» 2008» November

One of the most unfortunate aspects of the drug culture we live in today is the law of unintended consequences: we take a medication to help a problem but it ends up causing us more problems. Once again we see this in action with antibiotics in some new research into stomach bacteria. Some new studies, highlighted on NPR’s Science Friday last week in an interesting conversion with Dr. David Relman from Stanford University School of Medicine (Science Fridays - A Community of Thousands, In Your Gut) give us insight into our stomach and the effects of antibiotics upon the bacteria in it.

We have over 5600 species of bacteria living in our stomach, the majority of which we are in a symbiotic relationship where they help us in the digestion of food. This new research shows us that many common types of antibiotics disrupt these colonies of bacteria, preventing their growth from time periods from 1 to over 6 months. These bacteria are very important; loss of them can lead to diarrhea, yeast infections, growth of “bad”, resistant bacteria, vitamin deficiencies, and more.

So what can we do to help prevent the loss of these all important bacteria? First, and most important, is to prepare our bodies so we don’t get sick from simple exposure to bacteria. Exercise, nurtition, and proper nervous system function are all important to correct immune system function. Second, if we do get sick we shouldn’t run immediately to the medicine cabinet, or pill bottle. Your body isn’t stupid, you are having symptoms for a reason. Runny nose, low fever, coughing, etc, are all ways that your body fights off viral and bacterial infections; using medicine to stop these symptoms works against your immune system, prolonging the illness. Finally, if we do have a bacterial infection and our body needs antibiotic help in fighting it off, then as soon as we finish the round of meds we must do things to promote regrowth and colonization of our gut bacterial. This includes eating foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and other fermented products, avoid very acidic foods, and taking a probiotic supplement to provide bacterial growth.

Remember, in the end, the best way to avoid this law of unintended consequences is to keep yourself healthy in the first place!

Related Articles:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jYmMg5LQAvp-wbrxNPYAD_OvNSQQ

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/38081

Originally Written November 5, 2008

Last night as I was watching Barack Obama’s speech after winning the 2008 election I began to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future. No matter what side you were on I think we all can agree that our nation is at a crossroads, and this election will undoubtedly be looked back upon as particularly historic.

November is a month of milestones not only for our country but for myself as well. This month I turn thirty, and the 1st was my two year anniversary here at McKinley Chiropractic. Those patients who have been here that long will no doubt recognize the changes that have taken place: the removal of walls, the changing of paint, the addition of staff (Ali), the shift in our focus to become a true family wellness practice.

As I listened to Obama speak I began to notice a theme running through his remarks. He said that in this time of crisis it is up to us to “summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.” His message is that each of us must do what it takes to pull ourselves and our country out the crisis we face today.

What I took from his speech was a call for personal responsibility and compassion in looking after ourselves and our loved ones. I believe this is especially important when it comes to your health. Ultimately you are responsible for the choices you make in your lifestyle and these choices will determine your level of wellness.

This month I call on you to take responsibility for your health and the health of your loved ones. Ask yourself “what is one thing I can do today to make myself healthier”, and DO IT! If you see a friend or family member who is struggling, give them a hand. Help them understand what health is and show them how to take care of themselves. Demonstrate some of the stretches that help you, give them a pointer on how to eat better, refer them to our office for a wellness evaluation. Don’t find yourself in a position where you look back and say “I just wish I would have helped him/her more.” Take action today!

Again I want to thank you for all the blessings that have come into my life as a result of my affiliation with McKinley Chiropractic. I know that without you, our patients, none of it would be possible.

Dr. Jeremy Arthur

Welcome to McKinley Chiropractic’s new Wellness Blog. We plan on using this space to keep you, our valued patient, informed on current events, health care trends, and on our thoughts on health and wellness. Please check back frequently and feel free to comment. We hope to develop a community of patients, friends, and family members all working towards educating ourselves on health and wellness, and striving to live the best lifestyle we can!

Dr. Arthur and Dr. McKinley