Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Turmeric, the bright-orange root so frequently used�in the cuisine of India and Asia, has been a revered cooking ingredient for centuries. Modern research, however, is also delving into its incredible array of health-promoting benefits. According to National Institutes of Health, �Today, turmeric is used as a dietary supplement for inflammation; arthritis; stomach, skin, liver, and gallbladder problems; cancer; and other conditions.��1
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Zingiberaceae family, the same plant family as ginger. The word �turmeric� comes from the Latin �terra merita� meaning meritorious or sacred earth. The aroma of turmeric essential oil is very much like the freshly cut root ? rather spicy, a little sweet, with undertones of earthy and woodsy.�Turmeric essential oil is many times more concentrated than the powdered herb. It�s made�from the plant�s underground roots, called rhizomes, and is extracted from the rhizome by steam distillation.
Both powdered�turmeric spice and turmeric essential oil are a bright yellow or orange in color due to the pigment curcumin. Curcumin is one of the principal healthy components of turmeric and is what gives the color to curries and mustard and is even used for dyeing fabric. You�ll sometimes hear the terms �curcumin� and �turmeric� used interchangeably, but keep in mind that curcumin is only one of many compounds found in the turmeric plant.
The Phytochemical Profile of Turmeric Essential Oil
The phytochemical (plant-based, all natural components) content of turmeric essential oil is surprisingly complex. Over 300 phytochemicals contribute to making turmeric essential oil an excellent choice for supporting overall good health.
The major phytochemicals in turmeric oil are ar-turmerone (20-25 percent), alpha-turmerone (18 percent), beta-turmerone (12-13 percent) and curcumin (2-5 percent). The first three are classed as sesquiterpenes ? molecules which help to carry oxygen in the body.
Other special phytochemicals found in turmeric oil include zingiberene (sesquiterpene), beta-caryophyllene (sesquiterpene), eucalyptol (a monoterpene, which helps to reprogram DNA), alpha-phellandrene (monoterpene), beta-sesquiphellandrene (sesquiterpene) and curcumenol.�2 There may well be many other phytochemicals in turmeric essential oil which have yet to be identified and studied.
Historical Use of Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for millennia in ancient healing traditions. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine it has been used traditionally to warm and strengthen the entire body, as a blood purifier, digestive aid, to eliminate worms, improve intestinal flora, and relieve gas. It is also used in India as a liver and gallbladder cleanser and strengthener, to normalize menstruation, to relieve arthritis and joint swelling, for sprains, burns, bruises, cuts and insect bites, for soothing coughs, easing asthma symptoms, as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
In traditional Chinese medicine turmeric has been used for indigestion, sore throats and colds, liver ailments, and for wound healing.
6�Ways Turmeric Can Support�Good Health
While there are a myriad of traditional uses for turmeric, here are six�ways that turmeric and/or turmeric essential oil can be used to support general health and wellbeing:
#1. Promotes Clear, Unblemished Skin
The antiseptic and antioxidant properties of turmeric essential oil make it a wonderful acne fighter. It is also known to reduce facial hair, and combined with lemon juice, helps to naturally lighten hyperpigmentation of the skin.
A study published in the Dec 2011 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that skin creams with Curcuma longa extract have photoprotective effects, which means protection against effects of the sun. According to the study, �Ultraviolet radiations generate reactive oxygen species, leading to adverse effects on skin properties. Botanical extracts are multifunctional in nature having various properties like photoprotection, anti-aging, moisturizing, antioxidant, astringent, anti-irritant, and antimicrobial activity.��3
The researchers reported their results as being that: �The photoprotective properties of the constituents of C. longa extract and hydrant, moisturizing lipid components of nano vesicles with better skin penetration resulted in improvement in skin properties like skin hydration and sebum content.��4
Tip for Use for Acne: Do a patch test in a small inconspicuous place on your inner arm prior to trying this to ensure you don�t have a sensitivity to turmeric essential oil. In a glass mixing bowl combine two drops turmeric essential oil with one to two tablespoons organic raw honey. Mix well and apply to face as a mask. Leave on for 15 minutes and then wash off. While you wait, wash anything the paste came into contact with as it can stain (be sure to protect your clothes!).
A quality turmeric oil mixed with raw honey is gentle, nourishing, and helps promote smooth, unblemished skin. The honey should also help to keep the turmeric from staining the skin, although it�s a good idea to also test the paste first on the inside of your wrist before applying to your face. For best results use the mask no more than 1-2 times per week.
#2. Supports Well-Functioning Joints
Doctors from Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic traditions have used turmeric to address joint issues for centuries. Many recent studies have investigated turmeric�s ability to impact�the pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
One study of note�published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in August 2016 was a joint effort by Korean and American researchers. These researchers analyzed all of the randomized clinical trials that had been done to the date of the article. The researchers stated that the results of the trials �provide scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract (about 1000 mg/day of curcumin) in the treatment of arthritis.��5
It�s important to note that the researchers also stated that �more rigorous and larger studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric for arthritis.��6
#3. Improves Mood and Sense of Wellbeing
Turmeric essential oil has a long tradition of use for its relaxing and mood balancing properties. Try diffusing some turmeric essential oil into the air while praying, meditating, reading, at bedtime, or anytime you want to feel more calm and relaxed.
Research has shown that consuming curcumin (the key compound in turmeric) may also be beneficial for improving mood and happiness levels in those suffering with depression and anxiety. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers �hypothesised that curcumin would be effective for the treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder.��7
Here�s the methodology the researchers used: �In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 56 individuals with major depressive disorder were treated with curcumin (500 mg twice daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary measure was the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology self-rated version (IDS-SR30). Secondary outcomes included IDS-SR30 factor scores and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).��8
After the 8-week study was completed, they reported the following results: �From baseline to week 4, both curcumin and placebo were associated with improvements in IDS-SR30 total score and most secondary outcome measures. From weeks 4 to 8, curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving several mood-related symptoms � Greater efficacy from curcumin treatment was identified in a subgroup of individuals with atypical depression.��9
#4. Helps With Digestive Issues
Turmeric is considered to be exceptionally helpful with digestive problems. It has been used to help relieve gas, and promote healthy digestion and elimination.
#5. Supports�a Healthy Liver
Turmeric is highly esteemed in holistic medicine for its ability to support liver health. Since the liver is the main organ of detoxification, keeping it in tip-top shape is vital for good health.
#6. Supports Oral Health
Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) is a pathogen in the mouth that�s believed to be associated with the progression of�periodontal disease. The aim of a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research �was to substantiate the antimicrobial activity of various essential oils; eucalyptus oil, chamomile oil, tea tree oil and turmeric oil against P. gingivalis.��10
After testing various concentrations of the essential oils against P. gingivalis, the researchers concluded that �At 100% concentrationall the tested oils possess antimicrobial activity against P.gingivalis with eucalyptus oil being most effective followed by tea tree oil, chamomile oil and turmeric oil.��11
Precautions When Using Essential Oils
Only Use Quality Oils: The quality of essential oils available on the market is widely varied. Always ensure you are using high quality essential oils, preferably organic. It is important to discover whether the maker of an essential oil uses organic growing methods, knows how to distill the oils so that they contain the essential phytochemicals, and avoids the use of toxic chemicals when growing the plants and extracting the oils. Always purchase essential oils from a trusted source. Cheaper is not always better.
Dilute: It is recommended to use an organic carrier oil like olive, jojoba, almond, coconut, hemp, or argan to dilute prior to putting any essential oil on the body. Using a carrier oil�aids in absorption, does not affect the potency of the essential oil, and increases the cost-effectiveness of using essential oils for health.
Keep Oils Away From Sensitive Areas: Never apply essential oils anywhere near eyes, inside ears, or too close to sensitive regions of the body. If this happens by accident, use a carrier oil to dilute ? water will not help!
Do a Patch Test Before Using an Oil for the First Time: Before applying any essential oil, perform a patch test on a small area of skin such as the inside of the elbow. This is important for anyone, but especially critical if you have sensitive skin. If a reaction occurs, dilute essential oils heavily with an organic carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba, almond, coconut, hemp, or argan oils and test again.
For Babies and Children: Be very cautious when using essential oils with babies and children. They have delicate skin and their bodies are much smaller than adults. Always dilute heavily and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner before using.
In Pregnancy: Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Low doses of turmeric are considered to be safe during�pregnancy, but caution should be exercised when using full-strength turmeric oil. One or two studies showed that consumption of turmeric might stimulate the uterus (the worry being that could possibly increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage). However, other studies have demonstrated that curcuminoids actually have a relaxing effect on uterine muscle. While contradictory, what is known is that millions of pregnant women in India and Asia have taken small amounts of turmeric in their daily diet for centuries, without any adverse effects being reported.
Always remember that essential oils are much more concentrated than the whole plant materials they�re extracted from. Therefore always exercise caution when using them ? especially when pregnant. Dilute heavily and work with an experienced healthcare�provider.
Turmeric essential oil is one of 3�ingredients (along with frankincense and myrrh essential oils) of Magi-Complex blend from Epigenetic Labs.�This breakthrough supplement is the first of its kind to incorporate three of the world�s best nutritional ingredients that support a healthy immune response � the Magi�s gifts to Jesus � all under one cap.
Turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc.
1. Prevents Cancer
Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.
2.Relieves Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric�s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
3. Controls Diabetes
Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric�s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.
4. Reduces Cholesterol Level
Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.
5. Immunity Booster
Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body�s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.
6. Heals Wound
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
7. Weight Management
Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight. A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.
8. Prevents Alzheimer�s Disease
Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer�s disease. Turmeric supports overall brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can also prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer�s disease.
9. Improves Digestion
Many key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which then improves digestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also, turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.. Prevents Liver Disease
Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body. Turmeric also is believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these factors support good liver health.
Cancer isn’t inevitable, but many Americans don’t know that several lifestyle factors affect their risk of developing the disease, a new survey finds.
Only one in two Americans is aware that obesity can raise the risk of cancer. And fewer than half understand that alcohol, inactivity, processed meat, eating lots of red meat and low consumption of fruits and vegetables are linked to cancer risk, the researchers said.
“There is a clear crisis in cancer prevention awareness,” said Alice Bender, head of nutrition programs at the American Institute for Cancer Research.
A larger percentage of Americans mistakenly believe that stress, fatty diets and other unproven factors are linked with cancer, according to the institute’s 2017 Cancer Risk Awareness Survey.
“It’s troubling that people don’t recognize alcohol and processed meats increase cancer risk,” Bender said in an institute news release. “This suggests the established factors that do affect cancer risk are getting muddled with headlines where the research is unclear or inconclusive.”
Factors Affecting the Risk of Cancer
Highlights of the survey findings include:
Fewer than 40 percent of Americans know that alcohol affects cancer risk.
Only 40 percent know that processed meats are also associated with cancer risk.
Fifty percent of Americans are aware that being overweight spurs cancer risk, up from 35 percent in 2001.
Nearly one-third of common cancers in the United States could be prevented through diet, weight management and physical activity. That increases to half when factors such as not smoking and avoiding sun damage are added, according to the institute.
Research has linked alcohol to at least six cancers, including colon, breast, liver and esophageal. Studies have also shown that bacon, hot dogs and other processed meats may raise the risk of colon and stomach cancers.
Only half of Americans know that obesity increases the risk of several cancers and that a healthy weight is the second most important way — after not smoking — to reduce cancer risk, the researchers said.
“We know a lot of healthy people do get cancer and sometimes it’s easier to worry about genes or uncontrollable things rather than your everyday choices,” said Bender. “But the research says that being physically active, staying a healthy weight, and eating a plant-based diet has the potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of cancer cases each year,” Bender aded. “It’s a powerful message.”
SOURCE: American Institute for Cancer Research, news release, Feb. 1, 2017
News stories are written and provided by HealthDay and do not reflect federal policy, the views of MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
Additional Topics: Whole Body Wellness
Following a balanced nutrition as well as engaging in regular physical activity and sleeping properly are all proper lifestyle habits which can help increase and maintain overall health and wellness. Many common complications associated with improper lifestyle habits, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, however, the risk of developing these can be prevented with a few lifestyle changes. In addition, visiting a chiropractor and receiving chiropractic care can help maintain and improve the overall health of the spine as well as its surrounding structures.
People who want a healthy heart should be mindful of not only what they eat, but when they eat, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA).
The report is a response to the growing evidence that timing matters when it comes to heart disease risk, said Marie-Pierre St-Onge, the lead author of the statement. The various organs of the body have their own “clocks,” St-Onge explained, and that may affect how we handle food at different times of the day and night.
“For example, later in the evening, it’s harder for the body to process glucose [sugar], compared with earlier in the day,” said St-Onge, an associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University in New York City.
The new statement highlights what’s known — and what’s not — about meal timing and heart health. The statement lacks specific rules, such as “Never eat after 8 p.m.,” or “Everyone should eat breakfast.”
It does, however, suggest that people spread out their calories over a “defined” period of the day — as opposed to either eating a lot over a short period, or grazing from morning until night. Based on the evidence, the AHA says, it’s probably a good idea to get a large share of your calories earlier in the day.
“A long fasting duration at night is better than a long fast during the day,” St-Onge said.
But there’s no declaration that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
The evidence, St-Onge said, is just not clear enough to make specific recommendations on breakfast.
A number of studies have found that breakfast eaters are generally healthier than breakfast skippers: They tend to weigh less, have better blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, and have lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to the AHA.
The problem is, those studies don’t prove that breakfast deserves the credit. And few trials have actually tested the effects of “assigning” people to eat breakfast, the AHA says.
Based on what studies have been done, adding breakfast doesn’t seem to aid weight loss, the report said. Of course, if breakfast skippers simply add an extra meal to their day, they’ll gain weight, St-Onge pointed out. A few small trials have, however, suggested that breakfast can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, according to the AHA.
Sonya Angelone is a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. And she was clear in her support of eating breakfast.
“I think it’s very important to eat breakfast every day,” Angelone said.
Just as important, she said, is to hydrate after a long liquid-free night. Coffee does “count,” she noted, but a glass of water is better. According to Angelone, breakfast is critical because it’s hard to get all the nutrients you need in just two meals a day — even if you snack.
That raises another question: Should people eat “three square meals,” or is it better to stick with small, but more-frequent meals?
That’s not clear, according to the AHA.
Studies that track people in the real world have found that those who eat more often during the day have a lower risk of obesity and better cholesterol levels. On the other hand, the AHA says, small trials that have tested the effects of altering meal frequency have mostly come up empty. When daily calories are kept constant, meal frequency may not affect people’s weight, levels of “good” HDL cholesterol or other factors that affect heart health.
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating, St-Onge said.
Some people, she noted, do well with “grazing” throughout the day — as long as the food choices are healthy, and they do not keep grazing until midnight.
“If you’re someone with good control over your diet, maybe grazing is a good idea,” St-Onge said. “But if it’s difficult for you to stop eating once you start, it’s probably not a good idea.”
According to Angelone, frequent eating may not be wise for people with resistance to insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin resistance is seen in people with type 2 diabetes or “pre-diabetes.” If those people eat often, Angelone explained, their insulin levels may never have a chance to drop. In general, St-Onge said, “mindfulness” is critical. Often, people eat not because they’re hungry, but to deal with emotions, she said.
“Ask yourself why you’re eating,” St-Onge said. “Is it because you’re stressed or sad or bored? Ask yourself whether you’re really hungry right now.”
The statement was published online Jan. 30 in the AHA journal Circulation.
SOURCES: Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Ph.D., associate professor, nutritional medicine, Columbia University, New York City; Sonya Angelone, M.S., R.D.N., spokesperson, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago; Jan. 30, 2017, Circulation, online
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
Many grease-resistant fast-food wrappers and boxes contain potentially harmful chemicals that can leach into food, a new study contends.
Testing on more than 400 samples from restaurants nationwide revealed that nearly half of fast-food wrappers and one out of five paperboard food boxes contained detectable levels of fluorine, said lead researcher Laurel Schaider. She’s an environmental chemist at the Silent Spring Institute in Newton, Mass.
Previous studies have linked some fluorinated chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to kidney and testicular cancer, low birth weight, thyroid disease, decreased sperm quality, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and immune system problems in children, the study authors said in background notes.
Toxins found in Fast Food Packaging
Major U.S. manufacturers voluntarily phased out PFOA and PFOS for most uses starting in 2011, but other countries still produce them. These study results show that fluorinated chemicals are still widely present in food packaging, the authors said.
“One of the challenges in avoiding exposure is you can’t tell by looking at a wrapper whether it contains fluorine,” Schaider said. “We can choose not to purchase a stain-resistant carpet or a stain-resistant coating on our furniture. But it’s difficult for a consumer to choose food packaging that doesn’t have fluorinated chemicals.”
As a class, fluorinated chemicals are referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). They are used in a wide range of products, including carpeting, upholstery, floor waxes and outdoor apparel, the study authors said.
Some fast-food packaging is treated with PFASs to make the wrappers and boxes grease-resistant, Schaider said.
It has been found that PFASs can leach into food from packaging, Schaider said. Heat and grease appear to help the chemicals migrate into food, she added.
According to the Foodservice Packaging Institute, only “short-chain” fluorinated chemicals are still used in fast-food packaging. The “short-chain” chemicals “have been rigorously reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and found to be safe for their intended use,” the industry group said in a statement.
PFOA and PFOS are “long-chain” chemicals, and have been phased out, the institute said. “Today’s food service packaging is no longer treated with ‘long-chain’ fluorochemicals, and instead use FDA-approved ‘short-chain’ fluorochemicals or even newer barrier coatings, which are free of any fluorochemicals,” the group added.
Further Research for Toxins in Food Packaging
For the new study, the researchers said they gathered hundreds of samples from 27 fast-food chains in five metropolitan areas across the United States. They used particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy to analyze the samples for fluorine, Schaider said.
“Paper normally doesn’t contain much fluorine, so we reasoned this would be a method of detecting the presence of PFASs,” Schaider said.
The research team said it found that 46 percent of paper wrappers and 20 percent of paperboard box samples for foods like pizza and fries contained fluorine. The team also tested paper cups used for hot and cold beverages, but found no significant levels of fluorine.
Paper wrapper samples containing fluorinated chemicals ranged from about 38 percent of sandwich/burger wrappers up to about 57 percent of wrappers used for desserts, breads and Tex-Mex foods, the study authors said.
To validate their analysis, the researchers conducted a more detailed study on a subset of 20 samples, Schaider said.
In general, samples that were high in fluorine also contained PFASs. Six of the samples also contained a long-chain PFOA, even though the chemical is no longer widely used because of health hazards.
PFOA could be present in these wrappers because recycled paper was used in their manufacture, Schaider said — an indication of how difficult it is to remove these chemicals from the environment.
Studies have shown that PFASs from consumer products accumulate in landfills and can migrate into groundwater, Schaider said. Fluorinated chemicals also are allowed in compostable food packaging.
“It seems incompatible to have these chemicals that never break down in paper that we want to compost,” Schaider said.
There is particular concern regarding the long-term effects of these chemicals on children, said a chemical exposure specialist who wasn’t involved in the study.
Fluorinated chemicals have been found in umbilical cord blood, suggesting that fetuses are exposed to PFASs, said Dr. Kenneth Spaeth, chief of occupational and environmental medicine for Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y.
The Risks of Toxins in Fast Food Packaging
Approximately one-third of U.S. children consume fast food every day, the study authors noted.
“With chemicals like this, exposure begins in utero and continues once we’re born through childhood and into adulthood,” said Spaeth. “That has real potential ramifications in terms of our health.”
It’s unlikely that new regulations will be adopted to remove PFASs from products, Spaeth added. Instead, he recommended public pressure as a means for future change.
“A lot of products have become BPA-free, not because they were forced to but because of public concern and public outcry,” he said, referring to Bisphenol A, an estrogen-imitating chemical used in plastics. “If consumers are waiting for public oversight, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
The study was published Feb. 1 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
SOURCES: Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., environmental chemist, Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Mass; Kenneth Spaeth, M.D., M.P.H., chief, occupational and environmental medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, N.Y.; Foodservice Packaging Institute, statement, Jan. 31, 2017; Environmental Science & Technology, Feb. 1, 2017
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
A healthy heart begins with what you eat, and one way to shop for groceries wisely is to start with a list, a cardiologist recommends.
Reducing the amount of fat, sugar and salt (sodium) in your diet can help reduce your risk of obesity, heart attack, type 2 diabetes and other diseases, according to Dr. Susan Smyth. She’s medical director of the University of Kentucky’s Gill Heart Institute.
“Make your meal healthier by substituting foods with lots of color from natural sources [not artificial colors] for foods that are white or brown. Start in the produce section with fresh fruits and veggies, which are high in vitamins and fiber and low in fat,” Smyth said in a university news release.
Healthier Grocery List
Consumers should check the labels on processed foods found in the produce department, such as guacamole or prepared salads with dressing. These products may contain high amounts of fat, sodium and sugar.
“In the dairy section, stick with low-fat where possible. Beware of flavored yogurts, which can contain as much as half of the recommended daily allowance of sugar. Recent research indicates that eggs are OK in moderation, but check with your doctor first,” Smyth said.
At the meat counter, choose lean products such as chicken and fish. Limit or avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and lunch meat, which contain high amounts of salt, she advised.
“While breads and other baked goods can have a place at your dinner table, the hidden sugars and sodium in bread might surprise you. Just two slices of packaged white sandwich bread may account for as much as a quarter of your recommended daily sodium intake,” Smyth said.
A better choice would be to select breads made from whole grains (not whole wheat), which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to Smyth.
The middle aisles of the grocery store are “treacherous,” she said.
“Almost everything in a plastic wrapper is highly processed and loaded with fat, salt, sugar or all three. If you spend a lot of time in the middle aisles, do a lot of label-reading and look for healthier substitutes,” Smyth suggested.
Plain canned beans in water are a healthy choice, as are some nuts and dried fruit. Also, be aware of serving sizes per package. For example, canned soups are sometimes advertised as low sodium but if the serving size is half a can and you’re accustomed to eating a full can of soup, you’ll be getting double the dose of sodium, she said.
In the freezer section, “frozen veggies without added sauces and fruits without added sugar can substitute for fresh. Choose low-fat ice cream over regular versions. Be very careful of frozen pizzas, dinners and snacks, which can be loaded with sodium,” Smyth advised.
SOURCE: University of Kentucky, news release, Feb. 3, 2017
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
Switching to whole-grain foods might help keep your weight in check as much as a brisk 30-minute daily walk would, a new study suggests.
Whole grains seem to both lower the number of calories your body absorbs during digestion and speed metabolism, explained study author J. Philip Karl. He’s a nutrition scientist who did the research while a Ph.D. student in nutrition at Tufts University in Boston.
While other studies have found that people who eat whole grains are slimmer and have lower body fat than those who do not, Karl said it has been hard to separate the effects of whole grains from regular exercise and a healthier diet overall. So, for the new study, “we strictly controlled diet. We didn’t let them lose weight,” he said. The researchers did that by pinpointing the specific caloric needs of each of the 81 men and women, aged 40 to 65, in the study.
For the first two weeks of the study, everyone ate the same types of food and the researchers computed their individual calorie needs to maintain their weights. After that, the researchers randomly assigned people to eat either a whole-grain or refined-grain diet.
The men and women were told to eat only the food provided and to continue their usual physical activity.
Those on the whole-grain diet absorbed fewer calories and had greater fecal output. Their resting metabolic rate (calories burned at rest) was also higher. The fiber content of whole-grain foods, about twice that of refined-grain foods, is believed to play a major role in those results, Karl said.
“The energy deficit in those eating whole grains compared to refined grains would be equivalent to the calories you would burn if you were to walk about a mile [in] about 20 or 30 minutes,” he said. But the study did not prove that whole grains cause weight loss. ”We don’t know over the long term if it would translate to weight loss,” Karl said, but his team suspects it would. “This would translate to about 5 pounds in a year,” Karl estimated.
The study is solid, said Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis.
“It provides good evidence that consumption of whole grains is an important part of a healthful eating plan,” Diekman said. The study documents how whole grains contribute to feelings of fullness and appear to increase metabolism, she added. “The study was short in duration and somewhat limited in population diversity, but the outcome is a positive nutrition recommendation that anyone could benefit from,” she said.
The study was published online Feb. 8 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In a related study in the same issue of the journal, the same group of researchers found that people who ate whole grains had modest improvements in healthy gut environment and certain immune responses. Whole-grain intake has also been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, the researchers noted.
How do you find whole-grain products?
Look on the label for ”100 percent whole grains,” Karl said. “Just because something is made with whole grains doesn’t mean there has to be much in there,” he explained. “Look to see if the first ingredient is whole grain, and 100 percent.”
There may also be a label, issued by the Whole Grains Council, that indicates what percent of whole grain a food contains, he added.
Karl is now a nutrition scientist with the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.
The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating six servings of grains daily, with at least half of those servings being whole grains.
SOURCES: J. Philip Karl, Ph.D., nutrition scientist, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Mass.; Connie Diekman, R.D., M.Ed., director, university nutrition, Washington University, St. Louis, and former president, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Feb. 8, 2017, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online
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Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
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