Supporting High Cholesterol and Triglycerides through Diet, and Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health

High cholesterol is often associated with an increased risk towards coronary artery disease, heart disease, and stroke.  The World Health Organization estimates that almost 20% of all strokes and over 50% of all heart attacks can be linked to high cholesterol, with these numbers rising every year.  There are also estimates that over 50% of all Americans have cholesterol levels above the suggested limit.

Conventional medicine recommends and incorporates the use of statin drugs in order to lower elevated cholesterol levels. For many people, it is difficult to lower their cholesterol through diet and exercise alone, and they resort to these medications.  Unfortunately, statin drugs are often accompanied by a variety of side effects that many patients wish to avoid.  Side effects of statin drug use typically include: headaches, muscle pains, diarrhea, fatigue, and weakness.  In rare occasions, more severe side effects include neurological degeneration, depression, weight gain, liver stress, and memory loss to name a few.

In 1953, Dr. Ancel Keys published a paper titled “Atherosclerosis, a Problem in Newer Public Health” where he hypothesized that there was a correlation between high dietary fat intake and death rates from cardiovascular disease based on the data he accumulated from seven countries. Keys's studies were later criticized for excluding data from any countries that did not support his theories. There was data available for 22 countries, and when the full picture was looked at, there was found to be no relationship between dietary fat consumption, high cholesterol levels and heart disease.

According to Harvard School of Public Health, in the 1960s, fats and oils supplied Americans with about 45 percent of their calories; about 13 percent of us were obese and under 1 percent had type 2 diabetes. Today, Americans take in less fat, getting about 33 percent of calories from fats and oils; yet 34 percent of us are obese and 8 percent have diabetes, most with type 2 diabetes.

Most people that experience high cholesterol, attempt to alter their diet by reducing their dietary fat consumption.  Research from both Dr. Keys poorly formed study and current research from Harvard indicate that the removal of dietary fats will not lower the elevated cholesterol levels. 

In most cases, high cholesterol is a result of elevated triglycerides that come from high glycemic diets.  Elevated triglyceride levels, rather than high cholesterol, have demonstrated a more consistent correlation between heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease.

Dietary sugars that are not used shortly after ingestion are converted to triglycerides inside of our body, and stored within the fat cells of our body.  Avoiding simple sugars, breads, pastas, sodas, and other sugary sources can decrease triglyceride levels, and in turn lower the total cholesterol levels.  When evaluating triglyceride levels on blood tests, the normally accepted reference range is a triglyceride levels is less than 150 mg/dL when fasting.  From a nutritional approach, a triglyceride level of 75-90 mg/dL when fasting will frequently demonstrate a substantial change in total cholesterol levels, without the use of statin drugs, or their side effects.

For additional information, visit www.HaydenInstitute.com or contact Dr. Chase Hayden

Breast Cancer Screening, Prevention, and Alternative Approaches in the Modern World

 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. It accounts for nearly 32 percent of all female cancers.  Based on rates from 2005 to 2007, the National Cancer Institute reports that 1 out of every 8 women born today will be diagnosed with cancer of the breast at some time during their lifetime. As a woman ages, her chances of developing breast cancer dramatically increase, with approximately 77 percent of the cases occurring in women over the age of 50. Caucasian, Hawaiian, and African American women have the greatest incidence of invasive breast cancer, and statistics show that these women are nearly four times higher than the lowest group including Korean, American Indian and Vietnamese women.

Breast cancers, as well as other cancers, develop at a cellular level over a period of many years or decades before the cancer is large enough to be identified using modern imaging techniques.  Research indicates that breast cancer can be affected by lifestyle changes even though genetic markers BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been implicated in three to five percent of breast cancers. 

Researchers suggest that increased abdominal body fat distributions, hormonal disruptors from our environment, and increased weight at the age of 30 are contributing factors to breast cancer.  These three factors have lead a change in the onset of menstruation from 16.5 years old in 1842 to 13 years in 1995 and to 11 or 12 years in the year 2003 which parallels an increase in breast cancer onset later in life.

Breast cancer rates show a strong correlation between the urinary ratio of 2-hydroxy (E1-Estrone +E2-Estradiol + E3-Estriol) to 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone. This noninvasive urine test identifies the 2/16 ratio that is used to estimate the risk of developing breast cancers later in life. Considerable evidence indicates that this ratio is relevant as a risk factor for estrogen-sensitive diseases such as breast and cervical cancers, osteoporosis, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Simple steps can be taken to help prevent breast cancer.  First, evaluating the 2/16 urinary ratio indicates the developmental risk of breast cancer.  Second, a gentle exercise program during a woman’s adolescent and adult years can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by nearly 40% according to the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study. Third, eliminating estrogen hormone disruptors from both synthetic and natural sources will decrease the accumulation of estrogenic toxins that disrupt liver detoxification pathways.  Estrogenic hormone disruptors include plastics, dioxins, PCBs, DDT, and soy to name a few. Fourth, maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index will decrease abdominal fat distribution, which leads to increased estrogen activity. Fifth, consuming cruciferous vegetables daily have been shown to increase Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways, and help to improve the 2/16 ratio which has been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer.

To evaluate you 2/16 ratio, or to talk to Dr. Chase Hayden about the complementary and alternative approaches you can take to support your body nutritionally, please visit www.HaydenInstitute.com or contact our office.

Organic or Not? A Quick Reference Guide For Buying Produce

The “Dirty Dozen”

and the “Clean Fifteen”

A new report published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has provided a great “go to” list when it comes to choosing which produce to by organically, and which ones to buy conventionally. The group's annual "dirty dozen" list of fruits and vegetables is based off of the highest levels of ingestible pesticide residues.  The EWG uses compiled data from the USDA in order to publish these findings.

When purchasing your produce, fresh, raw, organic foods are always best, but not everyone is in a position to purchase food in this manner.  Please use the following list when purchasing fruits and vegetables if you do not already purchase 100% organic produce.

Dirty Dozen 2011

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries (domestic)
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard green

Clean Fifteen 2011

1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplants
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

The EWG claims that if consumers eat the five recommended servings of fruit and vegetables from the least contaminated list over five from the dirty dozen, they would reduce the amount of pesticides ingested by 92%.

Conventional, non-organic farmers use a variety of pesticides to protect their crops from insects, bacteria, rodents, molds, and fungi. These substances can end up in the food supply. Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables can lower pesticide residues, but these practices do not guarantee absolute removal.  When the USDA tests for pesticides, they wash and peel fruit the same way a typical consumer would and then evaluate the residue content.

For more information on ways to improve your health, and wellness, please visit our webpage: www.HaydenInstitute.com

Developing Leadership From Within

I was invited to speak at the Chick-Fli-A Leadercast in Cypress, TX on May 9, 2011.  The participants were able to hear from many people in regards to developing leadership qualities.  Dr. Aaron Chapa, and myself spoke together on "Developing Leadership from Within."  We emphasized the importance of balancing the chemical and electrical signals in our body that are creating symptoms that impair leadership development.  Frequently these symptoms include brain fog/memory loss, difficulty learning new skills, and low self esteem. For more information about Dr. Chase Hayden, please visit, www.HaydenInstitute.com

Eating For Success: Why What You Put In Your Mouth Affects What Comes Out

I was invited to speak at The Incredible Networking Event in Houston, TX.  Our topic was Eating For Success: Why What You Put In Your Mouth Affects What Comes Out.  The overall concept of the talk was discuss the effects of food in out body, and how dietary choices affect memory, brain fog, and other symptoms that could affect business decisions.  Feel free to let me know what you think!  For more information on our office, visit www.HaydenInstitute.com.

Fibromyalgia, Pain Relief, Improved Sleep, Shoulder Stiffness, Brain Fog and MORE! @ The Hayden Institute

 

Click the videos to hear patients from

The Hayden Institute

 

What can we do to help you?  

Contact Dr. Chase to take control of your health.

A Common Link Between Lyme's Disease, Autism, Celiac's Disease and Other Neuroimmune Disorders

Neuroimmunology is the study of how the immune system and nervous system relate to one another in the presentation of chronic conditions. Neuroimmune disorders are the eventual appearance and diagnosis of these conditions after they have created enough change to be spotted on a laboratory test such as blood analysis. Neuroimmune disorders are complex presentations that have three predisposing environmental factors.

1.) Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, etc)
2.) Toxic chemical/metal exposure (mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, chlorine, etc)
3.) Food Intolerance/Sensitivity (gluten, casein, peanuts, etc)

Infections have long been associated with illness and disease. Certain microbial organisms have been attributed to the cause of numerous diseases. For example, in Lyme's Disease, the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common trigger in North America, while Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii are more common in Europe. Once the bacteria begin to thrive in the body, immune function decreases, neurologic changes occur, digestion becomes impaired, and fatigue and other symptoms become more prevalent. Many infectious organisms also open the doors for co-infections, and other opportunistic infections to further complicate the patient's presentation. If the infection is not addressed early enough, chronic burdens become debilitating to those that continue to have immune system flare ups. Lyme's Disease is known as "The Great Mimicker" as over 300 different neurological, immunological, and other chronic conditions have been misdiagnosed and mistreated when the true cause was a bacterial infection. Neurologic complications triggered from viruses include: encephalitis, polio, meningitis, encephalomyelitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, and more.

Toxic chemical and metal exposure also contributes to the chronic effects of Neuroimmune disorders. Xenobiotics are chemicals found in our bodies that are not normally produced or expected to be there. Xenobiotics can include naturally occurring substances or manmade products as well. Common examples include plastics, mercury, formaldehyde, and dioxins. A common debate in the autism world is the possible correlation between vaccinations and current autism trends. Before 1983, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended 10 different immunizations before the age of 6. By 2007, the CDC had increased the immunization schedule to include 36 different vaccines in the same time frame. In 1982, the estimated prevalence of autism was 1 in 10,000 children, and by 2007, the rate had increased to an estimated 1 in 150. Vaccines contain different xenobiotics, including lead, aluminum, mercury, formaldehyde, antibiotics, and aborted fetal tissue.

The amount of xenobiotic exposure has stimulated numerous debates, research experiments, and court battles in regards to the safety of these products in our bodies. Whether or not vaccines cause autism is still for debate, yet xenobiotic exposure certainly contributes to the neuroimmune presentation that many patients experience. From pesticides, herbicides, vaccines, plastics, aerosol vapors, mercury fillings, and the hundreds of other sources of toxic chemicals and metals, a person that experiences neuroimmune disorders will often show improvement through the removal of the toxic substances.

Food intolerance's or sensitivities are very different from food allergies. A food allergy creates a potentially life threatening experience where a person has symptoms of anaphylaxis or death. Food allergies stimulate an IgE immune reaction. Common foods that create an IgE reaction include shellfish, and peanuts. Food intolerance's or sensitivities can create other symptoms such as headaches, bowel disturbances, inflammation, seizures, and more, but are not considered life threatening. Food intolerance's start an inflammatory response that involves the IgA, IgG, or IgM portions of the immune system. Common food sensitivities include gluten containing grains, dairy products, tomatoes, soy, and corn. Many people are familiar with someone who is "lactose intolerant." Lactose intolerance usually leads to symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, weight loss, nausea, headaches, etc. and it is estimated that 30 million Americans over the age of 20 experience this condition. Gluten intolerance's can vary from mild symptoms such as lactose intolerance, or can be severe enough to create autoimmune activity such in persons with Celiac's Disease. In both presentations, poorly digested gluten molecules stimulate IgA, IgM, and IgG immune responses which induce inflammation, and symptoms from consuming this substance. "Gluten" is a protein found in all grains, but the immune response is triggered from the gluten proteins of wheat, barley, and rye that contain the "gliadin" and "glutenin" molecules as well. Screening tests that include blood, saliva, stool, and intestinal biopsy are used to find food sensitivities. Once the sensitivity is identified, removing the dietary trigger is an important step in helping a person experiencing neuroimmune disorders.

Chronic conditions often frustrate doctors and patients alike due to the complexity of the patient's symptoms, and the wide range of patient complaints. Addressing the factors that contribute to the neuroimmune disorders are essential for helping a patient increase their level of wellness. Whether the patient is experiencing Lyme's Disease, autism, lupus, Celiac's Disease, or any other chronic or autoimmune illness, proper testing should be used to identify the presence of any infection, toxic burdens, and food sensitivities.

To find out more about how you can receive the tests needed for your specific presentation, contact Dr. Chase Hayden at The Hayden Institute.

Wheat: Why You Should Avoid This Common Food

Wheat: The Staff  Shaft of Life 

Wheat, bread and pasta are often referred to as “The Staff of Life.”  In reality, wheat is one of the unhealthiest foods that we use as a staple in the Western diet, next to sugar.  We all know that sugar has a high glycemic index; it rots our teeth, suppresses our immune system, and contributes significantly to ill health and disease.  Can wheat products really be as bad a table sugar?  The facts are clear, and wheat is negatively affecting your health.

Wheat has been attributed to many symptoms and is a common cause to intestinal problems, allergies, asthma, thyroid imbalance, neurologic dysfunction, infertility, cancer, skin problems, inflammation, balance disorders, and increasing cardiovascular risk to name a few.  Weight gain, and obesity are the most common side effects of consuming wheat based products.

Wheat negatively affects our health from 3 main avenues.

• It contains the protein gluten
• It is a high glycemic food
• It has little nutritional value

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains, and is highly allergenic.  For many people, gluten containing foods are provided as their first food.  This triggers various inflammatory processes that affect the digestive tract, and often lead to symptoms affecting the bowels, and absorption of nutrients and even epilepsy.  The medical journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences (February 2000;45:403-406), illustrated the importance of screening for gluten intolerance in patients with autoimmune thyroid due to the complications arising from this harmful protein.

High glycemic foods contribute to chronic disease, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, weight gain, and other conditions. Wheat has a higher glycemic index than regular table sugar.  With that in mind, eating a piece of bread is not too distant from eating a couple spoons of table sugar.  Wheat affects the glycemic content of the many foods where it is placed.  From bread, pasta, bagels, muffins, and the other packaged foods that contain wheat flour, it is easy to see how we are over indulging in a sugar filled diet.  High glycemic foods are one of the main contributors to atherosclerosis, and has been identified in Egyptian mummies from 1981 BC (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2009) which consumed a predominantly wheat based diet. 

The manufacturing process of wheat today is very different than the wheat harvesting methods of old.  When the Egyptians were growing, and eating wheat, they were at least benefiting from the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals of the wheat kernel.  In today’s manufacturing practices, wheat is fumigated, refined, processed, and enriched in order to allow for a longer shelf life, and to meet the demands of the FDA. These artificial nutrients are chemically derived, and deficient in the naturally occurring minerals and co-factors needed for the proper utilization of the nutrients found in wheat.

Diet modification is instrumental in improving quality of life, and reducing the symptoms that are experienced as health declines.  Through eliminating inflammatory foods such as wheat from the diet, it is common to see a reduction of pain, weight loss, improved cholesterol, and other health related benefits.

Quantum Neurology and Low Level Light Therapy - How Light Affects Your Symptoms

Quantum Neurology is the functional application of neurologic rehabilitation.  Every tissue in or body is influenced through the nervous system, and a symptom could result from a miscommunication of the nervous system and that specific tissue.  Quantum Neurology incorporates light therapy when rehabilitating the neurological miscommunication associated with a variety of symptoms.

Low level lasers and other light emitting diode (LED) devices are common modalities used by a variety of specialties including: dermatology, chiropractic, neurology, veterinary, acupuncture, pain management, and burn centers.
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known by many names. Cold laser therapy, phototherapy, light therapy, and color therapy are the most common. All of these names include treatment from a device that does not burn, cut or injure tissue as a hot laser, or surgery laser would. Light therapy continues to be considered a safe, non-invasive therapeutic modality with minimal risk of side effects, or contraindication.
So far, peer-reviewed research has identified low level light therapy as being able to assist in the following:

• Stimulate peripheral nerve regeneration
• Improve vision in patients with macular degeneration
• Accelerate tissue repair with wound healing
• Treat exercise-induced mitochondrial dysfunction or skeletal muscular fatigue
• Improve venous leg ulcers
• Reduce pain in orthodontics
• Accelerate bone repair after fracture
• Promote ATP production in the nervous system
• Provide a significant long-term functional neurological benefit

The previously mentioned benefits are but a fraction of over 32,000 indexed research papers from the U.S. National Library of Medicine in regards to "laser therapy." Although there is debate as to how low level laser therapy affects our body, many researchers compare the process to photosynthesis in plants. It is generally accepted that the mitochondria (the energy producing part of the cell) is most receptive to the light therapy.
J. T. Eells, et al. from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, have demonstrated that red light irradiation "has been shown to increase electron transfer in purified cytochrome oxidase, increase mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria, and up-regulate cytochrome oxidase activity in cultured neuronal cells."
Additionally, these researchers explain that the mitochondrially generated reactive oxygen may function as a way for the molecules within the cell to communicate more effectively between the mitochondria, cytosol, and nucleus.
Low level light therapy has effectively shown to be safe, non-invasive modality that is beneficial to cellular communication and accelerated healing in a variety of conditions and illnesses.

As Houston's only certified Quantum Neurologist, Dr. Chase Hayden has worked with many patients through light assisted rehabilitation of the nervous system for a variety of complaints.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chase, CLICK HERE for his contact information.

Nutritional Considerations for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Degenerative arthritis consists of the mechanical abnormalities of a particular joint that leads to the decay and break down of the joint cartilage and bone. Degenerative joint disease can be primarily caused by hereditary, developmental inefficiencies, metabolic alterations, and mechanical stresses, and nutritional deficiencies. In many situations, osteoarthritis accompanies other conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme's Disease, Gout, etc), obesity, traumatic injury, and blood disorders.

Nutritionally, there are multiple minerals, vitamins and herbs than can give relief for a person that experiences pain and discomfort due to osteoarthritis. Although peer-reviewed literature occasionally demonstrates conflicting results when comparing nutritional and herbal therapies, clinical results prove the overwhelming effectiveness of supporting the natural biological process that is dependent on micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

• Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine sulfate is used to stimulate the rebuilding of damaged cartilage. It is not known to interfere with anti-inflammatory drugs, although some companies process their glucosamine sulfate with sodium chloride which can negatively affect a person's symptoms.
• Vitamin C - Iron - Alpha-ketoglutaric Acid: These substances are required for hydroxylation of L-proline to L-hydroxyproline which is needed for quality collagen production. Some of the best foods to get these nutrients include chard, spinach, kidney beans, kale, papaya, bell peppers, and broccoli.
• Manganese: Manganese is a trace mineral that's important for tissue repair including skin, bone and cartilage. Manganese is also important for the natural production of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme. According to Katherine Toye,"Manganese-based SOD helps prevent the deleterious effects of the super oxide free radical from destroying cellular components, and without it, cells are susceptible to damage and inflammation. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more SOD1 to be produced, and repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep the free radical defense system in proper working order."
• Vitamin D and Calcium: Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany (spasms that result from lack of minerals in the blood stream). Vitamin D is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

There are a variety of nutritional factors involved with the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. A lifestyle and diet that negatively affects the nutritional requirements that bones and joints need will result in accelerated degeneration of the affected tissues. Nutritional requirements work best when found in a nutritional complex and a patient would benefit greatly by incorporating nutritional supplements in a whole food base and not as a single, isolated part.

To schedule a nutritional appointment with Dr. Chase Hayden in regards to the symptoms you are experiencing, please CLICK HERE.

A Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approach to Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is commonly referred to as hearth burn, or acid reflux. Acid reflux results from contents in the stomach (both solids and liquids) leaking backwards from the stomach up into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). These particles of food and liquid irritate the lining of the esophagus which creates burning and sometimes a nauseating sensation.

Heart burn is often the result of the lower esophageal sphincter losing muscle tone which can occur due to aging, obesity, heavy metal exposure, food sensitivities, a hiatal hernia, and/or a functionally slow liver. Occasionally, acid reflux is present with healthy endurance athletes and pregnant women that experience mild spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main muscle involved in deep breathing, and can affect digestion when it becomes functionally impaired. Symptoms of heartburn are often made worse through lying down after eating, exercise, and certain foods such as chocolate, caffeine, fats, and alcohol.

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often made based on the history of the patient, but if a hiatal hernia is present, diagnoses may be found through x-ray, or a GI endoscopy. Traditional treatment includes is prescription of antacids or OTC H2 antagonists such as Zantac or Tagamet.

Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to acid reflux can include the following:

· Weight loss in patients that are overweight

· Avoid food sensitivities and inflammatory foods such as coffee, alcohol, gluten, casein, chocolate, and poor quality fats/oils

· Chiropractic manipulation of the epigastric region in order stimulate neurologic activity to the lower esophageal sphincter which will increase tone to the musculature

· Nutritional supplementation of zinc and/or beet derived betain HCL

· Herbal detoxification of the liver and gallbladder systems with herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion, and garlic

· Quantum neurology rehabilitation of the esophageal sphincter through cranial nerve rehabilitation protocols with an emphasis on vagal nerve activation

Do you experience acid reflux? Looking for an alternative to medications? Contact Dr. Chase Hayden, Houston's only certified Quantum Neurologist by clicking HERE to see if his complementary and alternative approach to health care is for you!

Epilepsy, Food Sensitivities, and Heavy Metals

November has been selected as "Epilepsy Awareness Month" according to the Center for Disease Control.  This year, their focus is on seizure recognition and first aid. 

There are four main categories of seizures include:

• Generalized Seizures - affect entire brain
• Partial Seizures - affect part of the brain
• Non-Epileptic Seizures - not caused by epilepsy, but other things such as diabetes, fever, etc
• Status Epilepticus - a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes

Epilepsy affects more than 2 million in the United States, and some patients can experience over 100 seizures in a single day. 

The CDC recommends that a person seek immediate medical care if someone has a seizure that meets any of the following criteria:

• If the person is pregnant
• If they injured themselves during the seizure (falls, broken bones, etc)
• If this is the first time they have had a seizure
• If the seizure continues more than 5 minutes (Status Epilepticus)

Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of the brain can trigger epilepsy.  Trauma, illness, brain damage, abnormal development, food intolerances, and heavy metal toxicity can all be factors with epileptic patients.  It is estimated that over 75% of patients with epilepsy do not know what is causing their seizure activity.  Patients are generally provided with toxic medications that attempt to alter the seizure activity without identifying the underline cause of the problem.

From a Complementary and Alternative standpoint, I often find that patients are able to reduce the frequency of their seizure activity through dietary modifications and removing heavy metals from the body.  Certain food intolerances such as gluten, caesin, corn, or soy can be a major "triggers" for patients with epilepsy. 

Heavy metal toxicity can induce a myriad of problems in our bodies, from epilepsy, to infertility, dementia, autoimmune diseases, and more.  Once of the most common ways that we experience heavy metal toxicity is through our teeth.  Mercury fillings, gold crowns, and other metals that are placed in our mouth have the ability to "leak" into our bodies and accumulate in various organs, including the brain.  The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has an amazing video in regards to the effects of metal toxicity in our bodies.  Click HERE to view it.

I invite you to share this newsletter with your friends and family, and encourage them to speak to a doctor that can help them with the nutritional, dietary, neurological, and toxic burdens that they are experiencing.  To contact The Hayden Institute, click HERE.

"The Chiropractor's Creed" a Poem and Philosophical View to Health

While at a friend's office this past week I saw sign on her wall that caught my attention.  This poem, originally found in the book, Chiropractic Thots, was entitled "The Chiropractor's Creed" and was written by Dr. J G Gregorson.  Later, this poem was borrowed by Dr. B.J. Palmer, and made popular under the new title of, "The Truth."

"We Chiropractors work with the subtle substance of the soul. We release the imprisoned impulse -- the tiny rivulet of force -- that emanates from the mind and flows over the nerves to cells and stirs them into life. We deal with the majestic power that transforms common food into living, loving clay; that robes the earth with beauty, and hues and scents the flowers with the glory of the air." 

"In the dim, dark, distant long ago when the sun first bowed to the morning star, this power spoke and there was life; it quickened the slime of the sea and dust of the earth and drove the cell to union with its fellows in countless living forms. Through eons of time, it finned the fish and winged the bird and fanged the beast. Endlessly it worked, evolving its forms until it produced the crowning glory of them all. With tireless energy it blows the bubble of each individual life and then silently, relentlessly dissolves the form, and absorbs the spirit into itself again."

"And yet you ask "Can Chiropractic cure appendicitis or the flu?" Have you more faith in a spoonful of medicine than in the power than animates the living world?"

What are your thoughts?

146 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health - Preparing For The Holiday Season

We are nearing that time of year again!  The weather is getting cooler, holiday decorations are slowly making their way from the attic, and soon we will be attending parties and celebrating my favorite 3 months of the year.  Growing up, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were always my favorite holidays because I felt like I was eating for 3 months in a row without stopping.  Even though I still enjoy eating more than I am used to, in my "older and wiser" years I have learned that my body responds better when I prepare myself nutritionally for these upcoming months.  This month's newsletter will hopefully help you to do the same, so that you have the opportunity to avoid the seasonal colds, weight gain, and lack of energy that are so common this time of year.

146 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health

Sugar tastes great!  It stimulates various pleasure centers of the brain, and often triggers certain memories and can affect your mood.  As great as sugar makes us feel in the moment, it also has some devastating effects on our health.  Below is an excerpt from a list by Dr. Nancy Appleton on the effects sugar has on every one of us.

• Sugar can suppress the immune system.
• Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.
• Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
• Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
• Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).
• Sugar reduces high-density lipoproteins (the "good" cholesterol).
• Sugar leads to cancer of the ovaries.
• Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose.
• Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
• Sugar may make eyes more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration.
• Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.

To see the rest of the list, as well as the references, CLICK HERE

What Do We Do About It?

First of all, we should be aware of our state of health.  Are we where we want to be with our weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc? Are we sick? or have cancer? If we are not as healthy as we would like to be, then the best answer is to avoid what is going to make us worse.  It sounds easy enough until someone places a big ol' pumpkin pie with a lot of whipped cream on it in front of me (my favorite in case anyone was wondering.)  Avoidance is defiantly the best option for reducing the effects of sugar on our body.  If it doesn't get in, it cannot hurt us.

Nutritional Support

When I know I will be "cheating" with my normal dietary patterns, I make sure to compensate nutritionally through supplements.  Knowing the effects sugar has on our body helps me to be more prepared nutritionally before I indulge in that pumpkin pie.

• A-F Betafood (Betafood) - These nutritional supplements assist in carbohydrate (sugar), and lipid (fat) breakdown in the digestive track.  They also help support gallbladder function to reduce acid reflux, heart burn, gas, belching, and waking up at night.
• Cataplex B /Cataplex G - Cataplex B and G are large spectrum B vitamins as found in whole foods.  B vitamins are needed in order to breakdown sugars, balance blood sugar, and support the pancreas.  They also help with restoring energy and strengthening the adrenal glands.
• Trace Minerals B12 - This broad spectrum mineral supplement helps to replenish the minerals that are disrupted and displaced from sugar.  Minerals are needed for hormone and neurotransmitter production, as well as health bones and connective tissue.  For example, children that are exposed to too many sugars at an early age, often have teeth that do not grow straight, and develop more cavities.  Sugar displaces minerals in the body.
• Gymnemia - This is my emergency tool!  This herb can actually make it where you cannot taste sugar.  When I have had more than I should, and cannot stop, I chew one of these up, and for approximately 2-3 hours your taste buds cannot perceive sugar.  (I normally have some in the office for demonstration purposes if you ever want to try it.)

Now that you know what sugar does, and how you can be better prepared when you face it, have a great time getting reading for the best time of the year!  If you have any questions or would like to talk to me more specifically about what we can do to help you with your health goals, my contact information is HERE.

Chiropractic, Women's Health, and PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is often associated with a wide variety of symptoms that present in a female 5-12 days prior to her menstrual cycle. These symptoms can be physical and/or emotional in nature, and often improve once menstruation begins. In severe cases, PMS can be classified as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). These chronic symptoms disable the woman from accomplishing everyday tasks. It is estimated that over 80% of all women have experienced PMS or PMDD symptoms in their life.

PMS often includes many different physical and emotional symptoms. Below are examples of the many complaints and symptoms associated with PMS.

Physical symptoms include: fatigue, insomnia, changes in libido, acne, hives, cramps, bloating, weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, swelling in the hands and feet, flu-like symptoms (sore throat, sinus problems, and mild fever), heart palpitation, nausea, dizziness, and fainting.

Emotional symptoms include: mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness, emotional eating, food cravings (salt, sweet, spices, alcohol, etc), anger, short tempered, frustrated, "emotional rollercoaster," and loss of sex drive.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is "a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health." The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words "chiro" meaning "hand" and "praktikós" meaning "concerned with, or done by." Most chiropractic procedures consist of manual therapy, whether from exercises, ultrasound, adjustments (manipulation), massage, etc. Chiropractic doctors have many specialties, and techniques that offer a wide variety of applications to these therapies. Based on the patient's preference, patient's needs, doctor's preference, philosophy, and schooling depends on which therapies will be used.

Doctors of Chiropractic have been trained in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of their patients. In most states, chiropractors are considered primary care physicians, are able to accept insurance, can send for diagnostic tests and recommend nutritional/herbal supplementation. In a few areas, chiropractors can perform minor surgery, prescribe medications, deliver babies, and have hospital privileges.

This is actually a very tough question to answer because it depends largely on two things: 1.) State laws where the chiropractor is located, and 2.) The chiropractor's personal philosophy. In most states, chiropractors are able to treat any neuromusculoskeletal condition (neuro = nerve, musculo = muscle, skeletal = bone) in any part of the body, although some states are more restrictive than others. Many chiropractors also have extensive knowledge in nutrition, pediatrics, physiotherapeutic modalities, exercise rehabilitation, and neurology. Chiropractic philosophy is the second major factor in determining what chiropractors treat. Originally, chiropractic adjustments were given to reduce the pressure on a nerve from a bone being out of place (an example often used is a water hose with someone crimping it, not allowing water to flow through properly). Throughout the years of chiropractic, not everyone has agreed with this principle and now some chiropractors only focus on the biomechanics of posture and restricted motion, disregarding a potential effect on the nerve being "pressed." Due to controversial philosophy, some chiropractors only see patients with neck pain, back pain, and headaches while others believe they can create a positive change in the body no matter the condition as long as they can remove or reduce the interference from the nerve being affected.

It is well understood that nerves come out between the vertebrae of the human spine, and then branch off to perform various functions. Different branches of these nerves will communicate with different areas of the body. The nerves that come out of the lower portions of the back (lumbar and sacral nerves) form a web of connections known as the lumbosacral plexus.

Chiropractors evaluate the biomechanics and neurological status of the lumbar and sacral area through many of the following techniques: static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic tests, muscle strength tests, leg length differences, deep tendon reflexes, sensation testing, patient history, etc. Some chiropractors will also request an x-ray (or other advanced imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, etc.) of the affected area to rule out underline pathological causes to the positive findings they encounter.

After the examination, if the patient's symptoms are within the scope of practice of the doctor, the doctor of chiropractic will begin therapeutic procedures to reduce the symptoms of the area, and attempt to normalize the biomechanical and neurological integrity of the affected joints and nerves. This often includes gentle chiropractic adjustments (manipulation) to the restricted spinal vertebrae, and can include ice/heat packs, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, low level light (laser) therapy and traction. As the patient improves, most doctors will begin to transition the patients into active rehabilitation to support the area, in order to ensure strength and stability to the area. Nutritional supplementation, diet modification, and additional exercises are usually discussed as well as the patient is progressing through the treatment plan.

Research from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (May 1999) indicates that women with PMS symptoms experience significantly more muscle tenderness in the low back, muscle weakness, and positive orthopedic findings of the low back. The report concluded, "A relatively high incidence of spinal dysfunction exists in PMS sufferers compared with a comparable group of non-PMS sufferers. This is suggestive that spinal dysfunction could be a causative factor in PMS and that chiropractic manipulative therapy may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for PMS sufferers." Patients and chiropractors often report a decline in PMS symptoms including back pain, bloating, cramping, and loss of energy.

Further studies are needed to further correlate the association between chiropractic as an alternative treatment to be used with women experiencing PMS. Even with the lack of peer reviewed research, many women and doctors attribute the reduction of their PMS symptoms to the assistance their chiropractor provided.  Have further questions and PMS and chiropractic?  Contact Dr. Chase Hayden to schedule a time to discuss your concerns with him by clicking HERE.