Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that magnesium data is so voluminous that these gems have just appeared since my last post in the beginning of June?

A study in The Lancet eBioMedicine describes a new role for magnesium in suppressing arthritis, especially in those with rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases, by way of mediating the intestinal microbiome.

Higher urinary magnesium loss, as indicated by an elevated magnesium depletion score, is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome in US adults, according to studies from Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and Frontiers in Nutrition.

A study in Nutrients found serum magnesium levels are significantly lower in Crohn's disease (CD) patients compared to healthy controls and suggest that magnesium supplementation could improve CD management by enhancing remission rates and sleep quality.

Most older adults experience chronic magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia, which may be due to low dietary magnesium content, reduced intestinal absorption, and increased urination. In a recent study in Nutrients, researchers found that optimizing magnesium levels slows down aging.

Diabetes medication, especially metformin, was associated with elevated odds of magnesium deficiency, which weakens the association between metformin and lowering of blood sugar levels, as published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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Steve: A negative health study about fish oil has gotten the media's attention. I thought I would address it, as well as two other recent health-related stories.

Fish Oil and Atrial Fibrillation

A study from the BMJ found a 13% higher risk of atrial fibrillation from omega-3 fish oil intake. This was the authors' conclusions: "Regular use of fish oil supplements might be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke among the general population but could be beneficial for progression of cardiovascular disease from atrial fibrillation to major adverse cardiovascular events, and from atrial fibrillation to death."

Here are the two main issues with the study:

1. The statistical conclusions were misrepresented. The absolute risk of atrial fibrillation in the non-supplement user group was 4.24% and 4.80% in the supplement user group for a difference of 0.55% (less than one percent). The National Institutes of Health describes absolute risk as the difference between two risks. Put differently, absolute risk is the measure of a risk of a certain event happening. It just totally misrepresented not only the previous work in the same cohort, but the larger world of omega-3 supplement use and health outcomes.
2. The researchers examined the relationship, not the effects, of reported fish oil supplement use on clinical outcomes. They turned an observation into an effect study. You can't say there's an effect from an observation study.

In media reports, there was no reference to the BMJ study published in 2020 of the same cohort that showed habitual use of fish oil supplementation was “inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease outcomes and all-cause mortality."

There are thousands of studies lauding the benefits of omega-3's for CVD and many other maladies. I could cite about 10 in just the last month or two. However, when anything negative comes out about supplements, the media pounces. Some of it is justified, but most of it is not. Positive supplement news rarely permeates the news.

Xylitol and Polyols

A new study from the Cleveland Clinic and appearing in European Heart Journal showed that eating large amounts of xylitol and polyols are linked to blood clots.

You may recall that in the April 24th issue of our newsletter, I wrote about xylitol and polyols and how they should only be consumed in extreme moderation. Of course, this preceded the publishing of this new study, but is still apropos. The full piece called "Xylitol: A Double Edged Sword" can be read here.

Scientists at Cleveland Clinic found individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood had a 33% greater risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event within three years compared to those with the lowest levels die to thickening platelets.

It’s essential to note that the research demonstrates an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, I stand by what I said about xylitol in April, which is that a few pieces of corn-free xylitol gum are fine, but that's it.

I think a quote from a preventive cardiologist not associated with the study summed it up well: "This is another warning we ought to switch to water, with a close second being unsweetened tea or coffee."

Endocrine Society's New Vitamin D Guidelines

The Endocrine Society has provided new guidelines in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, detailing who would benefit from supplementing with vitamin D. What they’re suggesting is an absolute joke and shows just how out of touch they are. Here's the summary of their recommendations:

Routine Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency Is Unnecessary

The panel states that unless someone has signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, it is unnecessary to routinely screen for deficiency.

Most Do Not Need to Supplement 

In the general healthy adult population, 70 and younger, the panel suggests against supplementing with vitamin D and sticking with the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommendation of 600 mcg/day of total vitamin D. The only population groups that may need more are adults over 70, children and adolescents, pregnant women, and those with prediabetes.

Now you know why when you ask us for endocrinologist referrals, we have nobody to refer!

In April of 2023, we published the following case report. You'll find an update from him at the end.

"A male in his mid-30's came to us with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, uncontrolled type 1 diabetes, depression, severe fatigue, severe pain, weakness, vaped daily, was a recovering alcoholic, and was mostly confined to a wheelchair.

With Steve's guidance, this gentleman was given the tools to completely transform his eating habits. He was advised to cook for himself and stay away from certain foods and beverages, such as diet soda, that could exacerbate his conditions.

He started taking targeted dietary supplements to augment his lifestyle transformation. He was given suggestions about how to incorporate more physical activity and limit the amount of time he was sedentary. He was given ideas for practicing stress management for mental health.

At his 3 month followup, the first sentence he uttered was, “life is good.” He was balancing his meals, enjoying cooking, and not late night eating. He was in a great place mentally because of meditation and chakras. He was performing daily physical activity and limiting the amount of time being sedentary.

Thus, he reported more energy, his diabetes was under control, his inflammation had gone down, he was getting good sleep, and his body was looking more fit. This was all without eliminating vaping. He said that would be his next challenge.

This is yet another example of how multimodal lifestyle modifications can have immediate results, even in those presenting with the most severe of issues. However, it must be noted that this gentleman went all in to put in the work. We can give you the tools, but you have to put it into practice."

UPDATE FROM MAY 6, 2024

After quitting smoking and adhering 100% to his diet, lifestyle, and alternative therapies, this mostly wheelchair-bound man emailed Steve this...

"I wanted to thank each one of you for your role in my health! Each of you KNOW where I was and where I'm headed. I wanted to share with y'all that I completed a 1.3 mile hike.

Anyway, we did it safely with my "naturalist" class. Surrounded by helping hands, if needed... which we did not 👍

The BEST part, was the day after! Pain levels, no more than a 2 in certain areas. Energy levels medium-high. Mental/emotional levels high. No OTC or prescription drugs needed to help with recovery!

BUT, I did use tools before, during, and afterwards that were taught by you!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I couldn't have even contemplated the THOUGHT of this before we met. 🥰"

Did you have a great experience working with us? Please let others know by leaving a review here.

Disclaimer: Case reports are not intended for self-healing. Case reports are for references purposes only and should be discussed with your health professional.

The body performs many of its repair and rejuvenation functions while sleeping, which is important for overall wellness. The June 2024 Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research helps validate that chiropractic can be a useful modality for those who suffer from insomnia. 

A 69-year-old man was suffering with poor quantity and quality of sleep for 10 years. He underwent a chiropractic exam, which revealed subluxations, degeneration and a loss of the C curve of his neck. All of these can hinder the signals that are required for proper brain body function. 

The patient received nine adjustments in four months to the areas of his spine that were out of alignment. He reported a big change as began sleeping up to 6 hours and waking only once a night for 1-2 hours.

This is another example of how imperative it is to get one’s spine in proper alignment to help the brain send signals to the body for better health. How can chiropractic make a big difference in your life?

Dr. Liselotte Schuster is a Holistic Family Chiropractor and has been in practice with Nutritional Concepts since 1989. She uses a variety of techniques to help children and adults reach their full potential, trusting in the healing powers of the body. Contact Dr. Schuster at (847) 509-9067 or drliloschuster@sbcglobal.net.

Bonnie, Steve, Liselotte, Lori, Sharron, Cindy, Diana, Ileana, and Carolyn