Mother’s Hashimoto's may raise risk of child’s autism--how to lower risk

While practitioners of functional medicine have long understood the link between the health of a mother’s immune system and the risk of giving birth to a child with autism, asthma, allergies, and other disorders, it is validating to see this information in the New York Times: An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism.

In this article, the author reports one-third of autism cases are the result of an inflammatory disease that began in the womb, thanks to the mother’s imbalanced immune system. Looking back through 20 years of data, researchers discovered that infections during pregnancy increase the risk of autism. Hospitalization for a viral infection (i.e., the flu) during the first trimester tripled the odds for autism, while a bacterial infection (including urinary tract infections) during the second trimester increased the risk by 40 percent.

Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism have also been shown to play a role, as it is the mother's immune imbalance that determines risk.

Maternal autoimmunity increases risk of autism in children

While viral and bacterial infections have declined over the last 60 years, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are steadily climbing. Autoimmune disease dwarfs cancer and heart disease combined, now affecting about 50 million people, or 20 percent of the population.

Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is the most common autoimmune illness today, affecting an estimated 23 million.

Investigation revealed it isn’t the infections themselves that cause autism, but instead the reaction of the mother’s immune system to infection (her inflammatory response), as well as the overall health of her immune system.

One study of 700,000 births found that a mother’s rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or Type 1 diabetes more than doubles the risk of autism in her child. Other research has connected additional autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, with an increased risk of giving birth to a child who develops autism.

In an autoimmune response, the immune system mistakenly creates antibodies to the body’s own tissue, thereby tagging the tissue for destruction. Researchers have found that some mothers of autistic children create antibodies to the brain tissue of their fetus, meaning the child is a born with a brain already developmentally imbalanced by immune destruction. In fact, research indicates that mothers of children with autism are five times more likely to have anti-brain antibodies in their systems.

Chronic inflammation in pregnancy raises risk of childhood disorders

Other risk factors for autism include maternal asthma, allergies, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low-grade inflammation. In other words, when a mom’s immune system is in constant overdrive—never getting the opportunity to rest—the development of the fetal brain is adversely affected and the overall risk for disorders is increased.

Diet and lifestyle can balance autoimmune Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Unfortunately, the story An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism veers into the promise of using whip worms—yes, worms—to tame the out-of-control immune system. The theory is that autoimmune disease has skyrocketed in developed nations because we are too clean.

The article fails to mention those other hallmarks of Western civilization besides good hygiene: overabundant diets laden with sweet, starchy, processed foods; chronic stress; a sedentary lifestyle; and daily bombardment of environmental toxins.

Thankfully, practitioners of functional medicine have measures other than the whip-worm therapy to manage autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and chronic inflammation, all backed by peer-reviewed science. These include an autoimmune diet and the use of targeted, customized nutritional therapies.

Ask my office how we can assist you in addressing your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and, in so doing, help you to lower the risk of giving birth to a child with asthma, allergies, autism, or other brain and immune disorders.

Wilmington, NC Chiropractor for Auto Accident Injury Pain - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington, NC Low Back Pain Relief - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington NC Low Back Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Think

Statistics indicate that approximately 22 million Americans seek chiropractic therapy every year. At least 35 percent of them see them seeking relief for low back pain that is caused by sports injuries accidents and strained muscles. One Wilmington chiropractor is doing his bit for offering effective and lasting healing for lower back pain. Chiropractic therapy heals pain in the lower back using manual manipulation of the spine and problem spots. It is based on the principle that if the musculoskeletal system is properly aligned and especially the spine, then the body can heal itself. This is why no medication or surgery is used. The manual manipulation works to restore joint mobility and muscle tension that limits movements or makes them painful because of injury to the tissues. The injury might have been caused by poor posture, trauma like a fall or repetitive stress caused by repetitive motions such as in sports or daily work. Before therapy is started, the chiropractor will conduct tests to determine the cause of the pain in the lower back. For therapy to be effective, it has to address what is causing the pain. He will consider the medical history, existing health conditions, previous injuries and lifestyle. They will also conduct physical as well as neurological tests on the spine to detect where the spinal misalignment is. In addition to this, imaging tests like x-rays and MRIs are done to confirm the findings. Therapy is then started where the spine and joints are manipulated using carefully controlled thrusts to correct spinal misalignment. The Wilmington chiropractor will also put a lower back pain adjustment patient through rehabilitative exercises. Patients are also advised on healthy nutrition that will maintain optimum health. Also, if the chiropractor finds it necessary, supplements may be prescribed such as calcium and magnesium for building bone strength.

Do you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, wake up at 3 a.m. and can't fall back asleep?

Do you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and consistently wake up around 3 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep? Although the reasons for sleep problems can be complex, waking up too early is often a symptom of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and can be remedied through dietary changes and nutritional therapy.

Balancing blood sugar is vital not only to a good night's sleep, but also to managing your autoimmune Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Why you wake up at 3 a.m.

The brain is highly active at night, transforming short-term memory into long-term memory and carrying out repair and regeneration, and it depends on a steady supply of energy to do these tasks. When you sleep at night your body goes into a fasting state. In order not to deprive the brain of the food it needs for energy, the body compensates by gradually raising cortisol, an adrenal hormone. Cortisol stimulates the body to release or create glucose to supply the brain with energy during the night-long fast.

Chronic low blood sugar, however, throws a kink in this process. People with hypoglycemia tend to have difficulty making the right amount of cortisol at the right times of the day or night. They also have blood sugar levels that spike and then crash throughout the day. If they go too long without eating they experience lightheadedness, irritability, shakiness, a spacey feeling, and other symptoms that signify the brain is not getting enough glucose.

In these cases, not only does blood sugar drop too low during the night, but the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol to keep the brain fueled. In response, the body sounds the emergency alarm by releasing “fight-or-flight” hormones. These stress hormones raise blood sugar back to a safer level. Unfortunately, they also raise stress, which can cause anxiety or panic in the middle of the night. Hence the waking up at 3 a.m. and not being able to fall back asleep.

For the person with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, this situation can also further imbalance an autoimmune condition and aggravate your thyroid condition.

How to fall asleep if you wake up at 3 a.m.

A quick fix for waking up at 3 a.m. can be as simple as eating a small amount of protein, with perhaps some fat thrown in—a spoonful of nut butter, a little bit of meat, or a hard-boiled egg. For some people this raises blood sugar to a healthier level and sustains it so they can fall back asleep. It’s best not to eat something sweet or starchy (however tempting to your hungry brain) because this will just cause blood sugar to spike and crash again.

Daytime tips to avoid waking up at 3 a.m. and manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Although a 3 a.m. snack may help you fall back asleep, it’s better to prevent that anxious awakening in the first place. If you wake up regularly at 3 a.m. you may suffer from chronic low blood sugar and need dietary therapy. Symptoms include:

• Sugar cravings
• Irritability, light-headedness, dizziness, or brain fog if meals are missed
• Lack of appetite or nausea in the morning
• The need for caffeine for energy
• Eating to relieve fatigue
• Energy crashes in the afternoon

A diet that stabilizes daytime blood sugar levels will have you sleeping better and will help better manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. This requires that you:

• Never skip breakfast and eat a breakfast lower in carbohydrates. If you have chronic low blood sugar you may have lost the ability to feel hunger and you need to eat in the morning and throughout the day (even if you don't feel like it).
• Eat frequently enough so blood sugar does not crash.
• Ditch the sweets and starchy foods and adopt a lower-carbohydrate diet. People with low blood sugar symptoms typically eat too many sweets and starchy foods (breads, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.) and also frequently skip meals. Go for foods lower on the glycemic index and eat enough protein and healthy fats to sustain your energy.

A variety of nutritional compounds can further support your blood sugar handling and stress hormone functions so you sleep better and can better manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Ask my office how we can help.

Chiropractors in Wilmington, NC - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington NC Sports Injury Chiropractor, Dr. Aaron Richardet And Dr. Jason Graf, Help Athletes Recover

PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington NC, 23-OCT-2012 - Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf are pleased to announce that athletic injuries don't need to be indefinitely painful and immobilizing. Athletes of various ages and skill levels can be injured while playing on the sports field or arena. When it comes to athletic injuries, chiropractors perform two major functions. The first is to help athletes avoid injuries. Education is a large part of this function. Chiropractors are able to define and inform sports participants about body mechanics and how to avoid injury. Methods might include training on correct stretching movements, warm-up actions and cool-down periods following strenuous activity. A second major function performed by chiropractors is dealing with injuries experienced by athletes in performance of their activities. Chiropractors obtain pain relief for their patients, not by prescribing drugs or chemical painkillers, but by addressing the injury directly and removing the factors that are causing pain. This technique allows the body to do the self-healing that is so important. Many times, athletic injuries are due to bumps, falls and sudden movements beyond a normal range of motion for the athlete. This can result in misalignment of the spinal column as well as soft tissue injuries. The chiropractor focuses on the full picture of the injury and how it affects each part of the body. A wellness follow-up is as important as correcting the issue causing pain. Many athletes who understand that a better way of living will result in less pain from old injuries will be consistent about following a more healthy lifestyle. Learn more about the chiropractic techniques and the ways in which they are used in preventing or alleviating pain from injuries stemming from athletic activities by visiting the web pages at http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com today. Members of the press and others who have questions about the contents of this specific press release are urged to contact the doctors of the Wilmington chiropractor team at the address identified below. Contact Person Name: Dr. Aaron Richardet DC and Dr. Jason Graf, DC Company Name: Spinal Care of Wilmington Address: 265 Racine Drive, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28403 Contact Telephone Number: (910) 798-5560 Email: info@spinalcareofwilmington.com Website: http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com Summary: Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf offer help to athletes. Natural and effective measures to alleviate pain and improve wellness are provided as part of chiropractic techniques.

Wilmington, NC Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Watch out for vitamin B12 deficiency with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than people realize and can mimic or cause other disorders. A B12 deficiency is linked with memory loss, anemia, cardiovascular disease, and autism, to name a few. B12 is necessary for the brain and nervous system to function and for other aspects of health. It’s believed B12 deficiency is due in most cases not to lack of dietary sources but to poor absorption of the vitamin in the digestive tract.

People with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism should be vigilant of a B12 deficiency as some of the factors that trigger Hashimoto's could also lead to a B12 deficiency.

Could your declining brain function be a B12 deficiency?

Because B12 is so vital for brain function, a B12 deficiency can manifest as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, shakiness, depression, and loss of memory and cognition that can mimic the beginnings of dementia. It’s especially important to pay attention to a possible B12 deficiency in older people as the ability to absorb the vitamin declines with age. Studies show older people with higher B12 levels show less brain shrinkage and cognitive decline than their B12 deficient counterparts.

As low thyroid function from Hashimoto's hypothyroidism can also affect brain function, it's important to rule out or address a B12 deficiency so as not to compound the problem.

People with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism should screen for B12 anemia

Other common manifestations of B12 deficiency are symptoms of anemia, which include fatigue, lethargy and weakness. Many people with B12 anemia discover they have an autoimmune disease called pernicious anemia, which inhibits the absorption of B12. In this case managing the autoimmune disease is important as well as supplementing with B12 sublingually or through injection.

People with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism should be especially careful to screen for pernicious anemia. Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease, and studies show 25 percent of patients with Hashimoto's develop other autoimmune diseases, including pernicious anemia.

A deficiency in B12 is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, autism, autoimmune disease, infertility, and more.

B12 deficiency often due to poor absorption

So what causes B12 deficiency? For many people it’s due not to diet but rather to poor absorption of nutrients.

Many people today have damaged guts due to diets high in inflammatory foods, chronic stress, and food intolerances, such as to gluten. It’s difficult for nutrients such as B12 to pass through an inflamed and damaged gut lining into the bloodstream.

It's common for people with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases to have inflammation and damage in the intestinal tract, which prevents absorption of important nutrients such as B12.

Other factors that can lead to a B12 deficiency include a decline in stomach acid (common in elderly), the use of antacids and acid-blocking drugs, the use of metformin and other prescription drugs, alcoholism, and weight-loss surgery.

Repairing and restoring gut health should always be addressed in the event of a B12 deficiency.

Vegans and vegetarians at risk for B12 deficiency

One group at risk for dietary deficiency of B12 are vegans and vegetarians—B12 is only found in animal foods. Natural plant sources of B12 such as spirulina, algae, seaweed, or grasses are poorly absorbed and may give a false reading of normal B12 on a lab result. This population especially should supplement with B12.

Also, although gut bacteria can synthesize B12, this requires healthy gut function and flora, and most of it is synthesized downstream of the small intestine where B12 is absorbed.

Because Hashimoto's hypothyroidism frequently includes inflammation, gut damage, and the risk of pernicious anemia, a vegan or vegetarian diet may further compromise B12 sufficiency.

Taking B12 for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Recommended doses of B12 vary depending on whether you have a deficiency, and you should work with a qualified health care practitioner to determine the best dose. However, there is a low risk of B12 toxicity.

The more bioavailable form of B12 supplementation is methyl B12, or methylcobalamin, as opposed to the more common, synthetic cyanocobalamin. Not only is methyl B12 more neurologically active, it also enhances a liver detoxification process called methylation, which can reduce inflammation.

Wilmington, NC Chronic Neck and Back Pain Relief - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington NC Chiropractors Helps Alleviates Pain From Auto Accidents Effectively

Auto accidents are typically occurrences in life that require the driver to manage a large amount of stress and difficulty as a result. People are required to manage the repair process for their vehicles and deal with insurance carriers while also being required to contend with their own issues in regard to pain and discomfort. People facing this complication should know how a Wilmington chiropractor is able to offer relief from their pain.

A chiropractor is trained in providing medical guidance for any issues pertaining to the central nervous system. A majority of people associate their services with being utilized when parts of their bodies are experiencing discomfort and pain on any level. Consumers that use these doctors are often quite specific about the choices they make.

Anyone in Wilmington NC is faced with a significant array of professionals to decide from. Victims of accidents are often unclear of what type of relief they are able to receive which often makes it more difficult to make an ultimate choice. Understanding what professionals offer guides the consumer effectively through their efforts.

Pain alleviation is often the most initial facets of service that is provided from the doctor that is used. The completion of an exam helps the provider understand where the patient is experiencing pain which is dealt with accordingly. Patients are often able to feel an immediate sense of relief as a result of this initial examination.

Professionals are also known to focus on various forms of corrective therapy. Correcting the source of discomfort is crucial in being able to return back to normal function. Massage and physical therapies are the most common services available to patients and are often quite effective.

Long term guidance is also offered to patients from a Wilmington chiropractor. Overcoming the pains associated with an accident usually requires a continual stream of medical attention. The longer term approach to relief ensures that issues are successfully resolved when present.

Wilmington NC Neck Pain Doctor, Dr. Aaron Richardet And Dr. Jason Graf, Help Local Community

PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington, NC, 03-OCT-2012 - Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf are pleased to announce a menu of choices for local residents who are suffering from a variety of conditions. In addition to addressing illness and pain, chiropractic care focuses on the ways in which wellness can be promoted.

People often come to the chiropractic clinic for injuries and accident recovery. This is not the only way in which chiropractors can be of assistance. The work they do offers natural and non-traditional therapy. The doctors also assist the community residents with educational seminars, newsletters, counseling and similar efforts.

When patients come to see the doctors, part of the initial consultation includes a determination of the problem, but it also includes a educational component with the patient. Each patient knows what the course of therapy will be and why it is necessary.

For group educational instruction, the doctors make themselves available to groups in the community. The age or interest base doesn't matter when discussing the subject of health. The doctors can talk about good wellness practices with elementary school youngsters as well as with senior citizens. Employees and athletes can also benefit from an attitude of holistic health.

Learn more about how chiropractic principles and philosophy are beneficial in improving the level of health in the community by visiting the website at http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com today. Members of the press and others who have questions about the contents of this specific press release are urged to contact the doctors at the address identified below.

Contact Person Name: Dr. Aaron Richardet DC and Dr. Jason Graf, DC

Company Name: Spinal Care of Wilmington

Address: 265 Racine Drive, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28403

Contact Telephone Number: (910) 798-5560

Email: info@spinalcareofwilmington.com

Website: http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com

Summary: Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf offer techniques that will improve the health of individuals and of the community. Better health is achievable through education, therapy and a wellness approach.

Are you alkaline enough? How to reduce acidity for better thyroid health

If your body becomes too acidic it can lead to health problems — good pH balance is necessary for cells to function properly. Too much acidity plays a role in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain and inflammation, and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, we can make the body more alkaline simply through changes to the diet.

How do you know if you are too acidic?

Many people today are overly acidic because of the modern diet. Below are some symptoms:

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle twitches
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Brain fog
• Poor brain function
• Reduced endurance for exercise
• Swelling and bloating
• Salt cravings
• Difficulty holding breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Poor sleep

You can also test your body’s pH. Although a salivary test is a popular way to test pH it does not have much support in the scientific literature. Testing through blood is not accurate because blood pH fluctuates only if there is an acute event, such as poisoning or kidney or lung disease. However, if the blood test markers CO2 and anion gap are outside of functional medicine ranges it suggests acidity.

A urinary test has been demonstrated to be an accurate reflection of how acidic or alkaline you are and reflects whether nutritional therapy or changes in your diet are helping you become more alkaline. Ideal urinary pH is suggested to be between 7.2–7.8. It’s important to note, however, that infections, bacterial overgrowth, dehydration, incontinence, and other issues can affect the results of your urinary pH test.

How do you become more alkaline to manage Hashimoto's hypothyroidism?

It’s easy in today’s world to become too acidic. Diets high in sugars, simple starches, and junk foods can lead to excess acidity. Caffeinated drinks, sodas, and alcohol promote acidity as well. Eating too much meat and not enough produce is another dietary factor. It is not necessary to become a vegan or vegetarian to maintain a good pH, however a diet based on ample leafy green and colorful vegetables as well as some fruits are at the foundation of an alkaline diet. The alkaline diet is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and other minerals that help your body maintain a healthy pH.

A diet that causes you to become overly acidic will also exacerbate your Hashimoto's hypothyroid condition. An alkaline diet not only improves alkalinity, but also it reduces the chronic inflammation that can cause an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism to flare up.

Anemia, asthma, and poor blood sugar regulation can prevent you from being alkaline enough

Certain health conditions such as anemia or asthma can prevent you from being alkaline enough. Stable blood sugar levels are also necessary for good alkalinity. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugars will promote acidity, as will having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (insulin resistance). It’s important not to skip meals or to overeat and to eat regularly enough to prevent your energy from crashing if you want to maintain a good pH.

Blood sugar management is also vital to managing Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

If acidity becomes too severe it can be life threatening. Diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease are health conditions that can raise the risk of acidifying the body to an extreme degree and require medical attention.

Nutritional therapy to be more alkaline and manage Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Although sodium bicarbonate can quickly alkalinize the system, it is too high in sodium to be used regularly. Instead, in addition to adopting a more alkalinizing diet, some nutritional compounds may help move you toward a more alkaline state more quickly. An alkaline diet will also help you better manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism condition.

Contact my office for ideas on how nutritional therapy can help you to be more alkaline.

Chiropractic Adjustments Help Leg Pain Sufferers Find Relief In Wilmington NC

Suffering with leg pain can make daily life very challenging and restrictive for those afflicted with it. There are several causes of this condition, most of which originate in the lower back and are referred into the legs through the sciatic nerves. Since most of these problems stem from a misalignment of the spine, they can be easily corrected with a series of spinal adjustments from a Wilmington chiropractor.

Chiropractic medicine is a holistic discipline that does not implement medications or surgery in caring for patients. Instead, practitioners use manual healing techniques to correct the source of pain at its root. Adjustments are the most commonly used form of chiropractic therapy. These consist of a precise force, manually applied to the misaligned portion of the spine and are intended to cause it to slide back into its proper place.

When a subluxation in the lower spine is fixed with adjustments, pressure on the sciatic nerve is relieved, thus alleviating the pain. It is important for the practitioner to locate exactly where the problem lies. He or she will carefully examine the patient, take a medical history, and if needed order diagnostic tests to provide more detailed information.

In most cases, sciatic leg pain will be due to one of these conditions: a herniated disc, forminal encrochment which is a condition where spinal nerves are pinched, or peripheral entrapment which occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the hips or pelvis become constricted. The patient may experience numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pain in the legs, depending on the underlying disorder.

A skilled chiropractor will be able to pinpoint the problem and apply adjustments to relieve pressure exerted on nerves and blood vessels. Other therapeutic methods may be used as well for better results; these may include massage, ultrasound, TENS therapy, and stretching exercises. Mobility will be restored, circulation improved, and ultimately the pain will subside.

Most patients who suffer with leg pain will experience considerable improvement after several sessions with a Wilmington chiropractor. Correcting the cause of the pain is the most effective way of putting an end to the discomfort. Adjustments help restore balance to the spine and prevent referred pain in the legs.

Wilmington NC Chiropractors, Dr. Aaron Richardet And Dr. Jason Graf, Help Athletes Recover Faster

PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington, NC, 03-OCT-20121 - Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf are pleased to announce that athletes of all ages and sports activities can find recovery more quickly. This bold claim is because of a multifaceted approach that focuses on both prevention and healing.

Prevention of injuries while participating in athletic activities is the first phase of chiropractic services. The doctors are able to provide active people with the tools necessary to be aware of body mechanics and how they can best be utilized. Stretching, warm up, and cool-down are examples of specific actions.

The techniques applied if an injury is incurred are the second part of what a chiropractor does. Simply prescribing painkillers is not the recovery mode. In fact, painkillers can interfere with recovery, since they only affect the perception of pain. The chiropractic approach is to find the underlying cause of pain and take action.

The spinal column alignment is a large part of the chiropractic techniques applied to an injury. Another aspect of therapy is increasing circulation to the affected area so that the body can be the driving force in wellness. This includes healing at the cellular level. Nutrients are brought in to the damaged area, and damaged cells and toxins are carried away.

Using a wellness approach is a more patient directed solution to health care. This is in line with the mentality of individuals who want to understand what constitutes good health and how it can be achieved by individual action.

Learn more about the philosophy of chiropractic medicine and the ways in which it is effective against injuries incurred in athletic activities by visiting the web pages at http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com today. Members of the press and others who have questions about the contents of this specific press release are encouraged to contact the doctors at the address identified below.

Contact Person Name: Dr. Aaron Richardet DC and Dr. Jason Graf, DC

Company Name: Spinal Care of Wilmington

Address: 265 Racine Drive, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28403

Contact Telephone Number: (910) 798-5560

Email: info@spinalcareofwilmington.com

Website: http://www.spinalcareofwilmington.com

Summary: Spinal Care of Wilmington and Wilmington chiropractor team members, Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf offer the proven tips and techniques to help community members to recover from injuries more quickly. The doctors promote wellness as a way of life.

Wilmington, NC Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Do you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and low blood pressure?

We all hear about the risks associated with high blood pressure, but having low blood pressure can also pose health risks. When you have low blood pressure your blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, is not being sufficiently pushed into the tissues throughout your body, including the brain. This means your brain and other organs are not getting enough oxygen to work as well as they could. A blood pressure of 120/80 is considered healthy and if the upper or lower number deviates by 10 your blood pressure is in an abnormal range.

People with poorly managed Hashimoto's hypothyroidism may also have problems with blood flow and oxygenation, which compounds the effects of low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure associated with adrenal fatigue

Low blood pressure is typically associated with poor adrenal function. The adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, produce stress hormones and play an important role in regulating blood pressure. Many people today have fatigued adrenal glands thanks to chronic stress, poor diets, low blood sugar, chronic infections, digestive problems, inflammation, or other issues. Chronic stress from any or all of these factors may wear out the adrenal glands, causing adrenal fatigue. As a result, your body has a harder time maintaining health and balance through life’s ups and downs. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include constant tiredness, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and low blood pressure.

It's not uncommon for people with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism to also suffer from some form of adrenal imbalance, including adrenal fatigue.

Feeling faint when you stand up

A common type of low blood pressure is a orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when you go from sitting to standing that causes lightheadedness. For the person with orthostatic hypotension, standing up causes blood to pool in the legs. This slows the flow of blood back to the heart and decreases the amount of blood pumped from the heart. Medical professionals diagnose orthostatic hypotension when the top number falls by 20 and the bottom number falls by 10 upon standing.

Although lightheadedness is not cause for alarm, if standing up causes you to faint you should seek medical attention. Orthostatic hypotension also increases the risk of falling for elderly people. Orthostatic hypotension is common among people with low blood pressure and hypoglycemia, although people with high blood pressure can also have orthostatic hypotension.

What to do for low blood pressure and adrenal fatigue

If you have low blood pressure and suspect you may have adrenal fatigue, consider having an adrenal saliva test. This test measures how much cortisol, an important adrenal hormone, your body makes, and whether your cortisol level follows healthy daily patterns.

Although people with high blood pressure are told to avoid salt, those with low blood pressure may actually benefit by adding sea salt to their food.

Also, certain nutritional compounds have been shown to support adrenal function and thus healthy blood pressure. Because adrenal fatigue is always secondary to another problem, it’s important to find out what is taxing the adrenal system and address that as well. Eating a diet that prevents your blood sugar from dropping too low and causing symptoms of hypoglycemia is another important key. Strategies include eating a good breakfast, ditching sweets, starchy foods and sweetened drinks, eating regularly enough to sustain blood sugar, and making sure never to skip meals.

Low blood pressure and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune thyroid disease that causes hypothyroid symptoms. Proper management requires not only supporting thyroid function, but also balancing the immune system to tame the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. Doing this may be one strategy to address adrenal fatigue and low blood pressure.

For more advice on supporting healthy thyroid function, adrenal function, and blood pressure, contact my office.

Wilmington, NC Spinal Decompression for Herniated Disc - Dr. Aaron Richardet