Is Coffee Good For You?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

The good ole cup of Joe! Some can’t do without it, some just like a cup once in a while. Is it good for you or not? Is the caffeine bad? Let’s look at what some recent research has to say.

Most people have been told, and believe, that coffee is bad for you. I’ve heard it called, “sin in a cup.” But, as with many notions derived from lack of actual research, it isn’t true. Coffee actually shows some beneficial properties. The greatest benefit comes to those in middle age and beyond.

A 10 year study showed that people who drank four cups of coffee per day had a 64% decrease in their risk of dying of any cause. Among those over 45, every two cups of coffee per day reduced their risk of dying by 30%; no such association was seen in younger adults. This study did account for variables such as gender, lifestyle, overall diet and other demographic information, such as smoking, sugar consumption and other factors. In all cases, these factors didn’t impact the lowered death risk for coffee drinkers.

Medication Abuse?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Does it seem like more people take more medication than they used to?  In this world of quick fixes and pain control at all costs, many more people are taking prescription drugs. If you are an adult and do not take a regular prescription, you are now in the minority in America. It is not your imagination that more drugs are given than they have been in the past.

Between 1997 and 2016 the total number of prescriptions filled in the United States increased by 85%, yet the population only increased by 21%. A study recently found that about 8% of all prescriptions, or about $200 billion per year, are improper and/or unnecessary. 75% of doctor visits end in a prescription being given! 75% of Americans take at least one prescription regularly.

I'll sleep when I'm dead!

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

Have you ever heard that from a busy person? Research shows their wish may come true faster than they expect. Research also shows that while they are still alive, they will probably weigh more than those who get enough sleep.

Nearly 71% of US adults over 20 years old are overweight or obese. While exercise and diet are the leading players in this epidemic, one overlooked factor is sleep. With very little effort, by increasing the time you sleep, you can help control your weight.

Researchers in the UK have linked lack of sleep to increased BMI and waist circumference.

Sauna's for Health? Part 2

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

In the last article we examined many benefits of using a hot sauna for cardiovascular health, improving exercise stamina, pain relief and longevity. The most researched effect is detoxification of heavy metals, urea and environmental chemicals.

But, saunas do more than detoxify, they also have a huge effect on cellular mitochondria. These are the power plants found in every cell. They make ATP (energy) for the cells to do their jobs. ATP is necessary for every muscle contraction and relaxation, every biochemical process, all cellular regeneration and much more. They act as coordinators for programmed cell death, helping rid your body of damaged cells that can, at worst, turn to cancer.

Sauna's for Health? Part 1

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

When was the last time you got into a hot sauna?  Probably on your last vacation right?  And why did you use it?  Just to relax more than likely!  Did you know there are excellent health benefits of regular hot sauna use?

You’ve likely heard of a Finnish sauna.  That’s because the Finns have been using saunas for over 2000 years. A full 99% of Fins take at least one sauna per week! Here in the USA we mainly see them as a luxury for use at the gym or on vacation. But many in Finland have them right in their homes and businesses.

Can a Chiropractor Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Do you or someone you know have hand pain, numbness or tingling? Have you been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)? Do you think surgery is the only answer? I’m writing to give you a different perspective on this pervasive problem.

First we will start with some statistics on the second most common musculoskeletal surgery (back surgery is number one). There are more than 250,000 carpal tunnel surgeries performed every year in the United States, and growing. More than 8 million people are affected, and employers spend over $7.4 billion in workers comp costs yearly. Only 23% of all CTS surgery patients were able to return to their previous profession following surgery!

Artificial Sweeteners Good For You? Part 2

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

In this article on sweeteners, I will present a few acceptable alternatives to the chemical slurries commonly used. There are six sweeteners to consider: stevia, stevia based alternative, xylitol, dextrose or pure glucose, and lastly, sugar and honey in moderation.

We’ll start with my favorite of the bunch, stevia. Stevia belongs in the herb and shrub genus in the sunflower family. It comes from the Central and South Americas. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar, has no calories, no fat, carbs or sugars. It has a negligible effect on blood glucose, so diabetics and low carb dieters can use it without worry.