Category: Nutrition

Over the past several years, Dr. Loren Cordain, author of The Paleodiet, has kept us abreast on the nature of the “hunter-gatherer” diet and its importance in human health. His most recent paper was published in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. With several notable coauthors, Cordain describes the development of our “modern” Western diet and why it is pro-inflammatory.

The thesis of the Cordain, et al., article is straightforward: The changes in diet and other lifestyle conditions that began in certain regions of the world, some 10,000 years ago, occurred too recently on an evolutionary scale for the human genome to adapt. Accordingly, they explain that the expression of chronic disease is the rest of discordance between our “old” genes and our modern lifestyle.

Cordain, et al., focus on seven crucial nutritional characteristics of paleolithic diets that have been supplanted by the diet of modern man (see Table). The insults are cumulative in nature and impossible to circumvent by drugs, surgery, or nutritional supplements.

Diet-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, the arthritides, etc., represent the single largest cause of morbidity in the United States and most Western countries. Some 50-65 percent of the adult population in Western nations are afflicted with such chronic diseases, yet they are rare or nonexistent in hunter-gatherers and less Westernized people.¹

Hunter-gatherers ate mostly vegetation and animals that ate vegetation. Unknown to them were fast foods, excessive grain consumption (whole or refined), dairy, salty foods, seed oils, and trans fats…all of which are pro-inflammatory, and the foods that most of your patients live on. When patients ask what foods are “good,” have them think about the foods that a hunter-gatherer would eat. Any suspicious food should be avoided, and replaced by a vegetable, fruit, or raw nuts. A suspicious food would be one that we cannot hunt or pick. This leads to a question about edible oils. You pick olives and coconuts, so they should be eaten and their oils consumed.

If patients feel the need for a treat, a mixture of dark chocolate, raisins, and raw nuts is both tasty (tastes like a candy bar) and anti-inflammatory. If patients wish to consume an adult beverage, stout beer and red wine are anti-inflammatory choices.

There is no adequate excuse for living a life of inflammation. Busy people do not have to be inflamed people. Business travelers blame travel, restaurants, and airports for their excess body fat and inflammation…a lame excuse indeed. I travel many weekends per year and every Sunday when I am tired and walking through an airport or two, the Cinnabon aroma beckons me to inflame…. I just force myself to walk faster and avoid it. There is no excuse to inflame oneself and pursue chronic disease; in these cases, the desire to inflame simply exceeds the desire to deflame.

The company we keep can play a significant role in whether or not we pursue inflammation. Simply stated, an alcoholic needs to stay away from bars and should not socialize with drinkers. The same holds true for inflame-aholics…stay away from those who beckon you to inflame. Eat anti-inflammatory foods and take supplements that augment the anti-inflammatory diet, including a multivitamin, magnesium, EPA/DHA, coenzyme Q10 and, if you get inadequate sunlight, supplement with vitamin D.

References

1. Cordain L, Eaton SB, Sebastian A, Mann N, Lindeberg S, Watkins BA, O’Keefe JH, Brand-Miller J. Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century. Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 81(2):341-54.

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the postgraduate faculties of several chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

As most readers are aware, Vioxx was recalled from the marketplace in late September of  2004. It was discovered that a significant number of patients taking Vioxx suffered from heart attacks or strokes.

A total of three COX-2 inhibitors have been in the marketplace. These drugs are sometimes referred to as “coxibs;” celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), and valdecoxib (Bextra). Celebrex and Bextra are still in use.

COX is the acronym for cyclo-oxygenase. In 1990, researchers discovered that there were two distinct COX enzymes, and referred to them as COX-1 and COX-2. More recently, it has been proposed that there is even a COX-3 enzyme.

The difference between COX-1 and COX-2 is generally straightforward. COX-1 is a constitutively expressed enzyme; in other words, it is involved in normal homeostatic functions such as gastric protection, hemostasis, and normal renal function.¹  In contrast, COX-2 is not normally expressed and not involved in tissue homeostasis; instead, its activity is induced after tissue injury.¹
 
Confusion about regular NSAID’s and COX-2 inhibitors

A substantial area of confusion revolves around the notion that COX-2 is an inflammatory enzyme; it is not. COX-2 is an enzyme that is induced by tissue injury. The subsequent pro- or anti-inflammatory outcome depends on the pro- or anti-inflammatory nature of the fatty acids in the cell membrane. COX-2 can act on three different cell membrane fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

If COX-2 acts on AA, the outcome will be the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, known as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). PGE2 sensitizes nociceptors and promotes inflammation. TXA2 causes local vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and Celebrex are taken to block the production of these pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.

If COX-2 acts on DGLA, the outcome will be the synthesis of non-nociceptive/inflammatory PGE1 and non-vasoconstricting/aggregating TXA1. These non-inflammatory eicosanoids do not cause pain and inflammation.

If COX-2 acts on EPA, the outcome will be the synthesis of non-nociceptive/inflammatory PGE3 and non-vasoconstricting/aggregating TXA3. Again, the outcome of these non-inflammatory eicosanoids will be a reduction of pain and inflammation.

Clearly, the inflammatory potential of our tissues depends on the inflammatory potential of the fatty acids in our cell membranes. Pharmacology articles¹ and pathology texts² do not make this distinction, which is why many of us are led to believe that COX-2 enzymes are inherently inflammatory.

Cell membrane fatty acids and inflammation

Almost all DC’s learned about essential fatty acids (EFA’s) in biochemistry or nutrition class while going to chiropractic college. EFA’s are the special fatty acids we must get from our diets, as we cannot synthesize them ourselves. The two EFA’s include linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 (n-6) fatty acid, and a-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid. Linoleic acid is converted into DGLA and then into AA (also n-6), whereas, a-linolenic acid is converted into EPA (also n-3).

The ratio of LA:ALA, or our n-6:n-3 dietary ratio is supposed to be about 1:1; at least below 4:1 is the goal. With an LA:ALA ratio of 4:1 or less, the outcome will be the modulation and control of excessive immune responses and inflammation.³ This is because a dietary ratio of below 4:1 insures that there will be an even distribution of AA, DGLA, and EPA into cell membranes, which then leads to the synthesis of more anti-inflammatory eicosanoids compared to pro-inflammatory.

Not surprisingly, the average American has a an n-6:n-3 ratio of  20:1 or greater, which means that we are eating 20 or more n-6 fatty acids for every single n-3 fatty acid. This leads to a significant increase in the synthesis of AA and its related pro-inflammatory eicosanoids,³ and is a main reason why Americans medicate with excessive amounts of  ibuprofen, Celebrex and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

We, literally, eat ourselves into a state of inflammation and pain, and then have to take medications as a counteractive measure. The excessive inflammation created by n6 fatty acids is also thought to be the driving force behind the development of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases.³

Diet and supplements to increase cell membrane n-3 fatty acids

An n6:n3 ratio of 4:1 or better is found in fruits, vegetables, grass fed animal products, wild game, and specially fed n-3 chicken eggs. Accordingly, these foods can be referred to as anti-inflammatory.

In contrast, all grains have a ratio of 20:1 or greater and grain-fed animals have ratios above 4:1, and so should be referred to as pro-inflammatory foods. Most packaged goods are prepared with oils that have n-6:n-3 ratios greater than 4:1, such as safflower, sunflower, and corn oil. Margarine is almost purely an omega-6 fatty acid. Additionally, margarine has been chemically altered by the partial hydrogenation process, which increases the inflammatory potential of margarine.

At this point, it should be clear that the COX-2 is really not the problem; the issue is our excessive consumption of n-6 fatty acids, which increases the level of pro-inflammatory AA in cell membranes. The COX-2 enzyme merely acts on the pro-inflammatory fatty acids that we eat.

Research suggests that most people would do well to take n-3 fatty acid supplements to get a boost in the anti-inflammatory direction. EPA/DHA is the most common n-3 fatty acid supplement. Patients should take 1-3 grams per day, levels which are extremely safe for nearly everyone save for patients taking strong anti-coagulants, such as coumadin.

References

1.  Gajraj NM. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Anesth Analg 2003; 96:1720-38
2.  Cotran RS, Kumar V, Collins T. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1999
3.  Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr  1999; 70(3 Suppl):560S-569S

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the faculty of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and on the postgraduate faculties of several other chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman believes that chiropractors should be thinking like chiropractors, while providing nutritional recommendations.  Doctors and patients who follow his programs report improved feelings of well-being, weight loss, dramatic increases in energy, and significant pain reduction.  Dr. Seaman can  be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

More and more research is demonstrating how our genes determine the types of diseases we develop and our degree of susceptibility to a given disease. This issue should not be taken lightly, particularly when making specific suggestions to patients.  For example, most have probably heard the “urban legend” that grilled meat causes colorectal cancer. Is this true? The answer is yes and no, and it depends on your genes.

Genetic Disposition for Colorectal Cancer

Heterocyclic amines (HCA) are thought to be the carcinogens that are formed in meat when it is cooked at high temperatures for long durations. HCA’s are not carcinogenic on their own; after we eat them, our liver has enzymes that must metabolically activate the HCA’s before they can bind to DNA and do their dirty work. The enzymes are called cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) or N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2).

As it turns out, we can either have a slow, intermediate, or rapid phenotype for CYP1A2 and NAT2; in other words, we are genetically endowed with slow, intermediate or rapidly acting enzymes. Our risk for developing colorectal cancer is thought to be increased, if we have a rapid phenotype for CYP1A2 and NAT2. This association may be particularly strong in smokers, because smoking is known to induce the activity of CYP1A2.1

Reducing Formation of HCA’s

To determine the details of these relationships, researchers performed some lab tests to assess phenotype for CYP1A2 and NAT2. The results demonstrated that there was a 9-fold increase in colorectal cancer risk for smokers who preferred their red meat well done, and if they had a rapid metabolic phenotype for both NAT2 and CYP1A2. Well-done meat was not associated with risk among nonsmokers, or even smokers with a slow or intermediate phenotype for on these enzymes.¹

This study suggests that exposure to carcinogens through the consumption of well-done red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer only in genetically susceptible individuals, as determined by polymorphically expressed genes, and only in smokers. We are told that the best way to reduce HCA’s in cooked meat include marinating, precooking by microwaving, and frequently turning the meat over during cooking.¹

To Be Lucky or Not

From a clinical perspective, we need to appreciate the fact that we can be pre-disposed to developing colorectal cancer, for example; however; we have to push our genes to express the disease by adopting certain lifestyle habits. This is likely to be the case for most diseases, which suggests that one person can pursue a lifestyle of near health perfection, yet, because they slacked at a mere 2%, they develop cancer or heart disease. Meanwhile, the next-door neighbors literally pursue disease with every lifestyle choice, yet they remain free of disease. Our health habits must be commingled with our genes to determine the expression of disease. Some of us are lucky, others are not, and substantial differences can exist among family members. So you really never know who is lucky or not, until the expression of disease occurs.

What can we do?

So, how do you know what your genes have in store for you? Basically, we all have to wait and see, which is not a great answer, because it implies that we are at the mercy of our genes. Although we are, indeed, partially at the mercy of our genes, we can pursue a lifestyle that does not readily induce them to express their disease potential. In the next issue, I will discuss some mechanisms in more detail; however, for now, here are some practical ideas.

Prevent the Expression of Free Radicals

It is now known that, to a large degree, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic degenerative and neurodegenerative diseases are manifestations of chronic inflammation. In particular, our dietary choices actually nudge or induce our cells to express their inflammatory potential.

Free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines act to induce the expression of cell-driven inflammation. So, we need to create an environment that does not allow for the proliferation of free radicals and cytokines, and this is easy to do. We need to eat less grain products (whole or refined), avoid refined sugar, and eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. Grass-fed animal products and wild game are both anti-inflammatory choices for protein. If we can adopt these eating habits and add four basic supplements (multivitamin, magnesium, EPA/DHA, and CoQ10), we will go a long way toward reducing pro-inflammatory responses that lead to the expression of disease.

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the faculty of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and on the postgraduate faculties of several other chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman believes that chiropractors should be thinking like chiropractors, while providing nutritional recommendations.  Doctors and patients who follow his programs report improved feelings of well-being, weight loss, dramatic increases in energy, and significant pain reduction.  Dr. Seaman can  be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

If you are not spicing your meals with garlic, ginger and turmeric (GG&T), you need to be taking them as supplements. GG&T are known to be natural anti-inflammatory supplements, and are beginning to be viewed as foods and/or supplements for cancer prevention.¹ In reality, GG&T should be viewed as agents that can prevent and/or help treat any disease that is promoted by inflammation.

Readers should be aware that aspirin and NSAID’s are thought of as cancer-preventing agents. The problem is that, with long-term use, these medications cause ulceration of the digestive tract that can be fatal; so it is known that they cannot be used for preventing the development of chronic disease.¹

Deaths induced by long-term use of NSAID’s

The reason NSAID’s have been used to treat all cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and all painful conditions (arthritis, back pain, headaches, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, etc.) is because these conditions are all driven by inflammation and NSAID’s are anti-inflammatory agents. Unfortunately, humans cannot consume NSAID’s on a long-term basis due to their dangerous side effects. Indeed, some 16,500 deaths occur each year from ulcers induced by NSAID’s.³

A group of neuroscience researchers at UCLA have been looking at natural anti-inflammatory agents for use against Alzheimer’s disease, because it is known that arthritic patients who take NSAID’s for long periods have a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.³ According to the UCLA researchers, “Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis involves a central nervous system inflammatory response, and Alzheimer’s disease risk is reduced in those consuming [NSAID’s].”

Is curcumin the answer?

Their search has led them to investigate curcumin, which is found in turmeric and used extensively in traditional Indian cuisine. Turmeric is the reddish spice that gives curry dishes their characteristic color. Of particular interest is the fact that only 4% of Indians over the age of 80 develop Alzheimer’s disease, compared to some 16% of age-matched Americans.³

Turmeric and ginger have been used as natural anti-inflammatory agents for many years; however, Frautschy, et al., were the first to test the utility of turmeric in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. The results were very positive, which led to their conclusion that, “Curcumin has a long history of safe use and is well-tolerated in humans with limited or no side-effects reported at effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant doses. The data reported here argue that curcumin may prove useful for Alzheimer’s disease prevention or treatment.”

Curcumin has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Curcumin inhibits the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase,  (COX), which functions to synthesize prostaglandins, such as PGE2. It inhibits lipoxygenase (LOX), which functions to synthesize leukotrienes, such as LTB4, as well as NFkB, which is a pro-inflammatory cell-signaling molecule that promotes the expression of COX2. Curcumin has also been reported several times more potent than vitamin E as a free radical scavenger and effective against nitric oxide based radicals.

Benefits of ginger

Sally Frautschy at UCLA indicates that it is likely that ginger has properties equal to turmeric. Like turmeric, ginger has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In the past, I have written in The American Chiropractor about the benefits of ginger in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and muscular pain. Better results seemed to occur in those who took the most ginger.

For example, one man diagnosed with RA at the age of 50 began to take 50 grams of raw/fresh ginger daily in the first month after diagnosis. The ginger was lightly cooked and added to vegetable and meat dishes. Within one month, relief of pain and swelling were evident and, at three months, the patient was completely free of pain and swelling. Remarkably, at the time of interview, 13-14 years had passed without a relapse of symptoms.⁴

Not surprisingly, other inflammatory diseases can be influenced by ginger. Researchers recently examined ginger in an animal model of atherosclerosis and concluded that “consumption of ginger extract may be proven beneficial in attenuation of atherosclerosis development, since it is associated with reduced macrophage-mediated oxidation of LDL, reduced uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages, reduced oxidative state of LDL and reduced LDL aggregation. All these effects lead to a reduced cellular cholesterol accumulation and foam cell formation, the hallmark of early athero-sclerosis.”⁵

Garlic has been studied mostly in the context of atherosclerosis and will be discussed in a future column. For now, make sure that you get a daily dose of ginger and turmeric. If you are not spicing your meals, take ginger/turmeric (2 grams total per/d) supplements along with a multiple, magnesium (400-1000 mg/d), EPA/DHA (1-2 gram/d), and CoQ10 (100 mg/d).

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the faculty of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and on the postgraduate faculties of several other chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman believes that chiropractors should be thinking like chiropractors, while providing nutritional recommendations.  Doctors and patients who follow his programs report improved feelings of well-being, weight loss, dramatic increases in energy, and significant pain reduction.  Dr. Seaman can  be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

References:

1. Wargovich MJ, Woods C, Hollis DM, Zander ME.Herbals, cancer prevention and health. J Nutr 2001; 131:3034S-36S
2. Rich M, Scheiman JM. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy at the new millennium: mechanisms and prevention. Sem Arth Rheum 2001; 30:167-79
3. Frautschy SA, Hu W, Kim P et al. Phenolic anti-inflammatory antioxidant reversal of A–induced cognitive deficits and neuropathology. Neurobio Aging 2001; 22:993-1005
4. Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hyp 1992; 39:342-48
5. Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr 2000; 130: 1124-31

Dr. John Brimhall has been referred to as “The Father of Wellness Care in Chiropractic”.  The much-lettered Doctor began a stellar career, which has now spanned more than three decades, with a single degree, a cum laude Doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic, in 1971. Since that time, he has become an author, lecturer, formulator of over 50 nutritional products, and an inventor holding patents on two chiropractic instruments.

In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Brimhall shares his philosophy on wellness care, which includes chiropractic, nutrition, acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, and careful attention to the needs of the individual patient.

TAC:  Can you give us some background on yourself?

Brimhall:  I went to chiropractic school after I developed severe back spasms and was, basically, numb from the waist down and in pain from the waist up.  Medically, there seemed to be no hope.  So I had to be carried in for my first chiropractic adjustment.  I walked out with the feeling back in my legs and the spasms out of my back.  This Doctor of Chiropractic said I needed to be a chiropractor and do for others what had been done for me.  At that time, I was in school to be a dentist.  I called Palmer College and, within the year, I was on my way to Davenport.

Prior to that, though, Palmer College had me call another Palmer graduate that took me under his wing and gave me the philosophy of chiropractic.  He also gave a Grostic adjustment to my bride-to-be, Claudette, and her headaches of five years, following an auto accident, left immediately.  So, we were married and left for this lifetime adventure called “Chiropractic”… When we arrived at school, we only knew that I had been crippled and then walked after my first full spine adjustment; and Claudette had had severe headaches for five years that left after one Grostic adjustment.  The first story we heard at Palmer was about Harvey Lillard’s getting his hearing back after a thump on the back.  So we were on fire with anticipation, in March of 1968, to start chiropractic school.

TAC:  What would you say is your main mission as a chiropractor?

Brimhall:  God was kind to us and we set up in a town of 5,000 people and got a lady out of a wheel chair in one adjustment in the first few months of practice.  Then, another lady that had had migraines for 14 years came in that had received a vagotomy and a hysterectomy to seek relief, to no avail.  With one adjustment, the headaches left.  Our reputation grew rapidly and we were soon seeing 70 to 100 patients per day and had to add another doctor.  We added onto the clinic three times, built another, and added another doctor and a satellite clinic 30 miles away to keep up with demands.

I was sure nothing was too tough for chiropractic; and then it happened.  Another migraine sufferer was sent in and adjusting didn’t help much.  Dr. George Goodheart always teaches that nutrition is part of the health triangle.  So, I hit the books and eventually finished a BS in nutrition.  In the meantime, we found this lady’s migraines responded to nutritional support and the adjustment.

Then, here came another severe condition that would not respond until we used the proper adjustment, the proper nutrition and emotional release techniques.  She had been molested as a child, and no amount or kind of treatment was effective until the emotions were addressed.  Then the adjustments would hold.

For thirty-three years we have tried and tested the concepts of D. D. Palmer and all of the great chiropractic pioneers since.  We now realize there are six major parts of the health puzzle that must be addressed for a person to hold an adjustment:  Structural imbalance, electromagnetic radiation, nutritional deficiencies, allergies and sensitivities, negative emotional patterns, and toxicity.  Subluxation causes disease, but we must identify what causes the subluxation(s) for each patient.

TAC: Tell us about your book.

Brimhall:  The book, The 10 Steps to Wellness, is about identifying the “six interferences” that cause subluxation and the “10 steps” for correcting them in a turnkey fashion.

It is about our lifetime of discovery and teaching putting all of the pieces of the health puzzle together after studying all the greats in our profession, like Dr. Goodheart, Dr. C. S.  Gonstead, and many others.

 

Dr. JOHN BRIMHALL Profile PERSONAL: Married to wife, Claudette, for 36 years. Children: “Dr. Ian, 33, (his wife, Dr. Jennifer, and 3 children), Dr Brett 30 (his wife, Holly, and three children), Sherida 27, Broc 25 (He and his wife, Kendra, are on their way to dental school and are expecting their first child), Kody 23, Brittny 21.” Recreation and Leisure: “We love the outdoors and are involved as a family in boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, and exercising.” Professional Affiliations: Diplomate of the International College of Applied Kinesiology and member of the American Chiropractic Assoc., and the Arizona Chiropractic Assoc. Seminar Attendance: “Our team does about 40 seminars a year. So, I get to hear many of the greats in our profession when I share the platform with them in State Associations, etc. I also take as many seminars as I can to stay abreast of advances.” Vacations: “I have to admit I use to get more vacations before I started teaching full time. We have a houseboat on Lake Powel we love. We are also building a log cabin in the White Mountains of Arizona where we hope to spend some time cooling down. We go to Mexico and fish a time or two a year.” PRACTICE PARTICULARS Clinic: “Two clinic locations: One is in Mesa, Arizona. We have three DC’s there and Dr. Brett Brimhall is the Chief. We are associated with an MD-DC office in Phoenix with Dr Bruce Shelton, an MD and HMD.” Office Hours: The Clinics are open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Techniques: “A blend of many great works that has come to be called the ‘Brimhall Method’. We evaluate and identify the six possible interferences that cause subluxations and correct them with ‘The 10 Steps To Wellness’. The 6 interferences we evaluate for and correct are structural, electromagnetic, nutritional, emotional, allergies/sensitivities and toxins. We use very specific adjusting techniques of the spine, extremities, fascia and craniosacral mechanism, utilizing the Erchonia Adjustor, Percussor, Laser, etc.” Staff: “The Mesa office has three DC’s with one LMT (our daughter Sherida), and six support personal.”

It is in the editing stages now and the pre-printing work with e2I Books.  They may want me to change the title a bit for more universal appeal.

TAC:  What do you feel should be the role of nutrition in chiropractic?

Brimhall:  Nutrition, or the lack of proper nutrients, is one of the “6 interferences” that robs us of our health and wellness.  It can be totally deficient, inadequate or in imbalance.  It must be addressed, in almost every patient, if you want him or her to hold an adjustment.  Five of the “10 steps to wellness” have to do with evaluating and balancing the patient’s nutrition.

We have a turnkey way of evaluating and recommending adequate nutrition for the patient that takes only a few minutes.  We also have a comprehensive understanding of lab evaluation and complete recommendations for the more complicated case history.

TAC:  What is your view on synthetic and whole food supplements? What do you advise your patients to use?

Brimhall:  I am a consultant and formulator for Dr Paul White and his family at Nutri-West, in Douglas, Wyoming.  We have the philosophy that natural is the best and that it should be pharmaceutical grade in quality, quantity and purity.  Therefore, we use only the purest and most natural nutrients available and the most advanced techniques in preserving those nutrients in there most energetic form.

For example one of my favorites is Total Veggie, that is a combination of 14 nutrients and many are from organic sprouts.  These add many complete nutrients, alkalinity and energy balance to the patient with a single product.

TAC:  How can you tell if the supplements are working for you and your patients?

Brimhall:  We test patients for increased range of motion, increased muscle strength and a reduction of pain when they are holding the nutrient, for example, in their mouth.  The change is immediate and most impressive.  Of course, we may also use lab tests for diagnosis, evaluation and the monitoring of results.  We may use blood, urine, saliva, hair or EAV (electro dermal testing).

It is important to understand the physical signs a patient is manifesting.  White spots on the nails can be a sign of B6 deficiency or lack of utilization.  A cracked tongue may indicate a vitamin B deficiency; ridges on the nails may be due to an iron deficiency; dry or falling hair may be low thyroid, etc.  Naturally, as you correct with proper nutrients, adjusting support and detoxification, the symptoms resolve.

TAC:  What techniques do you use or recommend?

Brimhall:  I am a true believer that every chiropractic technique works.  We currently, have and have had, some of the true geniuses of the world in our profession.  It is an honor to share chiropractic with all of them.
We have developed a complete system of adjusting using the “Adjustor”, manufactured by Erchonia, for instrument adjusting that is easy on the doctor and the patient.  We use all of the insights from structural correction to the neurological model and myofascial release.  We adjust the spine, correct discs under stress, evaluate and seek a central integrative state of the central nervous system, adjust extremities, use organ adjustive techniques and balance the craniosacral and fascial systems with the “Variable Percussor”, also manufactured by Erchonia.

TAC:  Do you feel acupuncture should have a role in chiropractic? If so, what?

Brimhall:  I have no idea how anyone could practice in the healing arts and not have an insight into acupuncture.  For instance, if a patient has a headache every morning at 2:00 AM, and you don’t know of the 24-hour clock and the horary points, what do you do?  With acupuncture knowledge, you realize the liver has the greatest amount of energy at that time and the small intestine has the least.  So you check liver 1 and/or small intestine 5 bilaterally, and you will find the culprit.  Then, one must stimulate the appropriate point(s) and help the patient.
The acupuncture meridians are like highways of energy that flow through the body, just like interstate roads travel through states and provinces.  They get traffic jams and need repair, just like the external roads we travel.  We cannot and must not ignore them, if we want the results we seek in correcting subluxation complexes.  D. D. Palmer said that too much or too little nerve supply is dis-ease.  The acupuncture system is a must for understanding nerve and energy homeostasis.

We have some of the greatest acupuncture teachers is the world in our profession, e.g., Drs. John Amaro, Richard Yennie, etc.  If one doesn’t want to use needles, one can use the 635nm Erchonia cold laser to balance the meridian systems of the body, as well as treat the nerves, cells, tissues and systems simultaneously.

TAC:  Who are some of the advocates of health and wellness you’ve had the opportunity to learn from?

Brimhall:  There have been many, but the most influential for me were Dr. Goodheart and Dr. Gonstead.  They have given the profession so much. I learn from everyone and give credit to him or her when I do.  We must give each other credit and not fight among ourselves.  I have never taken a course directly from Dr. Don Harrison, but I read his work and have taken classes from his students and it is truly wonderful work as are many other techniques in our profession.
 
TAC:  What helped you become a better chiropractor?

Brimhall:  I have studied many disciplines, e.g., cranial and organ adjusting, nutrition from many and have had the privilege to speak with over 50 medical doctors on nutrition and wellness.  Dr. Fabrizio Mancini introduced me at Parker College as the “Father of Wellness Care in Chiropractic”.  I suppose that has some real truth to it, but it makes me sound old.  When it comes down to it, though, I guess the only two famous chiropractors I never met were D. D. and B. J.

TAC:  Do you have any final words or advice for our readers?

Brimhall:  This is the greatest profession that exists today and we are all on the same team.  I pray we will see each other’s genius and not take away but add new knowledge and abilities to chiropractic to identify and remove vertebral sub-luxations.  I feel we must honor D. D. Palmer, who was a magnetic healer and the founder of chiropractic.  It would be good for us to u read The Chiropractic Adjustor, by D. D., and  to realize that he was way ahead of his time and his truths of over a hundred years ago are proven more each day.

 

Dr. John Brimhall may be reached at Brimhall Wellness Seminars, visit www.brimhallseminars.com, or call 480-964-5198; email [email protected]. Brimhall Wellness Center may be reached at 480-964-5107 and www.brimhallwellness.com

 

Dr. JOHN BRIMHALL TOOL KIT To give you a clear idea of what an Amazing Chiropractor uses to run his practice, we’ve asked Dr. John Brimhall to share with us some specific products & equipment that he uses to reach his practice’s goal of bringing health to its community. READING MATERIAL: “Some MD friends of mine call me a pathogenic learner.  They recognize I am constantly studying and upgrading my skills.  I also recognize some of the brightest minds today are in the chiropractic profession and that all of the techniques and schools are a credit to our profession and humanity.  So, I read and study the leaders of our profession.  Gerber, in his book, The E-Myth, states those that are successful have a constant need to learn more; and those that fall short are always defending what they think they already know.  I am reading between one and three books at a time.  In our teaching manual we have a comprehensive reading list.  As chiropractors, we must be well rounded.  We are the foundation and the keystone of ‘WELLNESS CARE’”. TABLES: “We love the Lloyd table with the features of being able to raise the patient up and down for the patients’ and our comfort.  We also use the Leander table for Dr Cox’s disc work.” DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT: “We use a Myo-Logic instrument for ROM, electric muscle testing, etc., with computer generated reports for evidence-based documentation.  We use a SpectraVision for electro dermal testing for the complicated patient and research.” REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT: “We use both active and passive forms of rehab from Synergy and Foot Levelers, along with upper body ergometers and wobble boards utilizing the Erchonia PL5 Lasers.” NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:  “I have formulated over 60 products for Nutri-West of Douglas, Wyoming.  It is owned and operated by Dr Paul White, a chiropractor, and his family.  They have 500 products in their catalogue and we have used a vast majority of them through the years.  Drs. Dan Murphy and Evan Mladenoff (Kansas City Chief’s chiropractor) also formulate for them.” X-RAY EQUIPMENT: “Standard X-Ray of Arizona has taken good care of us for many years.” OTHER COMPANIES I LOVE: “Mark Victor Hansen says you need a Dream, a Theme and a Team.  Our Dream is to take ‘Wellness’ to the World, our Theme is it must be Win-Win-Win.  We have put together a Dream Team that meets all of our needs:  Nutri-West for nutrition, Erchonia Medical for most of our equipment, (Adjustor, Percussor, Lasers, EB305 foot baths, etc.), Myo-Logic for evidence-based chiropractic, Chiroplanet for our websites, SpectraVision for our electro diagnosis, Capacity Management for teaching our doctors how to implement ‘Wellness Care’, Grafix-2-Go for our educational material, Foot Levelers for all of their great products, Greg Stanley of Whitehall Seminars for profitability training and High Tech Health for Far Infrared Saunas.

 

Q:  What are the two most important things that a doctor needs to address concerning his or her patients’ nutritional protocol?

Cima:

A.  What type of food is right for my patient? (Synonymous with putting the right fuel into your car.)
B. Are the organs and glands digesting, assimilating, metabolizing and detoxifying my food properly? (Synonymous with your car needing a tune up.)

Q:  Why is a blood chemistry analysis an excellent diagnostic tool to assess a patient’s nutritional protocol?

Cima:  A blood chemistry analysis is key and addresses the questions above.  Every doctor uses a blood test to assess chemical functions in the body; however, one must carefully analyze the results to look for signs of weakness.  These signs can be counter-balanced by a nutritional plan using a diet specific for you and supplementation to help rebuild and repair the glands and organs that are not functioning optimally.  A blood chemistry analysis is a testing procedure that is valid scientifically, biochemically, and physiologically.  Follow-up testing objectively evaluates correction of a condition in conjunction with symptomatology.  The real beauty of this methodology is that it detects these conditions—not at the life-threatening stage—but at the beginning stages of malfunction. 

Q:  Does cookbook nutrition (i.e., take this supplement for this symptom or condition) work?

Cima:  Not really because you are using supplements the way an MD uses medication and you just chase symptoms.

Supplements play a vital role in overall health. Supplements must be used to support the body from a biochemical perspective, giving the raw materials that the body needs to rebuild or repair the weak organ or gland. And the best way to select the correct supplement is through a blood chemistry analysis. A follow-up blood test can determine if you need additional support.

Q:  What do you think are a few of the “most commonly needed” nutritional supplements?

Cima:  A general program for support should include:

• Natural multivitamin and mineral formulation
• Sea salt, because of its micromineral content 
• Multiglandular product for organ and glandular support
•  Additional vitamins A, C, E and B-complex
• Additional calcium, magnesium and phosphorus
• Omega oils
• Protein powder (Most people are protein deficient)

Rotate supplements taking some every other day. Never “megadose”. Support your diet through supplementation, not in lieu of it.

Q:  Can a patient’s diet affect his/her pain level or joint problems?

Cima:  Yes, diet can have a dramatic effect on pain and joint inflammation. There are certain processed foods, as well as alcohol and drugs, which can literally create a pro-inflammatory process in your joints, increasing your pain levels. A perfect example of this is gouty arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that can flare up based on alcohol and/or improper nutrition.
 
Q:  Why is body composition more important than weight loss?

Cima:  Body composition is more important than weight loss because it’s not how much you weigh but, rather, how much of that weight is fat.  Body composition tells you the percentage of your weight that is fat and the percentage that is not, which is called lean body mass.  Having a body fat of 30% or higher will increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Q:  Is it true that you can normalize blood sugar levels by knowing how to use glycemic index and glycemic load?

Cima:  Glycemic index is a measurement of how fast carbohydrates enter your blood stream as compared to glucose. You would want foods that have a moderate to low glycemic index so glucose enters the blood stream in a time-released fashion, preventing spikes in your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Glycemic load is a measurement of how many carbohydrates in grams or calories are in that food. For example, 2 oz.’s of pasta has 50 grams or 200 calories of carbohydrate compared to 2 oz.’s of vegetables which contains 12 grams or 50 calories of carbohydrate, with the pasta having a much higher glycemic load (4x’s that of the vegetable). So you can have a moderate to low glycemic index with whole-wheat pasta, but the load is much higher, so you need to keep a balance between glycemic load and index.

Q:  How can diabetes and hypoglycemia be improved through diet?

Cima:  By using a combination of foods that have a low to mid glycemic index and load. Also, by supporting the pancreas or other organs which affect blood sugar, like the liver or the adrenals, with particular vitamins, minerals and tissue concentrates.

Q:  Why are cholesterol levels being lowered again and how low is too low?

Cima:  Most people do not realize or remember that normal cholesterol levels back in the early 1980’s were between 200-325 mg/dl’s.  Through the years, I’ve watched the high range go from 300 to 150 and below.  Today, some doctors say that your cholesterol levels should be less than 150 mg/dl’s to reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

How can you reduce your appetite and prevent binging? •  Eating 4-5 small meals a day keeps your blood sugar at a more even keel preventing drops in blood sugar leading to binging. • Fatty protein meals will keep you satisfied longer. So, if you will be having an early lunch/dinner, use protein to sustain you longer while reducing your appetite. • Exercising instead of eating is tough, but after you exercised you will find that your appetite is suppressed. • Stay away from processed foods which act like addicting drugs • Eat whole and natural foods • Drink plenty of water.

This theory doesn’t work for many reasons: Heart disease is still the “number 1 killer”. More than 1 million Americans die each year from this disease and it is still on the rise. Even though cholesterol levels have been reduced through diet, exercise and a new line of designer drugs known as statins, such as Lipitor, cardiovascular disease, angioplasties and obesity are still hitting all time highs.

If the levels continue to decrease, too little cholesterol can create as much devastation to the body as high cholesterol can. Cholesterol is necessary to produce sex hormones that prevent erectile dysfunction and hormone replacement therapy. Cholesterol is necessary to produce certain enzymes for digestion of fats. It is necessary to produce antibodies to protect us against immune diseases. And, cholesterol is necessary to protect our skin and body membranes against oxidation.

I would recommend that you keep a running check on your or your patients’ cholesterol levels over the years. This creates a reference point or a pattern that will let you know that your cholesterol levels may be on the rise.

Meanwhile, do not become alarmed about a cholesterol level of 220. To get the complete picture, you have to look at all the factors, like body composition, body weight, age, diet, activity level, etc.

Q:  Can you detoxify your body through nutrition?

Cima:  Absolutely, by staying away from junk food, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods which help clean your body, such as fruits, vegetables/oils and grains.

Q:  Why is childhood obesity on the rise?

Cima:  I would say that one of the main reasons childhood obesity is on the rise is because more and more time is now being spent indoors playing video games, surfing the internet or watching television.  Children are not getting the necessary amount of physical exercise they need to combat obesity.  Some schools are even making physical education elective.  Additionally, some children are not being taught proper nutrition at home or they are consuming an alarming amount of processed foods.  It’s extremely important for parents to teach their children proper nutrition because, as a result, they will be more likely to make healthy choices on their own.

Q:  How many meals should you eat a day?

Cima:  3-5 meals/snacks should be eaten daily. The purpose of more meals is to keep the meals easier to digest while keeping blood sugar levels at an even keel.  This will, then, reduce binging.

Q:  Does the food pyramid need to be changed?

Cima:  With 2/3 of Americans being overweight, it’s obvious that something needs to change.   The 12-year-old food pyramid is made for the masses, and it’s vital to find a nutritional plan that caters to the individual body.  It isn’t as much about how many servings of protein, fruits and vegetables one should be eating so much as it’s about individual needs and requirements.  Again, the blood chemistry can help determine what fuels and nutrients the body needs to work at optimum levels. We should be educating people that healthy eating cannot be categorized into a dietary plan. 

Q:  Is it true that diet can cause many mental and emotional conditions, such as depression, fear, grief, uncertainty and anxiety?

Cima:  Diets high in processed carbohydrates can cause blood sugar irregularity resulting in many emotional conditions as mentioned above.

Q:  Can antioxidants have a lessening effect on heart attacks and strokes?

Cima:  Yes, because antioxidants reduce oxidation and, since the heart and brain require large amounts of oxygen, they can be (if electrons are not transferred properly) damaged through oxidization which literally destroys coronary muscle, arteries and veins.

Dr. James P. Cima teaches seminars and has created a software package for the doctors to help them assess their patients’ nutritional needs.  For more information, call toll free 1-877-627-2770 or fax 561-624-3871, or e-mail Dr. Cima at [email protected].

Patients are always looking for something that is easy to do when it comes to their health. So, eating more fruits and vegetables can be challenging for many; however, transitioning to a healthy diet can begin with something as simple as eating an apple every day. The old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is still quite popular, and the latest data suggest that it is quite true. Indeed, epidemiological studies have linked the consumption of apples to reduced risk of asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.¹

Apples contain a variety of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. In the laboratory, apples have been found to have very strong antioxidant activity, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol.

Concerning cholesterol, the use of statin drugs may propose a significant health risk for many patients.² And, it has been estimated that the United States will spend 30 billion dollars per year on cholesterol treatment by statin drugs.¹ An apple a day and some coenzyme Q10 may turn out to be an extremely helpful option for these patients.

The Antioxidant Power of an Apple

When antioxidants are the subject of conversation, it is very common for people to think of vitamin C and E. The amount of vitamin C in an apple is only about 6 mg; however, the total antioxidant activity of apples with the peel is equivalent to approximately 1,500 mg of vitamin C.¹ This speaks to the importance of getting our antioxidants, specifically as phytochemicals, from our fruits and vegetables. The only supplement that rivals eating fruits and vegetables would be a “green drink” whose powder was derived from fruits and veggies. In this regard, consider the following:

Rats fed apple juice had a decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation and free radical damage. Quercetin, a major flavonoid in apples, had no effect on lipid oxidation when ingested by rats, suggesting that quercetin alone is not responsible for the apple’s ability to inhibit lipid oxidation.¹

Eating the entire apple is important. While the fruit contains phytochemicals, the peel is where they concentrate.

While antioxidant and phytochemical supplements can help, they do not replace the consumption of fruits and vegetables…this is a simple law of nutrition that we all must deal with. Alas, it would nice if we could live on cake and take a magic supplement to make up for it, but we can’t.

Nutritional Adjustment Recommendations

Ultimately our patients, and we as their doctors, should drop the consumption of all packaged foods, as well as grains and grain/flour products. With this effort, we will reduce the over consumption of pro-inflammatory trans fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.

Our food focus should be vegetables, fruits, grass-fed beef (and lamb, etc.), chicken, wild game, omega-3 eggs, and fresh fish. Foods should be cooked in coconut oil, and coconut oil can be added to smoothies. Olive oil should be used to make salad dressings. Green tea should be the non-water beverage of choice, and we should drink about ½ gallon or so of water per day. I also suggest supplementing with a multivitamin, magnesium (500-1000 mg/day), maybe calcium (500-1000 mg/day), EPA/DHA (1-2 grams/day), and coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day).

For many patients and doctors, adhering to such a regimen can initially be difficult, partly because many individuals have adopted the notion that they “live to eat.” Ideally, we should be “eating to live,” and adopting this motto can help provide the needed will power to avoid temptation.

For those patients who struggle with food, get them to try eating an apple or two every day. Make this their first anti-inflammatory and nutritional adjustment dietary goal. If you, the doc, also struggle with food, then go for it with your patients. If you and your patients don’t take supplements then, at least, begin with a multivitamin/mineral and work up to taking magnesium, EPA/DHA, and coenzyme Q10.

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the faculty of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and on the postgraduate faculties of several other chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman believes that chiropractors should be thinking like chiropractors, while providing nutritional recommendations.  Doctors and patients who follow his programs report improved feelings of well-being, weight loss, dramatic increases in energy, and significant pain reduction.  Dr. Seaman can  be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

References:

1. Boyer J, Liu RH. Apply phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutr J 2004, 3:5, published May 12, 2004. http://www.nutritionj.com/content/3/1/5
2. Seaman, D, DC. Statin drugs: a cause of muscle pain in many patients and nutritional alternatives we can offer, The American Chiropractor, 2004; 26(6)-50.

A list of the commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), prosuvastatin calcium (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor). One statin drug that is no longer being used is Baycol, made by the Bayer Company.

A USAToday.com article, posted on June 8, 2004, stated that, “Bayer pulled Baycol after reports that 31 people taking the drug died of a rare but dangerous side effect called rhabdomyolysis, a toxic breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure. All statins have been associated with muscle problems, most of them not fatal, and patients are warned to report to their doctors any symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, dark urine, nausea and vomiting.”

We need to focus on the statement that, “All statins have been associated with muscle problems.” In fact, muscle pain is very common in those taking statins. All DC’s reading this article right now can think of numerous patients in their practice who are suffering with aches and pains that never existed prior to taking statins to combat a clinically insignificant level of cholesterol.

Long term use of statins is known to substantially increase the risk of developing polyneuropathy in some patients.¹ Statins also commonly cause fatigue² and memory loss and cognitive defects.³ Severe irritability and aggression have also been attributed to statin use.⁴

How do statins lower cholesterol and cause muscle symptoms?

Believe it or not, the enzyme that is inhibited by statins results in less cholesterol synthesis and also less ATP synthesis. Reduced ATP synthesis is thought to damage muscles for several reasons. The name of the enzyme inhibited by statins is HMG-CoA reductase, and it is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of an important precursor molecule called farnysl pyrophosphate, from which our body makes cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Without CoQ10, ATP synthesis is significantly compromised. Think about this for a moment…  The human body utilizes the same biochemical pathway to produce both cholesterol and ATP, which means that the body views cholesterol synthesis on the same level of importance as ATP synthesis. I can’t think of many interventions more ridiculous than one that would inhibit the biochemical pathway that results in the production of the body’s currency for energy (ATP) and, therefore, life itself.

The likely mechanism of statin-induced muscle pain is due to inhibition of CoQ10 synthesis and the subsequent inhibition of ATP synthesis. Research has demonstrated that we get about a 25% reduction in CoQ10 when taking statin drugs.5 This is especially problematic for the elderly, for it is known that aging is associated with a significant reduction in CoQ10 synthesis.⁵

In addition to driving ATP synthesis, CoQ10 also functions as an important antioxidant and regulates global gene expression of skeletal muscle,⁶ so it should not be a wonder that muscles suffer with statin use.

What should you do for your patients?

Most importantly, provide your patients with good information, and the references for this article should suffice. Statin drugs are not a healthy choice; let the evidence speak for itself. To remedy the effects of statin use, patients should supplement with CoQ10. At least 100 mg seems reasonable, although the amounts are likely to vary from individual to individual. Fortunately, CoQ10 supplementation is without detrimental side effects. You should also make sure your patients are taking a multivitamin/mineral, magnesium and EPA/DHA. And for those who do need to modify their cholesterol levels, policosanol is a viable alternative. Policosanol is known to lower the dangerous LDL-C molecule while raising HDL levels,⁷ without causing the detrimental side-effects associated with statins. In another study with type II diabetic patients, policosanol was compared to lovastatin, and the authors concluded that, “policosanol administered at 10 mg/day produces more advantageous changes in HDL-cholesterol and has a better safety and tolerability profile than lovastatin 20 mg/day.”⁸ This study also demonstrated that policosanol, but not lovastatin, resulted in a significant elevation of HDL cholesterol.⁸

Irresponsible drug companies

I am not one to criticize drugs in general, because, when used properly, drugs can be life saving. However, at times, the deception and perhaps even fraud becomes too appalling. It turns out that the statin-producing drug companies knew from the onset that statins block CoQ10 synthesis, and that this side-effect could be detrimental to our health. In fact, the companies that patented the statin drugs also patented drugs that contained a statin/CoQ10 combination.⁹ All you need to do is go to www.uspto.gov and put in the patent numbers provided in reference #9, and you can see for yourself. Shockingly, not one statin drug to date has included CoQ10…so millions have unnecessarily suffered and will continue to do so.

Dr. Seaman is the Clinical Chiropractic Consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, one of the first supplement manufacturers to service the chiropractic profession.  He is on the faculty of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and on the postgraduate faculties of several other chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs of the chiropractic patient.  Dr. Seaman believes that chiropractors should be thinking like chiropractors, while providing nutritional recommendations.  Doctors and patients who follow his programs report improved feelings of well-being, weight loss, dramatic increases in energy, and significant pain reduction.  Dr. Seaman can  be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

REFERENCES

1. Gaist D, Jeppesen U, Andersen M, Garcia Rodriguez LA, Hallas J, Sindrup SH. Statins and risk of polyneuropathy: a case-control study. Neurology 2002; 58(9):1333-7

2. Golomb BA. Statin adverse effects: implications for the elderly. Geriatric Times Vol V(3); May/June 2004;  http://www.geriatrictimes.com/g040618.html

3. Wagstaff LR, Mitton MW, Arvik BM, Doraiswamy PM. Statin-associated memory loss: analysis of 60 case reports and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy 2003; 23(7):871-880.

4. Golomb BA, Kane T, Dimsdale JA (2004), Severe irritability associated with statin cholesterol-lowering drugs. QJM 97(4):229-235.
Severe irritability and aggression

5. Crane FL. Biochemical functions of coenzyme Q10. J Am Coll Nutr  2001; 20(6):591-598

6. Linnane AW et al. Human aging and global function of coenzyme Q10. Ann NY Acad Sci  2002; 959:396-411

7. Varady KA, Wang Y, Jones PJ. Role of policosanols in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Nutr Rev. 2003; 61(11):376-83

8. Crespo N, Illnait J, Mas R, Fernandez L, Fernandez J, Castano G. Comparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol and lovastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19(4):117-27

9. Patent #s 4,929,437;  #4,933,165;  #5,082,650;  #5,316,765
rehabilitation-Pg. 50