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Reduce Pain & Inflammation with Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

4/3/2017

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Devil's Claw is indigenous to southern Africa where, for thousands of years, tribes prepared the herb as an internal remedy for migraine and gastrointestinal problems and to reduce fever. Salves were also prepared to heal skin conditions. Today, Devil's Claw is a scientifically validated remedy for pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint conditions and back pain, as well as arthritis-related pain, fibromyalgia, and headaches. A key compound called harpagoside inhibits chemicals in the body that create inflammation.

A key benefit of Devil's Claw is that it's safe and has few to no side effects for most people. Clinical trials have found Devil's Claw as effective as many prescription drugs. It has been found effective for relief of knee and hip pain associated with osteoarthritis - as much as a 35% improvement after eight weeks of treatment. Other studies have shown taking standardized extract of devil's claw provides moderate relief for mild-to-moderate back, neck, or shoulder muscle pain. In a study of chronic low back pain, men and women who took Devil's Claw every day for a month reported less pain and needed fewer painkillers than those who took a placebo (sugar pill).
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Devil's Claw is available in tea and capsule form, as well as tincture and extract. Different forms are more suitable to different health concerns. Devil's Claw is not recommended during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Also, Devil's Claw can interact with other medications. It's important to talk with your personal physician before taking this herb.

References:
​Alternative Medicine Review: "Devil's Claw: Monograph" (2008) 13:3 Accessed 4 Feb 2017: http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/13/3/248.pdf
Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World's Most Effective Healing Plants. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2012. 189; 216-219.
Hoffmann, D. Medicinal Herbalism. The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. (2003) Rochester, Healing Art Press. http://vanveenorganics.com/ebooks/Medical%20Herbalism%20-%20D.%20Hoffmann%20(Healing%20Arts%20Press,%202003)%20WW.pdf
University of Maryland Complementary and Alternative Medicine Database. "Devil's Claw" Accessed 4 Feb 2017: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/devils-claw
Pizzorno, Joseph E., Textbook of Natural Medicine. (2013). St. Louis, MO Elsevier. (chapter 174), 1475-1485.
MedlinePlus.gov "Devil's Claw" Accessed 4 Feb 2017: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/984.html
Photo Credit: 
Highwestern/bigstockphoto.com
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Magnesium: A Multi-faceted Nutrient

4/3/2017

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Recognized for its role in bone structure and proper function of nerves and muscles, Magnesium has a multi-faceted role in disease prevention and health promotion. It is necessary for almost every chemical reaction that takes place in the body!

Here are just a few things magnesium can do for you:
  • Calm your body by helping blood vessels dilate, which maintains lower blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
  • Improve quality of sleep, a critical defense against stress.
  • Help neutralize stomach acid and move stools through the intestine.
  • Play a role in lowering blood sugar, a major issue in diabetes management and prevention.
  • Help with prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, nerve and back pain.

Food sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, fruits and whole grains. Because food levels of magnesium are affected by the quality of soil in which the food is grown, there have been huge declines in food-based magnesium content over the last few decades. Some people may be magnesium deficient and not realize that their symptoms of illness (e.g., headaches, muscle cramps, constipation) are related to insufficient magnesium.

​There are different types of magnesium (e.g., citrate, glycinate) and various forms (pill, powder, liquid). Some forms may be better suited to different types of health issues. If you are concerned about magnesium deficiency due to dietary habits or physical symptoms, consult with your holistic practitioner to select the right type of magnesium supplement. Some forms of magnesium are poorly absorbed, so won't provide therapeutic benefit, and other forms can cause changes in bowel movements.

References:
​Mazur, A, Maier JA, et al., "Magnesium and the inflammatory response: potential physiopathological implications" Arch Biochem biophys (2007) 458:1, 48-56. Accessed 3 Feb 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16712775
WorldsHealthiestFoods.com "Magnesium" . Accessed 3 Feb: 2017http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75
NutritionalMgAssocation.org "Nerve and Back Pain Treated with Magnesium" Accessed 3 Feb 2017: http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org/nerve-and-back-pain-treated-with-magnesium/
Appel, L.J., Brands, M. W., et al., American Heart Association. "Scientific Statement: Dietary Approaches to Prevent and Treat Hypertension." Updated January 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000202568.01167.B6
Faloon, W. "Will Magnesium become the Next Vitamin D?" Life Extension (Dec 2016). 7-13.
Davis, D.R. "Declining Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient Composition: What Is the Evidence?" Hort Sci (2009) 44:1, 15-19 Accessed 3 Feb 2017: http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/44/1/15.full.pdf+html
Guerrero-Romero, F. and Rodriguez-Moran, M. "The effect of lowering blood pressure by magnesium supplementation in diabetic hypertensive adults with low serum magnesium levels: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial." J Hum.Hypertens. 2009;23(4):245-251. http://www.magtabsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Guerrero-Romero-Diabetes-HTN-jhh2008129a.pdf
Jee, Sh, Miller, ER, Gualler, E. et al., "Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials." AM J. Hypertens. (2002) 15(8):691-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12160191
Ryder, KM, Shorr, RI, Bush, AJ et al., "Magnesium intake from food and supplements is associated with bone mineral density in healthy older white subjects."J Am Geriatr Soc. (2005) 53:11, 1875-1880. Accessed 3 Feb 2017: http://www.mgwater.com/Ryder.pdf
Ancient Minerals.com "The Bad News about Magnesium Food Sources" Accessed 3 Feb 2017: http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-sources/dietary/
Thomas, D. "The mineral depletion of foods available to us as a nation (1940-2002)-a review of the 6th ed. of mcCance and Widdowson." Nutr Health (2007) 19:1-2, 21-55. Accessed 3 Feb 2017: http://www.mineralresourcesint.co.uk/pdf/Mineral_Depletion_of_Foods_1940_2002.pdf
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cegli/bigstockphoto.com
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Prevent & Reduce Back Pain Naturally

4/3/2017

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Oh my aching back! Most of us will say this several times over the course of our lifetime. Sometimes it's a chronic issue, a deep nagging ache that impacts daily activities. Other times, it's sudden and acute and amazingly painful, the result of a "wrong move" from lifting a small child, unloading groceries, or working around the yard. Back pain affects up to 80% of Americans annually and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Back muscles attach to the spine, neck, shoulders, ribs and hips, which means that nearly every movement requires use of the very muscles designed to support and protect the spine. When we experience pain, it's typically from a combination of factors: structural, lifestyle, work, stress, and previous or repetitive injuries. Behaviors that contribute to back pain include:
  • Sitting for too long
  • Improper form while lifting objects or reaching overhead
  • Failure to stretch and strengthen back muscles through exercise
  • Poor eating habits resulting in a lack of nutrients that nourish muscles and bones

A holistic approach to back care addresses nutrition, exercise, supporting the body's ability to minimize inflammation, and habits that reduce stress and tension. It's important to find the cause of the pain. A physician may refer you for muscle testing, imaging of muscles and bones, as well as for physical therapy.

Get the Exercise High. Keep fit and trim with consistent aerobic exercise and strength training. Exercise releases endorphins, brain hormones that reduce pain (as long as you don't over exert). It also helps maintain healthy body weight, reducing stress on joints and muscles, particularly the back and hips. Warm up at the start, and cool down at the end of your workout to prevent injury.

Reduce Inflammation. A diet of whole foods, preferably organic, gives your body most of what it needs to fend off inflammation. Be sure to reduce exposure to environmental toxins, manage stress, and supplement with essential minerals. A turmeric supplement helps quell disease-causing inflammation; ask your  Naturopathic doctor if it's right for you.

Consider Trace Minerals. Several minerals are key for healthy bones and muscles; these can be deficient in the soil where food is grown, leading to deficiencies in your diet. Magnesium, potassium and zinc are trace minerals that work in concert with one another. Ask your Naturopathic doctor about them.

Stretch out Tension. Yoga has mind-body benefits for everyone. It's a great way to keep the back strong and limber. It can help reduce pain, minimize stress, and improve functional movement of the whole body.

Quit Smoking. Research shows a significant correlation between smoking and back pain. Holistic physicians can utilize acupuncture to help with smoking cessation, which can reduce back pain.
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There are many other natural remedies for preventing and treating back pain, such as water therapy, massage, Chiropractic, guided imagery, social support, and of course, a diet rich with leafy greens and assorted fruits. Don't wait for back pain to happen to you. Make an appointment today for a back care lifestyle check-up. At ActiveCare Chiropractic and Wellness, our Chiropractor is very skilled in the art healing and preventing back pain!

References:
​National Institutes of Medicine "Prevention and Exercises for Your Back" Reference Summary: https://2ndinnings.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/backpain.pdf
American Chiropractic Association. Accessed 7 Feb 2016: "Back Pain Facts and Statistics" https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics , "Joint Injury Prevention: Use It or Lose It" https://oldsite.acatoday.org/JacaDisplay1.cfm?CID=5264&DisType=Text
Green, Bart N et al. "Association Between Smoking and Back Pain in a Cross-Section of Adult Americans." Ed. Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler. Cureus 8.9 (2016): e806. PMC. Web. 21 Feb. 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5081254/
U.S. Institute for Health Metrics: Global Burden of Disease, various articles on back pain statistics can be found at: http://www.healthdata.org/search?search_terms=back+pain
Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, et al,. "The global burden of low back pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2014 Mar 24. http://ard.bmj.com/content/73/6/968
NaturalNews.com "Top Remedies for treating chronic pain naturally." http://www.naturalnews.com/039092_chronic_pain_treatment_remedies.html
Katzmarxyk, P. Lee, I. "Sedentary behaviour and life expectancy in the USA: a cause-deleted life table analysis" BMJ (2012) 2:4 Accessed 7 Feb 2017: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/4/e000828
Photo Credit: 
ginasanders/bigstockphoto.com
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    I am an Edmonton, Alberta Naturopathic Doctor with a desire to help others, a passion for life, a heart for nature, and a curiosity to try new things!

    This blog is not intended to give specific medical advice. Always seek the recommendations of a qualified healthcare professional for your specific health needs.

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