Quite often, patients visit our office with very unique neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms.  They are frustrated because they have visited the top neurological clinics in the country only to be told that their tests are negative and that they cannot be given a definitive diagnosis.  New, cutting edge research is shedding some light on these "phantom" neurological conditions.

The term functional lesion applies to an area within the central nervous system where the cells are not functioning to their full capacity.  When it is applied to one hemisphere of the brain we utilize the term hemisphericity, which essentially means that one side of the brain is under-functioning. 

Research tells us that the brain is lateralized or specialized for certain functions.  For example, the left hemisphere is more of a literal brain and is typically the dominant center for language.  The right hemisphere is more of an abstract brain and is more specialized for social interaction and visuo-spatial knowledge. 

The joints in the human frame are lined with tiny pressure-sensitive sensors called mechanoreceptors. Upon movement, if the joints are in proper alignment the mechanoreceptors will be compressed and subsequently send stimulating nerve impulses to the brain.

Your brain depends on this nerve stimulation from the joints of the body for its health and well being and to assure optimal neurological function.

Reciprocally, there are nerve impulses that are sent back to the actual joint from the brain to stimulate the local muscles. This reflex actually helps to stabilize and strengthen the joint and slow down the progression of arthritis. 
 

 
Anti - inflammatory foods & healing                                   
 

Recognize the right foods to help strengthen functions of the body.  An area in trouble needs care and goodness of fresh nutritional intake to create natural balance for healing.  Here is a recipe incorporating garden vegetables and a small amount of protein- a recommended diet staple for eating well.  Eat meals with less salt, less sugar, less fat, and no processed ingredients will immediately put you on a road to regain the power of natural foods for results in healing and feeling your best.  Try to buy 'Organic'... it's good for you....Enjoy!

                           Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe

      *  8oz/225g young spinach leave and 8 oz/225 g red leaf or romaine lettuce thoroughly washed and dry on paper towels

       * 12 oz/350 g chicken 'cutlets', pat dry, sea salt & pepper and olive oil mist on each side. (one-two  per person)

        OR left over roasted chicken. Slice in medallions or half the cutlets as shown.

       * 4 celery stalks thinly sliced (celery stays well wrapped air tight in a plastic bag with a piece of paper towel)

       * 1 cucumber scrubbed clean, thinly sliced (remove skin if preferred or if cutting thicker)

        *2 scallions (green onion) thinly sliced or 5 sliver-slices of any kind of onion

       * 3 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
 

 (parsley stays well wrapped in a paper towel in a left-opened baggie)

       Bread sticks on the side.

                                      Asian Dressing Recipe
 

In a dressing flask or bowl mix 1 inch/2.5 cm piece of fresh ginger root finely grated.

       * 3 Tbs olive oil or 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil

       *1 Tbs white wine vinegar or rice vinegar

       * 1 Tbs honey or a tsp brown sugar

         Optional spice: ½ tsp ground cinnamon and light "sprinkle" of salt, and 'pepper to taste'. 

       Topping:   Sliced Almonds, Grated Carrot, Slivered Celery or Fennel or Dakon Radish. Mix together with Dressing and  toss well into salad.

 COOK'S TIP:   ADD A DIFFERENT TOPPING FOR A SECOND MEAL OR SWITCH MEAT.  Have CHERRY TOMATO HALVES and other crunchy 
        vegetables available each week to fresh-cut and dress with Olive oil and lemon & zest and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Call Chef Patricia for more questions on healthy menus, storing and preparing foods at 561-585 - 6764