Inflammation

The Antibiotic Cipro Damages the Batteries in Your Cells

We’ve seen many patients over the last decade or two whose lives have been ruined by quinolone antibiotics, like Cipro. Why? We usually see them for severe chronic tendon problems. Turns out that, in addition, these antibiotics, like so many drugs, work by inhibiting an enzyme that bacteria and your cells need. Basically, a case…read more

Scientists Turn to Curcumin to Find a Better Way to 3D Print Bone?

Of all the myriad of supplements out there, curcumin has been the star of the last few years. While supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin have been quietly adding studies that show they can help arthritis, curcumin has been stealing the show. Now a new study puts this Indian spice back into the spotlight, this time…read more

Are You a Product of Genetics or Your Environment?

I have fraternal twins, so I got to watch firsthand how genetics can shape a kid. My boy is night-and-day different from his sister and he always has been, despite our best efforts to raise them the same. However, others would argue that environment often trumps genetics. So which is it? Genetics vs. Environment Genetics…read more

Are All Hip Replacement Devices Associated with Pseudotumors?

A few years back, I blogged on a research study that looked at masses that were associated with metal-on-metal hip replacement surgeries called pseudotumors. However, now new research shows that these awful side effects may be more common than anyone realized and occur with other types of hip replacement devices as well. In fact, they…read more

Hit a Weight Loss Block? New Study May Explain Why

You’ve been diligent and focused at working hard to achieve that New Year’s resolution to lose weight. You’ve eaten well, exercised regularly, and you’ve even lost a few pounds and toned a bit in the process. But, suddenly, despite continued determination, you’ve hit a weight loss block, and the scale’s been stuck for a couple…read more

Does Our Gut Microbiome Adapt to Food Preservatives?

All of us are paying closer attention to the food we eat, where it’s sourced, what’s in it, and how it’s made. Additives and preservatives are something we rarely think about as they seem to be invisible. There’s also incredible attention being paid to the bacteria in our gut (microbiome). However, can the additives in…read more

Platelets and Neutrophils Double-Team Invading Bacteria

It blows me away that in 2017, we’re still figuring out how the body works. This morning’s study shows that platelets and neutrophils work together a little like cattle dogs and a rancher. Let me explain. What Are Platelets? Platelets are cell fragments that circulate in the blood. One purpose for platelets is to initiate…read more

Epidural Steroid Side Effects: Repeated Injections Cause Diminishing Relief

On the surface, as a nonsurgical way to relieve pain and inflammation, epidural steroid injections seem like a great idea. However, when we dive beneath the surface, we find that epidural steroid side effects are pretty awful. I’ve observed many times, that for some patients, that while that first shot seems nothing short of miraculous,…read more