From The Heart: Omega 3s, Blood Pressure and the Adjustment

Dr. Broosan's Research Corner

Lately, we are seeing more and more ads on TV about fish oil. Though chiropractors (and other health professionals) have been advocating the use of fish oil for years, it has just recently gotten press as more research is coming out supporting the use of these supplements (such as fish oil). Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) that are necessary for proper body function and development. This includes many systems of the body, but the focus of this piece will be on the heart. WebMD states that:

 
"Omega-3 fatty acids are key for normal development and growth. Omega-3 supplements have also become one of the most popular supplements in the U.S. They're used to prevent and treat a number of serious diseases. Since the human body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we have to get them from our diet. Lack of dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and too much intake of omega-6 fatty acids is believed to be a significant contributing factor in many disease states."


"Studies show strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People who have had a heart attack and are treated with omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of having further heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the overall risk of death from heart disease."

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids

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More Omega-3 research (from the American Heart Association):



"Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of CVD [cardiovascular disease]."

Kris-Etherton, et al. AHA Scientific Statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2002;106:2747

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Moving on.....

did you know that high blood pressure may be lowered through chiropractic adjustments?

"This pilot study tests the hypothesis that correcting mal-alignment [subluxation] of the Atlas vertebra reduces and maintains a lower BP [blood pressure]....No adverse effects were recorded. We conclude that restoration of Atlas [1st cervical vertebra] alignment is associated with marked and sustained reductions in BP [blood pressure] similar to the use of two-drug combination therapy."

Bakris et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 (May); 21 (5): 347-352.

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"The patient received specific contact, short lever arm spinal adjustments as the primary mode of chiropractic care. During the course of chiropractic treatment, the patient's need for hypertensive medication was reduced. The patient's medical physician gradually withdrew the medication over 2 months."

Plaugher G, Bachman TR. Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1993; 16 (8) Oct: 544-549.

Heart Health

This month we are creating awareness on the topic of Heart Health. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death of women in the United States. That may seem scary and reason for alarm, but instead of fear, I would like to empower the women reading this with ways you can "love" and "take care" of your heart each day. First, I'd like you to understand that your heart is a muscle. When we think of the heart as a muscle, it is easier to relate to what can keep our hearts healthy and beating strong. Bring your attention to the muscles in your shoulders and neck. Are they tight, tense and achy? If yes, than it is likely that your heart "muscle" is tight, tense and achy.
And a tight, tense and achy heart eventually leads to high blood pressure, irregular pulse and ultimately heart disease. But, just as I've been teaching you to care for your skeletal muscles, the same methods apply to caring for your heart muscle.

Muscles need to be stretched. To stretch the heart muscle we need to be taking active long, deep breathes on a regular basis (try 10-12 deep breathes each morning, afternoon and night). Muscles need relaxation. We need to keep stress low, remember if your shoulders are tense, so is your heart. When you feel tension build, take a step back, center yourself and remember not to sweat the small stuff. Muscles also need strength. To strengthen the heart muscle we need to sweat and pant! Any exercise that increases your respiratory rate and causes perspiration is good for your heart. Lastly, muscles need a balanced amount of protein, vitamins & minerals and are burdened by excess fat. So, eat a sensible diet that includes 5 small servings of protein along with unlimited fruits and vegetables per day and drop any extra weight that could be burdening the heart. Adding additional Omega 3 fatty acids and a good vitamin and mineral supplement is beneficial as well.

From our hearts to yours,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

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