Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

All living cells from simple organisms to humans depend on catalytic proteins called enzymes in order to grow, divide, and function normally. All living "systems" must have a healthy interaction of enzymes that are either synthesized from components of water, food and other nutritional supplements or from the breakdown products of tissues. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that aid in the digestion of protein and it has many health benefits.

Where Is Bromelain Found?

Bromelain is found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples and as a result is often referred to as the pineapple enzyme. Interestingly, the pineapple belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, from which the enzyme bromelain was named. Although bromelain is found only in pineapples, it is not in high enough doses to act as medicine.

Bromelain Health Benefits

This enzyme has been heralded as an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain has brought temporary relief from inflammation caused by muscle soreness, injury, arthritis and even surgery. Some carpal tunnel syndrome patients have stated that they feel a reduction of numbness, aching, and tingling after taking bromelain. There have been many studies and although there appears to be mixed results, bromelain may also reduce bruising and healing time after surgery. Bromelain is often used to reduce inflammation due to sprains, strains, tendinitis and other minor muscle injuries.

Some naturopathic doctors have recommended that their patients take bromelain before and after
surgery and some suggest that pineapple dressings be applied to skin injuries (including wounds) to help reduce inflammation and promote quick healing. (Chiro-Med Rehab Centre recommends that you consult with a health professional before self-administering bromelain.)

Some studies have indicated that bromelain may actually help reduce cough and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis. In addition, it might even relieve inflammation caused by hay fever.

Other Health Benefits:

• Bromelain is well-recognized as a beneficial digestive aid. This mixture of enzymes not only
  benefits better digestion; it can reduce or eliminate heartburn, gastric reflux, nausea, and other ailments related to improper digestion of foods.
• After extended use, bromelain has been noted to reduce blood pressure.
• Heart researchers have discovered that bromelain can reduce thrombus and that it is an
  anticoagulant.
• When topically applied, bromelain lowers swelling and reduces pain associated with insect bites and stings.
• Bromelain has been used in alternative medicine to help reduce hemorrhoids, varicose veins,
  chronic venous insufficiency, as well as other conditions of the veins.
• Many studies indicate that bromelain may prevent blood platelets from clotting.
• The immune system may be boosted. In many people who were studied, cytokines, hormones in the immune system, increased when given bromelain.
• Although not studies on humans yet, animal studies indicate that bromelain possesses anti-
  bacterial and anti-viral effects that may help in relieving symptoms of urinary tract infections,
  bronchitis and pneumonia.

The health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill are excited about the new
research that is emerging about all the health benefits of bromelain. Bromelain as an anti-inflammatory has helped many people with tendonitis, sore muscles, arthritis and.

If you suffer from an inflammatory health ailment book an appointment with Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and let their professionals put you on the road to good health.

Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of your foot causing pain and inflammation. This condition is not considered serious but the pain can sideline an individual from their normal activities. Metatarsalgia is considered a common overuse injury that originates in the metatarsal region of the foot.

Causes Of Metatarsalgia

There are a few known causes of metatarsalgia. This “ball-of-foot” pain is experienced among those who have improper footwear, especially women. This is because women wear shoes that are not designed for comfort; high heels and shoes that narrow in the toe area inhibits a healthy walking process and leads to extreme discomfort in the forefront of the foot.

Also, those who participate in high impact activities without proper footwear and/or orthotics tend to suffer with metatarsalgia. In addition, as we grow older, the natural “padding” in our feet tends to thin out, making us more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot area.

Any person, regardless of age may experience metatarsalgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Symptoms Of Metatarsalgia

Those who have metatarsalgia usually experience a sharp, burning pain on the ball of the foot area (behind the toes). This pain usually worsens when the individual stands, walks or runs and also when the affected foot is flexed. Resting often can sometimes ease the pain. Some people who have metatarsalgia also experience toe numbness. Although these symptoms tend to manifest abruptly, it usually takes weeks for metatarsalgia to develop.

Prevention Of Metatarsalgia

Preventing metatarsalgia is easy so long as you are aware of the causes. Anyone who engages in running, jumping, or aerobic exercises must have proper footwear. Everyday proper footwear is essential in order to keep your feet in good shape. salgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Metatarsalgia Treatment

First of all it is important to mention that getting a proper diagnosis is essential in order to treat metatarsalgia effectively. Only once properly diagnosed can a treatment plan be implemented.

Depending on the severity, metatarsalgia treatment can be as simple as applying ice packs to the affected area several times. Rest is another simple but effective way to treat metatarsalgia. Keeping stress off the balls of the feet is important in order to reduce inflammation and pain.

Athletes who need to still keep active are usually advised to temporarily switch to low impact exercises such as swimming. Even if some usual activities are maintained, no treatment will effectively work and the injury will inevitably worsen.

Causes Of Metatarsalgia

There are a few known causes of metatarsalgia. This “ball-of-foot” pain is experienced among those who have improper footwear, especially women. This is because women wear shoes that are not designed for comfort; high heels and shoes that narrow in the toe area inhibits a healthy walking process and leads to extreme discomfort in the forefront of the foot.

Also, those who participate in high impact activities without proper footwear and/or orthotics tend to suffer with metatarsalgia. In addition, as we grow older, the natural “padding” in our feet tends to thin out, making us more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot area.

Any person, regardless of age may experience metatarsalgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill find that many of their patients have a great recovery rate when they are prescribed custom orthotics to minimize pressure. Although there are over-the-counter shock-absorbing insoles, these are designed with a “one size fits all” template. There is no “one-size fits all” when it comes to proper foot support.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that comfortably fit into footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve the functioning of feet. Regardless of where you go, work, school, or recreation activities, orthotics should be worn at all times – even at home. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses; they can only work when they are being worn. During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are working.

Only in the absolute most severe cases and when all other treatment avenues have been explored is surgery suggested. Surgery involves the realignment of the metatarsal bones.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back activities you once enjoyed – pain free!
Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

The spine is truly a marvelous set of bones, or more adequately stated, the vertebrae. The entire length of the spine provides protection, support and flexibility for your body. Interestingly, the average sized adult head weighs about 5 kilos or about 11 lbs., so the spine is supporting the equivalent of a bowling bowl.

The vertebra houses the spinal cord that is the nerve centre carrying millions of messages between the body and the brain. Nerves branch out from each vertebrae communicating with the various organs and parts of the body. A nerve irritation from spinal misalignment means that you are likely to feel the results elsewhere, such as sciatica or radiculopathy. Neck problems that affect a cervical nerve root can create symptoms such as pain in the arms and hands; and the lumbar (or lower back) nerve will send pain through the leg and to the foot.

Lumbar disc herniation or radiculopathy is a common problem that occurs when nerve roots are irritated or compressed; many people refer to this as sciatica. Actually, about 90 percent of all disc herniations occur in the lumbar region of the spine.

Causes

Getting older means that the discs in the spine generally lose their flexibility and this means the risk of injury increases. An accident, lifting an item incorrectly, being overweight and even smoking can attribute to disc herniations.

When injury occurs, the soft gel-like material inside the disc ruptures through the outer lining of the cartilage. Usually there is space between the spinal column and the discs but when a lumbar disc herniation applies pressure on a spinal nerve, and then there is trouble.

Symptoms

IIf there is pressure happening in the lumbar region, some symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness and sometimes pain. There can also be tingling. If a lumbar disc herniation puts a lot of pressure on the spinal nerves, then the symptoms will be felt more intense. Common body functions such as urinating, defecating, coughing, sneezing or laughing can heighten the pain of a lumbar disc herniation.

Diagnosing

Diagnosing lumbar disc herniation involves a variety of methods depending on which health professional you choose to visit. A health professional may test your coordination, reflexes, muscle strength and possibly even test your ability to feel sensations. In more severe cases, a spinal MRI, CAT scan or X-ray may be required in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment And Management

Your health professional will work with you in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Everyone is unique therefore an individual treatment plan must be catered to take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as well as your activity level.

A lumbar disc herniation can be treated with non-surgical options in about 90 percent of all cases. Some treatment options include the use of heat, the use of cold compresses, or physiotherapy.

Preventing lumbar disc herniation recurrence
can involve simple strategies such as:

• Maintaining and keeping a healthy weight
• Good posture at all times
• Bending the knees when picking up items
• Avoiding high heels
• Exercises that help to develop strength in the back muscles and in the abdominal area
• Reducing or eliminating smoking

Some patients suffering with lumbar disc herniations require surgical intervention but this is only when non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief; but this is always as a last resort because surgery is invasive.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients are recommended. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

Treating and managing lumbar disc herniations can be successful when you follow the advice of a health professional. There is no need to suffer when there are many simple options available to you.

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which 1.5 million Canadians, 40 years or older share. This degenerative disease is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue making an individual more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures. There is not a doubt that it earned its name the “Silent Thief” because bone loss occurs without anyone realizing it.

Osteoporosis Facts at a Glance

• Women are 4 times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis.
• Osteoporotic fractures are more common than breast cancer, heart attacks, and strokes combined.
• More than 80 percent of all fractures in those over the age of 50 are osteoporotic fractures.
• In Canada there are 30,000 hip fractures annually of which 70 to 90 percent are cause by osteoporosis.
• One in three hip fracture patients re-fracture with one year.
• Osteoporosis hip fracture patients take up more hospital beds than those with diabetes, stroke, or heart attacks.
• In 2010, the annual (Canadian) health care costs of treating osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures was over $2.3 billion. That cost was $3.9 billion if long-term facility care costs are included.

What really is most disturbing is the reduced quality of life for those with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.

Exercise and Supplements

There is not a doubt that exercise is critical in not just staying healthy, but in helping to prevent osteoporosis. Exercises geared at increasing muscle strength combined with weight-bearing aerobic physical activity, helps to prevent bone loss as we age. Health care professionals all have different opinions on how much exercise is recommended but many appear to agree on 30 minutes of both aerobic and strengthening exercises two to three times a week.

The use of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D supplements is important because many people are not getting what they need from their food; and of course vitamin D is not in many foods. Calcium alone is not good enough to help keep bones healthy because without cofactors such as magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin D, calcium does not get to where it needs to. Supplementation is not the panacea for strong bones – eating a healthy diet and exercising is.

Foods to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is probably best known for its role in the blood clotting process; blood clots are necessary to stop bleeding when our skin gets punctured. It is also plays a very important role in bone health.

Excellent food sources of vitamin K include: kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, beet greens, Swiss chard, turnip greens, parsley, broccoli, brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, asparagus, basil, cabbage, bok choy, celery, kiwi fruit, leeks, cilantro, sage, green beans, cauliflower, cucumber, tomatoes, oregano and black pepper.

Very good food sources of vitamin K are in green peas, blueberries, grapes, carrots, summer squash, cloves and chili peppers.

Good food sources of vitamin K include: soybeans, avocado, raspberries, winter squash, pears, cranberries, miso, bell peppers, plums, cantaloupe, and eggplant.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to softening or malformation of bone. In children, this condition is called rickets. In adults, it is called osteomalacia.

The relationship between vitamin D and bone metabolism is somewhat complicated. As a hormone, vitamin D acts to increase calcium in the blood stream. It manages this by increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium from foods and by reducing the calcium you lose in your urine. However, it also pulls calcium from the bone to support your blood levels; this is why it is really important to get lots of vitamin D into you every day.

Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. Sardines and cow’s milk is a very good source of this nutrient and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.

The best way to get your vitamin D is from the sunlight. Human skin cells make vitamin D from sunlight, but here in Canada this is a small window of opportunity ( June and July mostly) to get vitamin D so getting this vitamin from food sources or supplements is really important.

Calcium

At any given time, about 99 percent of the calcium our body holds is in the bones and teeth. Calcium plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity of our skeleton.

Excellent food sources of calcium include: spinach, collard greens, beet greens, tofu, turnip greens, mustard greens, and bok choy.

Very good sources of calcium are found in: yogurt, swiss chard, kale, and cinnamon.

Good sources of calcium include: sesame seeds, sardines, cheese, cow’s milk, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, oranges, summer squash, fennel, parsley, asparagus, celery, cumin, basil, garlic, oregano, leeks, romaine lettuce, cloves, and black pepper.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a key mineral in human metabolism. 50 to 60 percent of magnesium in our body is stored in the bones.

Excellent sources of magnesium can be found in: spinach, swiss chard, and beet greens.

Very good sources include: pumpkin seeds, summer squash, and turnip greens.

There are many good sources of magnesium and these include: soybeans, sesame seeds, black beans, quinoa, cashews, sunflowers seeds, navy beans, tempeh, buckwheat, pinto beans, brown rice, barley, lima beans, millet, kidney beans, oats, tofu, almonds, rye, wheat, tuna, flaxseeds, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, asparagus, tomatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, fennel, leeks, cucumber, basil, celery, bell peppers, and much more.

If you have osteoporosis, our chiropractor and physiotherapists can help.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess you and recommend an appropriate strengthening program. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

What is the impact of osteoporosis in Canada and what are Canadians doing to maintain healthy bones? (2010, November 30). Retrieved March 7, 2016, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/osteoporosis-osteoporose/

The World's Healthiest Foods. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from http://www.whfoods.com/

The ancient art of acupuncture is one of the most widely acclaimed forms of alternative medicine available today.  The mainstream medical community has acknowledged the effectiveness of this ancient Oriental healing method on a myriad of complaints, from weight loss to chronic pain caused by illness or injuries.  It may seem hard to believe that inserting tiny needles into the skin can actually alleviate pain, but millions of satisfied acupuncture patients will assure you that it works.

For thousands of years, Asian doctors have used acupuncture on their patients, and the medical evidence supporting its effectiveness is overwhelming.  Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can be used to cure headaches, stimulate weight loss, and even help people quit smoking.  Acupuncture can be successful in the treatment of digestive problems, including constipation, loss of appetite or excessive food cravings.  It can also be used to treat allergies, and in some cases, cure them.  Some mood disorders such as anxiety and depression respond well to acupuncture treatments, which can work in conjunction with antidepressant medications or even help eliminate the need for medications altogether.  If you are taking such medications, you should always consult your doctor before stopping the medication, and it may be helpful to tell the doctor that you are having acupuncture treatments so that he or she can monitor your progress and assess your needs for medication.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can tell you exactly what health problems can be addressed with acupuncture, and you may be surprised to learn that acupuncture treatments can help you in ways you never before imagined possible.  Not only can acupuncture help cure existing ailments, but it can also help prevent the onset of potentially deadly disease.  Regular acupuncture treatments can leave you feeling healthy and vital in many ways, and can even help you to live a longer life.

There is not a doubt that we have become a society riddled with arthritis and joint pain. Conventional medicine offers prescription drugs that come with a massive list of possible side effects; and still these do not solve the underlining problem. Natural wisdom teaches us that there is always hope beyond pharmaceutical drugs. There is a plethora of studies out there that clearly proves to us that lifestyle changes and dietary habits have a profound effect on our health and this includes arthritis and joint pain. The simplest of remedies like a daily intake of apple cider vinegar can effectively work for many people to naturally ease pain in the joints (and to simply support good health).

The Science Behind The Remedy

With a history rooted in folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is tossed aside by many members of the medical field. Naturopathic doctors and other natural health professionals praise traditional remedies. Apple cider vinegar offers our body a multitude of health benefits, not just relief from arthritis or joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals that our body needs including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Mineral (as well as vitamin) deficiencies are the root causes of many health problems, and if not detected, deficiencies can worsen health problems including arthritis and joint pain. A diet rich in essential minerals is a critical step to relieving arthritic pain. The potassium in apple cider vinegar may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegar Is Beneficial

Going to a grocery store may not be the place to find the apple cider vinegar that is beneficial. Most vinegar sold in grocery stores is processed and these are not beneficial to us.  Raw, unprocessed, organic apple cider vinegar is the beneficial vinegar. This type of apple cider vinegar is rich in beneficial enzymes and acids that have a multitude of health benefits. It is encouraging however, to see some grocery stores carrying organic, raw apple cider vinegar. Health food stores carry this also and it is inexpensive.

All of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can only be attained with vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unprocessed. This type of apple cider vinegar will have a noticeable amount of residue floating around in the bottle. This is called the "mother," the natural accumulation of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. In any other form, including pills, apple cider vinegar is inferior and much less effective.

Joint Health

Nutrients are essential for joint health, so it is imperative that the body absorb the nutrients it gets and use them. Apple cider vinegar makes this possible even for those with arthritis.

There are many experts who suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins that have accumulated in the joints because metabolic waste is often stored in connective tissues. Often, people with joint pain will shun activities that tend to trigger more pain, yet the lack of movement may cause toxins to build-up even more. Apple cider vinegar has pectin and this helps to absorb toxins and get them out of the system, meanwhile the acids in cider vinegar work to purify and detoxify the entire body.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Joint Pain

The simplest way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routines is to mix 1-3 teaspoons in one cup of water three times daily, preferably just before meals. If you find this still too strong to drink, dilute it in more water.

Some people with joint pain state that having a bath with apple cider vinegar in the water helps. Other people report that when mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of coconut oil (or olive oil) makes a soothing ointment to rub on affected joints.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar has all the necessary acid content to give the needed balance in the digestive system, and this helps to avoid calcium build-up. Some naturopathic doctors say that apple cider vinegar is to be taken three times a daily with honey and water but only once a day for the first couple of days. (If you are diabetic then omit the honey.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedy For Osteoarthritis

Excruciating pain can be caused when acid crystals build up in the joints. Sometimes, this leads to decreased mobility and deformity. It is the acid crystal build-up that causes osteoarthritis and eventually, a daily routine that includes apple cider vinegar will disperse these acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is believed to be caused by a streptococcal infection. Not only is apple cider vinegar a great treatment option for arthritis, it is known to work for acid reflux, fatigue, gout, sore throats, heartburn, and numerous other ailments. Results have shown that it helps balance the acid in the body.

Everyone is different and therefore it is highly advised that you seek advice from a health professional as opposed to self-diagnosing and treating. Chiro Med can help. Chiro Med Rehab Centre is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Visit them online or call 905-918-0419.

Many of us have heard how our body needs enzymes but what exactly are enzymes and why is it our body must have enzymes?

Enzymes can be defined as being catalysts, substances that cause a chemical reaction to move faster. They are the catalysts of biochemical reactions in living organisms which includes the formation, breakdown, and the rearranging of molecules to provide organisms with the energy and materials required to live and function properly. In fact, enzymes are even more important than vitamins and minerals because without enzymes, vitamins and minerals are totally useless.

All enzymes are substances that occur naturally in all living things, including us. If it’s an animal or a plant, it has enzymes. Researchers have identified more than 3,000 different enzymes in the human body up to now; they are still examining the body as they believe they may discover more.

There is not a doubt that enzymes are absolutely critical for life process. Every activity that occurs in our body needs enzymes. This includes:

• The building of healthy tissue
• Synthesis and repair of DNA
• A strong heartbeat
• Proper digestion
• Absorption of food
• Blood coagulation
• Breathing
• Absorption of oxygen
• Breaking down fats in the blood, regulating cholesterol and triglyceride

Nothing can take place without energy and energy is produced with enzymes. The existence of every living cell in the human body depends on enzymes. Those of us whose bodies are rich in enzymes are people who function at their best and have the greatest advantages in resisting disease. In fact, enzymes are not only critical to human health, but they are also critical to plants and animals as well.

Nutrients and Enzymes:

If a person does not have all the enzymes required then their body cannot process and use the nutrients, vitamins or minerals that we also desperately need to be healthy. Enzymes are rather specific and each one promotes one type of chemical reaction. Some break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in our food into smaller molecules so that the digestion process runs smoother.

Like vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, enzymes work best when they are ingested from fresh sources. Taking enzyme supplements doesn’t replace a healthy diet of quality fresh produce.

Enzymes are not only ingested from the fresh vegetables and fruits we eat but our liver produces enzymes in which we cannot ingest. Having a healthy liver is essential so that it can produce the other enzymes we need.

Our body’s ability to function, to mend after injury, and to ward off disease is directly related to the strength and numbers of the enzymes in our body. Enzymes are also important to help recover from back pain, circulation problems and many other ailments.

Many people have an enzyme deficiency and are totally unaware of it.

Coenzymes:

Enzymes do not work all by themselves; they rely on other elements to complete their intended function. Some vitamins and minerals are really important for enzymes to do what they need to and these are known as coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 is one that many are aware of and magnesium is another; in fact, magnesium is needed in over 300 enzyme reactions. Thousands of people are magnesium deficient and are totally unaware. According to Dr. Norman Shealy in Missouri, "Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency" and that, "magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."

Ingesting vitamins, whether from eating foods or as supplements, increases the quantity of coenzymes in the body. Some vitamins helps our body produce coenzymes, such as folic acid (B9) and some of the B vitamins and other vitamins directly act as coenzymes, such as vitamin C.

Boost Your Enzymes Naturally

There are only four things you need to do to increase your enzymes naturally:

1. Eat plenty of raw, living foods
2. Decrease calorie intake
3. Properly (and slowly) chew your food
4. Avoid gum chewing

The absolute best way to bring enzymes into your body is by eating mostly raw foods in your diet (at least 75 percent). A great way to help achieve this is to eat sprouts. Sprouting is cheap and easy to do. Although all raw foods contain enzymes, some are more powerful than others and sprouts are at the top of the list.

Other enzyme-rich foods include:

• Papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and grapes
• Avocado
• Raw honey
• Bee pollen
• Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil

Our body is very intricate and everything we choose to eat and drink throughout our lifetime will determine just how healthy or unhealthy we are and will become. Be sure to make healthy food choices, eat lots of raw food, and remember, exercise is also important in order to maintain good health.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin is one of the eight B vitamins we need. Our body needs B12 as it is necessary in the production of red blood cells as well as the proper functioning of nerve tissues and healthy brain functioning. It also helps in the regulation and synthesizing of DNA.

B12, and all B vitamins are water soluble and they travel through our bloodstream. Vitamin B12 is not stored in the body and any excess amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally this vitamin is the most complicated and the largest.

B12 Sources

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in animal products such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Typically this vitamin is not found in fruits and vegetables making B12 intake a challenge for vegans and some vegetarians. It is critical that vegans take supplements as well as women while pregnant and during breastfeeding.

Foods that are good sources of vitamin B12 include:

• Beef, pork, ham, poultry, and lamb.
• Fish, especially haddock, sardines and tuna.
• Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Some nutritional yeast products.
• Eggs.

Some foods are fortified with B12 such as some types of soya milk and breakfast cereals.

According to Health Canada recommended daily intake of B12 should be 2.4 micrograms per day for men and women ages 19 to 70. Pregnant women should take 2.6 mcg per day and lactating women 2.8 mcg daily. Some health professionals claim that Health Canada provides a low estimate on what daily vitamin intake should be so if you are concerned that these daily values are not enough for you then be sure to visit a qualified health professional.

For those individuals over the age of 50 it is even more important to not only get the minimum daily recommended allowance but to have your B12 levels checked regularly. As we increase in age our bodies become less able to absorb this vitamin not only from the foods we eat but from supplements. It is critical in order to maintain good health to know that your body is actually absorbing B12.

B12 Facts

• This is the only vitamin that requires a specific substance for absorption.
• 30 % of vitamin B12 is lost during cooking.
• Vitamin B12 is destroyed by light.
• This vitamin was discovered in 1948.

B12 Deficiency & Symptoms

B12 deficiency is more common in those over 50 years of age. Malabsorption of this vitamin is the main cause of deficiency in those who are older. This is caused by atrophy of the gastric mucosa and the gradual loss of gastric acid.

Low levels of this vitamin can cause a reversible blood disorder called pernicious anemia. This causes fatigue, difficulty thinking and concentrating. Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include:

• Feeling light-headed, weak, and lethargic.
• Bleeding gums.
• Experiencing a sore, red tongue.
• Pale skin.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Feel sick to the stomach.

If the level of vitamin B12 has been very low for a long period of time it can damage nerve cells. If this has occurred some symptoms may include:

• Poor sense of balance.
• Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes.
• Depression
• Loss of mental abilities.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not something to be ignored because there is a serious risk of permanent nerve and brain damage. Those who do not get enough vitamin B12 have a higher risk of developing psychosis, mania, and dementia.

Infants who lack vitamin B12 may have unusual movements which may include:

• Face tremors.
• Reflex problems.
• Feeding difficulties.
• Eventual growth problems if left untreated.

B12 Deficiency Treatments

Increasing the foods that have vitamin B12 is the first course of action; however, if your deficiency isn't caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, chances are you’ll need injections. Vitamin B12 is available in an injectable form to be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.

People with Leber's disease or those who are allergic or sensitive to cobalt or cobalamin must consult their health care provider before taking vitamin B12 supplements.

For a person who is suffering with nerve damage there may be help through chiropractic care in conjunction with either diet and/or B12 supplements. Every person is unique and must be seen by a chiropractor to see if there is chiropractic treatment available for them.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess your needs. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Additional Information:

For a comprehensive list of foods that contain vitamin B12 please go to Dieticians of Canada.

http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Vitamins/Food-Sources-of-Vitamin-B12.aspx