​If you do, then take a look at the SPF.

Is it greater than 8 or 9? Then you will not absorb the Vitamin D from the sun. You will block it out! Oh no!

I suggest 20-30 minutes in the sun minimal sunscreen depending on your complexion to absorb Vitamin D. However, if you'r not out in the sun....then you need to supplement it.

Here's something to help you start your immune engines...no matter what choices are made. You can order a Vitamin D lab test. Call the office if you need assistance. 

Yes, Vitamin D brands do matter. 

Here are some facts for you to share with family and friends.

Dr. Aristotle's Vitamin D Update!

Building immune resilience in today's environment is a choice.
It's the roller coaster of emotional and physical stress that I am personally trying to jump off daily!

I've shared many basic nutritional tips in previous blogs. Below is another crucial step to keep your body strong and resilient.

If you're a patient then you already know the connection I am referring to here. ​

Back in 1975, Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine in Environmental Health at New York University, began developing scientifically valid ways to estimate individual susceptibility to various chronic diseases. 
Pero and his colleagues found strong evidence that susceptibility to cancer could be gauged by the activities of various enzymes involved in metabolic and genetic changes due to exposure to toxic, carcinogenic or “mutagenic” chemicals. 
An individual’s immune system response, or “immune competence,” was directly linked to DNA-repairing enzymes, which provided a method to assess disease susceptibility. 

Lack of those enzymes, Pero said, “definitely limits not only your lifespan, but also your ability to resist serious disease consequences.”
Using Pero’s tests gauge resistance to hazardous environmental chemicals, researchers hypothesized that people with cancer would have a suppressed immune response to such a toxic burden, while healthy people and people receiving spinal care have a relatively enhanced response.

​Your brain is the command center and sends signals out via your nerves through the spine to support health. Clearing areas where the signal is blocked will allow for better communication between your body and brain.
When was the last time you boosted your system?

Your brain is the command center and sends signals out via your nerves through the spine to support health. Clearing areas where the signal is blocked will allow for better communication between your body and brain.

Spinal care improves the function of the nerve system through improving the movement of the spinal bones that encase and protect your spinal cord.
Stressful conditions lead to altered immune function, and altered susceptibility to a variety of diseases. Like the stress we experience daily.
Many stimuli, which act on your nerves, profoundly alter immune responses.  The two routes available to the central nervous system are neuro-endocrine channels and autonomic nerve channels.

Now you know why patients receive targeted spinal soft tissue adjustments for maintenance in addition to recovery.
When was the last time your spine and nervous system was checked?

Which common medication puts you at serious risk? 
​Extended use of corticosteroids for chronic inflammatory conditions puts patients at risk for serious adverse events (AEs), including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cataracts, and diabetes. Now, a growing body of evidence suggests that even "short bursts" of these drugs are associated with serious risks.

Most recently, a population-based study of more than 2.6 million people found that taking corticosteroids for 14 days or less was associated with a substantially greater risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, sepsis and heart failure particularly within the first 30 days after therapy.
​
What are your options?
Formulas that offer a combination of herbs, nutrients, and proteolytic enzymes for buffering the inflammatory response, support the natural clearance of proteins like kinin and fibrin, and healthy lymphatic drainage will help provide natural support for a healthy inflammatory response and assist your body against oxidative stress.
If you need help in choosing, let me know. We have a number of products in our online store.
Click here to gain access.

PS
If you are finding yourself in a difficult health situation and nothing else is working, let's chat and see if you're a fit for our services either through virtual or clinic visits.

One more thing: Heavy Metals = Inflammation
Tips To Help Rid Yourself of Toxic Heavy Metals.

1: Find a doctor thoroughly trained in the evaluation and treatment of heavy metal detoxification.

2: No short-cuts. Be certain your detoxification pathways are functioning optimally before removing heavy metals. I’ve seen many problems by trying to force the toxins our too aggressively with horrible side effects.

3: Eliminate all heavy metal exposure (we provide guidelines to all of our patients on potential exposure)

4: Infrared Sauna Protocols using a sauna with poplar wood and no adhesives. No plastic bag saunas! The sauna below is what we use. Subscribers to this newsletter receive special pricing.

Once you’ve received a name for your health problem (a diagnosis), remember it’s not the end but only the beginning.

The important question you must now ask yourself is what caused it? You may have heard that when nutrient levels go down, the toxicity levels go up and healing is difficult.
However, in many outdated practitioner guidelines in the United States there is no mention of finding the cause and solution by assaying the nutrients and toxins, evaluating imbalances in the nervous system and meridian pathways. By doing so you jump back on your healing path!

What do people have in common when meds or surgery don’t work?
There are patients I’ve seen in the clinic that have been told after extensive examination: “We can’t find what’s wrong,” or “It is all in your head,” or “Sorry, you’ll have to learn to live with it.”

The examining doctor, unable to find the root cause of the problem, has little else to tell you. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for a functional chemistry evaluation and meridian analysis as a last resort.

Energy Flows Where Attention Goes
The human body’s energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in your body.

If we compare a 175 lb man on one end of a seesaw and a 47 lb child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw is “broken” due to the fact the heavier person would be sitting on the ground and lighter would be dangling in the air.
Even though the seesaw is producing a “symptom” of being broken-detailed examination would not reveal anything wrong with the seesaw. The obvious answer is in the “balance.” Correction of the balance corrects the problem.

The integration or blend of both Eastern and Western medicine is the driving force behind solutions to overcoming many challenging health issues in the world today.

“I’m here because I’ve tried everything” is a common phrase I frequently hear from patients. Uncovering the root cause is the focus rather than looking at a long-term routine of meds with side effects that would keep patients hooked for years to come.

It Started In The Early 90’s
Back in the early 90’s, during my initial years of practice, patients would come in for a specific problem looking for a quick fix.  

It would be an upcoming event, a big competition, an overdue pregnancy, a 12 year old covered in warts because of a weak immune system while kids would make fun of him at school, cancer pain, nausea from chemo, a puppy that was hit by a car and he was going to be put down (patient stopped by the office after seeing the vet), multiple sclerosis, pro hockey- basketball, baseball, football injuries,-golfers, swimmers, new born, law student prepping for bar with migraines, pilot with neck pain, A-list actor with an eye that was beginning to close due to injury (who jokingly told me the only part he could get would be a pirate with a patch over his eye), Olympic volleyball player with pain in ALL joints (had previously been x-rayed over 12 times in a month), 40 year old with early spinal degeneration and horrific pain…the list goes on.

Patients were generally referred to me by doctors as a “last resort” and told there was nothing more that could be done from a Western medicine perspective.

The Short-Term Treatment Plan
The quick fix. As soon as patients felt better, they would say, “OMG” It worked!!! Like a patch job on the road. They’d wait until the next injury or relapse. They did not understand long term wellness because “I did not educate them.”

But then I received a universal message in 2006…I became totally paralyzed from an autoimmune problem. Only able to move my hands at the wrists and blink my eyes I was told “I’ll be confined to the electric wheelchair and would not walk again.” A “patch job” would not suffice. I needed a deep, uncover the root cause type of care if I was ever to walk again.
 
Recovery Was A Choice
A couple of years passed. I found my way back as I approached the ability to walk again. I vacated the electric wheelchair investment and recovered. How I did this I share in my book: “Change The Way You Heal, 7 Steps To Highly Effective Healing.”

I then started to make a change in my practice. I implemented treatment programs geared toward long term lifestyle changes to help those that wanted a “life of health” not just a short-term “patch job.” This was when I integrated the full functional medicine laboratory testing along with Meridian Imaging and a variety of time-tested Eastern healing methods that I developed.

The term: “Doctor of Last Resort” slowly took hold as I began seeing many more unresolved health conditions.

This approach changed the type of practice I had in the past. I was no longer the short-term relief doctor like an aspirin without side effects. It changed the healing process for patients.

People from around the globe started inquiring and looking for changes beyond “I’m feeling better.” Their strong desire to maintain overall health and move beyond only “when it hurts.” This is wellness. This is holistic.

Understand?
As a result of my new multifaceted approach patients now “get it” because their lives are more active overall and they want to keep it that way.

They choose maintenance at various levels depending on the daily stress they are exposed to or the severity of tissue damage from their original health issue.

Now, there’s a greater need for everyone to feel good which evolves into looking good! I can tell you how good I eventually looked (in my heart) even though I was sitting in a wheelchair withering away having lost almost 60 lbs of healthy weight in just a short few months. When I decided to change on the inside, I felt the change on the outside evolve.

Whether a health problem influences or stops you from family activities or playing with the grandkids, an upcoming part in a film, sports competition, infertility, pain management, low energy, chronic health problem or just anti-aging…it doesn’t matter what you name the condition….  You will have an edge because of the healing choices you make today and not quitting too soon! (this is the most common reasons for slow healing). I see some quit and then continue on the slow self-destructive path holding on to the health problem. At times they will return to try again. This is also common.

The approach I now share with patients is more about energy balance, quality of life and longevity from the inside out. If you wear out your body, where will you live?

In the clinic there are some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the world. This is an example of working from the outside in which is also a starting point for many.

Patients that have unresolved health problems know it’s more than just physical goals. It’s also emotional and how they spend the rest of their time on earth and their ability to embrace positive change when it comes to living their passion. Get my point?

We’re working on so many things during the available 24-hours. Excessive stress, family responsibilities, raising kids, caring for loved ones, personal worries, exposures to environmental heavy metals, overwhelm from news on social media and television… it’s overpowering.

When patients see and feel results from labs, meridian imaging, and we treat imbalances and understand how it influences their digestion, metabolism, hormone activity, energy levels, aging and more. They get better!

How Can I Help?
We all must be patient with Mother Nature. I was fortunate to be given a 2nd chance at life. It was a gift.

I now have an obligation.

Being paralyzed with an unexpected health crisis changed me and the methodologies I integrate to help you overcome health challenges and achieve the wellness you deserve both physically and emotionally so you can share those desirable moments with loved ones.

I’ve been there. I now understand you more than I did before I was paralyzed. I know what it’s like to be frustrated when your body seems to fail you. From a simple headache or back pain to full blown cancer or a paralyzing autoimmune issue.

I'm here for you.

If you’ve fallen off the path, it’s easy to jump back on with a little guidance. 

If you’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done then start by checking your energy levels through Meridian Imaging.

If it’s been awhile, remember you are always welcome back to start where we left off.

Call our office. Telehealth and concierge house calls are also available. Surprise yourself!

Happy Mother’s Day!

As each year zips by so fast, my mother is at some point asked; "How old are you?" She always offeres the same reply: "My age is none of "my" business." 

We all seem to be put into a box/category of potential health problems depending upon what "age decade" we are entering. If anything...age should be forgotten....why enter you're age on that health questionnaire?

Having worked with and consulted thousands of patients of different age groups over the past 30 years, reviewing x-rays, blood tests, etc...I can say the "age number" is worthless! It has nothing to do with finding and uncovering the root cause of your health problem! 

Looking into the eyes of those in the presence of a friend or loved one with declining cognition is heartbreaking as is seeing so much pain in those suffering. 

So......Today I'll show you how to support brain health and memory for you or a loved one during the first few months of 2020!

Also, please remember that heavy metal toxicity is not the topic here. It is also a factor in declining brain health and must be addressed.

The Problem
What do you do when someone has the beginning symptoms of Alzheimer's, but has not yet been given the official diagnosis?
The current answer is-- come up with a new disease label or name.

Medical science has done this with a new term called AAMI. This stands for Age-Associated Memory Impairment. This is a precursor to Alzheimer's.

Due to the unbelievable increase of Alzheimer's disease, the "powers that be" specializing in brain-aging health concluded there should be an earlier way to recognize this terrible disease.

The new AAMI label is now being used for people who have early signs of Alzheimer's.The criteria for AAMI includes the following:

1. over the age of 50
2. not demented
3. intellectual function adequate to remain productive
4. complaints of gradual memory loss
5. objective evidence of memory loss on performance testing.

The Statistics
Currently, 40% of people between the ages of 50-59 have it and it increases by 10% every ten years!

Unfortunately, most health practitioners not trained enough in integrative medicine do not have the knowledge to know how to measure the one ingredient needed every day to keep our brains healthy and memories vibrant.

This important brain ingredient is called phosphatidylserine.

Phosphatidylserine is a key component of the cell membrane and is essential to cell-to-cell communication and transfer of biochemical messages into the cell (especially within the brain and central nervous system).
 
Participants with relatively low memory scores were found to have experienced a significant improvement in memory.
-- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and NutritionThe Research
Phosphatidylserine may help improve memory function in older adults, suggests a 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.

For the study, 78 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment were assigned to six months of treatment with phosphatidylserine supplements, or a placebo.

In tests performed at the end of the six-month period, participants with relatively low memory scores at the start of the study were found to have experienced a significant improvement in memory.


In another study, a group of people with a brain age of around 64 years were placed on Phosphatidyl Serine 100 mg three times a day for 3 months. Before and after double blind testing showed that this rolled the hands of time back to a brain age of about 52, 12 years younger by providing 30% improvement in memory!

Yes, you read that correctly, 30% improvement in memory!!
Do you know any drug that does this?

"These people had marked improvements in everyday memory items like phone numbers, faces and names and of all things, placement of glasses and keys!"
In previous blogs, I’ve shared with you many tips on supporting health and offered treatment programs for your own personal health journey.

Here is a link to our online pharmacy. Once you register, go to FAVORITES under BRAIN HEALTH. You will be able to order my favorite Phosphatidylserine.
Of course the most effective way to determine the root cause is to identify your areas of weakness through laboratory testing.References:
Crook TH, et al, Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment, Neurology, 41:644-49, 1991
Grisante R. 2019 News Functional Medicine Univ.
Heiss WD, Kessler J, Mielke R, Szelies B, Herholz K. Long-term effects of phosphatidylserine, pyritinol, and cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease. A neuropsychological, EEG, and PET investigation. Dementia. 1994 Mar-Apr;5(2):88-98.
Oma S, Mawatari S, Saito K, Wakana C, Tsuboi Y, Yamada T, Fujino T. Changes in phospholipid composition of erythrocyte membrane in Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2012 Jan;2(1):298-303.
Kidd PM, Alzheimer's Disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: Current understanding and progress toward integrative prevention, Alt Med Rev, 13; 2:85-1
Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1992;28(1):61-6

​I am frequently asked about fevers. Especially during winter months. 

In Eastern Medicine, the patient is told to minimize exposure to drafts, wind or a constant breeze away from the back of the neck and shoulders. This is an extremely vulnerable point in the body's defense systems agains a cold or flu. Yes, this includes an air-conditioner blowing air or an open window draft. Solution? Cover up! Blanket or scarf!

It's been said that when a fever reaches 102 degrees, a group of proteins called interferons are produced that help prevent viral replications and inhibit cancer cells.
​
And at 103 degrees, all nutrition to the spleen is shut down to starve any bad bacteria that are present or multiplying.

Add Years. Do More. Live Life.

Thanks to Dr. Sullivan and his contribution!

My private and concierge house call practice in Beverly Hills focuses on delivering a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to providing integrative care to patients in pain and a multitude of other unresolved problems. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that pills, even over-the counter (OTC), provide a lot of medication to the body – often more than the amount needed to simply dull the pain. 

This excess medicine must be included because the liver acts as the filter for the body and knocks out about one-third of the medicine you take orally.  The remaining medicine must then be spread throughout the entire body because your body doesn’t know that you are only trying to treat your sore knee or strained shoulder. 


Every day across the country, millions of people relieve pain with the assistance of OTC pills without giving this a second thought.  For the vast majority, when used as directed, they achieve relief for their pain safely.  But pain medication can be tricky to manage due to the range of options and varying doses which is why the FDA is revamping the approval path for OTC drugs.  As reported by The Wall Street Journal, “this move will change how tens of thousands of medicines and personal care items reach U.S. store shelves.”
Despite liver toxicity issues concerning doses over 325 mg, the FDA still allows a 500-milligram over-the-counter acetaminophen to be sold. “It is inexcusably poor judgment on the part of the FDA to have failed to take action concerning this major source of acetaminophen consumption, and, consequently, acetaminophen toxicity,” Dr. Sidney M. Wolfe, founder and senior adviser of Public Citizen Health Research Group in Washington D.C., told the Wall Street Journal.


Acetaminophen has a narrow therapeutic window. The difference between a safe, effective dose and an overdose — which, in serious cases, can lead to liver toxicity — is a relatively small increment in milligram consumption.
Ibuprofen, naproxen and even aspirin can cause stomach upset, and even ulcers, when not administered at the right dosages. Outside the United States, more people use a balance of topical and external medicines.  Topical pain relievers such as creams, gels, patches and sprays work locally and largely reduce, although they do not entirely eliminate, the systemic risk – accidental or otherwise – that OTC pain pills can present.
Many people enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner, or going out for beers after work.  However, combining alcohol consumption with virtually all OTC pain relievers delivered in a pill label is against labeled use.

According to the National Institutes of Health publication on alcohol and metabolism, liver damage can occur with as few as four to five extra strength acetaminophen pills consumed with varying amounts of alcohol.  For a list of commonly used medicines that can interact adversely with alcohol, visit this National Institutes of Health page.
There are a variety of non-invasive techniques, procedures, specific acu-points and philosophies surrounding pain relief worldwide. With a topical, you can deliver much less medicine to the body because you’re applying it directly at the site of pain.
If meds are needed, I encourage patients to use as directed. It is important for pain sufferers to know their options and consider treating mild to moderate pain locally to improve their pain relief outcomes.

Integrating a holistic approach is extremely effective without the side effects. If considering acupuncture, remember...the acupuncture needle is a part of history while the laser is part of the present and has replaced the needle.

Also remember that if your body is not healing, there is a biochemistry component you are missing as to why your body is not healing. Specific laboratory testing may be needed to uncover the root cause. 

Be patient with your body!


Dr. Aristotle's Article published in Physicians News Digest



​

To help uncover the root cause of infertility problems there are 3 things to consider:

1. Energy Analysis via Meridian Imaging
2. Structural Analysis via Physical Examination 
3. Bio-Chemistry Analysis via Laboratory Testing

Eastern healing techniques have long been revered for the ability to assist fertility even though the scientific community has not been able to explain what occurs physiologically. The success, clinically, is very significant to those wanting to start a family.

POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION AND RECOVERY
After giving birth, a mother’s hormones can shift dramatically which shows up both physically and emotionally. 

Meridian Therapy helps moderate hormonal changes to assist in the transition back to normal. Nutrition and Chinese herbs will also help speed recovery and stabilize the mood. Care also will help stabilize the structural changes that occurred while the body begins to recover on the structural level.

​If you have questions, give a call for a consultation. 310.734.0951 or complete our online form at www.DrAristotle.com

1. Hydrogen acts as an antioxidant
Hydrogen gas acts as powerful antioxidant and has been shown to protect cells from even the most cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Specifically, inhalation of H2 gas has been shown to suppress brain injuries through these effects.


2. Hydrogen supports your body’s antioxidant system
H2 supports your body’s natural antioxidant system by signaling pathways associated with the prevention of disease.


3. Hydrogen is anti-inflammatory
In animal studies, hydrogen gas has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory. While we could use more studies on humans to back these initial findings, research on patients with rheumatoid arthritis are extremely promising. 


4. Hydrogen may help reduce pain
As mentioned above, the effects of hydrogen on patients with rheumatoid arthritis have shown a significant decrease in pain. This pain relief is due to the reduction in oxidative stress caused by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydrogen gas. 


5. Hydrogen protects your muscles
In an animal study, hydrogen water prevented muscle wasting in mice that had muscular dystrophy. Hydrogen also boosted the natural production of glutathione which is often called our master antioxidant. The effects of hydrogen on athletes and exercise is a promising area worth keeping your eye on. 


6. Hydrogen can speed up sport-related recovery
Hydrogen water has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue in elite athletes after intense exercise. This is because it reduced lactic acid buildup, which improved muscle function.


7. Hydrogen can help balance the pH of the blood
Hydrogen water has also been shown to have an alkalizing effect in the blood. This is especially beneficial to people who are extremely physically active because extreme exercise can cause metabolic acidosis.


8. Hydrogen affects cell modulation
Hydrogen appears to have effects in the cells that help them maintain homeostasis and healthy modulation. Through healthy gene expression and cellular metabolism, hydrogen positively affects cellular processes on many different levels. 


9. Hydrogen is neuroprotective
Hydrogen has been shown to reduce damage to the brain in Parkinson’s patients. It’s also shown to have generally neuroprotective properties due to its ability to fight oxidative stress. 


10. Hydrogen is protective against metabolic conditions
Studies have found that hydrogen increases insulin sensitivity, decreases blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels.  These effects make hydrogen up potential therapy for fighting obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. 


11. Hydrogen boosts your mitochondria
Your mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells, which makes them directly responsible for your energy levels day to day. Clinical studies on hydrogen-rich water have found that it improves mitochondrial function. 


12. Hydrogen protects against DNA damage
Hydrogen gas has been shown to significantly protect DNA against radiation damage. It does so by scavenging hydroxyl radical formation. 


13. Hydrogen can calm allergic reactions
With allergies on the rise across the world, this is an interesting observation. Studies have found that in animals, hydrogen can sometimes calm allergic reactions. The way hydrogen appears to calm allergic reactions is by modulating cell processes and restoring homeostasis. It seems that hydrogen restores healthy processes throughout the body, which makes it a good idea for just about everyone to consider taking. 


14. Hydrogen is protective against cancer
Hydrogen appears to be protective against cancer. At this point, it probably doesn’t surprise you since you know how hydrogen can protect against oxidative stress and damage to the DNA. Hydrogen has also been observed to help reduce side effects of chemotherapy in some patients. 


15. Hydrogen protects organs
​Hydrogen has been observed to be protective against damage to numerous organs including the brain, pancreas, heart, liver, eyes, and lungs. This is believed to be because of hydrogen’s anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and oxidative stress fighting effects. 


Dr. Aristotle's Personal Note:
As I mentioned, I feel molecular hydrogen is going to be one of the next biggest buzzwords in the health industry. To be ahead of the game I've paired up with the best molecular hydrogen supplement on the market.  
Vital Reaction makes tablets, inhalers, and other products for delivering molecular hydrogen to your body.

When you use the VR code A90210 at check out, you’ll receive 10% off all products. The code A must be capitalized..
Please also share this article with your friends and family because molecular hydrogen might be one of the simplest additions they can make to their life today that has incredible health benefits. 


Resources:

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/nm1577
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26276082
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11510417
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23031079
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26866650
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22520831
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24392771
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512236
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4865993/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21293445
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22146674
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27438130
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19766097
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257754/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5731988/

PS
VR discount code is A90210. 

 
“The power that made the body heals the body..

RESEARCH
The January 28, 2019 issue of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage showed that patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who used joint injections of corticosteroids experienced accelerated progression of osteoarthritis compared to those those in a matched group who had not received joint injections.

Another study showed that quarterly corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis increased cartilage loss without providing any clinical benefit, according to a randomized controlled trial published in an issue of The Journal of The American Medical Association JAMA."Although the cartilage loss was not associated with worsening of symptoms, rates of cartilage loss have been associated with higher rates of arthroplasty, raising the possibility of potential for longer-term adverse consequences on the health of the joint," write Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH, from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and colleagues.
OPTIONS
Reduce inflammation by determining the root cause. Heavy metal toxicity will be a problem contributing to inflammation and joint pain. Remove imbalances that may be occurring in the joint by evaluating your current meridian status. Balance any structural problems in a joint.

If you or a loved one are experiencing joint pain, have tried everything and would like to consult with me and receive a Wellness Score Report with analysis at our N Rodeo Drive clinic location…..give us a call at 310.295.1078.

How Long Will It Take To Heal?
 
Far too often in the health care profession, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. ”The examining doctor, unable to find the root cause of the problem, has little else to tell the patient.

Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for a different wellness approach and evaluation.  ​

It’s hard to miss the necessities of collagen proteins these days. Whether it’s in the form of homemade bone broth or collagen powders, collagen-rich items are now the “go-to” product to help slow the effects of aging. Dietary collagen can be helpful for supporting the body’s collagen structures.

​Did I Always Have That Wrinkle?
 
As crazy as that sounds, over the years, I’ve said that on numerous occasions staring at the person in the mirror!
Collagen breakdown begins as early as in your 20s. And the breakdown continues… Year after Year…….

And it gets worse. As we age the body produces less collagen as we age over time. So, it can’t “hold up” your skin as well as it used to. Some believe this is one of the reasons for aging skin, uneven skin tone, brittle nails, and other signs that give away your age. 

Over time epithelial & dermal layers get thinner due to loss of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and water binding capacity. This results in wrinkles, dryness, loss of tone & elasticity, cellulite, and “crepe-like” appearance.
 
Why would you want to support collagen and maintenance? 
Well, collagen accounts for as much 40% of all the protein in the human body, especially connective tissue (skin), including blood vessels. Here’s how collagen supports us as a percentage of the protein in the following tissues:
​

• Skin: 75%
• Tendons: 65-80%
• Ligaments: 70%
• Corneal tissue: 64%
• Cartilage: 50%
• Tooth dentin: 30% (That’s right; even your teeth have protein in them!)
• Bone: 16% (bones are also have protein, Not just calcium!)
• Muscle: 10-11%
• Lung: 10% 

Compared to other proteins, collagen has a special amino acid combination thats crucial to your body. It’s the braid-like three protein strands woven together that lends collagen its strength as well as its flexibility, which we see in some of the tissues above. 
Oh yes! We stretch, run, do yoga and Pilates while our blood vessels expand and contract thanks to the structural properties of collagen.

Here’s the science behind it all for the curious ones.
Collagen proteins are rich in something called hydroxyproline. This is the amino acid proline, modified by adding an additional component. Hydroxyproline accounts for around 12% of the amino acids in collagen. 

Collagen also contains a high amount of the amino acid glycine (about 22%) which is found in the dietary protein which provides the building blocks for collagen, but ingesting pure collagen itself ensures a combination of these critical raw materials. 

Many of us don’t consume enough daily protein. Even those with a higher protein intake, the richest sources of collagen—animal skins, bones, and tendons—are not typically part of the modern Western diet. (Tendon soups and stews are popular in East Asia.) 

Fortunately, powdered collagen protein is now available, and it can be incorporated into shakes, smoothies, and other foods and beverages (including coffee). (You can use it to make homemade jello, gummies, puddings, and other gelatin desserts.) 

Collagen powder is also an easy (and tasty) way to get higher doses of this kind of protein than you might be able to get from sipping broth or eating chicken skin.
Collagen proteins are helpful for a number of issues.

Because of its primary structural role in certain tissues, collagen has been shown to help increase bone mineral density, support healthy blood pressure, improve nail growth and the appearance of skin wrinkles, and reduce some of the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. 
 
Did you know collagen is a unique protein that…

• Is the most abundant protein in the human body
• Functions like support pillars for your skin to keep it nice and smooth
• Supports the health of your hair, joints, and bones
• Helps strengthen brittle fingernails
• Unfortunately, over time, your body produces less and less of it

#1 SKIN: Collagen helps fight the signs of aging by supporting skin elasticity and hydration which helps maintain the skin’s youthful tone, texture, and appearance.
#2 HAIR: The amino acids in collagen support the structural proteins in hair that encourage existing hair growth, thickness, and strength.
#3 JOINTS: Collagen provides support to the body’s connective tissues and joints.
#4 BONES: Collagen can help strong and healthy bone structure.
#5 BRITTLE FINGERNAILS: Collagen supports fragile and brittle nails.
#6 COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: Collagen has sources of amino acids that help the body naturally produce more collagen.
#7 LEAN BODY MASS: Combined with resistance exercise, collagen supports lean muscle growth and muscle strength.
#8 LIVER HEALTH: The glycine in collagen may also help support the liver. 
#9 ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTION: Collagen has antioxidant properties. 
#10 RESTFUL SLEEP: Due to its glycine content, collagen supports the quality of sleep in those who have occasional difficulty sleeping.

My Collagen Choice

I personally use the Whole Body Collagen (see below) because it contains 3 unique  Collagen Peptide Blends: 

1. Fortigel Collagen : shown to improve collagen production in joints, resulting in improved cartilage structure (increased glycosaminoglycans content as evidenced by MRI and joint space by X-ray), reduced osteoarthritis symptoms (pain, stiffness), improved joint function, reduced post-exercise joint pain in young because the tendon is often the weakest link in the chain of transmitting mechanical force. Since the tendon is composed of 65-80% collagen, collagen peptide supplementation has potential to support improved tendon strength and elasticity. 

 

1. Verisol Collagen: shown to upregulate synthesis of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans in the dermal layer of facial skin, resulting in reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and hydration. Verisol has also demonstrated the ability to improve cellulite appearance by increasing dermal thickness and elasticity. These benefits may also be useful in counteracting age-related skin thinning, manifested as a “crepe-like” appearance. Another study has shown that Verisol supplementation resulted in improved nail growth and reduced occurrence of brittle nails. Verisol has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes in the skin, with potential for alleviating various clinical inflammatory conditions manifested in epithelial tissues. Various collagen peptides have been shown to speed healing of bed sores in the elderly, support healing of stomach ulcerations and to have an anti-inflammatory effect in colitis. 

 

1. Fortibone® Collagen: Clinical, pre-clinical and in vitro research is accumulating to support the benefits of collagen peptides for bone health.45 This is complementary to the classical approach of ensuring adequate status for bone-supportive nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, silicon, and vitamins D, K1 and K2. In a study of menopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, compared to placebo, supplementation with 5 g per day of Fortibone resulted in improvement in bone mineral density by 6.4% in the femoral neck and 5.5% in the spine, as well as increased markers of bone formation, with no change in markers of bone breakdown.​

Are you not feeling yourself when you wake up in the morning? Are tossing and turning at night trying to find that comfortable position? 
                       Chances are, if you have back pain it keeps you awake at night.
Of course, researchers have found that chronic back pain significantly affects quality of sleep. Address sleep problems as an integral part of your pain management plan to prevent the progression of back pain (Marin et al., 2006).

Chronic back pain was found to affect several dimensions of sleep, including (Kelly, et al., 2011):

• Sleep disturbance and duration
• Poor daytime function due to lack of sleep
• Sleep quality
• Sleep satisfaction and distress
• Sleep efficiency
• Increased time taken to fall asleep

To prevent lost sleep at night and to improve next day performance capabilities, it is important to have proper sleeping posture. Proper sleeping posture supports your spine while you are asleep to prevent waking up feeling stiff and sore throughout the night.

Sleep Solutions to Prevent Waking Up with a Stiff Back

The best sleeping postures are sleeping on your back or your side. While sleeping on your back focus on relaxing your spine so your back, shoulders, and hips are comfortably touching the bed. Keep your legs extended out, or place a small pillow under your legs with your legs slightly bent. Laying on your back and allowing your legs to fall to one side or the other can cause excessive spinal twisting while sleeping.

If you prefer to sleep on your side be aware of your posture by placing a small pillow between your legs. This will help keep your hips in a level position throughout the night. Check to see that your ear is aligned over your shoulder and your shoulders are aligned over your hips. This is a neutral posture with minimal stress to your back and neck.

Support your body with good pillows, but not excessively fluffy pillows. I want you to feel comfortable at night and be able to fall asleep without pain. However, excessively fluffy pillows can create strain to your neck and do not support your head. You may experience headaches or neck pain from the use of too many pillows or very large pillows. (I see this happening too frequently)

Once you find a comfortable position that supports your back focus on falling asleep in this posture. If you wake up throughout the night consciously put yourself back in the healthy sleeping posture and fall asleep again in this posture.

You want to train yourself to sleep in a healthy position. This requires conscious repetition. Even if you wake up in a different position, simply move back into the healthy posture to fall back asleep.

Take note of your posture when you wake up. Did you wake up in the same position or did you toss and turn throughout the night? Tossing and turning can reduce sleep quality leaving you feeling groggy in the morning. If you moved throughout the night put yourself back in the healthy posture before rising from bed. Train your brain and body to maintain a good sleeping posture.

If you feel stiff in the morning when you wake up, take a shower then perform light stretches of the lower back before heading to work. Ease into the day with a good stretch and proper posture.

Poor sleep is associated with many health consequences that can affect your performance at work, your mood, and how you feel during the day. To prevent fatigue the next day take care to sleep in a good position and create new posture habits that support healthy sleeping patterns.


References:

• Kelly, G. et al. (2011) The Association Between Chronic Low Back Pain and Sleep: A Systematic Review. Clinical Journal of Pain, 27(2) 169-181.
• Marin, R. et al. (2006) Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 85(5) p. 430-435.
• API Sleep For Stiff Back (2017)