Reflexology for Thyroid Health

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reflexology

Reflexology is a gentle, complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapy in which pressure is placed along reflex points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face, or ears. A Reflex Map identifies various reflex points and corresponding regions or systems throughout the body. A certified reflexologist uses specific patterns of touch and pressure to stimulate these points.

The theory that underlies reflexology is that stimulation of the reflex points opens the flow of energy (referred to as Life Force or Chi) and nutrients throughout the body. It is believed that reflexology taps into the body's natural healing process by enhancing the functioning of the lymphatic system (a major part of the immune system), which helps move fluids and waste products from within the tissues into the circulatory system, ultimately for excretion from the body.

Generally, reflexology is suitable for everyone, from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care. A reflexologist tailors each session to the individual, taking into account both physical and emotional factors that might be affecting you. Reflexologists aim to work alongside both allopathic and holistic healthcare practitioners to promote well-being for their clients.

CAM researchers have investigated reflexology for a variety of health conditions, such as breast cancer, diabetes, anxiety, back pain, menstrual issues, post-operative recovery, chronic fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction. The premise for treating thyroid conditions with reflexology is that opening the energy flow through the thyroid gland can balance both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions by supporting the gland in regulating homeostasis, the body's ideal state of equilibrium. In some studies of thyroid goiter or cancer, reflexology reduced pain and promoted relaxation, which can boost healing.

While there have been promising results in many case studies (of just one person or a small group), there is still a need for further research to definitively indicate the effectiveness of reflexology for treating illness.

Resources

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Oral Hygiene and the Health of the Body

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oral health

Years ago, a physician who suspected a patient had heart disease would probably not refer him to a gum specialist. The same holds true for diabetes and arthritis. Times have changed. The past 5 to 10 years have seen a growing body of research linking the health of your mouth to the overall health of your body. According to the American Dental Association, 40 percent of people with gum disease also have a chronic health condition. What's feeding the link? Not taking proper care of your mouth results in bacterial growth, which causes inflammation that not only spurs diseases of the teeth and gums, but can cause problems for other body systems if left unchecked. Oral problems can also be a symptom of other diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

Several factors can affect oral health--it's not just about brushing and flossing. The health of your mouth and teeth is affected by diet (frequent consumption of processed and high-sugar foods/beverages), stress levels, quality of sleep, poor digestion, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, and medication.

Living with a chronic health condition can have detrimental effects on oral health. "For example, many medicines ... can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, resulting in dry mouth," says Dr. David Albert, associate professor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. "Patients with asthma often breathe through their mouths, which can result in dry mouth, increased plaque formation, and gingivitis." 

As previously mentioned, oral health has been related to several other health concerns.

Diabetes. One complication of diabetes is gum disease that results from impaired blood flow through the blood vessels. When the gums don't receive sufficient blood flow, they become weak and vulnerable to infection. If diabetes is not properly managed, high glucose levels in the mouth will promote bacterial growth.

Heart disease. Chronic bacterial infection of the gums, or periodontal disease (PD), has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers are still examining the exact reasons for this connection, but it has been suggested that PD increases inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease. It's also possible that bacteria from the mouth travels into the bloodstream and adds to buildup of plaque in the arteries. While there isn't a direct cause-and-effect relationship, both PD and heart disease share common risk factors including smoking and diabetes.

Arthritis. In a recent small study, bacteria from the mouth was found in synovial (joint) fluid in people with knee arthritis. For some participants in these studies, there was a genetic match between the bacteria in the mouth and that found in the joint fluid. Further research is required.

Oral Hygiene Habits that Benefit the Whole Body
You are the best advocate for the health of your teeth and mouth. On a weekly basis, check inside your mouth for swollen or bleeding gums; foul mouth odor that does not go away; cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth; tooth and/or jaw pain; and sores or lesions on the gums, cheeks, or tongue. Any of these can be symptomatic of more serious health problems and should be brought to the attention of your doctor. The best way to prevent such problems from developing is to maintain healthy dental hygiene habits:

  • Eat a balanced diet without excessive sweets. As far back as the 1940s, researchers like Weston A. Price observed the role of nutrition in dental and physical health. Price was one of the first to conclude that "foods of commerce," such as flour, sugar, and processed food products cause nutritional deficiencies (especially in vitamins and minerals) that result in dental and general health problems.
  • Don't smoke or use smokeless tobacco products.
  • Brush at least twice daily--after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss daily. Brush the tongue. Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Schedule regular dental visits, usually every six months.

Reference
Simple Steps to Better Dental Health. "Eight Steps to Dental Health." Updated June 27, 2014.

Resources

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Stop Metabolic Syndrome Before it Starts

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metobolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is killing America. This group of risk factors - which includes a large waistline or "apple shape," a high triglyceride level, a low HDL "good" cholesterol level, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar - can raise your risk of stroke, double your risk of heart disease and multiply your risk of diabetes by five.

You must exhibit at least three of these risk factors to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Although the risk of developing metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity, a lack of physical activity at any body size, as well as insulin resistance, genetics and aging may also increase your risk for metabolic syndrome. As a general rule, everyone should pay attention to metabolic health. Luckily, committing to a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent metabolic syndrome and its related disease states.

Here are 5 areas to be mindful of:

1. Maintain a balanced diet of whole foods. Limit unhealthy foods. Instead, reach for fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet are centered on real, whole foods and provide excellent guidelines for eating for your health, metabolic and otherwise.

2. Get up and move! Moderate exercise - such as taking a brisk walk - for 30 minutes each day will drastically improve your body's defenses against developing metabolic syndrome and a host of other ailments.

3. Reduce your sugar intake. Honey was the primary sweetener until the Middle Ages when sugar was introduced. Still, due to primitive production techniques, both sweeteners were primarily reserved for the well-to-do. In fact, up until the last few hundred years, the majority of people, especially the poor, had no sweeteners at all in their normal diet, so obesity was seen primarily among the wealthy. Observational data and international research suggest a strong link between sugar-laden diets and metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. One of the easiest ways to reduce your sugar intake is to ditch soft-drinks and other sugary drinks, including processed juices. You can also cut out candy and cut back on how often you enjoy a sugary dessert. Missing the sweet in your life? Enjoy a piece of fruit, or opt for a small amount of raw honey as a sweetener. Another suggestion? Substitute stevia for sugar as your daily sweetener.

4. Keep stress to a minimum. Research now shows that chronic high stress levels can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity. In fact, it is reported that three-quarters of American health care spending goes toward treating such chronic conditions. To help cut back on your stress, consider setting limits for yourself, learn to say "no" without feeling guilty, meditate, give yoga a try or set aside time everyday to read a good book. Whatever it is that calms your nerves and allows you to recharge, do that!

5. Maintain a healthy weight for your body. If you are overweight or obese, implementing and sticking with the lifestyle changes listed above will naturally help you shed pounds. Losing weight can help reduce insulin resistance, blood pressure and your risk of diabetes. Find a body composition scale in your area to get a better idea of what your body's ideal weight is.

No matter your size, shape or current state of health, it is a good idea to consult Dr. Bossio to determine if you are at risk for, or living with, metabolic syndrome. For more information, visit the resources below.

Resources

What is Metabolic Syndrome? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Blood Sugar Basics. BloodSugarBasics.com

Metabolic syndrome. Mayo Clinic.

Stressful Life Events and the Metabolic Syndrome: The Prevalence, Prediction and Prevention of Diabetes (PPP)-Botnia Study. American Diabetes Association.

Potential role of sugar (fructose) in the epidemic of hypertension, obesity and the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Huffington, Arianna. 2014. New York, NY: Harmony Books. Thrive.

Mediterranean Diet. Wikipedia.

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Whole Grains

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whole grains

If you're already living with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, you should avoid carbohydrate-rich foods. However, whole grains can substantially lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 100% whole grains retain the bran and germ, which hold the majority of nutrients. These nutrient compounds - which include vitamin B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron and fiber - are referred to as complex carbohydrates. They take longer for the body to break down, allowing for higher nutrient absorption and slower delivery of sugar into the body. Processing strips the bran and germ from the grain and later adds synthetic imposters at a fraction of the original nutritional content. These processed grains are simple carbohydrates, which break down more quickly in the body and can negatively impact a variety of body processes.

Recent research clearly links refined grains with weight gain, as well as a heightened risk of developing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Whole grains are rich in magnesium and phytochemicals, and may help improve insulin sensitivity, as well as protect against the development of chronic degenerative diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and varicose veins; and diseases of the colon. Only a handful of whole grains, from a pool of thousands, play a significant role in the human diet. Corn, oats, rice and wheat are the most prevalent whole grains, but you can always mix up your diet with these additional options:

  •     Amaranth seeds
  •     Barley flakes, hulled, or pearl
  •     Buckwheat
  •     Cornmeal
  •     Millet, hulled
  •     Oats - bran, groats, rolled, steel-cut
  •     Quinoa
  •     Rice - brown basmati, brown long-grain, brown quick, brown short-grain
  •     Rice - wild
  •     Rye
  •     Spelt
  •     Sorghum
  •     Triticale
  •     Wheat

Resources

Whole Wheat. The World's Healthiest Foods.

Murray, N.D., Michael, Pizzorno, N.D., Joseph and Pizzorno, Lara. 2005. New York, NY: Atria Books. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.

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Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

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gymnema

Used in many fields of medicine, Gymnema is native to parts of India as well as tropical Africa and Australia. Natural healing modalities often employ the plant as a tea, for its potent anti-diabetic properties. Now, initial modern research suggests that Gymnema may also be useful in preventing and treating obesity.

The plant's active compound - a group of "gymnemic acids" - work to help curb diabetes by blocking sugar from accumulating in the body. Similarly, they help fight obesity by delaying glucose absorption, and blocking the binding of carbohydrates in the intestine. Essentially, this means that gymnemic acids may be helpful in warding off so-called "empty calories."  Additionally, gymnemic acids prevent the activation of sugar molecules by the tongue, curbing sugar cravings. Finally, they prevent the absorption of sugar molecules by the intestine, which can help to lower blood sugar levels.

Research has shown that Gymnema leaf extract can impact diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to increase the release of insulin. More study is needed, but current hypotheses suggest that Gymnema may prove useful in both adult onset and juvenile diabetes mellitus. Gymnema leaves have also been noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. When considering Gymnema treatments for any ailment, it is important to consult Dr. Bossio.

Resources

Photo credit. "Gymnema sylvestre" by Vinayaraj - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir. National Center for Biotechnology Information. J Clin Biochem Nutr. Sep 2007; 41(2): 77-81. Published online Aug 29, 2007. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.2007010.

Image Attribution: Vinayaraj/wikimedia.com

Sunflower Sprouts

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sunflower sprouts

Native American cultures have known about the many uses and benefits of sunflower for centuries.  Sunflower can be used as food, an oil source, and even as a dye pigment. As a food and health source, sunflower tops the list of sprouts as a protein source. They contain minerals, healthy fats, essential fatty acids, fiber and phytosterols. Their vitamin E content has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of colon cancer, help control some symptoms of menopause and help cut down on diabetic complications. Sunflower sprouts are also a good source of magnesium and may help reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, prevent migraine headaches and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Iron and chlorophyll also can be found in sprouted sunflower seeds, the latter of which will help detoxify your blood and liver. Sprouting sunflower seeds will transform nutrient content by as much as 300 - 1,200 percent. When sprouting sunflower seeds at home, soak the seeds for 2 days before planting in soil. Once in the soil, allow your seeds to sprout. They are ready to harvest in about 3 days.

Resources

Sunflower seeds. The World's Healthiest Foods.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=57

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