The Generosity of the United States

     I find it ironic that worldwide view of the United States is so negative.  We hear it all the time, that Americans are greedy, fat, stupid, lazy and egocentric.  But then, something terrible happens that rocks the world.  Haiti is reduced to a pile of ruble by a 7.0 earthquake.  At count, 200,000 people died in this natural disaster.  

     So what happened,  The U.S. government pledged $100 million dollars(which the government  doesn't have).  But what really opened my eyes was the amount of money that has poured in from everyday Americans.  According to the Christian Science Monitor, Americans and charitable organizations have raised $457 million dollars so far, and the money keeps pouring in.  That does not sound like the same Americans we hear about overseas and in the media to me.  If these charitable acts of the American people does not restore your faith in humanity, I don't know what will.  I know around the world that millions of dollars are also pouring in.  

     Compassion is alive and well, within the boundaries of the United States as well as the rest of the world.  It is too bad that it takes a tragedy like Haiti to bring the world closer together.

     

Understanding Prevenative Health Care

Understanding Preventative Healthcare
Dr. Corey J. Sondrup, DC,

Whether you are new to holistic/natural healthcare or rooted in traditional medicine, the concept of preventative healthcare should not be ignored. For most of the population, optimal health ranks low on the priority list. Sure, we all want it, but most people are not willing to do what it takes to achieve it.

All other facets of life get attention. Most people take cars in on a regular basis for oil/filter changes or tune-ups. We take out the garbage every week, mow the grass, weed the flower beds, dust and vacuum the house, and put in overtime at work. When it comes to our bodies, we wait until we are sick or when we are in terrible pain before we seek the care of a physician. Like our bodies if we put off cleaning the house, grooming the yard, taking car of the cars and miss work, things tend to fall apart faster. It takes longer to clean up the mess, more money to pay for repairs, less money in our bank accounts and more and more stress.

The body works the same way. The longer we neglect it the longer it takes to recover when an emergency arises. That is where preventive healthcare comes to play. Why are we told to get a yearly physical? Because, if we do come down with a serious illness, early detection can mean the difference between life and death. The earlier the detection, the shorter the recovery/healing time. The same thing applies with natural/holistic healthcare. As a chiropractor, nutritionist, kinesiolgist, I see this every day. My patients that take care of themselves by, eating right, exercising, drinking plenty of water, avoiding drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and receiving periodic chiropractic-bioenergetics treatment. Recover three times faster then patients that don’t regularly take care of themselves. Think of your body as a bank. Every time we exercise, eat well, avoid garbage, take vitamins and minerals, and get regular treatments, it’s like making lots of daily health deposits in your body bank. Now let’s say you get in a fender bender and suffer from whiplash, or you injure your shoulder or knee during recreation. If your account is full your recovery time is faster with less pain and discomfort. If you have not been making daily deposits, your recovery time is much slower with increased pain and discomfort. Not to mention your financial bank account will be much lower not only form time off of work, but for the extra office visits while a physician like myself attempts to put you back together. My job is three times easier if your body bank account is full.

Remember there are two types of healthcare, emergency and preventative. Emergency healthcare is for accidents, injuries, and life threatening situations. Preventative healthcare is such that if you are unfortunate enough to suffer with a condition that needs emergency healthcare your recovery/healing time will be much faster. What about cancer, heart disease and diabetes? Unfortunately, emergency healthcare is not equipped to handle chronic debilitating diseases. The diseases are the direct result (except for a tiny percentage attributed to genetics) of our body bank accounts being in the red. If we had kept our bank accounts in the black, the chances of getting these diseases would be greatly reduced or eliminated.

Unfortunately, when a patient with a chronic disease seeks out holistic/natural treatments, their bank accounts are usually empty. This makes our jobs as physicians much more difficult.

Preventative healthcare is the key to optimal health and longevity. Adherence to the principles of preventative health can and will reduce and or eliminate the prevalence of chronic diseases as well as infectious diseases like colds and flu.

Dr. Corey's Top 15 Favorite Christmas Movies

Besides the snow, lights, decorations, food and family, one of my most favorite things about Christmas time is Christmas movies. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my favorite Christ mas movies from childhood and passing them on to my kids. I have also enjoyed adding newer Christmas movies to my list of movies to watch every year. As a child, we had to wait every year for the movies to air on T.V. Thank goodness we can buy all our favorite movies on DVD. Below is my top 15 favorite Christmas movie list. ENJOY!

15) Miracle on 34th Street. Its on every list because no Christmas list is complete without it. And yes, I believe the original version is the best.

14) Its a Wonderful Life. My Grandparents loved it and so does everyone else. The tradition continues.

13) Trading Places. O.K., its not really a Christmas movie, but, it is set around Christmas time. Trading Places is one of the funniest movies ever. Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy are at their best.

12) Charlie Brown Christmas. Sure, its a cartoon, but, every year I couldn't wait to watch it.

11) The Nightmare Before Christmas. From the genius of Tim Burton. A must for your collection.

10) Home Alone. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are hysterical. A great movie about forgiveness.

9) The Grinch. Dr. Seuss comes to life. Jim Carey was perfect for the part.

8) The Santa Clause. A wonderful twist on Christmas. Tim Allen becomes Santa due to a slight accident ( He accidentally kills Santa) a wonderful movie about rediscovering the magic of Christmas.

7) Scrooged. A Bill Murray classic. Next to Caddyshack, It is Bill Murray's second best movie.

6) Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Every one's favorite animated movie as a child. I still look forward to this classic every year.

5) Bad Santa. Put the kids to bed before you watch this one. Billy Bob Thorton is at his best. John Ritter and Bernie Mac also add to the comical genius of this dark, twisted movie.

4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Yes I know, another cartoon. But, Boris Karloff rules.

3) Elf. Elf is without a doubt, the best Christmas movie to come out in the last twenty five years. Will Ferrel's best movie, period. Elf is reminiscent of Steve Martin's role in the Jerk.

2) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Chevy Chase is hysterical, but, Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddy steals the show. " Sh*ters full!"

1) A Christmas Story. " You'll shoot your eye out!", " F-R-A-G-I-L-E!", " Notafinga!" The older generation says Miracle on 34th or Its a Wonderful Life. To the younger generation, A Christmas Story tops them all.

Well there you have it.

Have a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah and an incredible New Year!

Love, Light & Laughter

Dr. Corey

Courage and Discipline

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are”
-- E. E. Cummings



When all is said and done, there are two key ingredients that complete the processes of reclaiming your power and mastering optimal health and wellness. The two essential keys for success in all areas of life are courage and discipline.

In our fast pace – high tech – I want it now – society, we want it now!
We want to be wealthy, now!
We want to be thin, now!
We want the new house and car, now!
We want the perfect relationship, now!

Remember, there is no quick fix or magic bullet for anything in life. Reclaiming your power and mastering optimal health and wellness is a life long journey. Health is not a static, perfect state and neither is disease.

It takes courage and discipline to make the correct choices and decisions. It takes courage and discipline to say to no disharmonious and destructive influences and yes to unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion and gratitude.

It takes courage to let go of the old, outdated you and embrace the new, improved you.

It takes courage and discipline to master the essentials of optimal health: water, food, exercise, rest, etc. Nobody ever lost a hundred pounds overnight.

And finally, it takes courage and discipline to have the belief that with just a little patience, anything you desire in life can be yours. The only obstacle standing in your way is yourself.

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

“SSRI’s” (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors): 

(Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Celexa, Lexapro)

     Below is a list of symptoms that are commonly presented  to my office from patients.  What patients don't realize is their presenting chief complaints are frequently caused by the prescription medications that they are taking. The symptoms below are  side effects from antidepressants, specifically, the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.  Patients are frequently shocked when I "whip out"the Physician's Desk Reference and point out the side effects from antidepressants.  

     Depression is a multi-factorial condition.  For the most part, depression is not the result of an antidepressant deficiency.  Depression is typically caused by lack of Vitamin D,  Essential fatty acid (Omega 3) deficiency, lack of exercise, and poor diet.  A diet high in processed, refined carbohydrates and low in fat and protein, frequently leads to depression.  Depression, is for the most part, related to the repressing or suppressing of thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs related to unresolved conflicts, issues or traumas in one's life.  When we eat properly, drink our water, exercise, get our rest and take appropriate nutritional supplementation and we master our past conflicts, issues and events, depression becomes a thing of the past.  For more information about life changing emotional balancing modalities, check out these great modalities; Theta Healing, Reference Point Therapy, Psych-k, EMDR, Rapid Eye Therapy and GAMMA and Emotional Freedom Technique.

     

 

Rash - Itchy Skin - Breathing Problems

Drowsiness - Nausea - Cough/Hoarseness

Low Back Pain - Side Pain - Mouth/ Lip Sores

Constipation - Diarrhea -Nervousness - Headaches

Dry Mouth - Weakness - Dizziness - Muscle Spasms

Sleep Disturbances - Panic Attacks/ Anxiety - Heart Damage

Brain Damage - Sexual Dysfunction - Visual Hallucinations

Electric-shock Sensations - Suicidal Thoughts/ Tendencies

Dyskinesia “TICS” - Agitation - Type 2 Diabetes

Bi-Polar - False Memory Syndrome - Weight Gain

Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Parkinson’s Related Symptoms

Energy Fluctuations/Fatigue - Apathy - Vomiting - Fever

Black/ Tarry Stools - Abdominal Pain - Appetite Disruption

Congestion - Seizures - Clumsiness - Hypoglycemia- Hair Loss

Teeth Grinding - Muscle/ Joint Pain

 

Sources:

 Prozac Panacea or Pandora, Ann Blake Tracy, Ph. D. Cassia Publications, 2001.

 Prozac Backlash, Joseph Glenmullen, M.D. Simon & Schuster, 2000.

 Complete guide to prescription and non prescription drugs, H. W. Griffith, M. D.,  S. Morre, M.D.    2004.

 

WARNING!  The information presented here is for educational purposes only.  The information is not intended to examine, treat, diagnose or cure any medical condition.  Nor is it to be a replacement for traditional medicine.  All patients seeking to address the above side effects should do this with the guidance of a qualified, holistic oriented medical doctor.  Do not attempt to adjust or eliminate one's own medication on their own.  Sudden discontinue of antidepressants could result in injury or death.

 

Dr. Corey's Top 10 Worst Food List

This is an exerpt from my book, Reclaiming Your Power. ENJOY!




My Top Ten Worst Food List

#1 Hydrogenated Oils (Trans fats/ artificial fats, olestra)
It has been known by the food industry for over forty years that these fats are extremely unhealthy. Finally, the food industry is beginning to delete this garbage from our food; hydrogenated oils lead to Cancer, Heart Disease, Arterosclerosis, and hormone imbalances. Hydrogenated oils are man made very similar in composition to plastic, and the new anti-fats block the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K, and EFA’s.

#2 Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Splenda, and Sweet & Low)
All should be avoided. NutraSweet is by far the most dangerous. NutraSweet breaks down into methanol, formic acid and formaldehyde. NutraSweet’s toxicity mimics Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Chronic Fatigue. There has been an incredible explosion of people diagnosed with M.S., Lupus, headaches and Chronic Fatigue. If there is a history of NutraSweet consumption eliminate it from diet, watch the illness disappear.

#3 Refined Sugar (White sugar products)
Refined sugars are found in just about any product that is boxed, bottled, and canned. Devoid of any nutritional value, refined sugar robs your body of vitamins and minerals, and increases oxidative stress on the body leading to chronic disease, such as Obesity, Cancer, Heart Disease, stroke and Auto Immune Disorders.

#4 Grains and Starches
These are without a doubt the most controversial food on the list. I can just hear the vegetarians, old school dieticians, nutritionists, and low fat disciples screaming. There is enough research out there linking excessive grains and starches to the chronic diseases of western civilization (Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Diabetes, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, high cholesterol, Triglycerides, etc. etc) For more information and research, visit atkins.com, dobbins.org, and mercola.com. I routinely remove grains and starches from all my patients’ diets that have Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Cancer, Heart disease, Obesity, etc. Next to drinking optimal water intake, eliminating grains has the second biggest impact on restoring health to the body. The only grain I recommend is 100% sprouted grain bread and even then I only recommend 2 slices a day.

#5 Cows Milk and Ice Cream
Contrary to popular belief, milk does not do a body good. Commercial milk is loaded with antibiotics, hormones, and then pasteurized and homogenized. Pasteurization and homogenization alter the composition of milk. We are the only species on the planet who continue to drink milk after age two. And we’re drinking milk which is designed for a different species. We can’t utilize the calcium from cow’s milk because it is in alkaline form. Milk is a major implication with chronic ear infections, Upper Respiratory Condition, Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, skin conditions and weight issues.

#6 Sodas (Regular and Diet)
Loaded with eight or more teaspoons of sugar, caffeine, phosphoric acid and carbonation, drinking carbonated beverages will increase your risk of Osteoporosis, lead to excessive sugar intake leading to Hypoglycemia, Diabetes, Obesity, and Heart Disease.

#7 High Fructose Corn Syrup
It has more sugar for the average American HFCS and all their derivatives are found in almost everything. HFCS lead to Hypoglycemia, Diabetes, Obesity, and Heart Disease.

#8 Processed Foods (boxed and canned)
These foods are typically found in the middle aisles of grocery stores completely de-vitalized foods, absolutely no nutritional value for optimal health and wellness. Not to mention loaded with salt, sugar, MSG, and preservatives.

#9 Unfermented Soy
The debate goes on soy is good; soy is bad. Even if the studies are contradictory. In my office from a Kinesiological standpoint unfermented soy (soy milk, tofu, and soy protein powders) interferes with optimal thyroid function; they block the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. And they interfere with hormonal balance. Soy is ok if it has been fermented (miso, natto, and tempre).

#10 Table Salt (sodium chloride)
Regular iodized salts will interfere with water and electrolyte balance leading to water retention, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. The problem is we are using an iodized salt instead of the full spectrum of mineral salts found in sea salt.

The Top 10 Worst Foods are picked because of their broad range of disruption to the body. Most, profoundly disrupt the delicate balance of insulin, glucagon and cortisol which are involved in regulating blood sugar, stress, water and electrolyte balance.
Consumption of these foods even in mild amounts; over an extended period can and will disrupt the bodies’ blood sugar, hormones, vitamin and mineral balance leading to hypoglycemia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, stroke and cancer.

The News on Omega-3s

This is a great article on Omega-3 Fish Oils and their implications on health and disease.
Written by Dan Murphy, D.C. and Harold McCoy, D.C. I could not have written it better myself.

ENJOY!




Omega-3 Fish Oils
By Dan Murphy, D.C.
&
Harold Mccoy, D.C.


Modern diets are lacking in these essential omega 3 fatty acids, and working these nutrients back into diets can impact many health aspects. These fatty acids get incorporated into cell membranes, and from there they influence a wide variety of cellular functions: a) they increase flexibility in the cell membrane, allowing for better communication, cell function, and communication with other cells; b) they increase ability to regulate physiological functions by creating a unique composition of the receptor environment (for hormones, neurotransmitters, bioactive peptides (proteins), etc.); c) they increase therapeutic effects from a beneficial ratio of fatty acid metabolites, or eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxane, leukotriene, etc.) d) they increase signaling power for the immune system, i.e. influence on cytokines, macrophages, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, MHC complex, etc.; e) they alter gene expression of cytokines, adhesion molecules, nitric oxide synthase, etc.; and f) they are needed for development and maintenance of the brain and nervous system.
The typical American diet has a very high omega 6 to omega 3 ratio, and this ratio is not conductive to the support of health maintenance. Since we lack the ability to efficiently convert alpha linolenic acid to the longer chain fatty acids (EPA and DHA) with many of the reported health benefits, it may be beneficial to provide these long chain fatty acids already preformed, as they come in fish oil. Thanks to a unique process, molecular distillation of pharmaceutical grade fish oil, a highly concentrated amount of EPA and DHA is now available in supplement form.

Health benefits: One long detailed article (23 pages), containing 172 references, touts some of the many healthy benefits of fish oil. The benefits include positive influences on: Inflammation, pain, swelling, kidney function, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, organ transplant, asthma, diabetes, inflammatory bowel, hypersensitivity/allergy, non-rheumatoid joint inflammation, gene expression, immune cells, fever, erythma, vascular permeability, edema, and others(Calder PC, Immunoreulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids. Brazilian J Med and Biol Res 1998;31(4):467-90). This article also pointed out that fish oil acts on receptor operated calcium channels. Calcium channel blocker drugs, used to regulate high blood pressure, operate on a similar mechanism. Additionally, the effect on gene expression, of factors such as cytokines, adhesion molecules, and nitric oxide synthase, can affect cell membrane receptor proteins which alters the membrane’s sensitivity to inflammatory mediators. This is yet another way in which fish oil can modulate the inflammatory response.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgics are suspected of having blood coagulation defects, where their blood is too thick and not able to deliver nutrients appropriately, or remove toxins efficiently. The blood thinning effect of fish oil allows more oxygen delivery to the tissues and therefore more support for tissue repair.

Allergy: Dietary intake of the omega 6’s (arachidonic acid) was positively associated with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (Wakai, K. et al. Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and fatty acid intake: A cross-sectional study in Japan. Ann Epidemiol 2001 Jan;11(1):59-64). Omega 3’s from fish oil competitively inhibit the production of all the inflammatory modulators from omega 6’s. Other atopic diseases such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis are characteristically associated with an imbalance between different types of T cells and cytokines, leading to an increase of IgE and histamine, which gives rise to allergic symptoms (Strannegard O and Strannegard I.L. Allergy 2001;56(2):91-102).

Stroke: In a study of almost 80,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, those with higher intakes of fish had a lower risk of stroke. In a subgroup of the study, significantly reduced risk of thrombotic infarction was found in the women who ate fish 2 or more times a week. Mechanisms may include: inhibition of platelet aggregation, lowered blood viscosity, suppressed formation of leukotrienes, reduction of plasma fibrinogen blood pressure levels, and reduction of insulin resistance (Hiroyasu I, et al. Intake of fish and omega 3 fatty acids and risk of stroke in women. JAMA 2001;285(3)Jan 17:304-312).

Sudden death/arrhythmia: A randomized trial suggested that dietary supplements of omega 3’s might reduce the risk of sudden death among survivors of a heart attack. The main cause of sudden death among these men in the study was cardiac arrhythmia. Other evidence supports the association of the omega 3’s with reduced risk of sudden death among men who have not experienced prior cardiovascular disease (Albert, C. et al. Blood levels of long chain n-3 fatty acids and the risk of sudden death. NEJM Apl 11, 2002;346(15):1113-118).

Bipolar disorder/depression: Omega 3 fatty acids improved the short-term course of illness in a preliminary study of patients with bipolar disorder. The omega 3 group performed better for nearly every outcome measure (Stoll, A.L. et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry 56(5):402-12). “Fish oil blocked the abnormal signaling in the brain which we think is present in mania and depression” –Andrew Stoll, lead researcher in a study published by the Am Med Assoc Arch Gen Psychiatry (Fatty oil in fish eases depression. Reuters May 14, 1999). Also, “Stoll said omega 3 fatty acids boost levels of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain – similar to the effect of popular anti-depressants such as Prozac”. One of the mechanisms may be that the omega 3’s replenish the lipid bilayer surrounding brain cells that receive signals from chemical transmitters. As Dr. Murphy points out, the fat we eat affects the ability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to dock on membrane receptor sites and initiate their respective physiological functions.

Cholesterol/Triglycerides: Omega 3’s lower LDL cholesterol, and also have a favorable effect on reducing triglycerides (Hu, F.B. JAMA 2002;288(20):2569-2578).

Brain development/ regeneration of nerve cells: Consumption of omega 3’s by eating fish once a week significantly reduces risk of Alzheimer’s (Barberger-Gateau, P. et al. British Medical Journal 2002;325 Oct 26:932-933). This article also noted a specific role of the omega 3 fatty acids in the regeneration of nerve cells.

Osteoarthritis: Supplementation with omega 3’s reduced the release of proteoglycan metabolites from particular cartilage and abolished aggrecanase and collagenase activity (Curtis, Arthritis and Rheumatism 2002; 46(6):1544-1553). Dr. Murphy also points out that supplementation of omega 3’s can be important in both quiescent and active osteoarthritis.

Back Pain/Disc Herniation: PGE2 is the principal mediator related to the induction of sciatica and low back pain. It provokes ectopic firing of nerve roots, indicating that it may play a part in the chemical irritation of nerve roots. Dorsal root ganglion neurons can be sensitizes by PGE2. “PGE@ possesses the capability of causing pain, or enhancing pain-inducing substances such as bradykinin. It is suggested that COX-2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation through upregulation of PGE2 production” (Miyamoto, H et al.. Spine 2002; Nov 15; 27 (22):2477-2483)

Contraindications: Fish oil can thin the blood and should not be combined with blood thinning drugs. Thinning the blood is normally considered to be advantageous because of the effect on reduced risk for blood clots/hear attack. Although blood thinning can hypothetically raise risk for hemorrhage/stroke, fish intake has been associated with reduced risk for stroke (Hiriyasu I, et al. Intake of fish and omega 3 fatty acids and risk of stroke in women. JAMA 2001; 285(3) Jan 17:304-312).

Allergy: Many believe that changes in the typical diet, that include decreased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids, may explain the increase in the prevalence of atopic diseases, such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis (Black PN, Sharpe S. Dietary fat and asthma: is there a connection? Eur Respir J. 1997 Jan;10(1):6-12). Dietary intake of the omega 6’s (arachidonic acid) was positively associated with seasonal allergic rhinoconjuncitivitis (Wakai, K. et al. Seasonal allergic rhinoconjuctivitis and fatty acid intake: A cross-sectional study in Japan. Ann Epidemiol 2001 Jan;11(1):59-64). Omega 3’s from fish oil competitively inhibit the production of all the inflammatory modulators from omega 6’s. Other atopic diseases such as bronical asthma and atopic dermatitis are characteristically associated with an imbalance between different types of T cells and cyokines, leading to an increase of IgE and histamine, which gives rise to allergic symptoms (Strannegard O and Stannegard I.L Allergy 2001;56(2):91-102). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation may reduce omega-6-edrived allergic inflammation and inflammation-perpetuated sensitization to multiple allergens, and may be beneficial in the prevention of allergy” (Dietary Fatty Acids and Allergy, Kankaanpaa P, et al, Ann Med, 1999;31:282-287).

Asthma: Fish oils make anti-inflammatory substances. Fish oil can block some of the inflammatory leukotrienes, and leukotrienes are responsible for most of the inflammation that is involved in asthma attacks. Leukotriens are 1,000 times more potent as stimulators of bronchial constriction than histamine (Murray M and Pizzotono J, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, CA. P.152). It is believed that asthma suffers may have an imbalance in fatty acid metabolism, subjecting them to risk for elevated leukotriene production (Yen SS and Morris HG. Biochem Biophy Res Com 1981;103:774-79). Fish oil is a competitive substrate for arachidonic acid, therb y reducing inflammatory mediators (Oily fish and asthma-A fishy story? Theien, F er al., Medical Journal of Austraila, February 5, 1996:164:135-36). A study on children found that those eating freash, oily fish had ¼ the risk of asthma as children who did not eat oily fish (Hodge er al., Consumption of oily fish and childhood asthma risk. Med J Australia 1996;164:137-40)Canned fish included Atlantic salmon, anchovy, sardine, blue mackerel, rainbow trout, cod, yellowtail, and several others with greater than 2% fat content. Aside from the production of anti-inflammatory substances, the reported effects of fish oil and omega 3’s on the immune system could also be playing a role in ameliorating symptoms.

Eczema and other inflammatory conditions: Dietary supplements ranging 1-8 g per day of omega 3 fatty acids have been reportedly beneficial in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, IBD (inflammatory bowel Disease) and rheumatoid arthritis…treatment with omega-3 long chain PUFA reduces mucosal damage (Gil A. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory diseases. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Oct: 56(8):388-96; Jensen RG Possible alleviation of atopic eczema in a breastfed infant by maternal supplementation with a fish oil concentrate. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1992 May;14(4):475-5.)

General Immune System: The fatty acids in fish oil can influence the immune system by their effect on cytokines, macrophages, and other immune molecules. Cytokines and macrophages are immune defense molecules highly involved in the inflammatory response (Kremer, JM (ed.) Progress in Inflammation Research: Medicinal fatty acids in inflammation. Birkhauser Verlag, 1998, as sited by Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO).

Autoimmune Disease: The fatty acids in fish oil can influence the autoimmune system by their effect on cytokines, macrophages, and the MHC II complex. The MHC class II is a genetically set cell coding system that determines susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Fish oil affects T-cells, adhesion molecule expression, signal transduction and MHC class II expression (reduces the expression of these autoimmune-susceptible cells) (Immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 1998 Apr;31(4):467-90 as cited by Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO). Omega 3-induced effects may be of use as a therapy for “disorders, which involve an inappropriately-activated immune response” (Kremer, JM (ed.) Progress in Inflammation Research: Medicinal fatty acids in inflammation. Birkhauser Verlag, 1998, as sited by Dan Murphy, DC, DABCO).

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional information suggestions, and research provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.