourself and your children is reach for junk foods when you need a snack. Nuts and seeds are a convenient, healthy snack food that takes the edge off hunger without the added carbohydrates and sugar of most other snack food options. Your doctor can tell you more about the health benefits of moderate nut/seed intake.

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5 Simple Stress Solutions

Stress can be a killer – quite literally, research suggests, but it can also make your day-to-day existence miserable. Who wants to walk (or rush) around all day as the oppressive weight of stress takes its toll on your body and mind? Here are five simple strategies to help you deal with stress and get back on the road to health and wellness:

1. Walk it off. There are so many physical and mental health benefits to a good walk; when it comes to stress, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the outdoors and reduce your stress, either by forgetting about it for a while or having the chance to process it. In fact, in many cases stress isn’t caused by a particular situation, but by the sense that you can’t escape your situation – your too-loud, too-hectic, too-frantic, responsibility-filled day.
2. Talk about it. One of the things that makes stress so damaging is that we often keep it to ourselves. Sometimes talking about how stressed you are (and why) with someone else is exactly what’s needed to reduce it or at least understand it a little better – and that’s half the battle. Your significant other, a family member, a friend or even a co-worker might be just what you need to get your stress (and how it’s affecting you) out in the open. And once it’s out in the open, it’s easier to deal with.
3. Distract yourself. Stress doesn’t have nearly as much power over you if you’re not thinking about it. That can be a challenge, of course, especially when your every thought is focused on a particular stressor, but it’s worth trying something – anything – to take your mind off your stress. True distraction means doing something that forces you to discard your stress to the greatest extent possible – try a baseball game, a night at the movies (particularly pure action or comedy), or even a good book or board game at home. Anything that requires your mind to focus on something other than your stress.
4. Deal with it. How do we “deal” with stress? It can involve any of these suggestions, but there are definitely a whole bunch more. It boils down to a few simple rules: a) Recognize when you’re stressed; don’t ignore it or pretend you’re “fine.” b) Understand why you’re stressed; identify the source of the stress and think carefully about why it’s affecting you. c) Find a way to reduce the stress (or eliminate it entirely); if that’s not immediately possible, at least find a way to manage it so it doesn’t continue to build.
5. Find the positives. There’s a silver lining to every stressful situation or circumstance, whether it’s stress about your job or career, your relationship, your family life, your (lack of) free time, your finances or anything else. It might be difficult to see at first, but it’s definitely there. Think of stress as an opportunity to explore creative solutions that will not only ease your stress, but also reduce the chance it will return.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

February 16, 2011

To Your Health Newsletter 02-16-2011

By Dr. Stacey

Eat Your Way to Heart Health

What is a prudent anti-aging approach to heart health? While the benefits of cardiovascular activity are well-established and often receive the bulk of attention when discussing heart health, the scientific literature suggests a number of nutritional approaches also are worthy of consideration for achieving optimal cardiac fitness.  Here are three you can incorporate into your daily diet starting today. Talk to your doctor for more information.

The Power of (Healthy) Protein. Previous studies have linked consumption of red meat to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Adam Bernstein, from Harvard School of Public Health, and colleagues studied data collected on 84,136 women, ages 30 to 55, enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study. The research team examined the women’s medical histories and lifestyles, including dietary habits, and tracked the incidence of non-fatal heart attacks and fatal coronary heart disease for 26 years.

Women who consumed two servings per day of red meat, as compared to those who consumed only half a serving per day, had a 30 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. By comparison, the data also showed that eating more servings of protein sources such as poultry, fish and nuts was significantly associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease. Compared to eating one serving each day of red meat, women who substituted other protein-rich foods experienced a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease.

Where’s the Watermelon? Watermelon is a rich natural source of L-citrulline, a compound closely related to L-arginine, which is crucial to the formation of nitric oxide, which helps to widen blood vessels and thereby mediate blood pressure. Arturo Figueroa, from Florida State University, and colleagues evaluated four men and five women, average age 54 years, with pre-hypertension (134/77 ± 5/3 mmHg). Subjects were randomly assigned to six weeks of watermelon supplementation or placebo, followed by a four-week washout period and then crossover. The team found that supplementation with 6 grams of L-citrulline from watermelon improved arterial function and lowered aortic blood pressure in all pre-hypertensive subjects.

Healthy Fats, Healthy Heart? Low HDL (high-density lipoprotein, “good” cholesterol) levels and high LDL (low-density lipoprotein, “bad” cholesterol) levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. David Jenkins, from St. Michael’s Hospital (Ontario, Canada), and colleagues recruited 17 men and 7 postmenopausal women to complete a very low saturated fat diet before being randomly assigned to either a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) diet or a low- MUFA diet. Both groups of patients were assigned to a specific vegetarian diet that included oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant, okra, soy, almonds and a plant sterol-enriched margarine.

In the high-MUFA group, the researchers substituted 13 percent of calories from carbohydrates with a high-MUFA sunflower oil, with the option of a partial exchange with avocado oil. The team found significant reductions in blood cholesterol levels over the two-month study period for participants, with the replacement of 13 percent of total calories from carbohydrate by monounsaturated fats in the dietary portfolio resulting in a 12.5 percent increase in HDL and 35 percent reduction in LDL.

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Meditation, Not Medication

Antidepressants have been the mainstay treatment for depression, an approach that has garnered significant criticism over the years from those who believe the drugs are widely overprescribed and unsafe. For example, in some cases, antidepressants appear to actually increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors; certainly not a desired consequence for anyone, but particularly for someone suffering from depression.

Now for some good news: Research is suggesting alternative treatments may be as effective as – and definitely safer than – antidepressant medications. Case in point: a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry that suggests meditation benefits depression patients in remission from the disorder.

In the study, patients who learned how to meditate 40 minutes a day instead of taking antidepressant medication were as likely to avoid a relapse as patients taking antidepressants or a placebo (an inactive pill patients believed contained medication to help them control their depression symptoms).

Keep in mind that depression, particularly major depressive disorder, goes far beyond “feeling blue”; symptoms can severely impact home, school and work life. For additional information about depression including the warning signs, visit the NIMH Web site at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/index.shtml.

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Extraordinary Exercises

Here’s a common snag with people who exercise consistently, especially during the first few months of a new year: You don’t look forward to doing the same exercises you did last year. Although squats, push-ups, lunges and pull-ups are the foundation for most, if not all exercises, they can get monotonous over time and your body could do the thing we don’t want it to do: plateau. If your body plateaus, it means it essentially gets used to the exercises and figures out a way to burn less calories efficiently. That means a less productive workout for you, which is never a good thing. Here are some challenging variations on common exercises that will take your workout from ordinary to extraordinary:

“Uchimata” Push-Up Variation: From a one-leg push-up position and squeezing the glute (buttock) of your support leg, slowly lower your body as one unit until your chest grazes the floor and pause for a count. From there, use your glute to slowly raise your lifted leg as high as you can without overly hyperextending your lower back. Then push back up to the starting position, switch sides and repeat for time. The one-leg lift really increases the demands on your core, lower back, glutes, and hamstrings; and since it shifts your weight forward onto your hands, it really challenges your shoulders, too.

Vertical Squat Jump: Stand in the start position for a body-weight squat, then squat down and jump up as high as possible.

Lunge Hops: Start in the bottom of a split-squat position (one leg in front, one in back). Your front thigh should be parallel to the floor, your torso upright and your abs braced. Jump up explosively and switch leg positions in the air. Your back leg becomes the front leg, and vice-versa. Absorb the landing with your muscles. Keep your abs braced and torso upright. Alternate sides without resting between sides. Repeat for 10 reps total.

Inverted Rows: Set a bar at hip height in the Smith machine or squat rack. Lie underneath the bar and grab it a few inches wider than shoulder-width apart. Row (pull) yourself up the top position with your upper back and lats. Keep the abs braced and body in a straight line from toes (knees) to shoulders. Slowly return to the start position. Repeat for 10 reps. (For beginner inverted rows – keep feet on the ground.)

Hope these twists on some original exercises get you excited and ready for a new, better you in 2011. After all, having an arsenal of exercises that you can do safely and effectively is the only true way to lose weight, gain strength and stay healthy in the long term. Now go out there and get started! Remember to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, particularly if you have a health condition that could impact performance or safety.

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[Source: www.toyourhealth.com]

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