Best Foods for Calcium

Nearly all literature review indicated that low bone mineral density (BMD) was a generalized phenomenon in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and 20-38% associated with osteoporosis. "But the causes of osteoporosis or osteopenia in AIS remain undetermined" (Xin et. al., 2008).

Based on the concept of Chinese medicine studies, we need a balance diet in order to take care our bone. The best way will be maintained a vegetarian life style because animal foods belongs to acid foods, and the functions of calcium in our bone is to buffer the excess acid to keep the pH of the blood slightly alkaline. The more acidic food we consumes, the more calcium we need to used to keep our pH alkaline.    

Hence, what are the best foods for calcium? I have translated the chart I derived from a Taiwanese author as followings:

Source: 欧阳英，生机食疗DIY大全, Taiwan

Some of the foods might looks alien for you, but we used to have it in our Chinese dishes or herbs.  

References

Xin FL, Hai L, Zu DL & Li YD 2008, "Low bone mineral status in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis", Eur Spine J, 17:1431–1440

欧阳英，生机食疗DIY大全, Taiwan

Liver and Gallbladder Flush Method

Yesterday I have performed another round of liver and gallbladder flush after knowing that the possibility to get recover of my adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Although I felt unwell during the cleansing but if it can help me to recover, why not give it a try! At the end if it can not help to resolve my scoliosis problem, it still can improve my health and vitality.  

I have tried two cleansing methods before, one is based on Andreas Moritz method and another method was when I attended a workshop conducted by a Taiwanese's Chinese Doctor Ho Yung Ching. The difference is the products being used in liver and gallbladder flush. But both methods are also effective to flux out the gallstones.

Health kits from Ho's method

For Ho's method, we were given a kits which including nectar enzyme, cleansing enzyme, enzyme, bee pollen and spirulina tablet. For Moritz's method, I prepared 7 litters of organic apple juices and epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Both methods are using 100% extra virgin olive oil and cool-pressed plus lemon juice, the difference is the capacity.  

For my personal experience, Ho's method is low with side effect but more expensive, whereas, Moritz's method had to be caution with few things in mind. First, you need to brush your teeth or rinse it with baking soda after drinking apple juices and epsom salt drink to prevent your teeth got damage by the apple juice's acid.

The epsom salt is with side effect, you have to use it with caution when you are in medical condition such as diabetes and kidney disease. And it is advise by the Moritz to do colon cleansing before and after liver and gallbladder flush. I found it difficult to perform colon hydrotherapy, therefore I substituted it with  drinking Kinohimitsu J'pan D'Tox Tea before and after to clean the "mucoid plaque" (some old, gluey, harden wastes in your colon and intestine). 

     

Relations of Liver & Gallbladder Flush with Scoliosis

You might be wondering what is the relationship between liver & gallbladder flush with scoliosis? Isn't it liver & gallbladder flush related to detoxify? How come it related with scoliosis? You will be surprised to find out their relationship. 

At first, I also can't related these two things together. I have done one time of liver & gallbladder flush this year but I do not know how it can help with my scoliosis. I happened to brought and read Andreas Moritz's book on "The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush". In his book, Moritz told us that he suffered from few sickness and one of its are scoliosis. According to him, every time he performed liver and gallbladder flush, his scoliosis got improved and better after 12 times flush.

I was really surprise and eager to know more! And I would like to find out what is the rationale behind? The book is a bit technical, I only can explain what I understand, the rest you can read and understand yourself. But I believe it will be an alternative methods which it can help us.

According Moritz, "good bone health results from the sustained balance between the functions of osteoblast and osteoblast cells. Osteoblast functions as bone-forming cells, whereas osteoclasts are responsible for resorption of bone to maintain optimum shape".

My gallstones for the first flush

Gallstones in the liver will disturbed the bone cells to receive enough nourishment and thus slower the supply production of new bone tissue by osteoblasts. Osteoporosis happened because the growth of new bone cells can not keep pace with the depleted of old cells. Besides, "Rickets and Osteomalacia are diseases that affect the calcification process of bones, where the bones become soft, especially those of the lower limbs, which become bowed by the weight of the body".

Beside, bile is an important element in calcium absorption. Even though you have consumed plenty of calcium in food or through food supplements, the shortage of bile make it unable to absorb calcium effectively. And gallstones in the liver will disturbed bile to work effectively. I am not sure is that most of the scoliosis patients also suffered from low bone density? I not sure others, but I am the one. 

If this theory established, then I can understand why the sustainability of my scoliosis treatment is low and will easily back to square. For health purpose, I will try this method and go through this cleansing persistently and will let you know the effect later.

Introduction of Schroth Method

Schroth method is said to be an effective treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Numerous studies indicated the efficacy of this approach especially in improving the respiratory function, decreased in Cobb angle, pain reduction and cosmetic improvement.

The result of studies done by Weiss and friends was as follows (Fusco et al, 2011):

From the result above, we can observe that not every case was successfully. There have unchanged cases and worsened Cobb degrees. No details are being describe on the worsened case, therefore, I have no idea how many degrees it got worsened.

Schroth method was introduced by Katharina Schroth in 1920. The original concept of the programme was designed for patients with large curvatures exceeding 70° or 80°, especially main thoracic curves. From durations of three months, the inpatient programme was then shortening to six weeks. Whereas, for small and moderate curves, the latest development of ‘New Power Schroth’ as part of the Scoliologic™‘Best Practice’ programme are said to cater to these needs .

Source: Weiss

“The three-dimensional (3D) scoliosis treatment is based on the principles of kinesthetic and sensorimotor, and its goals are to facilitate correction of the asymmetric trunk and posture” (Hennes & Turnbull). The emphasis of Schroth method is on specific postural correction, correction of breathing patterns to correct the collapsed areas of the trunk and correction of postural perception in diary activities maintaining. Mirror monitoring plays an important role in the original Schroth programme, it allows patients to aware of their posture and synchronizing the corrective movement with the visual input.

At the beginning of the treatment, patients will be assessed by physicians using Schroth classification where individual exercise program will be assigned later. Patients will then exercise for 6 to 8 hours a day including individual and group exercise. Massage and psychological counseling is provided, as needed. 

Source: Weiss

References:

C Fusco, MD, F Zaina, MD, S Atanasio, PT, M Romano, PT, A Negrini, PT, and S Negrini, MD, 2011, Physical exercises in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: An updated systematic review, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 27(1):80–114, Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Hennes A & Turnbull D, Rehabilitation in patients with spinal deformities: A description of the Schroth method.

Weiss HR, The method of Katharina Schroth - history, principles and current development, Scoliosis 2011, 6:17, http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/6/1/17

Borysov M & Borysov A, 2012, Scoliosis short-term rehabilitation (SSTR) according to ‘Best Practice’ standards - are the results repeatable? http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/7/1/1