Our Incredible Epigenetic Potential...

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor 

(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing, Webster Certif)

Great health is a goal for most people and if we lead the right lifestyle and make the best choices, we will have a good chance of achieving this and avoiding becoming a statistic. Unfortunately the '21st century lifestyle' involves inadequate rest/sleep, extreme stress, prolonged sitting (with technology instead of fresh air and sunshine), chemical toxicity and for many of us, a terrible and excessive diet. This is a formula for health disaster making it not surprising that science is discovering links between disease and an 'unhealthy lifestyle'. The good news is that we are all in full control and can choose to eat an apple instead of confectionary or junk food.

A quick reality check for our planet... We are far less healthy today than 100 years ago. Today we are dying from preventable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These conditions are frequently lifestyle related and in most cases are completely avoidable. In generations before us, our ancestors lived an active and simple life. Cancer was mostly unheard of and genetically linked diseases were not common. The big question today is; are we causing or contributing to our own ill health? The answer is simply yes! In the 1800s and early 1900s our ancestors were afflicted by their poor living standards (inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices) which was of course implicated in infectious disease at the time. In addition, accidents and injury (due to unsafe work practices) were among the most common causes of death. Today, we blindly consume artificial preservatives, colourings, sweeteners and harsh chemicals, we breathe in toxic products and everyday put our health at risk, choosing a lifestyle that is not even close to 'healthy.'

Interestingly, throughout the history of healthcare different paradigms were accepted in order to understand health and illness. It was once believed that the cause of disease was evil spirits and luck, then it was the germ/ herd theory, and today the gene theory. The correct theory and 'truth' probably lies somewhere in between!

Science is doing its best to 'find a cure', cause or answer... However once we are sick, it can often take a great deal of time, money, pain, struggle and faith to fix, restore or recover our health. A better plan is to avoid ever becoming ill in the first place. Unfortunately in some cases this isn't possible however... No matter how 'clean' their lifestyle is, there are many people every day who are diagnosed with illness. Cases like these are very sad and not fair if that person who does 'all the right things' is still affected by disease! 
So, for those people who can take control of their health, doing it today is the key. For example, maintain your healthy weight before you need to lose weight and stay fit rather than needing to become fit, and so on...

Health as a general topic is an interesting one as health perceptions differ from person-to-person and culture-to-culture. The similarities however have a key denominator of wishing to live a long quality life, free of disease. For the good of future generations, science is now discovering that this may be possible through a concept known as epigenetics.

Epigenetics is an area of science that studies the heritable changes in gene expression (occurring without a change in DNA sequence). In simple terms this means that how we take care of ourselves and the affects of our environment/lifestyle may very well have detrimental effects on DNA quality and health in our children and our children's children.

This is an exciting area of geneology that gives us the power to perhaps alter our genes... And not necessarily be what we have 'running in our family'.

In an attempt to rebuild our health or in regaining our health a simple and holistic approach is often the best way to achieve great results... It is important that we begin by shifting our paradigm of health and by becoming educated. Being better educated about health will allow individuals to make healthier choices and better decisions. In addition, having an understanding of the body and how it functions (physiology) and genetics/ epigenetics is important... Very simply, our health potential is genetically encoded from conception (however can be changed with healthier lifestyle practices), our body needs fuel (sunlight, food and water), every organ is innervated by the nervous system (the master controller), the spine protects the nervous system. Other than this simple explanation the body is an intricate and highly complex machine, a masterpiece that will never be fully understood.

In combating lifestyle disease, we are fortunate to have doctors in alternative health care: Chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Osteopathy, along with natural health care practitioners: Naturopaths, Homeopaths and Nutritional Medicine and Integrative GPs who are all working towards a similar goal; Assisting the human body towards greater health and function, by allowing better immune and environment adaptivity and better self healing/regulation.

Chiropractic is one particular health care modality that people are turning to for a fresh perspective. The chiropractic philosophy of health is focused primarily on the body’s innate ability to self heal and function and offers a gentle and conservative approach to care and treatment of an individual. Over the past 120 years of chiropractic, a growing body of research has revealed that chiropractic care is a great addition to a wellness lifestyle, where it may reduce health care costs, improve well-being and enhance a person’s quality of life. In addition, a landmark study conducted in 2005 revealed that regular chiropractic adjustments may have a positive affect on DNA repair and expression by reducing oxidative stress (an indicator of cellular ageing).

Healthy tips to enhance your epigenetic potential:

1. Sleep: Sleep at least 8hr a night. Ensure that your mattress is supporting your posture and use a contoured foam pillow so that optimal neck and spine curves are encouraged as you sleep.

2. Morning Ritual: Every morning before food or any other drink, have a glass of water (room temperature) and add half a fresh lemon squeezed. This is an age old detox practice in Chinese communities.

3. Keep stress at bay: Manage stress levels with regular exercise, meditation, yoga, daily walking and by dealing with issues through communication and problem solving as they arise. Letting things go, giving in and relinquishing control often releases unnecessary power, stress and disharmony.

4. Diet & nutrition: Eat plenty of raw or slightly cooked fresh produce. Try not to overload on fruit as the sugar/fructose found in fruit may create gut disturbance and sensitivities in some individuals. Snack on cut vegetables and try to consume organic where possible so that you reduce your toxin/chemical load. Eat a balanced diet with a variety of grains, fruits and vegetables, meat, fats and minimal processed sugar.

5. Water: Drink fresh filtered water. A minimum 1.5-2L per day is an appropriate target for most people, and be sure to avoid plastic bottles (use glass or stainless steel instead).

6. Reduce Toxic load: Use chemical free, natural and organic personal hygiene and cleaning products where possible. It is possible to purchase natural, organic and chemical free deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, laundry and dishwashing detergents, toothpaste, cosmetics, and absolutely everything else today. Making your own household cleaners with vinegar-water-eucalyptus is cheap and easy and bicarb soda is like magic for scrubbing! 

7. Exercise: Exercise at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 30min each time. Ensure that you stretch and warm up/cool down so that your body is prepared and recovers optimally. Yoga is a great activity that encourages mind, body and spirit connection/ exercise that can help with stress management as well as physical flexibility.

8. Avoid 'bad' habits: Minimise alcohol intake, avoid unnecessary medications and recreational drugs. Avoid known carcinogenic (cancer causing) habits such as smoking and be sure to avoid burning or charcoaling meat and other foods.

9. Get outdoors: Spend as much time outside as possible so that you can breathe the fresh air and cleanse your lungs. In addition, make every attempt to have adequate sun exposure to manage your vitamin D levels for health. 

10. Happy back: Maintain healthy spine and nervous system function by regularly exercising, stretching, having good posture and by visiting your family chiropractor for spinal adjustments.

Remember that in most cases, health happens by choice, not by chance and the choices we make yesterday, today and tomorrow will have a significant impact on our current and future health status. With appropriate nutrition and a healthy lifestyle our genetic code can be protected and even changed to help us prevent disease and illness.

 

References:

Cutfield, ws etal. (2007). Could epigenetics play a role in the developmental origins of health and disease? Paed res. Vol 61 (5): part 2. Pg 68-75.

Jiang, YH etal. (2004). Epigenetics and Human Disease. Ann Rev Genom Hum Genet. Vol 5. Pg. 479-510.

McCredie, J.  (2009). How epigenetics is changing our fight with disease. ABC Science. http://www.abc.net.au/science

Weinhold, B. (2006). Epigenetics: The Science of Change.  Vol 114 (3). Environm Health Perspec. Pg. 160-167.

Crews, D & McLachlan, JA. (2006). Epigenetics, Evolution, Endocrine Disruption, Health, and Disease. Endocrin. Vol 147(6). Pg. 4-10.

Rodenhiser, D & Mann, M. (2006). Epigenetics and human disease: translating basic biology into clinical applications. CMAJ. Vol 174 (3). Pg. 341-348

Feinberg, AP (2007). Phenotypic plasticity and the epigenetics of human disease. Nature. Vol 447. Pg. 433-440.

Gadit, AAM. (2011). Nutritional factors in mental health: Does ‘Epigenetics’ provide a road map? J Pak Med Assoc. Vol 61 (8). Pg 823-824.

Campbell, CJ etal. (2005). Surrogate Indication of DNA Repair in Serum After Long Term Chiropractic Intervention–A Retrospective Study. Journ Vert Sublux Res. Pg.1-5.

BABIES, CHILDREN & CHIROPRACTIC CARE....

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor

(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing, Webster Cert)

Many people ask, "why should a child or infant see a Chiropractor?" The simple answer is, because of life! From the birth process, to learning to sit, crawl, walk and run, children experience a multitude of traumas, bumps, falls and ‘minor’ injuries. In the community minor injuries are viewed as incidences that are not life threatening and that don’t require further attention. However the human body can only take so much and will continue to compensate and adapt, until it can no longer… "So the twig is bent, the tree will grow", and then we develop symptoms.

The human body is an incredible machine that is able to adapt to its environment and compensate for comfort and function. This is where a chiropractor comes into the picture as they look at 'minor' slightly different to other health practitioners. In saying that, chiropractors examine and look beyond the surface or the symptoms. Chiropractors locate and correct spinal dysfunctions (commonly referred to as subluxations). Subluxations are minor misalignments/ dysfunction of vertebral joints that may cause interference to the nervous system and joint function. Simply, the nervous system is the master controller of the entire human body and subluxation may affect our ability to express full health potential when the spine is not properly performing its role to protect the intricate peripheral nerves and the delicate spinal cord. 

As for our beautiful bundles of joy, the birth process can involve harsh interventions that can cause musculoskeletal trauma. If left uncorrected babies may experience side effects such as unsettledness, sleep difficulty, aberrant neck movement/ torticollis, unexplained crying and breastfeeding trouble (side preference). Chiropractic care is not a miracle cure for all ailments, though with a focus on prevention, and with a gentle, holistic and natural approach may just help your baby, child or children through their growing years with less hurdles and struggle.

Newborns and Toddlers

Babies spend nine months developing in a warm, buoyant, fluid environment, where they spend their time swimming, somersaulting and relaxing. With birth intervention rates increasing each year, babies often go from this peaceful environment to an adrenalin dominant and stressed state. Forceps, vacuum suction, back/ supine birthing, epidural, induction, manual distraction and caesarean sections can all cause undue strain to the baby's vulnerable spine and nervous system, leading to poor neck strength and an aversion to 'tummy time' (which is an important neuro-musculoskeletal exercise). As our babies develop and learn to crawl and walk, they stumble, bump and fall regularly. This minor physical trauma can lead to all sorts of symptoms and poor function and development. Commonly their gait (walking pattern) can be incorrect with the sacrum and pelvis rotating, causing one foot to face in. These are good indicators for considering a chiropractic check-up. 

Colic/ Unsettled Baby Syndrome

Chiropractors often find that infantile colic can be associated with spinal function and nervous system dysfunction (specifically in the upper neck or cervical spine), which again can arise from the physical stresses endured during the birthing process.

Chiropractic is known for it fast results when it comes to something like colic, however if the problem is beyond spinal function chiropractic may not be the answer. Various studies over the past 20yrs have confirmed that chiropractic care can reduce crying time in babies with colic and is an effective treatment for babies with colic. Chiropractic is not a treatment for reflux.

Young Children & Adolescents

As our children grow, it is vital that we ensure that their body is adaptive, resilient and strong. Throughout life, the spine and nervous system is susceptible to insult from; falls, accidents, sports related injuries, poor posture, carrying heavy school bags and a sedentary lifestyle (which is becoming a BIG problem of the 21^st century!). Similar to new babies and toddlers, seeing a chiropractor regularly throughout childhood and adolescence may give your body a better opportunity to self-heal and regulate (as it is designed to do). Conditions which chiropractic may be effective in correcting in this age group are; headaches, back and neck pain and poor posture.

To correct spinal dysfunction there are a variety of adjusting techniques which chiropractors use that are always customised to each individual to suit the child’s size, weight and unique spinal issues. Chiropractic care for children is gentle and safe. During your child's initial chiropractic consultation, your chiropractor may recommend that your family use spinal supportive school bags, pillows, mattresses and chairs. For more information on these products please contact The Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA) as they have a terrific range that they endorse or suggest. The CAA toll free number is: 1800 075 003.

In the world that we live in today we are facing an epidemic of obesity and lifestyle disease such as diabetes. In adopting a healthy lifestyle of prevention and maintenance it is integral that we educate ourselves and in turn educate and empower our children... We must teach our children how their body works, why they malfunction and what they can do today in order to ensure a better chance of great health in their future. Chiropractic care is just one part of your family’s and child's healthy lifestyle. For all of us to reach our full potential it is important that we have adequate sleep and rest each day, that we eat a wholesome and well balanced diet (including fish, nuts and healthy fats), that we drink plenty of filtered water each day and that we exercise regularly, outside. Our children are the world’s future leaders, teachers, doctors, dentists, environmentalists, builders, accountants and lawyers etc, so perhaps if we invest some time and effort to show them a healthier way, then just maybe, the world might have a healthier and brighter future.

References: 

1. Chapman-Smith, D. (1989). Infantile Colic – A Study from Denmark. The Chiropractic Report. Vol. 4.
2. Miller, J. (2007). Cry babies: A framework for chiropractic care. Clin Chirop. Vol 10 (3). Pg. 139-146.
3. Giesen, JM. (1989). An evaluation of chiropractic manipulation as a treatment of hyperactivity in children. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 12 (5). Pg. 353-363.
4. Reed, WR. (1994). Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 17 (9). Pg. 596-600.
5. Graham, RL. (1997). An Impairment Rating Analysis Of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care. Journ Vert Sublux Res. Vol. 1 (4).
6. Pistoles, RA. (2001). Epilepsy and seizure disorders: A review of literature relative to chiropractic care of children. Journ Manip Phys Therap. Vol 24 (3). Pg. 199-205.

THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING AND HOW CHIROPRACTIC MAY HELP...

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)

It is well known worldwide that breastfeeding is a ‘normal’ biological way to feed a baby. Nature made no mistakes here, as breast milk is a whole and complete food for newborn babies, and can even offer benefits to toddlers. New born babies are designed to thrive exclusively on breast milk. This is possible due to; 1. The perfect balance of nutrition, and 2. The high level of antibodies/ immunoglobulins; IgA, IgD, IgG, IgE & IgM. Physiologically, breastfeeding promotes proper brain development and protects against infectious and chronic diseases.

Breastfeeding exclusively promotes ongoing milk production, whereas supplementing with formula may inhibit the natural flow and supply of breast milk and decrease the nutrient content and immune factors a baby would naturally receive. We can’t forget the priceless maternal-child bonding experience that takes place when breastfeeding as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of six months (and up to two years!). They encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding alongside the introduction of a healthy 'solids' diet.

Breastfeeding isn't always a smooth and easy start. Like all new tasks, skills and jobs, new mothers also have to learn and master their new job of motherhood and nourishing their new born with breast milk. It is less common than thought that a woman has low milk supply. In saying this, milk supply is most certainly affected by poor attachment of the baby, or poor breastfeeding technique. In many cases breastfeeding problems arise from issues in the baby, commonly their neck or jaw. On the other hand, if milk supply is adequate, mammary glands & ducts patent and yet your baby is just not taking to the breast comfortably or breastfeeding successfully, then perhaps a functional concern exists with your baby. Commonly newborn babies have dysfunction, known as vertebral or cranial subluxation complexes of their neck, jaw or cranial bones which often affect their ability to breastfeed comfortably, efficiently and successfully…

Chiropractic Care For Breastfeeding....

Chiropractic is based on the philosophy that the body can self heal and regulate, and that when the spine and nervous system are under stress/ ‘subluxated’ the body cannot express its full health potential. The first instance this ‘subluxation’ occurs is in babies often due to undesirable foetal position and or traumatic birthing processes, such as when the following interventions are utilised; forceps, vacuum, manual distraction or caesarean sections. Therefore, having your baby assessed and adjusted by a chiropractor shortly after birth is simply a preventative means to ensuring subluxations are removed and nervous system stress is corrected so that they may settle into their new environment happily and comfortably.

It is extremely common for chiropractors to find babies born with intervention who have colic (irritable or unsettled) and who are not a calm and happy little baby. In addition,  forceps commonly cause bruising to the face, and swelling and dysfunction to the neck and jaw. When you see forceps in action, you certainly do change your perception of being super careful and gentle when handling babies. Forceps are brutal! Vacuum suction can also cause a considerable amount of dural tension/ stress to the nervous system. In fact, any sort of manual force or stress to a baby's neck and head (including c-sections) can leave a baby with commonly undetected musculoskeletal issues. When observing your baby, concern may arise if you notice any of the following; tummy-time refusal/ fussiness, one-sided neck movement (during play and sleep), stunted/ delayed milestones, fussiness at the breast, one-sided breast preference, incomplete jaw/ mouth opening (during feeding or crying), continual crying, difficulty settling, poor sleep, crying/ screaming with neck movement to the painful side.

Today, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to correct functional vertebral stress (subluxation), of which are all gentle, safe and effective. A chiropractic adjustment of a baby involves the slightest pressure, similar to pressing on a closed eyelid, and often impacts change in a baby within hours and days. A chiropractic spinal adjustment ensures your baby has a healthy functioning nervous system as they grow and develop, allowing them to express their full potential of health and happiness!

Whilst it might be considered new to most people, there are many studies that have highlighted the benefits of chiropractic in the treatment of breastfeeding issues:

• A 1999 study of the Chiropractic management of an infant experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and colic found that crying, screaming and shaking were all reduced significantly. The mother also noted that vomiting before and after feeds had ceased and that her child was a “totally different baby”. After the third Chiropractic adjustment normal suckling was restored, and the baby began to breastfeed successfully (Sheader, WE, J Clin Chiro Paeds 1999 Vol 4, 1).

• A 1999 study of Chiropractic care for infants with dysfunctional nursing found that those babies under Chiropractic care were able to breastfeed successfully (Hewitt, EG. J Clin Chiro Paeds 1999, Vol 4, 1).

• A 1994 case study presents an infant who is unable to attach during breast-feeding. This inability to breast-feed was due to pain caused by atlas/ C1 vertebral subluxation complex and Temperomandibular joint dysfunction. This three-week-old girl had colic, flatulence and outbursts of crying from 9 PM to 1 AM since birth, 19 days prior. Chiropractic adjustments (including cranial therapy) were commenced, and by the fourth week of care, the baby began to breast-feed from both breasts successfully. The symptoms of colic; the crying outbursts subsided (Krauss, L. J Chiro Paeds. 1994 Vol 1, 3).

•  A 2000 study of a 6 month-old Chiropractic patient with resolution of suckling intolerance. The baby had an aversion to suckling. Chiropractic examination detected dysfunction of the occipitoparietal junction and the upper cervical spine (C1-C2). The patient was treated 5 times through use of cranial and atlas (C1) adjustments. The suckling intolerance resolved immediately after the first office visit and did not return (Holtrop DP, J Manip Physiol Ther 2000; Vol 23, 9: p. 615).

• A 2009 case series of the contribution of Chiropractic therapy to resolving suboptimal breastfeeding. 114 Infants  were treated with chiropractic adjustments, of which all children showed some improvement, being able to exclusively breast feed after 2 to 5 treatments within a 2-week time period (Miller etal. J Manip Physiol Ther 2009, Vol 32, 8: pp. 670-674).

• A 2008 study of Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. The infant had fuss-cry-irritability, with a sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin. Notable improvement in the patient's symptoms was observed within four visits and total resolution of symptoms within three months of care (Alcantara, J etal. J Can Chiro Assoc. 2008, Vol 52, 4: pp. 248-55).

Doctors of Chiropractic are the only health professionals in the world who are trained to detect and correct spinal, pelvic and cranial subluxations. Chiropractic care is safe, gentle and effective, and is natural choice for health and wellness. Being cared for from birth by a Chiropractor ensures that your nervous system and spine are free of interference for good health and development, naturally.

For any questions relating to breastfeeding please contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association on the helpline: 1800 686 2 686 or refer to: www.breastfeeding.asn.au and for any further information about chiropractic please contact the Chiropractors Association of Australia on 1800 075 003 or Dr Orly Zuker on: info@waverleyroadchiro.com.au

   

CHIROPRACTIC

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl.Sci: Comp Med, Clin Chiro: Masters, B.Nursing)

In the history of conventional health care (allopathy or medicine), symptoms were viewed as a result of the body malfunctioning and upon seeking medical care, a patient was in most cases prescribed medication with the mere intention being to eliminate or mask the symptoms. Masking symptoms with medications (although sometimes necessary), may not always be in the best interest of the body’s attempt to adapt and heal. For example if anti-inflammatory medications are used in the alleviation of pain associated with ankle sprains/ ligament tears (rather than using rest, ice and crutches), further damage to the injured joint may result as inflammation and ‘limping’ is the body’s way of communicating to take weight off the injured ankle, to allow it to heal appropriately. In addition, often medications have damaging side effects that require further medication or medical intervention.

Today, with the growing acceptance of complimentary and alternative health care, a new paradigm or approach towards symptoms and illness has evolved. Fortunately today, science is beginning to appreciate that the human body has an incredible intelligence and ability to self-heal and regulate (and in most cases can do this without assistance). Physiology tells us that this is made possible through the nervous system. In response to external stimulus (a loud noise, a bump, fall or trauma etc), the nervous system coordinates all bodily systems and allows you to adapt to change for survival…

The nervous system is (in a nut shell) the body’s master controller/ electrical switchboard. It is through this complexly functioning system that messages are sent from the brain to muscles/ organ and back to the brain again. If we injure ourselves, are exposed to environmental toxins, develop an infection, burn our hand or are frightened by a loud noise or dangerous animal, it is our nervous system that provides or allows a response to this stimulus to take place. Without this adaptation we wouldn't be able to protect ourselves or survive.

Chiropractic is the second largest primary health care modality in the world and has been established since its beginning in 1895. Chiropractic health care is based on a philosophy which respects the innate (inbuilt/ natural) intelligence that exists within us, and that without nerve interference, you are able to achieve a state of optimal health and vitality. Regular Chiropractic adjustments, while not necessarily preventing cancer or heart attacks, may be a helpful preventative measure in improving overall health and wellbeing. Chiropractors at the same time as adjusting the spine, pelvis, cranium, peripheral joints & jaw, will guide and educate their patients about such things as; diet & nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotional health, posture and ergonomics, which all add together to create a healthy formula for longevity.

Chiropractic adjustments correct joint dysfunction and remove nervous system interference (vertebral subluxations). Chiropractic care may be the missing link in your health and may allow you to experience greater levels of vitality and wellbeing. Chiropractic doctors strive to ensure that such important communication mechanisms are not ignored or disregarded, and in doing so look outside of the square to treat the ‘cause’ of your presenting complaint.

In the past many people have assumed that Chiropractic care is only useful when the damage has already occurred; when they can’t walk or move, or when acute pain is present. The good news is that Chiropractic offers preventative and wellness care and as a result society is starting to realise that the ‘fix it when it’s broken’ approach to health care is ineffective and has led to a rise in lifestyle illnesses and disease…

The Chiropractic approach to health care is safe, non-invasive and conservative, respecting that symptoms are the body’s way of communicating. There are many treatment techniques that exist in order to suit each individual and can be modified accordingly. From a new born baby, to a sports person, tradie, office worker, medical professional, mum, dad, a grandparent or elderly person. Chiropractic adjustments may be the missing link to get you back on your feet, enjoy and loving life!