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Cincinnati Chiropractic: Bottle Fed Babies and Risk of Early Obesity
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Cincinnati Chiropractor weekly health alert:
Starting formula-fed babies on solid food too early may increase their risk of becoming obese by the time they reach age 3, according to a prospective study.
The study, which followed more than 840 young children, found that formula-fed infants introduced to solid food before four months of age had a 6.3-fold increased odds of obesity at age 3 (95% confidence interval 2.3 to 6.9), Susanna Y. Huh, MD, MPH, of Children’s Hospital Boston, and colleagues reported online in Pediatrics.
However, the same didn’t hold for breastfed infants — who showed no impact of timing of solid food introduction on obesity at age 3 (odds ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.4), Huh and co-authors wrote.
The findings from the longitudinal study support guidelines recommending holding off on solids until at least 4 months of age and preferably to six months of age, the researchers noted.
“Additionally, it further confirms the tremendous long-term nutritional value of breast feeding during the first six months of life,” commented Cliff Nerwen, MD, of Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York City, in a statement sent to reporters.
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Chiropractor Cincinnati: Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
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Cincinnati chiropractor weekly health alert: A systematic review carried out by a team at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has analyzed existing studies and concluded that there are benefits to mental and physical well-being from taking exercise in the natural environment. Their findings are published in the research journal Environmental Science and Technology.
The study found that most trials showed an improvement in mental well-being: compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and stated that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date.
However, none of the identified studies measured the effects of physical activity on physical well-being, or the effect of natural environments on sticking to exercise. On balance this review has identified some promising effects on self-reported mental well-being immediately following exercise in the natural environment, as opposed to those reported following exercise indoors. This is a first step towards vindicating the positive effects of programs such as the Green Gym and Blue Gym, and innovative interventions by medical practitioners that include exercise outdoors as part of holistic treatments for those suffering from depression and similar psychological ailments.
“The hypothesis that there are added beneficial effects to be gained from exercising in the natural environment is very appealing and has generated considerable interest. By using the data currently available to us we have added strength to the link between mental and physical well-being and outdoor exercise, but further research and longer, tailor-made and focused trials are needed to better understand this link.”
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Beware of Fake Blueberries
Posted by: | CommentsCincinnati Chiropractic Weekly Health Alert:
A range of fake blueberries are being used in a number of retail food items, even though they contain labels or photos suggesting that they contain real blueberries.
The Consumer wellness Center reports that these “blueberries” are actually a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, starch, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavors and artificial food dyes blue No. 2 and red No. 40. The companies that use the fake blueberries include well-known manufacturers such as Kellogg’s, Betty Crocker and General Mills
According to the Los Angeles Times:
“… [T]he fakes were found in bagels, cereals, breads and muffins. Some products contain real blueberries mixed with fakes. For example, the blueberry bagels sold at Target contain some real berries but the ‘blueberry bits’ listed in the ingredients aren’t real blueberries … Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats Blueberry Muffin variety has no blueberries but does have ‘blueberry flavored crunchies’ made from the sugar-and-dye concoction mentioned above.”
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Cincinnati Chiropractor: Tomatoes and Vascualar Disease
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Tomatoes, the most widely produced fruit in the world, contain a nutrient which could prevent the onset of vascular diseases. The compound, 9-oxo-octadecadienoic, was found to have anti-dyslipidemic affects. Dyslipidemia is a condition caused by an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood stream. It can lead to vascular disease.
Tomatoes are already known to contain many other compounds beneficial to health.
According to Physorg:
“In this study the team analyzed 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid, to test its potential anti-dyslipidemia properties. The compound was found to enhance fatty acid oxidation and contributed to the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid … can therefore help prevent vascular diseases.”
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Your Cincinnati Chiropractor States: Exercising this Time of Day is Better
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A new study suggests that exercising in the morning, before eating, can significantly lessen the ill effects of a poor holiday diet.
Researchers recruited healthy, active young men and fed them a bad diet for six weeks. A group of them that exercised before breakfast gained almost no weight and showed no signs of insulin resistance. What’s more, they burned the fat they were taking in more efficiently.
According to the New York Times:
… Working out before breakfast directly combated the two most detrimental effects of eating a high-fat, high-calorie diet. It also helped the men avoid gaining weight.
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Cincinnati Chiropractor: Jet Lag and Holiday Travel Tips
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The holiday season brings lots of travel — visiting family and friends, taking vacations. If you have ever traveled and experienced jet lag, you know that you can feel that you are just not quite fully functioning (particularly when traveling east) when you arrive at your destination. A new study shows that this particular effect of jet lag may linger longer than we realize.
Researchers at The University of California at Berkley conducted an interesting experiment. They used an animal model in which they compared the performance and memory tasks of jet lagged hamsters against a control group. The researchers learned that jet lag affects the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning:
Whether you are traveling across the country, or picking up a holiday shift, here are some simple things to help fight jet lag (and keep your brain healthy):
. Time your flights. If you are only flying over two to three zones, avoid the “red eye” flights as much as possible. Remember, jet lag is worse if you traveling east.
. Get outside and get some sunlight! Light helps reset your circadian rhythm and reduces the effects of jet lag.
. Adjust with exercise. exercise also helps reset your biological clock. I would not suggest running a marathon, but while you are outside getting sunlight, consider taking a brisk walk.
. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both will negatively affect your sleep cycle, which will already be slightly off.
. Resist napping on the plane. You may need to fall asleep earlier than your body is used to at your new destination. Being a little more tired could be helpful.
. Melatonin might not be the best answer; the studies on its effectiveness are mixed. As I have “blogged” before melatonin often comes in an overdose amount — we’re talking anything over one milligram. It’s important to check with your doctor before taking this hormone.
. Consider a jet lag calculator app. These can help guide you through overcoming and preventing jet lag. Virgin Atlantic offers one that I enjoy from Mental Workout.
Purple Fruits Ward Off Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s
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Eating purple fruits, such as blueberries, can help ward off neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. Drinking green tea can also have the same protective effect.
New research finds that the majority of debilitating illnesses are in part caused by poorly-bound iron. The iron causes the production of dangerous toxins, called hydroxyl radicals, that cause degenerative diseases of many kinds. Nutrients known as iron chelators, however, can bind the iron tightly.
Science Daily reports:
“Brightly-colored fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of chelators, as is green tea, with purple fruits considered to have the best chance of binding the iron effectively.”
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Science Daily December 8, 2010
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Cincinnati Chiropractic Shares Thanksgiving Thoughts
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As your Cincinnati chiropractor, over the years I have blogged often about the adverse effects of obesity on the musculoskeletal system. Because excess weight can cause misalignment of the spine, tilting of the pelvis, unhealthy gait patterns, and wear and tear on the joints, it has been my experience that preventative and relief measures, such as weight loss, is essential for good health. But, this time of year, my thoughts are not so much on those who have more than enough to eat, but on those who don’t get enough food each day to sustain their body in a healthy way.
During this holiday season many of my colleagues are offering incentives to current and new patients that, in exchange for chiropractic adjustments, will help to provide money for local food banks or food items for charitable organizations to distribute directly to those in need.
And, as Thanksgiving approaches, I want to offer my gratitude to all of my loyal patients who, as they move from the limitations of health challenges and into the freedom optimal health, give me hundreds of reasons to continue to do what I do. And, my appreciation goes out to my chiropractic colleagues, as well, who believe deeply in the efficacy of chiropractic treatment and through their dedicated work make such a great contribution, and big difference, to the people in their communities.
Cincinnati Chiropractic Offers Holiday Exercise Tips
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Here I go again talking about exercise, one of my favorite subjects as your Cincinnati chiropractor when it comes to an essential part of good health that no one can do for you but you. In my past blogs I’ve talked about simple ways that you can add exercise to your daily routine without altering your schedule too much, like using your lunch break to jog or take a brisk walk, taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and when shopping at a mall or market, find a parking spot on the outskirts of the lot, instead of close to the building.
But, with holiday shopping and other “to-do” activities, even the simple exercise options above might fall by the way side. Your lunch break becomes an opportunity to get pressing holiday necessities accomplished and if you’re in a rush, you may find parking close to a mall or market entrance, and taking an elevator instead of the stairs far less time-consuming.
However, many holiday activities offer ways for you to get the 30 minutes of daily moderate physical activity that your body needs. And, in addition to the usual health benefits, making sure you continue to get exercise will also help your body burn extra holiday calories! And, of course, as I’ve mentioned before, you don’t need to get in your 30 minutes all at once, but instead, exercising in 10- to 15-minute “chunks” can also be beneficial.
So, here are a few tips to healthfully get you through the holiday season:
If you’re holiday shopping and in a hurry, continue to park farther away from the mall entrance, and get your heart pumping by picking up your walking pace. You’ll save time and get a workout. Once you’re inside, remind yourself that taking the stairs may seem to take longer, but waiting for the elevator is often more time consuming. And, when your purchases aren’t too heavy or bulky, try carrying them instead of using a shopping cart to help get your heart pumping and strengthen your muscles.
If you’re hosting guests for the holiday, getting ready for them and cleaning after they leave can be a good way to get in your aerobic exercise. Housework, such as vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, and even decorating (and “undecorating”) uses large muscle groups like those in your legs and back. The most important thing is to get your heart rate up at a consistent level for at least 10 minutes without stopping.
Don’t let inertia set in during the holidays. It’s hard to start exercising again once you’ve gotten out of the habit. And, if it helps, keep an image of Santa Claus and his big round belly in mind. Remember, he only exercises one night a year!
Cincinnati Chiropractic: Sweat or “Glow,” Exercise Means Health
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As a Cincinnati Chiropractor I have to say that there isn’t much difference between the skeletal structure of men and women, with the exception that the female pelvis is wider to allow for childbirth, and the forehead bones of the male protrude more and the overall frame is frequently larger. And, to be honest, though I’ve never fully understood the philosophy that “women are from Venus, men are from Mars,” at some level this seems plausible to me and I’m far too intelligent to debate the issue with either sex! But, one difference between men and women that my mother asserted with pride was that “men sweat and women glow.” And, though I never debated this issue either, I was pleased to run across new research published in the journal Experimental Physiology that concluded that women have to work harder than men in order to start sweating, and that men are more effective sweaters during exercise. (Ergo, women are more effective “glowers.”)
The researchers at Osaka International University and Kobe University studied the differences between the sweating responses of men and women as they participated in exercises in which the intensities were changed, i.e., four groups of trained and untrained females and males cycled continuously for an hour in a controlled climate with increasing intensity intervals. The results? Men were shown to be more efficient at sweating, and that while exercise training improves sweating in both sexes, the degree of improvement is greater in men. Untrained females had the worst sweating response of all requiring a higher body temperature to begin sweating. The bottom line? According to the study’s coordinator, Yoshimitsu Inoue, “It appears that women are at a disadvantage when they need to sweat a lot during exercise, especially in hot conditions.” This finding may explain why men and women cope differently with extremes in temperatures, with women adapting better to hot environments, but men having greater efficiency of action under the same conditions.
But, sweat or “glow,” exercise for both sexes is essential for good health, including a strong musculoskeletal system.
Source: Experimental Physiology
