Whats going on in your gut?

The digestive system is more complex than most people realize. Most people know that the food they eat goes in their mouth and out the other end, but few people really understand what happens in between. It is a subject that people do not like to discuss, but digestion is something that everyone should understand and pay attention to.

Food should stay in your body for about 12-18 hours. If it moves through faster than that, proper digestion and nutrient absorption is not taking place. If it is slower than that, proper digestion and elimination are not happening, and this can cause a build up of toxins in the colon and the body.

This process can cause a myriad of symptoms such as;

• Chronic Allergies




• Jaundice




• Acid Reflux




• Indigestion




• Kidney Disease
  



• Candida Overgrowth




• Acne




• Psoriasis and Eczema




• Headaches




• Joint Pain




• Depression




• Fibromyalgia




• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome




• IBS




• Diarrhea




• Constipation




• Leaky Gut Syndrome

• Immune System Dysfunction; ie autoimmune disorders and/or antibody dysfunctions




• and more

If you would like to know how long it takes your body to digest and eliminate waste, you can do a simple test. Eat something that doesn't digest all the way, like corn, and see how long it takes to show up on the other end. You might be surprised.

Food, which is meant to nourish the body, should be chewed into tiny particles and swallowed. The chewing process activates the salivary glands in the mouth and hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Digestion begins with the chewing process by releasing the enzyme amylase, which acts directly on carbohydrates. This is why infants, who are learning to eat solid, food must have it gound into tiny particles. Infants do have plenty of saliva, but do not have the ability to chew their food into digestable sized pieces. Breaking the food into small particles releases the foods natural enzymes which aid in digestion. Children and adults should pay special attention to chewing their food into similar tiny particles so that digestion begins immediately upon consumption.

As food is swallowed, it proceeds down the esophagus to the stomach, where the second step in digestion takes place. The stomach, which normally produces hydrochloric acid, churns the partially digested food to help break it down further. The enzymatic break down of proteins begins in the stomach with hydrochloric acid. Without the proper amount of hydrochloric acid proteins are not broken down completely and can pass on into the small intestines. This can cause gas, bloating and other digestive upsets. If the process of digestion is hindered the hydrochloric acid can be forced back up and into the esophagus and cause acid reflux. As the broken down food empties into the small intestine both liver (bile) and pancreatic enzymes need to be adequate to buffer the acidity of the stomach contents.

If food particles enter the small intestine that are not broken down properly, the final stage of digestion is compromised. The small intestine utilizes additional enzymes from the liver and pancreas along with bacteria that lives in the gut to complete the digestive process. Fat digestion begins in the small intestine by using bile and bile salts from the gallbladder and liver. If the liver or gallbladder is not functioning properly, digestive upset can occur due to the inability to break down and absorb fats. The surface area of the small intestine, when stretched out has the surface area of about the size of a football field, however the small intestine itself is only about 22 inches long. This is made possible by the tiny villi that line the wall of the small intestine, which resemble fingers. These villi absorb the particles of digested food that have been broken down into small enough pieces for use. If the food particles are still too large, or not broken down properly, they are passed on as waste.

The large intestine is used for storage of fecal matter and the re-absorption of water. If the body is not properly cleaning itself out, or if waste matter is sticking to the sides of the colon, the water that should be recycled is either not able to be absorbed, or is absorbed and full of toxins. This water is of course filtered through the liver to clean it. This detoxification process can put unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys. To keep the colon clean it's very important to have the proper amount of non-soluble fiber going through it every day to help clean the walls, and absorb undigested fats and sugars too.

Friendly bacteria are a necessary component of the digestion process. Most people live a lifestyle which is not "friendly" to friendly bacteria. Something else to keep in mind is, if there is no room at the inn... then taking a supplement with friendly bacteria may be of little help. When opportunistic bacteria, which are fed by processed foods, drugs and other lifestyle choices, take up too much space in the gut, it leaves little room for friendly bacteria. Likewise, friendly bacteria can also push out the non-friendly types if done properly. Bacteria is a necessary part of the digestive system, and often antibiotics, steroids, sugar and other things kill off the beneficial bacteria and feed the non-beneficial bacteria, by allowing yeast to flourish.

The immune system begins in the gut with proper digestion, detoxification and elimination. In order to have a healthy body, a healthy gut is very important.

So you ask... how do I have a healthy gut?

Avoid these things:

• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors - acid killers

• Antibiotics (unless absolutely necessary)

• NSAIDS - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs




• Steroids - including birth control pills




• White sugar




• Processed foods




• Carbonated beverages




• Antihistamines




• Coffee




• Chlorinated and flouridated water

• Meat which has been given antibiotics

Do these things:

• Completely chew every bite of food until it's liquid - looks like baby food




• Eat fresh vegetables and fruits - as raw as possible




• Eat fiber - from high fiber vegetables or as a supplement (psyllium husk is best)




• Take probiotics - daily, you should flood your system at first to build up good bacteria




• Walk regularly - 210 minutes a week or more to help the intestines move




• Drink lots of clean water - avoid chlorinated and flouridated water




• Take digestive enzymes if needed




• Have your indican level tested - an indican test is a simple urine test to determine the level of bowel toxicity

For an indican test please call our office. If you wish to take probiotics we do recommend that you do a one week intensive booster for friendly bacteria. We also have a great psyllium husk fiber supplement. Please call our office for more information.

Zinc - Are you low in this essential nutrient?

Zinc is a trace mineral and is often depleted because its used by nearly every metabolic process in the body. It's excreted in saliva, urine, feces, sperm and more. It is an important part of immunity and metabolism, including the growth of skin, muscles, reproductive organs and cells.

People who are low on Zinc often do not have notable symptoms, and spotting a zinc deficiency without testing is sometimes difficult to do. Common signs that you may be low in Zinc are:

• Milky White Spots on Fingernails
• Freckles on the nose and cheeks
• Acne
• Diarrhea
• Inconsistent Blood Sugar levels
• Eczema
• Enlarged Prostate
• Colds or Slowed Healing
• Sluggish Immune System
• Reduced Ability to Taste or Smell
• Inability to See Well After Dark
• Male Infertility
• ADHD

Individuals who have been diagnosed with Diabetes, HIV, AIDS, autoimmune dysfunction and even neurological concerns, such as Parkinsons' Disease, are often low in zinc. Zinc may also help to protect against fungal infections and other infectious disorders.

Because zinc and copper can displace each other, people who are low in zinc often have higher copper levels and often people who have a high zinc level are low in copper. Balance is important in all of the body processes. It's important that you have your zinc levels tested so that you know if you need more zinc by way of dietary changes or supplementation.

Our preferred method of testing for low zinc is a zinc tally test. The cost is $10, the test takes less than 5 minutes at our office and results are immediate. No appointment is necessary. Swing on in and ask for your Zinc Tally Test today!

High Fructose Corn Syrup by Joe Buishas LD, CCN

What do the Atkins diet and the Japanese diet have in common? The Atkins diet is "high fat"… low carbs." The Japanese diet is "low fat"… "high carbs,” yet both display the ability to reduce chronic disease. The common link is both diets are low in "fructose." So here's the next question.

What simple sugar causes...
an increase in uric acid, hypertension, leptin resistance, reductions in energy or ATP, elevated triglycerides, insulin resistance, fatty liver, inflammation, and vascular disease? Let's add to that list the number one risk factor for the development of obesity? Have I got your attention? The answer, according to Dr. Richard Johnson, is fructose. Dr. Richard Johnson is a researcher and clinician at the University of Colorado Denver and author of the book The Sugar Fix.

Let's look closer at why fructose is one of the major factors that increases uric acid. "Fruit" contains fructose. As the fruit ripens the amount of fructose goes up. However, natural fruits contain vitamin C and other factors that are needed to break down and counteract the effects of fructose. So, two, three, or even four fruits a day are not a problem for most people.

Each piece of fruit contains around 8 grams of "natural fructose," but high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or the combination of sucrose and HFCS is a problem. Sucrose or table sugar is a disaccharide and contains approximately 50% glucose and 50% fructose. But according to Dr. Johnson, the sugars are bound together. High fructose corn syrup contains 55% fructose but the fructose is not tightly bound and gets absorbed instantly and goes right to the liver.

"If this study can cause these results in just 2 weeks, what happens in 2 years! “

Studies at Duke University show people who drink soft drinks have a higher percentage of fatty liver disease primarily due to fructose. The average American ingests 70 grams of fructose a day. That's the average American. 25% of Americans ingest 130 grams or more of fructose daily.

Dr. Johnson shared a study where participants ingested 200 grams of fructose for a mere 2 weeks and found elevations of triglycerides, increases in blood pressure and insulin resistance, and decreases in the healthy HDL cholesterol. Fortunately, these changes were reversed after abstaining from fructose. This is a profound study even though the amounts of fructose were excessive.

Dr. Johnson states that glucose increases insulin production, but fructose increases insulin resistance. If this study can cause these results in two weeks what happens in two years? We may not ingest 200 grams of fructose daily, but the more sugar we eat, the more our bodies up regulate the ability to absorb it and we become more sensitive to it as we age.

Dr. Johnson suggests we set a maximum of 25 grams of fructose per day as a goal, one third of what is consumed every day by the average American. Just to give you an idea, one 12 ounce can of soda contains around 25 grams of fructose. One liter of soda would yield approximately 75 grams of fructose. Because fruit juice is so concentrated and processed it's almost as bad as soda. Dr. Richard Johnson's book gives tables on all the fruits and hidden sources of fructose that we frequently overlook.

In another study, Dr. Johnson found in newly diagnosed obese adolescents' with elevations in hypertension, 90% of the time they had elevated uric acid. Blood pressure was reduced 87% of the time by reducing their uric acid. Next to fructose, the second greatest factor to raise uric acid is beer. Somehow the yeast and fermentation process has a powerful effect on uric acid. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that uric acid is a great screen. He believes the levels should be 3.0 - 5.5; and if levels exceed that threshold, there is an increased risk for diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and kidney disease. Testing is inexpensive and can be used as a great motivating factor to encourage patients to make lifestyle changes.

Uric acid has some antioxidant properties, so we would like to have an optimal level. When uric acid levels are elevated, uric acid seeps into the cell and becomes a pro-oxidant. So outside the cell it is an antioxidant and inside the cell it is a pro-oxidant.

If you are concerned about your uric acid levels or your health over all, please call our office about a wellness checkup. A Kessinger Panel is $175.00 and an office visit to go over the test is $45.00. We can check your body out from head to toe and let you know how you are doing.

What is a DABCI?

DABCI is an acronym for Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. A chiropractic internist is a doctor who uses specific diagnostic skills to diagnose and treat a wide variety of internal disorders. These doctors are the "cream of the crop" when it comes to diagnosing chronic illnesses and in many instances can help people who have been told "there is no more we can do." They are also very educated in disease prevention and achieving and maintaining optimal health!

DABCI diplomate doctors have completed an additional 300 hours of classroom instruction on the inner workings of the human body and the processes that keep it functioning at its optimal level. Often these criteria are overlooked or ignored by standardized medicine. There is nothing "cookie cutter" about a DABCI doctor's practice. These specially skilled doctors look at each patient as an individual, their patient history, blood work, level of health, overall appearance and attitude, are all taken into account before a diagnosis can be made.

DABCI practitioners are skilled at getting to the core of the problem and treating the cause of the symptoms. They do not treat symptoms, they treat the disease process. Many illnesses that modern medicine has no cure for can be treated by DABCI doctors with much success. Illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chron's disease, IBS, migraine headaches, lyme disease, heart disease and diabetes can be greatly improved and often completely resolved with natural therapies offered by these doctors.

Many times, DABCI practitioners, through specialized diagnostic testing and skills, can pinpoint health problems before symptoms become evident and prevent illness from occurring. These specialized tests are not new, nor are they only used by the DABCI doctor, but in the hands of a DABCI practitioner these tests are indispensable tools for detecting future health concerns. The tests themselves are the same tests that are run at many clinics and hospitals. It's how the tests are interpreted and understood which makes the difference.


DABCI doctors understand that occasionally a person does need critical or crisis care, and must be sent to the hospital for emergency intervention, but in many cases these crises can be prevented by taking charge of health before the situation becomes critical. It's this skill that DABCI doctors hold dear; the ability to help people overt serious health problems with lifestyle changes and proper nutrition.


Changing habits and balancing nutrition is an effort that takes time and requires the patients participation and commitment. Many conditions can be eliminated rather quickly with minor changes to eating habits and nutritional supplementation, but some conditions require a more complex approach and complete health may take a little longer to achieve. Having a healthy body without the intervention of drugs is something that many people wish to accomplish. DABCI doctors are very well educated on how to prevent disease, as well as, how to treat it with natural therapies and nutrition. If you wish to learn how to help yourself and your family live longer, more active and healthy lives call your DABCI practitioner today. For a list of practicing DABCI doctors in the US you can go to our website www.drkessinger.com/dabci_locator.html. Doctors are listed by state and can be found through their local phone directory.

Why do we cough, sneeze and experience other symptoms?

Did you know that coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, diarrhea and fever are natural responses to bacteria, viruses and allergens? Your body knows to do these things to rid itself of invading organisms. Of course, many of us find these symptoms bothersome and difficult to deal with. Before you reach for that bottle of fever reducer or cold medicine, you should think about how your body functions.


The symptoms that your body exhibits when you have a cold or flu are actually an immune response. Your body coughs to clear out the lungs, sneezes & sniffles to rid the sinus passages of dirt and germs, watery eyes cleanse the soft tissue of the eye, fever is to make the body less habitable for organisms, and diarrhea is to rid the intestines of unwanted organisms.


When you look at it this way, it makes less sense to run right to the medicine cabinet and reach for an over the counter relief product, doesn't it? Your body has an innate ability to heal itself, when it is provided with proper nutrition and rest. Why would you want to stop your body from doing what it does best? Taking medicines to reduce the normal symptoms of a cold or flu can actually prolong the duration of an illness, because the body can not expel the invading organisms like it needs to. Of course, we all have responsibilities and things to do, but if we take the time to rest and allow our body to heal itself we would be healthy, and back on course much sooner.


Natural Solutions


Prevention is key, but even the most healthy person gets a bug occasionally. Maintaining a strong immune system is vital to avoiding the seasonal viruses that seem to run rampant through schools and work places. Below are some great ways to help boost your body's natural response and immunity.


Vitamin A - Vitamin A is often overlooked, but its role in immune health is not to be undersold. Vitamin A is depleted when the immune system is in high gear and fighting off bugs. Replacing this vitamin is very important for children and adults alike. Supplementation is available, and eating foods such as; carrots, spinach, apricots, cantalope, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and other orange colored vegetables can increase your vitamin A levels over time. It is important to make sure your diet contains these foods regularly.


Vitamin C - This vitamin can not be made by the human body. It is very important to cell growth, immune health, cancer prevention and other body functions. Eating citrus fruits frequently and taking a good vitamin C supplement is necessary for a healthy immune system.


Vitamin D - This nutrient is key in immune health and almost all Americans are low on vitamin D. This vitamin is not taken in by eating foods, it is metabolized by the body when exposed to the sun. Even in the summer time we do not absorb enough of the suns rays to metabolize adequate levels of this important vitamin. Before you take a D supplement you should have your levels checked, and your physician should monitor your levels to ensure they are in optimal range. Vitamin D not only helps fight depression, autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia, it is known to reduce the risks of certain kinds of cancer, too.


Vitamin E - An antioxidant, helps the body reduce free radicals and is an essential nutrient for immune health. It is known to prevent certain types of cancer, heart disease, eye disorders and mental disorders.


In addition to the nutrients listed above there are many other nutrients that are required for a healthy body. Some of these include, zinc, iron, iodine and essential fatty acids. If you are concerned about managing a healthy immune system, feel free to stop in and talk to our staff about what you can do to increase your odds of staying healthy.


Reducing Allergic Reactions


For those of us that have seasonal allergies, immune health is very important. Allergies are a sign that the immune system is not opperating at its optimum level. Along with supporting the immune system allergy sufferers must take an active role in preparing their bodies to deal with the symptoms of allergies.


Symtom prevention - We use a product in our office which contains Quercitin, a powerful flavonoid, which helps to stabilize mast cells. Mast cells are the cells responsible for releasing histamine and other symptom producing chemicals into your blood stream. Quercitin strengthens mast cells and helps to prevent histamine release. (Histamine is what causes those annoying sinus and respiratory symptoms.) This product also has vitamin C, and Stinging Nettles Leaf, which is great to help support sinus passageway health. Bromelain is also used as an anti-inflammatory and it helps the body to absorb quercitin, along with supporting normal mucosal tissue. This great allergy fighting combination would not be complete without N-Acetyl L Cyeteine, which is also great for reducing the viscosity of mucous. We use this product for anyone who is suffering from an allergy or who wishes to prevent symptoms in the future.


Homeopathic remedies are also helpful with symptom prevention. Homeopathic tinctures which help the body build its response to specific allergens have been used for hundreds of years. There are options for broad spectrum products or to target specific allergens like cat dander or ragweed. These products can help your body become desensitized to a specific allergen so that your response is lessened over time.


Exercise is also important. In order for your immune system to operate at its optimum level, you must get regular exercise. Exercise promotes blood flow to all parts of your body, and by doing this it helps the body carry the important nutrients that all cells need to their destinations, along with carrying away things it no longer needs. Oxygen, which is increased by exercise, is vital to every cell in your body, and exercise is the best way to get it to those cells.


I hope you feel more educated about those annoying symptoms that happen when your body senses an invader. I also hope that you will think twice before you pop a pill for those symptoms in the future. Occasionally, we must do something to reduce the symptoms of a virus or allergy, but remember that by doing so we are hampering our bodies natural ability to handle things its own way.

You really are what you eat!!!

Hippocrates said "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." This statement is as important now as it was then. Nutrition that we gain from our foods and nutritional supplementation are more beneficial than drugs for most any condition. The body knows what to do with food substances. It many times does not know what to do with chemicals or drugs. Drugs cause the body to have a specific reaction, which is why they are used. Unfortunately, forcing the body to react a certain way in one area... may cause other body parts, organs or processes to be negatively effected. If you watch the commercials on TV about prescription drugs, they are always followed by a disclaimer that says what all of the side effects could be, and some of them say that liver (or other) testing is required, to monitor possible negative effects.

The body is so complex, and has the innate ability to heal itself when the components that it requires are made available. The sources of these components are very important. Using food as a source for nutrients is multifaceted when it comes to the benefits that the body receives. For example, a medium sized apple contains about 80 calories. These 80 calories not only contain necessary fiber and vitamin C, but potassium and natural sugars. These small things are utilized by the entire body, not just one part. Apples also burn more calories during digestion than they provide when consumed. The same with broccoli, grapefruit and many other fresh food options. For more information on negative calorie foods visit our website at http://www.drkessinger.com/images/negative_foods.pdf.

In healthy individuals most of the nutrients that are required by the body can be delivered by a well balanced diet. On the other hand, if a body is not functioning properly or a disease process has already developed, higher concentrations of nutrients may be required to reverse the effects. In this situation supplementation is necessary. As we age we also lose the ability to process, create and absorb some nutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. A good example of this is calcium. As we age our stomach acid becomes weaker and this makes the absorption of calcium more difficult. This process, coupled with other changes that happen to our bodies as we age (like lack of physical activity, and reduced sun exposure) can lead to osteoporosis in some individuals. As you can imagine, nutritional supplementation is required to combat these types of conditions.

Poor dietary choices and malnutrition have been linked to Fibromyalgia, ADHD, ADD, Heart Disease, Diabetes and many other preventable illnesses. Most times with nutritional counseling and supplementation to level out the body's functions, persons in an ill state of health find their symptoms are greatly reduced or eliminated.

In most cases, a pharmaceutical drug is not necessary to achieve optimal health. Of course in an acute situation, drugs may be required to quickly restore a bodily function. Prevention of these acute situations is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each of us is created differently, and our body's ability to process nutrients varies. Proper nutrition and necessary nutritional supplementation will differ from person to person. As I mentioned before, the body is a complex system, and each of its functions depends on another equally important function to operate at its optimum level. If one of our body's systems is not functioning at an optimal level, it affects the entire body.

In short... a healthy life requires that you do a few important things, and not do a few things

DO

• Eat a well balanced diet - lean protein, fresh vegetables, raw fruits, whole grains, healthy fats....
• Exercise regularly - one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy
• Drink lots of CLEAN water - The body requires water free from chlorine, fluorine and other chemicals.
• Take your supplements - if your body is not functioning at its optimal level, dietary changes and supplementation maybe required to return it to a healthy level.
• Get some sun - 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun 3-4 times a week is important for health
• Avoid inflammatory foods - Cows Milk, Pork, Chocolate, fried foods refined sugars and processed flours

DON'T

• Smoke - if you do, STOP
• Eat hydrogenated/trans fats - change to healthy oils and fats (olive oil, nuts etc...)
• Eat refined sugars and processed flours - if it comes in a package.... it's likely not good for you
• Drink carbonated beverages - Diet or not, avoid all soda. It has no nutritional value and depletes nutrients that your body needs

Following these simple rules can help your body function as it was meant to. Eating a healthier diet can reduce inflammation, help maintain a healthy weight and increase energy! Each of us must be responsible for our own health, and if something doesn't seem right, check it out. The doctors in our clinic focus on whole body health, and we think that you should too!

Managing Inflammation in Your Body

Inflammation is your body's natural response to bacteria, viruses and foreign matter. It is a normal reaction and is actually part of the healing process.....in a normal situation. The problems begin when this normal response to everyday stimulus, doesn't do its duty and then go away.


In any situation where your body finds something that does not belong, a reaction begins immediately to fight off the invader. Depending on the type of invader it is, you could have several different reactions. Many common reactions to these invaders are itchy-watery eyes, runny nose, fever, rash, body aches and the like. These irritations are actually not symptoms of the invader itself, they are caused by your body's natural response to the foreign objects. Due to years and years of ads showing that you can reduce fever with pills, many people think that a fever is a bad thing and they take an over the counter medicine as soon as it hits. This actually goes against what your body does automatically to fight off viruses and bacteria.


In a situation of constant inflammation, such-as many autoimmune disorders, the body is continuously fighting, and sometimes its even fighting itself. Chronic inflammation numbs the body's ability to determine the good guys from the bad guys. Which means it could also attack its own tissues, or become so inflamed that it can not do its job properly.

Chronic inflammation of the arteries is what allows plaque to attach itself to the walls of the arteries and cause blockages and hardening of the arteries. This particular type of inflammation can be checked by testing the levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, which we do at our clinic.


If your intestines are inflamed, much of what we eat could pass on by and the nutrients would not be absorbed. This could also allow things that we would not normally use as nutrition (such as pesticides, and microorganisms) to be absorbed by the body. Intestinal inflammations are most often caused by what we eat. Food sensitivity testing is the best way to find out what is causing this type of inflammation.

Many people are unaware that being overweight actually causes inflammation in your body, and that diabetes is an inflammatory condition. Testing shows that reducing your weight, and your risk of diabetes reduces the amount of inflammation in your body automatically. Exercise is also a great way to help your body fight inflammation. It gets all of your "juices" flowing and gets blood and oxygen into places where it may not be reaching easily.

Chronic inflammation can be caused by many different factors. Many times inflammation is increased by the types of foods we consume, but it can also be reduced by what we eat. We do recommend that you avoid certain types of foods if you have inflammation of any kind. Soda, pork, chocolate, cows milk, and sugar are some of the foods that increase inflammation. To reduce inflammation you should increase your intake of certain nutrients. We typically recommend supplements such as buffered vitamin C, Essential Fatty Acids, Bromelain, Quercetin, and sometimes others, depending on the type of inflammation.

For more information and to reduce the inflammation in your body please feel free to stop by our office. We have dietary recommendations and supplements available at your convenience.

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Have you been to the doctor lately and asked them to help you find out what is constantly plaguing you? Why are you so tired, or bloated, or can't stop gaining weight? Maybe you have packed on a few pounds and just can't seem to lose it no matter what you do? Have trouble going or staying asleep? Feel tired even with a good nights sleep? Feel great most of the day, but find that you have a dip in your energy level in the middle of the afternoon?

Some people say that they know there is something wrong, but their doctor or doctors just can't seem to run enough tests to find exactly what it is that is making them feel so off. If your doctor has told you that there isn't anything wrong with you, or "come back in 3 months", maybe there is a hidden cause for your concerns. Click on the link within this email or go to our website and take the self-evaluation. You could be one of many Americans that suffer from adrenal fatigue.

What is adrenal fatigue? In a nut shell, it means your adrenal system is wearing itself out.

We are all born with a fight or flight response that kicks in the cortisol in your blood to fuel your body in times of emergency and excess stress, and to fight inflammation. This worked great for cave men because the only stresses in their lives were running from a predator and finding food and shelter. Welcome to the 21st century, where everything is stressful. We run to the store, we run the kids to school, we race to work, speed down the highways dodging vehicles full of overly stressed drivers and sometimes barely make it home to our busy families alive. We eat refined sugars, and processed foods, drink too much caffeine and sugar which causes inflammation in our bodies. We rarely get the necessary nutrients for our bodies to digest our food properly let alone enough to ensure that all of our body systems are running at their optimum levels. We are overworking our bodys' ability to deal with all of these daily stresses. No wonder many adults suffer from adrenal fatigue.

How do you know if you are one of these people? See the list below of 10 persons who should have their adrenals tested. This adrenal test is not a blood test. It is a simple saliva test that is examined in a laboratory to determine your levels of specific hormones and other markers.

1. chronic pain


2. fatigue


3. depression


4. insomnia or trouble falling or staying asleep, or being wide awake when you should be sleeping


5. hormone therapy (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA etc.)


6. perimenopause, or before starting HRT


7. Endometriosis, PMS, or menstral complaints like migraines


8. infertility, or miscarriage


9. weight loss problems... those pounds you just can't lose!


10. thyroid issues - medicated or non-medicated

If you or someone you know has one or more of these symptoms please call our clinic for a screening. You can also visit our website for a self-evaluation http://www.drkessinger.com/Adrenal_Questionnaire.pdf .

Optimal health can be attained with proper nutrition, exercise and the right supplementation. Our bodies require specific nutrients to rebuild bone & tissue and to ward off infections & disease. Over time, if we are lacking in certain nutrients our bodies defenses and rebulding abilities are weakened. This imbalance can be defined and corrected with diagnostic testing along with proper dietary and supplemental changes. Don't settle for just being tired, stressed out or just feeling old. Gain control of your health and get your life back! Getting old is natural, but being sick is not.

Keeping your children healthy.

Has all of the media coverage about the swine flu got you to thinking about how to keep your children healthy? Schools are closing, businesses are changing hours and closing in some areas of the world, people are frightened, and even though the CDC says don't panic, the media is using words like "pandemic", quarantine & contagious... how can you not think about it?

Helping your family maintain a strong immune system is key to avoiding the normal bugs that are passed around every year, but it can also be a very important factor in beating serious illness, too. Drinking soda, diet drinks, energy beverages and eating fast food are a sure way to hamper your bodies ability to ward off disease. Add in some normal daily stress, a lack of exercise and contact with hundreds of people every day, and you are sure to contract a virus at some point. Whether the virus settles in and makes you sick depends on your health and immune system.

In order to regain optimal health we need to stop eating and drinking chemicals and chemically altered foods. Soda, Pop, Cola, Soft-Drinks or what ever it is you call them... contain a number of chemicals. Sodas contain; phosphoric acid - which interferes with Calcium absorption, Caffeine - which raises the blood pressure, shortens attention span, causes fatigue, headaches and other symptoms, Very high amounts of sugar, or worse yet aspartame - which has been linked to MS, Fibromyalgia, Lupus and other serious illnesses.

• Aspartame when stored at temperatures over 86 degrees Fahrenheit changes its chemical composition to methanol. Methanol is an alcohol that ultimately turns into formaldehyde and formic acid, which are both carcinogens.
• Phosphoric acid not only interferes with the absorption ability of calcium, it also depletes the calcium in healthy bones and teeth.
• Sugar, even though it is a natural product (in what we consider a normal dose of about 1 soda) reduces your immune systems ability to fight off bacteria and viruses by 50% for about 4 hours.

Eating your RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 7 fruits and vegetables, along with lean protein and essential fatty acids are very important to your immune system because without these things your body is short on the building blocks it needs to create healthy new cells.

Part of having a healthy immune system is managing your stress level. Our standard of living has changed so that we rush everywhere. We eat on the go, we run from event to event, we grab unhealthy snacks and teach our kids that mealtime is not a time of day. It may sound old fashioned, but there is something to be said about a sit down meal at the end of the day with your family. If you have the whole family get together for dinner every evening, you can cook it together, sit and relax while you eat a nutritious and balanced meal, digest your food as its meant to be digested, know what your kids are putting in their mouths, teach them a great way to stay in touch with the family, wind down from the busy day, reduce stress and enjoy family mealtime. If you just do not have time for mealtime, plan ahead and ensure that your family has good on the go food choices. Carrots, Apples, Bananas, Celery and other easy to carry foods are great ideas for fast snacks.

Eating for a healthy body will help your heart, cardiovascular, maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress on your body and make you feel great. Reducing the stress on your body from all causes will help your immune system be ready for the next attack!

Allergies and Food Sensitivities - whats the difference?

Everyone has heard of and most people probably have at least one allergy. Some people are allergic to cats (or their dander), dogs, mold, oak (if you live in the Midwest), pollen in general or ragweed, just to name a few. If you have these allergies you are familiar with the symptoms. They range from itchy, watery eyes to a full blown sinusitis, followed by sore throat and aches. There are many over-the-counter and prescription options used for these kinds of symptoms. Some people have more serious allergies like bee stings, or an allergy to a food like shellfish, that requires immediate medical assistance. These allergies are serious, and sometimes life threatening. If you have these kinds of allergies you most likely already know about them, and are probably doing something to prevent yourself from exposure to them.

These immediate responses to allergens happen when the body over produces what is called Immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE). There is also an antibody called IgG. This IgG antibody is comonly associated with delayed food allergies, in which symptoms usually show up in 6-12 hours, but can take as much as 72 hours to appear. The IgG antibody is the largest circulating antibody in our immune system. Since foods are often mixed together, and eaten with other foods it is difficult to narrow down these slow reacting allergens. Some people experience symptoms such as eczema, headaches, ADD/ADHD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, IBS, or insomnia for years, not knowing that their symptoms could be caused by a food sensitivity. People who have Celiac disease have been found to be sensitive or allergic to gluten, which is found in most breads and pastas. Gluten is not necessarily bad for you, unless you are sensitive to it.

In order to determine what foods maybe causing symptoms in our patients. Our office recommends a blood test which isolates the foods that cause an IgG response in their system. Once these foods have been determined, a meal plan is set up for their individual needs. This meal plan not only shows which foods and substances should be avoided, it also provides suggestions and substitutions. In most cases the foods we are sensitive to, are not permanent allergens. Once your system has had a chance to recover, and the inflammation from the antibodies is gone, foods can be re-introduced one at a time. Many times, after detoxification "favorite foods" can be eaten safely, but sparingly.

We also recommend that our Autistic patients have this food allergy test, because food allergies can aggravate their sensitive systems. Children with ADD and ADHD can also benefit from this kind of testing. IgG allergens may be the trigger to many autoimmune and otherwise mysterious disorders.