5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply #3

It is becoming more and more apparent that our food today has fewer nutrients and more toxins than the food consumed several decades ago. And I'm not just talking about the processed food we typically try to avoid.

Because of this notable decline in our food supply, and in honor of National Nutrition Month let's go over the 5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply:

#3 Liven Your Liver with Water

All of the steps that we are considering to fight our failing food supply fall into two categories. One is reducing the number of toxins that we are putting into our bodies. Two is helping the body become more efficient at eliminating the toxins that we encounter.

The liver is our body’s filter, which naturally detoxifies the blood (the primary transport of nutrients and waste). On average we have about 5 liters of blood pumping throughout our entire body every minute of our lives. And this circulation of blood can be increased as much as 10 times during intense exercise!

Have you ever wondered about the composition of your blood? It is primarily WATER! Not soda, nor tea, nor coffee, nor alcohol, nor energy drinks; your blood is primarily water!

I always find it amusing that I have people who complain that they cannot drink water because of the lack of taste or they just don’t like it. Your body loves water. In fact, after oxygen, water is the most important nutrient of life.

Think about this, most people do not like to sit in a smoke-filled restaurant because it deprives our lungs of an oxygen rich environment. But when we consume soda, energy drinks, and coffee as our primary source of fluids, we are depriving our body of a water-enriched environment.

Consuming 60-100 ounces of water will provide your body with an essential nutrient of health and assist our liver in filtering out many of the other toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis. When we encounter toxins in our food - pesticides, preservatives, dyes, food additives - it is best to be prepared. If we give our liver the water it needs to funnel those toxins out, we are taking the right steps to better our health.

Our food supply just isn't what it used to be. Knowing this and taking steps to fight its failures is the best way to meet your nutritional needs. This is Tip #3 of 5. Check back soon for the next installment!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply #2

It is becoming more and more apparent that our food today has fewer nutrients and more toxins than the food consumed several decades ago. And I'm not just talking about the processed food we typically try to avoid.

Because of this notable decline in our food supply, and in honor of National Nutrition Month let's go over the 5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply:

#2:  Be Choosy with Your Meat

When it comes to the process of how animals are raised, breed, slaughtered, and prepared for consumption, the best documentary that I have seen and strongly recommend is “Food Inc.”. The documentary is not for the faint of heart nor stomach. However, it will open your eyes to where our food sources (especially our meat sources) are coming from. I am a big proponent of understanding the origin of our food. The more information we have about our food sources, the more we understand their influence on our health. 

Grass Fed, No Hormone Added, Antibiotic Free, Free Range - What do they all mean?

 

Grass Fed – Many conventional farm-raised animals have been transitioned to a primarily grain and corn diet because it is cheaper and increases the mass of the animals, thus more product. Unfortunately, corn and grain fed animals are showing much greater signs of disease compared to those animals that are fed the grass that cattle are genetically designed to graze on. When cattle have the opportunity to eat grass diets, the meat is leaner, healthier and in my opinion much tastier than grain/corn fed beef. The image to the right illustrates that point. 

And it's not just farm-raised land animals either - farm raised fish, like salmon, are sustained on a grain-based diet. (Gross fact: When salmon eat grain, their flesh is lighter in color. To get the pretty pink of wild caught salmon, farmed salmon are typically fed dye pellets. Wonder what's in those...)

No Hormones Added – Of course all living animals have natural hormones as part of their healthy lifestyle. However, conventionally raised animals are given growth hormone and testosterone injections to increase muscle mass and decrease timeline for the animals to reach maturity. Well it does not take a brain surgeon to realize that those injected hormones end up in our diet when we consume those meat sources. Is it any wonder why there are a plethora of drugs out there to treat hormone derived health challenges nowadays? Birth control, synthroid, premarin, testosterone, and insulin are just a few examples. If you are on one of the above medications, you should to speak to a health professional that can address this issue as a possible cause. Changing your diet appropriately could eliminate the need for medication.

Antibiotic Free – Food Inc. does an excellent job portraying the poor living conditions of these conventionally raised and mass produced animals. These animals are packed like sardines into closed living quarters and diseases, especially infections, run rampant. What is the solution? Add antibiotics prophylactically in order to keep infections at bay. Where do you think those antibiotics end up? That’s right, on your plate once again. Any idea why we are seeing a large population of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the last few decades? Hmmm…

Free Range – This is exactly what it states. Rather than animals being raised in cages, they have the ability to move around in their environment. Animals need exercise, just like humans. An animal with the access to exercise will be healthier for himself and for your consumption. I love Whole Foods' Animal Welfare Rating System as a resource (Check it out here). Free Range meat (like grass fed) is typically more nutritious, more filling, contains less toxins, and is tastier!

As always, reading (and understanding) the label is your best bet to improving the quality of what goes in your grocery cart. Small changes can make a world of difference in your health!

Our food supply just isn't what it used to be. Knowing this and taking steps to fight its failures is the best way to meet your nutritional needs. This is Tip #2 of 5. Check back soon for the next installment!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply #1

It is becoming more and more apparent that our food today has fewer nutrients and more toxins than the food consumed several decades ago. And I'm not just talking about the processed food we typically try to avoid.

Our plant sources are decreasing in value.  There are several factors at play here: the over production of crops in fields without adequate time for re-mineralization of the soil, the use of genetically modified (GMO) plants, the ever expanding use of fertilizers to keep insects away and the pesticides leached into plants in order to produce more "viable" product.

It's not just our fruit and vegetables that are decreasing in nutritional value. Look at our meat sources. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of antibiotics, hormones and grain/corn feed. This is completely counter intuitive for the health of the animals that eventually make it to our plate. Using the old adage "You are what you eat", that doesn't bode will for our health either.

Because of this notable decline in our food supply, and in honor of National Nutrition Month let's go over the 5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply:

#1: Eat Organic As Much As Possible or Eat Local

Let's start at the beginning - What exactly is Organic?

“USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible.” (Organic 101 here)

The basic understanding:“organic” simply means that farmers are doing everything possible to raise crops and animals as healthy as possible according to how they are genetically designed. Because plants and animals are living organisms, like us, the healthier they are at the time of consumption, the healthier they will be FOR US.

By avoiding chemical fertilizers, hormones, and antibiotics, we establish a more pure source of food. The fewer toxins that we consume through our diet, the easier it is for our body to maintain a high level of health. Do you experience weight challenges (including weight gain or difficulty losing weight), daily fatigue, feelings of depression/lack of motivation, daily headaches, joint pain, digestive distress (including acid reflux or bloating). These are all challenges that I have seen improve with consumption of  a better food source such as organic.

Typically, the largest objection to eating organic is the price. There is a list of foods that I spoke about in a prior blog called the “Dirty Dozen” (see picture on right), which are absolutely essential to purchase organic. These are the fruits and vegetables that have been found to retain the largest amount of chemicals used in conventional production.

Another option is to shop local.  Speak to local farmers regarding their farming practices. Although they may not have the certified “USDA Organic” label (because there is an excessive cost associated with that label), they may use many of the good farming practices that are considered organic. Not to mention you will be supporting local business, which I am a huge fan of! 

If you're in the Pittsburgh area, we have a few favor local farms: 

Soergel's Orchard 

Kaelin's Farm Market

Dilners Farm CSA

(A CSA is a great option for consistent fruit and veggie bundles throughout the spring - early fall)

Sewickley Farm's Market

Our food supply just isn't what it used to be. Knowing this and taking steps to fight its failures is the best way to meet your nutritional needs. This is Tip #1 of 5. Check back soon for the next installment!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

5 Questions Healthy Parents Are Asking #5

So where do we start? The following 5 questions are often asked by parents looking to improve or maintain their children’s health. My answers are my professional opinion as a health care practitioner*, and my personal opinion as a father. 

#5: Am I Doing Everything I Can to Support My Child's Health?

I saved this question for last because the answer is perhaps the simplest concept but often the hardest to taken in. Are the choices that we make for our children leading them towards health or disease? What about the choices we are making for ourselves?

Starting at the Beginning

Your body has to be intelligent beyond our comprehension to go from two cells to one trillion cells in a matter of nine months. This innate intelligence builds a fully functioning brain, hundreds of thousands of miles of blood vessels with a pump to move blood through to carry oxygen from two lungs and nutrients from the digestive tract.  Two arms, two legs, ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes, two ears, a nose and beautiful skin to fit perfectly over everything are not a random chance, but an intelligent design that is made to continually develop, regulate, and heal for well over 100 years.

This is the most fundamental point on which my wife and I base all our family’s health decisions. We are programmed for health. We have to be. If not, the human species would not have survived past the first generation. We have an incredible ability to adapt to our environment through temperature changes, exposure to toxins, digestion of food, bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes.  We are meant to be healthy.

Healthy Choices and Following Through

Let's start with two different scenarios. Scenario A: You had a long day at work. You come home, sit down in a recliner. Opening a bag of chips, you turn on the television to a loud, violent program (a movie or maybe the news). Scenario B: You had a long day at work. You come home, change, and take your dog for a walk. You sit down at the table with your family for a healthy dinner. Then you read a book (by yourself or with your kids).

Which scenario do you think is a healthier choice? Scenario B, of course. 

Health and Death are on opposite ends of the same spectrum. When you make a decision, any decision, you are either moving yourself (or your family) a step towards health or a step in the other direction.  Healthy choices are easy to spot, but they aren't always the easiest to follow through with. That's why it's our job as parents to make it a priority. Decide to be healthy and make the decisions to support that choice.

It's not enough to say that we should eat more fruits and vegetables or exercise every day. We have to actually DO these things to see the benefits. Once we make healthy choices a habit, we make healtha  way of life.

What is the Best Way to Nurture Health in Our Children?

Here are 4 ways to help nurture health in our children.  These aren't the only ways, but four that I have personal found to work best for my son and family.

1) Give them what they need to grow in health

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it is something that we must make a conscious effort of each day. Fueling them with the proper nutrition and supplementation when needed is a big step in the direction of health.  Water intake is also important - not just for little ones but for parents as well.  A well hydrated and nourished child is better equipped to be healthy than one bogged down with sugar and other food additives.

But it doesn't stop there. We must make sure that our children are getting everything they need - enough sleep, positive encouragement, mental stimulation, affection, and the opportunity to make healthy decisions on there own. As parents, we must supply their needs so that they are empowered to choose health too.

2) Build their immune system the "old-fashion way"

In Question #3 we touched on the difference between acquiring immunity natural and depending on artificial immunities.  One of the easiest ways to build a child's immunity is let them be a kid. Let them explore their environment through touch without following them with a lysol wipe. Let them eat dirt. Watch an infant explore the world. Everything goes in their mouth. That's more than just a random act - that's their innate way of building immunity while still under the immunity of their mother.  So what should we do as parents? Let them! Let them get messy. Let them enjoy it. The more they come in contact with now, the stronger their immune systems will be later.

Another suggestion is to limit the number of anti-bacterial/anti-viral products you use with you kids. We touched on antibiotic-resistance in Question #4, but there's another challenge we are creating. Disinfecting every inch of our children removes those small moments of contact with bacteria and viruses that build their natural immunity. There are, of course, limits to what I'd like my son to put his hands on, but overall letting him have free reign to investigate has built a strong immune system.

3) Lead by example

Children are sponges. They soak in everything we do, good or bad, right or wrong, and do their best to emulate it.  So let's make our actions purposeful. When we choose to be healthy, we are giving our children the opportunity to follow in our footsteps in the direction of health.

4) Remove interference

From newborn to the elderly, there is a simple truth that each body shares: Every function of the body - every body and any body - is controlled by the nervous system.  When that nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is free of interference, the body has the power to heal and maintain health. An interference, called a subluxation, hinders the ability of the nervous system to function.  When your nervous system isn't functioning at 100%, you are not as healthy as you could be. You are taking a step in the other direction.

How do we make sure that our nervous systems and our children's nervous systems are functioning at 100%? We ask our chiropractor! A chiropractor's sole purpose is to locate and remove subluxations (those interferences that keep us from health) through specific chiropractic adjustments. And the people that respond the quickest? You guessed it, children! 

Chiropractic is gentle and safe. I adjust newborns with about as much pressure as you would use to pick fruit in the produce department. Often children only need the most minor adjustments to notice a big difference.  People have asked why a toddler would need an adjustment? I suggest watching a toddler (or 7 year old, or teenager) for 15 minutes and, odds are, you'll have your answer! Having their spine checked for subluxation is a non-invasive check-up of the nervous system.  And that little bit of time can prevent so much!

I adjusted our son when he was less than a day old. He was a natural, vaginal birth (birth is tough on little ones, no matter how it happens - that's a lot of pushing on a tiny frame) and would only nurse on one side. I cradled him in my arms and just applied a small amount of pressure. His nursing troubles were gone.  He's now 2 1/2 years old and has only been adjusted a handful of times - usually following a tumble of some kind. He loves to climb up on the table to be checked and giggles after his adjustments. 

How do we as parents provide the best opportunity for health in our children? Ask questions. Understand the answers. Make the decisions that are right for you and your family. In the end, the best advice that can be given is to lead by example. Strive for health in your life; in turn, they will learn by example. Give them the opportunity to grow in health!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Dan and his community. Dr. Dan encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you would like a personal consultation with Dr. Dan, please contact our office at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com. We are always happy to answer questions.

5 Questions Healthy Parents are Asking #4

So where do we start? The following 5 questions are often asked by parents looking to improve or maintain their children’s health. My answers are my professional opinion as a health care practitioner*, and my personal opinion as a father.

Question #4: When it Comes to Ear Infections, Are Antibiotics My Only Choice?

Ear infections are the most common reason for the prescription of antibiotics. But new research shows that up to 80% of uncomplicated ear infections will resolve within 4-7 days without antibiotics (This article summarizes the JAMA paper). In short, antibiotics are not required for healing.  

What Causes an Ear Infection?

To answer this, we start with a little anatomy.  The ear is divided into three parts. The middle ear space is where infections typically occur and is attached to the back of nose through the Eustachian tube.  It is the angle of these tubes in infants and toddlers that make it easy for bacteria to find its way into the middle ear and cause an infection. As children grow, the Eustachian tubes become longer and more vertical, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.  

When a child gets a cold, mucus abounds. Thanks to the Eustachian tube passageway, the chance for bacteria growth and migration increase as the sinuses and middle ear both produce mucus to as a line of defense. Pus is also produced and is what causes ear pain by pushing on the sensitive ear drum.  Chronic ear infections occur when the fluid in the middle ear is not able to drain properly.

What are My Other Options?

Garlic Oil and Colloidal Silver are both holistic approaches to ear (or any) infections.  Both are considered anti-bacteria, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. Essentially, they are nature’s all-purpose cleaners. As with any new regiment, it is best to consult a health professional when starting something new (For example, our midwife first introduced us to colloidal silver). This is not recommended if their ear is draining.

Chiropractic is another great option. One cause for poor drainage may be a misalignment or loss of motion (subluxation) of the upper neck/head. This commonly occurs in the birthing process, learning to crawl or walk, and just generally being a kid. Chiropractors restore the alignment and motion to these areas through safe and effective adjustments. The three biggest reasons I see children in my office (in no particular order) are ear infections, digestive distress, and wellness care.  We see children recover from chronic ear infections and improve their immune system health on a regular basis.

Pain management with a little one can be difficult. The pain associated with ear infections can be decreased by applying a warm compress to the ear. Swallowing will help to relieve some of the pressure (and upping the fluids is always good), so increase their nursing or water intake.  Keeping their head elevated while they sleep will also help. I’m typically not an advocate of medication because it masks symptoms rather than addressing the problem. However, if your child is in extreme discomfort, acetaminophen is also an option.

Why Not Try an Antibiotic?

There are several reasons that I tend to avoid antibiotics when possible. The first, as with any medication, is the possible side effects. Rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and allergic reactions are the most common for the penicillin group typically used for ear infections.

Resistance to antibiotics is another area of consideration. Continued use of antibiotics on a large scale is producing more antibiotic-resistant “super bugs”.  For an individual, the use of repetitive antibiotics or antibiotics of increased strength can cause that same resistance within your body.  

Another reason to minimize antibiotic use is to protect the good bacteria in your body. I see patients that have used antibiotics somewhat regularly and now have digestive issues. That’s because the good bacteria that live symbiotically in your digestive tract and help with the normal digestive processes is attacked just the same as the bacteria the cause infections. I always recommend a quality probiotic to replenish the good bacteria after any bout with antibiotics.

Let’s be clear: Antibiotics are life-saving medicine, but if we overuse them now, they may not be effective when they are truly needed.  Research points to the fact that over 80% of ear infections will resolve themselves if we are patient and let the body do what it was designed to do – HEAL.  In fact, new studies are suggesting that using antibiotics may contribute to an increase in future ear infections (food for thought here).

Prevention is (Always) The Best Medicine!

Here are 8 steps that you can take as parents to reduce the likelihood of ear infections. (I’m happy to say we follow this list and our 2 ½ year old son has never had an ear infection, or antibiotic for that matter.)

1. Breastfeeding - Medical literature supports the claim that prolonged breastfeeding lowers your child’s chances of getting ear infections. Also, infants are held during breast-feeding in a position that allows the Eustachian tubes to function well. 
2. Feeding Position -Changing the position of a bottle-fed baby is also helpful. If fed lying, the milk can irritate the Eustachian tube which can contribute to ear infections. Holding you baby at an angle while nursing or bottle feeding helps prevent Eustachian tube irritation.
3. Chiropractic Care – Studies show that chiropractic adjustments can improve middle ear drainage and decrease ear infections. It’s a gentle, safe, and effective avenue to overall health.
4. Prevent Colds Before They Start – Do all the things you already do to keep your little one from getting sick. Wash hands often, get plenty of sleep, eat a well-rounded diet, and keep your nervous system free from interference. 
5. Get the Snot Out - If a runny nose and cold start, try to clear the nose as best you can by using steam, saline nose drops, and suctioning.  Keeping that mucus moving out will decrease the ability of bacteria to grow and put up a fight.
6. Avoid Cigarette Smoke - Just one more reason to keep the kids away from cigarette smoke (did we need another?). There is strong evidence that smoking irritates a baby’s nasal passage. That irritation can lead to Eustachian tube problems and an increased risk of infection.
7. Eat More Raw Fruits and Veggies – Do you ever notice how I slip this in to every post? Fruits and Veggies will boost the immune system and give your child what they need to fight infection.  If you have a picky eater, think about a quality supplement.
8. Decrease or Eliminate Dairy – Food sensitivity and allergies can also be a factor in ear infections. One of the big culprits is diary. Not only can it be an allergen, it is also a great mucus maker. We want to eliminate dairy to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and cut mucus production. (Check out Question #2 for more details about ditching the dairy).

How do we as parents provide the best opportunity for health in our children? Ask questions. Understand the answers. Make the decisions that are right for you and your family. In the end, the best advice that can be given is to lead by example. Strive for health in your life; in turn, they will learn by example. Give them the opportunity to grow in health! This is question 4 of 5 – Check back later this week for the next installment.
 

[Disclaimer: Check out the first entry of this series for background, disclaimer, and Question #1]

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Dan and his community. Dr. Dan encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you would like a personal consultation with Dr. Dan, please contact our office at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com. We are always happy to answer questions.

5 Questions Healthy Parents are Asking #3

So where do we start? The following 5 questions are often asked by parents looking to improve or maintain their children’s health. My answers are my professional opinion as a health care practitioner*, and my personal opinion as a father. 

Question #3: Do I Have to Vaccinate My Child?

Vaccines are a very sensitive topic for many people, especially as the information available surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases and vocal anti-vaccine advocates are

spotlighted and criticized. I will be the first to say that if the pro-vaccination community thinks the only reason there is hype about vaccines is autism, then they are way off the mark. Do I think vaccines cause autism? Absolutely not. There are a multitude of environmental factors that are coming into play, and I do believe vaccines could be part of it in certain cases. Humans are not linear equations. We are a complex interrelated organized system that is living, breathing matter. To think there is only one single cause of autism or any modern disease is very shortsighted.

With that said, the simple answer to the question is no.  Vaccination is a choice; it is a parent’s responsibility to make an informed choice based on what is best for their family’s health.  While some organizations and travel require certain vaccines, there are often exemptions available if you decide to forgo the shots.

How Do We Build Immunity?

There are two distinct ways to build immunity within our bodies. We can do it artificially through man-made vaccinations. Or we can do it naturally (the way we have done for all of human history BV – Before Vaccines.) Natural immunity may be acquired actively through exposure to a disease. This is the only way the body has the capacity to maintain a lifetime of immunity against a disease. Think Chicken Pox Party: When one youngster had chicken pox, everyone came over to play – a few days of itching and immunity for life!  We also participate in natural immunity passively by obtaining antibodies from an outside source such as breast feeding. This does not offer long term immunity, but will provide safety for children with developing immune systems, which is especially important in the first 6 months of life.

Artificial immunity is built through vaccination.  The exposure of our immune system to a live or weakened virus in order to “trick” the body into believing it has been exposed to the disease. Studies have shown that this type of immunity is limited; it is not effective long-term, leading to the need for “booster” shots.  The recent Whooping Cough (Pertussis) outbreaks have been attributed to vaccine effectiveness decreasing over time and another booster has been suggested for teens (that makes 6+ recommended pertussis boosters). This type of immunity also bypasses primary and secondary immune defenses by injecting these diseases directly into the blood stream.

I’ll pause here to say that I do believe there is a time and place for artificial immunity, especially in children who are not able to breastfeed or who have weakened immune systems for whatever reason. I feel that natural immunity is more beneficial in the majority of cases because, although the theoretical idea of vaccination is an evolutionary breakthrough, the current implementation falls gravely short of success.   My three biggest concerns with the current vaccine regiment are simple: Contents, Volume and Accountability.

Contents

There is a massive amount of ingredients that accompany any vaccine.  These ingredients include but are not limited to formaldehyde (used for embalming a corpse), aluminum and Thimerosal (heavy metal neurotoxins), and detergents ( A full list can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website ). These are additives we avoid like the plague (excuse the pun) and slap Mr. Yuck stickers on. As parents, we are diligent about checking food labels for MSG, dyes, and preservatives like Polysorbate 80 (found in half the vaccines on the market). We lock the cleaning supplies away. Why then is it okay to use them as stabilizers and inject them directly into our children? We know the ingredients are bad news individually; nothing changes when we package them together.

Volume

Another shortcoming in more recent vaccine history is the increase in sheer number. If my son were to follow the current recommended vaccine schedule, then he would receive three times as many vaccines by 6 years of age than my wife and I received when we were children.

Why is this a problem? Let’s take Aluminum as an example. Studies show that a safe range of Aluminum for premature babies and those with impaired kidney function to receive intravenously is 4-5 mcg per kg of body weight per day. We can assume that a healthy baby should be able to handle more than that, but no safety studies have been done to substantiate that claim. We'll use 5 mcg/kg/day as a conservative estimate because, well, we like to be conservative when talking about toxicity and children's health. Doing a little tedious math, you can find the  level of aluminum a healthy baby should be able to handle in a day.

12 pound, healthy baby: about 30 mcg of aluminum

25 pound, healthy toddler:  about 63 mcg of aluminum

50 pound, healthy child: 125 mcg of aluminum

Now how much Aluminum is found in a vaccine? Each is different, but we’ll keep it simple and look at just one.  DTaP (for Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) contains 170 to 625mcg depending on the manufacturer. Looking at our calculation, 170 mcg is more Aluminum than a 50 pound healthy toddler should receive in a day. But this vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months…with other vaccines on the same visit (CDC proposed schedule).  That’s a lot for a little (or any) immune system to handle. (Dr. Sears carries out a more detailed example here with links to related studies.)

Many parents are now spreading out their children’s vaccinations through delayed schedules or choosing only certain vaccines to administer. These are perfectly responsible parenting decisions. 

Accountability

If the ingredients themselves do not concern you as a parent, then perhaps $2 Billion might. That is the amount of money awarded to vaccine injured parties, since the inception of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and estimates believe these injuries are grossly under-reported (Details).  What’s more, the Act prevents vaccine manufacturers from being held liable for those injuries. That $2 Billion is paid for through TAXES! If a toy company sold a toy that injured a child they would be sued right out of business. This act prevents pharmaceutical companies from baring that responsibility.  Without accountability, there’s little reason to maintain highest standards that should be demanded of this industry. (And frankly, I am more than a little irritated that my tax dollars pay for their mistakes. Especially when those mistakes are negatively impacting the lives of children and their families.)

More vaccines are being created every year, adding to the artificial immunity. My question as a parent and health care practitioner is what is the limit? We already know that artificial immunity does not provide the lifetime effectiveness that natural immunity does.  I wonder if there will ever be a shift back towards building immunity naturally, the way we were designed. All I hope for is that parents make the best decision for their families based on all the information that is currently available. Get informed and then decide.

For more information on vaccines, I recommend the following resources:

1. National Vaccine Information Center (www.nvic.org)
2. International Medical Council on Vaccination (http://www.vaccinationcouncil.org/)
3. The Greater Good Movie (http://www.greatergoodmovie.org/) 
4. The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child by Dr. Robert Sears, M.D.

In general, you don’t have to be pro or anti vaccine. But we should all be pro information.

How do we as parents provide the best opportunity for health in our children? Ask questions. Understand the answers. Make the decisions that are right for you and your family. In the end, the best advice that can be given is to lead by example. Strive for health in your life; in turn, they will learn by example. Give them the opportunity to grow in health! This is question 3 of 5 – Check back later this week for the next installment.
 

[Disclaimer: Check out the first entry of this series for background, disclaimer, and Question #1]

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Dan and his community. Dr. Dan encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you would like a personal consultation with Dr. Dan, please contact our office at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com. We are always happy to answer questions.

5 Questions Healthy Parents Are Asking #2

So where do we start? The following 5 questions are often asked by parents looking to improve or maintain their children’s health. My answers are my professional opinion as a health care practitioner*, and my personal opinion as a father. 

Question #2: Does My Child Need Milk for Calcium? 

The short answer? No. 

Let’s look at what we know through observation. Humans are the only species that will drink milk from another animal after being weaned in childhood. Think about cows or horses and how large and strong their bones are and they do not drink milk. 

So where do these animals get their calcium to obtain such large and strong bones? From the grasses they eat. Yes, milk does have a larger concentration of calcium than most green vegetables, but most calcium rich veggies (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach, and collard greens) have a bio-availability (the amount absorbed into the blood stream) twice as high as milk and other dairy products. Therefore, I strongly recommend a wide variety of vegetables and nuts to achieve your daily calcium. It isn’t about how much you eat, it is about how much you absorb!

It’s also interesting to look at our body’s ability to break down milk, or more specifically milk sugar known as lactose, as we age. Lactose is broken down by an enzyme called lactase, which is produced by cells that line the small intestine. Now, isn’t it interesting that we automatically start to decrease our production of lactase (and therefore our ability to break down lactose) around the age of two, which is an average age for children to wean.  How is that for intelligent design! When someone stops producing lactase altogether, they become lactose-intolerant and will suffer from severe gas, bloating, and diarrhea with any milk consumption. 

The truth is, even if we don’t completely stop making lactase, everyone slows down production and therefore cannot handle milk by the gallon, especially into adulthood. We all fall somewhere on the lactose-intolerant spectrum. You may have bloating or gas after meals and not associate it with milk of dairy. (A great test is to go dairy-free for a few days and note the difference in digestion).

So do your family a favor and cut down the milk and increase the vegetable intake. THAT will do your body good! 

How do we as parents provide the best opportunity for health in our children? Ask questions. Understand the answers. Make the decisions that are right for you and your family. In the end, the best advice that can be given is to lead by example. Strive for health in your life; in turn, they will learn by example. Give them the opportunity to grow in health! This is question 2 of 5 – Check back later this week for the next installment.
 

[Disclaimer: Check out the first entry of this series for background, disclaimer, and Question #1]

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Dan and his community. Dr. Dan encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you would like a personal consultation with Dr. Dan, please contact our office at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com. We are always happy to answer questions.

5 Questions Healthy Parents are Asking #1

Let me begin by stating that I have a 2 ½ year old son who is one of the healthiest kids I know. This isn’t bragging and I’m not worried that I’m tempting fate by saying it out loud. Much of what I have learned about health and healing over the last decade has been substantiated simply by observing his growth, behavior, and development. He is not healthy by luck or chance or “good genes”.

This article is written with one idea in mind, one underlying question that I think all parents have in common:  How do I provide the best foundation for health in my children? At the end of the day, we all want what is best for our kids and we make the absolute best decisions with the information available to us. In our world, there is more information out there than one person could comprehend in 10 lifetimes. 

So where do we start? The following 5 questions are often asked by parents looking to improve or maintain their children’s health. My answers are my professional opinion as a health care practitioner*, and my personal opinion as a father.

[Disclaimer: The information you are about to read is strongly opinionated and against the grain. It is largely based on our personal experience, colleague and grassroots agreement, and observational conclusions. If you are looking for FDA or CDC approval STOP! If you are looking for some fresh ideas from a dedicated father and determined healthcare practitioner who consistently strives to improve the health of all those he touches, keep reading.  I will try my best not to offend anyone, but no promises.]

Question #1: How will this test or procedure improve my child’s health?

For every sneeze, cough or hiccup, there are 10 tests that could be run to investigate the cause, measure data points, and maybe even diagnosis something that requires more tests and data points, and maybe a new diagnosis, this time with a regiment of medication with, perhaps more tests.  Often, the right question is not being asked: What are the results of this test or procedure going to tell me about my child’s health and what will I do with the results?

The entire healthcare industry is built upon the foundation of diagnosis and disease intervention. In order to diagnose, a practitioner must gather information through consultations, exams, and testing. If the information fits a certain criteria, then a certain course of action or treatment is recommended. Our intuitive nature as humans has led to countless breakthroughs in technology for calculating a host of data to measure the functions of our body.

We have had such a rapid expansion in technology over the last several decades that our ability to calculate certain body functions has greatly surpassed our ability to logically interpret the results and apply them in a healthful manner.  If we’re not interpreting the results of tests correctly, we are often causing more harm than good. If we’re carrying out unnecessary procedures based on misinformation, we’re adding risks and potentially creating additional problems. If the overall goal is health, then the question is obvious – Is this course of action going to benefit the health of my child? Sometime that answers is yes. Sometimes that answer is no.

A great example is one with newborns and jaundice. I recently had a patient who was blessed to add another grandbaby into her life, but she was sharing that they had to stay in the hospital for monitoring because the baby had jaundice (a yellow tinting of the skin due to the liver’s inability to process a metabolite called bilirubin). Now this is very common in newborns, but has anyone ever wondered why? In our infinite ability to measure body functions, we know that newborns do not develop clotting factor in the blood until they are approximately 8 days old, due to the need for vitamin K in their diet from mommy’s milk to stimulate clotting factor growth. Therefore, if a baby would need emergency surgery or a simple “convenient” circumcision, they would not be able to survive without clotting factor. So again in our infinite wisdom, healthcare professionals can deliver a large injection of vitamin K to stimulate the body’s development of clotting factor from day one. However, vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin and all fat soluble vitamins must be processed through the liver. Large doses can be toxic and cause the liver to be placed under ton of stress while trying to detox from the large dose of vitamin K. In the process, the metabolite bilirubin is placed on the back burner and builds up in the body to cause the yellow tint of the skin and eyes known as “jaundice.”

The next time your child’s health care professional suggests a test or procedure for YOUR child, remember that YOU have the right to know the risks and overall benefits of that procedure.  You should be comfortable asking questions and taking the time to understand the answers. If he or she cannot give you a complete answer or you are not comfortable with the answers given to you, it may be time to shop for another provider that fits your family health goals.

How do we as parents provide the best opportunity for health in our children? Ask questions. Understand the answers. Make the decisions that are right for you and your family. In the end, the best advice that can be given is to lead by example. Strive for health in your life; in turn, they will learn by example. Give them the opportunity to grow in health! This is question 1 of 5 – Check back later this week for the next installment.

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Dan and his community. Dr. Dan encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you would like a personal consultation with Dr. Dan, please contact our office at 412-369-0400 or info@turofamilychiropractic.com. We are always happy to answer questions.