April 18, 2006 [Volume 7, Issue 9]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
Nutrition for Neck and Back Pain
Estimates show that between 5 percent and 10 percent of the U.S. population uses nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. While NSAIDs are effective in treating both acute and chronic pain, they also may cause a myriad of complications, ranging from headaches and stomach ulcers to dizziness, constipation and diarrhea. A new study indicates that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may be just as effective as NSAIDs in treating pain, without causing the same side effects.
In this study, scientists evaluated 250 patients who were suffering from nonsurgical neck pain or back pain, and who were taking NSAIDs for pain relief. The patients were asked to take 2,400 milligrams of omega-3 supplements per day for two weeks, and then to reduce the dosage to 1,200 milligrams daily. Approximately one month after starting supplementation, the patients were mailed a questionnaire asking them to document their level of pain, use of NSAIDs, and any side effects caused by the supplements.
One hundred twenty-five patients returned the questionnaire, an average of 75 days after taking the supplements. Seventy-eight percent were taking 1,200 milligrams of omega-3s; the remainder had continued taking 2,400 milligrams. More than half of the patients (59 percent) reported they had discontinued using NSAIDs for pain control; 60 percent said their overall pain levels had improved; and 80 percent stated that they were satisfied with the improvement in pain. No adverse side effects were reported.
As the results of this study show, omega-3 fatty acids appear just as effective as NSAIDs, if not more so, in relieving certain kinds of neck and back pain. That said, there is no better form of natural back pain relief than an adjustment from your local doctor of chiropractic. If you suffer from neck or back pain, make an appointment with your DC today; they will find the source of your pain and treat you accordingly -- and they might even recommend some omega-3s. For more information, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/backpain.html.
Maroon JC, Bost JW. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surgical Neurology, April 2006;65(4):326-331.
Fiber, Fiber, Burning Bright
There are two main types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is the kind that dissolves in water. Found in foods like oatmeal and beans, soluble fiber is believed to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve, but passes through the digestive system largely intact. A new study suggests that insoluble fiber may improve the body's use of insulin, which could help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight.
To see what role insoluble fiber plays in the development of diabetes, scientists in Germany recruited 17 overweight women and had them consume two specialized diets. For three days, the women ate a diet that included white bread enriched with 31.2 grams of insoluble fiber per day. After a washout period, the women ate a similar diet for three days, using a low-fiber bread.
When the scientists compared blood samples taken at the end of each diet, they found that being on the fiber-rich diet for three days "significantly improved whole-body insulin sensitivity." Since a decline in insulin sensitivity is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, they suggested that consuming insoluble fiber -- which raised insulin sensitivity levels -- could help reduce diabetes risk.
If you're looking to lower your risk of developing diabetes, talk with your chiropractor about improving your diet by eating bran, brown rice, green beans, and other foods high in insoluble fiber. Your chiropractor also can provide you with ways to improve your overall health and fitness levels. For more information, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/nutrition/foods/index.html.
Weickert MO, Mohlig M, Schofl C, et al. Cereal fiber improves whole-body insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese women. Diabetes Care, April 2006;29(4):775-780.
The Hidden Benefits of Exercise
Most people exercise to lose weight and get in better shape. For teenagers, however, evidence suggests there's considerably more to regular exercise than weight control. In fact, a recent survey has found that teenagers who make a habit out of exercise and physical activity are more likely to adapt other positive habits, while avoiding negative ones.
In the survey, researchers asked nearly 12,000 middle- and high-school students to report how often they had participated in various activities in the previous week, including playing sports, using local recreation centers, skating or skateboarding, bicycling, watching television, and playing video games. The students also provided information about their grades, self-esteem, and other behaviors.
Compared to teenagers whose primary activities were watching TV and playing video games, teenagers who exercised five or more times per week were:
- less likely to have sex, including unprotected sex;
- less likely to smoke cigarettes;
- less likely to drink alcohol or to drive while drunk;
- less likely to use illegal drugs other than marijuana;
- less likely to miss time away from school;
- less likely to have low self-esteem;
- more likely to wear a seat belt while driving;
- more likely to get "A" grades in math and science;
- more likely to get a good night's sleep; and
- more likely to do household chores and to have summer jobs outside the home.
As this survey shows, there are definite benefits to regular exercise that can't be measured on a scale. So, what are you waiting for? Turn off that TV, tell your children to put down the video game, and get them moving! It's in their best interest. Talk to your chiropractor for more information on appropriate exercise guidelines for your family.
Newton MC, Gordon-Larsen P. Physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns are associated with selected adolescent risk behaviors. Pediatrics, April 2006;117(4):1281-1290.
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