Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that a history of repeated antibiotic use causes defects in the normally protective mucus barrier of the gut, due to antibiotic-driven alterations in the microbiota?

In a study from Gut Microbes and Science Advances, the researchers found a bacteria-independent mechanism through which antibiotics can damage the mucus barrier directly.

The intestines are lined by a continuously expanding mucus layer that bacteria usually cannot cross. If the gut environment is disturbed, by diet or antibiotic use, the mucus barrier can lose its ability to function normally. This allows bacteria to reach the intestinal lining and trigger inflammation and potentially even contribute to the development of various GI disorders.

If you think this is a possibility, a stool analysis is a great place to begin.

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Steve: Here's the most interesting research from the last seven months.

Coffee

Researchers publishing in Nature and Headache found that depending upon genetic predisposition, coffee consumption is likely a trigger or a prevention strategy for migraine.

Fish Oil

Supplementation with high dosage EPA/DHA fish oil yielded the highest decrease in migraine frequency compared with placebo and the largest decrease in migraine severity compared with placebo. Furthermore, supplementation with high dosage EPA/DHA showed the most favorable acceptability rates compared with placebo of all examined prophylactic treatments. This Advances in Nutrition study provides compelling evidence that high dosage EPA/DHA supplementation can be considered a first-choice treatment of migraine prophylaxis.

Reflux Medication

People who take acid-reducing drugs may have a higher risk of migraine and other severe headache than people who do not take these medications, according to a study published in Neurology. The acid-reducing drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole.

Vitamin C

A study from Frontiers in Nutrition found that higher vitamin C consumption was substantially linked to reduced severe headache or migraine. Subjects with the highest vitamin C consumption had 22% less risk of having a severe headache or migraine compared to the group with the lowest consumption. 

Single Delivery Nasal Medication

A single dose of a dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) nasal powder formulation appears to quickly and significantly reduce migraine pain, results of a new phase 3 study showed. DHE is an acute treatment option for moderate or severe migraine attacks, with or without aura. The findings were presented at the American Headache Society Annual Meeting 2024, If approved by the FDA, this would be considered only if all other non-pharmaceutical methods have failed.

Cannabis

Vaporized cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may provide rapid and sustained relief of acute migraine pain with no serious side effects, according to new research presented at the American Headache Society Annual Meeting 2024.

Steve: The idea that holiday season is upon us may be crazy to think about on October 2nd, but it really isn't. Rosh Hashanah starts tonight. Halloween is firmly entrenched as part of holiday season because there is just as much temptation to deviate from your optimal lifestyle choices as Thanksgiving and winter holidays.

According to researchers at The Ohio State University, two-thirds of those surveyed said they overindulge in food, nearly 45% said they take a break from exercise and more than half report feeling tired and have less time for themselves. Plus, a third admit they drink much more alcohol during the holidays.

Now is the time to get into the optimal habit mindset. If you have not already, buckle down to follow your eating and supplement plan, exercise and sleep routine, and just as important...your stress management routine.

Here are a few other tips you may find helpful.

• Diet: When it comes to sustaining healthy eating habits, plan ahead. If you have an evening holiday events, don't starve yourself all day. Eat a meal rich in protein not too far away from the event so you won't overeat. Avoiding dessert is ideal but if you indulge, just have a bite.
• Exercise: Keep the same exercise schedule as much as possible. If an obligation prevents you from going to the gym or going for a run, be flexible. Do something at home that while not replacing the workout, will suffice.
• Sleep: Go to sleep and wake up at your normal times, even when traveling. It's okay to say no to some holiday invitations if you feel like you're going to overextend yourself.
• Alcohol: Alcohol quickly adds to your daily calorie counter, especially if it is combined with another caloric beverage (i.e. juice or soda). Of course, binge drinking is never a healthy choice. If you do drink, try to stick to the recommended 1-2 drinks over many hours. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water.
• Stress Management: Stress during the holidays can be the most difficult to manage. Adhering to the aforementioned helps innately. However, having a "go-to" technique to follow is huge.

If you need help choosing a stress management technique or any of the above, I'm always here to help if you want to make an appointment.

Several months ago, I asked Steve for guidance on eliminating Zoloft. I had needed the drug for about 18 months, but after managing through specific stressors, I wanted to stop taking the medication.

Steve’s insights into my lifestyle, eating, and body chemistry allowed he and my physician to guide my gradual Zoloft elimination by adding two supplements, GABA and L-Theanine.

I successfully eliminated Zoloft, which has significantly improved my overall well-being. Steve reached out over the process, giving me guidance and encouragement.

With his advice, over several years, I have eliminated inflammatory foods and stopped taking Lorazepam and Zoloft. I have emerged stronger and feel so much better.

Sincerely,

Appreciative Client

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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 August 2024 Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic; published the case of a six-year-old boy who suffered from cyclic vomiting syndrome, which began when he was three. Over the years he was taken to his pediatrician, a gastroenterologist, and a pediatric neurologist. Unfortunately there was no change from any of the medications that he received. 

The parents brought him in for chiropractic care to see if that would work. The little boy received a single, full spine adjustment as well as a recommendation for probiotics. After that single adjustment he reported one very mild episode of vomiting followed by a complete resolution of his symptoms. He began receiving wellness chiropractic care and his condition remained completely resolved at his five-month visit. 

Nerves in the upper neck and mid back, when out of alignment, may stimulate the body to vomit. Balancing his nervous system combined with probiotics for a healthier microbiome was a winning combination for this sweet little boy. 

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.

Pure Insight (formerly )Genomics harnesses the science of nutrigenomics so you can understand the relationship between your genes, nutrition, and wellness at the deepest level. Covering 72 genes in 11 trait categories, we've used Pure Insight since 2015 to help clients live longer with better quality of life.

How to Get Started

1. Order a genetic kit directly from 23andMe.com or Ancestry.com and send back your saliva specimen.
2. When your results are ready, request that we set up a Pure Insight account for you. We just need your full name, email address, and date of birth.
3. You will receive an email invitation from Pure Insight with a link to set up your account and instructions for how to upload 23andMe or Ancestry data.
4. You will receive a confirmation from Pure Insight when your report is ready and we can then set up an appointment to go over your results.

Bonnie, Steve, Lilo, Lori, Sharron, Cindy, Diana, Marisa and Carolyn