Christiana Chiropractic, PC ...... (315) 409-0014

Download or Print This Article

Garlic: Miracle Food? This Herb May Scare Away A Lot More Than Vampires!

As a preventive health-care specialist, Dr. Christiana encourages patients to make nutrition a priority. But, keeping abreast of nutritional research can be a daunting challenge. That's why Dr. Christiana provides patients with researchbased nutritional information that's easy to digest (no pun intended). By addressing one topic at a time with clear and concise explanations in "plain English," Dr. Christiana helps patients effortlessly grasp complex nutritional concepts and learn to comfortably make related dietary modifications. This week's topic: the health benefus of garlic. Glorious Garlic Garlic boasts a history as intriguing as its flavor. In the past, the pungent herb was used to treat everything from hangovers to typhoid - and of course, the occasional vampire. Garlic attracted more recent attention during the early 1980's when it was linked to "the French paradox" (the puzzling fact that many Europeans who consume diets high in fat and animal protein also enjoy low levels of heart disease), prompting a huge surge in garlic research. (Today scientists believe that several factors, including increased consumption of garlic, olive oil and wine - as well as a more relaxed approached to eating, all may playa role in the French Paradox.) Better Blood Studies indicate that garlic may lower high blood pressure. Garlic also appears to "thin" the blood, at least for a short time, reducing the blood's tendency toward clotting. Although "thin" blood may sound like a disadvantage, many individuals' blood - due to diet and lifestyle factors - is prone toward clotting, leading to cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and stroke. The Heart-Smart Herb Most of the research on garlic surrounds its role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (Nutrition in Clinical Care 2000;3:145-52). Both animal and human studies indicate that garlic may: Retard the body's cholesterol making process and excrete fat. Reduce overall cholesterol levels. Decrease LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, while improving HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels. Prevent atherosclerosis (plaques on artery walls that cause cardiovascular disease). Cancer Cure? A mounting body of laboratory-based research demonstrates that compounds from garlic prevent and inhibit the growth of some cancer cells. However, there is not enough evidence to support garlic consumption as a cancer prevention method in humans - at least not yet. Stamp Out Sniffies Garlic, a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent, may be effective in fighting colds, infections and heavy metal toxicity such as lead poisoning. That's why many nutritionists recommend garlic as a remedy for the common cold. Awesome Allicin Although garlic contains low amounts of antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, selenium and carotene, most researchers agree that a component called allicin (Allyl allythiosulfinate) is responsible for most of garlic's health-boosting properties - as well as the herb's distinctive smell and prOfound taste. Allicin evolves when alliin, a sulfur containing amino acid ("building block" of protein), undergoes a chemical reaction initiated by cutting, crushing, biting, or chopping the herb. Allicin then converts into a vast array of daughter compounds called sulfides and mercaptans - all with similar disease fighting properties as their "mother," allicin. How Much Garlic Is Enough? Generally recommended preventive doses for garlic are Yz-2 cloves four to seven days per week for premenopausal women and 1-3 cloves four to seven days per week for men and post menopausal women. Swallow whole cloves or use them in cooking. (Cloves are the small oval pieces that make up the bulb, or head.) The customary dose for garlic capsules is 300 to 900 milligrams per day. Capsule Controversy Are garlic capsules just as effective as the real stuff? Considering the evidence we have so far, "yes," as long as the product you are taking contains alliin, allicin, or allicin's active daughter compounds. Alas, report after report confirms that dietary supplements often don't contain what's on the label. However"there are several reputable companies out there. Look for ompanies that will send you a chemical assay of recent supplement batches conffrming their4ngredients, or shop at stores that require such assays from suppliers . Of course, with the real stuff it's easy to tell - if your breath smells, allicin is on the scene! Garlic tends to "stay" with people for varying amounts of time. Because they dissolve in your intestines, garlic capsules usually don't produce this annoying side effect. So, if your co-workers lock you out of the office whenever you partake of garlic, then capsule§ are certainly worth a try. Safety First Although many health-care authorities proclaim garlic free of any known side effect, due to its anticlotting properties take caution if you have an increased tendency toward bleeding or any other medical condition. Avoid large doses if you have a bleeding disorder including hemophilia, are currently taking any anticoagulant (blood "thinning") medication, are taking any medication with anticoagulant properties (including daily aspirin therapy), or if you suffer from migraines (garlic may have a vasodilato[y effect that theoretically could prompt a migraine attack). Look to Your Chiropractor for Reliable Wellness information No one remedy is ever the answer to a long and healthy life. However, used in conjunction with an overall proactive diet and lifestyle, like the one your doctor of chiropractic is working with ypu to achieve, garlic 'may indeed work wonders! Doctors of chiropractic take a comprehensive approach to wellness, an . approach that focuses on the whole person - not symptoms. This revolutionary strategy incorporates spinal care, nutrition, stress reduction and exercise. Take charge of your health today by scheduling an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation! "The epldemiological, clinical and laboratory data have proved that garlic contains many biologically and pharmacologically important compounds, which are beneficial to human hea/th from cardiovascular, neoplastic, and several other diseases. - K.C. Agarwal Brown School of Medicine

Our purpose is to educate and adjust families toward optimal health