Is Osteoporosis Affecting Your Health?

Osteoporosis

OsteoporosisWhat is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes the bones in the body to weaken and become brittle over time increasing the risk of fracture and breaks.

Bone is a living mesh of tissue, not just calcium.

Collagen plays a big role in how sturdy bone is constructed. When collagen and calcium are lacking, the bone becomes weak. Bone consistency regenerates itself by building new cells and releasing old ones.

As you age, bone becomes more brittle.

In the USA low bone mass affects more than half the population 55 and up.1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women, ages 50 and older may at some point have a broken bone because of osteoporosis. 

Causes of bone weakening include Medication use, Adrenal Fatigue, metabolism imbalance, Vegan Diets, Copper deficiency,  Hyperparathyroidism, Eating Disorders,  Smoking, Excessive Alcohol use, family genetics, and a small bone frame.

How do you test for bone density?

The main reason someone would suspect Osteoporosis would be family history if they are not experiencing any symptoms. A bone density test may be given by your physician.

Physical Symptoms: Back pain (which can be caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra), a stooped forward lean in your formerly straight posture, loss of height as you get older, and even breaking a bone without a super hard fall or impact.

Drug companies produce several pharmaceuticals which have been formulated to increase the density of bone. The problem is that they all come with the potential risk for side effects. Thinking about bone health while you are still young is the best possible protective measure.

BE PROACTIVE!

Drop the Stress – Chronic stress can not only spoil your mood and mental health it can wreak havoc on your physical health. Be nice to yourself, rest, treat yourself occasionally, do what makes you feel joyful and relaxed.

Nutrition
– Eat a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Avoid refined sugar, white flours, and processed foods. The soil much of our food is grown in these days has been severely depleted of the minerals we need. So much so that supplementing may be necessary. The best way to determine what you are missing is with Nutritional Response Testing. Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 and Strontium all have shown benefits to bone strength.

Lift – Strength training builds bone as well as muscle. Consult a personal trainer if you need a little direction to get started.

Use Essential Oils – Helichrysum and Cypress can be applied topically to areas can help with bone repair and healing if a break occurs or a weak spot is shown to exist.

Chiropractic Care – Keeping your bones in alignment on a regular basis helps the entire body function properly.

If you are in the Southwest Florida, Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, or Lehigh, please visit www.drkasters.com or call the office at 239-332-2555. 

Natural Help for Women Going Through Menopause

menopause

menopauseThough generally thought of as an older woman’s plight, menopause can begin as early as 35.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when she when a woman stops being able to procreate. Menstruation stops. The average age begins around 45-50 but it can start as early as 35 in some. Night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, missed periods, emotional swings, irregular periods, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual response are all signs you are in menopause. These are all symptoms that can be alarming. Most women site that all they want is to feel like themselves again. All you want is to feel normal or back to your old self again. The question is how… The TV ads would have you believe that your only option will come through hormone replacement therapy. This is simply not the truth.

There are many natural things you can do. It is not reasonable to expect all of the symptoms in their entirety. But you can learn the triggers and take supplements that can dampen them and make them less troublesome.

Triggers can include a hot environment, hot hair dryers, hot food or drinks, stress, exercise, smoking, alcohol, sugary foods, spicy foods, and hormonal changes.

COMBAT HOT FLASHES

-Wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing, and pajamas at night.

-Grab a cold drink when you start to overheat, turn on a fan or go into a cooler room, try to relax with meditation or deep breathing if you feel nervous or anxious, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to feel warm.

-Proper nutritional support is key as well and can actually do the most good toward keeping your body in balance.

HERBAL SUPPORT

Black Cohosh

Though beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Black Cohosh is an excellent herb for women. It supports relief from women related issues. Supports a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy or in the presence of chronic illness.

Dong Quai

Don’t Quai is a good herb for women supporting their monthly health issues. It nourishes the reproductive organs and is great for the blood. It also supports relaxation. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used by diabetics, or persons who are light-sensitive.

Kudzu

Kudzu is rich in isoflavones and supports increased bone strength.

Wild Yam

Contains progesterone-like substance that helps support women health issues. Also supports healthy joints. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.

Chaste Tree

An excellent herb for women, Chaste Tree supports healthy hormone levels and is beneficial for women’s health issues. CAUTION: Should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Red Clover

Red Clover supports healthy lungs. Helps strengthen the immune system. Phytoestrogens contained in Red Clover support healthy bones in women during menopause. It is also good for skin disorders.

Licorice

Wonderful for the stomach and digestive system. CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.

Damiana

Damiana supports the delivery and flow of oxygen to the genital area; this benefits both men and women. Also supports the overall energy level. CAUTION: Can interfere with Iron absorption when used internally.

These herbs may very well offer relief for many from menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, gallstones, ovarian cancer, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis the natural route has no known side effects.

Come in and work with Dr. Kaster, D.C. – He is not only a Chiropractor but a Nutritionist and overall Wellness Doctor. His goal is your health, naturally. www.drkasters.com 239-332-2555

What IS Fluoride? – A History Lesson

fluoride

fluorideWater fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to the general water supply under the guise of helping to prevent tooth decay.

What IS fluoride?


Fluoride is a salt of hydrofluoric acid compound containing fluorine, as methyl fluoride, CH 3 F.

For those of us that didn’t excel in science class that definition did not help on clarity. This just leads us to yet another question. What is Fluorine? It is the most highly reactive nonmetallic element on the chart. It is a pale yellow toxic gas that is corrosive. This leads me to the next logical question. Can a toxic gas really be good for us and where and what exactly does the fluoride we are adding to our water supply come from?


The idea of adding it to the water supply was proposed based on the idea that fluoridated water works on tooth surfaces: inside the mouth it creates low levels of fluoride in saliva, which reduces the rate at which tooth enamel de-mineralizes. It also increases the rate at which it remineralizes in the early stages of cavities leaving fewer cavities overall.  Sounds good right? Of course, it does. We bought it hook line and sinker up until recently.

According to the National Health Federation as well as the New York State Coalition, they are both highly opposed to Fluoridation. Though yes, Fluoride exists in nature and is found in rock it is also laced with an industrial waste product known as fluosilicic acid. Fluoride is a pollutant.

Fluoride is a by-product of copper, iron and aluminum manufacturing. The problem became how to legally dump fluoride. One of America’s largest aluminum companies founded a study and suddenly the problem was solved in the 1930’s. The outcome was found that fluoride helped prevent tooth decay.

Now the marketing began

A successful public relations effort along with government agencies resulted in the propaganda being spread far and wide: this miracle chemical, when added to water supplies, will give everyone healthy teeth.

The fertilizer industry may have solved their issue of what to do with their toxic waste product, but public health and safety took a hit. This claim that this fluoridated water was healthy for teeth is false. Evidence shows fluoridation does not reduce tooth decay. A tooth decay epidemic is rampant in the U.S. today, reports the Surgeon General and cavity crises are occurring in many, if not all, fluoridated cities and states in 2018. Many cities are now rethinking and removing fluoride from their water supplies.

The first experimental city to accept fluoridated water happened in 1945 in Newburgh, New York. The study was originally slated to last 10 years but ended at only 5, and was somehow falsely declared a success.

No adults were studied. Children sick two weeks before examination were excluded – eliminating the very children who might have been exhibiting fluoride’s adverse effects. In this study, they used sodium fluoride, which is not the fluoride chemical used by over 91% of U.S. fluoridating communities today – Silicofluorides.

According to www.fluorideinfo.org they state that  “While the opponents to community water fluoridation may be well-intentioned, there is no scientific basis on which anti-fluoridationists base their claims.” This is simply not the truth.

This missmatches findings by Dr. Barry Groves, Ph.D. who dedicated himself to exposing dietary misinformation, the very studies were done by the WHO (World Health Organization) were greatly exaggerated and even falsified. It has been shown in countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Sweden when fluoride was removed from the water, the incidence of cavities actually reduced.

Fluoride is a highly toxic substance, which before named a cavity fighter, was used in rat poison and insecticides. If all of these years we have been duped, what has all this fluoride we have been consuming really done to our bodies?

Ironically, when you consume too much fluoride your teeth can actually discolor and crumble.  In lab tests on animals, fluoride has been shown to enhance absorption of aluminum, which has been shown to cause Alzheimer’s. It has also been linked to osteoporosis, damage of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to limited joint mobility, ligament calcification, muscular degeneration and neurological deficits. But worst of all fluoride has been linked to as many as 10,000 cancer deaths per year (the majority in bone cancer, primarily in men).

Fluoride has also been shown to lower intelligence in children. In one study 907 children age 8-13 were measured in retrospect to the amounts of fluoride in their environment. The developmental intelligence appeared to be hampered severely the younger the child was when high doses were administered.

Fluoride has also been shown to calcify the pineal gland.  It regulates the production of melatonin, which regulates the onset of puberty as well as protecting us from damage on a cellular level from free radicals. In some cultures, the pineal gland is also believed to be what is thought of as the third eye, and our source of visualization and imagination.

We can only suggest limiting your continued exposure to fluoride as much as possible.

There are many good high-quality fluoride free toothpaste available, as well as opting to drink distilled or fluoride filtered water from a system that utilizes a special filter or reverse osmosis, is a huge boost for your health, no matter your age.

***Please read the information provided before purchasing any water filter. Most do not actually remove fluoride. Placing a filter on your showerhead is also a tremendous help as your skin when showering opens up its pores and allows fluoridated and chlorinated water to penetrate and absorb into your system.

There are also ways to remove fluoride from your body through internal cleanses, heavy metal detoxifications and chelation

It’s up to you to decide if you feel fluoride is ok for you to ingest, we suggest you do some research and make up your own minds.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Oregano – Nature’s Super Healer

oregano

oreganoOregano is a member of the mint family. It has often been nicknamed nature’s most potent antiseptic and described as one of the strongest known anti-inflammatory substances. Oregano oil has powerful anti-viral properties. In terms of reversing pain and inflammation; it has nearly the same power of morphine. Yet it remains relatively unknown. 

Oregano oil has been certified by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe); however, it is a very “hot” oil, so dilution is a carrier oil is recommended, especially for ingestion. You can purchase Oregano Oil capsules over the counter at any grocery or drugstore.

Numerous studies have shown it to be highly destructive to a multitude of viruses including Staph, E-Coli, Listeria and even MRSA. It has been demonstrated to be 99% effective at reducing airborne bacteria as well and is an excellent lymphatic stimulator even fighting off fungal infections. A recent medical journal study compared the anti-candida effect of oregano oil to that caprylic acid.  The results indicated that oregano oil is over 100 times more potent than caprylic acid against candida.

Oregano is a must have for every first aid kit and not a bad idea to keep in your medicine cabinet either.

What is oregano good for?

-Fungus and athlete’s foot infections (pop open a soft-gel and apply 2x daily)

-Respiratory ailments

-Colds

-Flu

-A sore throat

-Asthma

-Bronchitis. 

-Congestion, loosen phlegm and quiet coughs.  Either applying it topically (diluted, unless applied to the bottom of the feet) or diffused, it offers you excellent benefits.

-Intestinal infection

-Digestive issues

Diffused into the air for its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, to clear the air of pathogens (for this method oregano oil must be pure – not mixed with a carrier oil)

How to use oregano medicinally:

As with any antibiotic if you are choosing to use a natural antibiotic for an infection make sure that you do a full course. In other words… don’t just use it until you feel better. Keep going for a minimum of 5-10 days. As with all antibiotics, if you quit taking them just when you begin to feel better, the bacteria that remain may actually rally and come back stronger giving you less of a chance to be able to fight them off should you choose to start again.

Interested in homeopathy, chiropractic, natural wellness, nutrition and overall health? Contact the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. of Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555.

Moringa – The Miracle Supplement

moringa

moringaHave you tried moringa yet? It comes as both a capsule or a powder or if you are very lucky, fresh.

The leaves, flowers, bark, fruit, and root, and seeds can all be used medicinally.

 Moringa contains 4 times the Vitamin A of carrots, 7 times the Vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the calcium of milk,  and two times the protein of yogurt and 3 times the potassium of bananas.

Moringa is an important food source in many parts of the world as it can be grown inexpensively, and the leaves retain vitamins and minerals when dried, moringa is used in Africa and India to fight malnutrition.

The immature green pods are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a supplement and condiment. It will, however, only grow in tropical and subtropical climates.

The oil from moringa seeds can be used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction can even be used as a fertilizer and also to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.

Moringa’s Many Benefits:

WHEN TAKEN ORALLY 

    Anemia.

    Arthritis.

    Asthma.

    Cancer.

    Constipation.

    Birth control. (please do further research on dosage and timing)

    Diabetes.

    Diarrhea.

    Epilepsy.

    Stomach pain (gastritis).

    Stomach and intestinal ulcers.

    A headache.

    Heart problems.

    High blood pressure.

    Kidney stones.

    Swelling (inflammation).

    Thyroid disorders.

    Infections.

    Increasing breast milk production.

    As a nutritional supplement.

    Stimulating immunity.

    Increasing sex drive.

TOPICALLY

    Athlete’s foot.

    Dandruff.

    Warts.

    Skin infections.

    Snakebites.

    Gum disease (gingivitis).

    Astringent.

    Wounds

Directions: Follow the directions on the label. BUT I will add this – Please start slowly with Moringa. Everyone’s body is different. If it says 2 spoonfuls daily, trust me – start with ½ of a spoonful and work your way up. Moringa in too high of a dose can cause nausea, vomiting and even explosive diarrhea.

With the right dose, you should feel good, have more energy and notice a daily improvement.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It’s UNSAFE to use moringa if you are pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage.

It’s also best to avoid moringa if you are breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to know whether it is safe for a nursing infant.

Because of our tropical climate here in SW Florida, you can actually grow your own Moringa tree right in your yard. Make sure to plant it somewhere you do not mind a large tree growing because they do grow rather fast. To use it fresh you can pick branches right off the tree and eat the leaves.

For more amazing health information you may not know about by visiting the blog of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. Chiropractor and Nutritionist in Fort Myers, Florida www.drkasters.com | 239.332.2555

Is it Menopause?

menopause

menopauseIf you are in the age range of 35-50 you may start to experience symptoms of menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time at which menstruation stops for a woman and she is no longer able to reproduce. It can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, emotional swings,irregular or missed periods, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual appetite. These are all very jarring symptoms that can interrupt your daily life. All you want is to feel back to your old self again. But how do you get there? Television advertisements would have you believe that your only salvation is through hormone replacement therapy. That just isn’t the case.

Tips and Tricks to help alleviate symptoms

While its not reasonable to expect to avoid hot flashes there are triggers that can bring them on more frequently or cause them to be more severe.

Triggers can include:

  • An overly warm environment
  • Hot hair dryers
  • Hot food or drinks
  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Sugary foods
  • Eating spicy foods  
  • Hormonal changes

A few ways to combat hot flashes:

  • Wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing, and pajamas at night.
  • Grab a cold drink when you start to overheat.
  • Turn on a fan or go into a cooler room.
  • Try to relax with meditation or deep breathing if you feel nervous or anxious
  • Dress in layers.

While all of these tips will help, the key is proper nutritional support. Eating will can keep your body in balance.

There are certain natural herbs and plants that can ease the transitional symptoms.

Black Cohosh

Beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It supports relief from women related issues. Supports a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy or in the presence of chronic illness.

Wild Yam

Contains progesterone-like substance that helps support women health issues. Also supports healthy joints. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.

Dong Quai

Don’t Quai is a good herb for women supporting their monthly health issues. It nourishes the reproductive organs and is great for the blood. It also supports relaxation. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used by diabetics, or persons who are light-sensitive.

Kudzu

Kudzu supports bone strength and is rich in isoflavones.

Red Clover

Red Clover supports healthy lungs. Helps strengthen the immune system. Phytoestrogens contained in Red Clover support healthy bones in women during menopause. It is also good for skin disorders.

Licorice

Great for digestive problems.  CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.

Chaste Tree

Chaste Tree supports healthy hormone levels and is beneficial for women’s health issues. CAUTION: Should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Damiana

Damiana supports the delivery and flow of oxygen to the genital area; this benefits both men and women. Also supports overall energy level. CAUTION: Can interfere with Iron absorption when used internally.

When taken in combination they can offer relief for menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, ovarian cancer, fluid retention,breast cancer, gallstones, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis – These natural alternatives are safe and in many cases effective.

For more information on nutrition and supplementation visit the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida.

Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.