Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil Packs

One of the most useful home therapies I recommend to patients is the use of castor oil packs.  I've read that humankind has been using castor oil packs for about 3000 years.  During the Middle Ages, castor oil was known as the Oil of Christ. 

I recommend castor oil packs for their detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.  The packs can be applied to the lower abdomen for assistance with digestive distress (constipation, IBS, chronic indigestion and bloating), menstrual cramps, uterine fibroids, UTI prevention, cystitis, as well as to the breasts and liver.  The heat provided by the castor oil pack helps to provide warmth to organs that are over-stimulated.  The pack also has strong detoxifcation qualities and has been known to assist with bile flow in the liver and inflammation in organs or joints.  I do not recommend using the packs on the head.

To make a castor oil pack, you’ll need a good quality castor oil, a wool flannel, hot water bottle/heating pad, plastic and rags/towels. Most natural food stores sell both the castor oil and wool flannel.

First, cut in half a plastic grocery bag and lay flat. Pour or soak the flannel in the castor oil until saturated but do not let it drip. Lay the soaked flannel across the abdomen and place the open plastic bag on top. Next, place a rag or old towel on top and then the hot water bottle/heating pad. Lie still for 45-60 minutes. When finished, remove the flannel and wash the area with a solution of baking soda and water. Beware that castor oil can stain so keep away from clothing. 


I generally recommend the castor oil pack every 2-3 days until symptoms improve. 

Jennifer Greenfield D.C.

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Castor Oil Packs

Before it’s too late...

I have been treating animals, providing chiropractic care for many of the same problems that I treat my human patients.  I often have pet owners calling or emailing me, asking if I can help their beloved pet.  Hearing the stories about a pet who has been progressively experiencing weakness in his legs, inability to engage in the activities that bring him joy, and developing wasting of his muscles, all taking place over a month or more.  I catch myself wishing and wondering how and why I wasn’t able to help this animal until recovery seems daunting. 

In some cases time is often of the essence when someone wants conservative care for their animal, especially in the case of nerve involvement.  Some problems are much more difficult to treat as time goes on.  Sometimes it can even be difficult to tell if your pet is experiencing pain, so we have to look for other indicators.  Some of these are things as simple as behavioral changes, licking a paw continually (indicator for numbness), “skipping” while running, sitting or lying only on one side, unwillingness to participate in a loved game, or not wanting to walk on tile or hardwood floors.

It is crucial to seek help for your pet sooner rather than later.  I believe it takes a lot to slow down an animal that loves to please his master, just like a child who won’t let a little pain stop them from playing! It breaks my heart to have someone carry their dog in on a sling because he is unable to walk any longer, asking me to help.  I entreat pet owners to act at the first sign of trouble.  For this reason, periodic preventative/maintenance care is just as important for our pets as it is for us.  Please don't wait until it is too late...

Before it’s too late...

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Eating Beets

Beets are a wonderful food not only for general health but especially for liver health. Now that summer is winding down, I’m starting to think of the root vegetables which generally color my plate in the fall and winter. The most common beet available is the red beet, but golden beets are also available.

To get the most out of beets, I recommend eating the red beets. Beets pack a nutritional punch for the liver because they contains phytonutrients called betalains and betaine. The phytonutrients are supportive and protective of the liver and a healthy liver is vital to keep the body fit, trim, and young.

Not only are the beets themselves healthy and tasty but beet greens are fabulous as well. When I grow beets in my garden, I choose varieties that have abundant green leaves on the top.

Since many people are unfamiliar with beets and how to prepare them, I have some website suggestions for more information

• The World’s Healthiest Foods: http://www.whfoods.com
• Issue 10 (November/December 2009) has a great article called Just Beet It

• One of my favorite blogs has information on roasting beets, http://www.elanaspantry.com/how-to-roast-beets/, plus making beet hummus http://www.elanaspantry.com/beet-hummus/.

• http://sites.google.com/site/spiritualfoodcsa/food-a-pedia/beets

Roasted beets and butternut squash (or sweet potatoes) are a staple in my house during the cooler months of the year. Sauteed beet greens make a tasty side dish to any meal. I also make a beverage called Beet Kvass, which is for the more adventurous beet eaters.  Email me at drgreenfield@yahoo.com for more info on the Kvass. The only thing I don’t recommend is eating beets from a can. Canned food has little nutritional value. Fresh is always best.


I was not an adventurous eater as a child or even a young adult. I remember the “yuck factor” when tasting a pickled beet while in my early 20s. But once I taught myself to cook and experimented with vegetables, I learned to love beets and beet greens. I encourage you to give beets a try.

And a final note…if you eat beets, please be mindful that the color of your urine and stool will turn red. So, no, you are not bleeding, it’s a result of the beets!

Happy Eating!

Jennifer Greenfield D.C.

Beets from my garden, 2009

Raleigh Chiropractor Recommends Eating Beets

Feeling lazy, neurotic or depressed? You may have an adrenal deficiency.

I'm just SO TIRED

I am so depressed!

I never have energy

These three sentences are some of the most common in the healthcare field. In fact, fatigue and depression are a huge contributing factor to the success of the pharmaceutical industry. Not to mention the recent boom of energy drinks on the market.

While many factors can come into  play when discussing these symptoms a large part of the population is actually experiencing adrenal fatigue. In fact up to 90% of the population has some level of adrenal fatigue. So what is this condition and what can you do about it?

What are the adrenal glands?

They are 2 small endocrine glands, the size of a walnut, that sit on top of each kidney.

What do the Adrenal Glands do?

They are the “stress handling” glands.  They produce a variety of hormones that help you handle all types of stress – physical, mental or emotional.  They seek to keep your body functioning in a dynamic balance (homeostasis) amidst whatever external changes or challenges you meet.  They help mobilize you for “fight of flight” in a dangerous situation.

They control:

1. fluid balance
2. blood sugar balance in between meals
3. inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to injury or invasion
4. immune system response and strength

They produce the steroid hormones which:

1. are the vitality hormones that determine overall strength, energy and stamina
2. provide a sense of well-being and maintain healthy mood and emotion
3. are on the backup system for sex hormones, and so are vital for everything from healthy pregnancy to healthy menopause, potency and fertility
4. when functioning in healthy levels and proportions, provide protection against all forms of dis-ease.

 How well you live depends to a large degree upon how well your adrenal glands function!

Adrenal Fatigue

1.        Adrenal Fatigue is not recognized by conventional medicine.  Only the extremes of Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease are recognized.

2.        Probably 90% of the population is in some degree of adrenal stress or fatigue.

3.        Weak adrenal function sets the stage for a host of other conditions to appear and progress, including digestive problems, allergies, chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, immune system weakness, diabetes, degenerative diseases and cancer.

4.        Traditional blood tests are almost always normal even though the patient is clearly not well and presents with a host of signs and symptoms.  These patients have often been told, “There’s nothing wrong, it’s all in your head,” or have been branded as a hypochondriac, lazy, neurotic or a difficult patient.

How do you "fix" adrenal fatigue?

The best thing to do is to contact your trusted acupuncturist, chiropractor or holistic nutritionist to discuss your options. Whole food and herbal supplements are usually used to treat this condition but first you should undergo a simple saliva test to see if you are truly experiencing this condition. If you are in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill-Wake Forest area call Dr. Jennifer Greenfield at Center for Chiropractic &Wellness (919-845-3280) to set up your appointment. She was recently voted best chiropractor in the triangle by the Independent, and she has extensive experience and focus with hormones and nutrition related to adrenal fatigue.

Some supplemental suggestions may include Rhodiola &Ginseng, Rehmannia and Ashwaganda, Cataplex B, or Drenamin. High Grade Licorice is also recommended in many cases. The herbs/whole food supplements prescribed to you should be done by a professional and on a specific case by case basis after that professional has reviewed your test and your chart. Monthly follow-ups should be done to re-assess your dosages for the most effective results.

Feeling lazy, neurotic or depressed? You may have an adrenal deficiency.

Yoga labeled as woman's domain: Men are missing out on the benefits!

A world turned upside down—that's yoga for most men because, unlike football, hockey, or baseball yoga is, seemingly, a woman's domain. According to a 2005 Yoga Journal market study, 77 percent of the yoga practitioners in America are female. Legendary teachers like Anusara Yoga founder John Friend and Power Yoga instructor Baron Baptiste believe the numbers might be even higher.

It's not that men don't know they are missing. Nowadays, there seems to be a yoga studio on every corner; Raleigh alone has more than a dozen of quality studios. Men see their wives, girlfriends, and girl-friends strutting yoga fit bods, standing proud and tall, and living a tranquil yet productive lifestyle due to the practice, but most men still refuse to try the discipline.

So why do so many men stay away? A recent   yoga journal article shows that  there are "social, physical, and emotional realities that discourage men from practicing."  It takes a "strong" man and a brave man to tackle the discipline because not only is it socially unacceptable fr a man to hit up a yoga studio for a session of zen and flow, it also forces men to delve deeper into their phsyical and emotional databases that they are used to doing with a game of pickup soccer, for example. Read HERE for a further explanation of these three obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.

As an aspiring Yogi and lover of the discipline, I recommend yoga to all demographics; male or female, indian or latino, young or old...

But why?

Yoga enables presence of mind and body. In today's society we are so bogged down by the future, the next step, the next turn that we forget to see the forest for the trees. Practicing presence, or staying in the moment as many people call it actually enhances productivity and balance. Yoga enables this process to begin for many through the awareness of and importance of breathing and posture, one breaht a

Yoga balances strength with flexibility: Many lifelong athletes have a repertoire of injuries. They may be strong or have a lot of cardio endurance but they neglect to stretch enough. Yoga combines strength and endurance techniques with flexibility all in one package. Preventing injuries is a total plus!

Yoga lubricates  the joints, ligaments and tendons: yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body. it has been found that the body which may have been quite rigid starts experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously work upon. Why? It is here that the remarkable research behind yoga positions proves its mettle. Seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Yoga massages the organs: Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those – such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

So get "bendy" men. The benefits far outweigh the social stigma, and your bodies will thank you. Your women friends will probably like it too :)

For a list of Raleigh Yoga Studios please visit this link

Yoga labeled as woman's domain: Men are missing out on the benefits!

Barbequing safety for 4th of July Holiday

Barbecuing is one of America’s favorite pastimes, especially during Fourth of July weekend. However, it’s hard to believe that this enjoyable and easy meal option can cause food poisoning and even cancer! ChicagoHealers.com Dr. Martha Howard M.D. provides the following tips for staying safe during summer grilling:

Safety Hazards:

• An April 2006 presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research showed that when PhIP, a barbecue/char chemical, was added to rats’ food, they developed cancerous changes in their intestines, spleens and prostates within four weeks.
• HCAs, hetero-cyclic amines, are also produced when meat is charred. This compound can increase the risk of breast, stomach, colon, and prostate cancer.
• PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are produced by smoking fat from chicken, fish or meat and can damage lung, liver, skin and kidney tissue. 

Tips for Safe Barbecuing:

• Clean the grill: get rid of the old fats left over from previous meals.
• Avoid petroleum starters for charcoal: If you use charcoal, use a wood starter and stack your charcoal up in a 2 pound metal can with the ends cut off. Lift off the can with tongs and spread out the coals when they are well started.
• Proper timing: Avoid a time gap between opening the valve and starting the grill.
• Wash your hands: Keep your hands clean and use separate plates and cutting boards for raw and cooked meats.  Be sure to wash hands again before putting on long, heat-proof barbecue gloves.
• Trim meat: Trim most of the fat from meat; less fat means fewer PAHs. 
• Use marinades: This protects the meat from charring.  Put the marinade on, and refrigerate until use. Don’t let meat sit out.
• Pre-cooking: Use pre-cooking prior to grilling, especially for items like raw brats. Avoid taking burgers, chicken or other meats directly from the freezer to the grill.
• Cutting techniques: Cut meat and chicken into smaller pieces so they cook through.
• Flipping: Turn down the fire, and turn your burgers, steaks, chops, or chicken often, so they cook through, and come out golden brown.
• Meat thermometer: If you are cooking a thicker portion of meat or chicken, use a meat thermometer. 
• Chicken:  165 degrees 
• Hamburger: 160 degrees
• Pork: 150 degrees
• Hot dogs: 140 degrees 
• Steak: 145 degrees for medium rare and 160 degrees for medium.
• Cleaning up: At the end of the barbecue, be sure to put out your charcoal completely, and if you are using propane, be sure the valve is turned off.

Barbequing safety for 4th of July Holiday

WellnessTip: Understanding Osteoarthritis

For decades, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, has been considered a part of aging. Recent research points out, however, that older people don’t have to suffer from osteoarthritic pain. And, surprisingly, people much younger than 65 can develop osteoarthritis.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

• Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage—slippery tissue on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Normally, cartilage helps bones glide over one another. In a patient with osteoarthritis, however, the cartilage is broken down and eventually wears away. As a result, instead of gliding, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion.

• Although the majority of patients with osteoarthritis are 65 and older, recent research shows that osteoarthritis is not a by-product of aging. Family history of osteoarthritis, being overweight, lack of exercise and prior joint injuries are suggested risk factors.
• Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, patient examination and X-rays. Other tests, such as drawing fluid from the joint, are sometimes used.

What Are Signs of Osteoarthritis?

• Steady or intermittent joint pain
• Joint stiffness after sitting, sleeping or otherwise not moving for a long time
• Swelling or tenderness in the joints
• A crunching feeling or the sound of bones rubbing against each other

Should Osteoarthritis Patients Exercise?

• Exercise is one of the best forms of osteoarthritis treatment and prevention. It strengthens the muscular support around the joints and improves and maintains joint mobility and function.
• Exercise helps control weight and improve the patient’s mood and outlook.
• Low-impact or non-weight-bearing activities, such as walking, stationary training, and light weight training, work best for patients with osteoarthritis.
• Strengthening exercises help tone the key muscle groups that relate to the function of the joints that may be weakened by the degeneration.
• If you are overweight, start exercising carefully, so as not to put too much stress on the knee and ankle joints.
• Stair climbing, water aerobics, Theraband workouts and similar exercises will help to keep the joints mobile without straining them.
• When exercising, learn to read the body’s signals and know when to stop, slow down or rest.

How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?

• Doctors of chiropractic, by the nature of their work, can detect the earliest degenerative changes in the joints. They see the impact of degenerative changes in the spine, as well as in the hips, knees and other weight-bearing joints.
• Doctors of chiropractic are also trained to relieve the pain and improve joint function through natural therapies, such as chiropractic manipulation, trigger-point therapy or some massage techniques.
• Doctors of chiropractic can provide exercise counseling, helping you choose exercises that are best for you. If a sore or swollen joint prevents you from exercising, talk to your doctor of chiropractic about other drug-free pain-relief options, such as applying heat or cold to the affected area.
• Your doctor of chiropractic can help you choose proper supplements that play important roles in osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.

 
 From the ChiroVoice Newsletter

WellnessTip: Understanding Osteoarthritis

Sprouts and Their Health Effects

Due to their potent antioxidant activity, plant sprouts have been touted as a health food in many cultures—and, according to research, their use may be warranted. Studies show that sprouts contain a far superior amount of vitamins, proteins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals than mature vegetables. The high concentration of nutrients in sprouts may make them a handy tool in the fight to prevent chronic disease. Here are a few highlights from studies:

• Broccoli sprouts have been found to significantly inhibit bladder cancer development and show promise for bladder cancer prevention and treatment.
• In animal studies, buckwheat sprouts show potent antioxidative capabilities, as well as the ability to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Wheat sprouts have been shown to contain highly potent antioxidants, which may inhibit the development of colon cancer.

Sprouts can be added to tossed salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches and vegetable dips. While some types of sprouts are available at supermarkets, they can also be grown at home or in a garden. Remember that sprouts are hard to clean, so take extra care when using them to prevent the spread of bacteria.


article from the American Chiropractic Association's  Newsletter (ChiroVoice)

Sprouts and Their Health Effects

Become an Ambassador of good health for Center for Chiropractic & Wellness

Our patients are not only our livelihood, they are also our purpose, our mission and our spirit. We feel privileged every day to do business in such a wonderfully supportive community. The positivity surrounding us seems to never end, nor do we wish it to! In efforts to keep our mission alive we ask that you join our new ambassador program and help us to spread the word of core Health &Wellness by nominating us for N.C's 2010 Small Business of the Year

By winning  the 2010 Best in the Triangle for the following three categories: Holistic Medicine, Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we have gotten a lot of positive response from new patients looking for maintenance care and healing. As a result our practice continues to grow. We thank you profusely for your patronage and  your support and ask that you help us continue to spread awareness to the triangle community.

As an ambassador to CCW you will be the first to be notified of service specials, events, updates and more. After nominating us HERE please send a copy of the nomination to ccwwellness@gmail.com to be put on our Ambassador list. It takes less than a minute, and the result will help not only you, but also your community! Other ways to join the ambassador program are to recommend atleast 3 patients to our practice for any of our services, or to link your website, blog, or social media sites to two of our online sources from the following list:

• website: http://carolinachirowellness.com
• blog: http://ccwwellness.blogspot.com
• Dr. Greenfield's Site: www.restoringwellness.com
• Dr. Ward's Site: www.animalchiropractornc.com
• Brian Kramer L.Ac: www.krameracupuncture.com
• Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ccw.raleigh?ref=ts
• Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=97500771321&ref=ts
• Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Raleigh-NC/Center-for-Chiropractic-Wellness/116470079088?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=11
• Twitter Account:  https://twitter.com/ccw_wellness

When you do so please send me a link of your website, blog, etc. so I can verify your link and add you to the list. If you recommend people ask that they put your name on their new patient paperwork under "recommended by:" Once our ambassador program grows we will be offering incentives to members. So please help us get it up and running...

As always...dedicated to your health & wellness,

Jennifer Campbell

Become an Ambassador of good health for Center for Chiropractic & Wellness

Link Lovin': Spread the Love with a Click (or a few)

Here is the second Link Lovin' source list for June:

Food Renegade is one of my favorite blogs. In this article dated May 13 this wonderful blogger discusses research should you wear sunscreen? Already has 15K viewers!
For more on this topic let me refer back to the Environmental Working Groups Shopper's Guide to Safer Sunscreens.

Now, as school is out for many students right now, what a better time than the present to start your kids eating better. For helpful tips on a truly nourishing diet check out the Nourishing Our Children Foundation .

For a tasty bite try Karina's Kitchen Pomegranate Smoothie...it promises to be drool-worthy and full of antioxidants!

Link Lovin': Spread the Love with a Click (or a few)

Kathy's Summer Massage Specials for active families

Youth Special
Summer is a time for children's active play, summer swim team, soccer and other sports camps. It is a fun time but the constant go-go-go can wear on your kids muscles, especially if they are not engaging in proper stretching before and after activity. If your child has been active this summer consider treating your children to a 1/2 hour sports massage.


 
Adults who play like kids special
Are you an active adult? Gym Junkie, Trail Runner, Triathlete, Marathon Runner, Masters Swimmer, or just plain active parent busy running after your kids? Then take advantage of our massage special.



Both Specials consist of a 1/2 hour sports massage for $30.
We look forward to treating you!

Kathy's Summer Massage Specials for active families

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness Voted Best in the Triangle 2010!

Center for Chiropractic &Wellness has been nominated and selected as the best in the triangle 2010 for Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Holistic Medicine. Thank you to all of our friends and patrons who thought us worthy to receive this honor. We accept it with love and appreciation to you all! 

Please share this good news with all your friends and family. The more people we help the more we are able to further our mission of health &wellness for the triangle!

 

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness Voted Best in the Triangle 2010!

Link Lovin': Spread the Love with a Click (or a few)

Today as I was reading one of my favorite blogs out there (Food Renegade) I realized that this savvy blogger has a great initiative called "Link Love" where she links directly to current and interesting bloggers and web sources from the month.

What a Great Idea! I decided I had to jump on this band wagon and not turn back...so here is my link lovin' for June:

FIrst of all, let me start with a reference to Food Renegade herself. In this article dated April 21st she discusses research debunking the myth that saturate fat causes heart disease...

Next lets look at ChiroOrg as they discuss the top 6 Alternative Medicine Modalities to treat back pain and their effectiveness. Chiropractic takes the top spot, Massage and Acupuncture also seem to help. As we offer all three here at CCW it's no wonder that our patients leave feeling amazingly whole!

Acupuncture Today's current issue has a wonderfully descriptive article about the low fat phenomenon's relation to obesity titled the "Snackwell Effect" that I highly recommend.

For a tasty bite try Karina's Kitchen Quinoa taco salad...it promises to be drool-worthy

And Finally for some summer sun safety check out the Environmental Working Groups Shopper's Guide to Safer Sunscreens.


I hope you enjoy my first bit of "link lovin'" and continue to read on!

Link Lovin': Spread the Love with a Click (or a few)

Center for Chiropractic and Wellness is a Best of the Triangle Finalist, AGAIN!

Thanks to your dedication and the dedication of all of our loyal patients here at Center for Chiropractic and Wellness, we have, once again made the Best of the Triangle finalist list for 2010 in the following categories:

• Best Chiropractic Practice
• Best Chiropractor – Dr. Jennifer Greenfield
• Best place for Holistic Medicine
• Best place for Acupuncture

Thank you to everyone who voted!

The results will be revealed in the June 9 issue.

Results will be online as well, where you can always read Best of the Triangle stories and search for Best of the Triangle winners in the locations database.

Center for Chiropractic and Wellness is a Best of the Triangle Finalist, AGAIN!

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness Recommends "Real Food on a Real Budget"

Real Food on a Real Budget is written as a primer for families who want to learn how to save an average of 20-30% on their food budget while  serving better quality and more nutritionally dense foods.
Based on 6 years of hands-on experience and hundreds of hours of research, Real Food on a Real Budget is packed with practical tips and suggestions to help you become a better a steward of both your finances and your health.

What You Can Expect to Learn:

• How to shave literally hundreds and potentially even thousands off of your grocery expenses every year, without compromising on what you buy!
• How to establish a realistic food budget for your unique family, and actually stick to it.
• How to provide better nutrition and cost effectiveness through a meal planning method that suits you best.
• How to find places to buy whole and traditional foods wherever you live and compare prices so that you know you're getting the absolute best deals.
• Why, what and how to buy in bulk and what to do with all that food!
• Which foods are both nutrient-dense, cost-effective, and how to work your diet around them.
• Why cooking from scratch is key to eating real foods, how to find the time to do it, and how to use that time as effectively as possible.
• Why you should purchase your foods seasonally and locally, preserve them for cheaper year-round eats, and even grow them yourself.
• How to evaluate whether couponing can work for you and help to stretch your budget just a little bit further.
• Countless tips for practicing frugality in your kitchen.
• And more...

Download this PDF file to read a preview copy from the Introduction chapter.

Real Food on a Real Budget (Preview)

(Click on it once, it will take you to a new page with a link- when you click that link the file will open/download)

Center for Chiropractic & Wellness Recommends "Real Food on a Real Budget"

7 Drugs That Can Kill Children with a Single Pill

Even parents who keep medicines out of their children's reach are at risk of an emergency.

The Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America notes that in 50 percent of all childhood accidental poisonings, the medication bottle was only "out" for a short amount of time as it was being used.

Here are some of the more common medicines that can lead to emergencies when accidentally ingested by kids..........Read more here

7 Drugs That Can Kill Children with a Single Pill

Understanding your Adrenals: How to cope with stress

Below is an article from one of my favorite and most read blogs..."Food Renegade." 
I highly recommend adding their posts to your RSS feed for daily reading.

What are your adrenals, anyway? These tiny, triangular shaped glands sit on top of your kidneys and are responsible for creating and releasing hormones for helping you cope with stress (most notably cortisol and adrenaline).

When you’re stressed, your adrenals release adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). The adrenaline increases your heart rate, contracts blood vessels, and dilates air passage ways to quicken your fight-or-flight response. You experience this as feeling suddenly super-charged, ready for feats of muscular strength and/or quick thinking. Your body quickly burns through your immediately available energy stores, lowering your blood sugar. Your adrenals release cortisol in combination with adrenaline to increase your blood sugar and increase the liver’s stores of glycogen in order to help your body return to homeostasis.

When Your Adrenals Malfunction

If you experience prolonged, frequent, or intense emotional or physical stress and don’t have a diet which supports optimal adrenal functioning, you may experience adrenal fatigue when over-stimulation of the adrenal glands leave them unable to meet your body’s needs. Some other names for the syndrome include non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, sub-clinical hypoadrenia, hypoadrenalism, and neurasthenia.
Symptoms can include:

• excessive fatigue and exhaustion
• non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
• overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
• feeling rundown or overwhelmed
• craving salty and sweet foods
• you feel most energetic in the evening
• a feeling of not being restored after a full night’s sleep or having sleep disturbances
• low stamina, slow to recover from exercise
• slow to recover from injury, illness or stress
• difficulty concentrating, brain fog
• poor digestion
• low immune function
• food or environmental allergies
• premenstrual syndrome or difficulties that develop during menopause
• consistent low blood pressure
• extreme sensitivity to cold

How To Keep Your Adrenals Healthy

Reduce Stress.
This means saying no to the hectic pace of modern American life and practicing stress-relieving exercises like yoga, prayer, or meditation.

Get More Sleep.
Too little sleep causes your adrenals to over-produce cortisol and adrenaline just to maintain normal bodily functions. By resting whenever you’re tired, your body will recharge energy levels naturally rather than relying on your adrenals to keep you going.

Avoid Refined Sugars & Grains.
When you eat refined sugars and grains, your blood sugar levels rise quickly. This prompts your pancreas to release insulin to sharply lower your blood sugar levels. After your blood sugar drops, your adrenals are forced to release cortisol to increase your blood sugar levels back to homeostasis. By keeping your blood sugar levels at more natural, even levels, you can save your adrenals a significant amount of work and help them perform optimally.

Eat More Cholesterol.
Your body uses cholesterol to build hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Without adequate amounts of cholesterol in your diet, you’ll experience the constant fatigue common to those who can’t produce adequate levels of cortisol or adrenaline.

Eat More Saturated Fat.
A high-fat diet will ensure that your blood sugar levels stay even, keep you feeling satiated, and improve your moods. All these things will allow your adrenals to function normally, rather than constantly requiring them to put out intense bursts of hormones to correct for your erratic blood sugar levels and moods. Remember to stick to the healthy fats mentioned in this post, and you’ll do fine.

Avoid Caffeine.
The stimulants in caffeine create artificial stress on your body, prompting your adrenals to release cortisol and adrenaline to help cope. Why give your adrenals the extra work?

Eat More Salt.
A diet unnaturally low in sodium or too high in potassium can stress the adrenals. That’s because one of the hormones your adrenals secrete, aldosterone, regulates the amount of sodium and potassium in the body.

Supplement with Adrenal Glandulars.
Desiccated adrenal gland from pigs and cattle can be helpful to some people in supporting adrenal function, and replacing some missing adrenal hormones. Be sure to get a reputable brand from a reputable supplier, to ensure quality, potency and safety.[Try Drenamin from Standard Process or a combination of Rehmannia and Ashwaganda from MediHerb]

Check out the other posts in the Understanding The Keys To Health series!

Understanding your Adrenals: How to cope with stress

Raleigh Golfers: Chiropractic & Flexible Orthotics--the ultimate game enhancer!

 Chiropractic

• Reduce muscle tension, Eliminate spinal subluxations that contribute to instability and immobility 

Golf: ParFlex Plus®

• Moisture and temperature control with
  Dryz™ and IntelliTemp?™
• Two magnetic strips built into each Stabilizer*
• Zorbacel® heel pads for shock absorption
• StanceGuard™ for variable firmness
  and flexibility during lateral weight shifts
• Increases club-head speed and drive distance and reduces fatigue (JMPT, 1997-2001)

Raleigh Golfers: Chiropractic & Flexible Orthotics--the ultimate game enhancer!

Drink Kombucha Tea Daily for weight loss, energy, digestion, and much more!

Go to www.getkombucha.com for more information on how to grow your own culture for this amazing and beneficial drink. Forget Soda! Try Kombucha!

Top 10 Noticeable Benefits of Drinking Kombucha Tea Daily

+ Prevents Acid Reflux
+ Assists With Weight Loss
+ Aids in Digestion of Heavy Meals
+ Strengthens Hair, Restores Hair
+ More Energy in the Morning
+ Helps With Sleep
+ Relives Constipation
+ Post Work Out Recovery Drink (Cardiovascular and Resistance Training)
+ Reduces Severity of Hangovers
+ Better Skin Complexion, Tighter Skin Tone

Drink Kombucha Tea Daily for weight loss, energy, digestion, and much more!

Let's Get Raleigh Educated: What Common Food Ingredient is as Addictive as Cocaine?

Excerpt from Mercola.com:

Dr. Richard Johnson is professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, where he runs the kidney division and is in charge of transplantation and research in blood pressure. He has also written the best book on the market on the dangers of fructose called The Sugar Fix.

About 70 percent of his work involves research and, for a number of years, he has been studying the effects of fructose on the metabolic system in animals and cell culture, as well as in clinical studies.

Most of this research is focused on how fructose might cause obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, fatty liver, and other health-related problems.

Here, Dr. Johnson discusses how uric acid in your blood can wreak havoc on your blood pressure, insulin production and even kidney function....Click here for the rest of this article

Let's Get Raleigh Educated: What Common Food Ingredient is as Addictive as Cocaine?

Benefit of Selenium in Brazil Nuts for Prostate Cancer, Hepatitis C, Cancer, and more.

These nuts are extremely nutrient-rich and contain protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize dangerous free radicals. A study at the University of Illinois even found that the high amounts of selenium in Brazil nuts may help prevent breast cancer.

Selenium is not only showing to be helpful for breast cancer, it is also critical for prostate health.

According to a study conducted at Harvard Medical School in Boston, one in four men has an inherited genetic vulnerability, which may be a factor in development of prostate cancer. When levels of certain antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin E, and lycopene are low, oxidative stress can lead to disease. An easy way of getting the necessary source of selenium needed to reduce the stress load leading to prostate cancer is to incorporate a small amount of brazil nuts every day. Two freshly hulled Brazil nuts each day provide the recommended daily requirement of 200 micrograms. If you purchase the nuts already shelled, consume 8-16 nuts to obtain the same benefit. An easy enough fete! Read more at Brazil Nuts and Prostate Health: Selenium-Packed Nuggets Protect Males Against Common Cancer

Additional health benefits of Selenium and Brazil Nuts can be found everywhere you look when researching the subject. For example, according to research published in the January 2007 Archives of Internal Medicine, daily selenium supplements appear to suppress the progression of the viral load in patients with HIV infection. According to Burt Berkson, MD, PhD on the subject of Hepatitis C "Selenium acts as a birth control for the virus".

Author of Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon, has talked much about the health benefits of Brazil Nuts. Some examples of her comments are below:

"A vital antioxidant, selenium acts with vitamin E to protect the immune system and maintain healthy heart function. It is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity and has been shown to protect against radiation and toxic minerals. High levels of heart disease are associated with selenium-deficient soil in Finland and a tendency to fibrotic heart lesions is associated with selenium deficiency in parts of China. Best sources are butter, Brazil nuts, seafood and grains grown in selenium-rich soil." (1)

In addition, Sally Fallon discusses the importance of specific nutrients for the relief of PMS and menstrual disorders here. She identifies Brazil nuts as a rich source of Calcium, important for PMS among other things.

Side Note:

"Improperly prepared nuts are very difficult to digest without depleting your store of digestive enzymes, making it difficult for you to gather any nutrients from the food you eat. Commercially available roasted nuts are most likely not soaked first which means they still have enzyme inhibitors. To make the awesome storehouse of nutrients in nuts available to you, you can soak and sprout them or follow this recipe."--Sally Fallon (1)

(1) Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Policitally Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD., Revised Second Edition, ©2001, pp-40-45, NewTrends Publishing (877) 707-1776,

Benefit of Selenium in Brazil Nuts for Prostate Cancer, Hepatitis C, Cancer, and more.

Raleigh Wellness Coordinator to the Rescue: New find for traditional foodies

There is just something fulfilling about eating food that you have made with love and dedication. Something gratifying about seeing a wheat berry sprout turn into a loaf of bread, a carefully tended scoby produce a tasty and fizzy kombucha, or patiently fermented vegetables adorn the plate with color pizzaz and kick.

Not to mention that these things are extremely nourishing and flavorful!

It is because of this that I bring you all my latest find...thanks to the wonderful Food Renegade....it is a website called Cultures for Health and it has all the supplies you need for making your own food in traditional ways. Stop ripping open plastic bags of chips and heating up TV dinners. Learn how to make eating more than just a need...make it FUN, FULFILLING, and most of all, NOURISHING!

I'd love to hear how your efforts are going so please do leave notes and tips. Also Cultures for Health and Food Renegade have joined efforts and are giving away a stackable sprout garden. Just visit this LINK and enter the contest. It's a fun new way to start your traditional food endeavors!

If you need further convincing here are some reasons that eating traditional foods such as sprouted grains, fermented vegetables, kefir and more are more healthful and healing:

when comparing sprouted wheat to unsprouted wheat on a calorie-per-calorie basis, the sprouted wheat contains:

1. four times the amount of niacin
2. nearly twice the amount of vitamin B6 and folate
3. five times the amount of vitamin C
4. significantly more protein and fewer starches and sugars

Fermented vegetables are made with lactic acid bacteria, which is a valuable technique humans have been using for thousands of years. This preservation method has numerous health advantages. Fermented vegetables are rich in nutrients, fiber and digestion-enhancing enzymes. They also help the intestinal tract maintain a healthy balance of flora by increasing beneficial bacteria.

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It's been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and allergies, tuberculosis, cancer, poor digestion, candidiasis, osteoporosis, hypertension, HIV and heart disease. You might find it odd that that a drink containing yeasts would be good for treating candidiasis but it has been helpful to many people, both by restoring a better balance to the gut flora and because some elements of the microflora will kill off Candida Albicans. Not all yeasts are harmful.

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

Raleigh Wellness Coordinator to the Rescue: New find for traditional foodies

Raleigh Chiropractors include Nutritional Support for treatment of Vertebral Subluxations

"Subluxations can go undetected for years, and can affect any system in the body. Seeing your chiropractor will help ensure that your body is in proper alignment."

"At our office, we believe that given the proper nutrition, your body has the amazing capability of healing itself. We also beleive that nutrition should be individualized to meet each patient's needs. For these reasons and many more, we proudly recommend Standard Process whole food supplements."

What are Subluxations?

In a healthy spine the vertebrae are "stacked" (or aligned) so that the nerves from the spinal cord are free to properly function. Even if one bone is misaligned, the spine is said to be subluxated. These subluxations may interfere with proper nerve function when nerves can't fire signals to and from the brain effectively. This may result in improper functioning of not only the spine but also organs, glands, muscles or other tissues that are controlled by nerve impulses.

The Stress Factor

Physical and Emotional Stress go hand in hand with subluxations. Poor posture, repetitive motion of any part of the body, or lifting improperly can lead to physical stress on the nerves and spine. Emotional Stress on the other hand can create tension which causes the ligaments and muscles affected by the same nerves to tighten significantly. Any of these situations from stress can easily cause the spine to become subluxated.

Where does Nutrition comes in to play?

While re-aligning the spine through chiropractic adjustments is important for the bodies ability to function normally many chiropractors don't identify an equally, if not more important factor contributing to these subluxations: NUTRITION. Identifying nutritional challenges is essential to spinal health and stability because these challenges can and often do affect nerve function. Proper nutrition through diet and whole food supplementation promotes overall health and provides the human body with the essential building blocks neccesary for tissue repair. The Standard Process and MediHerb Supplement lines work with your bodies synergies to support you and your spine throughout your chiropractic care. At CCW we realize this and we incorporate these products when needed into our treatment process.

Below are some examples of supplements used in treatment of specific areas commonly affected by subluxations:

Joints: difficulty turning and/or bending? This is often caused by improper motion or position of spinal bones

• Glucosamine Synergy: Supports the body's natural cartilage, ligament, and bone regeneration function
• Boswellia Complex: Supports Healthy Joints and circulation; provides antioxidant protection

Nerves: numbness, tingling? Often caused by improper spinal function which irritates delicate nerve tissue.

• Neuroplex Supports a healthy central nervous system (especially the brain)
• Cataplex B contains B vitamins; helps to maintain nerve health

Muscles: tension, weakness? Addresses the natural anti-inflammatory resonse

• Myo-Plus Supports the healthy functioning of the muscular system with naturally occuring coenzymes
• Calcium Lactate/Magnesium Lactate facilitates muscle contraction

Tissues: warmth or tenderness? often caused by Ca deposits, compromising spinal movement and function.

• Ligaplex II feeds the musculoskeletal system and facilitates freedom of movement
• Tuna Omega-3 Oil Supports a healthy inflammatory response
• Gotu Kola Complex Promotes healthy connective tissue and supports the bodies normal tissue repair process

Spine: Restricted Movement?

• Calcifood helps the body build healthy bones
• Ostrophin PMG maintains healthy bone function
• Cataplex D helps maintain a healthy level of Ca in the blood

Raleigh Chiropractors include Nutritional Support for treatment of Vertebral Subluxations

Lets get Raleigh Nourished! An E-Course in Traditional Foods!

The main problem you’re probably facing is that you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve read “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon, a fantastic resource for those interested in traditional and nourishing foods. It has taught me a whole lot. But let’s face the facts. It can be hugely overwhelming. Many put it down to take a deep breath, never to pick it up again.

And, don't forget the many websites, pages of information, and recipes on the internet. It’s no wonder you feel dizzy and find yourself getting nowhere fast. There are so many things you could try to prepare or cook. But which should you make, where do you start, and how can you put everything together in a way that won’t completely overwhelm you? Even if you did figure out all you need to do, how do you get to the point where everyone is getting fed and enjoying it?

The GNOWFGLINS Fundamentals E-course is a STEP-BY-STEP instructional program that enables everyone to learn the process of nourishing the body with traditional practices in an easy to follow and informative format.

Here is a glimpse of the outline

eCourse Overview

• Lesson 1: The GNOWFGLINS Foundation
• Lesson 2: How to Soak Whole Grains, Nuts and Seeds
• Lesson 3: How to Make Soaked Whole-Grain Flour Baked Goods I
• Lesson 4: How to Make Soaked Whole-Grain Flour Baked Goods II
• Lesson 5: How to Soak and Cook Dry Beans
• Lesson 6: How to Sprout Beans
• Lesson 7: How to Cook a Chicken and Make Chicken Stock
• Lesson 8: How to Make Skillet Dishes: A Dinner Formula
• Lesson 9: How to Make Water Kefir
• Lesson 10: How to Make Dairy Kefir
• Lesson 11: How to Make Soft, Spreadable Cheese
• Lesson 12: How to Make Sourdough Bread
• Lesson 13: How to Sprout Whole Grains for Sprouted Grain Flour & How to Bake With Sprouted Grain Flour
• Lesson 14: How to Make Natural Pickled Foods

If you would like to take on the task of learning this information alone the Nourishing Traditions truly is an amazing source. It can just get a little overwhelming if you are new to "the game."

In health!

JC

thanks to Food Renegade for bringing this information to my attention. I reccomend anyone to follow their blog!

Lets get Raleigh Nourished! An E-Course in Traditional Foods!

Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in NC's Triangle area

The following are some of my favorite haunts for healthy eating and socializing. You will find restaurants from all over the triangle as well as varying price ranges. Please let me know what you think of my suggestions by commenting on this post.

1. Zely & Ritz : Organic, local tapas. AMAZING!
2. Zest Cafe and Home Art : Right off six forks...one of the best salads i've ever had was the salmon salad
3. Panzanella: fantastic Sunday Brunch
4. Butternut Squash Restaurant : organic food, great environment
5. Mint Indian Cuisine : some of the best Indian food i've ever tasted, not to mention local and organic.
6. Weaver Street Market: Great variety, wonderful atmosphere, friendly people...especially on Sunday.
7. Irregardless Cafe: Great vegetarian options right downtown in Raleigh
8. Whole Foods Market: You can't go wrong with the salad bar and the Sunday Brunch.
9. Jason's Deli: Some organic options and always fresh ingredients.
10. Neomande Deli and Bakery: a local legend...locations in Raleigh and Morrisville
    

Places i'm eager to try...they may make my next top ten list, who knows?!

La Shish Greek and Lebanese Food: This review from the N&O makes my mouth water!

• "Kebabs -- chicken, lamb, kofta and beef tenderloin -- are consistently toothsome, and salads are fresh. Attention to detail and authenticity are evident everywhere you look (and taste), from the dusting of sumac on the creamy hummus to the minty brightness of the tzatziki to the whisper of orange blossom in the fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beef shawarma is succulent against a backdrop of caramelized onion, and spanakopita...is stellar."

Tower Restaurant:

• I am professional cook myself, I bet u can never find a better authentic food in the Triangle area or in the Carolinas, Texas has a couple which can compete with the quality of food. I enjoyed everything on the menu and had nothing to complain of. It is pricey a bit, but compared to the food, I would say , It's moderate. Sambar and rasam was ...

Top 10 Healthy Restaurants in NC's Triangle area

From The Vitamin D Council's Newsletter January 30, 2010.

This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.

This month, I dedicate the entire newsletter to a mother's lengthy case report of her autistic son. Other than name and place of residence, the letter was not edited.

Dear Dr. Cannell:
At age 2.5 years, between December 2007 and January 2008, my son experienced a fairly dramatic onset of symptoms that led to his diagnosis of autism. His symptoms (many of which we did not even know the terminology for at the time they first occurred) included:

• The inability to sleep at night, we would put him to bed at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. following his normal bedtime routine
• Development of anxiety and refusal to leave the house even to do preferred activities
• Obsessive-repetitive questions and monologuing/run-on speech
• Sensory issues (refusal to wear jeans or any fabrics other than fleece, screaming hysterically at bath time, complaining and covering eyes in sunlight, covering ears for everyday noises that had not bothered him before (toilets flushing, pulling pots and pans from cupboards, etc.)
• Toe-walking
• Flapping and self-stimulating behaviors (repeatedly tapping his cheeks and eyes with all ten fingers, continually twisting up his fingers in pretzel-like configurations, holding objects in his peripheral range of vision and straining to see them from the corner of his eyes)
• Development of an unusual pattern of stuttering/vocal tic at the end of words,he would repeat the last sound/syllable,"I don't want to go to the store-or-or-or-or-or-or. It won't be fun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n." He would make sounds even in his sleep "n-n-n-n-n-n" or "s-s-s-s-s-s-s"--Loss of muscle tone (stopped walking up and down stairs and began crawling/sliding instead, decline in balance and motor skills)
• loss of handedness (began switching left to right hand, after seeming predominantly left-handed)
• Marked increase in hyperactivity
• Frequent spacing out/unresponsive episodesOur son and his twin sister were born at 36 weeks, 5 days on March 17, 2005 after four months of bed-rest. As early as their 8 week appointment, I mentioned to our pediatrician that we had concerns about our son's eye contact and social responsiveness (in comparison to his sister). I felt that I was having more difficulty bonding with him. We were told "don't worry, but don't wait" and were referred to our state's Early On intervention program. At the end of June a physical therapist and speech pathologist from our intermediate school district came to our home to evaluate our then 3 month old son and told me that he was doing just fine and that I was worrying too much. I agreed that by the time they saw him he had begun smiling and making better eye contact.

We didn't worry again about our son until fall 2006. He had walked just before his first birthday, but by 18 months+ he still seemed clumsy and prone to falling compared to his sister. We took him back to the intermediate school district for evaluation and were told that all of his development seemed to be in the normal range and that we shouldn't worry. We were advised that we could take him to music and gym classes to work on his coordination and told that we could pay for private physical therapy if we elected. We followed all of the recommendations.For a year, we didn't notice any other changes until the sudden onset of symptoms listed above when he was 2.5 years. With the sudden onset of symptoms above, we took our son to see a number of specialists during the winter of 2008 including a neurologist (who diagnosed him with Asperger Syndrome), a psychologist (who diagnosed with autism), and a second psychologist who specialized in the treatment of autism (who diagnosed him with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not-Otherwise-Specified). All three diagnoses are on the autism spectrum. He also began seeing an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral specialist, and a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor for dietary interventions. We saw a dramatic improvement by April/May of that year. Nearly all the symptoms on the list above had resolved. We assumed the improvements were due to diet but he started to go into the sun around that time. Our son slept well and spent many peaceful, happy and anxiety-free months during the spring and summer after turning three. In mid-November 2008, I sent the following e-mail to the DAN doctor who had been helping us with our son.

"You saw our son Jonathan Switzer a few times regarding his autism diagnosis and diet issues, etc. He had a regressive period last winter from about December through April when his autism was diagnosed, then did pretty well all summer. Nursery school started off okay, too, but now he seems to be having another regression.
Main symptoms:

• Great difficulty getting to sleep (fidgets for 2 plus hours most nights while he had been falling asleep easily for several months prior to that)
• Marked increase in anxiety (again refusing to leave the house even to do things he loves, frequently shaking/clenching and telling us "I'm scared)
• Onset of OCD-like behaviors (afraid to get hands dirty, get extremely upset if he gets even tiny drips of water on himself)
• Increase in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, fidgeting, noise-making)
• Frequent crying jags and telling us he's just giving up on everything

We have had other parents tell us that their kids on the spectrum have a worsening of symptoms during the winter months and we feel like we are observing this same pattern. We've done some reading about light therapy for depression/anxiety and to help correct disturbed sleep patterns and would like to give it a try for Jonathan.

Wondering if you have ever prescribed a light therapy box for pediatric patients before. Our insurance told us they will cover it with a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I don't even know if that is something that can be diagnosed in children. Guess we're willing to try anything at this point. Do you know much about this type of therapy?

"Neither the DAN Doctor nor our pediatrician would write a prescription for a therapy light, so we purchased one on our own and found it made no discernible impact on his symptoms.By December, our son's symptoms had worsened further and we decided to put him in a very expensive and intensive autism treatment program through our local hospital. He made slow progress during his participation in the program from January through April. He was also involved in speech and occupational therapy during the winter months. At his IEPC meeting at school in March, we were encouraged to put him in the district's program for children with developmental delays. We instead elected to register him for regular pre-school for the following year.

During that winter, I was crying to some friends about my son and describing his seemingly seasonal pattern of symptoms. We had just seen a second neurologist searching for help, and I was extremely frustrated when, after listening to my son's symptoms and history, he told me bluntly, "There is nothing seasonal about autism," then suggested that we put our son on an anti-depressant. We refused the medication. One of the friends I was crying to is a research librarian and the other is a medical researcher. After our conversation, they located and e-mailed me a few journal articles they thought might help, one of the articles was by Dr. Cannell and discussed his vitamin D theory of autism. Reading the article was one of those "Aha!" moments and I felt hopeful that Dr. Cannell was on to something.By June our son was released from both speech therapy and occupational therapy and we were told that he no longer showed any delays for his age. When he had begun occupational therapy in January, the OT had been astonished at our son's lack of muscle tone. She recommended that he also receive Physical Therapy services, so we went on a long waiting list. Our initial OT was in a car accident, and in May we were transferred to a new OT. When the new OT first saw our son, she said could not believe he was the same child described in the notes. By May the low muscle tone, hyperactivity and distractibility noted in his file, were no longer evident. His turn came up for physical therapy and we were told he no longer needed it.Our son has always spent a lot of time outdoors in the summer, without sunblock. He had a happy and relaxing summer. As fall/back-to-school approached, I began to fear the onset of another regression and again read the article by Dr. Cannell my friend had sent. I visited his website and decided we would try a vitamin D supplement. Our pediatrician did not encourage any dose higher than 400 i.u. (that found in a typical multivitamin) but did write a script to have his 25-hydroxy level tested. In August his level was 37, so we started him on 5,000 iu daily and had his level retested on October 21st. By October his level was 96. The pediatrician was concerned that this was too high and told us he should not have more than 400 iu per day. Knowing that Nov-March are typically his worst months, we reduced the dosage down only to 3,000 iu from October through mid-December. At an appointment in December our son was doing wonderfully (none of his usual fall/winter symptoms yet evident) and the pediatrician told us 3,000 iu was too much and that we should be giving no more than 400 iu. In mid-December we reduced the dose to 1,500 iu. By the beginning of January we noted a marked loss of eye contact. We also noted that our son was again interchanging his right hand for writing and eating (after using his left hand exclusively for 8+ months). We increased his vitamin D level to 4,000 iu daily in early January. On January 11 we had his 25-Hydroxy level checked on January 11 and found that it was 89. By the end of January, we and his grandparents noted improvement in his eye contact.In January 2010 we attended his preschool conferences. The teacher had marked cards with the following code (1=age appropriate, 2=developing, 3=area of concern). Our son received 1s in all areas with the exception of hopping on one foot and balance beam where he received 2s. We were told that he is on par with or ahead of his peers in all areas (academic, fine motor, etc.), and that his teacher had noted no unusual symptoms or concerns.During the fall/winter 2009-2010 our son has been free from nearly all of the most troubling symptoms that plagued him the previous two winters. The following example may demonstrate the improvement in his daily life since last winter.One of our son's low points was a Christmas party we attended in December 2008. Before leaving the house to attend the party our son screamed and yelled about having to take a bath and because we would not let him wear sweatpants to the party. He then begged us not to make him leave the house. During the 40 minute trip to the party our son asked us repetitive questions and talked incessantly. Upon arriving at the party, he immediately walked into an unoccupied room adjacent to the room where the party was occurring, and put his face into the corner. Despite much coaxing by my husband and me, he refused to come out of the corner. After approximately 45 minutes of standing in the corner we managed to get him out through the promise of some food rewards. He proceeded to walk around and around the perimeter of the living room where all of the other kids were playing. He rubbed himself along the walls and covered his ears as he walked. He finally settled into playing alone in a corner of the room. All of the kids at the party participated in a book exchange. Our son refused to come to the area where the other kids were gathered. We coaxed him over only to have him throw the book he received and refuse to thank the parent who had purchased it for him. He spent much of the evening in time-outs for that and other inappropriate behavior.In June of 2008, after playing in the sun for several months, we met for a picnic with the same group of friends at a local park. Our son ran up to the other children and joined right in playing bulldozers in the sand with them. He behaved and interacted in a completely appropriate and typical way during the picnic which lasted several hours.This year (2009) we attended the same Christmas party at the same house. Our son got ready and left for the party without anxiety or incident. He chatted normally during the drive to the party. He walked into the house, said, "Hey, check out my new train," to some of the kids already playing and settled in to playing happily with the other kids. During the book exchange, he received a book, smiled and gave a big hug to the person who gave it to him.In December of 2008, I took a leave from my job so I could get my son to the intensive behavioral treatment program he was in and to all of his other therapy appointments. I dedicated 40-60 hours per week to my son's various appointments and home therapy program. This winter (January 2010), a former colleague asked me what Jonathan's current therapy program consists of. I told her I spend about 30 seconds each day opening the jar of vitamins and giving him his chewable vitamin D. In my opinion, the 3 minutes or so I spend each week giving him his vitamin D have been much more effective, and much less expensive, than any other treatment we have pursued. Thank you.

Jeannette, Wisconsin

Dear Jeanette:
You're welcome. Several things need comment. First, the symptoms are typical of autism. Second, the seasonality of symptoms suggest a vitamin D deficient disease. Third, the treatment in the spring of 2008 seemed effective but, in hindsight, it was simply due to spring sun exposure. Fourth, as you may now know, light boxes for seasonal affective disorder make no vitamin D. Fifth, your pediatrician knows little about Vitamin D other than what committees tell him; your decision to ignore his advice probably saved your son's brain from further injury, as autism is a progressive inflammatory destruction of brain tissue. Sixth, the fact that you needed bed rest and gave birth prematurely suggests you were Vitamin D deficient during your pregnancy.Seventh, his twin sister has never had autism, despite the same intrauterine environment. This is consistent with my theory, that autism is caused from a quantitative, not qualitative, variation is one of the enzymes that metabolize Vitamin D. That is, there are no structural differences in these enzymes in autism, only a genetically determined difference in the amount present. These enzymes are responsive to estrogen; estrogen protects the brain from being damaged by low Vitamin D, probably by increasing the amount of activated Vitamin D present, explaining why boys are four times more likely to have the disease.The report that your son deteriorated when his dose was reduced from 3,000 to 1,500 IU suggests autistic children need adult doses of Vitamin D. When you reduced the dose from 3,000 to 1,500 IU/day he worsened although his level on 1,500 IU/day was probably still greater than 50 ng/ml. This makes me think that dosage needs to be stable and suggests that Professor Reinhold Vieth's theory of a detrimental seasonal resetting of the intercellular metabolism of Vitamin D may even be true at levels above 50 ng/ml, where the body is storing the parent compound, cholecalciferol, in muscle and fat. His current dose of 4,000 IU per day is perfectly safe and will give him a level of 80-100 ng/ml, inside the reference ranges of American laboratories. Toxicity (asymptomatic high blood calcium) begins somewhere above 200 ng/ml. Generally speaking, autistic children should take 2,000 IU per every 25 pounds of body weight for six weeks, then have a 25(OH)D blood test and adjust the dosage to get into the high end of the reference range, 80-100 ng/ml.Although I first published the Vitamin D theory of autism theory 3 years ago, few autistic children are currently treated for their Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to several reasons. One, those who think, correctly, that autism is a genetic disease, stop thinking after that, reasoning that genetic diseases are untreatable. Such thinkers do not understand epigenetics (upon the genome). Vitamin D is probably the heart of epigenetics, as nothing works upon the genome like vitamin D. Secondly, the "all autism is caused from vaccinations" crowd cannot accept the Vitamin D possibility as it threatens their core beliefs. They simply cannot change their minds.

Finally, as you now know, organized medicine would say you should stop the vitamin D and watch your son deteriorate, which is why slavery to evidence based medicine is fine for scientists and unethical for practitioners.

John Cannell, MDExecutive DirectorVitamin D Council

This newsletter may be reproduced as long as you properly and prominently attribute it source. Please reproduce it, post it on Internet sites, and forward it to your friends. Remember, we are a non-profit and rely on your donations to publish our newsletter, maintain our website, and pursue our objectives.

From The Vitamin D Council's Newsletter January 30, 2010.