Skip to content

Using Acupuncture as an Alternative Approach to Managing Menopause Symptoms

By admin | Published November 18, 2024

Using Acupuncture as an Alternative Approach to Managing Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While this transition is entirely normal, it often comes with a range of challenging symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. For many women, these symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has long been the standard treatment for managing menopausal symptoms, but it is not without risks and side effects. As a result, many women are turning to alternative therapies, including acupuncture, to alleviate their symptoms. continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Menopause, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Using Acupuncture as an Alternative Approach to Managing Menopause Symptoms

(WARNING) Sugar Substitute Xylitol and Erythritol Linked to Increased Risk of Heart attack and Strokes

By christina | Published November 4, 2024

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP

Xylitol and Erythritol are commonly used by those wanting to lose weight or who are diabetic.

Many people use artificial, low-calorie sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake.

It’s found in chewing gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more.

According to a June 2024 study, high levels of xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols and low-calorie sweeteners used in many foods and products, has been associated with an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke and death.

The researchers in this study analyzed how xylitol impacts heart health in over 3,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe.

The team of researchers, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic and published in European Heart Journal on June 6, 2024 showed that having the highest blood levels of xylitol is linked with a 57% increased risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with lower levels.

The Reason Why Xylitol and Erythritol May Pose a Cardiovascular Risk?

Blood components called platelets help blood to clot. The researchers found that both erythritol and xylitol made platelets more sensitive to blood clotting signals. .

Additionally, taking a single 30-gram dose of xylitol increases blood levels 1000-fold within 30 minutes – this increase can stimulate blood clotting, which is concerning for people with existing heart disease.

These results suggest that consuming erythritol and xylitol can increase blood clot formation. This, in turn, could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What Products Commonly Include Erythritol and Xylitol?

  • Chewing gum
  • Candy
  • Ice Cream
  • Breath mints
  • Some Dietary supplements
  • Mouthwash
  • Toothpaste
  • Sugar-Free Desserts
  • Liquid compounded medications
    Commercially produced: Baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gums, chocolates, tabletop sweetener packets, ice cream, puddings, jams and jellies, fruit preparations, biscuits, and sauces

Dr. Grisanti’s Comments

For now, I recommend being cautious using products with xylitol and erythritol in it, – particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors.

Although some people will say the research may be flawed, I have to wonder if the people against this new study have an agenda that places the public at risk.

All in all, I say why take the risk.

I prefer to err on the side of caution and simply stop consuming food items that have erythritol and xylitol in it.

Using xylitol and erythritol in the small amounts typically found in chewing gum, toothpastes, and mouth rinses seems to be safe.

But using it in very high doses and long-term isn’t a good idea. 

It does not mean throw out your toothpaste if it has xylitol in it, but we should be aware that consumption of a product containing high levels could increase the risk of blood clot-related events.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, the only sweeteners I stand behind are organic, 100 percent stevia or monk fruit extracts.

Remember simply read the labels of the items you eat or drink if you want to know if xylitol and erythritol has been added.

——————

References:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/xylitol-may-affect-cardiovascular-health
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/heart-health/xylitol-linked-increased-heart-risk-reconsider-sugar-substitutes-rcna155688
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/common-sweetener-linked-potential-cardiovascular-risks
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/06/xylitol-sugar-artificial-sweetener-heart/
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/erythritol-cardiovascular-events
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453

** Always consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner with significant integrative or functional medicine training before starting any of the above recommendations.

 

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. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University’s Certification Program (CFMP) www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is required.

 

Compliments from Functional Medicine University @ www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com

Posted in Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on (WARNING) Sugar Substitute Xylitol and Erythritol Linked to Increased Risk of Heart attack and Strokes

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Allergies

By admin | Published November 4, 2024

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Allergies

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. Conventional treatments typically involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy, but these approaches often address only the symptoms rather than the root cause. As people seek more holistic and natural treatments, acupuncture has emerged as a popular alternative therapy for managing allergies.  continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Allergies, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Acupuncture as a Treatment for Allergies

Acupuncture for Treating Infertility in Men and Women

By admin | Published October 21, 2024

Acupuncture for Treating Infertility in Men and Women

Infertility is a growing concern worldwide, affecting millions of couples trying to conceive. As conventional treatments can be costly and sometimes come with side effects, many are turning to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, for help. But what are the potential benefits of acupuncture in treating infertility in both men and women? continue reading »

Posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Traditional Chinese Medicine | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Acupuncture for Treating Infertility in Men and Women

The Benefits of Meditation

By admin | Published October 7, 2024

The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation, a practice rooted in ancient traditions, has gained significant popularity in the modern world for its numerous mental and physical health benefits. As stress and anxiety levels continue to rise, more people are turning to meditation as a means of finding inner peace and improving overall well-being. 

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional calm. There are several forms of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation, each with its unique techniques and benefits.

One of the most well-documented benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. A meta-analysis of 163 studies found that mindfulness meditation programs significantly reduced stress, with an effect size of 0.38, which is considered a moderate effect. Chronic stress can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease and depression, making stress reduction a critical benefit of meditation.

Meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation programs can help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain, with effect sizes comparable to those of antidepressant medications. This makes meditation a valuable tool for managing anxiety without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

Meditation can lead to improved emotional health by promoting a more positive outlook on life. Research published in the journal Psychological Science found that individuals who engaged in loving-kindness meditation reported increased positive emotions, which contributed to greater life satisfaction and reduced depressive symptoms.

Meditation enhances attention span and concentration. A study conducted at the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that participants who underwent a two-week mindfulness training program showed improved GRE reading comprehension scores and working memory capacity compared to a control group. This suggests that meditation can enhance cognitive functions essential for academic and professional success.

Meditation helps individuals better regulate their emotions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that meditation alters brain regions associated with emotion regulation, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that long-term meditation practitioners had increased gray matter density in the brain regions involved in emotional regulation, suggesting that meditation can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function.

Meditation can contribute to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. A study published in the journal Hypertension found that participants who practiced transcendental meditation for three months experienced significant reductions in blood pressure compared to a control group. This effect is attributed to the relaxation response induced by meditation, which reduces stress hormones and promotes cardiovascular health.

Meditation has been shown to enhance immune function, making the body more resilient to infections. Research published in the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that mindfulness meditation increased antibody production in response to the influenza vaccine, indicating a stronger immune response.

Meditation can be an effective tool for managing chronic pain. A meta-analysis of 38 studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced pain severity, with effect sizes comparable to those of standard pain management interventions.

Meditation offers a wide array of benefits for mental, cognitive, physical, and social health. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing attention and immune function, meditation is a powerful practice that can improve overall well-being. As scientific research continues to uncover the mechanisms behind these benefits, meditation is likely to become an increasingly integral part of health and wellness practices worldwide.

Posted in Meditation | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Meditation
615-410-8307 Directions Contact/Schedule