A study appearing in the Journal of Physiology indicates that eating too much sugar can sap your brainpower, making you less intelligent.  In the study, researchers at UCLA fed two groups of rats a solution of high-fructose corn syrup for six weeks. High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener commonly used in foods. 
In addition to the high-fructose corn syrup, one group was also fed omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed and DHA.  The rats were tested in their ability to negotiate a maze before and after six weeks of the high-fructose diet. The group that was not given omega-3 and DHA did worse in the testing.  It is theorized that because high-fructose corn syrup affects insulin levels, the hormone may signal neurons to trigger a reaction that disrupts learning and may cause memory loss.
The average American consumes more than 40 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup per year, according to the USDA.
Fernando Gomez-Pinella, professor of neurosurgery at the UCLA medical school, who did the study states, “Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think.”  He also stated that, “Eating a high fructose corn syrup diet over the long term alters your brain’s ability to learn and remember information.  But adding omega-3 fatty acids to your meals can help minimize the damage.”
Ask about the great products we carry that contain omega-3 fatty acids and DHA.
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Cellular Vitality by Standard Process provides long-term, food based support for our cells, which are the basis of wellness within our body. Through a complex of berry seeds,  B-Vitamins, mushroom powder, RNA, Ginseng, CoQ10 and Bromelain this supplement supports skin health, digestion, cognition and the cardiovascular system.
 
Cellular Vitality contains:  American ginseng, which acts as a  body tonic for the byproducts of stress. It also contains, B vitamins, to fuel cells and participate in numerous body processes that contribute to normal function. Berry seeds, which contain phytochemicals, like anthocyanidins and tannins, that aid cells during the normal wear and tear of everyday function. Cellular Vitality also contains.Bromelain, an enzyme complex from pineapple that modulates the body's natural inflammatory response when taken between meals. Coenzyme Q10, an enzyme that is essential for creation of energy within the mitochondria of cells, and that helps protect cells from free radicals. Cordyceps sinensis, a mushroom powder long prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to fatigue management and blood sugar support and Ribonucleic acid (RNA), compounds that can be broken apart as cells to create energy or manufacture protein.
 
Cellular Vitality can be coupled with HerbaVital from MediHerb for a very complete regimen to help you feel better and to better cope with the aging process.

Study after study show chiropractic is the most effective treatment for neck and back pain. 

In a randomized controlled trial, 183 patients with neck pain were randomly allocated to manual therapy (spinal mobilization), physiotherapy (mainly  exercise) or general practitioner care (counseling, education and drugs) in a  52-week study. The clinical outcomes measures showed that manual therapy  resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy and general practitioner care.  Moreover, total costs of the manual therapy-treated patients were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general practitioner care.
-- Korthals-de Bos et al (2003), British Medical Journal

“Acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability, and patient
satisfaction; clinically important differences in pain and disability  improvement were found for chronic patients.”   – Haas et al (2005), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

 “In our randomized, controlled trial, we compared the effectiveness of manual therapy, physical therapy, and continued care by a general practitioner in patients with nonspecific neck pain. The success rate at  seven weeks was twice as high for the manual therapy group (68.3 percent) as for the continued care group (general practitioner). Manual therapy scored better than physical therapy on all outcome measures. Patients receiving manual therapy had fewer absences from work than patients receiving physical therapy or continued care, and manual therapy and physical therapy each resulted in statistically significant less analgesic use than continued care.”  – Hoving et al (2002), Annals of Internal Medicine

Want to lower your risk of heart disease and cancer?  Try consuming more vegetables in the cruciferous family.  Cauliflower,  Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sprouts, kale and cabbage are all members of this super veggie family.  There are
high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. It is now recommended that
we eat several servings each week of cruciferous vegetables.
 
A  review of the published studies shows a strong link between cruciferous
vegetable consumption and lower risk of cancer. Some of the phytochemicals in  the vegetables have been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells.  One of these phytochemicals, Sulforaphane, can stimulate enzymes in the body that detoxify carcinogens before they damage the cells.
 
Cruciferous vegetables can also reduce oxidative stress which may help protect against  cancer. Oxidative stress is the overload of harmful molecules called Free-radicals.  A study showed that by eating 1-2 cups of cruciferous vegetables per day can reduce your oxidative stress by 20%.

 A  recent study showed that diets high in cruciferous vegetables and fish may also protect against heart disease. In this study the markers for inflammation (an indicator of cardiovascular disease) were significantly reduced with the increased intake of the veggies.

The best way to eat these veggies raw or only lightly steamed to retain the phytochemicals that make cruciferous vegetables special in terms of health.  Do yourself a favor and start eating more vegetables in the cruciferous family.  Don’t like the vegetables in this group?  Standard Process makes two great products to help you get the benefits of these great veggies. They are SP Green Food and Cruciferous Complete.

MediHerb’s HerbaVital provides essential support to maintain optimal health while we age. HerbaVital contains Japanese Knot Weed -Polygonum cuspidatum which is the richest herbal source of Resveratrol which several studies have shown it to be effective support for healthy aging. It also contains Pine Bark which contains Proanthocyandins (OPC) which helps support the joints and is a natural antioxidant.  HerbaVital also has Korean Ginseng which has been long valued for its ability to enhance vitality.  Milk Thistle is also in HerbaVital and is used to support liver function and repair. Lastly, Ginkgo is included and has a wide range of benefits including enhancing circulation and improving cognitive function.

 Together these herbs and the substances within them combine to:
·  Support and maintain the body as it ages 
·  Help the body adapt to the changes of everyday life 
·  Promote vitality and stamina in older adults 
·  Help maintain proper energy as the body ages 
·  Maintain feelings of general well-being when experiencing temporary stress 
·  Support cognitive function and normal memory function 
·  Work as a tonic to benefit the entire body 
·  Support healthy circulation in mature men and women 
·  Maintain and support healthy joints 
·  Support a healthy immune system 
·  Support healthy liver function 
·  Support healthy glucose metabolism 
·  Provide antioxidant protection

Medicinal herbs in the U.S. are loosely regulated. Our FDA considers herbs food and regulates them as such.  This is why consumers can purchase them just about anywhere. Because of the loose regulations the manufacturers are not required to insure that the active ingredients are present in sufficient amounts to have therapeutic effects.  Also, the amounts present can vary greatly from batch to batch. In some other countries the approach to herbal therapy is entirely different.  They are considered more like medicine than food and are manufactured to a higher standard (Pharmaceutical grade vs. Food grade).  MediHerb is a company from Australia that produces a very high quality herbal product.  Each batch is tested to insure that the active ingredients are present is sufficient amounts and each batch is the same as the previous.  MediHerb products usually cost more than store bought herbals but most consumers will feel they are well worth it.  If you haven’t had success with other herbal products before you should consider herbals from a company like MediHerb.

The popular PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) antacids -- Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Vimovo, and Zegerid  raise the risk of bone fracture, especially when used for a year or more or at high doses, the FDA warns.  Proton Pump Inhibitors are the third highest class of drugs in the U.S.  Each year over 113 million
prescriptions are written and three are available without a prescription (Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid).  The FDA warned "There is a possible increased risk of fractures of the  hip, wrist, and spine if you take certain drugs for heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcers."  This warning came after researchers linked PPIs to fracture risk in middle-aged adults. 
 
In another study indicated that the drugs may also increase the risk of infection with C. difficile, a bacterium that
can cause severe diarrhea. 
 
A  study also indicated that the there is an increased likelihood of developing  pneumonia.  The study found that 1
in 200 patients taking the PPIs will develop pneumonia. There may be several reasons as to why acid suppressives may have this association with pneumonia; Acid-suppressive drugs may increase the risk for pneumonia by blocking gastric acid, which could lead to bacteria overgrowth in the upper gastrointestinal tract that may travel to the lungs. It’s also possible the acid-suppressive medication inhibits immune cells, reducing their ability to fight off bacteria and infection.
 
Check with our office about natural and safe ways of dealing with reflux and acid  indigestion.