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Paleo Diet and Your Health – Pros and Cons

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CAVE MANI have never been a big fan of any special diet. My health philosophy is simple – eat the same or less amount of calories that your body needs, regular exercises at least 3 times a week (cardio a must) and an adequate amount of rest (sleep is your weapon). Diets are just like fashions – the come and they go. They will arrive to our lives with a new twist, so people who promote them can sell the followers new books, recipes of the same meals with different names and so on. No matter how you look at the food and a new “super diet” at the end it all fall to three main ingredients: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is just a matter of combining the ingredients together in different proportions which provides a great variety of choices for a creation of a new diet.

The reason why I began to write this post is because I see so many disgusting photos of so to speak Paleo diet on Google Plus stream that people actually put it inside of their mouth and call it a healthy meal. Personally my eyes can not even look some of the photos. If I would have to eat that meal, all of my vital organ would have to shut down slowly one after another. I think fashion diet just overtakes normal common sense in every follower. Many want to look and feel good but lack the basic understanding of the physiology of a human body and nutrition. The Paleo diet was popularized by Walter Voegtlin in the 1970’s and is very similar to Atkins and Meat Lovers diets – which were very popular about 10 years ago or so.

Paleo is a short term for Paleolithic – which means “old stone age.” So basically this means that we are going to be talking about a cave man diet and its interpretation in a modern world by the followers. Caveman did not have access to McDonald, Burger Kings, KFC and other fast food restaurants. They would hunt for a fresh meat and collect food that they found. In theory this kind of lifestyle was keeping them very healthy – free of disease such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and cardiovascular conditions. In theory it appears like a great way to live your life and stay healthy for years to come. However, in modern day society hunting and plant based food gathering is not practical unless one has a really good trust fund in his/her name.

It was not until 2005 that the Paleo Diet came into its own, with the publication of Loren Cordain’s The Paleo Diet for Athletes: A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance. With athletes beginning to endorse the diet, it gained momentum, hitting the big time in 2010, with the publication of Cordain’s next book, The Paleo Diet and Rob Wolf’s book, The Paleo Solution. This is just a small paragraph about the promotional history of the diet.

Modern cave man diet is not supposed to have sugar or salt added to it which is a good thing. However, 65% of the diet is based on meat eating and 35% is based on plant based nutrition. Most of the people who follow the diet buy the meat at the local supermarkets because of an easy access and the cost. Not too many people can afford to buy meat that has been hunted in a wild or grass fed. Meat purchased at the local stores has some serious bonus features added to it – growth hormones, antibiotics, high pesticide concentrations, heavy metals toxicity from over 100,000 manmade chemicals now found in the environment, Strontium, high levels of omega-6 fatty acids as a result of being grain fed. As for fish, even if you catch it yourself, you’re now looking at mercury contamination, dioxin, and sex altering hormones — things Paleo fishermen never had to deal with.

PALEO DIETLet’s talk about confused followers that I see posting the photos of their meals on Google Plus stream and stating that this meal is healthy. Please do let me know what you think about this photo. I was attacked on this thread by some Paleo followers and felt like being in some sort of religious cult versus intelligent discussion. I will not reveal the full names or photos of people in this thread. I was the one who posted a first response when I first saw it on my Google Plus stream. For your information I did not even know what Paleo diet was when I first saw the photo. So, I have done my research before publishing and there is a lot more that can be discussed but this post is already too long.

Eduard Burt  –  Deduct at least 10 years from your life if you continue eating this. Sorry, but I just can’t help it being silenced about it.

Sep 29, 2011 

 Jose J.M.  –  +Eduard Burt why do you think that?

Sep 29, 2011   

Matthew G.  –  +Eduard Burt, those are the bedpan and diaper years. You can keep those.

Sep 29, 2011   

Jamie F.  –  If only science agreed with you, Eduard. There’s no evidence to link meat and fat with any disease.

Sep 29, 2011   

Eduard Burt  –  I guess I expressed my opinion at the wrong channel. Sorry for being correct.

Sep 29, 2011 

Matthew G.  –  You haven’t proven yourself to be correct, +Eduard Burt. Evidence or GTFO!

Sep 29, 2011   

Scott G.  –  What’s it fried in?

Sep 29, 2011   

Kevin G.  –  +Eduard Burt I’m not sure what problem you’re discussing? Saturated fats, maybe? You do realize a lot of those concerns have been debunked after longitudinal studies were conducted, right? (see: Framingham Study). Also that the original study (Ansel, I believe) connecting fats with heart disease studied TWENTY-TWO countries but only published the six that fit the hypothesis? 

Please address you concerns more specifically, please! 

Eduard Burt  – 

Sep 29, 2011  –     

Eduard Burt  –  Let’s ask +Jose J.J. ? How did you feel after eating this meal? 1. Healthy 2. Bloated 3. Heartburn 4. Do not know, I just like fried stuff. 5. I don’t care 

By the way what is the yellow fried portion of the meal?

Sep 29, 2011  –  

 Kevin G.  –  Thank you! So you’re talking about frying food vs. stewing or poaching — or eating more “raw” or at least less-cooked/less-processed foods. Of course, the study is only about that. Reduction in wheat is also anti-inflammatory, so removing gluten from your diet can also offsite frying/overcooking of foods. However, you’re correct that less cooking is probably better health-wise. Then again, stating that a fried/grilled meal WITHOUT gluten will take 10 years off your life may be wrong. There’s a counterbalance there.

Sep 29, 2011   

Eduard Burt  –  +Kevin G. fried and grilled are two different cooking processes. Second one is better depending on what kind grilling you do.

Sep 29, 2011     

Kevin G.  –  Oh… just so you know where I’m coming from: I went off grains to see if it would combat the SERIOUS acid reflux that was keeping me awake at nights. It did. Then I noticed my asthma was clearing up as well, so in consultation with my doctor I eventually went off both grains and my 30-year need for asthma medication (and dropped 30 pounds and improved my cardiovascular function). Then again, I eat lots of meat, vegetables, dairy and greens with very little fried food. I’m definitely not a meat-centric person. 

You’re right about grilling — I typically mean outdoor grilling which tends to create char which can carcinogenic in nature (but so, so very tasty).

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Sep 29, 2011   

Eduard Burt  –  Thanks +Kevin G. for a real life change experience. I deal with this diet addiction at my clinic with many patients. I most deal with injuries, but the healing process can not be completed if your diet is bad and your face is inflamed all the time. That means that everything else is inflamed as well inside – thus is the reason for a constant pain. +Jose J.J. let the rest of us know how you felt after that meal.

Sep 29, 2011  – 

Jose J.J.  –  +Eduard Burt I felt excellent. The same way I’ve been feeling since going paleo about a year ago. The pork chop in the picture has the skin attached. You may call it bacon if you like. The yellow ‘things’ are called tostones which are fried green plantains. Everything was deep fried in pork fat. By the way, during the year I have been doing paleo I have lost 90 pounds, got rid of a couple of skin rashes, got rid of inflammation, the metabolic syndrome is gone (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood lipids, headaches, migraines, heartburn, diarrhea followed by occasional constipation and sleep apnea). Yes, I had all those. I made a decision and have never looked back. So, you can have your standard diet and your conventional wisdom. Because I have been feeling wonderfully, full of energy and enjoying life I will keep eating my paleo diet and living the paleo lifestyle.

PS, I own 3 pairs of VFF’s and enjoy going barefoot as much as I can. Also (and this may be a problem for you too) I enjoy sunbathing a lot since I know my needs for vitamin D.

If you want to understand more about this lifestyle you can read +Robb Wolf ‘s excellent book “The Paleo Solution”. I highly recommend it. It may even change your life and gain you ten more years. You can also read several blogs like +David Csonka ‘s, +steve cooksey ‘s or Mark’s Daily Apple which are excellent.

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Sep 29, 2011    +4   

Eduard Burt  –  I am glad @Jose that this diet is working out for you and for many other supporters on this topic of the conversation.

On a final note if I would have eaten this meal all my vital organs would shut down one after another. I guess this diet is just like sport requires some endurance for a digestive system.

Sep 29, 2011  –   

Rachel B.  –  Never had a plantain, can’t find pork chops like that around here. Looks really good.

Sep 30, 2011   

Jose J.J.  –  +Rachel B. ask your butcher to leave the bacon attached to the pork chop. It’s very flavorful and the skin become a crackling.

Sep 30, 2011    +1   

Jose J.J. –  +Eduard Burt You probably are having some type of wheat in your diet. If you want to start feeling better all the time, including the after meal moments, no matter how large your portions or how much animal fat is in them consider trying a Whole 30:

It can change your life too.

Sep 30, 2011    +1  

 

Eduard Burt  –  +Jose J.J I feel like an 18 year old. My diet is great. Nothing personal but I am just collecting an independent opinion. That is all.

Sep 30, 2011  –  

Jose J.J.  –  +Eduard Burt Are you a vegetarian? Otherwise, if you eat meat how can you explain your statement – “On a final note if I would have eaten this meal all my vital organs would shut down one after another. I guess this diet is just like sport requires some endurance for a digestive system.” Is it the animal fat in the meal? Your thoughts…

Sep 30, 2011   

Eduard Burt  –  I eat chicken, turkey, fish, on occasion lamb or goat. To answer your question – I am not a vegetarian.

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Chiropractic Questions and Chiropractor Answers

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CHIROPRACTIC QUESTIONS ANSWERSChiropractic Questions and Chiropractor Answers

Question #25 

Lower back pains !!!? 

I work an eight hour shift almost every day and stand on my feet constantly. My work duties require me lifting heavy objects. I always try to lift with my legs and not my back. However, lately the lower right side of my back has been killing me. It is very painful to sit, so I stand more or lay down when I get the chance. What can I do to lessen the pain?

Answer: 

From my professional standpoint it appears that you might have an overuse or repetitive soft tissue injury. That might involve sprained tendons and strained musculature around the lumbar spine. Also herniated disc and subluxated lumbar vertebral level can also be contributing factors for the pain. I would suggest that you take some time off of work and see your local chiropractor who has physical therapy equipment and massage therapist in the office. The time off of work will allow your body to avoid farther soft tissue damage and proper rehabilitation will expedite the healing process. Hope it answered your question

 

Question #26 

What’s wrong with my ankle(s)? 

Last year during volleyball practice, I dove and twisted my ankle. Ever since it has been weird. I’ve had really flat feet since I was a little kid, and my ankles always hurt because of that. i don’t wear very supportive shoes, but even when I do it doesn’t help. I went to a podiatrist a few months ago, and he diagnosed me with an excessively flexible flat foot. Strange. I use an ace bandage on my ankle, but to no avail. Nothing has made it feel better. It hurts off and on, though, and when it hurts it hurts a lot. I think I sprained it that day, and since I have bad feet, it just never healed. Do you think that’d what happened? Also, do you recommend for me to get those sport supports you put on your ankles with your shoes while playing? Thanks in advance. Also, I’m kind of an injury magnet 😀 never broken anything, but I always seem to be hurting myself

Answer: 

You are correct about sprain injury to your ankle. When this happens the soft tissue needs a proper rehabilitation in order to prevent scar tissue formation. Most likely you did not have any rehabilitation at all thus is the reason for the pain. At this point it is in chronic stage and will require some time to fix it. Deep tissue massage and active/passive ROM will help. As to your second question about ankle support – you can use it if it does not interfere with your game and running pattern. The most important thing is keeping your gate normal.

 

Question #27

Tingling in my left leg, please help?

 

It started with lower back problem where i could sit down for a period of time, couldnt bend over or put on my socks. This happened overnight. This lasted for 5 months then I woke up with tingling and pain on my left butt cheek all the way down my leg. All of this has lasted for 8 months now and wont go away. Have been through 3 X-rays, and 3 Physical Therapist and nothing. They refuse to give me an MRI. They keep saying it’s a weak core but I know it’s not because I can do advanced core exercises with not problem. I believe my muscle is pinching my sciatic nerve. Can someone please shed some light on this for me?

Answer:

X-Rays will not show soft tissue problem. What you need is an MRI, but it looks like your ignorant doctors refuse to authorize it. Sounds like a Kaiser type of therapy. Physical therapy will not help either at this point and time as strengthening injured musculature and soft tissue is only going to make things worse. Get a second opinion about your problem. I am afraid if you are attached to a particular treatment facility your only option would be paying out of your own pocket and figure out what is going on. I think finding a local neurologist or a chiropractor would be my first step. It all depends on what kind of treatment you would prefer for this kind of problem. It could be Sciatica but it could also be Sacroilliac Joint misalignment.

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Soft Tissue Injury and Fibroblast Regeneration

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FIBROBLAST AND SOFT TISSUE REPAIR

Soft Tissue Injury and Fibroblast Regeneration

Mechanical friction during deep tissue massage, fascial manipulation or using techniques like Graston will activate the stimulation the fibroblast reproduction after soft tissue injury. These fibroblasts cells are the most common cells of connective tissue, and they synthesize the extracellular  matrix (ECM) and collagen, which is the main framework of our soft tissues. The properties of the connective tissues depends on the composition of ECM – tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Elastic and reticular fibers, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and collagen are all found in ECM and made by fibroblasts.  Collagen is the most important part of ECM and plays very important role in tensile loading. The stimulation of production of the above mentioned components can be achieved by frictioning tissues (in other words by providing cross-fiber massage).

Fibroblast production and degeneration is a normal process in every day mechanical loading such as walking, running, bicycling or any other form of movement. There are four basic types of loads: tension (tensile force-fibroblasts), compression (chondrocytes), fluid shear (vascular endothelial cells) and torsional shear. Collagen synthesis in patellar tendon ( which is used the most by bicyclist and runners) increases by nearly 100% as a result of just single bout of acute exercise, and the effect is till evident three days later. I guess I am doing a good job with my knees by keeping them busy with prolonged Mountain Bike Riding and avoiding soft tissue injury.

In the beginning of a training period the balance between synthesis and degradation is increased and there is a net loss of collagen. This enables a tendon to restructure and adapt to an increased loading pattern. It is not till training progress that there is a net gain in collagen synthesis. Deep friction massage can also help to repair a mild soft tissue injury to a knee tendon. Fibroblasts play an important role in wound healing. When connective tissue and blood vessels get injured, growth factors cause fibroblasts to enter the wound area, increase its numbers and begin synthesizing new collagen fibers, creating new granulation tissue and assisting in remodeling. The ECM of granulation tissue is created and modified by fibroblasts.

Recently I was exploring a new trail with another rider. During a steep rocky climb my rear wheel lost a traction and my right knee got over extended. I felt sharp pain but continued on riding. Next day I felt sharp pain around and under my right knee cap (patella tendon). Three to four sessions of deep tissue massage, cross friction massage and modalities such as electric stimulation and Erchonia Cold Laser L5000 model made my knee completely pain free. This is a real example of how Fabroblast is working.

There has also been research done that eccentric exercises may provide more benefit than concentric exercises regarding rehabilitation of muscles and tendons. Eccentric exercises provide greater stimulation of fibroblasts, increasing collagen synthesis and therefore stimulating the healing of soft tissue.

 

Sciatica Pain or Subluxated Sacroilliac Joint Pain

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sciatica painLast month I had two patients who came to my clinic because they thought they had sciatica pain. One of the patients has self diagnosed himself and the other patient was diagnosed by a medical doctor. Both of these patients had excruciating pain in their lower back, which radiated down to a lower extremity. It is very common that many patients will wait for their pain to go away with rest, anti-inflammatory and pain medication. As a result, pain symptoms will get worse and get to the point where pain medications will stop working.

The first patient was a male in his early 60’s. He came to my clinic on his crutches. The pain level was so intense that he was not able to support his upper body. The pain would shoot all the way down his right lower extremity past the knee level but did not effect his toes.  After thorough examination it was evident that his right SI (sacroiliac joint) was about 2 inches lower than the left SI joint. All of the nerves that were exiting from sacral foraminas (openings) were very irritated and inflamed. Every time this gentleman would place a load on his legs he would cry and I could see tears of pain on his face. After three sessions of full spine chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy (moist heat and electrical stimulation) and deep tissue massage from my CMT (Certified Massage Therapist) he was completely free of pain. I have recommended him to stop by once or twice a month for maintenance care in order to avoid future flare up and pain.

The second patient was a female in her early 50’s. She has had very similar symptoms as the patient I have mentioned above. Her medical Doctor diagnosed her with sciatica and prescribed her pain medications, which eventually stopped working. The examination finding were very similar to a patient I have mentioned above, except the part that the pain symptoms were on a left side. The pain intensity was so great that it would wake her up at night. The treatment parameters were the same  with addition of stretching to her lower back and some dietary changes. She was also advised on taking more frequent brakes from prolonged sitting that her job required. After 4 sessions she was pain free and was advised on a once a month maintenance care.

Sciatica Pain and Misaligned Sacroiliac Joint are two conditions that can be misdiagnosed or misunderstood by patients and other medical care providers. It takes much longer for a patient with Sciatica nerve entrapment to respond to a care. Often times Sciatic Pain is presented in athletes with intense training. In conclusion I would like to say that it is important to treat the cause of the problem instead of masking it with pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications. The sooner the cause is fixed the faster the road to recovery is.

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