From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC.....

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Don’t you find it strange that a class of drugs that has questionable science and offers poor stated outcomes (prevention of heart disease in patient with just “high” cholesterol) would still be prescribed in such an amount that over a quarter of the US population over 45 is taking it? What drug class am I referring to? Statin drugs, the pharmaceutical industry’s leading money-maker, largely due to relentless advertising. The aim of statin drugs is to lower cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver (which produces about 70 percent of total cholesterol in the body).

A recent study found the statin advertising might be driving high cholesterol over diagnosis and over-treatment.[1] If you think about it, the incidence of heart disease is not decreasing despite a large portion of the US population taking statins. A study from Sweden shows a similar lack of effectiveness. [2] What does that tell you about wisdom of continuing advocate the promotion of statin drug usage?

Unfortunately, due in part to the popularity of statin drugs, my office is seeing large number of people calling in to find help for peripheral neuropathy. [3], [4] One of the so-called side effects of statin drugs is the development of nerve and muscle damage. [5]

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Topics: Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, cholesterol, Heart Disease, pain, Drug-Free, Statin, Co-Q10, Diabetic Neuropathy, memory loss,

Ever since the mid nineties when I received additional certification in pediatric chiropractic, I've continued to work on improving my treatment for children with neurobehavioral disorders.  I've seen too many children with ADD, ADHD and Autism put on too many brain and body damaging drugs over the years and I just had to do something about it...at least in my geographic area.

I have been treating kids using typical chiropractic treatments with developmental and behavior concerns since the mid ‘1990s’ after I earned fellowship status from The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).  Some success was obvious (less fidgeting and better focus) but the improvements were not predictable.  Many parents were desperately trying to help their child perform without putting them on medications.  I offered the clinical skills I had at the time.

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Topics: ADD, ADHD, Autism, Johnson Neuro-Metabolic Therapy, Drug-Free

Several recently published articles have confirmed a correlation between patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those who also suffer from psoriasis and eczema, and that gluten sensitivity runs in the family[1].  These studies finally bring to light something people who have chosen a gluten free lifestyle have known for years.  Skin disorders can be caused by gluten sensitivity and living a strict gluten free diet can alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.  And, gluten sensitivity is often present in several members of the same family. 

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Topics: Dr Karl Johnson, gluten, psoriasis, eczema, celiac, Drug-Free