Using Nutrition to Help Patients with Neuropathy

Typically I recommend a nutritional product or nutritional advice to those who want to lose weight, have pain, fatigue and so on.  One patient who may need it more than those is someone that has pain, numbness, tingling in their arms, legs or feet.  This type of pain is often referred to as neuropathy.  What is neuropathy?  Essentially it means an abnormal and degenerative condition of the nervous system.  Neuropathy can be diffuse, affecting many parts of the body, or it can be focal affecting a specific nerve and part of the body.  Most common symptoms of neuropathy include:  numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature, tingling, burning or prickling sensation, sharp pains, extreme sensitivity to touch (even light touch), loss of balance and coordination.

Neuropathy can present after years of a poor diet.  Those that eat foods that are void of live enzymes will suffer consequences down the road.  In our society, we have such high demands and busy life's that the foods we eat are convenient and usually come out of a box, bag, or can.

Prescribing a healthy diet and specific supplementation will address the nutritional deficiency issues that are causing the neuropathy.  This will get the body to start digesting and assimilating food correctly.  It allows the body to start healing from the inside and decreases the degenerative process of the nervous system.  I suggest that you start to incorporate suggestions that come from the Westin A. Price Foundation that can be found here - Dietary Guideline.

Adding specific supplements below to a revamped diet will speed up the recovery process. 

Vitamin E:
Patient's with neuropathy have a higher than usual need for vitamin E.  This vitamin helps with insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant as well as a blood oxygenator.  Research has shown that people with low levels of vitamin E are also more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.  A vitamin E deficiency results in increased free radical-induced damage, particularly in the lining of the vascular system.  Neuropathy cases may require three months of vitamin E supplementation and diet change to see the benefits.

Vitamin C:
People with neuropathy also typically have low vitamin C levels.  Vitamin C lowers sorbitol levels in neuropathy patients.  Sorbitol is a sugar that can accumulate and damage the eye, nerves and kidneys. 

Vitamin B6:
Diabetics with neuropathy have been shown to be deficient in B6 and benefit greatly from supplementation.  Peripheral neuropathy (tingling in fingers for example) is a known result of vitamin B6 deficiency. 

Omega-3's (Fish Oil):
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats the body needs but cannot produce on its own. According to research, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may prove helpful in reducing neuropathy symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes.  Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are considered great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats the body needs but cannot produce on its own. According to research published by the European Congress of Endocrinology in May 2008, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may prove helpful in reducing neuropathy symptoms in people with type II diabetes

Diabetes and Alkalinity

Info from Dr. F. Batmaghelidj and his Book - "Your Body’s Many Cries for  
          Water”

The adult disease of diabetes is called insulin independent diabetes mellitus. It usually
affects people over the age of 40.  People who have this ailment usually eat too much and are overweight.
Age is a factor here, because the efficiency of the pancreas decreases as we grow older.

A shortage of calcium ions in the body impairs the production and release of the insulin
hormone. That can lead to an acidic blood condition. Clogged blood vessels caused by
excess protein buildup also impair pancreatic function.  Alkaline water, by supplying calcium in an ionized form, and by preventing excess protein buildup, can help this condition.  The Japanese have been successfully clinically treating diabetes with alkaline water.

Water prevents and helps to cure early adult onset diabetes.

Adult onset diabetes is another adaptive state to severe dehydration of the human body.
To have adequate water in circulation and for the brain's priority water needs, the release
of insulin is inhibited to prevent insulin from pushing water into all body cells. In diabetes,
only some cells get survival rations of water. Water and some salt will reverse adult onset
diabetes in its early stages.

Not recognizing adult onset diabetes as a complication of dehydration will, in time,
cause massive damage to the blood vessels all over the body. It will cause eventual loss
of the toes, feet and legs from gangrene. It will cause eye damage, even blindness.

Dr. F. Batmaghelidj points out…"I am a researcher. I have researched dehydration for the
past 20 years. When I discovered that the solution to most of the disease conditions of our
society is not a moneymaker, I decided to take my information to the public. My research
revealed that unintentional dehydration produces stress, chronic pains and many
degenerative diseases.

Dry mouth is not the only sign of dehydration and waiting to get thirsty is wrong. Medicine
has based its understanding that it is solid matter in the body that regulates all functions of
the body. I have explained scientifically at the molecular level that it is water that regulates
all functions of the body including functions of solid matter.


75% of our bodies are composed of water. The brain is 85% water. It is water that energizes
and activates the solid matter. If you don’t take enough water, some functions
of the body will suffer. Dehydration produces system disturbances. When I use the word
water cure, I am referring to curing dehydration with water."


          Dr. F. Batmaghelidj wrote his first self help book “Your Body’s Many Cries for
          Water” in 1992, in which he stated that a dry mouth is not a reliable indicator of
          dehydration. The body signals its water shortage by producing pain. Dehydration
          actually produces pain and many severely degenerative diseases, including asthma,
          arthritis, hypertension, angina, adult onset diabetes, lupus and multiple sclerosis.
          Dr. B’s message to the world is, “You are not sick, you are thirsty. Don’t treat thirst
          with medication.”

          Dr. F. Batmanghelidj devoted the last 20 years of his life promoting public
          awareness of the healing powers of water. He appeared on hundreds of radio and
          television programs and lectured around the world. He has left a body of valuable
          works of six books and more than a dozen educational audio and video seminars.
          His work has created an international community that has embraced the natural
          healing of the water cure.

          His groundbreaking book “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” has been translated
          into 15 languages and continues to inspire readers all over the world. Dr. F.
          Batmanghelidj died of complications from pneumonia on November 15, 2004, in
          Virginia, U.S.A. He was 73.


It leads to weight gain and diabetes.

An acidic pH may result in weight problems such as diabetes and obesity. When our body
is too acidic, we suffer from a condition known as Insulin Sensitivity. This forces excessive
insulin to be produced. As a result, the body is flooded with so much insulin that it
diligently converts every calorie into fat.

It is very likely that an acid pH, from an imbalanced diet, produces a condition, which
stimulates the predetermined genetic response to starvation and famine. Thereafter,
the body will have to increasingly hoard every calorie consumed and store it as fat.

Some people reckon that an acid pH immediately signals the powerful genetic response to
an impending famine, directly interpreting with the all important and very sensitive
Insulin Glucagon Axis. When this happens, it makes the body produce more insulin than
usual, and in turn, produce more fats and store it.

On the other hand, a healthy and slightly alkaline pH will yield normal fat burning
metabolic activities, making no demands on the body to produce extra insulin and make
fats. As such, this allows fat to be burned and naturally lost. A healthy pH diet is also less
likely to have any yoyo effects, or rebounding from a diet with additional weight gain.


We should try to maintain a healthy slightly alkaline pH so as to allow fats to be burnt
normally for energy, rather than hoarded and stored under the mistaken biochemical
belief of an impending famine.

Acidosis also disrupts the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells. These beta cells are
especially sensitive to pH and cannot survive if the body is too acidic.

When this occurs, beta cells will lose phase with one another. Their cellular communication
will be thwarted and the body's immune system will start to over-respond. Stress within the
cells will increase, making them more difficult to perform adequately and survive.

How do you achieve a slightly more alkaline pH?

To do this we need to reduce the amount of processed, nutrient deficient foods that make up so much of our diets.  We need to incorporate more fresh organic vegetables, fish and nuts.  I have found that hydrating with Kangen water is the most effective way to stay hydrated consistently, day in and day out.  For more information on what alkaline water is best visit www.drinkalkaline-water.com.

Another Chiropractic Milestone

Another Chiropractic Milestone

Symptoms of an Unbalanced Nervous System.

Throughout life to maintain a balanced nervous system the brain is constantly changing as a consequence of our emotional experience, physical activity, and the environment in which we live. However, if these experiences and activities cause decreased processing of neurological signals to a critical level, an unbalanced nervous system develops. This leads to dysfunction and disease resulting in decreasing human potential.

If your nervous system is in BALANCE you should be experiencing:

1. Mentally alert                   2. Few symptoms                      3. Vibrant

4. High energy                     5. Positive mental attitude           6. Resistant to infections

7. Excellent health                8. Active

If your nervous system in UNDER-AROUSED you may be experiencing:
 

1. Poor attention (ADD/ADHD)            2. Lacking motivation               3. Worry

4. Poor concentration                            5. Low energy                         6. Irritable

7. Easily distracted                                8. Difficulty waking                  9. Low pain threshold

10. Spaciness                                       11. Depressed                          2. Constipation

13. Impulsive

If your nervous system is OVER-AROUSED you may be experiencing:

1. Cold hands                                   2. Heart palpitations                  3. accelerated aging

4. Low immune system                     5. Anxiety                                 6. Cold feet

7. Tight muscles                                8. Restless sleep                        9. Racing mind

10. Poor expression of emotion        11. Teeth grinding                      12. Irritable bowel

13. High blood pressure

If you nervous system is UNSTABLE you may be experiencing:

1. Migraines                                     2. Food Sensitivities                 3. Bi-Polar Disorders

4. Headaches                                   5. Bed Wetting                         6. Mood Swings

7. Seizures                                       8. Eating disorders                    9. Panic attacks

10. Sleepwalking                             11. Hot flashes

If your nervous system is EXHAUSTED you may have or are experiencing:

1. Cancer                                      2. Multiple Sclerosis                               3. Fibromyalgia

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis                  5. Depression                                         6. ALS

7. Diabetes                                    8. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS)        9. Epstein-Bar Virus     

How Can Chiropractic Help With This???

Continued research on the chiropractic adjustment (correction of a spinal subluxation) has proven to show benefits of regulating nervous system function.  The definition of "subluxation" is actually being revised due to more recent research.  Previously the subluxation was defined as a spinal misalignment that causes muscle spasm, pain, inflammation and so forth.  The current definition is:  

A subluxation is a neurological imbalance or distortion in the body associated with adverse physiological responses and/or structural changes, which may become persistent and progressive.  The most frequent site for the chiropractic correction of the subluxation is via the vertebral column.

The correction of the subluxation is done by hand and is known as the "adjustment".  The current definition of the adjustment is:

A chiropractic procedure whereby the consequences of an action serves to continually modify further action within the nervous system with the intent of creating harmony with in the body's system.

To see the review of the most recent research done on brainwave activity and chiropractic go to this link:

Clinical study on chiropractic and brainwave activity

To see Dr. Reineck of a spinal evaluation and nervous system check visit call Living with Motion Chiropractic in Cincinnati at (513) 831-4433 or visit our website www.livingwithmotion.com.

Dr. Luke Reineck

 

 

Chiropractic boosts brain-body coordination

Chiropractic boosts brain-body coordination 

This is fairly in-depth article but still written in a way to understand how the body works under stress.  Another awesome article demonstrating the positive and powerful effects of chiropractic!

Dr. Luke Reineck
www.livingwithmotion.com

“Healing on a Spare Donut…” True Philosophy of Chiropractic Care

“Healing on a Spare Donut…”

Three Myths of Chiropractic Treatment

There are countless myths and scare stories regarding alternative healing, including chiropractic care, still in abundance today. Although there is no warrant for these myths, people shy away from chiropractic treatments as a result. Some of the more well-known myths of chiropractic treatment include believing it is dangerous or causes pain, no scientific evidence for it being an effective treatment for pain relief and once you go, you will have to continue seeking chiropractic care for the rest of your life.

1. Causes Pain or is Dangerous Many potential chiropractic patients consider getting treatment, but fear an adjustment will hurt worse than the pain they are already experiencing. The truth is many patients feel instantaneous relief, and enjoy feeling better after the adjustment is made. In select cases of severe neck or back pain some discomfort may occur at the time, however it is rare and the pain relief experienced over the long-term makes it well worth it. As far as chiropractic treatments being dangerous, studies have shown this to be untrue, and is in reality one of the safest solutions for the majority of those suffering from neck or back pain. It is essential that any chiropractic care be performed by a qualified and trained doctor of chiropractic, or there can be risk of harm. 2. No Scientific Evidence to its Efficacy Just in the last twenty years alone, many scientific studies have been completed regarding the effectiveness of chiropractic care and can dispel many of these types of myths of chiropractic treatment. The Research and Development (RAND) Corporation, is a non-profit, private corporation out of Santa Monica, California that has conducted countless studies for everyone from the United States Government and Military to national and international private sector businesses. The RAND Corporation's chiropractic case study is the first time any representative from the United States medical field has went on record and testified to the appropriateness of chiropractic care for lower back pain. There are many other studies that have backed up RAND's findings as well. 3. Once You Go, You Have to Go Forever One of the more common myths of chiropractic treatment is once you go, you will have to go for the rest of your life. Most chiropractic doctors take a preventative approach to healthcare and this philosophy has been distorted into believing a lifelong obligation is necessary after going for the initial adjustment. However, returning periodically for a spinal adjustment is not much different from visiting the dentist on a regular basis in order to prevent cavities and gum disease.