Heart Burn Medication Increases Bone Fracture Odds

All medications have risks, period.  It is as simple as that. Some of the negative affects of medications are known and published. Other unwanted affects of any currently marketed medication will only be revealed after the lab rats (you and me) take it over a long enough period of time, thus providing sufficient data regarding the risks and benefits of a the medication. Once enough data is accumilated, one or more actions will be taken:

1) Additional warnings will be placed on the medication label regarding the newly discovered risks.
2) Additional medications will be developed and prescribed in order to counter the negative affects of the drug.
3) The drug will be recalled, and taken off the market. (but don't worry, another one is being developed and marketed!)

A recent article on MSN Health and Fitness proves my point. The article discusses the newly reported risks of many of the current medications used for the treatment of heart burn symptoms (note that I said the treatment of the heart burn symptoms, not the cause...). The FDA is currently warning that PPI medications, or Protein Pump Inhibitors, can cause an increased risk of broken bones, or "fractures" in the spine, hip, and wrist. It is thought that the PPI's reduce stomach acidity, thus interfering with the absorption of Calcium. Calcium is best absorbed in an acid environment. That is why TUMS for calcium is such a blatant marketing lie! The offending PPI's include the drugs esomeprazole (Nexium)), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)), lansoprazole (Prevacid)), pantoprazole (Protonix)), and rabeprazole (Aciphex)). The course of action taken by the FDA in this case is to leave the medications on the market, but to place a new warning on the label. The outcry of victims must become deafening before these drugs are terminated and new chemicals are produced and marketed. Then the cycle will repeat itself... New miracle drug, followed by possible links to negative side affects, followed by definite risks, but not bad enough to take action, and finally serious links to serious health risks followed by the drug being recalled.

So, what is a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sufferer to do?  How about taking these steps that actually promote health, improve digestion, and reduce the symptoms of gastric reflex?


1) Eat less.
2) Loose weight.
3) Eat earlier in the afternoon.
4) Eat foods with natural digesting enzymes, like pineapple and papaya.
5) Add enzyme supplements and possibly even hydrochloric acid supplements at mealtime (this aids in digestion, unlike medications which slow digestion down. The HCL acid should not be supplemented without direction from your physician or chiropractor)
6) Exercise regularly.


Whenever possible, natural and health promoting alternatives to medications are the preferred course of action. The dirty little secret regarding medication is that it will always have negative health affects. The only way to avoid them is through minimizing the amount that you take.

Avoiding High-Risk Back Movements

As a chiropractor in Mesa, AZ, I have seen many lower back injuries in my 20 year practice. This experience has taught me that there is quite a bit of consistency in the stories about how the patient hurt their back.  At times, the cause is a sudden move, or a slip and fall. Some painful back problems begin with over use, such as a single lifting event, or repetitive lifting and work episodes. What surprises many people, however, is that many painful back episodes occur in the morning, after a period of time of sleep deprivation, and after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

There was a wonderful article in this month's To Your Health Health magazine that talks about high-risk scenarios, and it gives three examples.

1) You get up in the morning after not sleeping very well. Perhaps you are on a business trip and you are not used to the bed.  You are a bit stiff, but you ignore it. You sit in a soft chair to enjoy a cup of coffee, or read the paper. Upon getting up, there is a sharp stabbing pain in the lower back

2) The first thing that you do after getting up from bed is go into the computer to check your email. You sit down, and get engrossed in an email, video, or web site. You end up spending much more time than you anticipated. When you attempt to get up out of the chair, you can't stand up straight.

3) You get up in the morning and feel an urge to empty your bowel. You are dehydrated and a little bit constipated, so you spend extra time and you strain a little at the stool. When you start to get up, you feel a spasm in the lower back

My experience is that all three of the above patients, when they come to my office, say that they did nothing, or that they cannot recall doing anything to injure themselves.

In the mornings, we are stiff. Muscles aren't asleep, and all of our joints contain extra moisture, or are slightly swollen.  During this time of the day, we are all very vulnerable to back injury.

There are some simple things that you can do in order to minimize your risks of a back pain episode.

1) After a long period of time of sitting, give yourself some time in the standing position before bending over. Automobiles and airliners are the worst. Long trips leave the back tight and stiff.  Before bending to get luggage out of the trunk or from under the airliner seat in front of you, stand, bend a bit back wards, and move a little bit, allowing your spine to re-set. Then carefully bend at the hips and knees to lift luggage or objects.

2) When you are sitting, don't slump. Use the small pillows in the airplane to place in the small of the lower back, helping the back to maintain the normal curve down there. Slouching or slumping reverses the curve in the lower back, causing the pads of cartilage, or discs, to bulge backward and placing pressure on delicate nerves.

3) When getting up out of bed, stand up and move around a bit. Avoid sitting for very long, and take a shower before sitting to read or eat.

By following these simple rules you can avoid some painful back episodes.  Don't forget to continue the exercises taught to you by your chiropractor, and to get your spine adjusted at least monthly.  By being smart and by taking some preventative actions, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to debilitating low back problems.

Keith E. Biggs, DC
(Dr. Biggs is a chiropractor in Mesa AZ. He is also an Acupuncturist. He has been in private practice for more than 20 years.)
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic @gmail.com

Weight Watchers Helps Treat Diabetes

I recently read an article on Medical News Today that confirmed for me what I have taught patients for many years. If we eat better, loose weight, and try to exercise on a regular basis, we can improve our health, and in certain circumstances, prevent serious diseases. An article published in the May 2010 issue of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine confirms that, for example, type II diabetes can be helped and prevented through adherence to the Weight Watchers Program.


Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Ginger Root Found to Affect Inflammation and Pain

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture

A recent article published by Medical News Today discusses study at the University of Georgia in which was found that the use of Ginger Root on a daily basis helps to reduce inflammation related to exercise by 25 percent. Considering the fact that often Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are often used for this purpose, Ginger provides a healthy alternative.

The use of Ginger for the reduction of inflammation has been touted for a long time, but prior to this most recent human study, the benefits have only been demonstrated in laboratory rats.

If, for example, a person suffers from back pain, joint pain, or muscle pain after exercise, a steady dose of at least 2 grams of ginger every day will possibly help to reduce symptoms by as much as 25 percent.  The study found that it didn't matter if the ginger was heat treated or raw.

ADHD Linked to Pesticides in Nationwide Study

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children has been linked to exposure to pesticides. Trace levels of pesticides on commercially produced fruits and vegetables may be responsible, in part for the exploding epidemic of ADHD in this country, according to a new nationwide study. In the study, more than 1100 children across the the nation were tested for evidence of certain pesticides in their urine. It was found that those children with above averale levels of the pesticides in their system were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

The pesticides in question are organophosphates. They work on insects by interfering with the bugs nervous system. In short, they are neurotoxins. These toxins work on brain chemicals that are related to ADHD, so according to the researchers, it is plausible that there could be a connection.

According to my source article, "Detectable levels of pesticides are present in a large number of fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S., according to a 2008 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited in the study. In a representative sample of produce tested by the agency, 28 percent of frozen blueberries, 20 percent of celery, and 25 percent of strawberries contained traces of one type of organophosphate. Other types of organophosphates were found in 27 percent of green beans, 17 percent of peaches, and 8 percent of broccoli."

So, what are we to do?  Clearly, it is not a good idea to stop eating fruits and vegetables. We can, however, make better and healthier choices on where we get our produce. Whenever possible, choose organically grown vegetables and fruits. Another good idea is to purchase produce from the local farmers' markets. The organically grown and locally grown fruits and vegetables typically test for lower levels of residual pesticide residue.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Keith Biggs, DC

biggschiropractic@gmail.com
www.eastmesachiropractor.com 

Dr. Biggs has been practicing chiropractic and holistic health care in Mesa, AZ for more than twenty years.

hCG Diet Yields 6 lbs Lost in 5 Days

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture

Kim has done amazingly well on her hCG diet. She has lost a total of 6 lbs in only 5 days!  That is truly amazing. Kim is blogging her experience. She says that the first few days were the most difficult. She says that she doesn't feel hungry, but she did feel a bit tired the first few days.  Part of this could be due to the fact that since she likes her coffee with a lot of milk in it, she has chosen to not drink the coffee. She could be experiencing a little bit of caffeine withdrawal.

Another patient in my office came in for her first checkup after one week on the diet. She had lost a total of about 7-10 lbs (depending on which scale you choose to believe) and 5 inches! She was very excited as well.

Headache

Biggs Chiropractic & Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

She is a young, healthy, and athletic lady. She came into my office today complaining of headaches. A simple evaluation of the patient showed that there were joint problems in the neck and upper mid back area. They were detected through motion palpation and range of motion evaluations. Static palpation showed facet tenderness and inflammation. The supporting muscles of the neck and upper back were tight, including the trapezius muscles, the scalenes, and the suboccipital muscles.

Treatment today included electrical stimulation to the muscles listed above, and ultrasound to the muscles. I then applied muscular stretching techniques and direct digital pressure into trigger points in the muscles. Finally, an adjustment was performed on the non-moving joints of the neck and upper back.

After treatment, the patient immediately got up from the table and told me that she was feeling better. She said that the headache was not completely gone, but that it was much much better than it was last night and this morning.

This is a single story, but it is typical of many of my patients. Headaches are often the result of loss of motion in spinal neck joints with associated muscle tightness and tension. To me, it makes more sense to treat the cause through adjustments and therapy than to take pills which are full of chemicals that only deaden the perception of pain, and do nothing to treat the cause.

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Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

hCG Weight Loss

I have two patients that just started the hCG diet and each one of them lost three pounds in the first day! I am excited for them. I know that they are working hard at it, but the results will be well worth it.

The hCG diet is the brainchild of Dr. Simeons, a medical doctor from Europe. I have a link of his manuscript entitled "Pounds and Inches", on my website.  It is a good read for anyone considering the hCG diet.  With the diet, it is not uncommon to loose a pound per day.  Considering that we as a society are so over-weight, and that we suffer from many diseases as a result, the hCG diet is a great idea.

Kim is on the diet. She is my receptionist. She is recording her story on her own hCG personal blog. If you need extra inspiration, follow along.

Firbromyalgia and Chiropractic Care

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects thousands, and is typically associated with symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue. The condition is poorly understood, and treatment is limited.  Through public marketing media such as television and radio advertisement, a new drug called Lyrica has been promoted. Like all medications, it promises relief at the expense of a chemical onslaught to the body.  Often with medication, temporary relief is traded at the expense of additional conditions or diseases. If you or someone you know is taking Lyrica, please have them read this advisory notice for Lyrica from their own website.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public regarding the benefits of Chiropractic Care, touts the benefits of chiropractic in treating patients with fibromyalgia. In one of their publications, they quote the experience of Retired Brig. Gen. Becky Halstead, the first woman General in the U.S. Army to command in Iraq. She said that she suffered from fibromyalgia during her military service. "The adjustments and nutritional advice I received from my chiropractor helped in treating the fibromyalgia and made me feel better on a day-to-day basis," raves the West Point graduate.

According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, "while scientists continue to develop a better understanding of fibromyalgia, chiropractors aim to correct misalignments of the spine and pelvis through hands-on adjustments. As joint motion improves, fibromyalgia patients discover that the excruciating pain can be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated. Once this pain is under control, other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia - such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, and depression also diminish."

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Keith Biggs invites you to check out My hCG Journey

I'm following My hCG Journey and think you'll be interested in it as well. To check it out, follow the link below:
http://kims-hcgjourney.blogspot.com/?psinvite=ALRopfXQp0JOqYHD2jgdThHmaUboUUGeL5aRbwK4YA-enYsOb8FKARtMCFh59ft69J_ihnH6BQtvBQmcMxhui_9YlSDE_cIwVw

"Enter a message"

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Google Friend Connect helps people with common interests discover interesting sites and interesting people. To learn more, visit http://www.google.com/friendconnect

Seniors Who Consume Protein Less Likely to Break a Hip

Biggs Chiropractic, Mesa, AZ
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

In my chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition practice, I treat a lot of older patients. I have grown to appreciate their experience, humor, and positive outlook on life. They have enriched my life in many ways, and for that I am very grateful.

One problem that plagues the senior citizen population is the risk of hip fracture.  Hip fractures can be devastating, sometimes leading to disability and even death due to secondary complications.

Much has been published regarding the role of Calcium and other mineral supplements in promoting healthy bones. There is also common knowledge that Vitamin D is of vital importance.  A recent study, however, at the Musculoskeletal Research Program at the Institute for Aging Research has pointed towards another simple step that senior citizens can take in order to reduce their risks of hip fracture.

In this new article, researchers affiliated with Harvard School of Medicine found that those that consumed less than 46 grams of protein daily were 50% more likely to suffer from a hip fracture.

Dr. Hannan, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends that older women consume at least 46 grams of protein per day, and that older men consume at least 56 grams of protein daily. This can come from both animal sources (meal, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt) and plants (legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables).

According to Dr. Hannan, other studies have shown that dietary protein helps to improve bone mineral density. He said that the increased protein consumption could also result in stronger and healthier muscles, providing for more stability across joints. I believe that perhaps the additional muscle mass would help improve balance and prevent falls which often result in hip fractures.

Whatever the reasons for the benefits, the results are clear.  Protein consumption is vital to improve bone and muscle strength.

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

One out of Three Seek Alternative Medicine

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

Patients that suffer from chronic pain have few medical alternatives. As a chiropractor, I can tell you that they get tired of taking medications that only cover the pain, make them feel sick, and cause stomach and liver diseases, and in some cases, death.

I see them in my office every day. They are looking for ways  to control their pain without the empty promises of medication. A study at the University of Michigan showed that 1/3 of patients that suffer from chronic pain report using alternative medicine. The most common of which were Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Bio Feedback.

Medical physicians are waking up to the fact that patients are looking for alternatives. Yet an interesting thing about the study, however, is that many of the patients do not report to their medical doctors that they are seeing alternative medicine practitioners. Could it be that they are worried about being chastised, humiliated, or even ostracised? I have had patients in my office whose medical doctors have refused to see them because they were getting treatment from me. I have had other medical doctors tell my patients that they should discontinue care with me because I could kill or hurt them.  What a shame.  Hopefully, as more studies like this become public, medical doctors will open their minds and will continue to shift their perceptions.  Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and bio feedback are safe and affective treatments for pain, much more safe than many of the drug and surgical alternatives.

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Vitamin E for Fatty Liver

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

A growing number of people in this country suffer from what is known as Fatty Liver Disease. This condition is characterized by deposits of fat within the liver, and the cause is unknown. The condition is more prevalent in people who are over weight and in diabetics.  There is no known cure. There is no known treatment. Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

A recent study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, shows that there is promise in treating fatty liver disease with Vitamin E.  In the study, 43% of those treated with Vitamin E showed significant improvements in liver function.

Although not everyone responded, I believe that these numbers are significant enough to warrant the use of Vitamin E. Milk Thistle is an herb that has also received Kudos in liver treatment. For those that suffer from fatty liver disease, these remedies should be tried. Since there is no other known medical treatment, and since the taking of Vitamin E and Milk Thistle represent treatment options with minimal or no negative affects, those that suffer from this disease should seriously consider a treatment regimen with these two ingredients.

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Probiotic Usage in Premature Infants

Biggs Chiropractic And Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

A study at St. Louis University School of Medicine shows a significant benefit to using probiotic supplementation on premature infants.

Probiotics is the term to describe live beneficial bacteria.  These bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with us. They help to promote good gastrointestinal health and nutrient absorption. Some physicians believe that they also play a role in helping to maintain a healthy immune response. Like all other bacteria, they are sensitive to antibiotic medications.

In the study, small premature infants in the hospital were given doses of the healthy bacteria with their other nutrients. These babies were tube fed.  Compared to the control group of infants that did not get the probiotics, those that did tolerated their feedings better, absorbed more nutrients, and gained more weight.

In my office, I encourage everyone to take doses of live healthy bacteria following any antibiotic treatment. This is particularly important in a patient that suffers from intestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome.  Parents of infants with chronic ear infections find that once probiotics are given to their children, the frequency of infection decreases.

Not all bacteria are bad. The next time that you are compelled to take antibiotics, follow them up with probiotics. Its the healthy thing to do and it could help prevent additional disease and infection.

Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

Acupuncture Pain Study

Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture
biggschiropractic@gmail.com

Researchers at the University of Munich have found that acupuncture is affective in the treatment of pain. The study used Quantitative sensory testing to evaluate the subjects. The results indicate that pain thresholds are increased by as much as 50%.

Although the study was limited, there is hope that additional studies will show the benefits to be even greater when treating chronic pain conditions.

The wonderful thing about using acupuncture to treat pain is that the patient can be treated with little or no side affects. This is not true when pharmaceuticals are used to treat pain.  The adverse affects of pain medications in the treatment of long term chronic pain makes the promise of pain relief through acupuncture even more appealing.





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Keith E. Biggs, DC

3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ  85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office:  480-985-3334
Cell:     480-375-0068

hCG Dieting

www.eastmesachiropractor.com
Biggs Chiropractic and Acupuncture of Mesa, AZ

This week we launched a new diet program in my office. This program incooroporates the use of homeopathic dilutions of the Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that is produced by the placenta of pregnant women.

The hormone hCG, when injected or taken orally through homeopathic drops, has the affect of reducing the symptoms associated with dieting, and it increases the mobilization and of fats so that they can be burned off as energy.

The result is that participants can experience significant weight losses within a relatively short period of time. The diet, when in combination with a change in lifestyle, can drastically improve health.  My hope is that many that suffer from diseases related to excess of weight will be able to see improvement and a reduction, eventually, of supportive medications. Some conditions that might benefit from a reduction of body fat include diabetes and hypertension.  Excess weight also contributes to earlier degenerative changes within body and spinal joints.