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Vitamin D, C, Zinc and Echinacea and Immune Function.

This is part 1 of 2 (2 will be posted shortly).

Although not coronavirus related, it doesn’t hurt to help support normal functioning of your immune system. This article will focus primarily on the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections.

We all hate catching a cold, but did you know that there are several ‘natural’ (non-pharmacological) ways to help reduce the impact of a cold or even prevent it from taking hold in the first place ?

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a conventional term used for mild upper respiratory illnesses, which comprises of self-limited diseases caused by numerous viruses and is the most frequently encountered human diseases worldwide (Grief, 2013). The intake of certain nutrients and botanicals has been shown to significantly influence several components of immunity (Nahas, 2011).

The information in this blog is taken from the following article:

Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds—Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to Prevent or Treat Common Colds.

Vitamin D

Several studies have been done on Vitamin D and its role in maintaining immune defence. Maintaining the immune defence system within a normal healthy state lowers the incidence of infection and/or lessens the severity of symptoms and/or shortens the duration of common colds. The immune system is an intricate network of specialised tissues, organs, cells, and chemicals protecting the host from infectious agents and other noxious insults.

Clinical trials demonstrate that 400 IU per day of vitamin D supplementation is needed for the prevention of respiratory infections. Vitamin D supplementation has been found to decrease the events related to respiratory tract infections. In particular, vitamin D is useful in prevention of these types of infections, assuming dosage of vitamin D ranging from 400 IU per day to 2000 IU per day.

Epidemiological studies have found high vitamin D levels to be associated with lower risk of infections of the upper respiratory tract (colds). 4000 IU per day of vitamin D supplementation is found to significantly increase the probability of staying infection free during the study period and represents a safe daily disease to help keep cold at bay.

Vitamin C

Regular supplementation of Vitamin C (1 to 2 grams per day) may help to reduce the duration of the common cold in adults by 8%, in children by 14% and reduce the severity.

Zinc

Many studies have agreed that supplementation of zinc is helpful in reducing the risk of pneumonia and common cold and the incidence of respiratory tract infection, specifically in the elderly and in children. Zinc supplementation may also shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. Common cold patients may therefore be instructed to try zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a useful complementary treatment of respiratory tract infections. Prophylactic treatment with Echinacea extracts (2400 mg/day for prevention and 4000 mg/day during acute stages of colds) over 4 months appeared to be beneficial for preventing/treating the common cold.

Conclusion

Vitamin D, C, Zinc and Echinacea have pivotal roles of three main immunoreactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) in terms of prevention and treatment (shortening the duration and/or lessening the severity of symptoms) of common colds. The current evidence of efficacy for vitamins D, C, Zinc and Echinacea is quite strong and that common cold patients may be encouraged to try them for preventing/treating their colds.

The next blog will cover more information on Vitamin D, C, Zinc and Echinacea include higher dosage etc.

References

1. Rondanelli, M., Miccono, A., Lamburghini, S., Avanzato, I., Riva, A., Allegrini, P., Faliva, M.A., Peroni, G., Nichetti, M. and Perna, S. 2018. Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds—Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to Prevent or Treat Common Colds. Evidence-Based Complement and Alternative Medicine.
2. Grief, S. N. 2013. Upper respiratory infections, 40(3):757–770. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2013.06.004.
3. Nahas, R. and Balla, A. 2011. Complementary and alternative medicine for prevention and treatment of the common cold, 57(1):31–36.

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What’s the Crack? by Dr Stuart Bennett

As chiropractors we are often asked this question. We are apparently infamous for cracking backs and necks.

Stuart Bennet chiropractor explains –  What is a crack or a pop? Because quite simply,

We don’t crack bones,

We do adjust joints

The joints we adjust are usually synovial (two bones or more with a joint capsule), which basically contain fluid. This fluid helps to protect your joints acting as a shock absorber.

This fluid absorbs gases from the body,(mostly CO2 and Nitrogen) and when we adjust a joint, we stretch that joint capsule and a small amount of the gas is released and makes a ‘popping’ sound (just like opening a bottle of pop).

Sometimes this popping sound is loud, sometimes quiet and sometimes no sound is made at all.

So here is the secret

  • The crack has nothing to do with what we as chiropractors do.
  • We adjust to increase mobility, stimulate the neurology and realign the spine.
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Correct your sitting posture-The Do’s and Don’ts! by Dr Neil Thomas

Sitting is something that we do every day, either as part of our job, commuting or after a long day of work when relaxing on the sofa. The way we sit can however lead to long-term spinal health problems.

Let’s first take a look at the science behind sitting and then discuss how to do it properly. Nachemson and Elfstrom (1970) studied what happens to the intervertebral discs (IVDs) during different seating positions. The pressure that occurs within your IVDs when you sit (especially between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae) is at its least when the spine and hips are at 100 and 110 degrees. Sitting with your hips at 80 or 90 degrees results in IVD pressure increasing upwards of nearly 200%. The diagram below demonstrates IVD pressure when sitting in various positions according to the study done by Nachemson and Elfstrom.

[Read more…] about Correct your sitting posture-The Do’s and Don’ts! by Dr Neil Thomas

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Sun Sense

Not only does sunshine make us feel good, but sunshine is vital for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles?

 We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin D is also linked to blood sugar regulation. Sunshine is said to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. According to the NHS, a lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain in adults.

During the spring and summer months, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. So this being said, what about the dangers of too much sun? Sun exposure has links to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Sunbeds are no safer. “Over exposure to UV light, either from sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer,” says Cancer Research UK. [Read more…] about Sun Sense

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Health Benefits of Gardening

Protect your back whilst enjoying the health benefits of pottering in your garden.

 

It is that time of the year that the sun is starting to shine and the surrounding countryside is full of  golden daffodils, fragrant blossoms and bouncing lambs. Just the motivation needed to get ourselves outdoors and start think about our own gardening needs and jobs. [Read more…] about Health Benefits of Gardening

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Autumn Harvest

Leaves are turning gold, the air is feeling crisp, and our thoughts are turning to bonfires, pumpkins and Halloween. For astronomy fans, Autumn also means it’s time for the Harvest Moon. This is the name given to the first full moon that takes place closest to the Autumn equinox. The name Harvest Moon comes from when farmers would need to start gathering in crops to prepare for the winter months. They used the bright moonlight to extend the working day. This year, it will take place on 1 October 2020

So what’s in season this Autumn?

Fruit: Apples, Blackberries, Damsons, Elderberries, Pears, Plums, Quince and Sloes

Vegetables: Beetroot, Carrot, Celeriac, Mushrooms, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Rocket, Sorrel, Squashes, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes and Watercress

Not only does it make economic sense to eat seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables that are more readily available, but it has health benefits too, because foods in season contain the nutrients and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year. For example, butternut squash and apples are packed with vitamin C, which boosts our resistance to winter colds. [Read more…] about Autumn Harvest

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Health Benefits of the Tomato-“Love Apple”

February is considered the month of love, so why not examine all things good that symbolise love?The French actually named it tomato d’amour, “love apple,” because of its believed aphrodisiac power. Whether or not this prophecy  is true, there is a lot to love about the tomato.

According to an article published in Medical News Today, a tomato is considered to be a nutrient-dense superfood that offers benefit to a range of bodily systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weight loss, and heart health.

There are different types and sizes of tomato, and they can be prepared in different ways. The health benefits can vary between types. Eating a diet that contains large amounts of fruit and vegetables, is also linked to healthy skin and hair, increased energy, and lower weight. Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality.

[Read more…] about Health Benefits of the Tomato-“Love Apple”

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Why Getting Adjusted makes Perfect Sense

Every year we tend to plan ahead and set goals for our future. One’s health and wellbeing is often top of these lists.

The United chiropractic Association offer a list of reasons why getting an chiropractic adjustment is good for you and therefore a perfect choice for you to consider adding to your personal goals Each statement is supported by peer reviewed articles which back up the benefits of regular chiropractic care.

[Read more…] about Why Getting Adjusted makes Perfect Sense

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Walking on Thin Ice

The winter months have already brought us some icy lows and threaten continue to do so, so it is a good idea for us to perfect our “ice walk”

 

No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from parking areas and pavements, we will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors this winter  It is important for us to be constantly aware of these dangers and to learn to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces, in order to prevent slips and falls.

[Read more…] about Walking on Thin Ice

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Be Ski Fit and Ski Safe!

Be safe on the Slopes!

The ski season is upon us with promising looking snow falls in Europe!

Most people believe that ski injuries happen on the first day, but Stuart Bennett DC, who is also a keen skier himself, says, “After three days of skiing and using unaccustomed muscles, skiers become confident but are physically tired and their capability isn’t necessarily matched to their confidence, this is when an injury is most likely to occur”.

[Read more…] about Be Ski Fit and Ski Safe!

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Gift of Giving

Gift giving is an act that can show just how thankful you are for the life that you have. The receiver will truly feel your gratitude when you give gifts for elevating happiness and wellbeing.

Giving gifts to loved ones for special occasions is an ancient tradition. Whether it has its roots in religion or ritual, we all love to give and receive. Many of us know of those who truly need something, and there is nothing quite as gratifying as giving them this.

Here at Durham Family Chiropractic we pride ourselves in supporting local communities and especially those helping others with in the North East. In the past we have raised funds for the following charitable organisations: St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham; The British Legion Poppy Appeal; Macmillan Coffee Morning; Gift for Granny Campaign; The Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal; and PROPS and The Durham Foodbank.

[Read more…] about Gift of Giving

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Essential Vitamin D

Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles?

 We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.

According to the NHS, a lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

During the spring and summer months, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. However, in the UK, the winter sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation for our skin to be able to make vitamin D. During these months, we rely on getting our vitamin D from food sources and supplements. Using sunbeds is not a recommended way of making vitamin D.

[Read more…] about Essential Vitamin D

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The real effects of flip flops on your body.

 

During these summer months most of us ladies love to get our feet into those flip flops. We love to let our feet breathe and show off our painted toes.  Well that all sounds wonderful, and who am I to spoil that, particularly as I love to wear them too!

However it is a growing concern that heel pain is growing among young people ages 15 to 25 years. Some experts and parents cite wearing flip flops daily as the main cause. Flip flop wearers take short strides and turn their ankles inward. Long term ankle and hip problems are a cause for concern. [Read more…] about The real effects of flip flops on your body.

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Take the Plunge

Summer has us looking for the nearest beach or pool to cool down, but did you know that as well as being fun, swimming is a great way to keep fit, stay healthy and make friends. Swimming is a healthy activity that you can continue for a lifetime. It is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

No matter what your fitness level, there are many general benefits of swimming. A simple half hour of leisure swimming is said to burn 220 calories, in comparison to the 99 calories burnt when walking for the same time period.

Swimming.org has offered us a good reason to take the plunge [Read more…] about Take the Plunge

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Summer Strawberries

Wimbledon would not be Wimbledon without strawberries and cream, but did you know that this little red gem, has great health benefits too!

Ever since 1877, when the four grand slams were first played, the strawberry become a traditional accompaniment to tennis. Did you know that according to the CNN news, over 28000 Kg at eaten at Wimbledon every year!

So why strawberries?

“It was probably two things — strawberries were in season at the time the tournament was played, and in Victorian England they had become a fashionable thing to eat,” explains Johnny Perkins, the All England Club’s head of PR.

“They were part of afternoon tea, which had become a fashionable ritual, and that took root at Wimbledon.”

It may be difficult for some to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, but don’t resist temptation, as they have great health benefits to.

The strawberry is said to be is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world and there are more than 10 species that differ in flavour, size and texture. They all have the same heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat with small, leafy green caps.Strawberries are not actually fruits as their seeds are on the outside and are actually a member of the rose family.

Nutritional Information

Strawberries are said to be an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium. They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations. Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion. Strawberries are rich in colourful pigments which have a protective effect and are thought to have a number of potential health benefits, including prevention of inflammatory conditions and heart disease. [Read more…] about Summer Strawberries

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Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger

Horse Riders seem to have that canny ability to put their horse’s needs above their own. I know many horse riders who will have the osteopath or chiropractor out to their horse on a regular basis, but when it comes to their own aches and pains, they are strangely reluctant.

I have received regular chiropractic treatment over the years and have found that this has really benefited my riding position, as well has helping with pain and injury after riding altercations….yes, horses can be dangerous and you can get hurt when you and your horse have a difference in opinion!  I think that my chiropractor Stuart Bennett must just shake his head when I walk in after another riding accident, smelling of horse and generally filthy!!

Let me tell you a bit more about my background, I first sat on a pony when I was 18 months old and that was where my love affair with all things horses began. I have now been riding for about sixteen years and have regularly competed in Pony Club Area and Championship events over the last few years. I have also worked as a groom for a couple of event yards and currently work as a groom and volunteer as a show rider at Kynren, in Bishop Auckland, whilst I finish my college course. I have two horses of my own, purchasing Max, my Irish Sports Horse recently with my hard earned wages. He is my little project and I am hoping to compete him at BE100 by the end of summer. All in all, I get to muck out up to 20 horses a day and ride 6 to 8 so, hopefully my personal opinion and experience counts for something.

It makes logical sense to me that if you are unable to sit correctly on your horse due to pain or muscle tension, then you are going to be constantly stressing your horse’s back which will only cause them to have problems as well. All riding requires a good upright posture, with shoulders back and no slouching. You need to maintain nice soft arms in order to have good soft contact. If you have a load of tension through your shoulders, this is simply not going to happen! [Read more…] about Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger

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Exams becoming a pain in the neck?

The exam period can be a stressful time for many students: Long periods of revision hunched over a book, computer or notes and then the exams themselves, with hours of focused concentration.

Consumer research (2017) by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) found that 37% of 16-24 year olds have struggled with back or neck pain in the past.

Our Chiropractor, Stuart Bennett says:

“The pressures of assignments and studies mean that a lot of time can be spent behind a desk and whilst stress doesn’t cause back and neck pain it can exacerbate the symptoms, so it’s important that students take steps to ensure this doesn’t affect their work. Simple actions such as taking regular breaks, drinking water and doing exercise can help prevent these symptoms and keep you focused. “

We at Durham Family Chiropractic have helped many of our students and this is what  Megan has to to say:

Exams and writing my dissertation, totally stressed me out and I was constantly suffering with tightness in the shoulders and headaches. Thanks to regular adjustments from my chiropractor and a healthy lifestyle,  I kept my head clear and survived my studies in one piece!”

[Read more…] about Exams becoming a pain in the neck?

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Walking Fit

Whether it is a walk in the park, or hike in the hills, enjoy the health benefits of walking and make every step count!

So, whatever the weather, get yourself and your family outdoors to enjoy our beautiful countryside. Not only is walking simple and free, it is also one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight (if needed) and become healthier. Walking is ideal for all age groups and all levels of fitness, what a great way to spend some healthy familytime!

According to the NHS, “Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers.”

 It is recommended by the NHS that you start slowly and try to build your walking regime gradually. To get the best health benefits from walking, it needs to be of moderate-intensity activity. In other words, it needs to be faster than a stroll.

Set yourself a goal and try to walk 10,000 steps a day, if you would like to track this and don’t have a smart watch, there are some fun apps available as a free download.  [Read more…] about Walking Fit