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Did you know that approximately 2/3 of the fluoride added to your tap water comes from toxic waste produced by Chinese fertilizer? While it may sound unbelievable, it’s true. This toxic waste contains not just fluoride, but also hazardous substances such as lead, arsenic, radionuclides, aluminum, and other industrial contaminants.

In addition to the troubling fact that our government is providing us with toxic waste, there are growing concerns about the safety of fluoride itself. Several studies, including one conducted by Harvard University, show a correlation between heavily fluoridated water and lower IQ levels. Numerous articles also point to health problems linked to fluoride exposure, such as thyroid disorders, dementia, attention deficit disorder (ADD), infertility, and even cancer.

You might be thinking, "I’ve been drinking tap water my whole life, and I’m fine." While that may seem true, it’s hard to say whether any health conditions you’ve experienced are related to fluoride exposure. Similarly, you’ll never know if your IQ could have been higher without it.

To address these concerns, Dr. Mandy and I switched our family to non-fluoridated toothpaste. We also minimize our consumption of tap water and ensure the water our children drink at home is filtered. If you have an infant and are using formula, it’s crucial to use non-fluoridated water. I encourage you to do your own research and make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

For more in-depth information on the issues with fluoridation, I recommend reading the article by Dr. Mercola, which you can find here: http://www.blessedquietness.com/journal/theworld/fluoride-%20from%20china.htm.

If you're interested in filtering your water, we personally use the Berkey Water Filter in our home. It effectively removes fluoride along with most other contaminants. You can find more information and purchase it here: https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=55b0fd899c265&a_bid=e7551adf.

Full Disclosure: We are affiliated with this product, meaning we receive a small commission. However, our recommendation is based on our thorough research and personal use of the product.

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The United States faces a significant drug issue—a nation consumed by its reliance on medication. While many people typically associate drug problems with illegal substances, our addiction to prescription and over-the-counter drugs poses a far greater financial and physical challenge.

Despite comprising only 3 percent of the global population, Americans consume approximately half of all medications each year.

When it comes to prescriptions, antibiotics rank first, followed chillingly by painkillers in second place and antipsychotics in third. Shockingly, antipsychotics alone generated a staggering $15 billion in revenue for pharmaceutical companies in 2011. This figure has likely increased substantially since then.

Consider these staggering statistics:

• 60 percent of Americans over the age of 20 rely on at least one prescription medication.
• Americans consume 80 percent of all painkillers—equivalent to 64 Vicodin pills for every man, woman, and child in the country.
• 90 percent of Americans over the age of 60 depend on at least one prescription medication, with 30 percent taking five or more.
• According to a recent study by the Institute for Healthcare Informatics, individuals aged 65-79 receive more than 27 prescriptions annually.
• Antidepressant usage is prevalent among 11 percent of adults.
• Around 6 percent of children are prescribed ADHD drugs—an alarming reality where millions of young ones consume potent stimulants chemically similar to cocaine.
• Shockingly, children as young as 2 years old are receiving prescriptions for ADHD drugs and antidepressants.
• While approximately 20,000 people in America die each year from illicit drugs, over 100,000 individuals lose their lives annually due to "properly" prescribed medications.

Upon reviewing this information, it is disheartening, particularly regarding the number of children prescribed mind-altering drugs.

When your doctor prescribes medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anxiety, or type 2 diabetes, it is important to inquire about the ultimate goal—when can you stop taking them? Sadly, the likely response will be "never," despite the fact that many of these conditions can be managed through proper diet and exercise.

• Type 2 diabetes can often be reversed with the right nutrition.
• Elevated cholesterol and blood pressure can be improved with a healthy diet.
• Depression and anxiety are often linked to nutritional deficiencies, which can be addressed with the right diet and supplementation.

Regrettably, most health conditions arise from poor lifestyle choices made over the years. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the primary health concerns in America—and they are mostly tied to our lifestyles.

However, there is hope. Our bodies have incredible resilience and can bounce back to good health with positive changes in diet and lifestyle. Improving your diet, engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day are all simple adjustments you can start making today.

Let’s take a nostalgic journey into the peculiarities of medical history. In times not so long ago, medicine embraced some rather intriguing ideas and practices that, while considered sensible at the time, now seem utterly bizarre. Join me as we delve into the past:

Doctor's Preference: Camel Cigarettes

Imagine a world where, just half a century ago, smoking wasn’t widely believed to cause cancer—even by doctors themselves. Astonishingly, there was even an advertising campaign endorsing Camel cigarettes in the Journal of the American Medical Association. If you're old enough, you might recall seeing your doctor puffing away in their office.

Lobotomy

A few decades ago, the procedure known as lobotomy was used as a misguided attempt to help patients with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. One technique involved drilling holes into the temples and severing a nerve to disconnect parts of the brain. As if that wasn’t complex enough, a more expedient method emerged—the ice pick lobotomy.

In an ice pick lobotomy, an actual ice pick was hammered into the skull above each eye, and then moved around to scramble the brain. Shockingly, this procedure was performed under local anesthesia, leaving the unfortunate patients awake and aware. One notable doctor of that era, trained at Yale, even established “assembly lines,” attempting to break records by performing as many procedures as possible in a given timeframe.

(As a historical aside, it’s worth mentioning that Joe Kennedy, father of John F. Kennedy, had his daughter Rosemary lobotomized at age 23 without informing his wife. Following the procedure, Rosemary experienced severe motor and speech impairments, spending the next 60 years of her life in a Wisconsin facility without ever being visited by her father.)

Mercury as a Medicinal Substance

For over a thousand years, mercury was used as a panacea for a wide range of ailments. Comedian Chris Rock humorously highlights how his mother used Robitussin for everything—similar to how mercury was once thought to cure nearly everything. Have a cough? Take some Tussin. Scrape your knee? Rub some Tussin on it. Break a bone? Apply Tussin. Mercury, likewise, served as the “Tussin” of its day.

These are just a few glimpses into the strange world of historical medical advice. Now, let’s explore some additional treatments that will leave you dumbfounded:

"Soothing Syrups" for Disobedient Children

Essentially bottles of morphine and other narcotics, these syrups were once commonly used to calm children. Carrying one of these today would likely result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Sugar for Weight Loss

As recently as the 1960s, advertisers promoted sugar as a healthy, low-calorie alternative to fruit. Oh, how times have changed!

Heroin as a Cough Suppressant

Thanks to Bayer Pharmaceuticals, heroin was once recommended as a remedy for coughs. Ironically, the widespread use—and subsequent addiction—to OxyContin is considered one of the main drivers behind the rise in heroin usage today.

Amphetamines for Women's Weight Loss

It's no wonder some mothers could effortlessly raise a dozen children while keeping their homes immaculate—amphetamines were once prescribed to help with weight loss.

Bloodletting

Suffering from high blood pressure, headaches, or an infection? In the past, your "four humors" were likely considered out of balance. The remedy? Simply drain a pint or two of your blood, and you’d be good as new.

Researching this article was an enjoyable endeavor, and I hope you found it both fascinating and informative. If you found this piece intriguing, be sure to show your appreciation by liking and sharing it.

When people think of chiropractic care, they often associate it with treating low back pain or neck pain. However, in my experience, headaches tend to respond exceptionally well to chiropractic treatment compared to other conditions.

There are various types of headaches, but the most common are "tension" headaches. These headaches are usually felt at the base of the skull, but if you suffer from them, you likely also experience pain and tension in your upper back and shoulders. Interestingly, it’s the tension in the upper back that triggers the headache. The muscles in the upper back connect to the base of the skull, and when they become tight, they exert a pulling force on the area, leading to a tension headache.

So, what causes this tension in the first place? Let’s take a look at the biomechanics. When you maintain good posture, the weight of your head (about 10 pounds) is primarily supported by your spine. However, if your shoulders roll forward or your head protrudes in front of your body, the muscles in your upper back have to work extra hard to maintain that position, which causes tightness. Once again, it’s this muscle tension that triggers the headache.

To alleviate these headaches, there are several actions you can take. One simple yet effective change is to use the cervical pillow recommended by our office. This type of pillow has a central hole that, when you lie on your back, helps position your head correctly and relaxes tight muscles. This small adjustment has had remarkable effects for our patients suffering from neck pain and headaches.

Engaging in posture exercises is also beneficial. By stretching the chest muscles and strengthening the muscles in the upper back and neck, you can gradually improve your posture over time.

If your job requires you to look down frequently (e.g., looking at a computer screen or constantly checking your phone), it’s important to maintain proper posture. Make sure your screen and chair are adjusted to support good posture, allowing you to sit upright comfortably. Additionally, be mindful of your phone usage and try to hold it at eye level instead of constantly looking down. This can help prevent muscle tension in your upper back and neck. Also, remember to take regular breaks to roll your shoulders and neck to relieve any strain caused by prolonged periods of looking down.

Finally, chiropractic adjustments are key. By improving the mobility of the joints in your neck and upper back, you can significantly alleviate headaches. As I mentioned earlier, headaches respond better to chiropractic care than any other condition we treat.

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Could a recently discovered condition be the underlying cause of various health issues, ranging from acne and depression to autoimmune diseases and even cancer? There’s growing evidence suggesting this may be the case, and the condition in question is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when the intestines become inflamed, leading to two primary issues:

1. The body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food becomes compromised. Even if we consume enough nutrients, they may not be properly absorbed, resulting in potential deficiencies.
2. The intestinal walls become more permeable, allowing substances to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers an inflammatory response, which can contribute to a wide range of health problems.

So, what causes the initial inflammation in the intestines? While there are several potential culprits, many experts believe that gluten is a primary contributor to leaky gut. As a result, gluten-free and grain-free diets are gaining popularity—and for good reason. Going grain-free not only helps with weight loss but also reduces inflammation in the body, alleviating various aches and pains. Other common factors contributing to leaky gut include chronic use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and aspirin), excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, chronic stress, and imbalances in intestinal bacteria (dysbiosis).

Diagnosing Leaky Gut Syndrome can be challenging. While there are several laboratory findings that may suggest its presence, there’s no definitive test. However, if you experience the following symptoms, you may have an issue with your intestines:

1. Digestive problems like gas, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Seasonal allergies or asthma.
3. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
4. Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.
5. Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
6. Mood and cognitive issues like depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder (ADD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
7. Skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema.
8. Candida overgrowth.
9. Food allergies or intolerances.

If you are struggling with any of these symptoms and suspect an issue with your intestinal health, how can you go about healing your gut? The process typically involves three steps:

1. Remove irritants: Eliminate foods or chemicals that may be irritating your intestines. This includes cutting out dairy, grains, and sugar. Additionally, reducing stress and avoiding NSAIDs and antibiotics can be beneficial.
2. Replace harmful foods with healthier options: Focus on organic vegetables, fruits, meats, and nuts/seeds.
3. Repair the intestine with vitamins and supplements: The specific protocol may vary, so it's advisable to consult with one of our doctors before making any changes. However, common recommendations include:
   • Taking digestive enzymes with meals to aid in proper food breakdown.
   • Using L-Glutamine to repair intestinal damage, typically at a dosage of 500 mg three times per day.
   • Rebuilding healthy gut flora with probiotics.
   • Supplementing with Omega-3 fish oil (1500-2000 mg per day).
   • Ensuring adequate Vitamin D3 intake (5000 IU per day).

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or suspect an issue with your intestinal health, we encourage you to discuss it during your next appointment or schedule a consultation with Dr. Brad or Dr. Mandy.

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Are you looking to shed 10 pounds or more in just 21 days? Here are three effective methods that can help you achieve your weight loss goals with ease.

1. Low-Carb Diet
One of the most effective ways to kickstart your weight loss journey is by following a low-carb diet. Limit your daily carbohydrate intake to 50-100 grams, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. By reducing carbs, your body will switch from burning glucose to burning stored fat for energy. Focus on consuming high-quality foods, particularly those from paleo sources, to ensure you’re getting optimal nutrition.

2. Intermittent Fasting
Another powerful approach to shedding excess pounds is intermittent fasting. This method involves restricting your eating window to a specific time frame, typically between 12 to 20 hours per day. It’s often easiest to skip breakfast and start eating later in the day, then finish your meals earlier in the evening. Not only does intermittent fasting help control calorie intake, but it also promotes fat burning and improves insulin sensitivity.

3. Combining a Low-Carb Diet and Intermittent Fasting
To supercharge your weight loss results, consider combining a low-carb diet with intermittent fasting. Using both strategies together creates a synergistic effect that can significantly accelerate fat loss. Your body becomes more efficient at burning stored fat during fasting periods, while the low-carb diet boosts metabolic flexibility and supports overall health.

Remember, regardless of which method you choose, always prioritize consuming high-quality foods. Focus on paleo-friendly sources like lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. These nutrient-dense options will provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to thrive throughout the weight loss process.

If you have any questions or need personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to us—Dr. Brad and Dr. Mandy. We’re here to offer advice and answer any concerns you may have about these weight loss methods or your unique circumstances.

As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or fasting routine. We can help tailor these approaches to your specific needs, considering any underlying health conditions.

By incorporating a low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, or a combination of both—along with a focus on high-quality foods—you’ll be well on your way to achieving your weight loss goals in just 21 days.

In our previous blog post, we've delved into some alarming statistics regarding prediabetes and diabetes in the United States. We've also explored the definitions of prediabetes and diabetes in terms of fasting blood glucose and A1c levels. Today, we're going to discuss how you can bring these levels back into the normal range and why it matters.

Let's start by asking a crucial question: What would happen if you could return your blood sugar levels to normal, or even better, to optimal levels? Achieving optimal blood sugar levels can lead to a host of benefits, including:

1. Weight Loss
2. Increased Energy
3. Improved Mood
4. Clearer Thinking
5. Reduced Need for Medications
6. Most Importantly, Avoiding Future Health Problems Associated with Diabetes (including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's just to name a few)

I’ve been in practice for over 20 years. And although our office typically works with spinal problems, I've witnessed firsthand how diabetes progresses when not addressed properly. From neuropathy in the feet and hands to vision loss, severe infections, and amputations, diabetes can wreak havoc on one's health.

Take my mother, for instance. She developed diabetes in her mid-thirties, primarily due to her consumption of probably 6+ Pepsis per day. She wouldn’t change and despite medication, her diabetes progressed, leading to severe pain in her legs and feet, rendering her unable to work by the age of 50. By 60, her kidney function had deteriorated to the point where she had to undergo 8 hours of dialysis daily at home. Tragically, she passed away at just 64 years old, a victim of both diabetes and heavy smoking. Unfortunately, hers is an all too common story.

So, the question becomes, how can you bring your fasting blood glucose and A1c levels back to the normal range and avoid the devastating consequences of diabetes? Let's break it down.

Lowering your fasting blood glucose is a straightforward process that can take just a matter of days to a few weeks. It boils down to consuming the right foods that have minimal impact on your blood sugar. Here's the key:

• Fats have no effect on blood sugar levels.

• Protein can moderately raise blood sugar levels, depending on the type. For example, your body responds much differently to a piece of chicken breast than it does to an easy-to-digest protein shake.

• Carbohydrates are the primary contributors to blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates and sugars that digest slowly have a smaller impact on blood sugar levels and are said to have a low glycemic index. Simple carbohydrates and sugars cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and are said to have a high glycemic index.

* Key Point: To lower your fasting blood glucose, focus on a diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, and low-glycemic carbohydrates.

Now, let's talk about A1c. Your A1c reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Thus, bringing your A1c into the normal range is a matter of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels consistently for three months. It sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, it is simple, but not necessarily easy. If you're not willing to make dietary changes, such as limiting soda and sugary foods, you may find it challenging to achieve this goal.

In our upcoming post, we'll discuss some practical tips to lower your blood sugar levels and introduce an eating plan that can quickly help you regain control of your blood sugar.

Hopefully, you learned a little something in this article. If so, or if you have any specific questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading. Stay tuned.

Like most problems in life, the answer is not always simple. That being said, for the vast majority of people who are prediabetic, and even for type 2 diabetics, the simple answer is yes. In this 3-part series, we’re going to discuss what it actually means to be prediabetic or have type 2 diabetes, some scary statistics regarding diabetes in America, and how you may be able to normalize your blood sugar through simple diet changes.

First, let’s talk about some scary statistics when it comes to type 2 diabetes (and prediabetes) in America.

According to estimates, a staggering 11.3% of the U.S. population—equivalent to over 37 million people—suffers from diabetes. When it comes to prediabetes, 96 million Americans aged 18 and above, constituting 38% of the population, are considered prediabetic. In the 65 and over age group, nearly half, 48.8%, are in the prediabetic category. While these statistics are not new to many of us, terms like prediabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes often remain shrouded in confusion. Today, we aim to clear the fog surrounding these terms.

Understanding the Key Blood Markers

Two primary blood markers are used to determine whether you fall into the prediabetes or diabetes category: fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c.

1. *Fasting Blood Glucose*: This marker is relatively straightforward to grasp. After consuming carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, protein, your blood glucose levels rise. In response, your body releases insulin, facilitating the absorption of sugar into your cells, thereby lowering your blood glucose. To maintain optimal health, your blood sugar must stay within a narrow range. The fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar after an 8-hour+ fasting period. Elevated levels indicate either prediabetes or diabetes depending on the level. The normal fasting blood glucose level should fall between 80 and 100 mg per deciliter. A reading between 101 and 125 indicates prediabetes, while anything exceeding 125 is indicative of diabetes.

2. *Hemoglobin A1c*: This marker provides a comprehensive overview of your blood sugar control. It offers a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the past three months, reflecting sugar levels at the time red blood cells were formed. A normal A1C reading is 5.6 or lower. A range of 5.7 to 6.4 is considered prediabetic, and anything above 6.4 confirms diabetes.

**Understanding the Underlying Causes**

Why might your blood glucose levels stray from the normal range? Various factors can contribute such as stress, digestive problems, and hormonal issues, but the most common culprit is prolonged and excessive sugar consumption, leading to a loss of insulin sensitivity over the years. Initially, your body compensates for sugar excess by increasing insulin production to encourage cells to absorb more sugar. However, over time, cells become resistant to insulin signals, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.

**Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar**

Now that you have a clearer understanding of interpreting your blood work and identifying prediabetes or diabetes, it's essential to explore strategies for improvement. In our upcoming post, we'll dive into actionable steps to lower both your fasting blood glucose and A1c levels.

We hope this article has been informative and has shed light on the pressing issue of blood sugar regulation in America. If you found this information helpful or have specific questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for our next installment.