Dr. J. J. Gregor DC

I was reading a post in a Chron's disease forum, and I couldn't believe it when I saw someone become excited because they discovered Cocoa Puffs cereal was gluten-free.  I wanted to scream! 

There's been a lot of noise in the media about the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle, and that's caused the food industry to produce a mind-numbing array of gluten-free labeled "foods."  We've talked in the past about wheat and grain but let us dive a little deeper into gluten and why being gluten free is gaining popularity. Gluten is a protein that is a composite of gliadin and glutenin.  

These composites are what cause allergic reactions and Celiac Disease, which is an allergic/autoimmune disease to gluten.  People suffer abnormal immune reactions to partially digested gliadin, in other words, they have major inflammation in their small intestines.  Gluten intolerance or sensitivity symptoms can include bloating, abdominal discomfort and pain, diarrhea, muscular disturba...

Soy has been labeled a superfood that's been said to help menopausal symptoms, decrease the risk of heart disease, reverse osteoporosis, and fight cancer. 

Unfortunately, I don't believe it is the amazing thing it's made out to be, and it's time to reconsider soy's place as a panacea of modern society.  Very few of these benefits have been substantiated, and in fact is outright miss-representations of the facts.

So let’s talk about all the adverse effects of soy, which are a lot and not good for your body. "Soy foods can prevent osteoporosis."  This fallacy came out of the observation that Asian cultures ate soy and have little or no incidents of osteoporosis. 

This is not true; Soy foods can cause deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, both needed for healthy bones. Calcium from bone broths and vitamin D from seafood, lard and organ meats prevent osteoporosis in Asian countries—not soy foods. "Soy can prevent some cancers" this thought is based on the fact that soy contains phytoes...

A Container Garden Can be an easy way to Fresh Cheap Organic Veggies! By Dr. J. J. Gregor

Are you trying to switch to a healthier lifestyle, but shocked at the cost of organic vegetables and herbs?  Even though you may not live on an acre of land, you still can easily start growing some of your own food in a container garden. Anyone who’s ever picked a vine ripened tomato and popped it into their mouth, or had a salad made with greens and herbs harvested 30 minutes prior to eating it very much appreciates the incredible freshness and superior taste of home grown produce.  And here’s a bonus:  No chemicals or preservatives.  Trust me when I say that I am the least grow your own garden type of guy out there, but even I've been able to get some vegetables growing. Whether you have an small apartment patio or even a back yard that you don't want to rip up to create an in-ground garden, fresh and easily grown produce can easily be done in a pot.   That pot can be on the patio, the front po...

By J. J. Gregor

Do you suffer from a skin condition?  Have a mental imbalance (anything from ADD to Dementia to Depression)?  Have an irritable bowl with diarrhea, constipation, or even both?  Suffering from chronic fatigue?  Or do you suffer from allergies?  If you've answered 'yes' to any of these, hold off on your next run to the local pharmacy where you'll grab a quick fix.  In fact, a fix may come from your diet.  Chances are you're suffering, on some level, from a corn sensitivity. You might be trying to think back to the last time you had some corn on the cob.  Shockingly enough, you're getting corn in your system from many other sources.  It's a staple food source, often part of three to four meals a day!  If it comes in a package, corn is most likely an ingredient.   Why?  Well, high Fructose Corn Syrup is the go-to sweetener in this country.  Most of the cattle in this country are fed corn to fatten them before slaughter.  Even some beers use corn as their grain of choice.  ...

Wheat – What is it Good For? Absolutely Nothing!

The smell of homemade bread on Sunday mornings. Wholesome. Comforting. Safe.

Except it's not.

Every time you eat bread, pasta, crackers, or any product made from wheat, you're triggering inflammatory processes that damage your gut lining, dysregulate your immune system, and contribute to chronic disease.

Heart disease. Autoimmune conditions. Brain disorders. Joint pain. Fibromyalgia. Depression and anxiety. Chronic fatigue. MS. ALS.

Wheat doesn't cause all of these conditions. But it plays a significant role in most of them—either as a primary trigger or as an aggravating factor that prevents healing.

Here's why wheat is a problem and what you need to know about gluten, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. The name comes from Greek and Latin, meaning "glue"—it's the protein that holds dough together and gives bread its chewy texture.

High-gluten flours...

The Side effects of Epidurals on babies
By Dr.  J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

We talked yesterday about how epidurals affect the mother, and now I'd like to focus on the side effects of epidurals on babies.  It's easy to see that the epidural can give instant relief to the mother.  However, what may not be so obvious, is what an epidural can do to your baby. 

First, when a drug is administered to mom, keep in mind the baby is still getting everything that she is.  When mom gets a dose of the narcotic and opioid (epidural), Magnesium or any other drug for that matter, the baby gets equal or even higher dose per weight.  The problem is that the baby doesn’t have the ability to metabolize these drugs as well as an adult, and they may be present in the fetal blood for up to 36 hours after the spinal anesthesia is administered. 

Second, studies have shown that some of the local anesthetics used with the epidural may have an adverse effect on the baby’s immune system, and can cause fetal b...

The Effects and Side Effects of Epidurals

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

Potential Side effects of epidurals

Having seen the birth of both of my children, I will never be too arrogant to tell any person going through one of life’s most excruciatingly painful experiences to not take advantage of modern pharmaceuticals. I myself haven’t taken a prescription or over the counter drug for about 15 years, but if I was in as much pain as Erin during TJ’s birth I would have been first in line for drugs!

This is a very delicate topic , but I am going to present the potential downsides of the epidural by providing information so every woman can make an informed decision.

First, let’s talk about what an epidural really is.

Considered the most popular pain relief during labor, epi is defined as above in latin/greek, and the dura is the covering of the central nervous system (CNS). An epidural is an injection of a drug into your spine above the sack that covers your CNS. It is usually a ...

Cesarean deliveries pose many risks for babies

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

Although it's been discussed that cesarean births are much less traumatic for the babies than vaginal births, I tend to disagree. In fact, I think cesarean’s are possibly more traumatic, just in a different fashion.

During a vaginal delivery, there is a tremendous amount of pressure placed on the baby, which makes sense because you're basically squeezing something the size of a cantaloupe through a lemon sized hole. However, this pressure is essential, as it ensures the baby’s lungs clear with their first breath. This would also explain why there is a huge increase in asthma and other respiratory disorders in c-section babies.

There are strong correlations from both Osteopathic and Chiropractic professions that the pressure and trauma from birth may be necessary and induces proper cranial motion. If this cranial motion doesn’t happen properly it Cesareans can lead to increased incidents of:

Colic du...

Elective C-section convenience or major risk to baby and Mother?

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN
When we found out we were pregnant with our first child; we received lots and lots of advice.  Some solicited, and well, for those who have had a baby, you know most of it is unsolicited.  One thing we were told quite often was to opt for an elective c-section because it was so easy.  It was an option that never sat well with us in the first place, and after more research, it became a decision we wanted to stay far, far away from.

C-sections are sometimes necessary, beneficial and life-saving.  However, in today’s world where uncertainty is never welcome, more and more women are opting for the elective c-section.  It allows them to schedule the exact day their baby will be welcomed into the world, and it cuts back on time ‘wasted’ in labor.  Doctors also appreciate the elective c-section because it also sets their schedule.  However, there are multiple risks to both mother and baby th...

Our Personal story of Advantages of a birthing center over hospital

By J. J. Gregor DC

Working in this field, I always had my opinions on delivering in a hospital versus a birthing center.  However, I'll be honest; I never thought it would be something I would experience first hand.  To say, my son, TJ was a shock, would be a massive understatement.  We took six pregnancy tests and never actually believed any of them.  It was finally the sight of a tiny bean-like figure on an ultrasound, that confirmed we were going to be parents.

The thought of a birthing center crossed our mind, but Erin was considered high risk.  So since we had no idea what we were doing, we decided to go the traditional medical route of a hospital birth with an OBGYN and the “safety” of a level 4 NICU.

TJ's due date was December 25th.  As much as we wanted to wait for him to come when he was ready, we also knew we didn't want to be in the hospital delivering on Christmas.  Our fear was we would have a doctor p...