The Gleason Center | Spring Lake | Chiropractic & Wellness
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Approach
    • Our Services >
      • Chiropractic
      • Applied Kinesiology
      • Testing
      • PEMF Therapy
      • Laser Therapy
      • Healthy Beauty
      • Massage Therapy
    • Your Team
    • Programs
    • Testimonials
  • Patients
    • Welcome
    • New Patient Packet
    • Wellness Events
    • Health Pro Store
    • Order Supplements
  • Resources
    • Healthy Recipes >
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Poultry
      • Salads
      • Smoothies
      • Snacks
      • Soups & Broths
    • Wellness Videos
    • Detox Support
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Wellness Events

The Blog

​How to Deal With Viruses Holistically

4/21/2022

3 Comments

 
Picture
Viruses are tiny bits of DNA that inject themselves into our cells. They travel to the nucleus and
insert their code into our DNA. They order the cell to make more viruses and then self-destruct,
spreading the infection. Because they propagate inside the host’s cell they are hard to treat
without damaging the cell. Dr. David Brownstein, M.D.’s new book A Holistic Approach to
Viruses documents his clinic’s approach to preventing and treating viral illness. This very
readable book covers the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system in an easy-to-
understand way. For over 20 years the author and his partners have used a wholistic approach
with great success. They focus on Vitamins A, C, D and the mineral Iodine. In addition, they use
Hydrogen peroxide and Ozone as adjunct to their treatment.

Dealing with viruses involves both reducing their infectiveness and limiting the host’s
inflammatory response. Vitamin A affects both of these components. It is essential for both
Innate and Adaptive immune function. It is necessary for normal function of the linings of
airways and GI tract. Low Vitamin A can make it easier for viruses to penetrate the oral and
nasal mucosa. Vitamin A is helpful in many inflammatory conditions of the lungs, skin, and GI
tract. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to increased mortality during times of infection. The water-
soluble form of Vitamin A is called Beta Carotene and it needs to be converted in the liver to
the active, fat-soluble form. This process is only 5-10% efficient so it is best to get it in the fat-
soluble form from food or supplementation. Dr. Brownstein recommends high-dose Vitamin A
for a four-day period at the beginning of an infection. Vitamin A toxicity is possible with long-
term supplementation so it is best to work with nutritionally-literate doctor who can test and
adjust dosing.

Vitamin C is a well-known immune enhancer. Unlike most animals, humans cannot produce
Vitamin C, therefor we must get it in our diet. It is found in many fruits and vegetables.
Depending on the dose it can function as either an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant. Lower doses
allow Vitamin C to prevent oxidative damage. Higher doses allow the immune system to use its
oxidative effect to produce hydrogen peroxide to destroy bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
Vitamin C also has an anti-clotting effect which can be useful in viruses that produce clots and
bleeding. Dr. Brownstein uses Vitamin C intravenously when the infection is severe. He also
recommends oral doses in the range of 3-5000mg/day and when ill up to 1000mg/hour. If
diarrhea occurs the dosage can be reduced. Liposomal Vitamin C has been shown to produce
blood levels that approach those attained by IV.
​
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in North America due to seasonal low levels of sun
exposure and the use of sunscreens and general sun avoidance. Vitamin D also works on both
the infectiveness and inflammatory components of viral infection. It helps the white blood cells
identify and remove viruses and damaged cells. It also reduces inflammation as documented by
lowering inflammation markers C-Reactive protein and IL-6 . Dr. Brownstein uses a short-term
dosing of 50,000 units per day for the first 4 days of an infection. It is recommended to have
your blood levels checked regularly and to keep it in the upper end of the normal range.

Dr. Brownstein’s also recommends Iodine for viruses using it successfully for decades
addressing a variety of conditions as documented in his book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You
Can’t Live Without It. This little-used mineral is very important to a normally functioning
immune system. Iodine is required for normal white blood cell function. It has potent anti-
microbial properties and is even used in the sanitizer used prior to surgery.
In his book Dr. Brownstein describes other anti-viral approaches including nebulized hydrogen
peroxide and ozone therapy. His book is recommended for anyone who wants to gain a better
understanding of how to deal with viral infections from a holistic perspective.
3 Comments

How to Deal With Viruses Holistically

3/4/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
How to Deal With Viruses Holistically

Viruses are tiny bits of DNA that inject themselves into our cells. They travel to the nucleus and insert their code into our DNA. They order the cell to make more viruses and then self-destruct, spreading the infection. Because they propagate inside the host’s cell they are hard to treat without damaging the cell. Dr. David Brownstein, M.D.’s new book A Holistic Approach to Viruses documents his clinic’s approach to preventing and treating viral illness. This very readable book covers the innate and  adaptive branches of the immune system in an easy-to-understand way. For over 20 years the author and his partners have used a wholistic approach with great success. They focus on Vitamins A, C, D and the mineral Iodine. In addition, they use Hydrogen peroxide and Ozone as adjunct to their treatment. 

Dealing with viruses involves both reducing their infectiveness and limiting the host’s inflammatory response. Vitamin A affects both of these components. It is essential for both Innate and Adaptive immune function. It is necessary for normal function of the linings of airways and GI tract. Low Vitamin A can make it easier for viruses to penetrate the oral and nasal mucosa. Vitamin A is helpful in many inflammatory conditions of the lungs, skin, and GI tract. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to increased mortality during times of infection. The water-soluble form of Vitamin A is called Beta Carotene and it needs to be converted in the liver to the active, fat-soluble form. This process is only 5-10% efficient so it is best to get it in the fat-soluble form from food or supplementation. Dr. Brownstein recommends high-dose Vitamin A for a four-day period at the beginning of an infection. Vitamin A toxicity is possible with long-term supplementation so it is best to work with nutritionally-literate doctor who can test and adjust dosing.

Vitamin C is a well-known immune enhancer. Unlike most animals, humans cannot produce Vitamin C, therefor we must get it in our diet. It is found in many fruits and vegetables.  Depending on the dose it can function as either an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant. Lower doses allow Vitamin C to prevent oxidative damage. Higher doses allow the immune system to use its oxidative effect to produce hydrogen peroxide to destroy bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Vitamin C also has an anti-clotting effect which can be useful in viruses that produce clots and bleeding. Dr. Brownstein uses Vitamin C intravenously when the infection is severe. He also recommends oral doses in the range of 3-5000mg/day and when ill up to 1000mg/hour. If diarrhea occurs the dosage can be reduced. Liposomal Vitamin C has been shown to produce blood levels that approach those attained by IV.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in North America due to seasonal low levels of sun exposure and the use of sunscreens and general sun avoidance. Vitamin D also works on both the infectiveness and inflammatory components of viral infection. It helps the white blood cells identify and remove viruses and damaged cells. It also reduces inflammation as documented by lowering  inflammation markers C-Reactive protein and IL-6 . Dr. Brownstein uses a short-term dosing of 50,000 units per day for the first 4 days of an infection. It is recommended to have your blood levels checked regularly and to keep it in the upper end of the normal range.
Dr. Brownstein’s also recommends Iodine for viruses using it successfully for decades addressing a variety of conditions as documented in his book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. This little-used mineral is very important to a normally functioning immune system. Iodine is required for normal white blood cell function. It has potent anti-microbial properties and is even used in the sanitizer used prior to surgery. 

In his book Dr. Brownstein describes other anti-viral approaches including nebulized hydrogen peroxide and ozone therapy. His book is recommended for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of how to deal with viral infections from a holistic perspective.

​
2 Comments

February 4th, 2022

2/4/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture

February is Heart Health Month. Entire libraries of books and articles have been written about dealing with cholesterol, exercise, smoking and blood sugar as ways to prevent or reverse heart disease. Physical, mental and chemical stressors are implicated in heart disease. Psychological stress, in all its forms, can be counteracted by “getting in the flow”. People can and do experience flow daily. Perhaps one of the best ways to improve heart function is to resolve to get in the flow.
 
Flow is a state of optimal experience characterized by immense joy that makes life worth living. Research into flow was started by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970’s. This phenomenal state of being has many health benefits, particularly concerning its effect on the heart. Flow takes our focus from thinking about ourselves, negative thoughts concerning current events, and worries about friends and family. It allows us to focus on things that are engaging and rewarding.
 
Flow has been described by Professor Richard Huskey from UC Davis as “being in a state of intense concentration when thoughts are focused on something other than oneself.” In flow “we are absorbed in a highly rewarding activity - not our inner monologues.” In flow we merge with and are in control of the process, often losing a sense of time. Researchers using brain scanning techniques confirm reports that flow is not mentally or physically taxing. In fact, it is highly rewarding and even invigorating.
 
How does one experience flow? It occurs when one engages in activity that challenges one’s skill. It requires a certain level of skill applied to a significant challenge. Csikszentmihalyi studied people like athletes, musicians, and dancers. Ordinary people experience flow in everyday life while skiing, running, meditating, doing yoga, making art or music, even cooking. As long as there is significant challenge addressed by someone with a skill set flow will occur.
 
Playing games is another way to experience flow. Certainly, physical games are a way to get in flow. Taking a break to do something fun can be incredibly healthy and rejuvenating. While most video games don’t get us into flow, Huskey, along with colleagues Rene’ Weber and Jacob Fisher have developed a video game called Asteroid Impact that in fact does. Their brain research shows that playing this video game activates brain networks that require only small amounts of energy. This may be part of the reason that even flow experiences that require large amounts of physical input like snowboarding, gardening, construction projects, etc. leave us invigorated, not fatigued. 
 
Resolve to make being in the flow on a very regular basis one of the most important goals. In addition to supporting your health (including your heart) getting in the flow regularly can support your other long-term goals making you more productive and creative. You can become a much more proficient artist, musician, chef or even gamer.  Done right this type of resolution doesn’t become one more obligation, in fact it can help free you from the drudgery and stress of everyday life.
Dr. Daniel Gleason

Much of this article was inspired by a posting in theconversation.com, a free online resource available to all.
Check out our other blogs similar to this and learn even more about health for your heart. 

Heart Health
THE BEST PALEO MEDITERRANEAN FOODS
EASY & DELICIOUS CASHEW MILK
8 STEPS TO BETTER SLEEP
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

2 Comments

Intermittent Fasting-December 2021

1/2/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture

Intermittent Fasting
What do you have to lose?
 
How many meals, snacks, caloric drinks do you consume per day?
In 1970 the average American ate 3.3 times per day. By 2000 it had gone to 6.6 times per day and now it is over 10 times per day! This increased frequency along with portion distortion have led to a 23% increase in calories consumed. No wonder that 2/3rds of Americans are overweight and 1/3rd are considered obese!
 
Obesity is a symptom. It is a symptom of eating in a way that causes heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and most of the common diseases of modern living. Fasting is an easy, effective, cost-free way of addressing these problems. Intermittent fasting is the absence of eating during prescribed periods of time. It can be thought of giving the GI system a rest and allowing it to complete the digestive cycle.
 
Each time we eat, our blood glucose and insulin go up. Under the influence of insulin, glucose is stored in the liver or converted to fat for storage. When we eat too many sugars and starches and eat too often this creates:
 
Inflammation Fluid retention Weight loss resistance Loss of magnesium and potassium  
People often ask: “How does fasting work?” Fasting promotes autophagy defined as “self-swallowing.” By this process damaged/dysfunctional cells are removed making room for new functional cells. Fasting promotes neuronal neuroplasticity in the brain which can stop &/or reverse memory loss. Fasting also produces ketones, a preferred fuel for brain cells, producing better memory and mood.
 
Benefits of fasting include:
Lowers insulin and glucose levels (boost mental clarity) Reduces inflammation Protects against certain cancers Boosts immunity Impacts stem cells (creation of new tissue cells) Boosts HGH protection which prevents bone and muscle breakdown Promotes weight loss and autophagy Here’s how you can get stated:
Stop snacking!! Pick a window of time to stop and start eating Make sure that when you do eat that your food has high nutritional value Be flexible, trying different lengths of time for your fasts Trust the process giving yourself time and grace  
When doing a clean fast drink only organic coffee, tea and water. A good way to start is to daily eat only within a 6-hour window. For most people this means eating only at noon and 6 pm or avoiding either breakfast of supper. After getting used to this pattern, once a week try eating only one meal per day. As your system adapts you may be able to do 2-5 day fasts on a monthly basis. Other strategies include 30- or 36-hour fasts. Some people just don’t eat on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. The great part about fasting is that you can stop any time you want.
 
Supplemental nutrition is key to success. The most important supplements are:
Electrolytes and water Multivitamin, D, magnesium Probiotics, fiber & other digestive support  
Fasting is not recommended when pregnant or lactating, if you have had problems with anorexia or if your BMI is less than 18. There are special considerations for women who are cycling and during perimenopause and menopause. If you have chronic health problems it is imperative that you work with your consulting primary care physician. At the very least Stop Snacking!
 
It is always recommended that you check with your doctor and work with an experienced clinic to guide you. There are many good books available on fasting, a good one is The Complete Guide to Fasting by Jason Fung, M.D. and Jimmy Moore. Fasting is an age-old method of health care. Ben Franklin said, “The best of all medicines are rest and fasting”.

2 Comments

November 2021-High Blood Pressure

1/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Concerns
Those with elevated blood pressure(BP) are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure has a number of causes. Considering the fact that native populations have very low levels of high blood pressure, hypertension is considered a condition of modern lifestyle.  Essential Hypertension means that it is idiopathic, a diagnosis that suggests “we don’t know what is causing it.” This can lead directly to prescription medications, often without a thorough investigation into what the cause(s) may be.
 
What can cause blood pressure to rise? Stress has been implicated. Stress-reduction techniques may provide significant help. These can include things like meditation, psychotherapy and  visualization. Physical activity like exercise, sports and yoga have been shown to positively affect blood pressure. Diet is known to be a major contributor.
 
Hypertension is commonly related to Metabolic Syndrome. This syndrome results in insulin resistance and is considered to be “Pre-diabetes” or on the “Diabetic Spectrum”. According to the National Institutes of Health the diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome can be made if three of the following five conditions are present:
Waist size > 35” for females, >40” for males Triglycerides > 150 mg/Dl Fasting glucose > 100 or on medication for blood sugar Blood pressure > 130/85 mm Hg or on medication for blood pressure HDL < 40 mg/Dl for men, <50 mg/Dl for women  
Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, diabesity, and insulin resistance are all basically a blood sugar handling problem. With the exception of type 1 or juvenile diabetes, these are almost entirely the result of eating too many sweets and starches too often. The body’s ability to metabolize that much carbohydrate is limited and is often overwhelmed by the Standard American Diet (SAD). This way of eating results in elevated levels of insulin. While normal levels of insulin are critical for health, too much insulin leads to three basic problems, all of which are associated with hypertension.
High insulin is pro-inflammatory which is implicated in hypertension High insulin is anti-diuretic leading to fluid accumulation which raises BP High insulin leads to weight-loss resistance, obesity and thus hypertension  
As this part of hypertension is a dietary problem the only solution that gets to the cause requires a change in what and when we eat. While medications may reduce BP and thus the associated risks, they may not be able to fully compensate for the increased morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.
 
Mayo Clinic recommends a comprehensive approach:
Regular exercise Weight loss Healthy diet Stop smoking Stress reduction These are all inter-related. Exercise reduces stress, appetite and the urge to smoke. Healthy diet leads to weight loss.
 
Healthy diets should provide all the nutrients for a normally functioning vascular system capable of self-regulation. Given the way our food is grown, shipped, preserved and prepared many nutrients are lost. Herbicide and pesticide residues can be toxic and often disrupt absorption and utilization. Common deficiencies contributing to hypertension include minerals like magnesium and certain nutrients like vitamin B complex. It is generally safe to experiment while doing regular BP checks and consulting with a qualified medical professional.  Supplements have a very good safety record but use the cautionary principle.  Each person is an individual with unique nutrient requirements. Diet and supplementation should be based on comprehensive testing to determine actual need. Test to determine baseline need and retest to monitor progress.
 
Because insulin resistance is such a common cause, one “healthy diet” specific to hypertension is a low carb healthy fat diet (LFHF). Many health professionals are helping patients find success with this approach. This way of eating calls for a reduction of carbohydrate intake to 20-50/day and eating more healthy fats. Some of the names for this type of diet are Atkins, Keto and Low carb. Other people with hypertension may find help by eating vegetarian or vegan.
 
As these are very different way of eating for many, finding a doctor, clinic or nutritionist with experience can be critical to your success. They can help you make the necessary changes to reduce your BP.  Often when you deal with the underlying cause(s) of your elevated BP it may improve or even return to normal. This can necessitate adjusting medication levels.  As you improve the conditions that lead to elevated BP it is very important to consult with your doctor and to monitor your BP closely and regularly.  

0 Comments

October Newsletter- Stress, Distress and Eustress

9/27/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
​ 
As if modern life wasn’t stressful enough, the last several years of SARS Covid 19 have increased the potential for even more concern. Stress isn’t necessarily bad; certain types of stress are to be expected and can even lead to growth. Gravitational stress is an example, without it we would lose our bone and muscle tone (not to mention we would float off into space). Where would we be without the stressful joys and sorrows of family life? Stress can break us down or build us up. Distress is bad; Eustress is good. The trick is to accept a certain amount of stress and use it to our advantage.
There are basically three kinds of stress, Physical, Chemical and Mental.
  • Physical stress can come in the form of injury, sudden or repetitive. Physically we are profoundly affected by our beds, pillows, chairs, shoes, etc. The way we move, and exercise (or fail to) have impact us. Good posture and exercise habits build us up; poor ones break us down. Other examples of physical measures include: massage, PT, yoga, Chiropractic and Tai Chi.
  • Chemical stress comes from what we eat, breathe and put on our skin. Healthy food and nutritional supplements build us up. Junk food (Standard American Diet SAD) breaks us down. Poor ventilation and air quality lead to many common maladies. Lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, etc. often contain toxins that put stress on our organs of detoxification like the kidneys and liver.
  • Mental stress can be imposed on us by circumstances or self-inflicted by how we deal with our thoughts and feelings. Today’s headlines all too often relate the number of deaths from Covid, suicides, homicides, accidents, wars, hurricanes, shootings and drug overdoses. While these are all true there is also much good that is not as newsworthy. People are living longer and compared to other periods in history we are living in a very safe time. The challenge is to put things in perspective to dial back the fear factor.
These three factors, Physical, Chemical and Mental are all interrelated. Addressing one has profoundly positive effects on the others. For instance, exercise has been shown to be better that medications for many cases of anxiety and depression. Good foods and eating habits can make moving less painful and increase levels of happiness. Meditation, talk therapy and prayer improve physical health and even improve metabolism.
 
Thankfully people are now being encouraged to openly discuss their Mental Health. Sports figures are coming forward admitting their mental challenges; not just suffering in silence. These are positive signs that may be part of a silver lining resulting from the stressors of the last few years. If you are feeling isolated reach out to others who may be feeling the same way. Community is a great vehicle to help others and yourself. Call, write, text old friends. Get back to your exercise and yoga groups. Go back to church, art shows, museums, sporting events. Join others for a walk, coffee or a drink.
By implementing the Physical, Chemical and Mental model work towards incremental improvement in all these areas and turn your distress into eustress.

​By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC
0 Comments

JANUARY NEWSLETTER: HOW TO GET BACK ON TRACK

1/1/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC
This time of year, one of our greatest challenges can be getting back on track after eating everything over the holidays. We get it. Now it’s time to re-commit to our health so we can start feeling better!

Read More
1 Comment

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER: PERSONALIZED TESTING

12/1/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC
Have you ever wondered exactly what vitamins your body needs? We all want to be healthy, but we’re all individuals with our own unique biochemical makeup. The ION Test is the most comprehensive and accurate way to determine what you need to eat and what supplements will help you heal. It measures over 125 key nutrient biomarkers and ratios that help identify nutritional deficiencies which lead to chronic disease. In this month’s newsletter, Dr. Gleason discusses The ION Test, a powerful tool to help you heal.

Read More
2 Comments

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: STARVING CANCER

11/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC
Can We Starve Cancer? In this month's newsletter, Dr. Gleason tackles How To Starve Cancer and shares his take on the popular book. Read more to find out how your diet can be a powerful ally in the fight against cancer.

Read More
0 Comments

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER: AUTISM & SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

9/1/2019

3 Comments

 
Picture
By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC
Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder occur when the nervous system has become overly sensitive and thus is overstimulated by normal, everyday actions. To understand the underlying causes we recommend looking at the three contributing factors:
  1. Dysbiosis
  2. Mitichondrial Dysfunction
  3. Neural Inflammation

Read More
3 Comments
<<Previous

    CONNECT WITH US!

    Follow us on Facebook for weekly inspiration, newsletters, recipes, and giveaways!

    CATEGORIES

    All
    Allergies
    Baking
    Breakfast
    Cancer
    Chiropractic
    Chronic Pain
    Dessert
    Detox
    Drinks
    Fasting
    Functional Medicine
    Gluten Free
    Green Home
    Gut Health
    Healthy Beauty
    Healthy Fats
    Herbal Medicine
    Homeopathy
    Ketogenic Diet
    Main Dish
    Mediterranean Diet
    Mindfulness
    Newsletter
    Paleo Diet
    Poultry
    Recipes
    Resources
    Salads
    Sleep
    Smoothies
    Snacks
    Soups & Broths
    Stress
    Thyroid Health

    SEARCH THE BLOG

Take the first step. We're ready for you.
Picture
616-846-5410
M/W/F  7:30am - 5pm
​Closed 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Lunch)

T/Th  8am - 1pm​
​Sat/Sun  Closed
​

Home  | Order Supplements | Privacy  |  Terms  |  Contact  |  Review Us
​Information and products offered here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the ​FDA.​
© 2021 The Gleason Center
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Approach
    • Our Services >
      • Chiropractic
      • Applied Kinesiology
      • Testing
      • PEMF Therapy
      • Laser Therapy
      • Healthy Beauty
      • Massage Therapy
    • Your Team
    • Programs
    • Testimonials
  • Patients
    • Welcome
    • New Patient Packet
    • Wellness Events
    • Health Pro Store
    • Order Supplements
  • Resources
    • Healthy Recipes >
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Poultry
      • Salads
      • Smoothies
      • Snacks
      • Soups & Broths
    • Wellness Videos
    • Detox Support
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Wellness Events