Casey Sinclair, CFMPDr. Casey Sinclair, CFMP, DC

Dr. Casey Sinclair, D.C. is a leading holistic healthcare doctor trained in functional medicine. He has extended his reach around the world by co-founding Family Health Advocacy, a health advocacy group lead by doctors and health professionals providing resources and education on global health matters. He has been fortunate to act as health a consultant to some of the largest companies in North America and as a professional speaker he's had the privilege of speaking to thousands of people. Dr. Casey is an advocate for people suffering with chronic pain and fibromyalgia and has authored a book on the subject.

Online Fibromyalgia Test

by
fibromyalgia diagnosis

LIVING WITH FIBROMYALGIA? The following Fibromyalgia test will help you determine if you have the metabolic fingerprints of Fibromyalgia. Diagnosing Fibromyalgia is a challenge. There are many illnesses with similar symptoms that can be misdiagnosed as this condition that should be ruled out, and although there isn’t a specific blood test, there are markers that suspected patients with fibromyalgia will have that point in the direction of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia . This questionnaire we have prepared is a simplified version of the diagnostic criteria provided by the American College of Rheumatology. Please note that there is not definitive diagnostic questionnaire available and you should always consult your doctor for medical advice any health concerns, however this tool can be used to provide some guidance. Fill in the form below and click the big button at the bottom to analyze your results.  Also, click here to learn about foods to avoid with fibromyalgia.

A. Widespread Pain Index

This is the first part of the fibromyalgia test. Where do you feel your pain? Using the diagram above indicate each of the 18 tender points on your body you have experienced pain over the past 7 days and count 1 for each point.

Total number of pain points: /18 Points

B. Symptom Severity Scale

Using a scale of 0 (No problem) to 3 (Severe and Ongoing), rate your symptom severity over the past week in each of the 3 categories.

Fatigue Waking Unrefreshed Brain Fog
/3 /3 /3

C.  Somatic Symptoms List

People with Check any symptoms you have experienced over the past week. Symptoms include:

Muscle Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fatigue/Tiredness
Thinking / Memory problems
Muscle Weakness
Headache
Pain/Cramps in Abdomen
Numbness / Tingling
Dizziness
Insomnia
Depression
Constipation
Pain in Upper Abdomen
Nausea
Nervousness
Chest Pain
Blurred Vision
Fever
Diarrhea
Dry Mouth
Itching
Wheezing
Hives / Welts
Ringing In the Ears
Vomiting
Heartburn
Oral ulcers
Loss/ Change in Taste
Seizures
Dry Eyes
Shortness of Breath
Loss of Appetite
Rash
Sun Sensitivity
Hearing Difficulty
Easy Bruising - Hair Loss
Frequent Urination
Bladder Spasms

Is It Time To Stop Eating Fruit?

by
fruit

I was asked an excellent question by a member of a private facebook community I started for people dealing with chronic pain and fibromyalgia.   She was working through an online course that I put together for our members so that they could take the proper action steps and move towards better health.  She had completed the unit on sugar which raised the following question; could she consume ANY sugar at all, which included fruit!

This was important for her to know as she has been dealing with chronic pain for years and was now in the midst of a major flare up of symptoms.  She starts her day each morning with a smoothie containing lots of fruit.  As many others in our facebook community are experiencing similar symptoms, this was important to address with our followers.

Important Points About Sugar

Firstly, we aren’t just talking about white table sugar or high fructose corn syrup.  There are many additional hidden sources of sugar (breads, crackers, pasta, rice and other grains that are all converted to sugar) contributing to this over-consumption problem.  It’s just plain bad for our bodies and creates an even bigger problem for those suffering in chronic pain or have conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.  For this reason, it would be wise to eliminate sugar as much as possible from her daily diet or cut it out altogether!

How Sugar Impacts Our Health

Thankfully the sugar industry has finally started to come under fire.  The research demonstrating the numerous negative impacts sugar has on overall health is mounting.  It’s not just diabetes.  It’s a major factor in developing conditions like chronic fatigue, obesity, cancer, heart disease, alzheimer’s disease, immune system deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and all sorts of inflammatory conditions.

Sugar’s direct relationship to inflammation is of huge significance.  Inflammation is the underlying process of most diseases in North America.

The Hidden Truth

Some of you reading this may be thinking “well I can eat sugar because I’m not dealing with a disease process”.  But these disease processes sit quietly beneath the surface without you knowing.  This process can go on for many months or even years.

That is until your body can’t take it anymore and starts to manifest symptoms.  Don’t wait for this to happen.  Make changes now!

If you find yourself in a disease state, make the decision to heal your body!  When going through the healing process, the first thing to go away will be the symptoms.  But the underlying problem is still there.  So, if you are reducing or eliminating sugar from your life, and you’re feeling better and experiencing more energy, you may think it’s ok to slide back to your old food habits.  Don’t! The underlying disease process is likely still there. Keep pushing your health needle in the right direction!

Sugar Crisis

The reality is that the average North American is consuming the equivalent of 22 teaspoons of sugar every single day.  This is astounding!  It’s no wonder we are amidst a healthcare crisis!  The American Heart Association  suggests restricting your sugar consumption to 6-9 teaspoons per day.  Family Health Advocacy suggests eliminating it altogether.

Start by getting rid your table sugar.  Avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague!  Read the ingredients list on products while in the grocery store before even bringing them into your home.  This way these products won’t even be an option for you should you get cravings.  Continuing to consume sugar in excess through its various forms leads to insulin resistance.  The cells in your body actually start to ignore your body’s insulin!  Like that annoying neighbor that keeps coming over to your house, insulin keeps knocking at the doors (receptors) of your cells but the cells won’t answer.  This creates inflammation and oxidative stress in your body.  Two processes that are big contributors to the development of disease, not to mention worsens the symptoms of chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

Sugar can also sabotage your healthy nutritional decisions as well.  Sugar affects the absorption of the nutrients of other foods.  It can also have a damaging effect on your liver, not allowing your body to properly break down and process fat.  This creates the inability to lose weight.  Hello obesity epidemic!

So What About Fruit?

So, back to the original question.  What about fruit?  Well in this particular case, where a person is dealing with a condition like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or chronic pain, and you’re having a really bad flare up, it may be time to even cut out fruit.

It’s time to consider a sugar fast.  And not just the table sugar or high fructose corn syrup, but all grains and yes fruit.  Fruit is great for all of its nutrients and vitamins and should be a portion of everyone’s healthy diet.

But when eating that typical North American diet with all those grains and sugars it all adds up and it’s time to allow your body to heal. Can you really keep sugar cravings at bay? Click here to find out!

And when your body does heal, you can start to slowly re-introduce fruit.  Start with organic blueberries, strawberries, rasberries, and blackberries.  These berries are high in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-aging phytonutrients.  They are low in sugar content, best to be taken in the morning and taste great in a smoothie.  Click here for a great smoothie recipe.  The best part is that the sugar is in its natural form.  This means there is a higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.  This allows your body the opportunity to better process the natural sugars.

If you are someone who is dealing with chronic pain issues or fibromyalgia, I encourage you to  join my private facebook community by clicking here.  Once in the group, complete the course unit on sugar to learn more about how it can affect your chronic condition and overall health.

You’re one step closer!

This Common Ingredient Has Been Linked To Cancer

by
triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.  Many commercial products like plastic kitchen tools, cutting boards, and high chairs contain this chemical.  Toys, pencils and cosmetics also can have it.  Not to mention, hand soap, toothpaste and deodorant.  Even, clothing, bedding and other fabrics have been reported.

Also, it can pass through the skin.  As a result, it has been linked to a number of health concerns.  Most noteworthy, abnormal endocrine system (hormones) and a weakened immune system.  Poor muscle function, allergies and asthma.  Also, eczema and even cancer have been listed as conditions.

Triclosan Connected To Cancer

There was a study published in 2014 in The American Chemical Society’s journal.  Researched found that triclosan, as well another substance called octylphenol, promoted the growth of human breast cancer cells.

Also, triclosan has major effects on our environment.  The European Union and Environment Canada have both classified it as toxic.  As a result affecting both the aquatic environment and its organisms.  Sadly, remnants containing this chemical are being poured down our drains.  Hence the everyday use of them has led to pollution in our water.  What’s worse?  Triclosan does not degrade easily and can buildup overtime.  As a result, it is still detectable even after the water has been treated!

Now that this chemical is in the environment, it can gain exposure to sunlight.  As a result, it can then convert to Dioxins.  Toxic compounds that are environmental pollutants (POPs).  These have been linked to endocrine and immune system disruption.  Also, infertility and cancer.

How Does This Effect Me?

Consequently, it can combine with chlorine found in tap water.  As a result, the two agents form chloroform which is linked to cancer.  For more information about the danger of this chemical click here to read ‘Triclosan: Not Safe, Not Effective’.

Just how bad is this problem?  Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did a test.  Triclosan was found in the urine of 75% of the people tested!   Furthermore, there appears to be a link between that and the cause of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

More than 200 scientists and medical professionals concluded this chemical to be hazardous.  The lack of benefit from common uses of triclosan can be found in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

What Can We Do To Protect Ourselves?

The effects of this on our health and environment are alarming.  However, there are steps you can take to minimize it.

First of all, check the ingredients list of your products.  This includes personal care products especially if they are labelled as antibacterial, antimicrobial or antifungal.

When reading labels, watch out for aliases!  Triclosan may also be labelled as Microban or Biofresh.

The American Medical Association says to avoid using these products in your home.  And the Canadian Medical Association has called for a ban!

Also, if you use hand sanitizers, go for the alcohol based products.  They are less likely to contain Triclosan.

Even more, keep in mind there is no evidence that products with triclosan are anymore effective!  Click here To learn more about the effects of chemicals we put on our skin.

References

Calafat, A. “Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan in the U.S. Population: 2003-2004.” _Environ Health Perspect _116, 3(Mar 2008):303-307.

Hye-Rim Lee, “Progression of Breast Cancer Cells Was Enhanced by Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Triclosan and Octylphenol, via an Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Cellular and Mouse Xenograft Models” Chem. Res. Toxicol., (2014), 27 (5):834–842.

European Commission. Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 , Annex VI, Table 3.2. Sep 2009.

Canosa, P. et al. “Aquatic degradation of triclosan and formation of toxic chlorophenols in presence of low concentrations of free chlorine.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 383, 7-8 (Dec 2005): 119-1126

“Environmental News.” _Environmental Science & Technology _36, 13 (June 1, 2002): 230A.

Canosa, P. et al. “Aquatic degradation of triclosan and formation of toxic chlorophenols in presence of low concentrations of free chlorine.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 383, 7-8 (Dec 2005): 119-1126

Calafat, A. “Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan in the U.S. Population: 2003-2004.” Environ Health Perspect 116, 3(Mar 2008):303-307

Halden, R.U. et al. “The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban.” Environmental Health Perspectives (June 2017)

Antioxidants – Can They Be Boosted With Chiropractic Care ?

by
antioxidants

One of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic is that it’s ALL about the neck and low back pain.  While their care IS beneficial and chiropractors do help a lot of people suffering in pain, the true benefit of chiropractic care is that it helps your body function better and optimally.  By caring for the spine and nervous system, I have had the privilege of helping so many people achieve better health and a better quality of life so they can continue to do the things they love!  I spend countless hours reading research to better understand how the chiropractic adjustment and how removing nervous system interference can accomplishes JUST THAT!  In doing so, I read a very interesting study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics which demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can BOOST antioxidants!  Now, if you are someone who has yet to see a chiropractor, not knowing if it’s for you or what to expect, take a look at this link If I go to the Chiropractor, do I have to go forever? and explore how chiropractic can help you!

Why The Fuss About Antioxidants?

Most people nowadays are familiar with antioxidants and know enough to know that they are GOOD and that they are important to your health.  However, here’s WHY antioxidants are so important.  Most people are blasted with different types of stress every single day from poor nutrition to exposure to toxins.  Most people are overworked and over-stressed working sedentary jobs, working 40-60 hours a week, trying to meet the next deadline and getting very little exercise.  All of these stressors lead to the buildup of oxygen-containing toxic waste in your body.  These are known as free radicals.  Free radicals lead to the breakdown of cells.  The more free radicals, the more cellular breakdown.  This process is called “oxidative stress”.  Click here For more information on the importance of antioxidants and get a list of the top 10 antioxidant rich fruits.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress leads to conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer and causes accelerated aging, a lowered immune system, and harms the nervous system.  We cannot completely avoid free radicals and oxidative stress but we can offset their impact on our health by ensuring a healthy daily consumption of antioxidants through proper nutrition.  But get this, the study I am referring to looked at 23 patients that were in pain and received chiropractic adjustments over the span of 5 weeks.  Blood samples were taken from each patient before and after receiving their adjustments and researchers found a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase anti-oxidant levels!  Now obviously this is a preliminary study that warrants further research but the results are exciting nonetheless.  It illustrates that taking care of your spine and nervous system with chiropractic care enhances your body’s ability to heal and function properly.

I hope that any of my readers that are under chiropractic care find this potential benefit as interesting as I do!

You’re one step closer!,

Research Reference:
Kolberg C, Horst A, Moraes MS, et al. Peripheral oxidative stress blood markers in patients with chronic back or neck pain treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2014 Original source

Top 5 Reasons Why You Can’t Heal Your Pain

by

Have you ever experienced, or are you currently suffering from nagging, chronic pain?

There can be many causes of pain, and even more reasons why you aren’t getting relief from your pain.

What have you done to relieve your pain?

Many people try to do stretches, physiotherapy, ice or heat packs or extended periods of rest. While these therapies do have merit, they alone, do not usually offer the actual healing required inside of the body to find respite from pain.

Here, we will identify the Top 5 Reasons Why You May be Unable to Heal Your Pain:

1. Vitamins and Minerals Deficiency

If your body is deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or antioxidants, it will be very difficult to effectively heal your pain. Your body needs to be provided with abundant nutrients from various sources to fulfill your daily fuel requirements.

Your diet should consist of a variety of colours, with a base colour of many greens, and adding in reds, oranges, yellows, blues and purples. If you focus on eating 80% fruits or vegetables at every meal, you will definitely be on your way to fulfilling your colour and nutrient requirements.

Include fresh green salads into your day, with lettuce, spinach, kale, and add red/yellow/orange peppers, carrots, grapes, cucumbers, and all of your favourite vegetables for colour and nutrient value.

2. Insufficient, Poor-Quality Sleep

How many hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep do you squeeze in per night? If you’re getting less than 8, you are doing a serious disservice to your well being.

Your body needs to experience deep, uninterrupted, quality sleep to reap the restorative benefits of this resting time.

If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning off your electronics and dimming your lights at least one hour before your bed time goal. The light from your devices skews your circadian rhythm and prevents you from realizing that it is bedtime.

Sleep Goal: Go to sleep with the sun and rise with the sun!

3. Lack of Movement

Our bodies were designed to move. But our sedentary lifestyles have taken over and too many hours at the computer, at our desks and in front of the television have changed our ancestral ways of hunting and gathering to stumbling to the fridge and then back to your chair.

It’s incredibly important to build regular exercise into your schedule. Speak to your natural health practitioner about what would be the best ways to get started, but really whatever you can manage while you are in pain to move your body is great. Start off slowly and build up to your goals. Go for short walks, do some yoga stretches or any exercise that feels good to you.

4. Pharmaceutical Overload

A common treatment for pain is a prescription for pharmaceuticals. However, these medications can often negatively impact your overall health, and cause immense inflammation in your body. Inflammation is often a cause of chronic pain, and we must work to eliminate inflammation rather than contribute to it. It is important to find natural solutions that work to boost up your body, rather than add dangerous pharmaceuticals that have a long list of potential side effects.

5. Central Nervous System Interference

Your central nervous system controls every single aspect of your body from breathing to digestion to cell division. Your brain sends messages to every single part of your body and they travel via your central nervous system which is encased by the bones of your spine.

If any of the spinal bones shift out of alignment, it puts pressure on your central nervous system, and your brain is unable to efficiently send all of the messages it needs to, to every cell, organ and tissue of your body. The messages that your brain sends out to direct healing can be halted or interfered with, and this can cause the pain to continue or intensify, because the healing messages are not able to reach their destination.

The only way to detect these misalignments of your spine is to have an examination with a chiropractor, who can determine a program of care to correct your spine and help to reduce or eliminate your pain.