From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC.....

Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's, MS, Autoimmunity And Detoxification

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Every day, you and I are being exposed to materials that are toxic to our bodies in ways that can lead to major health issues at some point in the future. I wrote a post about how toxins (xylene) weakened my immune system so it could not get rid of warts on my foot. There are over 70,000 deadly industrial chemical toxins in our environment. These chemicals challenge and deplete the body's glutathione, which is the main chemical used to stem inflammation of our cells. Inflammation is what drives autoimmunity and Hashimoto's, Fibromyalgia, MS and other autoimmune disorders.

The average person has over 700 chemicals in their bodies, and these chemicals, according to a Columbia University Study, cause 95% of all cancers, especially when the diet is not optimal. Your body’s ability to detoxify the daily onslaught of toxins that cause cellular inflammation is exactly what stands between you and chronic degenerative diseases. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your body deal with these toxins. First, do what you can to avoid them in the first place, but that’s not always possible and everybody is being exposed, usually without even knowing it. That certainly was my case! This is why it is essential to periodically do some “internal house cleaning” if you want to be proactive and prevent autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's and fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis (MS) before they happen. If you already have these diseases, you need to work on proper detoxification in order to put the recovery odds back in your favor.

Your body deals with toxins in many ways, the most common way is to bury them in your fatty tissues. This results in weight gain and this weight is next to impossible to take off, unless you first remove the toxins from your body. Your body uses fat as means of protecting you against deadly toxins; hence you gain weight as you’re exposed to more and more toxicity over time.

Over the years, I’ve seen many “detox” programs come and go. The health food store’s shelves are full of them. Sadly, most of these “do-it-yourself” programs are incomplete, ineffective, and some may actually cause more harm than good.

There is now a complete, safe, and highly effective program for detoxification that you can only get through health care professionals. I’m happy to announce that you can now get this new detox program through my office. It is by far the most complete detox program in the world. It’s also the most effective because it covers all the bases -- the liver, glutathioine, the extra cellular matrix, and most importantly, the inner cells -- using a natural herbal approach that’s safe while at the same time giving you great results, including weight loss.

The "Detox Done Right" program is simple, easy to follow, and although it will not require that you alter your current lifestyle in any way... but making some changes can reap massive rewards. In no time at all, you’ll feel more energetic, and you’ll actually have lost a few pounds too. An inexpensive urine test (which is included in the detox kit), even tells you how inflammed your cells already are.

For you readers who want to really have a deep understanding of detoxification I have arranged to use a great video that explains all the details of the whys and hows of "Detox Done Right", which you can access for free. It's right here on my site and there are not advertisements or other distractions. My patients who have seen it in my office rave about it and ask me for copies to share with their friends and family. Most patients want to have a copy for themselves. Now you can see what they have been so exicited about. Just click on the big orange button below:

I'll post more details about detoxification in future musings.

Blessings for Vibrant Health and Prosperity,

Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC, FICPA, LCP, FIFHI

Thyroid Problems Can Be Caused By Poor Diet - What You Can Do

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:06:00 GMT

As I have written about in the past, you can have many, many causes of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Just going to your PCP or endocrinologist and getting a prescription for thyroid hormone replacement doesn't handle the cause in over 83% of thyroid disorder sufferers.

Most cases of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems in the United States are due to Hashimoto's, which is an autoimmune attack on thryoid tissue, enzymes and/or thyroid hormone transport proteins.

Fortunately with proper, in-depth testing, Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC can help you identify why you are having symptoms of hypothyroidism and can help you regain balance in your health. One such test is called Spectracell Micronutrient Testing.

Your body cells are all influenced by thyroid hormones. It takes at least ten steps for your body to get the thyroid hormones to affect your cells many functions. Enzymes are the engine that drive all our body's biochemical processes. Vitamins and minerals are the keys that allow the enzyme engines to turn on! Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many nutrients are needed to power the enzymes that make all the steps possible.

The realization that vitamins and minerals are so important for living should drive all of us to eat whole, natural, organic foods because they have the most nutrients. Many people do not realize this and eat a diet that has the acronym of S.A.D., which stands for Standard American Diet. Unfortunately the S.A.D. has lead to the meteoric rise of many chronic diseases seen these days in the United States. I hope that my blog has some influence to help change this "S.A.D." statistic.

To say that the thyroid hormones are important to overall body function is, to most people, a revelation. I explain about how important the thyroid hormones are in a previous blog post. Check it out for yourself.

Spectracell Micronutrient testing, which I use at Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition, helps me determine the level of nutrients your body has. When you have a deficiency, your health will suffer. Check out this list of nutrients which significantly affect hypothyroidism:

Glutathione - Hypothyroidism decreases efficacy of some antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase
B Vitamins - A deficiency in B6, B12 or B9 (folate) can cause elevated homocysteine, which is linked with hypothyroidism. Folic acid levels have been linked to levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Vitamin C and E - Partially restores thyroid function when liver detoxification ability is compromised.
Vitamin A - Activates gene that regulates TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Zinc - Increases thyroid hormone T3 in deficient subjects.
Copper - Low levels seen in experimentally induced hypothyroidism; Indirectly affects thyroid status by its antioxidant role via superoxide dismutase.
Selenium - Converts thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) into T3 (triiodothyronine); Deficiency reduces T3 levels causing classic hypothyroidism symptoms such as fatigue, depression or weight gain.
Asparagine - This amino acid is part of the structure of thyroid stimulating hormone which regulates communication with other hormones.
Carnitine - Decreased tissue levels of carnitine in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism contribute to muscle fatigue.
Lipoic Acid - Improves endothelial function in people with subclinical hypothyroidism; Protects thyroid cells from oxidative stress; May interfere with T4 therapy
Choline - Hypothyroidism negatively affects choline function in the brain, which can affect mood and cognition.

You can download a helpful document that diagrams how all these nutrients can contribute to hypothyroidism symptom with references by clicking here.

Portions of this article courtesy of SpectraCell Laboratories

Colostrum And Proline-Rich Peptides (PRP) Help Autoimmune And Neurological Disorders

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:05:00 GMT

There is an exciting breakthrough that is "cracking the code" when it comes to treating patients who have autoimmune and neurological disorders such as:

alzheimer's
amytrophic lateral sclerosis
parkisons
schizophrenia
seizures
Hashimoto's
rheumatoid arthritis
celiac diseae
diabetes
peripheral neuropathy
migraines
and more

Johnson Neuro-Metabolic Therapy uses a natural treatment program, which in part, uses colostrum high in proline-rich peptides (PRP). The use of PRPs in my specialized treatment apporach is an EXCITING BREAKTHROUGH.

You know by now that researchs shows the connection between gluten sensitivity and these destructive brain and autoimmune disorders. An important key treatment goal is putting out the fires of inflammation burning within the brain.

The efficacy of utilizing PRPs in treating neurological disorders is a secret that will be revealed in this article.

First a little background on colostrum

Colostrum is an exceptional nutritional substance, produced by mothers for their newborns, that supports and nourishes the immune system. It provides a perfect combination of immune and growth factors including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), amino acids and other important nutrients. Colostrum is an exceptional nutritional substance that contains vital components known to support the immune system. For centuries colostrum has been used by most cultures for healing and wellness.

In my practice I don't just use any colostrum. The colostrum I use comes from cattle raised in the United States of America and is produced from healthy, nutritionally-supplemented cows on USDA and FDA certified dairy farms. These cattle are carefully fed a scientifically-designed diet that contains the proper balance of legumes and grasses along with minerals and trace minerals to ensure consistently high potency colostrum.

Components Overview:

Growth Factors: Proteins that bind to receptors on the cell surface with the primary result of activating cellular proliferation and/or differentiation.
Immunoglobulins: Also known as antibodies, their job is to neutralize antigens, activate complement and promote leukocyte-dependent destruction of microbes.
Interferon-y: Its functions are important in cell-mediated immunity against intracellular microbes. It is predominantly responsible for the antiviral activities of the interferons.
Interleukin-1: One of the most important immune response modifying interleukins. The predominant function is to enhance the activation of T-cells in response to allergens.
Interleukin-2: Promotes the proliferation and differentiation of other immune cells and potentiates apoptotic death of antigen-activated T-cells.
Interleukin-6: Principle function is to augment the responses of immune cells to other cytokines. It is also the primary inducer of the acute phase response in the liver.
Lactoferrin: Binds iron and competes with microorganisms for it. Found to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.
Lactoperoxidase: Kills bacteria by oxidative mechanisms. When combined with hydrogen peroxide and thiocyanate, both of which are naturally distributed in human tissues, it forms a potent natural antibacterial system.
Lysozyme: Protects us from bacterial infection. It is a small enzyme that attacks the protective cell walls of bacteria.
Proline-Rich Polypeptide (PRP): Shown to support the thymus gland, and may help calm an overactive immune system and stimulate an underactive immune system.

So what makes colustrum high in PRP such a great treatment tool, you may ask? First look at the chart and the component overview above. The descriptions validate colostrum affects the immune system. The bottom line is neurological and autoimmune illness that have a connection to gluten have a common denomonator of cellular inflammation due to immune system dysregulation from gut barrier defects.

To help quench the hyper-inflammatory state that is the hallmark many autoimmune and neurological disorders (with gluten intolerance as a trigger), the treatment of the patient must include reducing cellular inflammation, especially that of the intestinal and blood brain barrier.

To accomplisth this, the source of the inflammation needs to be removed (gluten and any other cross-reactive foods) first. Specialized testing and interpretation of these tests are a very important consideration as discussed in previous articles. Next the damage to the digestive tract that leads to leaky gut syndrome (LGS) needs to be repaired. LGS leads to a breach in the blood-brain barrier and in turn to brain and nervous system inflammation. Thankfully high PRP colostrum is a great tool to help accomplish this important task. Listen to a great BlogPost Radio interview with Dr. Tom O'Bryan on the subject of PRPs and neurodengeneration and autoimmunity

Here are some research summaries on colostrum revealing how it has been shown to heal the GI tract:

Studies have shown that gastric and small intestinal injury caused by indomethacin can be reduced by colostrum - GUT 1999; 44: 653-658
Immune factors and growth factors are the primary components of colostrum. Bovine colostrum performs the following roles in the protection of the gastrointestinal tract:maintains integrity of mucosa, protects against intestinal permeability, aids local immunity, systemic immunity and antigen handling. It has also been used in treatment as well as prevention of NSAID-induced gut injury. - Indian J Pediatr. 2005 Jul; 72(7):579-81
Insulin -like growth factor, IGF-I, has been investigated as a potential treatment modality for a range of acute bowel disorders in which accelerated intestinal repair and epithelial regrowth are desirable. - J Nutr. 2003 Jul; 133(7):2109-12
Various bioactive and regulatory components, including IGF-I, exert intestinal effects. Colostrum extract, which contained bioactive components, such as IGF-I, enhanced intestinal villus size. - Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 86, No. 5, 2003

If you would like to find out if Johnson Neuro-Metabolic Therapy can help you with your autoimmune or neurological illness, call 586-731-8840 for your case review. You can also request a case review by clicking on the big orange button below.

New and Improved Testing For Gluten Intolerance, Psoriasis And Other Autoimmune Disorders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:57:00 GMT

I received an exciting email yesterday, from Cyrex Labs, about new improvements to the already outstanding testing for gluten intolerance and autoummunity testing. Cyrex Laboratories has done it again!

Starting March 7th of 2012, Cyrex is optimizing their Array #3 and Array #4. If, you've been reading my blog for a while, you already know that standard medical tests for gluten intolerance are grossly innacurate. You can learn why by downloading the whitepaper on Why The Tests Are Wrong with just a click on the big orange button below:

So you might be wondering why I am so excited about the changes in store. I can tell you that the tests will be even be MORE useful in helping me help those with autoimmune illness receive the help they need to recover. Too many patients are running from doctor to doctor, only to either be told their tests are normal, or to receive dangerous drugs that just deal with their symptoms, while the underlying cause(s) are left to create even more trouble. Plus the medications ALWAYS have side effects and those side effects exponentially increase with the more drugs you are prescibed.

The common conditions I keep seeing in my office that have an autoimmune cause and that are often triggered by gluten sensitivity or other triggers are:

fibromyalgia
migraine headaches
balance disorders
peripheral neuropathy
autoimmune thyroid disorders (Hashimoto's and Graves Disease)
psoriasis and eczema
elevated liver enzymes with unknown cause
kidney disease
celiac disease
rheumatoid arthritis
anxiety and depression
Sjögren's syndrome
scleroderma
lichen plano polaris

The latest numbers indicate that as many as one in every 5 people

(yes, that's right) have some form of gluten-sensitivity.

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun;14(6):567-72

Cyrex Array #3 Changes

Due to cross-reactivity among tissue transglutaminases (tTGs), it is clinically important to assess multiple tTGs. The common tTG assessed in Celiac disease is tTG2, which is expressed in epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are several neurological and skin disorders associated with Celiac disease and non-Celiac disease gluten-reactivity. Thus, Cyrex is adding tTG3 (dermis) and tTG6 (neuronal) to Array 3. To make room for the new antigens, the opioid peptides Gluteomorphin and Prodynorphin have been combined, and GAD65 has been better suited to a new array 5 launching by summer 2012. All Array 3 panels ordered starting on March 7, 2012 will be assessed for IgG and IgA to the following antigens: Wheat, Wheat Germ Agglutinin, Native + Deamidated Alpha-Gliadin-33-mer, Alpha-Gliadin-17-mer, Gamma-Gliadin-15-mer, Omega-Gliadin-17-mer, Glutenin-21-mer, Gluteomorphin+Prodynorphin, Gliadin-Transglutaminase Complex, Transglutaminase-2, Transglutaminase-3, Transglutaminase-6.

Cyrex Array #4 Changes

The following foods have been added to the Array 4 panel: Whey Protein, Teff, Soy, and Egg. The gluten containing grains have been combined into a single well, and American Cheese has been removed. All Array 4 panels ordered starting on March 7 will be assessed for IgG + IgA combined to the following antigens: Rye + Barley + Spelt + Polish Wheat, Cow's Milk, Alpha-Casein & Beta-Casein, Casomorphin, Milk Butyrophilin, Whey Protein, Chocolate (Milk), Oats, Yeast, Coffee, Sesame, Buckwheat, Sorghum, Millet, Hemp, Amaranth, Quinoa, Tapioca, Teff, Soy, Egg, Corn, Rice, Potato.

Since many people with autoimmune disorders are intolerant to gluten, and have a leaky gut, they cross react to foods that do not have gluten in them. If they do not know this and continue consuming the foods that their immune system views as the enemy, they don't get well, or continue to worsen. This cross reactivity problem is one of the main reasons why Cyrex Array #4 is SO important to me, clinically, in helping the patients who seek my care.

If you would like to receive a thorough case review to see if we can help you with your chronic health challenge, give my office a call at 586-731-8840 or click on the big orange button below:

Using Chia To Help Battle Autoimmune Health Challenges

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Chia is an ancient superfood that is not very well known, except for the annual advertisement for Chia Pets around the Holidays.

Raw chia seeds are often called "runner's food". Chia is a nutrient-rich superfood that provides sustained energy for your body. Packed with more than 8 times the omega-3's found in salmon, this small seed as big nutritional value. With more antioxidants that blueberries and more fiber than oatmeal, the health benefits of using chia as part of a comprehensive nutritional plan for helping heal autoimmune health challenges is smart.

One key factor in helping heal the autoimmune patient is healing the digestive tract. Knowing the health of the digestive tract is important. Specific accurate testing is absolutely essential in understanding digestive system health. Fortunately Cyrex labs and Metametrix Labs provide me with excellent tests.

Some key factors in healing the digestive tract are:

Elimination of allergic foods (based on testing)
Elimination of immune system aggravating foods (again based on testing)
Including immune balancing omega-3 fatty acids
Including soluble fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria
Reducing sugary foods - also known as high glycemic index foods
Increasing vitamin D - known to help regulate the immune system

Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber and calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. They also produce a sugar balancing effect when eaten with foods. This is a great combination. Chia seeds can be used as substitutes for allergenic foods in recipes (for example, eggs) and can be a meal alomost all alone, as in the case of chia pudding for a breakfast cereal. I eat chia pudding at least once per week. It's YUMMY!

To further the concept of chia seeds belonging to the superfood family, consider this little seed has been purported to have:

Two times the protein of any other seed or grain
Five times the calcium of milk, plus boron, which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones
Two times the amount of potassium as bananas
Three times more iron than spinach.
All the essential amino acids that make the a complete protein in an easily digestible form

Now you know why I am a BIG fan of chia seeds. I have additional great information and recipes, so click on the big orange link below to download this multi-page document in PDF format. You will LOVE it!

Nutritional Considerations of ADHD & Autism

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:18:00 GMT

ADHD and AUTISM ON THE RISE
Recent years has seen an unprecedented rise in autism and attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Although researchers speculate on the reason for this rise, many factors likely contribute, including more accurate diagnosis. However, overwhelming evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE KEY

Our brain and nerves are composed mostly of fat. The most important of these are called omega-3 fatty acids and are found primarily in fish or fish oil supplements. Also called EPA and DHA, they are absolutely necessary for human health, and their concentration in the brain makes them key players in neurological disorders such as autism and ADHD. Brain and nerve growth throughout childhood is extraordinarily rapid, and the need for omega-3 fatty acids remains critical all the way through adolescence and into adulthood. Overwhelming evidence implicates deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids for the rise in autism and ADHD. Research shows that children with low scores on behavioral assessment tests consistently have lower omega-3 fatty acids levels, and when supplemented with fish oils, the symptoms of ADHD in these children such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inability to pay attention - dramatically improve.

WHY MEASURE THE OMEGA-6 TO OMEGA-3 RATIO?
We are familiar with the expression that a child’s brain is like a sponge, ready to absorb information at an astounding rate. A truly appropriate analogy, it stems from the fact that our brains can actually create nerve pathways in response to new experiences and learning environments. Called “neuronal plasticity,” this phenomena is crucial for long-term memory and learning. Proper levels of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is important for membrane fluidity. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acids, which differ in structure and function, to omega-3 fatty acids affect neuronal plasticity as well. Scientists now agree that the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats is as important as the actual levels, especially in autism and ADHD. A lower ratio is better and when this ratio is improved, symptoms of autism and ADHD can improve as well.

ZINC – THE MOOD MINERAL
Zinc deficiency is often implicated in ADHD because it is an important co-factor to several neurotransmitters, which directly affect mood and learning ability. Specifically, zinc affects the production of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in our brains that is needed for learning and certain emotions like motivation and pleasure. In fact, studies show that zinc levels correlate with anxiety and behavioral problems, as well as have a significant effect on information processing in boys with ADHD. Since zinc levels are much lower in autistic and ADHD individuals, children with ADHD show positive behavioral and cognitive results after zinc supplementation.In addition, zinc is essential for proper elimination of the toxic metal mercury from our brain tissue, which has also been linked to autism and ADHD.

VITAMINS AND AUTISM
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with autism and in some cases of severe deficiency, high-dose vitamin D therapy actually reversed some of the autistic behaviors. Some research even suggests that the nutritional status of the mother during gestation can affect behavior in children. One study confirmed that low folate status in pregnancy was associated with hyperactivity in children. Other studies show that persons who carried a common gene that predisposes them to folate and vitamin B12 deficiency (called the MTHFR gene) were more likely to suffer from ADHD. Supplementation with thiamine (vitamin B1) has shown clinical benefit to some autistic children. Specifically, a deficiency in vitamin B1 has been associated with delayed language development in childhood.When deficient, biotin (vitamin B7) can potentially cause neurological problems associated with autism since the brain is quite vulnerable to biotin deficiency.

MAGNESIUM AND VITAMIN B6 – A WINNING COMBINATION
Like most nutrients, magnesium and vitamin B6 work together in improving clinical symptoms of autism and ADHD.

When a group of autistic children were supplemented with magnesium and vitamin B6, 70% of the children showed improvement in social interaction and communication. Interestingly, when the supplements were stopped, the clinical symptoms reappeared. In another study, physical aggression and inattention improved after supplementation with magnesium and vitamin B6 for a few months.

THE ROLE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Neurotransmitters are tiny chemicals that transmit information from the outside world to various parts of our brains and from our brains to the rest of our bodies. Although neurotransmitters, such as choline, glutamine, asparagine and inositol may not be recognized as household names, they profoundly affect emotions, thinking and social behavior. For example, levels of glutamine and asparagine are lower in autistic children and some adults with ADHD.

AN AMINO ACID THAT IMPROVES CARNITINE – BEHAVIOR
Carnitine is an amino acid whose primary function is to transport fatty acids, including the ever-so-important omega-3 fatty acids into cells so they can be used for energy. In autistic individuals, carnitine levels are significantly reduced, which then affects the patient’s ability to use the fatty acids that are so critical to their learning and social development.
A recent study demonstrated that carnitine can reduce hyperactivity and improve social behavior in boys diagnosed with ADHD, and may actually represent a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs for the treatment of ADHD in children.

ADHD AND AUTISM – AN OXIDATIVE STRESS DISORDER?
Oxidative stress is a term used to describe damage to our cells that occurs on a daily basis throughout our bodies. Fortunately, our bodies have built-in defenses against the onslaught of internal and external toxins causing oxidative stress in our tissues. Interestingly, several studies show an increase in oxidative stress in both autism and ADHD, resulting in an impaired ability to eliminate toxins. Specifically, adults with ADHD have extremely low levels of some of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. One study linked damage in fatty tissue surrounding our cells to symptoms of autism and ADHD. Minerals such as selenium and copper, antioxidants such as cysteine and vitamin E and several other nutrients ensure the body’s powerful defense systems work optimally.

A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH
Since so many nutrients are needed to keep our amazingly complex brain and nervous system functioning properly, a comprehensive assessment of your nutritional status is key. In disorders like autism and ADHD, the potential improvement of symptoms when even a single deficiency is corrected can often be quite dramatic.

One great way to find out if you, or your child have nutritional deficiencies is with the SpectraCell Micronutrient Testing. This specialized blood test can help Dr. Johnson determine specific nutrients missing from you and/or your child's diet.

This blog post is courtesy of SpectraCell Laboratories and is used with permission.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Can Affect Quality of Life Even When Thyroid Gland Function Is Normal

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Often information comes along that needs to be passed on. This article from Science Daily is an example of that information. This research paper explains a phenomenon that clinicians such as myself have observed for a long time. I get dozens of requests for information monthly from thyroid symptoms sufferers, whose tests are "normal".

Why do these patients still have symptoms when theirs tests are normal? Many reasons, but chiefly because not enough testing is done or the wrong tests are done, or the tests are not specific or sensitive enough.

I wrote a revealing thyroid report that you can read by clicking on the big orange button below.

You can also download my thyroid ebook; "The Ultimate Strategy For Ending Your Symptoms So You Regain The Zest In Your Life" by clicking on the image of the eBook at the beginning of this blog post. Now for the research article...

ScienceDaily (Feb. 25, 2011) — Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but a study has suggested that even when thyroid function is normal, HT may increase symptoms and decrease quality of life, as described in an article in Thyroid, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis most commonly affects middle-aged women and is associated with an array of symptoms that include chronic fatigue, dry hair, chronic irritability, difficulty concentrating, constipation, and chronic nervousness. Affected patients tend to report decreased quality of life. HT is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces an antibody that attacks the thyroid gland resulting in inflammation, and often decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism).

Johannes Ott and colleagues from Kaiserin Elisabeth Spital and Medical University of Vienna, Austria, report that women with higher levels of anti-thyroid antibody had a significantly higher number of symptoms, even though their levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) -- a measure of thyroid function -- did not differ from TSH levels measured in women with lower antibody levels. In the article, "Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Affects Symptom Load and Quality of Life Unrelated to Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Case-Control Study in Women Undergoing Thyroidectomy for Benign Goiter " the authors conclude that hypothyroidism is only one factor contributing to HT symptoms.

"This study raises important clinical issues. Although the authors did not study thyroid hormone treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it raises the possibility that optimal doses of thyroid hormone will not completely ameliorate all symptoms. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of Ott et al. and to determine if patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis still have residual symptoms despite achieving an ideal biochemical response to thyroid hormone replacement therapy," says Charles H. Emerson, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Thyroid and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, in Worcester.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers, via AlphaGalileo.

Journal Reference:

Johannes Ott, Regina Promberger, Friedrich Kober, Nikolaus Neuhold, Maria Tea, Johannes C. Huber, Michael Hermann. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Affects Symptom Load and Quality of Life Unrelated to Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Case–Control Study in Women Undergoing Thyroidectomy for Benign Goiter. Thyroid, 2011; 21 (2): 161 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2010.0191

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers (2011, February 25). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can affect quality of life even when thyroid gland function is normal. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 20, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/02/110225123029.htm#

Food Lectins Can Cause Leaky Gut Syndrome and Autoimmune Illness

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:46:00 GMT

Food lectins are a class of proteins naturally found in various plants. The specific type of lectin varies by the plant they are in. These proteins were given the name lectin by their discoverer, William Boyd who was an immunochemist, anthropologist and author. He chose the name lectin because it is Latin for "I Choose". Lectins are very specific in their action, in that they have an affinity for carbohydrates.

Remember that the surface of our blood cells are lined with carbohydrate structures that confer our specific blood type. In addition our entire intestinal tract and in particular our small intestine in lined with a protective carbohydrate "slime layer" called the glycocalyx.

Lectins are very specific and like to attach to very specific carbohydrates and cause the cells they bind to, to clump together, a process called agglutination. Some lectins are lethal and cause death in short order if they get into the bloodstream. One such lectin is ricin, which is derived from the castor bean plant. In fact the KGB used a small platinum pellet covered with ricin to kill BBC commentator, Georgi Markov. The assassin used the tip of an umbrella to fire the ricin laden platinum pellet into Markov's leg while he was waiting at a London bus stop.

Many food lectins can interact with and damage the delicate lining of the small intestine and lead to a "leaky gut" via inflammation of the microvili (the finger like projections of the intestinal cell that increase surface area). certain microbes can accomplish the same task (creating inflammation) due to lectins they contain as well. The small intestinal microvilli also can bring these food lectins into the bloodstream via a process called endocytosis, which is a way of transporting nutrients and other items from the intestinal lumen into the blood stream. Here is a short video explaining the concepts of lectins and their absorption:

Leaky gut is a name used to describe intestinal or bowel increased permeability. The gut becomes leaky in the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, porous or "leaky" gut.

Why is leaky gut syndrome important? The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, Addison's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome Sjogren's Syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis (Hashimoto's), vasculitis, Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria, hives, diabetes, Raynaud's disease and Alzheimer's Disease and others.

One important way I help patients with autoimmune disease is to utilize the concepts of the Blood Type Diet and lectins in dietary management. Of course there are other concepts I blend into the "healing protocol mix" I call Johnson Neuro-Metabolic Therapy as well.

If you have an autoimmune condition, you owe it to yourself to explore this lectin concept in the overall healing journey to your healthy future. Call my office at 586-731-8840 to schedule your case review.

Blood Type and Autoimmune and Other Disease Susceptiblity

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:42:00 GMT

In my practice I have found that patients who know and follow their basic ABO blood type diet as described in Eat Right 4 Your Type works very well. However, some individuals may not derive maximum benefit from the Blood Type Diet until they first determine their Secretor Status. Knowing this information then allows for the use of the more specific diet lists included in the book Live Right 4 Your Type. Both books were written by Peter J. D'Adamo.

In the genetics of the secretor system two options exist. A person can be either a secretor (Se) or a non-secretor (se). This is completely independent of whether you are a blood type A, B, AB, or O. Thus a person could be an A secretor or an A non-secretor, a B secretor or a B non-secretor, etc.

Secretors: In a simplified sense, a secretor is defined as a person who secretes their blood type antigens into body fluids and secretions like the saliva in your mouth, the mucus in your digestive tract and respiratory cavities, etc.

Non-Secretors: A non-secretor on the other hand puts little to none of their blood type into these same fluids.

As a general rule, in the US about 15-20% of the population are non-secretors with the remaining 80-85% being secretors. In my family of five, four of us are seceretors and only one is a non-secretor. Aside from the physical implications centering around whether you have blood type antigens in your body fluids or not, the secretor genetics have additional significance through the effects of gene linkage: In other words, the outcome of your secretor genetics 'links' to other seemingly unrelated genes and influences their function.

In addition, as a generality, being a Non-secretor (based on all of the available information) does actually appear to be a potential health disadvantage. At a very basic level, being able to secrete blood type into your saliva, mucus, etc. allows for an added degree of protection against the environment, particularly with respect to microorganisms and lectins.

Several years ago I developed the desire to learn the science behind the blood type diet as a way of life. The reason was my wife's chronic pains that I could not help with my chiropractic set of tools. I felt like my schooling had failed me in enabling me to help my most treasured relationship. In hind sight I now know that Sandy was meant to be in my life to help me learn many lessons. Most husbands need to admit this about their spouse. Sandy is an amazing woman and I would be lost in many ways without her. I am truly indebted to her.

My learning journey took me to the Institute for Human Individuality where I studied (and continue to do so today) the concepts behind the Blood Type Diet.

Your ABO blood type is controlled by your genetics, just as are your hair or eye color and many of your other attributes. The gene coding for your blood type lies on chromosome 9q34. However, other separate genes on chromosome 11 and 19 actually interact with your blood type gene, determining your ability to secrete your ABO blood type antigens into your body fluids and secretions. This is called the secretor gene, and by testing for this gene we can determine whether you are a secretor or non-secretor. A simple saliva test kit is available for about the fee for an office visit.

I focus a lot of my clinical efforts in helping people recover from chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune thyroid, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, balance disorders, tinnitus, autism, ADD/ADHD, digestive and skin issues, etc. Knowing the connection between blood type and secretor status and susceptibility to these conditions is important.

Here are a few examples:

Autoimmune Disease
Non-secretors appear to have an increase in the prevalence of a variety of autoimmune diseases including ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthropathy, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Grave's disease.

Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Metabolic Syndrome X
Non-secretors are at a greater risk of developing diabetes (especially adult onset diabetes); and they might be at a greater risk of developing complications from diabetes. Data allows the conclusion that Non-secretors are a risk factor for myocardial infarction and heart disease (note: this is particularly true for men).

Several different researchers have noted a connection between a metabolic syndrome called "Syndrome X" and Non-secretor blood types. Syndrome X is a clustering of metabolic problems comprised of insulin resistance (your cells do not respond effectively to the insulin that you create), elevated plasma glucose (high blood sugar), lipid regulation problems (elevated triglycerides, increased small low-density lipoproteins, and decreased high-density lipoproteins), high blood pressure, a prothrombic state (tendency to clotting), and obesity (especially central obesity or a predisposition to gaining weight in the abdomen).

This cluster of metabolic disorders seem to interact to promote the development of diabetes (adult onset type II), atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. And while insulin resistance might lie at the heart of the problem, all of these metabolic disorders appear to contribute to health problems.

If you would like to find out your blood type and secretor status and how we might use this information along with other types of treatment, call my office at 586-731-8840.

Are Nutritional Supplements as Harmful as Media Portrays Them

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:17:00 GMT

Headlines on the possible risks of vitamin and mineral supplements have bombarded mainstream media recently, and sparked controversy over whether doctors should recommend supplements to their patients.

My intense study of human physiology and nutritional guidance affords the patients who seek my care a low risk to high benefit ratio with nutritional repletion. For many years I have recommended nutritional supplement support for patients with a variety of health challenges, including those with autoimmune disorders. Instead of guessing what supplement to recommend for a particular patient, I've always used biofeedback methods to determine they type and dosage of the supplements.

More recently, I have augmented my biofeedback methods of determining what nutritional support could be of assistance for patients. One such method is SpectraCell micronutrient testing.

SpectraCell’s micronutrient testing quashes the concerns that doctors and patients have regarding purported risks of taking supplements. For the past 18 years, SpectraCell's testing indicates that over 90% of patients have functional micronutrient deficiencies, which compromise immune function and cause disease. Testing nutritional status allows an appropriate, individualized repletion program based on actual deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF PUBLISHED STUDIES HEADLINING POSSIBLE SUPPLEMENT RISKS

Specifically, two reports were published in October, 2011 that raised concerns over supplements. A paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that vitamin E supplements increase the risk of prostate cancer by 17%.¹ Critics argue that the vitamin E study was flawed because only one of the eight naturally occurring forms of vitamin E was given, causing an imbalance (alpha vs. gamma tocopherols) that ironically is linked to cancer.^3,4

Another widely publicized report in the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that the incidence of death increased in elderly women taking common supplements such as B vitamins and certain minerals.²Critics of this study emphasize that actual nutrient levels were never tested and the data was subjective at best, since vitamin levels were estimated from questionnaires. Authors concluded that many commonly used dietary supplements increase mortality, causing such headlines as “your vitamins may be killing you” in mainstream media. The study implies vitamins to be dangerous, when in reality the study reinforces the need for targeted versus blind supplementation.

In both reports, it was mentioned (but not emphasized), that the findings were not based on patients with pre-existing nutrient deficiencies…a caveat ignored by most media stories.

MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

The “more is better” philosophy can be dangerous when it comes to supplements, since blind supplementation can cause imbalances, create pro-oxidant effects and actually induce deficiencies in other nutrients as a side effect. Micronutrient testing directly measures the functional status of 32 nutrients, plus antioxidant capacity. Since our tests perform a functional cellular analysis on T-cell lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) with a long lifespan relative to other cells, the results give a 4-6 month nutritional history, and are closely indicative of overall immune function as well. With a simple blood draw, you will determine the nutrients in which you are specifically deficient and choose supplements based on your actual deficiencies.

Micronutrient testing is the objective, scientific approach to vitamin and mineral supplementation. For more information, go to www.spectracell.com. Of course you can order SpectraCell micronutrient testing from Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC. Just click on the big button below for a special document explaining the test.

Portions of this article courtesy of:

J. Fred Crawford, Ph.D. Senior Vice President, Laboratory Director for SpectraCell Laboratories

References:

¹Klein EA ,Thompson IM Jr, Tangen CM et al. Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA 2011;306(14):1549-1556.
²Mursu J, Robien K, Harnack LJ et al. Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women: The Iowa Women’s Health Study. Arch Int Med 2011;171(18)1625-1633.
³Helzlsouer KJ, Huang HY, Alberg AJ et al. Association between alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, selenium, and subsequent prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000;92(24):2018-2023.
⁴Lippman SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. 2009;301(1):39-51.

Study Finds Elderly Double Death Risk with Low Cholesterol Levels

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:34:00 GMT

Yes, you read that correctly. Medical research shows that the elderly with cholesterol less that 189 had a double risk of dying.

Physicians were informed to consider very low levels of cholesterol as potential warning signs of a serious disease or as signals of rapidly declining health.

Have you been told your cholesterol is too low? I have been telling my elderly patients this news for years now. I hope to get the word out even wider with this blog post. Please help me spread the word. Re-tweet, "Like" this post, "Google +1" this post. That will help me spread the word.

Clinically, I have found many patients with autoimmune disorders to have low cholesterol and either very low triglycerides or very high HDL. These out of range blood chemistry values are commonly associated with excessive systemic inflammation.

For some background; the study included 4520 men and women between the ages of 65-84.

The study concluded that low total cholesterol was associated with a higher risk of death.

Low cholesterol level is a robust predictor of mortality in the nondemented elderly and may be a surrogate of frailty or subclinical disease according to the research team.

Another study debunks the idea that too much animal fat and high cholesterol are dangerous to your heart and vessels. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine revealed that high cholesterol in those over 75 years of age is protective, rather than harmful and that low cholesterol is a risk factor for heart arrhythmias (leading cause of death if heart attack occurs). People with high cholesterol live the longest.

Furthermore, researchers from the University of Denmark report that about 15% of cholesterol lowering drug users over the age of 50 will suffer from nerve damage as a direct result of using statin (cholesterol-lowering) drugs.

If you're one of the millions of people who believe these "facts" about cholesterol, get ready for an education. Take this True or False quiz to see if you can separate fact from myth about cholesterol.

1. Cholesterol is a vital substance necessary for good health. T / F

2. The lower your cholesterol, the healthier you will be. T / F

3. Having cholesterol levels of less than 150 significantly reduces your risk of dying from heart disease. T / F

4. The lower your cholesterol levels are the greater your risk of dying from cancer. T / F

5. Cholesterol plays a role in helping to protect the body against environmental toxins. T / F

6. Cholesterol is important in maintaining fertility and sex drive. T / F

9. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the root cause of cardiovascular disease. T / F

10. High insulin levels are a greater risk factor for cardiovascular disease than high cholesterol. T / F

(See the answers below the References section)

So the next time you see a commercial on the television or hear one on the radio for a cholesterol lowering drug...well, in the words of the late Paul Harvey, "and now you know the rest of the story".

In case you want to look up the information yourself, I've included the a couple of references below.

References:

Brescianini S, Maggi S, Farchi G, Mariotti S, Di Carlo A, Baldereschi M, Inzitari D; ILSA Group. Low total cholesterol and increased risk of dying: are low levels clinical warning signs in the elderly? Results from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Jul;51(7):991-6.

Schupf N, Costa R, Luchsinger J, Tang MX, Lee JH, Mayeux R. Relationship between plasma lipids and all-cause mortality in nondemented elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005 Feb;53(2):219-26.

Krumholz HM et al. Lack of association between cholesterol and coronary heart disease mortality and morbidity and all-cause mortality in persons older than 70 years. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1990;272;1335-1340.

Fallon S, Enig M. Dangers of statin drugs: what you haven't been told about popular cholesterol-lowering medicines. June 14 2004. http://www.westonaprice.org/cardiovascular-disease/dangers-of-statin-drugs

Answers: 1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True 6. True 7. False 8. False 9. True 10. True

Scrumptious Holiday Recipes Without Gluten, Casein or Soy

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:01:00 GMT

Christmas and the other winter holidays are just about here. My family and many others are following a health restoring diet due to autoimmune issues or other health challenges.

Part of this health restoring diet involves avoiding foods that you are genetically or immunologically intolerant of (special testing can reveal this important information). For many that means a diet that is devoid of wheat, rye and barley (gluten containing grains), milk and milk products (casein containing food) along with soy based products. Unfortunately, sometimes my patients feel they are missing out on foods and desserts they once enjoyed.

Going on a diet "vacation" for those of us who are immunologically reactive can set off a vicious systemic inflammatory attack that can last for several weeks or months. It's just a BAD idea to "cheat". And it's not necessary.

Well, I'm very happy to say that you don't have to cheat. I've assembled a nice collection of recipes that are tried and tested and are yummmmy!

Not only are there some great dessert recipes, but also, salad, appetizer and meal accompaniments and many can be used year round.

I also have a bunch of chia recipes and information about chia seeds. Chia seeds are my new darling "superfood" that I am fully embracing. Not only is it gluten, casein and soy free, but also all blood-type friendly and full of wonderful nutrients along with being very versatile (and INEXPENSIVE). How many times to you see that amazing combination of attributes?

I also have a downloadable document on chia seed information and recipes available, just for the asking. I truly am walking the walk when it comes to helping with autoimmune anc chronic illness recovery. On facebook you will often see my posts contain pictures of what I'm about to sit down and eat. I often get requests for a cook book. Well these documents will be a first installment. I know you will enjoy them.

Here is a partial list of the recipes that you can download for FREE:

Steamed Brussels Sprouts with Maple
Almond Nut Butter Cookies
Sugar & Spice Cookies
Pumpkin Pie Spice "Ice Cream"
Chocolate Raspberry Brownie
Gingerbread Christmas Cookies
Rosemary Nut Mix
Chia Lemonade
Orange Banana Smoothie
Chia Fruit Delight
Awesome Chia Breakfast
and several more recipes

Have a great Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, whatever the case may be. Now you have some tools to make healthy choices as well. Happy baking, eating, cooking and healing!

Typical Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy Can be Dangerous

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:01:00 GMT

The main problem with the treatments some doctors prescribe for peripheral neuropathy is that they never go after the root of the problem, but focus on the symptoms – in your case; numbness, tingling, burning and/or a feeling of weakness. And when these treatments wear off (which they do), you'll often find they only cover up your problem for a short time and do nothing to fix what's causing your neuropathy in the first place.

Some doctors give their patients anti-seizure meds like Neurontin for their neuropathy. Anti-seizure meds like Neurontin, Klonopin, and Topamax were not meant to cure neuropathy! (I guess it doesn’t matter that Pfizer, the maker of Neurontin, was fined $430 million dollars in 2004 for recommending that Neurontin be used “off label,” or for purposes other than its intended use). These drugs were developed for EPILEPSY, NOT NEUROPATHY! These meds work by using a chemical that tells your brain to SLOW DOWN. While this may be okay once in a while, using these medications can only make your condition worse in the long run in two ways:

1. Numbness, burning and tingling, as we all know, is your body's way to telling you there is something wrong. And because you feel numbness, burning and/or tingling, you stop doing things that can make your problem worse. For instance, if you sprained your ankle and didn't know it, then you'd keep walking on it until it fell off or something horrible happened.

If you are taking pills so you can get through a day of work, then you are probably making your problem worse because you've sabotaged your body's only means of keeping you healthy. Obviously, this form of treatment is not a permanent fix – no matter how many pills you take, you'll never get better!

2. These pills can cause dangerous side effects. You see, the chemical they disable does more than just slow down your brain. Depending on what pill you're taking, you can leave yourself open to liver failure, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Trust me on this, these 'side effects' are 100 TIMES WORSE than the numbness, burning and/or tingling you're taking these pills for in the first place!

Wearing wrist or foot splints may seem harmless enough, but you're only supposed to wear them when you have numbness, burning and/or tingling. Using them as a crutch will only lead to the formation of scar tissue in your wrist or foot. And that will only make your condition worse!

So, if your doctor is treating you by covering up your numbness, burning and/or tingling...YOUR Doctor's Treatment Is Most Likely Making Your Problem Worse!

I’ve made it my life’s work to stay on the cutting edge of non-surgical procedures and specialized treatment technologies…dedicated to helping sufferers of numbness, tingling, burning and sharp pain caused by nerve related conditions. Patients that have been discouraged and frustrated by conventional medical care and left taking medications that do nothing but cover up the symptoms and don’t address the underlying cause of the condition.

If you would like to learn more visit my peripheral neuropathy page where I reveal some aspect of the five key elements that have to be addressed to defeat neuropathy. Go ahead - you will find it worth your while!

Two Reasons Why Most Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments Fail

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:44:00 GMT

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communications network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body.

Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, such as a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like poor connection to a cell phone tower, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Patients with peripheral neuropathy often experience chronic tingling, numbness, weakness, or burning pain. They often find it difficult to walk, sense if they are going down stairs properly, know if they have injured the affected area and generally are miserable because of the chronic pain they often experience. neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communications network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, such as a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like poor connection to a cell phone tower, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

To make matters worse, the poor connection eats away at your confidence because your sure-footedness is gone. Now it's difficult to do the things you enjoy, like golfing, hunting, shopping and just about anything else. Peripheral neuropathy robs you of your joy for living.

Unfortunately most neuropathy treatments are going to fail because of two main reasons:

There is no true understanding of the nature and location of the nerve problem.
The treatments are not designed to address the nerve or muscle function; they only attempt to minimize the symptoms while bringing with them dangerous side effects.

So what can you do. You are still searching for answers. That is why you are reading this blog post. I have discovered there are 5 key elements … or what I like to call ingredients, to properly heal a damaged nerve and create real and lasting relief from peripheral neuropathy.

Just like a recipe if you leave out an ingredient or don’t put the right amount of the ingredients you don’t get the result you are looking for.

At our treatment center we have combined the five key elements required to address the damaged nerves in your feet and hands and provide true and lasting relief.

Most neuropathy treatment approaches include one or maybe two of these key elements in healing peripheral neuropathy while completely ignoring the others.

This topic is really too long for a blog, but I have a special guide you can download for free that explains all the details of how to successfully defeat peripheral neuropathy. Just click on the huge orange button below.

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free Recipes Help with Autoimmune Illness

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:22:00 GMT

Want to lose weight, become healthier and mitigate or prevent autoimmune processes in your body? These goals are foremost in my mind and I know they are for those who seek care at my office. For the last several years - ALL the patients who have found their way to my office have an autoimmune disorder - and ALL have either a gluten intolerance gene or two, a celiac gene, or both.

Individuals come into my office with a variety of health challenges such as:

autoimmune thyroid (especially Hashimoto's)
scleroderma
celiac disease
diabetes
pernicious anemia
multiple sclerosis
vitiligo
alopecia areata
autoimmune hepatitis

After in-depth testing and evaluation an individualized plan of care is developed around four key elements:

Diet changes
Lifestyle changes
Specific supplementation
Gut healing and inflammation quenching

The dietary changes the patient needs to make often involve eating a gluten free, casein free and soy free diet. Most people immediately think of going to the grocery store and buying substitutes for the typical junk food they are already used to eating. This is not how to heal. Instead, simple whole food centered around proteins, vegetables and certain fruits are the order of the day.

Here is an example recipe that one of my model patients submitted to me just a couple of day ago (THANKS):

Awesome Chia Breakfast

2 TBS Chia Seeds

1/3 cup Coconut Milk (can substitute almond milk, or rice milk)

Berries

Nuts

Whisk together the chia seeds and coconut milk. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk the mixture again to break up the natural gel clumping action of the chia seeds. Add fresh berries & nuts as you desire. Yum!

This particular patient writes: "I eat this for breakfast and it really sticks with me. I don't feel hungary for a long time".

You can purchase the chia seeds locally at a health food store, or in bulk at an online retailer.

I got mine here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014LNIPI/ref=oh_o02_s00_i01_details
Also consider this sheet:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CXNZHY/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details
and this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583940405/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

For lunch today my wonderful wife, Sandy, whipped up a great delight too.

Oriental Chicken Soup

1 cup bean thread noodles also called saifun (mung bean threads) noodles

1 quart of Pacific Brand Organic Vegetable Pho Soup Starter Soup Base

2 cups of cubed cooked chicken (we used the rest of a left-over roast chicken we had from dinner the night before)

1 cup of fresh spinach leaves

Season to taste (sea salt, pepper, etc.)

Add other veggies if you want.

Cook the noodles according to package directions and drain the noodles. Bring the soup broth to a boil. Add your other ingredients and enjoy. Makes about about 4 servings.

These are examples of fast and easy things you can make. You just have to learn to try new things. This way of eating a gluten free, casein free and soy free diet in NOT expensive, unlike trying to substitute gluten free foods that are pre-made.

Try and enjoy these easy, delicious, healthy recipes!

Gluten Intolerance, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Liver Damage

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:15:00 GMT

You may not know you have gluten intolerance - but you should be highly suspect if you have elevated liver enzymes.

Gluten intolerance, largely a genetic disorder can cause many health challenges. People who suffer with bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, fatigue, weight gain, bone or joint pain, dental enamel defects, depression, infertility, anemia, alopecia areata (hair loss), migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any of the dozens of other symptoms should suspect their malady to be connected to gluten intolerance.

Elevated liver enzymes may indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests. Two common liver enzymes regularly tested in most blood chemistries include AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (Alanine transaminase).

AST (aspartate aminotransferase), which was previously called SGOT, can also be elevated in heart and muscle diseases and is not liver specific. The normal range of AST is 0 to 45 U/L

ALT (alanine aminotransferase), which was previously called SGPT, is more specific for liver damage. The normal range of ALT is 0 to 45 U/L

Besides these two enzymes, the liver produces other enzymes, which are special protein based molecules that help necessary chemical reactions to take place. Liver enzymes trigger activity in the body's cells, speeding up and facilitating naturally occurring biochemical reactions, and maintaining various metabolic processes within the liver.

I regularly see patients who have high liver enzymes of "unknown etiology", which simply means the cause has not been discovered. One common sign of gluten intolerance is elevated liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes can lead to additional damage to other parts of the body outside the liver if the cause of the elevated enzymes is not discovered.

I challenged a patient of mine who has had elevated liver enzymes as long as she can remember to get properly tested for gluten intolerance. You probably guessed right - she was gluten intolerant. This patient agreed she should eat gluten free the rest of her life. In one month on our specialized dietary healing plan, her liver enzymes came down into the normal range, the first time since her liver enzymes have been tested many, many years ago!

Unfortunately most doctors still use tests that are outdated and inaccurate for gluten sensitivity testing. At Johnson Chiropractic Neurology and Nutrition we use the most advanced, state-of-the-art testing gluten intolerance. The tests we use include testing for genes that predispose one to celiac sprue and gluten intolerance (I found I have one of each), as well as a special test that measures ones sensitivity to several component of wheat. Until very recently (January, 2011) testing for Gluten Sensitivity has only been against one components (epitopes) of wheat; alpha gliadin. Through extensive research Cyrex Labs, pinpointed the twelve components of wheat that most often provoke an immune response. Learn more about this specialized testing, especially if you have unexplained elevated liver enzymes.

The latest numbers indicate that as many as one in every 5 people

(yes, that's right) have some form of gluten-sensitivity.

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun;14(6):567-72

Blood Type Friendly Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Meal Recipes - FREE

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:08:00 GMT

Want to continue your health supporting lifestyle and plan a GREAT Thanksgiving dinner that is friendly for all blood types and gluten free? Look no further. You can click on the link below to download the D'Adamo approved Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving dinner has been served at my home for many over a decade and has been a delicious blend of traditional turkey and other healthy accompaniments thanks to my wonderful wife's cooking supplemented by family friends that have health challenges similar to those that I have.

This complete Thanksgiving meal is courtesy of the D'Adamo's. Enjoy the recipes, and I would love to hear your comments about them. Bon Appetit!

Spinal Fusion Surgery Results in Worse Outcomes than Non-Surgical Treatments in Patients with Back Injuries

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:48:00 GMT

A study* published in the February 15, 2011 issue of Spine, shows that spinal fusion surgery in patients with chronic low back pain leads to worse long-term outcomes – including a lower rate of return to work – compared to non-surgical treatment.

In this study the researchers compared 725 lumbar fusion cases to 725 randomly selected controls selected from a pool of workers’ compensation patients with chronic low back pain who underwent non-surgical conservative treatment such as physical therapy, exercises, etc. Final treatment outcomes included return to work, disability, and use of strong pain medications at two years follow-up.

In nearly all outcome categories it was worse for patients who had spinal fusion surgery. Only 26% of the spinal fusion patients returned to work after 2 years compared to 76%of those under conservative treatment. Also, 27% of patients in the surgical group had repeat surgery while 36% experienced some type of complication.

Eleven percent of the surgical patients had permanent disability, compared to 2% of the non-surgical patients. Most spinal fusion patients continued using opioid drugs after surgery with many taking higher doses. There were also more deaths in the spinal fusion group. The average days off work was greater for the surgical group compared to the non-surgical group (1,140 days off vs. 316 days off).

At a time of continued controversy over the role of spinal fusion surgery and the fact that this procedure has increased exponentially over the last decade despite lack of evidence that it improves patient outcomes, the results of this study raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of spinal fusion surgery.

Lead researcher Trang H. Nguyen, MD who practices occupational medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his co-researchers write, “This [spinal fusion surgery] is offered to improve pain and function, yet objective outcomes showed increased permanent disability, poor return to work status, and higher doses of opioids.” They also note the lack of evidence supporting the use of spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, of radiculopathy – the diagnoses present in most of the workers in the study. Their conclusion is that spinal fusion should be “cautiously considered” in workers’ compensation patients and then only for patients with diagnoses for which spinal fusion has proven specifically effective.

*Nuyen T, Randolph DC, Talmage J, et al. Long-term Outcomes of Lumbar Fusion Among Workers’ Compensation Sunjects: A Historical Cohort Study. Spine Feb 15, 2011; 36(4):320-331

Reprinted with permission from International Review of Chiropractic, Volume 66, No. 1, 2011 by Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC and Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition

Patient Centered Multi-Disciplinary Spine Care Pathway Results in Minimized Lower Back Pain and Treatment Costs

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:29:00 GMT

The use of a patient-centered multi-disciplinary Spine Care Pathway (SCP) helped to minimize lower back pain (LBP) and the associated treatment costs, according to a recent study, “A Hospital-Based Standardized Spine Care Pathway: Report of a Multidisciplinary, Evidence-Based Process,” published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, February 2011, Vol. 34, No. 2.

Using the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Back Pain Recognition Program (BPRP) as its framework, the SCP provided patients with the five care options cited as the most effective in the back pain literature: spinal manipulation, extension and flexion directional preference exercises, core stabilization exercises, and mechanical traction.

“Lower back pain is a common condition affecting an estimated 90 percent of the population at some time,” said Ian C. Paskowski, D.C., lead author and medical director, Medical Back Pain Program at Jordan Hospital, Plymouth, Mass., the site from which this study’s date was derived. “Current methods of relieving LBP are often uncoordinated, inefficient and expensive. However, our team of researchers was the first to implement an evidence-based, standardized SCP, which aligned individual patients with the appropriate conservative care option. As predicted, the results were improved patient health and satisfaction rates, with decreased costs.”

The LBP program at Jordan Hospital, managed chiefly by Doctors of Chiropractic, treated 518 patients in the first six months of the program, using a two-tiered clinical management approach. Of the total patient population, 402 were exclusively cared for by D.C.s who achieved successful treatment outcomes in an average of just 5.2 visits at the extremely low cost of only $302 per case, while maintaining a patient satisfaction rate above 95 percent. Self-reported pain and disability scores were reduced by about 70% over the course of just a few weeks.

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) have traditionally been the providers to initially see LBP patients. “We have demonstrated that when this spine care pathway is offered to PCPs, they will utilize these evidence-based guidelines and chiropractic services,” said Paskowski. “I largely credit our Doctors of Chiropractic for achieving these excellent clinical outcomes and attaining such high patient satisfaction rates. Their dedication to individual patient needs and a patient-centered approach aligns flawlessly with the medical home model and yields remarkable results. We anticipate that this SCP will become the globalized framework for uniformity and consistency in healthcare for LBP management, and that chiropractors will become the non-surgical spine care experts in the health care system.”

Reprinted with permission from International Review of Chiropractic, Volume 66, No. 1, 2011 by Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC and Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition

New Research Shows Eating Dried Plums Helps Prevent Fractures and Osteoporosis

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:17:00 GMT

When it comes to improving bone health, a Florida State University researcher has found a simple proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis – eating dried plums. The study, titled “Comparative effects of dried plum and apple on bone in postmenopausal women,” was published in the August 2011 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition.

“Over my career I have tested numerous fruits, including figs, dates, strawberries and raisins and not one of them come anywhere close to having the effect on bone density that dried plums, or prunes have,” said Bahram H. Arjmandi, Florida State’s Margaret A. Sitton Professor and chairman of the Department of Nutrition Food and Exercise Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. “All fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on nutrition, but in terms of bone health, that particular food is exceptional.”

Arjmandi and a group of researchers from Florida State and Oklahoma State University treated two groups of postmenopausal women. Over a 12-month period, the first group, consisting of 55 women was instructed to consume 100 grams of dried plums (about 10 prunes) each day, while the 2nd group, a comparative control group of 45 women, was told to consume 100 grams of dried apples. All the participants also received daily doses of calcium (500 milligrams) and vitamin D.

The researchers found that the group that consumed dried plums had higher bone density in the ulna and spine, in comparison to the control group that ate dried apples. This, according to Arjmandi, was due in part to the ability of dried plums to suppress the rate of bone resorption, or the breakdown of bone, which tends to exceed the rate of new bone growth as people age.

Reprinted with permission from International Review of Chiropractic, Volume 66, No. 1, 2011 by Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC and Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition

Halloween - The Beginning of The Sickness Season - How to Avoid It

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:49:00 GMT

For over 20 years now, I have consisitently seen a significant rise in patients bringing in children with respiratory or other illness beginning with the week after Halloween. Often behavioral changes are noted too.

Why you might ask? In my opinion, based on what I've observed with those patients with seasonal sickness, it is due to a weakening of the immune system due to excessive sugar intake. The immune weakness leads to susceptibility to sinus and other upper respiratory infections.

Eating or drinking 100 grams (8 tbsp.) of sugar, the equivalent of one 12-ounce can of soda, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by forty percent. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours. Excessive sugar consumption is one cause of immune system weakening habits and there are 3 other common ones.

Most children enjoy dressing up in their favorite character or spooky creation. I know I did as a child. Now I love Halloween parties (that's me on the left in the picture above). Most children's goal for the annual "trick or treating" event is all about "the haul". In other words how much candy, and other treats, can be obtained and brought home. I've read that "the fun-sized candy bars often handed out to eager trick-or-treaters contain obscene amounts of sugar: an average fun-sized Snickers has 7.4 grams sugar, a shocking 49 percent of the average person’s recommended daily sugar intake. A holy grail among kids, the king-sized Snickers holds a whopping 55.7 grams of sugar." Imagine how much sugar is in the whole pillow case full!

So what is a parent to do? Our children (now grown) went out every year "trick or treating" as well...but we has a special agreement with out children that helped them NOT succumb to the immune weakening ravages that excess sugar consumption can cause. We agreed ahead of time that whatever "haul" they ended up with would be divied up into two piles: 10 items they absolutely wanted and the rest could be traded in for thier favorite Beany Baby (these were a HOT ticket back then). Our children loved this idea. We would dispose of the large majority of the candy our children brought home and we would take the children to the toy store so they could pick out one of their favorite Beanie Babies. The 10 treats they kept were rationed at one item per day...or they could stretch that out longer - their choice. The concept works quite well and our children were sickness free!

Of course in addition to the reduced holiday candy consumption we provided regular chiropractic care which has been show to improve immune system function and we also provided a healthy diet for our children. Our health diet consisted of proteins, vegetables, fruits, limited fruit juices, no soda pop, and healthy cereals.

I have suggested my patients consider implemting a similar strategy with their children and they have discovered it works for them as well. Perhaps you can try it too!

Key Factor in Developing Other Autoimmune Diseases - Duration of Gluten Exposure

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:01:00 GMT

The longer sensitive individuals eat gluten, the more likely they are to develop other autoimmune diseases

A 1999 landmark study published in Gastroenterology found that the duration of exposure to gluten in celiac disease patients affects the risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. The finding made age at diagnosis an important factor in the overall health of patients with celiac disease.

For the study, an Italian research team screened 909 patients with celiac disease for other autoimmune diseases, including IDDM (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus), DH (Dermatitis herpetiformis), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, autoimmune hepatitis, alopecia, atrophic autoimmune gastritis, connective tissue disease (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, or Sjogren’s disease), psoriasis, Addison’s disease, unexplained cerebellar ataxia, epilepsy with cerebral calcification, or immune anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. They then compared the prevalence of these conditions in three different subgroups, which were separated based on when the patient was diagnosed with celiac disease (before age 2, between ages 2 and 10, and after age 10).

The team found that the prevalence of the other conditions was highest in the subgroup of patients diagnosed after age 10. Similarly, patients diagnosed between ages 2 and 10 had a higher rate of other conditions than those diagnosed before age 2. This suggests that the prevalence of autoimmune conditions increases with increasing age at diagnosis of celiac disease (ie, increasing duration of exposure to gluten).

The researchers’ chart below demonstrates the frequency of developing other autoimmune diseases.

The authors concluded: “Indeed, the age at diagnosis of celiac disease is the single best predictor of the prevalence of autoimmune disease.”

The sensitivity and specificity of the testing is paramount in findind gluten sensitivity at a young age. The typcial medical test for gluten sensitivity is accurate mainly when there is total villous atrophy of the small intestine. That's like going to the dentist and they can't tell you have tooth decay until 90% of the tooth is missing. Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johson, DC at Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition uses state of the art Cyrex testing developed by Dr. Aristo Vojdani, a world renowned immunologist.

Ventura A, Magazzú G, Greco L; SIGEP Study Group for Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease. Duration of exposure to gluten and risk for autoimmune disorders in patients with celiac disease. Gastroenterology. 1999;117:297–303.

Misbranded Gluten Containing Beef Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergen

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:17:00 GMT

Geez, it's so hard to trust the food industry. Many companies just keep raising the bar on how low they will stoop to save a buck - not concerned about the end consumer's health and well-being. Meat glue, turkey in beef - what the heck else will they think of. You've heard of turducken (stuffing a turkey with a duck)...perhaps they should call this abomination burky! Thank goodness this company got caught...but how many don't. Get to know who you purchase your food from. Buy from the local amish butcher store if you have one. We are lucky as we have Hefling's Amish Farm Market her in the Mt. Clemens area and Peacock's Poultry Farm in the Troy area. Both reputible source for many food products. Well, read on and get mad!

Hidden sources of gluten can be found in many places. We must continue to be vigilant and cautious about our foods. Take notice of this recent recall issued by the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Doctors, Practitioners, RD's, post this information for all to see. Feel free to forward this note.

Oklahoma Firm Recalls Center Cut Steaks Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

Recall Release CLASS II RECALL
FSIS-RC-81-2011 HEALTH RISK: LOW

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Catherine Cochran

WASHINGTON, Oct 12, 2011 - Chef's Requested Foods, Inc., an Oklahoma City, Okla., establishment is recalling approximately 875 pounds of center cut steaks because the packages actually contain turkey filets. The turkey filets contain the allergens wheat and soy, and the center cut steak labels do not list wheat as an ingredient, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp

How Gluten Intolerance Can Cause Unstable Gait

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:34:00 GMT

The body of research surrounding gluten sensitivity grows every year alerting the medical community and people suffering from a wide range of symptoms to possible connections between seemingly untreatable medical conditions and gluten intolerance. Of note recently is the growing recognition of gluten sensitivity and gluten ataxia, a neurological condition affecting balance and coordination.

Beyond Indigestion
For decades, the medical profession has limited diagnosis of gluten intolerance to those patients who tested positive for celiac disease via an antigliadin antibodies test or endoscopy. Those patients who tested negative on these tests were told they didn't have celiac disease (CD) and that gluten was not their problem. The traditional medical mindset is celiac disease manifests primarily in gastrointestinal distress. Modern research shows that for every symptomatic patient with CD there are eight patients with CD with no GI symptom

Now we know, however, that gluten intolerance covers an entire range of symptoms including celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis (skin conditions associated with gluten sensitivity such as psoriasis or eczema), thyroid irregularities and other inflammatory and neurological conditions. In fact, a good number of people with gluten sensitivities don't have any gastrointestinal symptoms at all leading some doctors to disregard gluten as a root cause of symptoms.

In all cases, however, the body attacks gluten and resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Gluten ataxia is one of those symptoms caused by gluten sensitivity that may or may not be seen in conjunction with gastrointestinal distress.

Diagnosing Ataxia
By definition, ataxia is a condition affecting your muscle coordination during voluntary movements like walking or using your hands. Ataxia can also affect speech, your eyes and your swallowing reflex. Those who suffer from ataxia may find it difficult to grasp objects, walk up and down stairs, balance or successfully navigate doorways without running into them. On the extreme end, ataxia can drive patients to wheelchairs, prevent people from working or even interfere with the body's swallowing reflex.

Diagnosing gluten ataxia has been slow. Most often, doctors look for other underlying symptoms of ataxia including head trauma, stroke or multiple sclerosis. Additionally, few in the medical community have embraced the notion that a person without gastrointestinal symptoms could have a gluten sensitivity manifesting in other ways.

The work of Dr. Marios Hadjivassiliou in researching gluten ataxia has played a key role in encouraging patients to ask their doctors about this manifestation of gluten intolerance. Dr. Hadjivassiliou has documented correlations between ataxia and a heightened immune response to gluten. His work also pushes doctors to look beyond the gut when diagnosing gluten sensitivities.

Patients with unexplained coordination and balance problems should ask their doctor about the possibility of gluten ataxia whether they suffer from other known manifestations of gluten sensitivity or not.

Seeking a Cure
Eating a strict gluten free lifestyle can alleviate many of the symptoms of ataxia, just as the lifestyle can help those who suffer from celiac disease and skin conditions caused by gluten. It is also important for those who suffer from gluten ataxia to work with someone in the medical field who understands their diagnosis and will work with them on the root cause of the ataxia. The brain heals much more slowly than the intestinal tract and those with ataxia may take longer to heal and see a true remission of symptoms than those with primarily skin or bowel symptoms. A doctor specializing in gluten sensitivities and who takes a holistic approach to medicine is best suited to working with sufferers of ataxia.

Hope and help is out there for the growing number of people discovering the extent of gluten sensitivity including balance and coordination challenges stemming from gluten ataxia. The key is going to a doctor who knows how to properly test you so the root cause of your health challenge can be found.

Results of Medication Studies Published in Leading Medical Journals are Misleading and Confusing

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:46:00 GMT

Studies about medications published in the most influential journals are frequently designed in a way that yields misleading or confusing results, according to a recent study conducted by the medical schools of UCLA and Harvard.* The journals used for this study were NEJM, JAMA, The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, the British Medical Journal and the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Investigators analyzed all the randomized medication trails published in these six highest-impact general medicine journals between June 1, 2008 and September 30, 2010 to determine the prevalence of three types of outcome measures that make data interpretation difficult. They also reviewed each study’s abstract to determine the percentage that reported results using relative rather than absolute numbers which can be misleading.

The investigators discovered that trials that used surrogate outcomes and disease-specific mortality were more likely to be exclusively funded – for instance by pharmaceutical companies.

While 45% if exclusively commercially funded trials used surrogate endpoints, only 29% of trials receiving non-commercial funding did. And while 39% of exclusively commercially funded trials used disease-specific mortality, only 16% of trials receiving non-commercial funding did.

The researchers suggest that commercial sponsors of research may promote the use of outcomes that are most likely to indicate favorable results for their products.

“For example, it may be easier to show that a commercial product has a beneficial effect on a surrogate marker like blood pressure than on a hard outcome like a heart attack,” said lead author Dr. Michael Hochman, a fellow in the Robert Wood John Foundation Clinical Scholars Program at the David Gaffen School of Medicine at UCLA’s division of general internal medicine and health services research, and at the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Los Angeles Medical Center. “In fact, studies in our analysis using surrogate outcomes were more likely to report positive results than those using hard numbers like heart attacks,” he said.

The UCLA-Harvard study also shows that 44% of study abstracts in these journals reported results exclusively in relative rather than absolute numbers which can be misleading. “The way in which results are presented is critical,” said Dr. Danny McCormick, the study’s senior author and a physician at the Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School. “It’s one thing to say a medication lowers your risk of heart attacks from two-in-a-million or one-in-a-million and something completely different to say a medication lowers your risk of heart attacks by 50 percent.”

“Knowing the effects of a medication on blood pressure does not always tell you what the effect will be on the things that are important, like heart attacks or strokes,” said Hochman. “Similarly, patients don’t care if a medication prevents deaths from heart disease if it leads to an equivalent increase in deaths from cancer.”

Hochman M, McCormick D. Endpoint Selection and Relative (Versus Absolute) Risk Reporting in Published Medication Trials. Journal of General Internal Medicine* August 2011; DOI:10.1007, 11606-1813-7.

Reprinted with permission from International Review of Chiropractic, Volume 66, No. 1, 2011 by Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC and Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition