WEEKLY HEALTH UPDATE from your Napa Chiropractor, 8-2-2021

Health Alert: Migraines Linked to Increased Risk for Pregnancy Complications. Researchers analyzed over
145,000 pregnancies and found that women with a history of migraine had a higher risk of obstetric and postpartum
complications, such as gestational diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and blood clots. Study author Dr. Nirit Lev notes, “Our
study confirms that women who suffer from migraine are at a greater risk of a host of medical and obstetric
complications. As such, we are [recommending] that these women should be classed as ‘high-risk’ pregnancies and
should therefore be treated according to a high-risk protocol.” European Academy of Neurology, June 2021
Diet: Western Diet Contributes to Chronic Pain. New research suggests that the typical Western diet, which is
high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, is a significant risk factor for both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Additionally, the researchers observed that adopting a healthier diet can significantly reduce—and in some cases
even reverse—these types of pain. Nature Metabolism, June 2021
Exercise: Overtraining Can Impair Mitochondrial Function. Mitochondrial capacity is the ability of the body to
generate energy and is a factor associated with increased athletic performance, especially endurance exercise. In a
new study, researchers found that performing too much intense exercise can impair mitochondrial capacity within
four weeks. Journal of Applied Physiology, June 2021
Chiropractic: Can Foot Pronation Cause Back Pain? In a recent experiment, participants wore special shoes that
induced pronation (inward roll) of the foot while walking. This resulted in altered pelvic and hip motion—more
specifically, pelvic position was more inclined on the contralateral side during loading phase of gait, there was less
rotation of the pelvis to the contralateral leg, and the hip also tended to be more internally rotated—which could
contribute to pelvic and lower back disorders over time. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess and correct foot
biomechanics to promote normal gait patterns. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, May 2021
Mental Attitude: A-Fib Can Affect Cognitive Function. Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is a common heart-rhythm
disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. A review of data from 43
studies found that A-Fib is associated with an elevated risk for both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Journal of General Internal Medicine, July 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Vitamin D Supplement Can Benefit Bone and Muscle Health. Low vitamin D status is
associated with poor bone health and a reduced ability for muscle to repair itself following exercise. In an
experiment involving female basketball players with inadequate vitamin D serum levels, researchers found that
taking a daily 4,000 IU vitamin D supplement improved their vitamin D status, as well as their bone and muscle
health. European Journal of Sports Science, July 2021
Quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” ~ Arthur Ashe
I found that Dr. Joe Megna is one of the best chiropractors I have found in the Napa region.