Is spinal fusion the solution? Despite an increase in the number of fusion surgeries in both Australia and the US there is: ~”Inadequate high-quality evidence to support the use of spinal fusion for most back-related conditions, including spinal stenosis. ~ Surgeons continue to disagree on when spinal fusion surgery should be performed. ~ There are no studies comparing spinal fusion
“Grieving your old self when chronic illness turns you into someone you don’t like. This loss is so profound – how do you grieve for someone who is here but not here? I no longer recognize myself. I don’t know who I am anymore.” This is such a powerful statement. Chronic illness is not only debilitating, but it can also
There continues to be a growing body of evidence that adopting healthy dietary interventions can help lower anxiety and depressive symptoms. “Researchers at the University of Manchester conducted a meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 45,826 participants, that assessed the effects of dietary interventions on the symptoms of depression and anxiety The findings, published in The Journal Psychosomatic
Fibromyalgia is a highly debilitating condition with variable combinations of persistent, widespread musculoskeletal pain, debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction and psychological distress. The prevalence of these conditions is increasing, and it can be challenging for patients to get a clear diagnosis and effective treatment. The management of this complex condition has perplexed the medical community for many years, and
Canada’s long-anticipated revised food guide was released on Tuesday morning. It has sparked much controversy by removing food industry influence and particular food groups, mainly those pertaining to the dairy, cattle and sugar industries. The new food guide suggests: ~ Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits~ Choosing whole grains~ Eating “protein foods” where plant-based proteins, like legumes, beans, and
Is your current health status due to a genetic predisposition, your lifestyle choices and mindset or a combination of both? “A new study finds that if you tell people that they have a genetic predisposition to certain health characteristics, such as a low capacity for exercise or a tendency to overeat, their bodies start to respond accordingly. Even if their
“Low vitamin C levels appear to impair the gut-liver axis’ role in vitamin E transfer and bioavailability that is crucial in maintaining antioxidant protection and preventing inflammation in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. The review suggests that improving vitamin C status may help alleviate endotoxemia – the presence of endotoxins in the blood – and its consequent pro-inflammatory responses which are
Vitamin D, vitamin K and what I will refer to as “unsupervised supplementation”. This post is primarily about the role of vitamin D and K. It is also about being mindful of what you are supplementing with, and the importance of seeking professional guidance when taking vitamins and herbal medicines. ***Vitamins are classified as fat soluble (A, D, E &
The food that you choose to consume is entirely a personal preference. For the most part, I don’t promote a strict paleo, keto, mediterranean, low fat, low fodmap, high carb, low carb, plant based, fruitarian, raw, vegetarian, vegan etc way of eating (WOE). I will rarely suggest that a patient follows a special WOE unless it is absolutely necessary. Under
The phrase “butterflies in my stomach” refers to a common experience – that fluttery feeling in the stomach before a stressful event, a big presentation, a first date and even moments before riding on a rollercoaster or boarding a plane. It is an idiomatic expression that means that a person is anxious or has a nervous feeling in their stomach.