This is a two-part piece looking at regimens of super supplementation, as researched by Dr Chris Davis, which can enhance chiropractic care and overall wellness.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

This is 70 per cent vegetable protein and has higher levels of beta-carotene than broccoli. The one-two punch potency of blue-green algae is that it contains a high concentration of nutrients – over 65 vitamins, minerals and enzymes and the complete spectrum of eight essential amino acids and 10 non-essential amino acids – and they are all easily absorbed by the body.

In fact, up to 97 per cent of the beneficial vitamins, minerals and enzymes found in blue-green algae are easily absorbed (some supplements are as low as five to 25 per cent absorbable – including big-name brands) and spirulina also contains the most biologically active chlorophyll of any known food. The benefits of spirulina have now been recognised by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency; they have both selected it as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.

The website Green Med Info has assembled a list of studies that found evidence of more than 40 conditions that chlorella can help to prevent or ease.

The conditions include:

* Hypertension

* Anaemia

* Diabetes

* Acute Stress

* Fibromyalgia

* Liver Cancer

According to one of the studies on the subject: “Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer properties… Our study shows that CV has definite chemopreventive effect by inducing apoptosis … in hepatocarcinogenesis- (liver cancer-) induced rats.”

HEMP SEED OIL

Unrefined, cold processed oil from the Canadian hemp seed has a perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, a balance that has been shown to support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular function. These nutrients play a role in many biological processes and may help prevent a number of degenerative diseases.

Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), that are required for brain development. DHA is crucial to the health of the brain as well as the retina of the eye, particularly in the first year of life. Mothers who supplement with hemp seed oil during pregnancy may provide brain- and eye-protective benefits for the developing baby.

Taking a fish oil supplement can be a helpful way to increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, a nutrient that is essential for brain development, immune system health and mood regulation. Expectant mothers certainly want to include these nutrients in their diet; however, fish can contain a great deal of mercury which can hinder neurological and developmental mechanisms in the unborn baby.

Fortunately, hemp seed oil works as a terrific alternative to traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements and doesn’t carry the same risk of mercury ingestion. The essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil have been shown to promote healthy flora in the intestines and support immune system response and function. This can be very helpful during the cold and flu season when viruses are running rampant at school, work and in everyday social interactions.

BROWN KELP

This is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. It’s high in iodine, potassium, calcium and B vitamins.

Iodine helps balance your hormones and maintains your health. If you’re iodine deficient, it can cause weight gain, thyroid issues and even exhaustion. Research has shown that brown algae reduces blood glucose levels, so it can be beneficial for people with type II diabetes. It can also promote digestive and cardiovascular health and help manage weight, since it is similar to dietary fibre, in that it keeps your body feeling full. It even has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and ease pain. Fucoidan, a compound found in brown seaweed, may help prevent metastasis of lung cancer, according to a tissue culture study published in the 2012 issue of the journal PLoS One.

Kelp consumption may be partly responsible for lower rates of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers among Asian women (who would naturally, usually consume more kelp on a regular basis), according to a study published in the February 2005 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. In the laboratory animal study, kelp lengthened the menstrual cycle, decreased estrogen levels and inhibited both estrogen and progesterone from binding to receptors on cells. Researchers concluded that kelp supplements may help modulate the endocrine system to help prevent some forms of cancer.

Supplementing with a derivative of brown seaweed resulted in weight loss among obese participants of a study published in the January 2010 issue of the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. In the study, 16 weeks of supplementation resulted in an average loss of 7.7 pounds and increased resting metabolic rate. Fat deposits in the liver also decreased and liver function tests improved with the brown kelp. Brown seaweed may help protect against the damaging effects of radiation exposure, according to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of the book Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal. A study published in the February 2004 issue of the journal Health Physics found that sodium alginate, an extract of brown algae, prevented absorption of radioactive strontium from contaminated milk. Researchers noted that the brown algae extract was highly effective and without toxic side effects.

These super supplements can only add to your overall diet, health, and effectiveness of regular chiropractic care, which is both enhanced by these products, as well as enhances them in and of itself.

Don’t forget to “Ask Your Chiropractor” every week where your questions may be published and answered in subsequent articles. Address questions to: Dr Chris Davis, the Spinal Mechanic at movethebone@gmail.com; or, Dr Michael Harvey, director, at dr.michael_harvey@yahoo.com or visit www.drharveychiropractic.com.