Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that Levothyroxine (Synthroid), the second most commonly prescribed medication among older adults in the U.S., may be associated with bone loss, according to a study presented recently at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a hormone called thyroxine and is commonly prescribed to treat the condition hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine on its own, often resulting in fatigue, weight gain, hair loss and other symptoms. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications.

However, the study's authors suggest data indicates that a significant proportion of thyroid hormone prescriptions may be given to older adults without hypothyroidism, raising concerns about subsequent relative excess of thyroid hormone even when treatment is targeted to reference range goals.

Our optimal reference range for TSH is 2.0-2.5. The lower it gets, the higher the risk of bone loss. So try to keep it as close to this range as possible.

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Bonnie: This is an excerpt from chapter six of my new Action Plan, Superfoods for a Super You. It is available to purchase at our shopsite or is included in a NCI Well Connect paid membership.

"When most people see the word whole grain, they always assume this means whole wheat products. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I never recommend whole wheat. Why?

1) It has the highest gluten content of any grain, especially since it has been genetically modified in the U.S.

2) Wheat is one of the most common food allergens.

3) Whole wheat often retains mold or is sprayed with fungicide to kill the mold (it is stored for a long time due to our national surplus)

4) Too much whole wheat can block the absorption of key minerals.

So what grains do I recommend most? Gluten free grains are the best choice most of the time.

BROWN RICE - - - - rice that is stripped of its inedible outer husk, but retains its vitamin-rich bran layer - has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture - is versatile and gluten-free - is available parboiled or precooked now for 3 minute preparation

BUCKWHEAT - - - - has 90% the protein value of a serving of milk and 80% protein value of an egg and contains all eight amino acids - the shell, when dried and split, reveals a small kernel called a groat - when roasted, buckwheat groats are called kasha - buckwheat is gluten-free

POLENTA - - - - made from ground yellow or white cornmeal - traditionally a slow-cooked grain - high starch content makes it smooth and creamy when cooked - polenta is gluten-free

QUINOA - - - - has more protein per serving than any other grain considered “complete” because it contains all eight essential amino acids. It can easily be added to soups, salads and baked goods superior protein quality compared to other grains; a powerful source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free.

SORGHUM - - - - medium-size round grain with a mild, lightly sweet taste that melds well with other flavors originated in Africa; today is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world 44 - highly versatile - sorghum can be extruded, flaked, popped, formulated into baked goods, and even brewed into beer - sorghum is gluten-free

TEFF - - - - tiny, ivory colored grain whose lightly sweet, molasses-like flavor is compatible with other grain flavors. The foundation of the Ethiopian diet and principle source of nutrition for its people - notable source of calcium and magnesium teff is gluten-free

WILD RICE - - - - - the wild aquatic grass called zinzania aquatic from which wild rice is derived has no relation to the rice plant it has a high nutritive value containing niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine - the seeds of wild rice contain an antioxidant that some believe might help reduce their chances of getting cancer - adds color and flavor to any recipe wild rice is gluten-free. 

You can see improvement in your health no matter how old you are. An 87 year-old man came to see Steve with extreme constipation and gastrointestinal pain.

He had been in and out of the hospital with stool blockages, had a bowel resection, was on strong pain medication, as well as extreme polypharmacy. Suffice it to say his blood work looked awful. Even on pain medication, he was in debilitating pain. He was willing to do whatever it took to have less pain.

While the changes he had to make in so many aspects of his life were extreme for his age, after one meeting with Steve, he followed everything to the letter and felt a change very quickly. In his words, "my stomach pain, which I was getting almost daily, is gone". He also got back to his normal weight and was able to wean off some medications.

In his own words: "My IBS is the best it has been in a long time. I went to the cardiologist this morning for my yearly exam. He says I'm doing great. Everything is working well. Even my leaky aortic heart valve is doing better than it was last year. He said that I owe all of this to my new diet".

He set a great example for "it's never too late" to make positive changes to your health!

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 November 2024 Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research measured how one’s nervous system is impacted by subluxations of the spine. Did you know that Chiropractors are the only doctor who check for these subluxations and then adjust them?

Subluxations don’t only cause pain, they also effect the health of the nervous system. This was measured in three different ways; surface emg to measure muscle activity, skin temperature to measure autonomic vasomotor control, and heart rate variability to evaluate autonomic balance. 

This means subluxations can affect how well you move your body and how well your involuntary nervous system functions. That’s why many notice they can move better, sleep deeper, breathe more fully, think clearer and other improvements that their pain didn’t bring them in for. 

Getting your spine adjusted goes much deeper concerning the health and function of your wonderful nervous system. These measurements are a scientific way of explaining the infinite benefits of receiving chiropractic care.

Dr. Liselotte Schuster is a Holistic Family Chiropractor and has been in practice with Nutritional Concepts since 1989. She uses a variety of techniques, including low level laser, to help patients reach their full potential. 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.
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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.

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