Many people believe that exercise is something only fat people should do, and a lot of people exercise with the sole goal of losing weight. So why should thin people exercise if they are already at the ideal dress size and optimal weight?

Even though exercise helps a great deal with weight loss, it also improves our health in many other ways such as reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels and reducing high blood pressure. Even though these conditions are associated with obesity health risks, thin and sedentary people shouldn’t assume they are risk-free. Lean exercisers have good levels of LDL cholesterol, the heart clogging variety, as you’d expect. However their thin but inactive counterparts were found to have the same levels of LDL seen in obese people! In fact, an overweight exerciser is actually more likely to be comparable to a thin exerciser rather than an inactive thin person in terms of cholesterol levels. Having high cholesterol and a risk of heart disease is more about how much exercise you get, rather than what your body mass index is. A study [1] found that lean exercisers were fitter and had a reduced chance of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who don’t exercise. Exercise is essential for a healthy heart – no matter your weight.
Exercise is also helps protect against viruses and disease. In the short term, regular cardiovascular activity can help to boost the immune system, and in turn makes you less susceptible to viruses such as the common cold, influenza and helps to protect against any kind of infection. In the long term, regular exercise makes the body overall healthier, by lowering the risk of serious diseases such as strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and even cancer.
Being thin and being healthy and strong are not a given. Just as there are overweight people who are in good health (the type who exercise), there are many thin people who are far from healthy. Those who work out can run and walk faster and longer distances, and on the whole, have greater endurance.
Exercise is also a great energy boost. It can help to burn away fatigue and raise energy levels. People who work out more often find they sleep better and are more refreshed during the day. If you’re suffering from mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, exercising allows you to disconnect and alleviate stress and relax the mind. Endorphins are released after exercise, which are helpful in battling depression.
Finally, physical activity does keep the pounds off. Most thin people who are sedentary have a fast metabolism, and in some cases this is for life, but for many of us as we age, our metabolisms will slow down and we will inevitably gain weight. So it’s in everyone’s best interest to get in the habit of working out and keep those pounds off!

If your are in pain or not working out because you are injured or worried about injuring yourself, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Related articles

• Heart Disease Prevention (answers.com)
• Way To Lower Cholesterol Fast (answers.com)
• Love your Heart to Live (thinkloud65.wordpress.com)

Jim Dubel demonstrating adjustment protocals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Becoming a chiropractor is no easy feat. The training to become a practicing chiropractor is akin to traditional medical doctors and involves years of academic training and hours of patient contact work.

In order to work professionally, a chiropractor must undertake a long period of academic training and a certain number of hours of internship before they are offered a license to practice. In general, chiropractors get a first professional degree, otherwise known as a second entry, in chiropractic treatment. Ordinarily, the general route to become a chiropractor involves a four-year undergraduate degree as a pre-requisite to apply for the degree in chiropractic medicine.
There are three possible ways to become a qualified chiropractor according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. The first path involves one to four years of prior training in basic sciences at university, then followed by a followed by a four-year full-time program in chiropractic medicine. One can also take an academic degree, called the Doctor in Chiropractic (DC) program, a five-year integrated bachelor degree and a first professional degree, if one wants to follow the path of directly becoming a chiropractor early in their academic career. There is also a more conventional route of completing a BSc in Chiropractic medicine and followed then by a two to three year’s masters, or MSc, in Chiropractic studies.
While the academic requirements above are the minimum, in countries where chiropractic practitioners are more established, the standards to practice are quite high. However, no matter what educational route is followed, a prospective chiropractor must meet the requirements of 4200 student and teacher contact hours, during the four years of their education, which includes 1000 hours of supervised clinical training [1].
Some health professionals with advanced clinical degrees, such as medical doctors or those who have studied medicine, wish to transition into chiropractic practice. They are only required to undertake 2200 hours of contact hours to meet both the educational and clinical requirements. Like other professionals in the medical professions, a practicing chiropractor must be licensed in the State they wish to practice in.
While the laws in different countries and various states may differ, in order to obtain a chiropractic license, all candidates must meet the above academic requirements. In addition, they must complete a 12-month clinical internship or a certain number of continuing education credits [2][3].  A license is granted following successful completion of all the State and National Board exams.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.
References:
[1] http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/Chiro-Guidelines.pdf Accessed October 2011
[2] http://www.californiachiropractic.com/doctor/chiropractor/14L/california-chiropractors/license-requirements.htm Accessed October 2011
[3] http://www.wichiro.org/Chiropractic_Examining_Board.htm Accessed October 2011

Related articles

• Can a Chiropractor Prescribe Medication? (geneva-chiropractor.com)
• Going to School to Become a Chiropractor (skybluecross.wordpress.com)
• Requirements to Become A Chirporactor (skybluecross.wordpress.com)

Let’s face it…. slouchy posture makes us look and feel older than we really are. Did you know that poor posture actually detracts from good health?!?!?

Posture affects every physiologic function from breathing to hormone production. Scientific research links back pain, arthritis, headaches, blood pressure problems and lung capacity to conditions influenced by poor posture. Weak posture causes us to age prematurely!

Why does poor posture have such a large impact on our health?

Normally the head which for most of us weights between 10-15 lbs. sits directly over our rib cage which helps to protect the heart and lungs. As the head moves forward off the ribcage gravity begins exerting a significant amount of stress on the muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons of the neck and thoracic spine, as well as, potentially affecting vascular, heart and lung function. Continued postural distortions can also impair digestion and other physiologic functions in addition to contributing to advanced spinal degeneration.

Besides all of the negative effects described above, poor posture justs makes us look older. If you have difficulty sitting or standing up straight, you naturally slouch or notice your head juts forward like a turtle you probably cannot fix this on your own. Your body may have joint or muscle fixations that originally caused you to carry yourself a certain way and now you have adapted the way you sit, stand or move as a compensation.

Yoga, stretching and Pilates can all be helpful in improving posture. Visiting your chiropractor to assess spinal joint misalignment and dysfunction, muscle tightness and imbalances as well as weaknesses will result in the most specific and comprehensive postural rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific postural problems.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Related articles

• The Usefulness Of Chiropractic Care In Improving Poor Posture (boldstate.com)
• Massage Therapy Improves Posture (massageenvy.com)
• Posture at your desk (biosil.wordpress.com)

Whether they first see the phrase in print or hear it for the first time in a doctor’s office, “degenerative disc disease” is a term that many chronic back pain sufferers will encounter.  It’s part of a brand new vocabulary that many patients learn as they try to understand their condition and navigate healthcare choices.  But what does it really mean?
Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease at all.  Rather, it refers to normal changes in your spinal discs that tend to occur naturally as your body ages.  Spinal discs are the soft “separators” between your vertebrae that cushion the individual bones and give your spine its flexibility.  Healthy ones are thick and soft.  Unhealthy ones are thinner and more brittle.  Over the years, these discs may gradually become less effective as the amount of fluid inside is reduced or cumulative wear and tear damages the discs and raises the risk of bulging, rupture or disintegration.  The truth is that by the time we reach middle age, most of us already have degenerating discs, whether we’re experiencing any pain or not.  And even with our best imaging technology, it can be very difficult to tell whether this degeneration is actually the source of a patient’s problems.
So from a patient’s point of view, this bit of language—degenerative disc disease—can be both confusing and frustrating since it suggests a diagnosis but doesn’t usually come with a clear set of treatment options attached.  In some ways, it may actually seem like a “catch-all diagnosis” or “un-diagnosis”.
Can I Benefit From Chiropractic Care if I Have Degenerative Disc Disease?
Sometimes patients who’ve been told they have degenerative disc disease wonder if chiropractic adjustments can still help them or if they’re safe.  The answer to these questions depends on the patient’s individual circumstances, including whether the damaged discs are herniated or ruptured (bulging or broken) or have caused other conditions, such as osteoarthritis (a breakdown of the tissue that protects joints) or spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the channel within the spine that holds the spinal cord).
Chiropractic physicians are specially trained to diagnose the underlying causes of back pain and to recognize when specific types of treatment may be either ineffective or harmful in situations where patients have degenerative disc disease.  Since they are often skilled in a wide range of conservative, non-surgical therapies, most chiropractors will recommend low-force, non-thrusting techniques in situations involving disc degeneration and related complications.  They may also employ traditional spinal adjustments based upon the results of a careful evaluation of the patient.
Chiropractic care generally focuses on addressing back pain at its source as well as improving the spine’s stability and mobility.  While there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, an effective treatment plan will usually combine manual therapies (such as manipulation or massage) with supervised exercise and/or nutritional programs and lifestyle changes designed to minimize its impact.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Bibliography
Degenerative Disc Disease – Topic Overview. (2011, July 21). Retrieved September 2011, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview
Arn Strasser, D. (n.d.). How a Chiropractor Treats Degenerative Disc Disease. Retrieved September 2011, from spineuniverse.com: http://www.spineuniverse.com/experts/how-chiropractor-treats-degenerative-disc-disease
New York Times Back Pain In-Depth Report. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2011, from nytimes.com: http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/back-pain-low/print.html
Peter F. Ullrich JR, M. (n.d.). Degenerative Disc Disease. Retrieved September 2011, from spine-health.com: http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/what-degenerative-disc-disease

Related articles

• Back Pain: Will you need surgery for degenerative disc disease (DJD)? Spine Strong (spinestrong.com)
• Announcing Advancements in Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment; Discussing the Details With Dr. Kaixuan Liu. (prweb.com)
• The Usefulness Of Chiropractic Care In Improving Poor Posture (boldstate.com)

While most people seeking medical care for back or neck pain recognize that they may have treatment options (often including chiropractic care and surgery), many do not understand the potential benefits and risks associated with those choices.  Patients who ask family, friends or coworkers for advice all too often hear secondhand stories about healthcare “miracles” or “nightmares” experienced by a friend’s uncle, a wife’s boss or a father’s golfing buddy.  The clinical facts—on the other hand—are often less accessible to the average person and tend to leave a smaller impression.   However, for those who want a broader perspective on their treatment options, there are several high-quality research resources available.  The American Journal of Medicine and Spine (among others) have featured information on the risks involved with surgery and spinal manipulation.
Headline:  Both Surgery and Manipulation Present Risks
Patients who are suffering with neck pain and considering both surgery and chiropractic treatment should be aware of the risks and discuss them openly with their healthcare providers.
In the case of any surgery, there may be serious complications from anesthesia, excessive bleeding, blood clots that lead to pulmonary embolism and infection.  These general risks are added to the more specific risks of surgery on the spine.  These may include a dural tear (the dura surrounds the spinal cord and a tear can cause leaking of cerebrospinal fluid), spinal cord injury and persistent or increased pain from an unsuccessful procedure.
Spinal manipulation may also cause dangerous complications.  Spinal manipulation has been associated with disc herniation, cauda equina syndrome (pain, weakness or loss of bladder and bowel function) and vertebrobasilar accident (a tear in a major artery of the neck).  These complications can be just as serious as the complications associated with surgery.
If similarly severe complications may result from either course of treatment, how can a patient weigh the risk of each option?  Managing risk isn’t just about understanding “worst-case”-type scenarios, it’s also about understanding how likely these and other complications are to occur.  This is where some additional research findings can help.
In April 2010, the journal Spine (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) included an article that summarized the incidence of adverse events in spinal surgery based on the authors’ review and analysis of the existing literature.  They found complication rates for spinal surgery ranging from 5% to 19%.  Similarly, the American Journal of Medicine in 2002 published the results of a study that examined the incidence of serious adverse events for spinal manipulation.  By comparison, researchers involved in that work reported complication rates ranging from one out of every 400,000 manipulations to one out of every two million.
So now we can see that the risk of a serious adverse event from spinal manipulation is extremely low relative to the risk posed by surgery.  That’s one reason that the Mayo Clinic and many other reliable healthcare organizations around the world consider spinal manipulation very safe when performed by someone trained and licensed to provide this type of chiropractic care.
Whenever we talk about risk, it’s always important to remember that almost everything we do can be ‘associated’ with some type of adverse event.  Driving a car, handling scissors, and even eating dinner can all lead to serious complications.  The best way to handle these risks, including the risks of spinal manipulation, is to understand them and keep them in perspective.  Healthcare providers are uniquely qualified to help you do that.  If you or someone you care about is interested in chiropractic care—including its potential benefits and risks—please call our office to make an appointment.

References
Dekutoski, MD, M. B., Norvell, PhD, D. C., Dettori, PhD, J. R., Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS, M.G., & Chapman, MD, J. R. (2010). Surgeon Perceptions and Reported Complications in Spine Surgery. Spine, 35(9S).  Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/721611
Staff, M. C. (n.d.). Chiropractic adjustment: Risks – MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiropractic-adjustment/MY01107/DSECTION=risks
Stevinson, MS, C., & Ernst, MD, PhD, E. (2002). Risks Associated With Spinal Manipulation. The American Journal of Medicine, 112(7), 566-571. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002934302010689

Related articles

• Efficient Chiropractic Treatments For Enhancing Nerve Communication (boldstate.com)
• Spinal Manipulation, Home Exercise May Ease Neck Pain (nlm.nih.gov)
• Understanding Chiropractic Care for Kids! (geneva-chiropractor.com)

The question of whether repeated headers in the game of soccer have a long-term impact on the brain or cognitive function is a raging debate among experts with no clear answer one way or another.

An LA Times article on the subject makes this clear in its opening line…”Like a loose ball in a kids’ game, argument over the safety of heading in soccer has parents, coaches and scientists scrambling all over.”
The one place where there is solid agreement is that proper form is the key to preventing injury. Even if your child plays in a league where heading isn’t allowed, kids will emulate in the backyard what they see the top soccer players doing on TV. Take a moment to learn the basics of proper form so you can double check what you, your child and your child’s coach are doing. Here are a few dos and don’ts to look for:
Do strike the ball with the head. Don’t allow the ball to hit you in the head
The main thing to remember is that the player should actively ‘strike the ball with the head’ rather than allowing the ball to ‘hit them in the head’.  It is very hard to learn the skill of intentionally hitting a flying object with your head!  The player needs to be active and purposeful in heading the ball, not passive.
Do keep your eyes open and locked on the ball. Don’t close your eyes when heading a soccer ball.
The most common mistake that young players make is closing their eyes. Instead, keep the eyes open and locked on the part of the ball you want to head.
Do use the whole body to generate your power. Don’t try to use your neck muscles.
Another mistake is believing that the power in a soccer header comes from the neck muscles. It doesn’t. In a traditional header, the power comes from the upper body. The back is arched in preparation for the header and the torso is trust forward to contact the ball. All the while, the chin is tucked toward the chest.  This stabilizes the neck.  In a diving header, the neck position is locked and stabilized and the entire body is propelled forward to contact the ball. The power comes from the jump and gravity, not the neck.
Do use a ball that is age-appropriate. Don’t use a wet ball for practice.
Soccer balls come in different sizes for a reason. When practicing headers, make sure you are using the right size ball for your age and not a ball that is too large and heavy. Also, as a soccer ball gets wet, the weight increases by 20% or more, so for practice, choose a dry ball.
As we stated at the beginning of the article, the debate about whether heading a soccer ball is safe for children (and adults) rages on. What we do know for sure is that kids will do it with or without proper instruction and that proper technique is the key to injury prevention. As adults, our job is to provide the proper instruction to keep our kids safe playing ‘the beautiful game’.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Bibliography
Dreyfuss, I. (2001, May 20). Experts Face Off About Soccer Heading. LA Times.
Institute for Sports Medicine Heading the Soccer Ball. (n.d.). Retrieved 9 9, 2011, from Children’s Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL: http://www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/sportsmedicine/heading-soccer-ball.aspx
Kirkendall, D., & Garrett, W. E. (2001). Heading in Soccer: Integral Skill or Grounds for Cognitive Dysfunction? Journal of Athletic Training, 36(3), 328-333.
Soccer Training Heading the Ball. (n.d.). Retrieved 9 9, 2011, from ExpertFootball.com: http://expertfootball.com/training/heading.php

Related articles

• Soccer Skills Program (the-soccer-essentials.com)
• Soccer ball brings energy to developing world (cbsnews.com)

A burning sensation in the shoulders,

Image via Wikipedia

numbness of the arms and hands, and tightness in the neck are common sensations among both recreational and competitive cyclists.

They might be easy to ignore at first, but if they come back again and again they can seriously interfere with both enjoyment and training progress. Upper and lower back problems are another common consequence of regular cycling. Can a chiropractor help with these problems?
Absolutely. In addition, chiropractors can help prevent injuries and even enhance speed, strength, and efficiency for healthy cyclists. Athletes of all kinds can find help with rehabilitation, maintenance, prevention, and treatment in the hands of a well-trained chiropractor.

Chiropractors have a unique set of skills to offer cyclists, in addition to their general musculoskeletal expertise. Both specific and general skills are critical to successful treatment of cyclists because everything in cycling is interconnected: the nerves, the muscles, and the joints. In fact, if your physician or chiropractor doesn’t address all three of these issues at once, you are likely to continue to have the symptoms, pain, or injury without relief. In particular, a chiropractor that specializes in sports medicine is will probably have the most to offer you as a cyclist. He or she will also work with adjunct professionals such as sports trainers or physical therapists as needed to address your particular needs.

Solutions to problems cyclists experience will likely be multi-dimensional. That is, a combination of adjustments, deep tissue massage, exercises, and stretches will likely be required. For example, if a cyclist is suffering from lower back pain, it’s possible the chiropractor will determine that it is due to hip rotation. An adjustment of the sacroiliac joints will be quite helpful, but appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises will also be needed to address the weakness and tightness in the muscles that affect the hip joints. Strengthening exercises will contribute stability to the joint, while stretching will help to lengthen the muscles in the region thus preventing them from contracting when stressed.

In fact, it is absolutely essential that patients do their part to contribute to their recovery from cycling injuries or pain. The chiropractor can do adjustment after adjustment, but if you do not complete the required stretching and strengthening exercises at home, you may not see the relief you expect.

Finally, a chiropractor who specializes in sports medicine will likely be able to help you professionally fit your bicycle so that it causes the least strain on your body. Seat placement, bicycle size, handlebar height, and cycling posture all have a significant impact on both performance and stress on the body. Many chiropractors offer in-house bicycle analyses and adjustments to help you get the most out of cycling with the least stress on your joints.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Resources:
•    http://www.athleticamps.com/cycling/coaching/id0068/
•    http://www.progressivechiropractic.com/cond_sports4.php

Related articles

• Can cyclists and motorists learn to share the road? (confused.com)
• The Usefulness Of Chiropractic Care In Improving Poor Posture (boldstate.com)

Migraine Barbie has Snapped! (Photo credit: Deborah Leigh (Migraine Chick))

Migraine sufferers have to endure a pain that is recurring, severe and can last up to 72 hours.

Warning signs such as an “aura”, which is a type of visual disturbance, and nausea, sometimes accompany migraines. Many sufferers find that conventional medicine and prescription drugs offer little relief from their condition, and many are turning to alternatives methods of treatment in order to manage the pain. One such alternative is chiropractic treatment.
A holistic approach to pain relief, chiropractic treatment focuses on aiding numerous health issues through massage, spinal manipulation and adjustment of the body’s soft tissues and joints, predominantly in the back. But is it effective against migraines?
In February 2000, a study published by Dr. Tuchin et al. [1] cited the possible benefits of chiropractic treatment in alleviating or easing both the pain and frequency of recurring migraines. The study used a sample of 127 migraine patients, all of whom suffered from at least one migraine per month; this sample was divided into two groups – one control group who received inactive treatment, while the other group received chiropractic treatment, focusing on aligning and treating specific areas of vertebral swelling and misalignment. The study concluded that those who received chiropractic treatment experienced subsequent improvement in the duration of the study, showing reduced pain and frequency of their migraines within two months of treatment. The latter group also reported a decline in the need of migraine medications. Further results from the same study found that one in five sufferers from the chiropractic treatment group had a 90% reduction of migraine frequency, while 50% found significant improvement in the severity of their migraines.
Recent studies conducted by R. Bryans et al. published in 2011 [2], concluded that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, were found to improve both cerviocogenic headaches as well as migraines. A systematic literature search on controlled clinical trials on the topic of migraines and headaches involving chiropractic treatment, published through August 2009, was conducted using a selection of medical and alternative therapy databases. Research found that chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation and massage could significantly help patients who suffer from chronic or episodic migraines, whereas sufferers of tension-type headaches did not respond to such treatment.
While using alternative methods of treatment such as chiropractic care can help sufferers to gain more control over their migraines, it should be treated as another form of support or extra help, instead of completely overlooking conventional medical care.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

[1] P.J. Tuchin, H. Pollard, R. Bonello, A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for Migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Feb. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp91-95.
[2]R. Bryans et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Jun;34(5):274-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008.

Related articles

• Migraine Remedy – Any Migraine Head ache Treatment That is Effective (bigsexymedia.com)
• Got a Splitting Headache? Dr. Ryan Weisgerber is Using Chiropractic to Help Stop Headaches, Without the Use of Pain Killer (prweb.com)

While chiropractic treatment can help with pain and injuries, its biggest advantage to runners and athletes is preventive care.

Many runners, athletes and non-athletes may ask – why pay for chiropractic treatment when there is no pain to treat? It’s much easier to maintain good health and prevent injury than to treat somebody already in pain.

The danger with running injuries is that they are likely to be caused by repetitive stress and alignment problems that take time to develop, and an even longer time for the pain to start. If our bodies were designed with perfect alignment, then we would be able to cope with the regular stress running delivers. However, very few of us do have perfect alignment, and in many cases those with flat feet or high arches are at risk to extra cumulative stress to the body.

Image via Wikipediainjuries

In preventive cases, a chiropractor can give a good overall evaluation, teaching the patient how to prevent injuries and maintain good alignment – thereby reducing the chance of injury. For those looking for preventive treatment, your chiropractor can help assess and evaluate your condition by offering scans of your feet, testing for strength imbalances and an analysis of your posture. In addition, the chiropractor can also suggest a program suited to your needs to prevent injury in the future.

If you are already suffering from a running injury chiropractic is a wonderful non-drug alternative to helping you get rid of pain while working towards correcting the problem and improving your running form.

If your are in pain or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

Related articles

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Get-Faster-and-Prevent-Injuries-by-Improving-Muscle-Elasticity&id=3449166

• Chiropractic and Athletes (geneva-chiropractor.com)
• After I run, why do the insides of my lower legs — along the shins — hurt? (zocdoc.com)

In light of the obesity epidemic of recent decades, it is clear our sugar intake has increased drastically, including our intake of artificial sweeteners.

There are many who believe that artificial sweeteners are the solution to our obesity epidemic, but are they really a lesser evil?

Did you know that aspartame was initially developed as a medical treatment for stomach ulcers? [1] This means your tabletop sweetener or that can of diet coke you’ve just consumed was originally intended to be a prescription drug.
Aspartame and saccharine are the most common artificial sweeteners encountered on a daily basis, and they can usually be found in your breakfast cereal, diet sodas, tabletop sweeteners and more. While they may well be low in calories, what is the price you pay for the alternative? Medical studies have indicated a possible connection between aspartame and migraines [2], and headaches [3]. Sucralose, an active compound in many commercial sweeteners on the market, has also recently been found to trigger migraines [4].
Depression can also manifest from the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Regular dosages of aspartame have been found to decrease serotonin levels, which is the main cause of depression in the brains of mice [5]. Individuals suffering from mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, are advised against the regular consumption of artificial sweeteners, since they are more sensitive to the adverse effects of aspartame [6].

Most individuals consume artificial sweeteners to help them lose weight. Unfortunately, several studies indicate that  sweeteners such as aspartame induce hunger cravings, causing us eat more and therefore gain weight, but results thus far have been contradictory and inconclusive [7].

Additional health risks may be caused by the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Bottom line, consuming foods with artificial sweeteners typically means consuming a food that is processed and has little or no nutritional value. These foods should only be eaten very sparingly, so with that said go ahead and just eat the real sugar version and avoid all the fake chemicals.

If your are looking to lose weight  or just don’t feel your best most days, call us to make an appointment or to see how we may be able to help.

For more detailed information on   artificial sweeteners.

References

[1] R.G. Bianchi, E.T. Muir, D.L. Cook, E.F. Nutting, J Environ Pathol Toxicol. 1980 Jun-Jul;3(5-6):355-62.

[2] R.B. Lipton, L.C. Newman, J.S. Cohen & S. Solomon, Headache. 1989

[3] S.K. Van den Eeden et al,  Neurology. 1994 Oct;44(10):1787-93.

[4] M.E. Bigal & A.V. Krymchantowski, Headache. 2006 Mar;46(3):515-7.

[5] R.P. Sharma & R.A. Coulombe Jr., Food Chem Toxicol. 1987 Aug;25(8):565-8.

[6] R.G. Walton, R. Hudak & R.J. Green-Waite, Biol Psychiatry. 1993 Jul 1-15;34(1-2):13-7.

 [7] F. Bellisie & A. Drewnowski, Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jun;61(6):691-700. Epub 2007 Feb 7.

Related articles

• Are You Getting Too Many Artificial Sweeteners? (everydayhealth.com)
• Diabetes and Sugar Substitutes (everydayhealth.com)
• Artificial Sweeteners (hawksclaw.wordpress.com)
• Sweet Poison – are artificial sweeteners deadly? (faithandmeow.wordpress.com)