The more technology steps in and takes over our food supply, the more we need to be aware of the side effects of these “advances.” Food companies are using more and more chemicals in their products to cut down on costs, but is it really helping the rest of us? The Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center is here to help you keep abreast of these developments.
Yellow dye no. 5 has become a popular topic in alternative health circles. Research suggests a connection between vitamin B6 and the yellow dye which affects carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers. This information has not crossed over to the main stream medical community, presumably because it doesn’t have anything to do with drugs.
What is Yellow Dye No. 5?
This dye is known by a couple other names, such as Tartrazine (the proper name) and E102. Yellow dye is used as a food coloring and has been banned in several european countries.
Evidence shows that yellow dye no. 5 is associated with asthma, hyperactivity, hives, eczema and irritability. Removing this chemical from your diet can help relieve all of these issues and more. Any processed foods or beverages that are colored yellow or orange are suspect and should be checked for this agent. The brighter the color, (which encompasses just about all kids’ focused foods), the more you should worry. Also be sure to look for it in drugs, like liquid cough medicines.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is commonly used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It is an essential vitamin for the nervous system. It plays an important role in the formation of all steroid hormones, such as the sex hormones and cortisones, which help fight inflammation. B6 plays a large role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. This explains why a deficiency in this vitamin can aggravate or bring on carpal tunnel syndrome.
Yellow dye no. 5 has been shown to cause a deficiency in B6. Other underlying causes include excess alcohol, smoking, and many prescription drugs, including corticosteroids, estrogen and diuretics for lowering blood pressure.
The most a person should take is a daily dose of 200 mg of B6. Doses of 50 mg two or three times daily helps most people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Food sources of vitamin B6 include avocados, salmon, chicken, pork, turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chick peas, bok choy, barley, bananas, and mangoes.
If you think you may have CTS and live in the Denver, CO area, or if you have any questions about this topic, contact Dr. Visentin D.C., Call this Denver carpal tunnel specialist at (303) 394-CARE (2273).
Written For: Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO
© 2010