Naperville Brain-Based Therapy

I found this article published by a chiropractic neurologist and thought it was worth publishing here.  It explains why we use EWOT (exercise with oxygen therapy) in our practice as part of a pain relief and nerve healing protocols.

Potential Role of Oxygen Therapy in Comprehensive Pain Management

George W Kukurin DC DACAN, Chiropractic Neurologist

Introduction:  Supplemental oxygen  is an integral part of medical therapy.  Although it is associated most commonly with diseases of the respiratory and or cardiovascular systems, there is emerging evidence that oxygen may also play  an important role in the management of chronic painful syndromes.   For the purposes of pain control, oxygen therapy can be divided into hyperbaric and normobaric techniques.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy consists of providing 100% oxygen under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure [1]:  “hyper” greater than or more than and “baric” of or pertaining to weight, especially that of the atmosphere.  Thus the term hype-baric oxygen therapy.  In contrast to providing oxygen at levels above atmospheric pressure,  Normobaric oxygen therapy entails providing oxygen at pressures  approximately equivalent to atmospheric pressure. [2]  Normobaric oxygen therapy can further be administered with exercise, this is known as exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT). [3]

Various types of oxygen therapy have been reported to reduce pain in patients suffering from acute and chronic pain syndromes, [4] migraine and cluster headaches, [2, 5] fibromyalgia, [6] femoral head necrosis [7],  complex regional pain syndrome, [8] failed back surgery syndrome [9]  and other painful conditions. Despite the widespread reports in the scientific literature of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy for pain relief, the exact mechanisms of this oxygen-induced pain suppression is not fully understood. However, basic science studies strongly suggest that oxygen therapy suppresses pain, [10-17]

This pain relieving property of oxygen therapy is likely explained by the modulation of a chemical called nitric oxide in the brain and other neural tissues.   [10, 15, 17]  Furthermore, oxygen therapy in addition to relieving various painful symptoms may also promote  tissue healing [18] and even nerve repair and  regeneration of nerves. [14, 16, 18]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires that the patient be placed in a chamber and treated for 60 minutes or more. [10]  Costs and the lack of availability of oxygen chambers limit the practicality of the widespread use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in common painful syndromes.  Unlike hyperbaric oxygen therapy, normobaric or EWOT oxygen techniques require less oxygen, no oxygen chamber  and last only from 15-30 minutes .[3]  These qualities of normobaric and EWOT oxygen induced pain relief are much more practical and affordable.

Summary:  Oxygen therapy appears to be a promising approach to treating both acute and chronic painful syndromes. Research suggests that the pain suppressing properties of oxygen therapy are mediated through nitric oxide modulation in the brain and or spinal cord.  Fifteen to thirty minutes of oxygen combined with exercise appears to be an effective oxygen therapy protocol.  Oxygen therapy may also have the added benefit of promoting wound healing and nerve regenerations and repair.

References

1.             Zoranovic, U., et al., [Comparative analysis of lower extremities tissue perfusion by the use of perfusion scintigraphy method after hyperbaric oxygenation and lumbar sympathectomy]. Vojnosanit Pregl, 2009. 66(7): p. 563-9.

2.             Schnabel, A., et al., [Hyper- or normobaric oxygen therapy to treat migraine and cluster headache pain. Cochrane review]. Schmerz, 2008. 22(2): p. 129-32, 134-6.

3.             von Ardenne, M., Oxygen Multistep Therapy: Physiological and Technical Foundations. 1990: George Thieme Verlag. 402.

4.             Yildiz, S., G. Uzun, and M.Z. Kiralp, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management. Curr Pain Headache Rep, 2006. 10(2): p. 95-100.

5.             New therapies may ease headache symptoms. A two-drug combo and two kinds of oxygen therapy show promise for relieving migraine and cluster headache pain. Duke Med Health News, 2008. 14(10): p. 7-8.

6.             Yildiz, S., et al., A new treatment modality for fibromyalgia syndrome: hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Int Med Res, 2004. 32(3): p. 263-7.

7.             Bennett, M., Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved both pain scores and range of motion in patients with early idiopathic femoral head necrosis (Ficat stage II). Diving Hyperb Med. 41(2): p. 105.

8.             Kiralp, M.Z., et al., Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. J Int Med Res, 2004. 32(3): p. 258-62.

9.             Byval’tsev, V.A., et al., [Amplification of therapeutic effect after inclusion of hyperbaric oxygenation into complex conservative management of patients with recurrent pain syndrome following microdiskectomy]. Zh Vopr Neirokhir Im N N Burdenko, 2008(4): p. 30-5; discussion 35-6.

10.           Zelinski, L.M., et al., A prolonged nitric oxide-dependent, opioid-mediated antinociceptive effect of hyperbaric oxygen in mice. J Pain, 2009. 10(2): p. 167-72.

11.           Ohgami, Y., et al., Nitric oxide in hyperbaric oxygen-induced acute antinociception in mice. Neuroreport, 2009. 20(15): p. 1325-9.

12.           Wilson, H.D., et al., Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is comparable to acetylsalicylic acid treatment in an animal model of arthritis. J Pain, 2007. 8(12): p. 924-30.

13.           Wilson, H.D., J.R. Wilson, and P.N. Fuchs, Hyperbaric oxygen treatment decreases inflammation and mechanical hypersensitivity in an animal model of inflammatory pain. Brain Res, 2006. 1098(1): p. 126-8.

14.           Thompson, C.D., et al., Hyperbaric oxygen treatment decreases pain in two nerve injury models. Neurosci Res. 66(3): p. 279-83.

15.           Quock, L.P., et al., The acute antinociceptive effect of HBO is mediated by a NO-cyclic GMP-PKG-KATP channel pathway in mice. Brain Res. 1368: p. 102-7.

16.           Li, F., et al., Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy alleviates chronic constrictive injury-induced neuropathic pain and reduces tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. Anesth Analg. 113(3): p. 626-33.

17.           Chung, E., et al., Hyperbaric oxygen treatment induces a 2-phase antinociceptive response of unusually long duration in mice. J Pain. 11(9): p. 847-53.

18.           Kuffler, D.P., The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in enhancing the rate of wound healing with a focus on axon regeneration. P R Health Sci J. 30(1): p. 35-42.

This is a simple way to weight quickly and safely.  It is a short 3-5 day fast using a special drink that you can make easily at home.  It help brings high blood sugar under control.  Great for diabetics or people that tend to have higher blood sugar.

How do I know if my blood sugar tends to be high?

• You are the one who gets sleepy after eating (food coma is not normal)
• You crave something sweet after a meal
• You are often thirsty
• You have a hard time being satisfied by eating – can’t seem to find the right food to eliminate that “craving”
• You are fatigued after meals
• Difficulty losing weight
• Larger waist to hip ratio

If you have any of these symptoms then this is probably for you.

Warning* – if you tend to have low blood sugar (jittery shaking hands if skip a meal, feeling light headed if you skip a meal).  Talk to me for direction.

THE DIET – Lime-aid Fast:

Recipe:  one gallon of water, 5 fresh limes, 5 fresh lemons, 1/4 cup of grade B maple syrup* (grade B maple syrup can be purchased at whole foods or simply use real maple syrup), 6 bags green tea brewed in 2 cups of water.  Mix everything together.  This is what you will be sipping every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Time:  3-5 days (can go up to 7 days if diabetic).  Talk with me if you are a diabetic before you start this diet.

What to avoid:  No supplements, no food, no coffee, nothing but the drink

Rules:  You must sip the drink every 10-15.  This is key to keeping your blood sugar stable and avoiding cravings.  You are doing well if you don’t feel hungry.

What if I simply must eat something?  Then eat a plain steamed vegetable that you normally don’t eat like brussels sprouts without any butter or seasonings.

What’s next:  this is a great time to consider a Clearvite Detox.  This is not a colon cleanse type detox.  Clearvite is a medical food that helps heal the liver, gastrointestinal tract and immune system.  Other supplements can be added to help with specific conditions.  The program is 3 weeks and costs ~$120.  It’s not necessary but is a great way to take an additional 8-15 pounds off, especially the belly area and continue to gain sustainable energy.  The shakes also taste great.

What to expect:  Most people will lose a pound a day, feel more energy, sleep better and have a clearer head.

Why it works:

• Staying away from food gives your body a chance to use its energy to heal.  It also removes all protein so your immune and hormonal systems can calm down.  Think of this as a “reset” for your metabolism.
• Lemon/Lime is used for more than taste.  The lemon/lime will actually help change your bodies pH toward being more alkaline.  Most people tend to run toward being acidic.  Acidity can increase pain in the body.  Yes, even though lemons/limes are acidic they make the body more alkaline.
• Maple syrup helps provide a steady low level of sugar to give the body energy
• Green tea – compounds in green tea improve blood lipid (fatty acids – trigylycerides) levels and improve removal of fat from the liver.  Bottom line – grean tea helps burn fat better to activating specific enzymes.

How often can I do this diet/fast?  You can perform the fast once every 3 months if you’d like, not more often than that.

Is it safe?  Yes, most people can tolerate a short fast without any issues.  Please consult me or your physician before starting this fast, especially if you have any concerns regarding a medical condition you may have.  Discontinue if you experience any symptoms that you would consider outside of what has been explained here.

*Why grade B maple syrup?  It has a more robust flavor and hides the lemon/lime tartness better.  Honestly, you can use regular maple syrup but it must be real not made with high fructose corn syrup.

I was an original participant in a research study that proved chiropractic care does boost the immune system.  This is a great article that summarizes how chiropractic works to keep us healthy on so many levels.  In my opinion chiropractic helps people reach their highest health potential by tapping into our natural ability to heal and repair.

Here is the ARTICLE

Next time you’re feeling under the weather get in for a chiropractic immune boosting adjustment.

I watched my grandfather slip into dementia.  He went from one of the brightest and quickest minds that I knew to staring at the wall for hours and not recognizing anyone in the family.  This is a great article and research on how you can take steps today to prevent this devastating disease.

Adding vitamin D and curcumin (turmeric extract 95% curcuminoids) can help the brain clear tangles the proteins that causes havoc in brain function.

Check out the article and keep my comments in mind regarding how to get the most out of vitamin D and curcumin.  ARTICLE

I might add that emulsified and micellized vitamin D3 is absorbed better than tablet form. Also, measuring 1-25 OH vitamin D (active form) and 25 OH vitamin D is helpful before starting vitamin D support to ensure you are dosing properly. Some people will do better with lower daily vitamin D supplementation and others with larger less frequent dosing. Apex, DFH and Biotics all make excellent curcumin based products. Make sure that black pepper extract is included for best absorption and utilitization.

 

Kathy writes:  “Is it important to take Acidopholus? In other words does this help with the leaky gut area?”

Great question.  Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the lining of the small intestine allows food particles to “leaky” across the intestine into the blood stream.  Symptoms can include local problems like bloating, cramping, diarrhea/constipation or more global issues such as chronic headaches and fatigue.

Here’s the short answer:  A good broad spectrum probiotic can be very helpful in healing a leaky gut but is by no means the only thing necessary.

First let me address the use of Acidophilus specifically.  There are many “good” bacterial and yeast that inhabit the gut.  Good because they benefit our health (digestion, protection against viruses and pathogenic bacterial, yeast overgrowth, creation of vitamin K, etc.).  There is good evidence that taking another probiotic called Streptococcus Thermophilus is very important for gut repair.  Bottom line take a good probiotic with a variety of different types of bacteria to ensure your “good” guys are protecting you.

Second, healing a leaky guy takes time: 6-18 months.

Third, there are 3 types of leaky gut.  There is a blood test which will tell you the type and how to treat it.  The test runs $250.  Money well spent because it helps therapy be efficient, saving you money in the long run.

Fourth, all healing starts with controlling and winding down inflammation.  This is very important.  There is a special diet and specific supplements that do a great job of decreasing inflammation to set the stage for healing.

Fifth, you must be aware of and remove any potential food sensitivities.  It is best to avoid testing for food sensitivities until the leaky gut is fixed.  Why?  A leaky gut means your immune system is on high alert and will likely be positive to a variety of foods.  As a matter of fact one of the signs that you might have a leaky gut is increasing sensitivity and reactions to foods you used to tolerate well.  So save you money and start by treating the leaky gut.

Lastly, there is no one size fits all approach.  Testing for infections in the gut (parasites, yeast overgrowth, H. Pylori) can be helpful.  They must be killed off too.

The general game plan:

1. Remove any “bad” invaders / foods
2. Decrease inflammation
3. Repair – specific to the persons case
4. Restore – probiotics
5. You may need to add digestive enzymes and help digestion in other ways as well.

I hope that helps.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  I can be contacted at 630-357-2299.

Want to get a good night’s sleep but just can’t seem to settle into a relaxed state of mind?  The problem may be low Melatonin (the sleep hormone).  Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland located in the center of the brain.  Levels of this hormone slowly increase throughout the day a pique around bedtime.

Production is influenced by light coming in through the eyes, serotonin levels (joy neurotransmitter), methylation and several other aspects of metabolism.  This is key to our conversation – - I will come back to this.

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, helps set our circadian rhythm, influences the immune systems, libido, REM sleep, and dreaming among other things.

Sound like great stuff, right?  Well it is as long as Melatonin is balanced against another hormone “cortisol” and it stays in normal ranges.

Problems can occur when Melatonin is taken as a supplement to help with sleep.  There may be a “honeymoon” period when the supplement helps restore sleep patterns but long term (overuse) can get you into trouble. 

You body has receptors for all the hormones it uses.  These receptors have a fail safe switch which gets activated if there is too much hormone present for too long a time period.  Hormonal Resistance caused the receptors to become less active when exposed to higher levels of hormone.

So you can imagine what happens when you take Melatonin supplements.  By overriding the normal control mechanisms and adding high levels of Melatonin you receptors may become less responsive.  This means it takes more and more hormone just to get a response.  So over time the supplementation doesn’t work as well.

There is more to this vicious cycle…

Melatonin is counterbalanced with another hormone…Cortisol.  High levels of Melatonin can suppress cortisol output causing potential low blood sugar while you sleep.  Your brain isn’t going to stand for low blood sugar very long.  The brain uses about 50% of all the blood sugar available and when levels get low the alarms start going off.

The brain will send messages to the adrenal glands to release adrenaline.  This is your brains effort to wake you up so you can eat something.  Repeated exposure this abnormal hormonal stew can leave you with less than ideal sleep.

I come from the standpoint that correcting the underlying issue shouldn’t cause more harm to the body.

So how can we improve Melatonin production without dumping Melatonin into the system?

The answer comes from looking at the production of Melatonin from a different perspective.  Two important things are needed for Melatonin production – - the neurotransmitter serotonin and methylation.  Give the brain these building blocks and production of Melatonin can occur in a mild natural way.

There are products available that support both these pathways for a gentle more controlled balancing of Melatonin.

If you have questions on serotonin and methylation support please talk with me at the office.  I can steer you in the right direction about how to accomplish this so you too can have a good night’s sleep.

Scary stuff.  Check out my facebook post to read about this subject.  To join go to www.facebook.com/neuroplus.  You’ll stay current on the latest scientific breakthroughs.

Imagine a single nutrient that could replace your daily aspirin for blood thinning, lower your cholesterol and melt away existing arterial plaques.

Sound too goo to be true?  Maybe not…

I belong to an online physician training course called Functional Medicine University.  They recently posted information on policosanol.  I give them credit for the information below.  Too important not to pass along to my patients.

The nutritional product policosanol not only dramatically slows down the progression of arterial narrowing, but actually reverses plaque. And it is safer, cheaper, and has additional biochemical benefits that the statins do not.

Policosanol makes blood less likely to abnormally form clots by lowering fibrinogen (decreases platelet aggregation), something that statins do not do.

In one study, 10 mg twice a day of policosanol worked better than 100 mg of aspirin. In another study it lowered the cholesterol as well as the prescription statin drugs do.

Policosanol also surpassed the statin drugs in effectiveness by lowering the LDL; bad cholesterol) better than the statin drugs did, while in addition it raised the (good cholesterol) HDL 31%. The statin drugs don’t touch HDL! Remember, having a high HDL is so protective that there are many people who have had serious heart problems who never had high cholesterol, but only had a low HDL.

Most importantly policosanol can actually dissolve away existing arterial plaque. In one study of policosanol given twice a day, not only did they stop getting worse and adding to their plaque, but there was regression of ischemia or melting away of plaque.

References:

Janikula M. Policosanol: a new treatment for cardiovascular disease? Altern Med Rev. 2002 Jun;7(3):203-17

Gouni-Berthold I, Berthold HK Policosanol: clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent. Am Heart J. 2002 Feb;143(2):356-65.

Castaño G, Más R, Arruzazabala ML, Noa M, Illnait J, Fernández JC, Molina V, Menéndez A., Effects of policosanol and pravastatin on lipid profile, platelet aggregation and endothelemia in older hypercholesterolemic patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19(4):105-16.