Capital Osteopathy Ottawa

This news report tells how vitamin D can save your life.

2010-03-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Lawsuit highlights danger of Mecury in your Fish oil capsules

2010-03-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Environmentalists in California have brought a lawsuit against major fish oil supplement producers because they claim that their products contain PCBs. PCB's are a known carcinogens or cancer producing.

The eight supplement manufacturers CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, General Nutrition Corp., Solgar, Twinlab, Now Health, Omega Protein and Pharmavite.

CBS News March 2, 2010

How Runners can Combat Impact Related Injuries the Natural Way

2010-03-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Shoe companies have invested millions of dollars in making high tech, good quality running shoes. The investment has paid off! Well known shoe manufactures have become household names, boosting profits to record highs. However, despite wearing these high tech shoes, research suggests that as many as 30% of runners get injured every year.

Benefits of Running and Walking Barefoot

Man has been running for thousands of years, apparently without the injuries experienced by modern sportsmen/women wearing modern shoes. The human foot is designed to run without the aid of a shoe. In the past runners were either barefoot or wore minimal footwear such as sandals or moccasins with smaller heels and little cushioning relative to modern running shoes. As the incidence of running injuries remains significant despite advances in footwear technology, it seems that the best shoes may be no shoes at all.

Running Shoes and Sports Injuries

The modern running shoe was invented during the 1970's. Prior to that, shoes offered little or no real protection against impact injuries.

Due to the high prevalence of impact related sports injuries amongst runners, research has been undertaken to study the reasons for such injuries and to design the ultimate high tech running shoe. As it turns out, nature got there first. The startling fact is that research has shown high tech running shoes may be contributing to impact related injuries amongst runners.

According to a study conducted by Daniel Lieberman and colleagues at Harvard University it was found that shod runners are more inclined to heel strike as opposed to mid foot or front foot strike when running. Their research also showed that many shod runners, when asked to run barefoot in laboratory conditions on a treadmill or track way, switch to a mid foot or forefoot strike.

Lieberman concludes that, until recently, most humans had much more varied gaits. Sometimes they landed on their heel, but more often they were mid foot or front foot striking. The heel is not designed to absorb impact all of the time. Running in a mid foot or front foot strike style spreads the impact more evenly across the foot. Considering that most runners will strike the ground around 60 times per kilometer, this significantly reduces the likelihood of developing repetitive stress injuries.

The high tech running shoe, on the other hand, gives the runner a false sense of security, allowing him or her to comfortably heel strike most of the time. Unfortunately, even the most advanced shoe cannot prevent the accumulated damage suffered by consistently running in this way.

Easing into Walking and Running Barefoot

People in the modern age are accustomed to wearing shoes, so running or or even walking barefoot is something to be eased into for many - build calf and foot muscles slowly. By practicing each day, barefoot running and walking will eventually come easily, naturally and painlessly.

Sources:

http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harv...
http://www.nature.com/nature/journa...
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/H...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/ar...

Daily Dose of Vitamin D Prevents Falls in Elderly

2010-02-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Seniors who take a large daily dose of vitamin D may be significantly less likely to suffer from falls, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Center on Aging and Mobility at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and published in the British Medical Journal.

"Falls are important events to prevent," said researcher Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, "and 700 to 1000 IU of vitamin D per day is safe and inexpensive."

Approximately one-third of all adults over the age of 64 and 50 percent of those over the age of 49 fall at least once per year. In 9 percent of these cases, a visit to the emergency room is required. In 6 percent of cases, a fracture results. Falls are often one of the primary events resulting in admission to a nursing home.

Researchers analyzed the results of eight different studies on a total of 2,400 people over the age of 64. All the studies looked at whether vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.

The researchers found that at doses below 700 IU per day, there was no reduction in the risk of falls. Above this level, however, the risk of falls was reduced by as much as one in four.

"It takes 700 to 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day and nothing less will work," Bischoff-Ferrari said. "At the higher dose of 700 to 1000 IU vitamin D, the benefit on fall prevention is significant -- at least 19 percent, 26 percent with vitamin D3."

Although vitamin D2 is the form most commonly found in supplements, the body absorbs vitamin D3 more effectively.

The researchers found no difference in effectiveness between supplements marketed as "active" and those that were simply unmodified D2. "Active" supplements, however, are significantly more likely to lead to high calcium levels, which may cause hormone problems and cancer.

Sources for this story include: in.reuters.com.

Osteopathy and Tennis elbow.

2010-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Tennis elbow is inflammation of your forearm muscle tendons or tendinitis. Tendons usually become inflamed when the muscles they attach to become tired because over overworking. Muscles overwork usually because they are compensating for muscle weaknesses elsewhere. In my experience this muscle weakness can usually be found in the shoulder and is usually either the corocobracialis, subscapularis or teres minor muscles.

In Osteopathy, muscles are linked to particular nutrients and as such weakness can indicate deficiencies in those. For example, Corocobracialis is related to vitamin C, the Subscapularis is linked to B vitamins, and the Teres minor is linked to iron. By identifying which muscle is weak so the weakness can be resolved using a simple change in nutrition and as a consequence the forearm muscles will no longer have to overwork.

Breast cancer virtually "eradicated" with higher levels of vitamin D

2010-02-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

(NaturalNews) In a gathering of vitamin D researchers recently held in Toronto, Dr. Cedric Garland delivered a blockbuster announcement: Breast cancer can be virtually "eradicated" by raising vitamin D levels.

Click here to read more...

ADHD and Osteopathy

2010-02-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

As an Osteopath I see children with ADHD and Autism. ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is among the costliest of behavioral disorders. New research suggests that the culprit may be an old villain -- lead -- and what's more it explains the causal pathway from exposure to disibility. ScienceDaily (2010-01-29)

Using Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing), an Osteopath is able to accurately test whether Lead is playing a role in a child's condition. Heavy metals are often one of the contributing factors as well as food intolerances and food intolerances.

Handy tips for relieving back pain naturally

2010-02-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

STRETCHING FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF
Even bed-bound back pain sufferers can get instant relief with gentle stretching. Here`s how:
1. Lie on your back. Very, very slowly bring your right knee in toward your chest, only as far as it feels comfortable.
2. With your hands on your shins, hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds.
3. Slowly release and gently let your leg down to a slow count of 5.
4. Repeat with the other leg.
Do this exercise 5-6 times in the morning before getting out of bed and again at bedtime.

ACUPRESSURE FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
It sounds too easy to be true, but this amazingly simple technique is powerfully effective. Just apply pressure on certain points on the body to make back pain subside and even disappear. How? Acupressure may work by increasing the production of endorphins, the body`s natural pain relievers.
How to do it:
1. Center the tip of a pencil or your fingertip between your nose and upper lip.
2. Apply deep pressure and hold this pressure for several seconds, then release. Repeat 5-10 times.
3. Next, place the pencil or finger tip between your inner anklebone and Achilles tendon.
4. Apply deep pressure, hold for several seconds, then release. Repeat this 5-10 times.
5. Finally, make a fist. On the outside of your hand near the pinkie finger locate the spot where the skin folds and bulges, and press there (same as above).

HERBAL TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN
Cramp Bark makes an effective muscle relaxation tea for back pain brought on by overuse of muscles:
Add 1 teaspoon of cramp bark (Viburnum Opulus) to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and drink. For best results, drink 3x/day. Back pain caused by tension and stress can be eased with Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian blocks transmission of stress signals between the brain and body, and comes in capsules or tablets.

In independent studies an African herb called Devil's Claw eased back pain as well as prescription drugs without side effects. This is due to harpagoside, the active ingredient in Devil's Claw which relieves pain and inflammation according to herbal researcher Luke Mortensen, PhD. Take 204 grams of Devil's Claw daily to effectively relieve back pain caused by inflammation.

PREVENT BACK PAIN WITH WATER
According to Dr. F Batmanghelidj, author of Water for Health, for Healing, for Life, the simplest cure for chronic back pain is as close as your kitchen sink. Dehydrated muscles can spasm causing pain, says Dr. Batman, and adequate hydration prevents painful muscle cramps. Dehydrated spinal discs cannot vacuum enough water back in to their cores, so they can no longer function as good shock absorbers; but keep them hydrated and they will keep you pain-free. Fatigue caused by chronic dehydration creates poor posture, causing you to shift back and press on nearby nerves causing back pain. Drink enough water and fatigue and pain can be a thing of the past.

The best way to prevent debilitating back pain is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat right, drink plenty of water, and reduce stress. But when back pain occasionally strikes, treat it naturally for safe (and fast) relief.

Sources:
Batmangheldi, F: Water for Health, for Healing, for Life (New York:Warner Books, 2003)

Brownstein, Art: Healing Back Pain Naturally (New York: Pocket Books, 2001)

"Acupressure Relieves Low Back Pain," Science Daily Feb. 17, 2006

Stephen Ehrlich, NMD, "Devil`s Claw," University of Maryland Medical Center. Oct 27, 2008.

Krill Oil is good for you and your neck

2010-02-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Recent studies have shown that Krill Oil is an excellent source of Omega 3s. Krill are tiny shrimp like creatures that are fed on by whales. They actually represent the largest biomass of multi-cellular animals in the world. They also provide the cleanest form of fish derived Omega 3 as they contain no mercury like most other fish.

Fibromyalgia and Sensitivities

2010-02-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have general achiness and stiff and sore joints, especially in the mornings that is often labelled as Fibromyalgia. In my experience I have found that yeast and gluten are often mostly to blame, with another common problem being fluoride. Drinking bottled water and using fluoride free toothpaste can often alleviate symptoms.

I use a system called Applied Kinesiology to identify sensitivities and then use NAET to desensitize.

Osteopathy, Back Pain and Water - Could Water Be the Answer to Your Lower Back Pain?

2010-02-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

For many people, maybe like yourself that suffer with lower back pain a visit to their local chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath can be a god send. But how many of you have to go through the same process again months or even weeks later? The problem is that by using just manipulation or massage you are not getting at the underlying reason for the problem. This article takes a look at how a few litres of water a day can give you long term relief from your lower back pain.

One of my failings as a business man is that I get my clients better too quickly and that I am able to give people the right advice to keep their lower back pain for long periods of time. I am happy with that because it makes me a good osteopath and also because it would drive me crazy seeing the same people again and again week after week.

Whenever I mention that I am an osteopath the conversation inevitably gets on to lower back pain. They say that they have had it for years and they usually have to go and see their chiropractor, physiotherapist, or osteopath who sorts them out over a few sessions. This is a bit of an occupational hazard. The situation gets more uncomfortable when they ask me for my advice. The reason it is uncomfortable for me is because, through experience many people aren't going to like my answer. Many people through conditioning are happy to accept an explanation of "your vertebra is out of line" or, "you have a trapped nerve". When I start to mention things like diet or nutrition I quickly see peoples eyes glaze over and they quickly go on the defensive, saying that their diet is fine.

For people a bit more open such yourself the simple answer is that if people are dehydrated then it can lessen the strength in the muscles in your lower back. In particular the psoas muscles which large core muscles that are important for stabilising the back. These are particularly sensitive to changes in hydration.

So if your lower back pain starts to resurface again try drinking a pint or two of water and see what happens.

This information given in this article is not intended to replace the services of a physician. Information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this is article at the reader's discretion.

Cocaine, Spices, and Hormones Now Being Found in Drinking Water

2010-02-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of the most important health tips I give to my clients is to drink more water. Dehydration in my experience is a big causal factor for lower back pain. Unfortunately, the most readily available source of water, tap water is far from being the best.
Recent research from the US has shown water contamination from herbs, spices and food flavoring. More worrying are the high traces of both illegal and prescription drugs. The best way to avoid these health harming substances is to use a good water filter. The two I recommend are Reverse Osmosis or a Nikken water filter.

Source: Natural Health

Use Probiotics to boost your immune system.

2010-01-31T07:08:00.001-08:00

Many people who I see in my Osteopathy Practices have poor immune systems and are prone to catching frequent colds and flus as a result. An unusual way to strengthen your immune system is by supplementing with friendly bacteria or probiotics.

And it is not just any probiotics that will help colds and flus. Research has shown that to avoid getting colds and the flu supplement your diet with probiotic strains lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, or bifidobacterium lactis.

And the same can be said of other conditions:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), look for the probiotics that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus GG, and Lactobacillus coagulans.

Urinary tract and Vaginal infections, look for Lactobacillus coagulans, lactobacillus reuteri or lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Eczema, studies have shown that taking a probiotic that contains lactobacillus acidophilus can help, especially in children.

Studies at Standford University have also indicated that taking probiotics can also help you lose weight.

Source: Natural News

How to fight Inflammation naturally.

2010-01-31T06:36:00.000-08:00

Fecal Bacteria Found in Nearly Half of Fast Food Soda Fountains

2010-01-31T06:02:00.000-08:00

A recent study has revealed that a full 48 percent of soda fountains at fast food restaurants contain coliform bacteria -- a bacteria that grows in feces. Eleven percent also contained E. Coli.

Other opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms found included Chryseobacterium meningosepticum and of Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Stenotrophomonas, Candida, and Serratia. Most of the identified bacteria showed resistance to one or more of 11 antibiotics tested.
While there have been few certified outbreaks over in the last ten years related to soda fountains, many incidents of food poisoning go unreported.

Source: Trigger Hugger

Welcome to my Capital Osteopathy Ottawa blog

2010-01-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this blog is to highlight some important health issues that I encounter in my Osteopathic practice.....feel free to make your comments...kind regards Dominick.