Gainsborough Family Chiropractic

THE BURNING QUESTION, IS SUNSCREEN A SCAM?

Having spent a great Sunday afternoon in Springbank Park playing Bocce ball with a great group of friends I became very aware of just how powerful and penetrating the media can be in regards to sunscreen usage.  As I looked around every child was slathered from head to toe in sunscreen, wives were following their husbands around with the Coppertone bottle in their hands, and many of my friends I’m sure did not leave home without applying it first.  

via www.gfchiropractic.ca

The Power Of The Adjustment

 

Every so often we are reminded of the power of the human body. The potential stored in every single human being on this planet is limitless. We have the power to create, love, inspire, and be healthy. Unfortunately most people never realize their full potential because they have interference in their lives. Subluxation is an interference in our lives. The practice of Chiropractic has, and always will be to remove the interference caused by Subluxation; restoring neural integrity to the body. This is Joel's story of how removing the interference in his son Cohen's spine after birth gave Cohen's body enough power to return to life. Please have enough courage to share this video with others. Think of the life saving effect it can have on the people you love. It is still humbling to know, and admit that something so simple as a specific scientifically applied adjustment can have so great an impact. T

 

Dorothy - June's Life By Design Testimonial @Gainsborough Family Chiropractic

 

The best things about the principles of Life By Design is that they work without exception! Even if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, following the simple principles of Life By Design can make your life better. This is Dorothy's story; she has been diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Low energy is both common and extremely debilitating for people who have autoimmune disorders like these. Dorothy is now full of life and energy and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for her!

By Design Pumpkin Brownies

I cannot take any credit for this recipe as it is not mine.  This recipe was first introduced to me by Dr. Jamie and it has taken me some time to perfect it that's for sure! Strange, because there are only 5 INGREDIENTS! 

Ingredients:
1 cup almond butter
¾ cup mashed pumpkin or other squash, canned or steamed
1 egg
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp baking soda

You can get creative with this; I used cinnamon, and topped with pecans.  I know that Dr. Jamie likes to use some dark mint chocolate in his (and I will say this now, DR. JAMIE MAKES THE BEST PUMPKIN BROWNIES)!

mix all ingredients in a bowl, grease and 8x8 pan, bake at 350 for 25 min or until toothpick comes out dry.

thats it, thats all, so simple.  

ENJOY!!

I would love to hear of your success with this recipe, fill me in on how you make them, how you like them, and any special additions you make with them.

Now this is WHY I wake up every morning!

You are more than your body; you are an intelligent and loving energetic being!  Your body is the vehicle you have been given through which to experience and express your true purpose and potential in life.

Your Intelligent Life Energy directs and coordinates every single cell, tissue, organ and organ system in your body through your brain, and communicates with your body through your nerve system.

Health is defined as normal function and the ability to adapt to most of the stresses you face every day. It is the natural result of the adequate expression of your Life Energy in your body.

Everything is always changing, including your body.  In every moment you are either getting weaker and moving toward dis-ease and death, or growing stronger and moving toward health, wellness and wholeness.

 4 Things are necessary to keep you growing stronger and moving consistently toward health, wellness and wholeness (a Deliberate & Positive Focus aka think By Design, a Healthy Lifestyle move By Design and Eat By Design and a Clear Neurological Connection between your body and your brain).

The main function of your spine is to regulate the amount of tension in your nerve system and maintain the proper frequency of vibration or tone, so that the messages traveling back and forth along your nerves between your body and your brain are both transmitted and received properly.

Whenever your spine loses its normal alignment or function, it compromises your ability to regulate nerve system tension, and the result is a partial loss of CONNECTION between your brain and your body.  We call this loss of connection and decrease in the expression of your Life Energy “subluxation.”

The loss of connection between your brain and body causes you to lose your normal function in your body, and decreases your ability to successfully adapt to all of the physical, chemical, mental and emotional stresses in your environment.  In other words, it causes you to lose your natural state of health, harmony and ease.

 The problem is not that you HAVE something you shouldn’t have…it’s that you’ve LOST something you NEED in order to heal, function normally and feel good; You’ve lost the CONNECTION between your brain and body. 

The specific Chiropractic Adjustment allows more normal function and alignment in your spine, and helps restore your ability to regulate and maintain proper nerve system tension and tone.  In other words, it helps re-establish and maintain the CONNECTION between your brain and your body in order to maximize the expression of Life Energy in your body and help you HEAL.

Healing is defined as any movement toward wholeness, regardless of where you are at any given moment and occurs as you increase the expression of your Life Energy in your body.  It is a PROCESS and requires your active participation.

 The goal of your chiropractic care is simple; it’s to help you and your family restore, maintain and steadily improve all four things necessary to keep you growing stronger and moving toward even higher levels of health, wellness and wholeness  for as long as you live.   

 Chiropractic is about helping you maximize the expression of Life Energy in your body.

For some, the words "life energy" brings about feelings of uneasiness but let me ask you a question.

What is the difference between a corpse lying dead, and our living breathing self? 

We have ALL the same body parts yet one is living and breathing and the other is not.  It's the presence of life energy that flows and directs every single cell to do its job!

May Newsletter

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Madolyn's Testimonial

 

One of our favourite experiences is witnessing someone "healthy" benefit tremendously from a clear brain - body connection and the Life By Design principles. Just by making a few simple changes to her life Madolyn has increased her immunity, improved her digestion, and most importantly found a career and a purpose!

We are both happy and sad to be losing Madolyn to CMCC for next year. Happy because the profession of chiropractic will be gaining an amazing, caring chiropracTOR; sad because she was an amazing person to have in our lives, and in the office on Wednesdays.

Children, ADD/ADHD, and Chiropractic

by Dr. Christopher Kent

Controversy surrounds the medical treatment, indeed the very existence, of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Psychiatrist Peter Breggin wrote, “Hyperactivity is the most frequent justification for drugging children. The difficult-to-control male child is certainly not a new phenomenon, but attempts to give him a medical diagnosis are the product of modern psychology and psychiatry. At first psychiatrists called hyperactivity a brain disease. When no brain disease could be found, they changed it to ‘minimal brain disease’ (MBD). When no minimal brain disease could be found the profession transformed the concept into ‘minimal brain dysfunction.’ When no minimal brain dysfunction could be demonstrated, the label became attention deficit disorder. Now it’s just assumed to be a real disease, regardless of the failure to prove it so. Biochemical imbalance is the code word, but there’s no more evidence for that than there is for actual brain disease.” [1]

The use of psychotropic drugs in children has exploded in recent years [2]. The number of prescriptions written for methylphenidate (Ritalin) has increased by a factor of five since 1991. The production of Adderall and Dexedrine, also used to treat ADHD, has risen 2,000% in nine years. The increased use of these drugs in the U.S. is at variance with the rest of the world. According to the U.N., the U.S. produces and consumes 85% of the world’s production of methylphenidate. (3)

The use of Class II controlled substances to alter the behavior of children is disconcerting to many parents and chiropractors, as is the issue of whether ADD/ADHD can be properly considered a disease.

While chiropractors do not “treat” ADD/ADHD, the effects of chiropractic care on children diagnosed with learning disorders and hyperactivity have been described in a growing body of scholarly publications.

A study published in 1975, compared chiropractic care with drug treatment in children with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction. It was reported that chiropractic care “was more effective for the wide range of symptoms common in the neurological dysfunction syndrome in which thirteen symptom or problem areas were considered.” The author also reported that chiropractic care was 24% more effective than commonly used medications. [4]

Giesen at al conducted a study involving seven subjects. All subjects were of school age and had clinical findings evidencing vertebral subluxation complex. Following chiropractic care, 57% showed an improvement in chiropractic radiographic findings; 71.4% showed a reduction in overt behavior activity; 57% showed improvement in level of autonomic activity, and 57% showed improvement in parental ratings of hyperactivity. [5]

In addition to these small studies, case reports have been published which describe improvement of objective and subjective findings in children with ADD/ADHD and related disorders. [6-14].

More research exploring the relationship of subluxation correction to brain function is needed. Yet, the dramatic changes that have been reported in children medically diagnosed with ADD/ADHD following chiropractic care must not be ignored.

Every child with a vertebral subluxation needs chiropractic care, regardless of whether or not symptoms are present. By correcting nerve interference, function is improved, with greater expression of human potential. Many report terminating drug therapy, and seeing the personality, will, and soul of the child unfolding.

As Maria Montessori wrote, “It is easy to substitute our will for that of the child by means of suggestion or coercion; but when we have done this we have robbed him of his greatest right, the right to construct his own personality.” [1]

REFERENCES

1. Breggin PR: “Toxic Psychiatry.” St. Martin’s Press. New York. 1991. Chapters 12 and 13.

2. Zito JM, Safer DJ, dosReis S, et al: “Trends in the prescribing of psychotropic medications to preschoolers.” JAMA 2000;283:1025.

3. Statistics confirm rise in childhood ADHD and medication use. http://www.education-world.com

4. Walton EV: “The effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction.” International Review of Chiropractic 1975;29:4-5:24-26.

5. Giesen JM, Center DB, Leach RA: “An evaluation of chiropractic manipulation as a treatment for hyperactivity in children.” JMPT 1989;12:353-363.

6. Arme J: “Effects of biomechanical insult correction on attention deficit disorder.” Journal of Chiropractic Case Reports, 1993:1(1).

7. Hospers LA: “EEG and CEEG studies before and after upper cervical or SOT category 2 adjustment in children after head trauma, in epilepsy, and in ‘hyperactivity.’” Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics (ICA) 1992;84-139.

8. Barnes TA: “A multifaceted approach to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case report.”International Review of Chiropractic Jan/Feb 1995; pp. 41-43.

9. Phillips CJ: “Case study: the effect of utilizing spinal manipulation and craniosacral therapy as the treatment approach for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics (ICA), 1991:57-74.

10. Langley C: “Epileptic seizures, Nocturnal enuresis, ADD.” Chiropractic Pediatrics April 1995, Vol. 1, No. 1.

11. Thomas MD, Wood J: “Upper cervical adjustments may improve mental function.” J Man Med1992;6:215.

12. Araghi HG: “Oral apraxia: a case study in chiropractic in chiropractic management.” Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics (ICA), 1994, beginning p. 34.

13. Manuelle JD, Fysch PA: “Acquired verbal aphasia in a seven-year-old female: case report.” J Clin Chiropr Ped 1996;1:89-.

14. Peet JB: “Adjusting the hyperactive/ADD pediatric patient.” Chiro Pediatr 1997;2(4):12-

 

Grains part 2, PHYTATES + LECTINS + GLUTEN = BAD

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.  Grains are bad.  “Can it really be true?”, “What about healthy whole grains?” Well, it really is true.  Not only do people not need to eat grains to survive, wheat and other grains are actually destructive to your health. 

Plants, like you and me, don’t want to die, and if you eat them, they die.  Many plants have developed compounds that are toxic to any predator including humans.  Because plants can’t move around to protect themselves from invaders they have dealt with this threat against their life by building up toxic anti-nutrient compounds like lectins, gluten, and phytates.

LECTINS are bad. They are heat-stable and resistant to breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract, they bind to the human intestinal lining and block nutrients from being absorbed, as well as initiating mild allergic reactions.    Lectins also have a strong correlation with leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that is made by your brain, telling your body to stop eating. Lectin, from grains, ruins your body’s ability to regulate leptin causing you to begin overeating. Leptin resistance is, among many other destructive things, associated with metabolic syndrome as well as obesity.   (All that fun stuff just from a little bit of lectin!)

GLUTEN might be even worse. Gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley, is a composite of the proteins giladin and glutenin. Around 1% of the population are celiacs, people who are completely and utterly intolerant to any gluten. In celiacs, any gluten in the diet IS disastrous. We’re talking compromised calcium and vitamin D3 levels, hyperparathyroidism, bone defects. Really terrible stuff. And it gets worse: just because you’re not celiac doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to the ravages of gluten. As researcher Stephan highlights, one study showed that 29% of asymptomatic (read: not celiac) people nonetheless tested positive for anti-gliadin IgA in their stool. Anti-gliadin IgA is an antibody produced by the gut, and it remains there until it’s dispatched to ward off gliadin – a primary component of gluten. Basically, the only reason anti-gliadin IgA ends up in your stool is because your body sensed an impending threat – gluten. If gluten poses no threat, the anti-gliadin IgA stays in your gut. And to think, most humans eat this stuff on a daily basis.

PHYTATES. Phytates have been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Phytate molecules from the grain attach to minerals in the digestive tract and make them unavailable to the body. They are then excreted in the waste. So much for all those healthy vitamins and minerals you need for your health!! It is always sad to hear new practice members tell us that they are spending a fortune on mineral supplements, and then talk about how they are eating a high grain diet.

The results people have achieved by removing, or even at the beginning, minimizing grain consumption has been amazing. For me this is a no-brainer. I know how much better I look, feel, and perform when I’m not eating grains. Yes it’s true I will indulge in a piece of bread on an off-track meal from time to time, but there is no way with the knowledge I have could I ever make grains a staple of my everyday diet.   

 

The Great Grain Debate-Part 1

I have a lot to discuss for this blog post, and please excuse any ramblings or tangents that may occur this is a big topic to cover.  Going grain free is gaining popularity (good and bad) in the press as of late and people are starting to understand the notion and the dangers of grain consumption.  It excites me to learn that there are people who are willing to improve their health and lives by eliminating (or even limiting) grains in their diet.  There are those however, who still (and probably always will) deny that grains are destructive to health, and that there is no research to support the notion.

It seems that when I present the case regarding grains I am met with resistance and have come across a handful of questions/arguments that come up time and time again.  I wanted to use this post to discuss these common ascertains regarding grain consumption.

Where will I get my fiber?

Well a couple things on the fiber issue. If we look at what happens when we consume fiber in the cereal or whole grain form the consequences on our GI tract sound very unpleasant.  The fiber can be compared to as a “stick” or a “twig” and according to researchers these sticks and twigs bang up against the intestinal lining causing it to rupture and tear! Ouch!  If we are consuming fiber to help keep us “regular”, intestinal bacteria (which a good pro-biotic can help with) is much more a key factor for regularity than fiber consumption.   There are numerous research articles promoting the benefits of fiber consumption but what needs to be addressed is that these studies are from fruit and vegetable fiber. Fiber is ultra abundant in the fruits and vegetables that you eat so if your consuming your fruits and vegetables on a daily basis this is a far superior form.  Another food for thought, breast milk the best food available contains no fiber, just fat and protein and our babies bowels seem to know how to work just fine. 

You need the vitamins and minerals?

A personal favorite. Yep, you’re 100 percent right on that one. I do need the vitamins and minerals especially B1 and B2, potassium zinc magnesium and iron.  But do I need to obtain them by eating a grain or carbohydrate heavy diet? No, no I don’t.  You show me a serving of “healthy whole grains” that can compete nutrient, vitamin, and mineral-wise with a big By Design salad.  Can’t do it? Thought so.

Where will my carbohydrates come from?

I want to be clear that eating By Design is not a “low-carbohydrate” diet.  We get enough carbohydrates by consuming an adequate amount of vegetables and some fruit.  You’ve heard the terms “essential” fats and “essential” proteins, but you’ve never heard the term “essential” carbohydrates right?  That’s because it doesn’t exist.  Another common statement is where are you going to get your starches from?  Starch is not a required food group!!

But I’m an endurance athlete/marathon runner; I need my carbohydrates/whole grains/pasta/ bread for energy?

Realize that with any endurance training you’re doing more than the body was designed to do (more on the effects of chronic cardio and endurance training at a later date).  The nutritional demands are greater and the necessity of increased carbohydrate intake is increased.  This doesn’t mean filling up on loaves of bread, pasta’s, or cereals.  Now I have known many marathon runners in my lifetime, myself included who have done this.  Try including plenty of healthy fats and proteins, fruits, and tubers (sweet potato, yams).  All I can say is try, see how your body feels and play around with the amount of carbohydrates your body needs if you are going to participate in endurance type events.

But my grandparents and ancestors ate grains and lived to be 90 with no health problems?

99% of the wheat sold today is a genetically transformed, high yield “dwarf-mutant”.  This wheat has gone through extensive genetic hybridizations and are not the same as the wheat that was grown over 10, 000 years ago; or even 200 years ago.  This wheat has a new size, new biochemistry and new effects on humans.  The new “modified” wheat (dwarf mutant) named such for that it is now 18-24” tall instead of the standard 3-4 foot tall stalks.  They make the wheat shorter and fatter so that it doesn’t bend in the wind and break giving the farmer sturdier and much higher yields for their crops.  So no matter what you eat; multi-grain, organic pesticide free non-GMO, pretzel, cracker, bagel, pizza, roll, pita, wrap, no matter what, it’s all the same.

Another point must be addressed here.  Just because you have no symptoms from grain consumption does not mean it does not wreak havoc on your system.  

But the base of the Food pyramid contains grains?

This was actually just changed in Canada. The base of food pyramid now contains vegetables. Which, to be perfectly honest is a great “start” to changing the hierarchy of the food pyramid. Unfortunately, the food pyramid is created and published by the government. The government is lobbied by various groups and companies mainly the grain and dairy industry.  These groups look to push their specific agendas, their goal isn’t to promote health and happiness. If we look at the track record of socialized healthcare we will not be happy with the results. ALL chronic diseases are up (and rising), health care spending is up (every year), and the amount of un-well people is increasing. I know the government has good intentions, however the ideas that the government has been supporting are not getting favorable results.

This is just the beginning! Part two next Friday so stay tuned!