A retired neurosurgeon says "read your labels"

Is your consumption of MSG (monosodium glutamate) doing potential damage to your brain and body?
MSG is an excitotoxin, a type of chemical transmitter that allows brain cells to communicate. The problem is that excitotoxins can literally excite your brain cells to death. Aside from harming your brain, MSG has also been linked to eye damage, headaches, fatigue, disorientation and depression.

Its ever-expanding use by the food industry causes great concern in the medical profession. It is neither a necessary additive, nor a harmless flavor enhancer like common table salt. MSG actually tricks your brain into thinking the food you are eating tastes good. Manufacturers can therefore use inferior ingredients to make a mediocre product seem tastier. Higher profits and low-quality products of little nutritional value prevail at the expense of consumer health.

Children are most at risk from MSG. The blood brain barrier, which keeps toxins in the blood from entering the brain, is not fully developed in children. MSG can also penetrate the placental barrier and affect unborn children as well. Nonetheless, most major brands of infant formula contain some processed free glutamic acid (a form of MSG).

If you are ever going to Take Control of Your Health you will need to take responsibility for ALL the food you eat and be very conscious of avoiding MSG in the processed foods you purchase or restaurant foods you eat.

It is very difficult to really know whether MSG is in your food, because it goes by so many aliases. To avoid ingesting this toxic additive, you’re best off choosing fresh, unprocessed foods. Becoming familiar with the hidden names of MSG can also help you determine what foods to eat- or not eat. Here is just a sampling of ingredients that contain MSG (our nutritional seminar will include a lengthy list):

• Gelatin
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
• Yeast Extract
• Malted Barley
• Rice Syrup or Brown Rice Syrup

Dr. Blaylock's research on MSG is startling to say the least. He is a world famous neurosurgeon that has written several books on MSG and other “neurotoxins” like aspartame, etc. You can do an internet search and educate yourself and your family about the dangers of these types of food additives.

Unfortunately, MSG is in so many foods that it is truly difficult to completely eliminate it from your diet. I am offering you this information in hopes that you will research the topic of MSG further on your own. Although it may be difficult to completely avoid MSG, look at your food labels- and choose wisely. Your health depends on it!

For more information about MSG, and how to protect health against it, search MSGMYTH.COM.
Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

Power Plate. Less Cortisol & Stress = A Better Day!

The more I research and use the Power Plate personally the more impressed I become with what it has to offer.

Power Plate Training Results include:

• Increased bone mineral density which is a viable solution to reverse bone loss and to eliminate osteoporosis
• Neuromuscular stimulation and enhancement – muscles get stimulated in ways that traditional aerobic/cardio and weight lifting programs can not
• Pain reduction due to the dramatic increase in critical blood flow to muscles and joints throughout the body – enhanced blood circulation
• Improved flexibility, range of motion, balance and equilibrium
• Increased metabolic rate (critical to weight loss)
• Elevated HGH (human growth hormone), collagen (needed for healthy skin) and serotonin production (feel good hormone), while suppressing cortisol (hormone produced by stress)

While cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, it’s important that the body’s relaxation response be activated so the body’s functions can return to normal. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the body’s stress response is activated too often, producing excess cortisol and a state of chronic stress. Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:

• Impaired cognitive performance
• Suppressed thyroid function
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Decreased bone density
• Decrease in muscle tissue
• Higher blood pressure
• Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, as well as other health consequences
• Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat is heart attacks, strokes, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!

By stepping on the Power Plate you are literally changing your blood chemistry profile, your state of stress, and the course of your day. To me, that is an amazing benefit worthy of keeping your appointments. I use it everyday. With benefits like these, why wouldn’t I take advantage of what it can do for me personally? As a member of this cutting edge healthcare facility, I strongly urge you to do the same.

The Power Plate is not like a “magic” pill, potion, or lotion… it has real benefits, and no side effects! I prescribe it because you need it, and deserve it.

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

A Preview of what is to come.

As many of you already know I just got back from hiking my first 14er (4 peaks in one day). With 6.5 hours of non stop hiking, I had plenty of time to reflect on the new direction our office is taking. I thought it would be helpful to cue you all in on what new and exciting things we have in store for you. First, we will be adding 2 more Power Plates. Second, we will be launching a new patient education program called “ACTIVE LIVING”. Let me explain what this means for you:

We are attempting to do something that few Doctors have been able to do. We will attempt to dramatically improve the exercise and fitness level of everyone we work with. Many Chiropractors and other healthcare professionals talk to patients about the need for exercise, but few have the ability/desire to actually make it happen. We are going to offer each of you extended time on the Power Plate with every office visit for the following reasons: to improve circulation, to increase strength, to retain or improve bone density, to increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, to reduce cortisol levels, to improve blood chemistry, etc.

Why is this a big deal to you? You will benefit by having access to highly advanced health and fitness technology- at no cost. I know of several clinics in the U.S. that have the Power Plate, but charge a considerable amount to use it ($40/session). I want everyone in this office to benefit from the Power Plate, with every visit. Although 1-2 minute sessions on the Power Plate is beneficial, a 5 minute workout session of continuous stimulation is far better- I know you will see and feel the difference! We will be teaching you more stretch and exercise routines. We will also be holding periodic “how to” classes that will help you design specific workout programs for your needs. The NEW 5 minute Power Plate workout sessions will help you better experience what this office is all about… Maximized Health and Fitness. We are doing this free of charge not only because you need it, but also because you deserve it!

I have spent a considerable amount of time contemplating how to further improve our patient education system. I am renaming our health seminar series the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM. I have come to the conclusion that most people are not living actively, but passively. We are just “getting by” or “going through the motions”, with regard to our level of health and fitness. Living passively with regard to health and fitness is why so many people are so unhealthy. I believe this is primarily due to the fact that we lack the necessary educational and motivational tools required to take control and be proactive. My goal with the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM is to help you find the tools to live actively, and play a greater role in how your future state of health unfolds. The information that I will share with you in the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM is what I would consider my personal secrets to success… a greater state of health, fitness and happiness. I urge all of you to attend these free, open to the public, health seminars.

More details coming soon…
Stand up, speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig