The Science 0f Mindfulness

Stress is implicated in increased tumor progression risk and poor survival in cancer patients. A number of recent studies have linked these effects to the promotion of tumor cell dissemination through the bloodstream via stress-induced pathways.

Now, a mouse study led by researchers in Australia has revealed the mechanisms by  which stress modulates cancer’s spread through another transport network open to   tumor cells—the lymphatic system. The findings were published today (March 1) in  Nature Communications.

“Stress not only affects your well-being, but it also affects your biology,” said study coauthor Erica Sloan, a cancer researcher at Monash University in Melbourne. “Our   study particularly highlights the early steps of tumor cell dissemination into the    lymphatic system.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-28/stress-can-speed-up-spread-of-cancer-in-body-scientists-say/7548024

“This is an excellent contribution,” said Kari Alitalo, a professor of translational cancer biology at the University of Helsinki, Finland, who was not involved in the study. “It’s certainly a very refreshing, novel aspect of biology that they explore in this paper.”

Chronic stress, mediated partly through the sympathetic nervous system, has been associated in cancer patients with a number of physiological changes that promote metastasis (the spread of cancer), including the promotion of blood vessel formation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells like macrophages.

To investigate whether stress could also induce changes in lymph vasculature, the researchers subjected various types of mammary tumor–bearing mice—including strains genetically engineered to develop tumors spontaneously, as well as animals given tumor transplants—to a paradigm designed to induce chronic stress: confinement in a tight space.

Comparing stressed mice to controls that bore the same cancerous tumors but had been kept in normal cage conditions, the researchers found no difference in primary tumor growth, but significant differences in lymph vasculature architecture and the frequency    of metastases.“We found that stress helps to build new lymphatic freeways out of the tumor [and] modulates how quickly lymph flows through lymph vessels,” said Sloan, adding that “stress increases the speed limit on these little lymphatic highways and     helps cells     transit more quickly out of the tumor.”

Since tumor cell dissemination is a key step in cancer metastasis, the team wanted to     test whether dissemination through the lymphatic system could be reduced by blocking stress signaling pathways.

The researchers turned to beta-blockers—cheap, widely available drugs commonly used    to treat hypertension—which inhibit signaling of norepinephrine  (or no-adrenaline), a stress hormone already implicated in cancer progression risk.

Administering beta-blockers to tumor-bearing mice,  the researchers were also able to  minimize changes in the density of lymph vessels at the primary tumor site, and subsequently reduce metastasis to the lymph nodes.  By contrast, artificially stimulating norepinephrine receptors increased both lymph vessel density and metastasis.  Through     a series of further experiments, the team demonstrated important roles for macrophages involved in inflammatory signaling and also a set of tumor-secreted vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in the regulation of lymph vasculature remodeling and tumor cell dissemination.

“It’s an important step in understanding how stress pathways can influence metastasis,” said Anil Sood,  a professor of translational research  at  MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,  Texas,  who was not involved in the research. “It really helps us to understand  the possible mechanisms by which sympathetic nervous system pathways can affect how lymphatics may be remodeled.”

The study also included an analysis of observational data from a cohort of nearly 1,000 breast cancer patients in Milan, which corroborate the team’s findings in mice: patients taking beta-blockers showed a significantly lower incidence of lymph node and distant metastases, even once potentially confounding factors such as age and treatment type   had been taken into account.

But Alitalo cautioned against drawing strong conclusions from these data. “Stress biology is complex,” he said. “In laboratory conditions with mice, it’s easier to define and measure stress. In real life, these things fluctuate a lot, especially in cancer patients.” He added that beta-blockers show “no specificity to the lymphatic system, so [their] effects as such could be transduced via a variety of pathways.”

Sloan and colleagues are now working to further resolve the molecular mechanisms involved in stress-induced remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in mice, and        are investigating potential interactions between beta-blockers and standard cancer treatments, with a view to using the drugs to tackle stress-related metastasis risk in         the clinic.  http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0108157

“This is something that, when we treat cancer, we should be considering,” Sloan said.     “By actually addressing stress in the patient, we’re giving our cancer therapies a better chance to work.”   Yoga and stress  🙂

Dr. Christine Teaño Lipat’s whole health chiropractic approach explores 6 interferences   to wellness (as outlined in the Brimhall Wellness Seminars) that may hinder your health and your state of balance.

These 6 interferences:  1. structural interference 2. electrical pollution 3. nutritional deficiency  4.  allergies/sensitivities  5.  emotional stress  and   6.  toxicity levels

When you feel healthy – how do you feel?

The Total Stress Load Concept – Why Your Body May Not Be Healing Itself

Any stress or toxin exposure sets off the same sympathetic fight/flight response of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, toxins require anti-oxidants to neutralize the    free radicals produced. We were born with different detoxification capacities, which is  why some people notice the effects of toxicity much earlier in life than others.

Simultaneous stress/toxin exposures lower this threshold for triggering the fight/flight response, and the accumulated free radical damage triggers inflammation and accelerated aging.

What stressors contribute to the total stress/toxin load?:

• structural/fascial – ie. atlas misalignment, scar tissue, adhesions
• emotional – current and past experiences, toxic relationships
• digestive dysfunction – mineral/vitamin absorption deficiencies, endotoxins              from leaky gut
• immune – auto-immune reactions, inflammation, food sensitivities
• environmental – pesticides, fragrances, heavy metals, molds, food preservatives,     BPA, flame retardants, etc.³
• infections – dysbiosis (viruses, fungi, parasites and bacterial imbalance)
• endocrine – cortisol/thyroid hormone imbalances, high insulin levels, estrogen/progesterone or testosterone imbalance
• neurotransmitter imbalance
• oxidative/mitochondrial – poor circulation, poor detoxification
• spiritual – lack of purpose/connection/trust in life
• or electromagnetic – interference from wifi, cellphones, computers, etc.⁴

The sympathetic fight/flight response causes the body to increase its heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Muscle tension also increases, blood vessels constrict and prioritize blood away from the skin and digestive system to the muscles and brain. Digestion slows, the immune system is on high alert and blood platelets become “sticky”   to help blood coagulation. The liver releases sugar in to the blood for energy. “The mind scans for danger, even magnifying threats that may not be serious. . . . Emotions become magnified – irritability turns to anger, concern turns to anxiety, fatigue turns to depressed mood.”⁵

On a short term basis, the body uses up its limited resources to prioritize its own survival. On a long term basis, these functions are destructive, decrease our ever dwindling reserves, and can result in subclinical conditions that eventually manifest into named diseases. Doctors who use the Functional Medicine Matrix of which total stress/toxin load is an underlying concept, recognize the complex interplay between all these factors in supporting and/or blocking the healing process.

Today, when a patient comes into the office with chronic health issues, we ask: If the body is so intelligent, why is it not healing itself? What are the factors that are blocking healing from occurring?

To find out, we conduct a thorough history, chiropractic exam, nutrition response      testing and applied kinesiology to identify possible stressors specific to your situation. Using a myriad of techniques, including low force chiropractic approaches, myofascial deep tissue percussion, neuroemotional technique, nutritional/detox/lifestyle counseling, reiki/energy work, herbs and nutrient supplementation, we partner with you to help you decrease your total stress/toxin load so that you can rebuild your resilience and reclaim your vibrant health.

Here are some suggestions on how you can increase your total health load:

• minimize your toxic stressors (see above)
• eat organic/local nutrient-dense foods and drink clean water
• avoid food irritants/sensitivities/intolerances, processed food chemicals and sugar
• listen to your body and respect its limitations
• soak in a sensible amount of sunshine regularly
• prioritize a good night’s sleep (by 10pm is ideal)
• engage in regular movement/exercise and sweat often
• touch the ground with your bare feet
• nourish yourself with regular laughter, hugs, reading, singing, dancing, planting, creating…
• lead a purposeful, loving, gratitude-filled life
• and find spiritual sustenance.

Those who work to increase their total health load, decrease their nervous system stress, and better maintain their structural alignment. They are able to activate and spend more time in parasympathetic rest/digest mode – this is when repair and rejuvenation occurs. They maximize their own body’s healing abilities and save on future healthcare dollars.

Throughout my own journey, I have benefited from the monthly sessions with my          own chiropractor which helps me to better understand my body.  My healing process is dynamic, and my nutritional needs are evaluated regularly. I benefit from learning about and resetting any accumulated stress built up since the last visit. I walk my talk, and I look forward to serving you!

Click here for a sample of the free Niu Patient Workbook which discusses the role of chiropractic in promoting health and outlines more specific suggestions for lifestyle changes that can improve the body’s ability to heal itself.

1. Vertebral Subluxation on wikipedia.
2. Dr. Charles Gant (Total Stress Load) and Dr. Sherry Rogers (Total Toxic Load)
3. “Scientists estimate that everyone alive today carries within her or his body at least  700 contaminants, most of which have not been well studied.” Chemical Body Burden website. “A study also conducted on newborns by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood from 10 babies born in August and September of 2004 in U.S. hospitals. Tests revealed a total of 287 chemicals in the group. The umbilical cord blood of these 10 children, collected by Red Cross after the cord was cut, contained pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage.” Green Mental Health Care: How to Get Off and Stay Off Psychiatric Drugs.
4. Cynthia Perkins, How Toxins Make you Sick
5. Stress Directions Inc.

Educated patients get the best results and save on future healthcare dollars! Below are valuable health articles posted on Niu Health Chiropractic’s Facebook page. 

Like us and select “Get Notifications” and “Show in Newsfeed” for the latest posts:

• Yet more compelling reasons to avoid sugar!: White Sugar’s Burden
• How chronic stress/chronic toxins and their total load impacts the nervous system and wreaks havoc on the body’s healing and repair systems: How Toxins Make You Sick
• …when chiropractors clear your nerve system with an adjustment, not only does your physical body improve, but so does your mental focus and ability to express your true self 🙂 The Part We Love the Most
• “These studies show links between fluoride exposure and kidney disease;  pineal, thyroid, and reproductive gland problems;  arthritis;  and bone,  tooth,  and nervous system disorders. Reviews of the science  show that water fluoridation may not even prevent tooth decay …. drinking fluoride in water is as dumb as eating sunscreen   to prevent sunburn or swallowing condoms for safe sex!”: Water Fluoridation: Folly or Fraud
• “Asthma, food allergies, chronic sinusitis, eczema, urticaria, migraine, irritable bowel, fungal disorders, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory joint disorders including rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the diseases that can originate with leaky gut. It contributes to PMS, uterine fibroids, and breast fibroids.  Leaky Gut Syndrome is often the real basis for chronic fatigue syndrome and pediatric immune deficiencies.” Leaky Gut: Can This Be Destroying Your Health?
• Avoiding grains and flours for optimal health reasons? Whoa. Then what’s left to eat? Lots! Here’s a shopping list from Practical Paleo: Guide to Paleo Foods
• “Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether being outside   barefoot or indoors connected to grounded conductive systems—may be a simple, natural, and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, ANS dysfunction, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, disturbed HRV, hypercoagulable blood, and many common health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human  body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean   air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.” Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons
• “The health of the upper cervical spine is thus critically important to both blood and CSF flow and that makes it important to overall health.  It is especially important to   the health of the brain and cord. In addition to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis this site discusses many common and important health conditions related to upright posture.”Brain Cooling and the Cranial Veins
• Food for thought! Why Are Americans Less Healthy?
• “What if your purpose is to take impeccable care of yourself so that you have the energy and joy to serve others?” The Myth of Finding Your Purpose
• “We are not slaves to our DNA. Our environment controls the activity of our genes. Our interpretation of the environment determines how our genes express themselves, and we can direct our interpretation of life’s events. In short, we are not slaves to biochemical caprice. As sentient beings, we sculpt our biology…” Legacy and Lifestyle: Epigenetics and the Potential for Chiropractic

One of the core dietary recommendations we make, aside from avoiding your food sensitivities, is to avoid sugar, grains, dairy, and nightshades. See our Pinterest page         for recipe ideas in line with our healing foods philosophy.

Spread the health – share this newsletter with your friends and family.                   Your referral could dramatically improve a loved one’s quality of life!

Yours in health,

Dr. Christine T. Lipat, DC, CFMP, White Light and Karuna Reiki Master

Preview YouTube video Managing Stress and Anxiety During Cancer Treatment

Neuroscientists Richard Davidson and Amishi Jha join clinical mindfulness expert   Jon Kabat-Zinn  to explore the role  of consciousness  in mental and physical health,   how we can train the mind to become more flexible and adaptable, and what cutting-    edge neuroscience is also revealing about the transformation of consciousness through mindfulness and contemplative practice. Often, these difficulties stem from the human brain’s hardwired tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain.…Numerous studies show which parts of the brain are affected by mindfulness practice, and  how these neurobiological changes benefit our minds and bodies.

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams ran a two-part report titled “Power of Prayer” — an overview of medical evidence revealing the positive, even miraculous, outcomes  from believers praying. HEALING THROUGH PRAYER – HOW PRAYER PRODUCES SEROTONIN for HEALING & LONGEVITY.

It begins from the Brain and is transmitted throughout the Human body: It heals tissue    as well as damaged livers. It promotes the feeling of well-being and disperses depression. Examples of how prayer affects the Human Brain (Brain scan images) as well as the improved mental and physical Health of the person and the Community.

Preview  PRAYER increases ‘SEROTONIN’

resulting in HEALING, LONGEVITY & HEALTH.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SJCDLHyeqk

A doctor at a Philadelphia hospital says prayer is not a cure for cancer — but can sometimes be as important as science in helping patients heal. Dr. Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson Hospital has been studying the effect of prayer on the human brain for more than 20 years, injecting radioactive dye into subjects and watching what changes inside their heads when they pray. You can see it’s all red here when the person is just at rest, said Newberg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5v1lBcbZs

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Preview What Happens To Your Brain When You Pray

 The Grande Finale to this blog: Join Dr. Timothy Water as he presents this Expert Angle webinar:                              “Living with Prostate Cancer, Stress, Mindfulness and Optimal Wellbeing.”

Preview  Expert Angle: Living with Prostate Cancer, Stress, Mindfulness and Optimal Wellbeing

Expert Angle: Living with Prostate Cancer, Stress, Mindfulness and Optimal Wellbeing