Ear wax is a common and natural substance that our body produces or protect the eardrum and expel build-up. But, if the amount of wax in our ears continues to enlarge, it can affect our hearing. Hearing loss is considered normal in the aging process, but if a physical object (wax) is affecting the hearing, it should be removed.
1. If the wax is close to the outer surface of the ear, it can easily be removed with a Q-tip. DO NOT stick a Q-Tip far into the canal. You can puncture the drum!!
2. Ear Coning uses a heated, herbal cone placed in the ear, to soften the wax and warm up the ear/nose/throat canals. Ear coning may release wax that can then easily be removed. If water is left behind the ear (that slush-slush sound), you will have diminished hearing. Ear Coning is an alternative therapy that helps many people with sinus condition, hearing loss and pressure behind the ear drum.
3. Lavage is a process that is used by medical doctors to flush out the ear wax. Water is pushed into the ear with high pressure to break up and remove the wax. The success and cost is dependent on the doctor performing the process.
4. There is a product that a friend of mine has been using and she is very thorough in her reserach. They have been selling it for quite sometime and it does have approval. She uses it weekly and has not had ear wax build-up since she began using it. You can find it at:
http://www.earclear.com/
5. As a chiropractor, I do believe that the upper cervical vertebrae need to be open and moving freely. The nerves to the sinus area (which includes the ears/nose/throat), stem from our upper cervical spine. Ear adjustments and cervical lymph massage are also helpful in opening up the ear canal, removing pressure and increasing hearing. Tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) can also affect the function of the ear. If you are having ear blockage, consider seeing a chiropractor to identify and open up the movement of the ear/nose/throat regions.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (310) 832-5818.
The following article was sent to me by one of my patients. Quite interesting as a different view on doctors and chiropractors.
WHY DOCTORS HATE CHIROPRACTORS
If you’ve ever complained of a terrifically sore neck or lingering back pain, I’ll bet someone suggested that you see a chiropractor. I visit my chiropractor when my recurrent neck pain flares up (as in, when I spend too many hours in front of my computer for too many days in a row), and I know lots of other people who see chiropractors, too. Now research is affirming the efficacy of chiropractic care for a number of conditions, and this trend may be further stoked by changes brought about by health-care reform.
For many complaints, including such varied and seemingly unrelated ones as headaches and digestive distress as well as back and neck problems, chiropractic care can often provide safe, effective and fast-working treatment — and (unusual for natural therapies) most insurance plans cover it. However, many mainstream medical doctors aren’t fans. Their reasons aren’t always clear but seem to lie somewhere on the spectrum between being worried that chiropractic care is not safe and feeling threatened that good chiropractors may take away many of their patients.
THE TIME IS RIGHT
In a glass-is-half-full kind of way, today’s troubled health-care environment actually presents an opportunity for chiropractors to gain some long overdue respect — at least that’s a hope that’s currently afloat in the chiropractic community, I heard from Robert A. Hayden, DC, PhD, spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. A critical-care nurse for 20 years before becoming a chiropractor himself, Dr. Hayden explained that the nation’s ongoing and pressing concern about health-care costs and treatment efficacy is a good backdrop against which to understand the many ways chiropractic care can help patients.
Why are doctors skeptical? Dr. Hayden told me that one of his regular patients is an orthopedic surgeon — but another orthopedist in his community won’t accept patient referrals from Dr. Hayden, and a nearby hospital won’t perform MRI scans for his patients. He believes this lack of acceptance is fueled by the very fact that chiropractic does not involve drugs and can be an effective alternative to hospitalization and surgery, which makes it attractive to both patients and the bean counters of health-care costs. The fact that Medicare now covers some chiropractic services enhances its credibility but also adds weight to worries that this natural, less invasive and less expensive alternative will divert health-care dollars away from medical doctors and hospitals.
WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
Key to the growing acceptance of chiropractic care is evidence-based research demonstrating that it is safe, clinically effective and cost-efficient. In the latest such effort, funded by Mercer Health and Benefits in San Francisco, Dr. Niteesh Choudry and colleagues reviewed existing literature on the efficacy of chiropractic. Their conclusion is that it works as well as or better than conventional modalities, including exercise programs, drug regimens and surgical intervention, for treating many forms of low back and neck pain, two of the most common medical complaints. Numerous other studies also support the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for spine and neck issues in particular. For instance, a 2002 study of patients with nonspecific neck pain found that pain was reduced and function improved for 68.3% after seven weeks of chiropractic care, while the success rate for those in the care of general practitioners was only 36%. The patients of chiropractors missed work less frequently and needed less pain medication.
CAN IT CAUSE STROKE?
One very specific concern voiced by many medical doctors is that chiropractic neck manipulation has the potential to cause stroke, or — if done improperly — even death. The basis for this is a fairly rare and often undiagnosed condition in which the vertebral arteries in the neck are weakened, possibly by high levels of homocysteine. The fear is that in a vulnerable patient, twisting or stretching those arteries during a chiropractic manipulation could cause them to rupture.
To investigate whether this is a real danger, researchers at the University of Calgary (Alberta, Canada) studied vertebral arteries from several recently deceased people and found that it would take nine times the force of a typical chiropractic adjustment to damage these arteries and mobilize plaque. In fact, according to Dr. Hayden, normal head and neck movement present a greater risk than chiropractic manipulation for the kind of weak arteries that are of concern. By that measure, it’s risky to have your hair washed in one of those beauty parlor sinks where you have to lean way back (there’s even a name for this one, “the beauty parlor stroke”), play sports or even to turn your head to complete a turn while driving.
The condition that puts people at risk for this problem is very rare, Dr. Hayden said, noting that the statistics don’t support the level of concern being expressed. He pointed out that chiropractic is so low-risk that practitioners’ malpractice insurance costs only about one-tenth what an MD has to pay — around $1,300, on average, compared with $10,000 to $20,000 for general physicians.
THE TREND IS GOOD…
Meanwhile though, patients are voting with their feet — so maybe doctors should try to learn more about chiropractic care rather than stand in the way of progress. The number of chiropractic patients in this country doubled in the two decades from 1982 to 2002, and an estimated 10% of Americans have seen a chiropractor in the past year.
As for me, well, when my neck hurts, I visit my chiropractor… and I feel better. If you’re interested in exploring this form of alternative medical care, you can go to http://www.acatoday.org/search/memsearch.cfm to find an experienced, licensed practitioner in your area.
Source(s):
Robert A. Hayden, DC, PhD, founder and director of Iris City Chiropractic Center, PC, Griffin, Georgia, and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association.
The following survey and it’s results surprised me. It seems that most athletes do not discuss supplementation with their doctors or receive recommendations from their doctors. Friends were the most common source of information and doctors were the least. Most supplementation came in the form of sports drinks, energy-enhancing, meal replacement and weight-loss powders or bars. Be sure to discuss supplementation with your doctor or chiropractor, as they can increase your efficiency and strengthen joints, muscles and tendons. The result will be less injury/less intense injury and increase recovery time. Your response time will be decreased, leading to better performance in your chosen sport. Your input is appreciated.
A SURVEY OF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USAGE AND RESOURCES
Author: W. J. Moreau, DC, DACBSP, CSCS
Moreau Chiropractic Clinic, Estherville, Iowa
HISTORY: The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) developed a position statement in 1998 regarding the use of drugs, medicine, and food supplements in interscholastic sports. The IHSAA position is that school personnel, including coaches, should never dispense any drug, medication or food supplement except with extreme caution and in accordance with school district policies developed in consultation with parents, health-care professionals and senior administrative personnel of the school or school district. Use of any drug, medication or food supplement in a way not prescribed by the manufacturer should not be authorized or encouraged by school personnel, including coaches. In order to minimize health and safety risks to student-athletes, maintain ethical standards, and reduce liability risks, school personnel, including coaches, should never supply, recommend, or permit the use of any drug, medication or food supplement solely for performance-enhancing purposes. IHSAA surveyed high school athletes to evaluate usage and identify what resources the high school athlete uses in selecting supplements.
PURPOSE: To study the types of supplements utilized by high school athletes and to identify what resources the student athlete utilizes in selecting nutritional supplements.
METHODS: Subjects were all Iowa high school athletes currently enrolled in the grades 9-12. Data was obtained regarding their grade level; sex, supplements used and what the student athlete’s major sources of information were regarding their use of supplements. The survey was anonymous and completed on-line. Because it was anonymous, we do not know how many different schools were represented in the results.
RESULTS: The responses (N=3,232) were comprised of male (N=1734) and female (N=1498) respondents. There was a balance of responses was obtained from all four-grade levels grade 9 – 25% (N=820) grade 10 – 24% (N=780), grade 11 – 29% (N=939), grade 12 – 22% (N=704). The most common supplement utilized is sports drinks which were used by 3,024 of the athletes (Male N=1639) Female N=1385). Less than 4% (N=115) of the athletes who responded to the survey used no supplementation. Excluding sports drinks the four most common responses for supplements by male athletes were vitamin supplements (N=674), energy enhancing products (N=526), creatine (N=302), and meal replacement bars (N=295). Excluding sports drinks the four most common responses for supplements by female athletes were vitamin supplements (N=544), energy-enhancing products (N=261), meal replacement bars (N=188), and weight loss products (N=101). For male athletes the three most common resources for supplements were friends (N=759), coaches (N=649) and parents (N=648). For female athletes the three most common resources for supplements were friends (N=749), coaches (N=529), and parents (N=529). Doctors were an infrequent resource used by females (N=196) or male athletes (N=102).
CONCLUSION:
There is a significant usage of nutritional supplements by both male and female high school athletes. Very few athletes responding to the survey do not use nutritional supplementation. Sports drinks are the most common nutritional supplement used by high school athletes. Vitamins are the most common non-sports drink nutritional supplement for both make and female athletes. The athlete’s friends are the most common resource for both male and female athletes that use nutritional supplementation. Doctors were an infrequent resource used by high school athletes as a resource for nutritional supplementation usage.
Unpublished work submitted to the ACBSP Sports Science Symposium FEB 2006
Coffee is many different things to many different people. It is a pick-me-up to some, a diuretic for others. a delicacy to some and medicinal in the alternative health world. Let’ start with a pick-me-up.
Pick-Me-Up: This is probably the most negative reason that you should accept for drinking coffee. If you need an artificial stimulant to give you energy, you might start looking at your lifestyle with regards to eating, drinking and exercise. If you think about it, when you are tired, you are supposed to rest and not exert as much energy. If you stimulate this physiological function, you are sucking the energy from your body to bring it up to the level you like. Eventually, your organs, especially the adrenals, are drained of energy and you are “running on empty”. You won’t have the reserves you need to get you through a rough day or stressful situation. It drains you.
On a positive note, if you need just a little increase in energy during your work out or you notice that you think more efficiently with a little caffeine, by all means, enjoy.
Diuretic: When ingested in small quantities, caffeine can cause a reduction of fluids in the body. If this is excess fluid, it can be a positive response. If it takes required electrolytes with it, this can result in a negative response. The symptoms of a negative response are being light-headed, dizzy, dry-mouth, muscle cramping and weakness. This is because of the dehydration that occurs when a diuretic is over-used. The reaction is caused by a dilation of blood vessels, therefore increasing the amount of fluid that is sent through the body. In migraine therapy, prescription medication may include caffeine or vessel dilators. This will result in a lower pressure being used by the blood vessels, therefore reducing the pounding effect associated with constricted blood vessels.
Delicacy: The coffee bean is complicated and depending on the climate and soil in which it grows, will provide varying levels of strength, taste and effect. The strength (or dilution with water) in which coffee is made also affects it’s physiological response. The cost of a pound of coffee will be calculated by the location, soil, outer shell, oils and processing requirements of the coffee bean. The most expensive coffee comes from Indonesia, at a price of $600 per pound. Everyone has their own taste and caffeine level which is enjoyable to the taste buds. Drinking, or sipping coffee as a delicacy is usually associated with social gatherings or coffee clubs. Yes, there are coffee clubs, just like there are wine clubs. They study the bean, the taste and effect of the coffee. This can be a very specialized hobby.
Medicinal: The medicinal effects of coffee can be correlated with the diuretic effects of caffeine. They are two of the same. When used at the right time and in small amounts, coffee is used as an alternative health therapy. It can increase the efficiency of a work-out program, reduce or eliminate the occurance of a migraine, eliminate constipation, reduce excess fluids, stimulate focus and increase the function of the immune system. The amounts are small and the timing is important. What is also important is that the bean is clean and pure.
As you educate yourself into the world of coffee, it becomes clear that not all cups of coffee are alike. If you have any comments or questions about this subject, please contact me at kim@kromasnutriton.com
“Snack on Crack”–This is what the Sugar Industry believes the Corn Industry is saying about their “corn sugar”. The war between the Sugar Industry and Corn Industry has finally hit the papers. The fight began when the Corn Industry realized a net loss in corn syrup sales and began using a different advertising tactic. The tactic stated that High Fructose Corn Syrup was now going to be called Corn Sugar.
This is a misleading description of what High Fructose Corn Syrup is. High Fructose Corn Syrup is a manufactured alteration of the chemical composition of sugar. It is not the same and it does not react the same in the body. It is a foreign substance and, in my opinion, is a shock to the system.
Remember that all sugars not used by the body are filtered through the liver. If there is no room to store this sugar (as glycogen), it packages it up as triglycerides and sends it back into the body. Sugar and fat are directly related to each other.
What this war about is that high fructose corn syrup is NOT corn sugar. It is false advertising. So far, the Sugar Industry has won this part of the battle. The use of Corn Sugar cannot be a substitute for HFCS and this part of the court case will continue. Part 2: The Sugar Industry did not win the portion stating that this false advertising has led to monetary damage. So this will lay low for awhile.
The following is an explanation of the different types of sugars:
Glucose
You do not eat glucose. Glucose is the simple sugar made by the body through digestion of carbohydrates. It is the body’s chief source of energy. Sometimes glucose is called dextrose. When a woman is pregnant, the doctors will give them a bottle of processed glucose to drink and see how the body metabolizes this sugar. I consider this an unnecessary test during a normal pregnancy.
Sucrose
CH Sugar. White sugar Table Sugar. It is made from highly processed sugar cane or sugar beets. The composition of sucrose is a combination of glucose and fructose, which separates during digestion. Pure sucrose is devoid of any nutrients.
Fructose
Fructose, commonly called fruit sugar, is a simple sugar found in honey, tree fruits, berries, and melons. You are NOT eating fruit sugar when you see “fructose” on a label. Pure crystalline fructose comes from two sources: corn or sucrose (table sugar). Corn starch is processed to release fructose. Sucrose (table sugar) is enzymatically hydrolyzed to separate into glucose and fructose. Crystalline fructose is pure fructose from one of these two sources.
High fructose syrup
High Fructose Corn Syrup is made from starches like corn, wheat, and rice. High fructose syrups contain nearly equal amounts of glucose and fructose, a composition nearly identical to sucrose (table sugar). The reason high fructose corn syrup is so abundant in our processed food is simple-it’s cheaper than sugar. Because we highly subsidize corn and place taxes on sugar imports, high fructose corn syrup is much less expensive.
Pure fructose is 1.2-1.8 times sweeter than sucrose so less is needed for the same level of sweetness. It is low on the glycemic index, therefore it does not lead to peaks and dips in the body’s glucose levels. But fructose is processed in the liver. When too much fructose enters the liver at once, the liver can’t process fructose as a sugar. Instead, the liver turns excess fructose into fats-triglycerides. When you incorporate these fats into our bodies cells (the cell membranes) triglycerides cause these cells to be insulin resistant. This is the reason that high fructose corn syrup leads to diabetes. Fructose is linked to significant increases of both cholesterol and triglycerides. And remember-fructose, like sucrose-is a highly refined processed sugar with no nutritional value.
Maltose
In our bodies, maltose is formed as the first step in digestion of starchy foods. It is then broken down into glucose. This is a natural process.
Maltose, also known as malt sugar, is half as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). It is produced from starch (barley, wheat, rice or other grains). It has been produced in China since 200 B.C. We use it in making beer and as an additive to some processed foods.
Lactose
Lactose is the sugar found naturally in milk. Most of you know that I am an anti-milk practitioner and so completely understand the lactose intolerant person. If it makes you feel sick, you most likely don’t need it.
Date Sugar
Date sugar is 100% dehydrated dates ground into small pieces. It is a whole food, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Date sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar or brown sugar cup for cup, but it does not dissolve in liquids. This is a healthy sugar alternative.
Sugar Alcohols or Polyols
Maltitol, maltitol syrup, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, erythritol, and isomalt are examples of sugar alcohols. They occur naturally in plants, but are usually manufactured from sugars and starches. Sugar alcohols have fewer calories than sugars because they are not completely absorbed by the body. They can ferment in the intestines and cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
However, pure xylitol can be very helpful in bladder infections. The bacteria in the urinary tract do not like xylitol. A teaspoon of xylitol can kill many bacteria in the bladder by literally choking them to death. They can’t “breathe” in a xylitol environment. Xylitol has a very low glycemic index (4) and this leads us to What Is The Glycemic Index?
Glycemic Index
When carbohydrates are digested, glucose is released into the bloodstream. The glycemic index is a measurement of the amount of glucose released by a particular food over a two to three-hour period.
This time frame indicates that testing for blood sugar imbalances requires a 2-3 hour test. There is also a 6 hour glucose tolerance test that can also be done for people with severe glucose disturbance.
Foods that rapidly release glucose rate high on the glycemic index (GI). Foods that slowly release glucose are low on the glycemic index. Mixing high and low GI foods can result in a moderate glucose release.
There are many charts you can find on the internet that state the glycemic index of most foods. To simplify, all processed foods have a high glycemic index. Natural foods have a lower glycemic index. Certain fruits and vegetables and grains will have a higher glycemic index and would be utilized best in high energy activities—such as running a marathon or hiking The Grand Canyon.
We are raising a country of roly-poly, chubby, fat children. This has a diagnosis in the medical books: Obesity. Obesity will cause enormous health care costs for their future. Diabetes is an epidemic for our young children. Education is the way to prevent this catastrophe. Teach your kids to eat more natural foods and avoid the sugar-laden foods advertised on TV and in magazines. Options are their best friend. And we are provided options through education. I’d rather spend my tax dollars on education our children than on treating the health problems resultant of poor food choices. What about you?
You can comment on this article by writing me at kim@kromasnutrition.com
ENCASED IN FAT NEARLY ALL MY LIFE, I SAY NO TO THE FDA APPROVING LAP-BANDS FOR TEENS UNLESS THEY ARE GROSSLY OBESE; HERE’S WHY
By Diana L. Chapman
Rotund, unhappy, and driving my parents to deep vexation due to my weight, my mom and dad dragged me to the doctor at age 11, begging him to save me from the fat curse and to lure me into dropping the pounds. Appetite suppressant pills were prescribed and months later, the doctor grew frustrated when I hadn’t lost an inch. He grilled me: “Do you want your parents to be sad? Do you want them to keep wasting their money when you visit me? Take this seriously.”
After that, I did.
I reduced my food intake dramatically to something like 1,000 calories a day. I cleaned house for exercise and within probably six months, dropped fifty pounds. My parents were thrilled. My doctor ecstatic. I felt great – and boys noticed me for the first time in my life.
Thrilling. But within the year, the weight plus some extra jumped back on me like a rolling blanket of fleas. Now, instead of being 50 pounds overweight, I was 60. Haunted by what I call “the fat curse” – which became the story of my life — I yo-yoed back and forth, losing, gaining. Losing. Gaining. Trying every diet conceivable and every alleged “weight loss cure” known to man – and more likely – women, nothing worked for much more than a year. Getting it off always was the easy part of the equation; keeping it off was the trouble. Like the common cold, there still is no cure – even with all our new-found technology. In my case, misery prevailed when I refused to wear shorts, bathing suits, go to reunions, discovered I might be too fat to ride horses — and continued living with the stress of being a size 7 one day, and a size 18 a year later.
This is exactly where I fear the Lap-band will take — and leave our youth. The Lap-Band is not the answer for our teens despite children’s obesity rate rising radically across America, so much so that it seems it’s in the news every week. I know we are all seeking a solution for the thousands of us — teenagers and adults alike — who live with this agony.
But truly, I don’t see the Lap-band, which Allergen Inc. has taken to the FDA as a possibility for teens as young as 14, as much different than those appetite suppressant pills and 1,000 calories a day, because that’s in fact what it will do to a kids. It provides them with a way to eat less without using much brainpower – and in fact is likely to steam up that ever-ready roller-coaster slipping insidiously toward the fat curse. If the teen has the desire to ever take the band out or it comes with too many complications for their system, I’m betting that teen will break out in rolls of fat once they quit using it.
Simply put, the Lap-Band surgery inserts a silicone ring that fits around the stomach basically reducing the appetite. The good news is it can be adjusted if that fat starts creeping back to decrease the food intake. The bad news is it can slip, become infected and a myriad of other troubles.
More importantly, we have to remember that teens bodies are growing by leaps and bounds and are changing daily. This is a terrible time to give them surgery when exercise and not diet – but eating right – can get the same results. Exercise for kids remains a huge key to the kingdom for dropping fat, so I don’t care if a kid does Zumba Fitness, swims, surfs, bowls, leaps up and catches eggs flying in the air, plays tennis, skateboards, roller blades or makes up their own peculiar form of exercise. This will make major changes in their lives, combat depression which often accompanies those who are overweight, and remains a much better solution than restrictive diets, which is basically what the Lap-Band does.The reason I believe we see thousands of people like me walking around – losing, gaining, and losing and gaining again – bloating up like big distended balloons — stems from recent theories that fat cells multiple. I believe this, because once a person reduces food intake, there’s not much chance for many to return to eating normally again. That signals, for many us, an automatic weight gain. This alone makes me uncomfortable about the use of Lap-Bands for teenagers who may jut upward a couple more feet, drop weight naturally as they take on more exercise or have possible medical conditions. For instance, my son had excess weight despite his frazzled activities and his drive to play sports, all sports, all the time.
One thorough allergist encouraged me to have his thyroid checked since thyroid issues ran in the family. When we did, it turned out Ryan, at age 11, had no thyroid, a huge regulator of weight and growth. Once on thyroid medication, he immediately began shedding the pounds.
My friend, Kim Kromas, DC, PhD, a chiropractor/nutritionist in San Pedro, calls the Lap-Band for teens alarming. “The thought of the FDA approving lap surgery for children is frightening,” Kromas said. “Without addressing the psychological components of obesity, Lap-band surgery is just another band aid. Our children do not need band aids. They need education and guidance in food and exercise choices. This will increase their knowledge and self-confidence and teach them that the goals are worth working for.
“Any genetic component must first be ruled out. Simple blood tests can be done to identify insulin resistance or thyroid insufficiency. I am always an advocate for taking a deep look at how you truly eat and how you truly exercise. Be honest. Sodas and any artificial sweeteners and all processed foods should be eliminated for three months. In order to rule out a gluten sensitivity, you must eliminate all gluten products for three months. (see the full article on Gluten Sensitivity on the blog). During this time period, if weight loss does not occur, deeper medical testing should be done”.
“Teenager’s bodies are still working towards equilibrium,” she added. “Any surgery to disrupt the function of the body is adding a weakness to their body—and mind – for the future. Teach children how to eat properly. Educate them on the importance of daily exercise. This will breed self-confidence. That is the way to raise healthy children.”
Meanwhile, it is true, thousands of adults have had success with Lap-Band. While my friend did it, loved the weight loss and feels much better about herself, she warned, there are issues. Sometimes, she gags on food and feels like vomiting. She’s suffers hair loss. Other times, she barely wants to eat so she just drinks water or juices. And of course, not everyone can stand to live with such a device in their stomachs.
But let’s be realistic with children. Caution should – and must – prevail when it comes to kids. Before we go jumping into Lap-band for teens, we must explore the fact that the FDA approved this in 2001 for adults with severe weight problems and by 2007, we are into the third generation of “adult” Lap-Band users, according to a Lap-Band site. But we also now know there are troubles, as there are with all surgeries, infections, slippage of the device and possibly the band shifting through the stomach’s wall – and in some extremely rare cases, death.
This is not what we want for teens. I’d much rather see what former Los Angeles School Board member Mike Lansing did for students who maybe don’t like running, or traditional (often boring) forms of exercise in schools that in reality some students just can’t do. He installed three brand new state-of-the-art gyms at three different middle schools so students could discover other ways to fight obesity and get in shape, from pumping spin bikes, to using resistance bands and medicine balls – a form of exercise most students will never see until they become adults and join private gyms.
As far as the Lap-Band, let teenagers wait until they are adults to make that choice and have had the chance to physically change their bodies – while they are young and still have the chance to do so.
Diana Chapman’s blog www.theunderdogforkids.blogspot.com is so education for the concerns of our children and the San Pedro neighborhood.
Cinde Carr is a life-long resident of San Pedro and owner of Hairline Studio. But many of you know her as a Personal Fitness Coach and an active participant in the Revlon Walks for Cancer. Over the years, she has walked thousands of miles and raised and donated thousands of dollars to Cancer Research. Please enjoy and use the information in her article on Metabolism to help you understand your own body’s energy levels.
What is Metabolism?
When we eat, food is converted into energy. The term “metabolism” refers to the way — not the speed – that your body processes and uses the food you eat. Rather than “faster” or “slower” metabolism, it’s most accurate to describe metabolism as efficient or functional versus inefficient or dysfunctional.
Metabolism is made up of several components:
Basal metabolism – From 60 to 65 percent of calories you eat daily are spent keeping you alive and providing basic energy for life support. If you were to lay in bed all day, you would still need these calories to support basic body functions.
Physical activity – 25 percent of your calories go to movement and physical activity.
Thermic effect of food – About 10 percent of calories are spent processing the food you eat. For example, if you eat 2000 calories a day, you should be burning 200 calories a day simply eating and digesting your food.
To lose weight, you have to reduce calories taken in, increase calories expended, or do both. Surprisingly, many overweight people — and thyroid patients in particular — do not take in any more calories than people of average weight, and can sustain or even gain weight at lower calorie levels. If you fit into this category, your basal metabolism is lower, your physical activity may be reduced, and/or the thermic effect of food you eat is blunted. The end result: you don’t burn as many calories as someone of a similar weight with a functional metabolism. For you, losing weight requires that you change the output side of the metabolism equation — you need to boost your metabolism and make it more efficient.
Metabolism Connection
If you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, or your condition is not adequately treated by your doctor, almost anything you do to raise your metabolism on the output side may fail. So the first, essential step is to get a thyroid test. And if you have been tested and are being treated, you need to make sure your treatment is optimized — including the proper drug and dosage, as well as supplements to support thyroid function.
Increase Your Basal Metabolism
Metabolism is somewhat a function of genetics, but you can increase basal metabolism by building muscle. Muscle cells are up to eight times more metabolically active than fat cells, and muscle burns more calories than fat. Adding weight-bearing or resistance exercise – such as weightlifting or exercise bands — is one of the only ways to increase basal metabolism. An efficient metabolism also requires the smooth running of many complex body processes that rely on sufficient antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and the B vitamins. Supplements to correct any deficiencies are therefore important.
Finally, dehydration can contribute to an inefficient metabolism, by affecting body temperature. When you are dehydrated, your body temperature drops slightly, and causes your body to store fat as a way to help raise or maintain the temperature. Making sure you drink enough liquids, preferably at least 64 ounces of water per day, to avoid this metabolic pitfall.
Increase Physical Activity
Aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate can raise metabolism while you’re exercising. Some experts believe that aerobic exercise also boosts resting metabolism for several hours, as muscles burn calories to recover and repair themselves.
Increase the Thermic Effect of Food Resting metabolic rate typically increases as much as two to three times more after eating proteins versus carbohydrates and fats. Complex, high-fiber carbohydrates — like high-fiber vegetables and cereals, however — burn more calories than simple carbohydrates. You can increase the thermic effect on metabolism by focusing on quality protein, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, with an occasional high-fiber grain.
I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have an article that you would like placed on my blog, please contact me at kim@kromasnutrition.com
I am asked quite often by my nutrition patients if I could write out a grocery list that could be taken to the store. It is always a good idea to make a list so that you can stay focused on what you need. You want to stick with basics. Avoid lots of thick sauces. Saute tomatoes and onions and other vegetables with your meats as a substitute for heavy sauces. Put these over a bed of rice and add your own spices. Of course you need to substitute the fruits and vegetables that you like. It takes the guess work out and may eliminate poor choices.
Grocery shopping should be a fun, well-thought out event. You are feeding yourself and your family. You want the best, nutritious food that you can get. Make this a family event and have everyone pick out the good foods that they will eat.
Try avoid buying any boxed food for three months. Just give it a try and see how you feel.
I think that is a great idea, so here goes:
RULES:
Always start in the fresh food and shop on the outer walls first. Most of the processed foods are in the middle of the store. Not all, but most.
In the fresh section, buy only what you will use within the next few days.
Your store should become your friend.
Choose different vegetables each week. They each hold their own nutrients that you need. Variety is the best.
The number of people that are in your family will determine how much you will buy.
LIST- always take a list with you!!
1. 6 fresh vegetables and 6 fresh fruits.
broccoli apples
carrots peach
onions grapes
celery oranges
cucumber lemons
spinach watermelon
2. Dairy Section
real butter tofu yogurts cottage cheese hummus
3. Breads: Buy Gluten-Free if you are Gluten Sensitive
Gluten- Free Bread Ezekiel Bread Pastas Rice
4. Meats - buy 1 red meat for the week and make the rest chicken and fish
Nitrate Free, Organic or Farm Fresh
Tuna packed in Water
5. Spices: these are a great way to add flavor to your food
Kosher Salt Black Pepper Lemon Pepper Basil Oregano Curry Turmeric Garlic Powder
Squeeze a little bit of oil and some oranges on your salad for a new salad dressing
7. Snacks:
Nut Butters Nuts Olives Granola Fruit Japanese Nori (crunchy and salty) Baby Carrots
8. Drinks:
Water with lemons, oranges and cucumbers is very refreshing and tasty.
Buy drinks with only 100% fresh juice and be sure to dilute by 1/2 with water.
I don’t think that we need milk, so try almond milks or other non-dairy milks as a snack.
Kefir is a delicious snack drink.
Your main liquid should be water.
These are just basic ideas on what you can choose at the grocery store. You have to make your own choices. Don’t forget to make out your list of categories before you go. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
As a vegetarian, there are certain food products that are eliminated from the diet. Due to a conscious decision made by many people, animal products are eliminated, therefore omitting certain necessary amino acids from the body. I utilize vegetarian products and consult on proper protein combining for lacto vegetarians and ovo-lacto vegetarians. A bloated body with soft musculature and skin blemishes is a sign that protein combining is not complete. Following is a list of vegetarian supplements that are recommended for proper nutritional support. There is no charge for supplement recommendation.
Zymex: This is a GI tract acidifier and builds flora in the gut, kidney, detoxification and toxic bowel .Considered to be the “fertilizer” of the digestive tract, preparing it for the addition of good bacteria. By taking a mixture of red beets, tillandsia and wheat germ, a culture is formed that acidifies the digestive tract. This is excellent for bladder and kidney infections.
Zymex II: Supports the digestive tract with digestive enzymes, without adding betaine hydrocholoride or pancreatin. These can be used with patients that are sensitive to hydrochloric acid. Because it it useful in addressing acute muscle tissue distress, it is used in the inflammatory response.l
Wheat Germ Oil:Wheat germ oil is a rich source of the complete Vitamin E complex and phytosteroids.
St. John’s Wort: This is a calming supplement to the nerves.
Spanish Black Radish: Supports the elimination of toxins through the liver, gall bladder and digestive tract. To date, Spanish Black Radish has not been formally researched in the human body.
SP Cleanse: This supplement contains 20 unique whole food and botanical ingredients designed to support the body’s elimination process.
SP Complete/Dairy Free: This powder provides amino acids, essential fatty acid and other vitamins in a powder form. It supports the elimination process and is part of our 3-week detoxification program.
SP Green Food: Contains phytonutrients and vital nutrients to the diet and is part of our detoxification program. Brussell sprouts, plant powder, kale and alfalfa sprouts powder are part of this supplement.
Soybean Lecithin Soybean Lecithin is a phospholipid that has choline as its key constituent. Choline is a substance that is crucial for proper central nervous system, liver, cardiovascular, and immune system health. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids needed for many functions of the body.
Sesame Seed Oil: Sesame Seed Oil stimulates the formation of healthy blood cells, enhances vitamin E activity, and promotes healthy blood-fat levels,and supports liver and immune system function.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA): Ribonucleic Acid is a key component in genetic and metabolic processes that govern cellular replication, growth , and protein synthesis.
Prolamine Iodine: Prolamine Iodine is one of three iodine products created by Standard Process and contains the most iodine in comparison to Trace minerals B12 and Iodomeore. Prolamine Iodine is most beneficial when used as a short-term mechanism to boost serum iodine levels.
PreBiotic Inulin: This is a digestive product that aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of fiber. It works mainly in the lower bowel and as a powder, can be added to shakes.
Phosfood Liquid:This liquid supplies phosphorous from ortho-phosphoric acid. Phosphorus is an important nutrient supporting healthy calcium metabolism, circulatory and sympathetic nervous system function, and proper pH balance.
Organically Bound Minerals:This product contains 60mg of naturally occurring alkaline ash minerals. Alfalfa supplies many of these minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc found in natural proportions for better absorption. Iodine in kelp assists with proper thyroid function, helps metabolize fat, and maintains healthy circulation. Kelp also provides vitamin B complex andother minerals that support brain tissue and the membranes that surround the brain, sensory nerves and spinal cord. both alfalfa and kelp contain a number of phytonutrients with antioxidant properties, some of which are precursors to vitamin A and that provide a broad spectrum of support to body systems. Together these minerals bring the body back into balance.
OPC Synergy: Antioxidants area group of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help keep the production of free radicals in check. OPC Synergy is a whole food supplement that contains a combination of grape seed extract, buckwheat, red wine extract, green tea extract, and bilberry to provide the strongest, natural, antioxidant protection available. Each ingredient brings its OPC plus synergistic cofactors to help address the effects of aging, maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, support healthy brain tissue, maintain capillary integrity, and restore collagen strength and elasticity.
Min-Tran:The combination of mineral complexes and nutrients in Min-Tran work together as a mild calmative to establish balanced function of the central nervous system.
Magnesium Lactate: Magnesium is present in most cells and plays an essential role as a cofactor, assisting enzymes in catalyzing many necessary chemical reactions. Magnesium Lactate functions in reactive processes, such as nerve conduction, muscular movement, bone mineralization, protein synthesis, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and glucose utilization.
Linum B6: Flaxseed Oil has been known to have profound beneficial effects for some areas of the body. Flaxseed oil in Linum B6 converts to essential fatty acids that influence hormone production and help maintain healthy skin, nerve tissue, and blood fat levels to support the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Lactic Acid Yeast: The lactic acid produced by the nutritional yeast in Lactic Acid Yeast establishes proper pH balance which is vital for the promotion of nutrient absorption, integral in maintaining the proper environment in which normal intestinal flora thrive, and beneficial for the overall healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Lact-Enz: Lact-Enz is a gastrointestinal support product that combines digestive enzymes with normal intestinal flora. The combination of these ingredients assists in the breakdown of macronutrients and maintains a healthy intestinal environment.
Inositol: Inositol , part of the B-Vitamin Complex, acts as an important catalyst in energy reactions that involve the metabolizing of some fasts and sugars. Inositol also plays an important role in supporting smooth muscle contraction.
Gingko Synergy:Gingko Synergy calls upon the natural abilities of Ginkgo biloba, buckwheat juice and seed, dry lecithin, gotu kola leaf, and Masquelier’s Original OPC grape seed extract to stimulate healthy brain function through increased circulation and oxygenation. The ingredients found in Ginkgo synergy also provide important antioxidant protection and encourage the elimination of fats.
Gastro-Fiber: Dietary fiber comes from the cellular walls of plants and has specific effects on different areas of gastrointestinal function. Gastro-Fiber contains phytonutrients from five different whole foods and botanicals that function synergistically to help cleanse and lubricate the intestines, encourage regular elimination, promote pH balance throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and provide an optimal environment for the natural growth of “friendly bacteria”.
Garlic: The benefits of garlic is in maintaining a healthy immune and circulatory system and can help maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels in individuals with healthy cholesterol levels. Garlic is also a powerful protector against damage from free radicals, molecules that injure cells and may be responsible for inappropriate cell division and growth.
Fen-Gre:Fenugreek seeds act as a mucus solvent, having the ability to soften and dissolve hardened masses of accumulated mucus. The change in consistency allows Fen-gr to help the body expel mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes more easily.
Echinacea-C:This product supports the immune system, non-specific cellular immunity, by helping various types of white blood cells during phagocytosis. Echinacea also increases the number and activity of the neutrophils, an important part of the body’s immune system that maintains white blood cells. echinacea-C combines this useful herb with Vitamin-C complexes from a variety of sources.
Cruciferous Complete: Kale and brussel sprouts contain phytonutrients that protect against free radicals-highly unstable molecules that can affect cells and genetic material. The nutrients in these cruciferous vegetables also stimulate the body’s cleansing systems and are supportive in the healthy functioning of the eye. It is also an excellent source of sulphur and phytonutrients.
Collinsonia Root: This root is known to support the “vascular tone” of the peripheral circulatory system. Collinsonia Root also helps maintain healthy functioning of the kidneys.
Choline: Choline is essential to metabolize fats, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates effectively. Choline has been show to be an essential component in promoting liver and gallbladder function and maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. Choline is also a precursor of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter.
Chlorophyll Complex: Chlorophyll contains natural vitamin k. Vitamin K is involved in the coagulation of blood. Chlorophyll contains hormone precursors and has the reputation of a stimulant for tissue support. chlorophyll complex is regarded as a natural gastrointestinal tract deodorant and cleanser.
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne Pepper contains vitamins, minerals, and non-nutritive functional compounds that promote systemic cleansing, increase peripheral circulation and promote overall health and well-being. It helps stimulate gastric juice output andcleanses the digestive tract. The compound capsicain, found in abundance in cayenne pepper, boosts energy expenditure, stimulates digestion , and supports proper metabolic efficiency. The heheat generated internally by cayenne pepper can induce intense sweating.
Calsol:Calsol is a vegetarian form of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous that provides an excellent source of calcium that is beneficial to the soft tissue. The minerals contained in Calsol are combined with carbamide to support gallbladder function, was well as the digestive, musculoskeletal and central nervous system.
Calcium Lactate Powder:The powdered form of calcium lactate is an extremely soluble calcium salt, making it highly bio-available and an excellent calcium source for nutritional therapies. This product comes from a vegetable, non-dairy source.
Calcium Lactate: Calcium is essential for various body functions beyond bone mineralization, including muscle contraction, nerve conduction, maintenance and function of cell membranes and membrane permeability, blood coagulation, and the proper functioning of many enzyme systems. The calcium lactate that is used in this product is made by fermentation of plant sugar. Calcium Lactate contains the proper balance of calcium and magnesium (5:1 ratio).
Cal-Amo:Cal-Amo contains acidifying compounds that provide the chlorides that are useful in supporting proper acid/alkaline balance. Maintaining a healthy pH balance at the cellular level helps support and maintain respiratory and connective tissues, skeletal structures, and the immune system
Black Current Seed Oil:This oil is an excellent source of omega-6-fatty acids. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PG1!). PGE1 helps maintain blood flow, fat metabolism and fluid balance.
Betafood:Betafoodconsists of the water-soluble portion of red beet leaves. Beets area good source of betaine, a substance recognized for its role in both liver and gallbladder health. The betaine in Betafood has been shown to be an effective agent, promoting the transportation and use of fats. Betaine helps support healthy liver and gallbladder function.
A-C Carbamide:This product promotes the osmotic transfer of fluids. Substances like carbamide cause increased concentration of molecules ions that facilitate osmosis. The osmotic pressure of these substances reduces water retention, flushing large amounts of fluid into the urine.
If you have any questions regarding proper protein combining, I can be reached at 310 832-5818 or kim@kromasnutrition.com
I would like to start this article out with: Taking a higher dose of KI or taking it more often than recommended does not offer more protection and can cause severe illness and thyroid damage.
WHAT IS POTASSIUM IODIDE?
Potassium Iodide is very simply, a certain type of salt. A very special type of salt. This salt is made of stable iodine. It is known in simple terms as KI. It is an important chemical that is needed by the body to produce thyroid hormones. You can read about those in my article about the Thyroid. Most of the iodine we need for proper thyroid function comes from the food that we eat. Potassium iodide comes in a medicine form (over the counter).
THE THYROID:
The thyroid gland sits in the middle of the throat, surrounded by the parathyroid glands on each side. If you do not have the proper amount of iodine in the body, symptoms of fatigue, goiters, depression, hair-loss and thinning skin can develop. Calcium metabolism is affected if the parathyroid function is damaged. Please read my full article on the THYROID.
RADIOACTIVE IODIDE:
Radioactive iodine is given off in a nuclear event. When there is a radiological event such as what is occurring in Japan, radioactive iodine is released into the air and can enter the water and food supply. If this fact is unknown, the radioactive material can get into the body. It can enter our body when it is breathed into the lungs, eaten in our food or drank in our water supply. The radioactive iodine is what damages cells and changes the DNA of the cells. The function of the thyroid can be destroyed, opening the door for cellular change. When this occurs, it is known as “internal contamination”. At this time the thyroid gland quickly absorbs this radioactive material. This radioactive iodine injures the thyroid gland and therefore disrupts the normal mechanism of the body and can lead to cancers and other serious health problems.
WHAT DOES POTASSIUM IODIDE DO AND WHAT DOES IT NOT DO?
What non-radioactive Ki does is to saturate the gland and block the radioactive iodide form entering the thyroid.What potassium iodide does in the body is saturate the thyroid so that other forms of iodide do not enter the thyroid gland and disrupt it’s function. The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine and it will absorb both. KI works by blocking the radioactive iodine form entering the thyroid gland. When a person takes KI, the stable iodine in the medicine gets absorbed and “fills” up the thyroid. It has the effect for only 24 hours after taking the KI.
TABLE SALT:
Table salt that is iodized has enough iodine in it to keep most people healthy under normal conditions. However, it does not contain enough iodine to protect you during a radioactive event. DO NOT use table salt as a substitute for KI.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
KI may not give a person 100% protections against radioactive iodine. How ell it blocks radioactive iodine depends on:
1. How much time passes between contamination and taking the KI.
2.The sooner you take KI when you are exposed is best.
3. The amount of radioactive iodine you are exposed to.
4. How fast your body can absorb the KI into the thyroid.
WHO SHOULD TAKE K I and HOW MUCH TO TAKE?
Infants (including breast-fed infants): The amount of KI in breast milk is not enough to protect breast-fed infants from exposure to radioactive KI. 16 mg for both nursing and non-nursing infants.
Children: If you are contaminated with radioactive iodine, you should take KI. Newborns – 18 years old are most sensitive to thyroid damage. 65 mg tablet or 1 mL solution
Young Adults: From 18-40 years old, you are less sensitive to the effects of radioactive iodine than children. Between 65 and 130 mg or 1-2 mL of solution. This is dependent on weight
Pregnant Women: All forms of radioactive iodine cross placenta. If exposed, they should take only one recommended dose. 65 mg in a tablet or 1 mL solution
Breastfeeding Women: They should take only one does of KI if they have been internally contaminated. Radioactive iodine can get into the breast milk and breast-feeding women should stop nursing and feed their child formula. If there is not other food available, continue nursing your baby. 13o mg by tablet or 2 mL solution
Adults: Adults 40 years old and above should not take KI unless public health officials instruct you to. At this age, this is the lowest chance of developing thyroid cancer or thyroid injury following contamination. Adults also have a higher chance of being allergic to KI. 130 mg in a tablet or 2 mL solution
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE KI?
A single dose of KI protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours. If the radioactive iodine is in the air for more than 24 hours, local emergency management or public health officials will let you know. At this time, you may need to take a dose every 24 hours for a few days. Taking too much or for a longer period of time can have detrimental effects on the thyroid and overall health of a person. Infants and in-the-womb are at risk for most severe damage.
DO NOT TAKE KI IF:
1. You are allergic to iodine
2. Serious skin disorders such as dermatitis herpetiformis or urticaria vasculitis
3. You may or may not have an allergy to iodine if you are allergic to shellfish. Talk with your doctor before taking KI.
WILL THE FALLOUT AFFECT THE UNITED STATES?
Radioactive iodine has a short half-life. With the distance between Japan and the United states and the distance traveled over the Pacific Ocean (with the breeze and weather changes), the radioactive iodine will be damaged and break apart. At this point it is not dangerous. From the articles I have read and the medical professionals I have talked to and the discussions I had with my mother many years ago, my personal opinion is that we are not in a dangerous situation at this time. But ,having a dose on hand is like having your emergency bag packed and ready to go.
Finally, a topic that is not discussed as frequently as radioactive iodine, radioactive iodine is not the only nuclear material that is released into the air after a nuclear event. KI will not protect you from these other isotopes.
If you would like to discuss this further, please call me at (310) 832-5818 or email me at kim @kromasnutrition.com
