HEALTH & FITNESS iternatives Detoxify Because You Deserve It T he significance of a ing the outsides of our bodies "fresh start" for 2008 yet we seldom pay attention can be no better real- to the accumulation of an ized than through one of the unclean environment on the most time-honored of all health most important inside. regimens — a detoxification. A period of detoxification is Most often if I mention detoxi- re designed to provide a needed fication, I get the proverbial "deer rest, rejuvenation and purifi- in the headlight" look. After all, cation of the tissues designed isn't detoxification reserved for to keep us healthy. those with hopes of recovery We live in a very toxic world D r. Jeff from an addiction? While detoxi- nowadays! Toxins surround us Ros enberg fication may mean different in the food we eat, the water Col umnist things to people, our discussion we drink, the air we breathe today will reveal its benefits as and the products we use on a highly beneficial activity to enhancing a daily basis. Even the most health-con- health. Let me share some of the ins and scious of us, one who consumes purified outs of this all-important practice. water and organic meats and produce, A program of detoxification may also is still subject to some toxicity through be referred to as a cleanse or purification. environmental sources, stressful living, In either case, it is the process of an inter- medication and the body's natural pro- nal cleansing, or removal, of "junk" that duction of toxins as a by-product of cel- is stored within tissues of your body. We lular metabolism. spend so much money and energy cleans- Pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals, caffeine, pollution and preservatives are just some of the toxins we are regularly exposed to today. It is the job of the liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs, intes- tines, blood and skin to filter these toxins and attempt to eliminate them from the body. However, at some point, the body might be overloaded by a toxic burden and lose its ability to eliminate and thus compro- mise our health. Some signs of a toxic overload include weight gain, fatigue, poor digestion, diffi- culty sleeping, moodiness, mental fog, low libido and food cravings. Quite honestly, a periodic detoxification is something each and every one of us could benefit from in today's world. As the body begins to remove sludge from its tissues through the organs of elimination, you may experience some unwanted symptoms. Fatigue, muscle ache, flu-like symptoms, irritability, changes in digestive function, etc., some- times accompany detoxification, depend- ing on the severity of toxicity. Don't worry, you are not getting worse: You are on a path to renewed health! Typically these symptoms are short- lived and followed by improved energy, digestion and an overall sense of well- being. Try to relax, eat a clean diet, drink plenty of water and enjoy the process of gaining a fresher start on the inside. It is always advised to follow a detoxifi- cation program under the guidance of an experienced health care provider who may also recommend the appropriate program. The nutrition industry is still highly unregulated, so the quality in products available still varies. In general, a program done two-four times annually is a wonder- ful step toward improved vitality. ❑ Dr. Jeff Rosenberg is a chiropractor and a cer- tified digestive health specialist. His Vitality Center is in Birmingham: (248) 540-1340, docjrdt@gmail.com or www.pathtovitality.com . The Facts About Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis is a narrowing in the lumbar spinal canal, a very small space in the lower spine that carries nerves to the legs. After many years, this space can become even smaller, if the surrounding bone and tissue begin to grow. Neural Claudication is relatively easy to diagnose. Physicians can usu- ally determine if a patient has the condition by asking a battery of questions. However, special tests and x-rays of the spine are often required. Arthritis, falls, accidents and wear and tear on the bones and joints in the spine also play a part in Stenosis. As the lumbar spinal canal shrinks, the nerves within it become squeezed and can cause chronic back and leg pain, as well as leg weakness. STENOSIS VS. RUPTURED DISC: "Many patients confuse Stenosis with a ruptured disc," says Dr. Radden. "However, they are not the same thing." A ruptured (or herniated) disc usually pinches one or two nerves at a time. The resulting pain, called Sciatica, is caused by a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine and causes back pain that shoots down one leg. This pain can happen any time, not just when standing up or walking. The pain and weakness associated with Stenosis is usually described as a burning or prickly feeling which begins in the buttocks and spreads down to the feet when standing up, walking or exercising. Unfortunately, many adults suffer from this condition. OTHER FACTORS: "Legs might also feel cramped, tired, or weak," says Dr. Louis Radden, D.O., a St. Joseph Mercy Oakland orthopedic surgeon. "This usually points to a condition known as Neural Claudi- cation of the legs. For patients with Stenosis, the Claudication starts when standing up. Pain may worsen when walking, but will most likely get better when walking stops." Also, crouching down or lying in a fetal position has been shown to re- lieve symptoms, since it's believed that these positions open the lum- bar canal and take the pressure off the nerves that go to the legs. 6621 W. Maple Rd. West Bloomfield 248-661-4700 A36 January 31 • 2008 TREATMENT OPTIONS: Several treatment options are available for Stenosis and Neural Claudication, depending on the extremity of symptoms. If the pain is mild and hasn't been present for long, an exercise or physical therapy program to strengthen back muscles and improve posture is usually effective. A physician may also prescribe medication for inflammation in the backbone. Dr. Radden notes that with severe back pain and Neural Claudication, however, spinal surgery may be required to take the pressure off the nerves in the lower spine. SPINE SPECIALISTS OF MICHIGAN P.C. Dr. Louis N. Radden RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINE SURGERY 30055 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 270 Farmington Hills 248-865-4262