Micronutrients to prevent the cytokine “storm”

Hi everyone here is an article in which some micronutrients were studied that had a very positive effect in preventing covid infections. If you recall I suggested the combination of turmeric and resveratrol early on as a prevention of the cytokine “storm”

The micronutrient combination used in our experiments was developed at the Dr. Rath Research Institute (San Jose, CA). The test formulation contained: quercetin – 400 mg, cruciferous plant extract – 400 mg, turmeric root extract – 300 mg, green tea extract (80% polyphenols) – 300 mg, and resveratrol – 50 mg.

Micronutrient combination inhibits two key steps of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection: viral binding to ACE2 receptor and its cellular expression

Posted in Natural Remedies, Nutrition, Preventative Treatments

Boosting Immune Function

Boosting immune function is one of the biggest topics in our clinic right now, so we though we would aggregate a selection of current research publications pertaining to micronutrients and their biological roles in immune function.

Articles are linked to their original source.
Search articles published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine
Search articles published by the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Selenium

Zinc

Micronutrients and Nutrition

Posted in Uncategorized

Getting Ready For Summer 2020

The summer months are here and, though this year may look different than previous years, it is likely that you’ll be spending more time outside and increasing your level of activity. In fact, since there have been so many restrictions on where you can go, you may already be finding yourself more active than normal.

While the increased activity is really good for your overall health, the extra stress can start to cause you pain. Coupled with makeshift work-from-home setups or extra time we’ve been spending on technology and you may be more susceptible to serious injury than you’re accustomed to.

I have been working with patients to develop plans specifically for the situation they are in. Our circumstances may be unprecedented, but our need for quality care is not.

If you’re finding yourself in need of pain relief for body aches and pains, want to prevent or recover from injury, or simply need to get ready for more activity, make an appointment.

We are taking all of the necessary sanitary precautions and doing everything we can to keep our patients and practice safe.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Dr. B

Posted in Health & Wellness, Symptoms & Conditions, Tigard Chiropractor

We Are Open Regular Hours To Serve You

We are open regular hours and, while there is a risk of infection from COVID-19, we are taking sanitary precautions at the clinic. 

We ask that if you are feeling ill contact the office by phone and we will be happy to advise you.  Please stay home if you are ill. We do have telehealth options available for established patients.

Otherwise, we are here and ready to help you however you need it.

You can schedule online here or call us at the office at 503.620.1280.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. B

Posted in Uncategorized

Coronavirus, Some Alternative Perspectives

This is regarding the Sars-CoV-2 Virus and the Covid-19 disease. Below is a list of links to some of the “alternative” voices or points of view regarding the various governments’ use of “one size fits all”, “heavy-handed” approach to minimize impact of the virus and potential disease. The general theme in these alternative viewpoints is that the current public health response (as of March 2020), is not evidence-based/data-driven and may likely end up causing a much larger public health crisis/disaster secondary to the major economic recession or economic depression we will very-likely experience.

March 13 Michael Lin (Stanford) self-published opinion slideshow/article

March 15 Paul Offit, MD (U of PA) Facebook Post (unintended economic and health consequences may be worse than Covid-19)t

March 17 Paul Offit, MD (U of PA) YouTube Interview

March 17 John Ionnidis (Stanford) opinion piece/article (we are not using good data to inform public policy)

March 20 Aaron Gee (Viral internet activity expert) Detailed Analysis of Published Data

March 21 Atul Gawande, MD article in New Yorker (promoting a more focal approach)

March 23 Paul Offit (again) on Canadian Medical Podcast

March 23 Zubin Damania, MD YouTube Opinion Vlog (advocating more focal approach) 

March 24 James Chestnut, MSc. DC Facebook Post 

March 24 Web Article re. Sweden’s More-focused/less draconian  response to this virus

March 24 Eline van den Broek-Altenburg, PhD/Adam Atherly, PhD. Opinion Piece

Posted in Uncategorized

A Special Note From Dr. Beebe About COVID-19

Mounting research suggests vitamin D deficiency may actually be the cause of influenza. People with low vitamin D levels have significantly more colds and cases of the flu.Scientific review confirms vitamin D optimization boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu.

Among people with vitamin D levels below 10, risk for flu was cut by 50%.To prevent flu in one person,  40 people must receive a vaccination whereas the ration is 1 in 33 taking Vit D. If you are severely deficient , supplementation can be as much as 10 times more effective as the vaccine according to some studies.

Vit D actually causes anti viral peptides to be released in the lungs themselves. Obviously we all want to follow the sanitization procedures such as washing hands, covering mouths and staying home if ill. Knowing that soap causes a breakdown in the viral wall is something to strongly consider when washing your hands as it helps destroy the virus.
At this point unless your Vit D levels are around 60 I would advise a daily dosage of 12-15 K IU per day for the next 4-6 weeks as a preventative measure against infection. This should reduce risk when added to sanitary measures.

The lethality of CV has initially been estimated as high as 7%. At this point in time it sits at 1-2% and I think in time it will be at 1% or a little less.
You may get the latest here: United States Coronavirus: 4,243 Cases and 75 Deaths – Worldometer

United States Coronavirus: 4,597 Cases and 86 Deaths – WorldometerUnited States Coronavirus update with statistics and graphs: total and new cases, deaths per day, mortality and …

Most likely we will see a spike in cases over the next week or 2 and again don’t let the media throw you into a panic. There was none of this regarding the Swine flu in 09 for those of you who remember that pandemic.

Please keep in mind that this virus has an affinity for immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.

We are ensuring all surfaces are sanitized regularly and are providing wipes for those who wish to have them. We will have normal office hours and you can schedule online here.

Regards and stay healthy
Dr B

Posted in Uncategorized

You’ve Got a Lot of NERVE!

Did you know it’s incredibly easy to throw off your nervous system?

Chiropractors have witnessed improved digestion, positive mental health, decreased pain, and improved overall function through adjustments and restoring nervous system function.

The Vagus Nerve is extremely powerful and is making a name for itself in the health care field. The Vagus Nerve is responsible for the parasympathetic (rest & digest) functions of the human body. That means it helps digestion, keeps the heart beat regular and slow, decreases blood pressure, improves mental cognition, helps regulate stress hormones, and keeps us in a positive homeostasis. “We feel the vagus nerve is VERY important to your overall health.”

Chiropractic Adjustments

With the fast-paced world we live in, the health of the Vagus nerve is extremely important and chiropractic adjustments can help keep it functioning well! This special nerve travels from the brain, down through the cervical (neck) spine, out to different organs, glands, and tissues. Where it exits from the cervical spine is of vital importance. The C1 vertebra can influence this nerve both positively and negatively, which is why a specific chiropractic adjustment is so important. The more non-invasively we can influence the Vagus nerve, the better.

What can one look for if they suspect their Vagus nerve is not functioning properly? Many times people will experience a “running mind” as they’re trying to fall asleep. “The vagus nerve is the primary parasympathetic supply from the belly up. The parasympathetic portion of the nervous system is the “return to normal ” and ” healing ” portion of the nervous system.”

Sometimes it shows itself as poor digestion, meaning stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, irritable bowel, etc. High blood pressure and heart palpitations can also be a sign that the Vagus nerve is not functioning properly.

Be Aware

The more aware one is with their body, the quicker they can determine if something is “off”. By having routine nervous system checkups by a chiropractor, you can be sure that your body is functioning optimally and it can help prevent some unwanted health conditions in the future.

Posted in Health & Wellness

Bye Bye Winter Blues

We know it’s coming. Those dark, dreary, rainy Oregon days. The winter blues can develop into something serious, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It affects about 5% of the population mainly in northern latitudes such as Oregon.

What is SAD?

SAD is a form of depression that begins and ends during a specific season each year. Symptoms of SAD include increased need for sleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, decreased activity, decreased concentration and ability to think clearly, decreased sex drive, and increased appetite, particularly for sweets and starchy carbohydrates.

How do ‘light boxes’ help?

  • Production of serotonin (a.k.a. “The Happiness Hormone”) is triggered by bright light like sunlight in the summer. The light box can emulate sunshine. 
    • Serotonin helps calm the brain’s response to stress and boosts overall feelings of happiness. This is why people tend to feel happier and more energetic on a bright, sunny day.
  • Light boxes should be used 20-60 min a day first thing in morning.
  • Costco and other retailers sell them for around $50
  • Sit approximately 12-15 inches in front of the light for about 30 minutes each day while doing another activity like eating breakfast, working, reading, or using a computer.

Are supplements helpful?

  • Vitamin D – it’s the sunshine vitamin.
  • There is a health disease incidence prevention chart, that is used with bloodwork to determine vitamin D levels
    • Keeping levels above 60 mitigate having bad stuff like cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and multiple sclerosis
  • Curcumin – 1000 mg day was found to be as effective as Prozac after 6 weeks.
    • With the cold and rainy weather all the autoimmune disorders generally intensify and curcumin is also a great anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Lithium Orotate – Studies show promise here and indifferent areas throughout the world communities that have high levels of lithium in water supplies have less incidence of crime, divorce etc.
  • 5HTP and/or tryptophan

How is ‘chocolate’ beneficial?

  • A recent study by a London PHD showed people who consume dark chocolate have noticed a decrease in their depressive symptoms.

If you have symptoms of SAD, seek the help of a trained medical professional. We treat many patients here at our Tigard, Oregon clinic who are suffering from debilitating symptoms and are happy to lift your spirits this winter.

Posted in Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Symptoms & Conditions

Stress Season

Shopping, planning, extended family visits all contribute to a challenging season full of icky viruses. We often see patients seeking help boosting their immune system before, during and after the holidays.

The immune system provides a robust anatomical barrier that serves as a host defense mechanism. One of these anatomical barriers is the gastrointestinal tract, full of digestive enzymes, bile acids and gut flora to name a few.

All of these essential defense mechanisms rely heavily on the entire gastrointestinal tract functioning efficiently.

Planning meals that benefit the immune system is a great way of fighting off infection. Avoiding infection promoting foods such as potato chips, sugar and soda is also a key to enrich the microbiome and boost immunity.

6 types of foods that boost the immune system

1.    Yellow Bell Peppers

Contrary to popular belief, oranges are not particularly high in vitamin C when compared to other fruits. One orange provides 78% DV of vitamin C, which is ok. The reason that yellow bell peppers are top of our list is they are easy to get in most parts of the world and contain 152%DV of vitamin C. Yellow bell peppers contain more vitamin C as they mature (up to a point). Green bell peppers have half the amount of vitamin C, about the same amount as an orange.

Vitamin C boosts the immune system by influencing the development and functioning of lymphocytes. About half a cup of yellow bell peppers will provide 152% DV of vitamin C.

Other vitamin C rich foods include: Acerola Cherries (913% DV), Rose Hips (132% DV), Green Chili Peppers (121% DV), Guava (140% DV), and Blackcurrants (112% DV)

2.    Guava

Guava is a perfect source of nutrients and we are right in the middle of the winter ‘guava season’. Peeled guava contains 140% DV of vitamin C and is also rich in lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and plays an important role in the enzyme activities of the immune system.

One randomized controlled study found that eating 400g of guava per day lowered blood pressure as well as serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Other foods that are rich in lycopene include: Tomatoes (sun-dried, pureed, fresh and canned), watermelon and red/ pink grapefruit.

3.    Broccoli

Broccoli is high in phytonutrients like vitamin A, C and E. Ensuring high-quality intake of essential nutrients boosts the immune system. It’s important to note that raw broccoli or broccoli sprouts contain the highest levels of sulforaphane. Minimizing boiling or cooking and eating sulforaphane-rich foods as raw as possible will provide maximum health benefits.

Sulforaphane has been found to support healthy inflammation pathways and blood pressure in animal models. Sulforaphane has a wide range of health benefits that include cognitive protection and blood stabilization. In one study, fasting blood sugar was significantly reduced (by 6.5%) in participants that consumed sulforaphane.

Other foods that contain sulforaphane include: Kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, watercress and cauliflower

4.    Turmeric

Turmeric is a great immune-boosting food due to its support of healthy inflammatory pathways. Inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of many health-compromising situations, so consuming pro-healthy-inflammation foods is an ideal way to boost the immune system.

Turmeric has a host of other beneficial health-promoting mechanisms, including its anti-oxidative, anti-cytotoxic, neurorestorative properties, as well as having metal-chelating properties, making it an important staple in an immune-boosting pantry. Curcumin is the active component in turmeric that offers all of the health benefits of this ancient golden root.

Turmeric is the only food that contains curcumin.

5.    Green Tea

Green tea contains L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and the formation of healthy T-cells. Black tea also contains L-theanine (sometimes in higher doses). However, black tea is often fermented, reducing the L-theanine properties.

Green tea is packed with flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Flavonoids are one of big the reasons plants are good for you as flavonoids boost the immune system.

Other flavonoid rich foods include: Cranberries, apples, blueberries, broccoli, and strawberries

6.    Almonds

Almonds are rich in fat-soluble vitamin E. Vitamin E boosts the immune system as it’s a free radical scavenging antioxidant. Almonds are easy to find and store in any season, making them a great winter pantry staple.

Additional immune boosting foods

Vitamin E rich foods include: Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts and wheat germ oil. Prebiotic foods; garlic, leeks and onions and probiotic foods like miso, pickles, sauerkraut and tempeh go a long way toward good health.

Eating a varied diet bursting with plant-based nutrition is the key to boosting the immune system.

As cold and flu season (the stress season) approaches, be sure to stock your fridge with foods that will fight for your health.

Posted in Health & Wellness, Holidays, Nutrition

Surprise, It’s Not a Migraine

The pain we typically think of as a migraine or cluster headache might actually be Occipital Nerve Syndrome – and we can help.

We all know the feeling: pounding head, wearing our sunglasses indoors until we can shuffle our way into our bed, blackout curtains drawn.

In our clinic, migraine headache complaints are pretty common from patients seeking treatment.

But, surprisingly, some patients who present these symptoms aren’t suffering from a classic migraine at all.

The pain and symptoms associated with migraines are undeniable: visual disturbances, such as an aura or scotoma (wavy lines, reminiscent of a kaleidoscope); vertigo; light sensitivity; sound sensitivity; vomiting; severe headache one sided but may spread to both sides.

With symptoms like that, it’s easy to see how a patient would think they have a migraine. However, it may actually be something different altogether: Occipital Nerve Syndrome.

This one-sided headache travels from the bottom of the skull to the areas above the ear and into the eye. Unlike tension headaches – which are often described as bandlike, tightness, or viselike – headaches stemming from Occipital Nerve Syndrome are steady and non-pulse-like.

What Causes Occipital Nerve Syndrome?

It seems the smallest things can have the largest impact, and that is no different with Occipital Nerve Syndrome. Common, everyday movements can trigger an outburst of pain from occipital neuralgia,  including:

  • Turning the head side to side,
  • Putting the head down on a pillow, and
  • Brushing or washing the hair

More traumatic injuries to the neck area can also lead to Occipital Nerve Syndrome, such as whiplash from a car accident.

Even the presence of tight muscles in the neck and back of the head can pinch or trap occipital nerves, causing occipital neuralgia.

The pain can be quite intense, prompting some individuals with the condition to believe they’re experiencing a migraine or cluster headache. It’s an understanding conclusion to arrive at; however, these are different kinds of conditions that require different types of treatment.

There Is Hope… And Help

While the bad news is that you’re suffering from a lot of pain, there is good news in sight: This type of headache responds very well to chiropractic care.

To confirm diagnosis so that you receive the best care, a thorough examination should be performed to ascertain what type of headache you’re experiencing. Then treatment parameters for that type should be assessed.

Although chiropractic remedies for occipital neuralgia were once considered alternative treatments, the advantage of not having to deal with the risks associated with surgery and medications has made it more mainstream. Chiropractic care seeks to correct the heart of the matter, aiming to alleviate the root cause of the pain – not to just manage it.

These non-invasive treatments can include adjustments, heat, massage, and traction. This brings the body back into proper alignment, loosening the neck muscles and taking the pressure off the nerves.

We have seen greater success with patients remaining pain-free that choose chiropractic care over surgery or medications, so give us a call today!

Posted in Health & Wellness, Posture, Safety, Stress, Symptoms & Conditions, Techniques & Treatments