Lifecare Chiropractic
James Bogash, D.C.
1830 S. Alma School Rd
Bldg 7, Ste 135
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 839-CARE (2273)
Research Updates 5-16-2005
***Exercise and aspirin increase levels of circulating gliadin peptides in patients with wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis***
Now isn't this a convoluted mess? Aspirin and exercise seem to increase the absorption of allergens into the bloodstream. Such, aspirin can increase the permeability of the gut and allow stuff to get in that shouldn't, but exercise? Just goes to show that exercise is not the only key to optimal health. Identification and avoidance of food allergies is an important aspect of optimal health.
***Increased oxidative damage in subjects with mild cognitive impairment***
I still contend that the only thing keeping us from more effectively managing neurodegenerative disorders is our ability to effectively and conveniently monitor oxidative stress in the brain. This is another article that is beginning to answer the question of which marker is effective in evaluating oxidative stress in the brain.
***Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in irritable bowel syndrome: Symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles***
Another article in a series of research trying to further elucidate exactly what probiotic organisms are good for what conditions. The difference in efficacy rates in various studies on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome may be because the specific strain may not have been the best choice for that study. As the specificity of probiotics for a given condition is identified, the therapeutic potential of this method of treatment will skyrocket.
Another article in a series of research trying to further elucidate exactly what probiotic organisms are good for what conditions. The difference in efficacy rates in various studies on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome may be because the specific strain may not have been the best choice for that study. As the specificity of probiotics for a given condition is identified, the therapeutic potential of this method of treatment will skyrocket.
***Decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function with aging in humans***
While we know that skeletal muscle declines with age (a condition referred to as sacropenia) but the exact mechanism has not been pinned down. Less building of muscle? Increased breakdown? This article points to my particular "demise of Western civilization as we know it" reason which is oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. While my wife does not enjoy my deep discussions of mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation over dinner, when my "mitochondrial dysfunction as the root of all evil" book hits the shelves as a bestseller I'll be able to stick my tongue out at her...
***Negative attitude of highly educated parents and health care workers towards future vaccinations in the Dutch childhood vaccination program***
Holy cow. They just don't get it. This study and every other one I've come across show that the more educated someone is, the less likely they are to choose vaccination. In this study, you can add health care workers to the list of those less likely to choose vaccination. But the assinine quote of the year goes to the author's conclusion, "Modifiable determinants for a negative attitude to comply with new vaccinations are mainly based on lack of specific knowledge. These barriers to vaccinations might be overcome by improving health education in the vaccination program, especially when targeted at educated parents and health care workers." So we need to educate the educated and teach the health care workers about health? Is there no light bulb going off that these people who are less likely to choose vaccination might be onto something?
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***Cost¨Cbenefit analysis of universal varicella vaccination in the U.S. taking into account the closely related herpes¨Czoster epidemiology***
This cost benefit analysis brings to light an interesting piece of the puzzle. Herpes zoster (aka shingles) is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus in the dorsal root ganglion. It is believed that occasional exosure to the chicken pox virus causes your body to "refresh" its immune defense against this virus even though you don't actually get sick. So, this process occurring over the years allows the immune system to be on constant defense against chicken pox, which would naturally ALSO suppress shingles. This process does not occur with the vaccination, so those who have recieved the vaccination will be at increased risk for shingles. Figuring this into the cost/benefit equation provides the healthcare society with an additonal 46 MILLION cases of shingles at a cost of $80 million/year. So, the drug companies make money on the vaccination which then increases likelihood of another disease for which patient need more drugs and more money for the drug companies. If this occurred in any other industry the government and/or courts would shut the racket down so quickly it would make your wallet spin.
***Platelet membrane fluidity and peroxynitrite levels in migraine patients during headache-free periods***
Two things to mention here. First, we are seeing a sustained movement towards the concept that migraines, just like the seizures that clinicians are not yet willing to throw in the same category, is strongly related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This article adds more fuel to this concept by evaluating the peroxynitrate levels in migraine headache patients in between attacks. Levels were elevated, indicating either that oxidative stress contributes directly to the headaches, or that the headaches induce oxidative stress that persists long after the headache. Also, I personally feel that migraines are constantly overdiagnosed by doctors that don't understand HA. They never touch the neck and so cannot possibly rule out problems coming from the neck. And, most likely a patient who has had HA for many years has several types of HA going on, and they all need to be addressed for full resolution to occur.
***Effect of Metformin and Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on the Metabolic Syndrome***
I've always said that, while metformin does indeed reduced insulin resistance, I strongly advocate lifestyle changes first and foremost. Metfomrin reduced incidence by 17%, lifestyle by a whopping 41%. So, lifestyle changes are much more effective and metformin carries significant risks of side effects. The side effects of lifestyle change? Lowered rates of diabetes, CVD, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cancer....
***Long-Term Effects of Stress Reduction on Mortality in Persons ¡Ý55 Years of Age With Systemic Hypertension***
So stress reduction makes you healthier and lowers your risk of dying from many diseases. Big deal. But a 49% decrease in risk of cancer in participants performing meditation? Holy anti-carcinogens, Batman!! That is cutting your risk of cancer in half from meditation alone. There was also a 23% reduction in all cause mortality and 30% reduction in cardiovascular mortality. These numbers are staggerring.
***Glucocorticoids, depression, mood disorders: structural remodeling in the brain***
While we're on the subject of stress, it is well known that chronic stress shrinks certain regions of the brain. This study adds that, in chronic stress we see atrophy of the hippocampus, but also an enlargement of the amygdala, resulting in increased anxiety and aggression. I know that stress reduction is important, but sometimes I forget just how much of a negative impact it has on our health. Articles such as these two really slam home just how devastating chronic stress it. So, take a deep breath. Inhale slowly....
Dr. James Bogash, D.C.
1830 S. Alma School Rd, Bldg 7, Ste 135, Mesa, AZ 85210
(Alma School Road, just south of the Superstition Freeway/Highway 60)
Chiropractic Health Care for Chandler, Mesa and Tempe Arizona
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