Columbia Advanced Chiropractic Newsletter, The Spinal Column

Welcome to The Spinal Column, where we post articles about chiropractic care and other health issues. Check out Dr. Manison's past articles. We welcome your comments, questions or opinions, so please feel free to contact us.

Molecular Fitness

On March 6, 2008, Dr. Manison was happy to welcome Darrell Tanelian, MD, Ph.D., one of the foremost specialists in molecular biology and nutrition, to a lecture at Linden Hall in Ellicott City, Md.

Many of Dr. Manison's patients were treated to a 1.5 hour presentation and 1.5 hour question/answer session regarding the Molecular Fitness Lifestyle™. Dr. Tanelian, a board certified anesthesiologist/pain management specialist and Ph.D. in Neuroscience (electrophysiology and biophysics) has published over 30 medical papers and has developed a revolutionary lifestyle system. The theory behind the system is that disease processes are caused by metabolic acidosis; therefore, maintaining the body in an alkaline state will help ensure optimal health. Based upon over 7000 medical studies that he has reviewed and cataloged, Dr. Tanelian's system of total health incorporates six parts: a) enhanced nutrition, b) essential supplements to support specific cellular function, c) exercise, d) self-monitoring, e) education, and f) community participation as it relates to working with your healthcare provider to help achieve personal health gains.

The medical literature on the topic is overwhelming and Dr. Tanelian is the first to put everything into a comprehensive package. According to Dr. Tanelian, most disease processes, from osteoporosis to heart disease to cancers, can be literally prevented if we were to keep our bodies in a more connexin-friendly alkaline state. He has the medical proof to substantiate all of his claims!

Okay...get ready for some of the proven science behind what Dr. Tanelian discusses...

The Molecular Fitness model is based on intercellular communication, which involves Connexins. A Connexin is a molecule composed of 6 protein subunits which join together (forming a Connexon) and when they do so, have a channel (pore) in the middle. The Connexon sits in the cell membrane and when it works properly, it connects with a connexon from an adjacent cell and allows for communication between the cells. The two connecting Connexons form what is called a Connexin channel or gap junction. The communication occurs by passing molecules such as sugars, ions, amino acids, and nucleotides (proteins are too big to pass through the Connexin channel). A healthy system is necessary to allow for the Connexin channels to remain open and communicate freely. Currently, there are 21 known types of protein subunits that can be combined to form different connexins, each having unique molecular properties.

Dr. Tanelian educates regarding the importance of having an alkaline system so that connexin molecules will function properly. Many studies have shown that metabolic/systemic acidosis does not allow for Connexin channel formation, and thus no intercellular communication. This leads to disease processes, period!

The theme of the Molecular Fitness Lifestyle™ is to help people make intelligent choices regarding what to do on a daily basis to ensure optimal health and performance. Research supports that maintaining an alkaline system is one of the most important things we can do.

Dr. Tanelian not only recommends monitoring yourself by means of routine testing performed by your medical doctor, but also by checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, and urine pH on a regular basis. These tests can be graphed on the molecular fitness website and will help to show your progress. For example, most Americans have an acidic urine pH of 5.5. With proper nutritional changes and an alkalizing diet, the pH should be around 7.5, comparable to that of your blood. Dr. Tanelian uses the PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) values of foods to help determine their net effect on your systemic pH. The PRAL system is based on a formula that determines the net effect of foods on the pH of your body. It is well-documented and applicable to all foods that we eat.

Dr. Tanelian's program consists of two supplement packets, MultiConnexin™, which is a complete multivitamin with DHA, EPA, borage oil, connexin-enhancing molecules and trace minerals, to help promote Connexin function, and MineralConnexin™, a packet with lactate forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, along with potassium bicarbonate, that helps to directly raise your body's pH. The lactate forms are superior to other forms of electrolyte compounds as they are more bioavailable to your body.

Please note that Dr. Tanelian's products are not intended to treat diseases, but rather to help prevent disease processes by allowing for proper cellular function. His products are backed by core science and simply put, they work. The objective is always to prevent disease as opposed to just treating it.

Personally, Dr. Manison has not gotten sick in over a year even though he's been exposed repeated to Strep, Pneumonia, the common cold, and other ailments and his serious seasonal allergies have seemingly disappeared since he began the program. In addition, he did not suffer (as he usually did) from altitude sickness when he went skiing this year.

Many of Dr. Manison's patients have also expressed improvement in body function, reduction in illness, increased energy, and other positives since they have begun living the Molecular Fitness Lifestyle™. The system is not a gimmick, fly-by-the-night, here one day, gone the next, system. Dr. Tanelian is for real (just google him and all he has done) and his system has the medical backing necessary to substantiate his claims. As a population, we need to be responsible for our health, and Dr. Tanelian's system is a tremendous aid in helping us do so.

For those individuals who are familiar with Active Release Techniques (ART), Dr. Mike Leahy, the founder of ART, has endorsed the Molecular Fitness Lifestyle™ as the official lifestyle approach for ART providers and their patients. Many high level Ironman athletes use the program to help them achieve their utmost potential.

Dr. Manison recommends the Molecular Fitness Lifestyle™ for his family, patients, and for anyone who wants to be healthier.

We are proud to be a Certified Provider of HealthConnexin's Molecular Fitness nutrition and wellness program. We are excited that the synergy between soft tissue therapy and the nutritional benefits of the Molecular Fitness program will achieve unmatched injury recovery and performance enhancement as well as help restore the body to optimal health.

The Molecular Fitness essential supplements, MineralConnexin™ and MultiConnexin™ should be taken in conjunction with in-office treatments and proper dietary modifications to maximize results and enhance overall health. Members of the Molecular Fitness program have experienced increased endurance, energy, reduced risk of high blood pressure, weight loss/weight maintenance, bone health improvement, blood sugar maintenance, immune support and reduced joint and muscle pain.

To learn more about these and other benefits or to order, please visit MolecularFitness.com.