CHIROPRACTIC: Non-drug therapies may reduce adverse outcomes in service members with chronic pain A new study based on Veterans Affairs health records finds that non-drug therapies given to military service members with chronic pain may reduce the risk of long-term adverse outcomes, such as alcohol and drug disorder and self-induced injuries, including suicide attempts. The findings appeared online Oct. 28, 2019, in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. While in service, the solders received non-drug therapies that included acupuncture, dry needling, biofeedback, chiropractic care, massage, exercise therapy, cold laser therapy, osteopathic spinal manipulation, electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasonography, superficial heat treatment, traction, and lumbar supports. Ultrasonography is a technique that uses echoes of ultrasound pulses to pinpoint objects or areas of different density in the body. In the study, the researchers compared service members with chronic pain who did or didn't receive non-drug therapies and described the links between such treatments in the military and long-term adverse outcomes. They determined that soldiers who received non-drug therapies were at lower risk of being diagnosed with drug use disorders and self-inflicted injuries, such as accidental poisoning and suicidal ideation--which is the thought of taking one's own life. Source: Veterans Affairs Research CommunicationsJournal reference: Meerwijk, E. L. et al. (2019) Nonpharmacological Treatment of Army Service Members with Chronic Pain Is Associated with Fewer Adverse Outcomes After Transition to the Veterans Health Administration. Journal of General Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05450-4
WELLNESS:Why sprouted nuts and seeds make a smart food choice (NaturalHealth365) Many natural health lovers wonder if sprouted nuts and seeds are really worth it for maximum nutritive absorption. Well, according to many integrative physicians and natural food experts, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Here’s a surprising food fact for you: Did you know a chemical so harsh that it was banned by the National Motorcycle Association could be coating those so-called raw almonds you’ve been eating for your daily snack? Propylene oxide and phytic acid are two synthetic and natural toxins contained not only in almonds but in most commercially sold nuts, grains and seeds today. What’s a nut lover to do? Food science research suggests that sprouting nuts and seeds can reduce harmful toxins, difficult to digest proteins and anti-nutrients as well as improve nutrient absorption. Simply put, if you want to receive the greatest nutritional value from your nuts, grains, and seeds – start sprouting to minimize the risk of toxicity and make your snack easier to digest. Grains get a bad name these days too, but if prepared by sprouting, their nutritive benefits are activated. Gluten, a form of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt make them difficult to digest. Yet, sprouting not only activates nutrients within these grains but also predigests gluten – making it easier to metabolize. Pumpkin seeds are the only alkalizing seed and may improve your emotional well-being. Known to contain an appreciable amount of tryptophan, this amino acid is converted to serotonin and niacin to help you relax, improve mood, and enjoy a restful slumber. Walnuts benefit the cardiovascular system by soothing blood vessels, regulating optimal cholesterol ratios and blood pressure. Almonds help elevate antioxidant levels, reduce inflammation, support mood, and improve heart health. Here’s the good news. Sprouting is really not hard to do – in fact, anyone can do it. If you’re interested in learning how – we highly recommend you learn from an expert like Ari and Noah – the Sprout Brothers (yes, they are actually brothers). Their father, Steve “The Sproutman” Meyerowitz (a blessed memory) was a dear friend of NaturalHealth365 and started this business over 40 years ago! Sources for this article include: Wholegraincouncil.orgNIH.govWestonaprice.org
FUNNY BONES: When I was a proofreader, I shared with my coworkers this example to illustrate how writing can skew based on gender: A professor wrote on the blackboard, “Woman without her man is nothing.” The students were then instructed to insert the proper punctuation. The men wrote, “Woman, without her man, is nothing.” The women wrote, “Woman! Without her, man is nothing.” —Susan Allen
