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Dear friends,
I’m very excited about providing information in this news letter that may alarm you about some common side affects from medications that you may be taking. You also may not be aware of some natural foods that affect a positive cellular response for inflammation and pain. In this news letter we will look into the class of drugs called Statins, drugs such as Lipitor, Torvast, Crestor, Zocor and Lipex. These drugs are used to lower cholesterol, prevent plaque build up, prevent atherosclerosis and some research even claim to prevent heart disease related deaths. What they do not tell you is how they work. Statins block cholesterol biosynthesis by stopping the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. In blocking this enzyme it also causes an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative function or in layman terms a cytotoxic effect (cells become toxic). Statins also interact with CoQ10 and mitochondria which regulate aptosis (muscle cell death without affecting surrounding tissue). Inhibiting CoQ10 production causes the lack of ATP creation which is essential for energy the cell uses. This is why muscle pain is a side effect when using Statins. The largest concentration of CoQ10 is in the heart. What do you think happens when your heart is lacking CoQ10 and cell death occurs due to the lack of ATP? Can you say heart related deaths! Just what the pharmaceutical companies say they prevent. The latest research out there claims if you are on a Statin drug and have a total cholesterol level of 100 and below you have the greatest risk of dying from a heart related death, where as if you have a cholesterol level of over 200 you are less likely to suffer a heart related death. Does this sound a little backwards to you! It should, there is no evidence that a lower cholesterol level prevents heart related deaths. Our office carries CoQ10 and it is essential to take if you are on a Statin drug to lower your cholesterol.
The remainder of this news letter will be about natural foods that affect an anti-inflammatory response. Some conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, sprains, strains and infections induce an inflammatory response from the immune system. These conditions can become chronic and there must be a way of shutting down the inflammatory process naturally. Medical physicians use drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, pain killers, muscle relaxants and a slew of arthritis medications. Some drug treatments even shut down your own immune system such as Methotrexate and Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. There are alternatives with natural foods and herbs that can help your inflammatory condition. Let’s look at some foods by classes that induce an anti-inflammatory response. Fish such as: (*Best Choice) *Wild Alaskan Salmon, Light Tuna, North Atlantic Mackerel, Sardines and Herring are good choices. Nuts and oils such as Flaxseed Oil, *Extra Virgin Olive Oil, *Hazelnuts, *Olives, *Avocados, *Coconut Oil, *Sesame Seeds, *Walnuts, Almonds, Dark Chocolate and Omega-Fish Oils. Grains such as *Buckwheat, Oats and Whole grains are good. (Eating whole grains do not promote weight gain like refined white carbohydrates do.) Herbs such as Basil, *Chili Peppers, Cinnamon, Ginger, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme and Turmeric reduce inflammation. Vegetables such as *Garlic, *Spinach, *Kale, *Cauliflower, *Cabbage, *Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, *Broccoli Sprouts, *Bok Choy, *Broccoli and Onions. Fruits such as *Acai, *Apples, *Avocados, *Blueberries, Cranberries, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Strawberries and all other berries reduce inflammation. You should avoid all sugars since they promote inflammation. Refined sugars are less desirable. Foods to avoid that feed inflammation are: processed white flour breads, cereals, pasta and all foods containing white flour. Avoid fast food, potato chips, trans fat, pretzels, cornstarch, hydrogenated oils, corn chips, all sweeteners both real and imitation, shortening, rice and corn cakes, white rice and margarine.
The next topic I will cover in the new issue will be on anti-acids and there affects on your inability to break down protein.
River Bridge Chiropractic Center carries Standard Process supplements and herbs to help fight inflammation. If you are suffering from chronic inflammation give natural foods and supplements a try. They can help!
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Corry
Let's Get Healthy
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