When it comes to the gut system, its main priority is to ensure that the body is supplied with nutrients and digests the consumed food that a person is eating. The beneficial nutrients help the body stay in motion, while the gut system constantly communicates with the immune and the central nervous system. The gut microbiota also harbors beneficial bacteria that helps keeps the gut staying functional and turns the consumed food into nutrients and vitamins to be distributed to the rest of the body. When disruptive factors start to affect the gut microbiota, it can cause unwanted symptoms, causing the body to become dysfunctional. Today’s article post will discuss how the gut microbiota helps the body and how healthy nutrients like probiotics and fermented foods help support the gut system. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We provide guidance to our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Does The Gut Microbiota Help The Body?
Have you felt discomfort in your gut? In your gut microbiota, do you experience inflammatory discomforts like IBS, SIBO, or GERD? Do you feel low energy or feeling sluggish throughout the entire day? Many of these symptoms that a person has encountered are associated with the gut system and can become chronic over time when it is not treated right away. Research studies have defined the gut microbiota as a complex organ system with a dynamic population of microorganisms that influences the body during homeostasis and diseases it encounters. The body needs the gut system since it plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s immunity and metabolic stasis while protecting it from infections. Additional studies have shown that when the body is going through different changes like dietary habits, lifestyle changes, or physical activities can influence the gut microbiota. Any of these changes can affect the gut system by changing the composition and density of the gut. When the changes are harmful to the gut, they can cause unwanted symptoms that cause dysfunction in the gut; however, when the changes are good, they can help the gut system in so many ways that help the body.
Tips For Keeping A Healthy Microbiota-Video
Feeling tired throughout the entire day? Have you become sensitive to the food you eat? Have you experienced inflammatory gut systems like GERD, IBS, or SIBO that affect your life? Many individuals with some gut issues try to find ways to alleviate them and change their dietary habits. Sometimes incorporating gut-healthy foods and supplements is beneficial in regrowing the gut flora in the intestines while also dampening the inflammatory effects caused by gut-related issues. Healthy nutrition and nutraceuticals that help the gut microbiota can also repair the intestinal wall lining from inflammatory factors attacking the gut. The video above gives an excellent presentation on five tips for keeping a healthy gut microbiota. When many individuals start changing their dietary habits to improve their gut system, they will experience more energy and a happy gut.
Healthy Nutrients For The Gut
When it comes to the gut system and trying to keep it healthy, the best way that a person can do that is by figuring out which healthy foods are beneficial to the gut and provide energy to the body. Since many people want to change their dietary habits from eating processed foods to nutritional whole foods, research studies have found that since the gut microbiota is a changing ecosystem, dietary strategies that a person goes under can help prevent diseases and maintain a healthy gut. One of the best ways that a person can do to ensure a healthy gut is by consuming prebiotic-rich foods, fermented, and cultured food to balance out the gut microbes. These two nutrients help stabilize the gut when the harmful bacteria start to overpopulate inside the intestines and diminish the beneficial bacteria in the gut system.
Probiotics & Fermented Foods
Probiotics are defined as a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms that are conferring a health benefit to the gut system. Research studies have also defined probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help dampen the inflammatory effects in the intestinal walls and help replenish the gut flora in the gut system. Additional research has also shown that pro and prebiotics help stimulate the beneficial growth of microorganisms in the gut. Probiotics can also alleviate many disorders affecting the immune, cardiovascular, and gut issues that a person is experiencing.
Just like probiotics, fermented foods can also promote a healthy gut microbiome. Fermented foods are more digestible while producing bioactive peptides such as CLA and bacteriocins in the gut. Fermented foods also allow polyphenols into an active state that incorporates vitamins, enzyme activity, and amino acid production while enhancing mineral absorption. Research studies have shown that fermented foods help balance gut microbial and brain functionality. Fermented foods also improve the balance with the intestinal permeability functions while filling with antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory factors. Additional information has shown that when people incorporate fermented foods into their diets, it can enhance a person’s health by changing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut system. This will help restore the gut flora functionality and help reduce the gut inflammation that a person is experiencing.
Conclusion
The gut system helps keep the body functional by releasing nutrients and minerals to the vital organs, tissues, and muscles that help keep the body moving. The gut system also communicates with the immune and brain system in transmitting the information that the food is being transformed into nutrients. When a person is suffering from gut issues and inflammatory effects, the best way to alleviate these symptoms is to slowly change dietary habits by incorporating probiotics and fermented foods into a healthy diet to repair the gut system and the intestinal walls. When people make these small changes to their diets, their gut system will replenish the gut flora and have a happy gut.
Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. “Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition.” Nutrients, MDPI, 7 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835969/.
Stiemsma, Leah T, et al. “Does Consumption of Fermented Foods Modify the Human Gut Microbiota?” The Journal of Nutrition, Oxford University Press, 1 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330458/.
Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the Human Gut Microbiota.” The Biochemical Journal, Portland Press Ltd., 16 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/.
Wieërs, Grégoire, et al. “How Probiotics Affect the Microbiota.” Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 15 Jan. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6974441/.
The lower half of the body consists of the low back, hips, legs, and feet to stabilize the upper body. The motor-sensory function helps the lower portion of the body move the leg muscles and sense when the lower back muscles are in pain. The lower back muscles help twist and turn the upper body without feeling discomfort or pain when it is in motion. Many ordinary factors put the lower back muscles to the test, which can become a nuisance later on if not treated right away. Factors like lifting and carrying heavy objects, being hunched over, and injuries can affect the lower back while causing immense pain to the lumbar spine. When injuries occur in the lower back, unwanted symptoms start to take effect, causing the individual to suffer and find some relief to alleviate the pain. Today’s article will focus on what causes lumbar stenosis, how it is associated with low back pain, and how traction therapy can help alleviate lumbar stenosis for many people. Patients are referred to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression and traction therapy. We go hand in hand with our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is valuable for asking critical questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Causes Lumbar Stenosis?
Experiencing mild to chronic pain in your lower back? Do you feel unstable when walking or running to your destination? Or have you experienced symptoms of muscle weakness or tenderness around your lower back? Many of these symptoms are caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. Research studies have defined lumbar stenosis as intervertebral spinal discs in the lumbar regions starting to degenerate naturally, causing the lower extremities to become hypermobile around the facet joints. When this happens to the spinal joint over time, it causes a reduction in the spinal canal, making the nerve roots that surround the spine irritated. Lumbar stenosis will gradually worsen as the pain symptoms range from mild to severe. Other research studies have shown that lumbar stenosis is caused due to natural aging in the spine that causes the degeneration process, thus leading to pain symptoms associated with stenosis.
How Low Back Pain Is Associated With Stenosis?
Research studies have found that lumbar stenosis is associated with leg and back pain when a person has lumbar stenosis, a common source in the lower back. Other back issues and symptoms are also playing an effect on the development of lumbar stenosis. Degenerative spondylosis causes an increased load on the posterior portions of the spine where the hips are located at. Additional research studies have shown that many suffering individuals will exhibit various symptoms associated with lumbar stenosis. Some of the signs that lumbar spinal stenosis does include:
Neurogenic claudication
Radiating pain in the lower limbs (buttock, legs, and feet)
Decrease sensory functions
Severe pain in posture stance
Increase chances of falling down
An Overview On Lumbar Traction-Video
Feeling radiating pain in your lower limbs? Do you feel muscle stiffness or tenderness in certain parts of your lower back? Have you experienced severe pain from standing or sitting for too long? Having lumbar spinal stenosis is no laughing matter for your lower back. The pain can become excruciating if it isn’t being taken care of, and that is where lumbar traction can help. The video above explains why lumbar traction is terrific when dealing with low back pain and lumbar stenosis. Lumbar traction helps loosen the tense muscles and resets the spinal discs that aggravate the nerve roots. Lumbar traction also provides relief to individuals suffering from sciatic nerve pain and can help rehydrate the dry intervertebral discs in the body. This link will explain what lumbar traction therapy offers and the impressive results for many individuals who suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis or other low back pain issues
How Traction Therapy Helps Alleviate Lumbar Stenosis
Many individuals looking for treatments that can help alleviate lumbar stenosis and low back can try lumbar traction therapy. Research studies have shown that traction therapy can help many suffering patients dealing with low back pain or lumbar stenosis will have a decrease in radicular pain in their lower back and legs. Lumbar traction helps relieve the surrounding nerves’ aggravated pressure, and radiculopathy symptoms are decreased in the lower back. Other research studies have mentioned that lumbar traction can help widen the spinal disc space in the spine while reducing low back pain and causing the sensory-motor functions to return to the legs. Lumbar traction therapy has many beneficial results for lower back pain relief for individuals.
Conclusion
Living with low back pain or lumbar stenosis is not a laughing matter for a person’s health. Overall, experiencing low back pain is no joke when associated with other symptoms like lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar stenosis causes the spinal canal to become narrow, and it can press on the surrounding nerve roots in the lumbar region. Many individuals who suffer from lumbar stenosis will have a wide range of pain in their lower extremities while feeling unstable when they are moving. When this happens, therapies like lumbar traction can help decompress the affected nerve roots and help widen the spinal canal and discs back to their original state. Incorporating traction and decompression therapy to alleviate low back pain can do many wonders for the individual.
Harte, Annette A, et al. “The Effectiveness of Motorised Lumbar Traction in the Management of LBP with Lumbo Sacral Nerve Root Involvement: A Feasibility Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 29 Nov. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2217540/.
Lee, Byung Ho, et al. “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Treatment Principle: A Narrative Review.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595829/.
Lee, Seung Yeop, et al. “Lumbar Stenosis: A Recent Update by Review of Literature.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Oct. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591458/.
Vanti, Carla, et al. “Vertical Traction for Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review.” Archives of Physiotherapy, BioMed Central, 15 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7958699/.
Wu, Lite, and Ricardo Cruz. “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531493/.
The neck can make sure that the head doesn’t flop around by letting the muscles, ligaments, and the spine hold the head upright. The neck is responsible for twisting and turning the head in all directions without the feeling of discomfort. However, the neck also has soft tissues, and nerve roots spread out from the cervical area of the spine that helps control the shoulders, arms, and hands. When a person suffers from a neck injury, it can cause unwanted pain and discomfort to the neck muscles and disrupt the motor functions in the upper body. Luckily, some treatments help alleviate the pain and restore motor function to the neck. Today’s article post will examine how cervical stenosis affects the neck and the cervical spine and how traction therapy can help alleviate cervical stenosis for many suffering individuals. Patients are referred to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We go hand in hand with our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is valuable for asking crucial questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Does Cervical Stenosis Affect The Neck?
Has your neck been feeling stiff lately? Do you suffer from any pain in your neck after stretching from side to side? How about feeling discomfort after being hunched over for an extended period? All these issues are due to neck pain, and if a traumatic event or injury affects the neck even more, it can lead to the development of cervical stenosis. Like the lower back, the neck can also be injured as the soft tissues, and nerve roots spread out from the cervical area are compressed and aggravated. Research studies have found that cervical stenosis develops when the spinal column in the cervical spine becomes narrow due to either degenerative spinal changes or traumatic incidents. When the spinal canal becomes more limited, it can cause unwanted neck issues like cervical herniation and neck pain. If the nerve roots are aggravated due to being compressed, it can disrupt the sensory-motor function of the shoulders and arms, and hands. Additional information has shown that the symptoms of cervical stenosis symptoms develop gradually over time as there is no pain in the early stages. However, as cervical stenosis begins to progress in compressing the spinal canal and provoking the nerve roots, motor functions in the hands will start to lose their function in writing or grasping items. This can become a problem for many individuals if cervical stenosis is not treated immediately.
What Other Causes Does It Do To The Cervical Spine?
Since cervical stenosis progresses gradually without any pain symptoms in the early stages and becomes worse in the advanced settings, other causes can start affecting the neck and cervical spine. One of them is cervical myelopathy. Research studies have shown that it is a condition where the spinal cord becomes compressed and causes a disturbance in the upper extremity portions. When the upper part of the body begins to feel sharp electric sensations radiating from the neck down to the hands, it can cause muscle weakness and numbness in each section of the upper body. Other causes like natural degenerative issues can also result from cervical stenosis occurring in the cervical spine. Other research studies have shown that degenerative causes associated with cervical stenosis can activate pro-inflammatory factors in the spinal joints and cause excruciating swelling and pain-like symptoms along the spine. However, there are treatments to help reduce the pro-inflammatory markers and alleviate spinal cord compression along the cervical spine.
Traction Therapy For Cervical Stenosis-Video
Do you have neck pain? Do your shoulders feel tight and tense? Have you lost the sensation in your hands? Traction therapy alleviates spinal stenosis in the cervical area and has given many beneficial factors for people who need neck pain relief. Experiencing cervical stenosis can dampen a person’s day and progressively worsen if it is not treated right away; traction therapy can help alleviate cervical stenosis. The video above shows how traction therapy works using the cervical mechanics from the Chatanooga decompression table. Cervical traction helps loosen up the tight muscle tissues and resets the cervical spine by setting it back in its proper alignment. This allows the spinal cord and nerve roots to feel relief from the pressure they’ve been under. Cervical traction also helps rehydrate the dry spinal discs with the nutrients beneficial to the body. This link will explain what traction has to offer and the impressive results for many individuals who suffer from cervical spinal stenosis or other issues that occur in the neck.
Traction Therapy To Alleviate Cervical Stenosis
Many treatments associated with neck pain do have beneficial results when people are trying to relieve the pain. Some people use ice/hot packs to ease tense neck muscles, while others take over-the-counter medicine to stop the pain for the remainder of the day. Traction therapy is one treatment that seems to alleviate the pain and help restore the cervical spine. Research studies have mentioned that cervical traction is a non-surgical procedure that uses a tension pull on the cervical spine to increase the height of the spinal disc and take the pressure off the spinal cord and surrounding nerve roots. Traction on the cervical spine helps relax the neck muscles while also providing much-needed relief to the cervical spine. Additional research mentioned the beneficial properties that cervical traction offers to help separate the vertebral bodies while providing movement on the facet joints and gently stretching the soft tissues.
Conclusion
The neck makes sure that the head stays upright and can make everyday motions without feeling pain or discomfort. When traumatic events or injuries affect the sensory-motor functions of the neck, it can narrow the spinal canal in the cervical spine and cause many unwanted symptoms like cervical stenosis. Cervical stenosis can develop over time and can progressively become worse if it is not treated right away. Some of the symptoms can induce muscle weakness, numbness, and pain along the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands in the body’s upper portion. Traction therapy for the cervical spine can help ease the painful symptoms by taking the pressure off the spinal canal and help reset the spine back in alignment. Incorporating cervical traction for neck pain can help many suffering individuals become pain-free on their health and wellness journey.
References
Abi-Aad, Karl R, and Armen Derian. “Cervical Traction – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470412/.
Burns, Stephen P, et al. “Cervical Stenosis in Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders.” The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, Taylor & Francis, July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102300/.
Donnally III, Chester J, et al. “Cervical Myelopathy.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 6 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482312/.
Meyer, Frerk, et al. “Degenerative Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Current Strategies in Diagnosis and Treatment.” Deutsches Arzteblatt International, Deutscher Arzte Verlag, May 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696878/.
Rulleau, Thomas, et al. “Effect of an Intensive Cervical Traction Protocol on Mid-Term Disability and Pain in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy: An Exploratory, Prospective, Observational Pilot Study.” PloS One, Public Library of Science, 11 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8357129/.
Dehydration affects the body physically and mentally but also affects the health of the spine’s discs. Spinal discs that lack proper hydration begin to compress, collapse between vertebrae, or cannot refill correctly, causing further compression and increasing the risk of spinal injury. Dehydrated discs can cause injuries like herniated disc/s, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Chiropractic treatment offers spinal decompression that will restretch and realign the spine allowing the injury/s to heal and proper disc rehydration.
Spine Support
As crucial as the spine is within daily activities, it is vital to understand its mechanics. The spinal vertebrae discs work to absorb shock when bending, twisting, or flexing to ensure the bones do not rub together. Within each disc is the nucleus pulposus, made up of 85 percent water that provides movement when the spine rotates and moves in various directions. This high water content in the discs helps the spine function. The discs naturally lose some water as the body ages, but dehydration can also occur when individuals do not intake enough water from drinking or in food. If the dehydration is severe, the risk of injury increases or can aggravate existing spine conditions. The loss of hydration in an adult spine can cause a loss of disc height daily. Without proper rehydration, other medical issues can begin to present.
Symptoms
Depending on which discs are affected, the pain or numbness can travel from the neck into the shoulders, arms, and hands or from the lower back down through the legs. Symptoms can include:
Back stiffness
Burning or tingling sensations
Reduced or painful movement
Back pain
Weakness
Numbness in the low back, legs, or feet
Changes in knee and foot reflexes
Sciatica
When the body is dehydrated, it can be difficult to replenish the water in the discs thoroughly, as well as nutrient levels through a consistent loss of fluid. Dehydration disrupts the balance which can lead to an increased risk of injury and increased degeneration. Causes of disc dehydration include:
Trauma from an auto accident, fall, work, or sports injury.
Repeated strain on the back from consistent lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, etc.
Sudden weight loss can cause the body, including the discs, to lose fluid.
The entire body relies on proper hydration with direct water consumption to rehydrate the body but also incorporating fruits and vegetables to aid in hydration. These foods include:
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Lettuce
Tomatoes
These foods are made of more than 90% water and contain essential nutrients and help the spine function more efficiently. Proper water consumption is based on age, body size, and activity level. However, to fully heal desiccated discs, spinal injuries, or back pain, chiropractic decompression, and manipulation adjustments are recommended. Non-surgical motorized spinal decompression treatment is gentle. The therapy lengthens and decompresses the spine reversing the pressure within the damaged disc/s creating an intradiscal vacuum that relieves the pressure off the nerve and helps reshape and rehydrate the damaged disc/s.
DOC
References
Djurasovic, Mladen, et al. “The influence of preoperative MRI findings on lumbar fusion clinical outcomes.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 21,8 (2012): 1616-23. doi:10.1007/s00586-012-2244-9
Karki, D B et al. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Symptomatic Patients.” Journal of Nepal Health Research Council vol. 13,30 (2015): 154-9.
Twomey, L T, and J R Taylor. “Age changes in lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs.” Clinical Orthopedics and related research,224 (1987): 97-104.
Videman, Tapio et al. “Age- and pathology-specific measures of disc degeneration.” Spine vol. 33,25 (2008): 2781-8. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e31817e1d11
The human body requires nutritional healthy foods to provide energy for each component, like the muscles and tissues to move around. The gut system takes the nutrients and transports them to the different organs, systems, and body parts that need these nutrients to function correctly. The gut system is also in communication with the brain and the immune system, where they send information to each other back and forth and help the body stay healthy. When chronic issues start attacking the gut system, they can throw the body off course by causing inflammation, an overflow of gut bacteria, and other gut issues that can affect the gut and the body. Today’s article looks at how finding the proper diet can help the gut microbiome and the body and how different dietary components affect the gut microbiome. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Does A Diet Help The Gut?
Have you been feeling low on energy throughout the entire day? Have you felt inflammatory symptoms like acid reflux or IBS occurring in your gut? Or have you felt that you could be sensitive to your favorite type of food? When experiencing these symptoms constantly, it happens to affect your gut microbiome. Numerous factors can influence the gut microbiome; some are good while others are bad. One of the good influences for a healthy gut microbiome is a nutritional diet. A diet plays a massive role in the gut microbiota as it helps determine the gut’s composition and changes. Since diets have the most powerful influence on gut microbial communities in healthy human bodies, research studies have found gut microbiota is considered a dynamic system. Incorporating the proper diet can have a significant influence.
Since about 75% of the food in a typical Western diet is limited or has no beneficial nutrients to the microbiota in the lower gut, most of it is explicitly comprised of refined carbohydrates that are already absorbed in the upper GI tract. After the food has been consumed, it will eventually reach the large intestines containing only small amounts of the necessary minerals and vitamins to maintain the gut microbiota. Additional research studies have found that since various dietary patterns do correspond with gut microbiota composition, it is up to the person’s habits to see what works for them and what doesn’t when it comes to eating healthy.
How Does It Impact The Body?
Research studies have mentioned that with the many microorganisms in the GI tract, having a proper diet with the right amount of nutritional food group can help modulate and influence the microbial body profile. Let’s say, for example, that two different groups ate meat, eggs, and cheese for one day and switched to whole grains, vegetables, and legumes the next day. What happens is that within about 1-2 days, there were significant alterations in the gut microbiome that were measured by 16S rRNA sequence in both groups. The microbial activity mirrors the differences between herbivorous and carnivorous diets, and it reflects the trade-offs between carbohydrate and protein fermentation in the body. Other research studies have also mentioned that long-term nutritional habits are fundamental for a person’s health status and how it shapes their gut microbiota.
What Role Does The Gut Play In A Healthy Diet-Video
Have you been trying to eat healthier? Do you feel sluggish and lose energy quickly? Have you experienced food sensitivity from your favorite type of food? The video above explains how the gut microbiome play’s its role when a person eats healthier. Since various nutritional diets do go together with the gut microbiota, it is essential to know that incorporating healthy foods into the gut can provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for the rest of the body. When bad choices influence lifestyle habits, it becomes challenging to get the motivation to reset the body and incorporate the beneficial nutrients the body needs. Unhealthy habits can also affect the gut by causing inflammation and other gut issues that can cause a person to be under constant stress and pain. By figuring out what causes these issues and eating the necessary foods filled with nutrients like vitamins and minerals, the body and the gut can begin to heal themselves properly.
The Dietary Components That Affect The Gut
Since the gut microbiota is responsible for influencing the body, it is essential to know which components are being digested in the gut that can directly affect a person. Since research studies have found that a healthy diet is one of the critical modulators that directly influences the gut microbial composition by thoroughly changing the biological process of fermenting the nutrients and impacting the intestinal barrier functions. Increased fruits, vegetables, and higher fiber consumption are associated with high gut bacteria richness. Additional research has provided that the diverse population in the gut microbial can even mediate the beneficial effect of fermenting the dietary fibers to produce SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) to reduce inflammatory effects in the gut. Other nutritional components that can affect the gut include:
Incorporating a healthy diet can provide a beneficial influence on the gut microbial system. When unwanted factors like a poor, unhealthy diet, stress, and gut issues begin to affect the body, it can cause the person to be in pain and affect their overall health. Making small changes can have a massive impact on the individual when trying to become healthier and take back their life. When incorporating whole foods, the body will begin to heal itself properly, and the individual will have more energy in their health and wellness journey.
References
Conlon, Michael A, and Anthony R Bird. “The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and Human Health.” Nutrients, MDPI, 24 Dec. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303825/.
Moszak, Małgorzata, et al. “You Are What You Eat-the Relationship between Diet, Microbiota, and Metabolic Disorders-A Review.” Nutrients, MDPI, 15 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230850/.
Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. “Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition.” Nutrients, MDPI, 7 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835969/.
The spine is located in the back of the body, ensuring that it’s standing, on the move constantly, and resting when needed. This S-shaped curve helps protect the spinal cord from various injuries and helps transmit the signals from the brain and throughout the rest of the body. When injuries start to affect the spinal cord, it can lead to many chronic issues affecting the spine, neck, and lower back. Fortunately, there are available treatments that help alleviate spinal problems in the body, therefore providing relief for the individual. Today’s article emphasizes spinal stenosis, how it affects the spine, and how decompression can help restore the spine for many suffering individuals. Patients are referred to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We go hand in hand with our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is valuable for asking crucial questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Have you felt radiating pain traveling along your back? How about muscle weakness in certain parts of your body? Do you feel weird sensations on your legs, neck, or lower back? These are signs that you could be encountering spinal stenosis along your spine, causing these symptoms. Research studies have defined spinal stenosis as a frequent condition in the cervical and lumbar portions of the spine that compressed the nerve roots connected to the spinal column. Spinal stenosis usually occurs when a person has experienced traumatic injuries and degenerative changes that affect the spinal canal either with mechanical force or spinal issues like disc herniation. Additional information has found that when many people are suffering from spinal stenosis, it can become progressively worse if it is not treated beforehand and can cause symptoms affecting the spine. Some of the signs that spinal stenosis can cause to a person depending on how severe it has affected their spine; which can include:
Radiating pain goes from dull to electric-shooting pain depending on the area in which spinal stenosis occurs.
Pins and needles sensations run from the legs, arms, or neck that occasionally flare-up.
Numbness that affects the arms and legs
Muscle weakness reduces the motor functions of the legs and arms while causing coordination problems to the person.
How Does It Affect The Spine?
Since spinal stenosis causes nerve root compression and narrowing of the spinal canal, it can affect many people dealing with excruciating pain along their spine. Research studies have shown that when spinal stenosis affects the spine, it causes degeneration of the spinal discs between the spinal joints to become unstable, hypermobile, and even hypertrophy. What this does is that it reduces the spinal canal, causing intermittent neurogenic claudication, which makes a person lose their balance and fall. Additional research has shown that when intermittent neurogenic claudication is associated with spinal stenosis, it affects the nerve roots through mechanical compression. This results in factors like venous congestion, diminished arterial blood flow to the spine, and even decreased nerve root impulse conduction to the spinal column. All is not lost as there are available treatments for many people who suffer from spinal stenosis.
An Overview On Spinal Stenosis-Video
Have you been feeling various pains that range from dull to excruciating along your back? Do you feel muscle weakness located in the arms or legs? Or have you been experiencing weird tingling sensations that cause numbness to your arms or legs? These are symptoms of spinal stenosis and can affect your overall health while causing you pain. Fortunately, spinal decompression might be the answer that you are seeking. The video above explains the causes of spinal stenosis and how to treat them non-surgical. Spinal decompression helps the spinal column gently move and stretch the spinal discs back to their position and restore their original functionality. This will cause the spinal canal to be relieved and alleviate the symptoms affecting the spine’s motor functions. Not only that, but many suffering individuals will notice that other issues like back, neck, and leg pain are reduced in their bodies. Spinal decompression for alleviating spinal stenosis has given many beneficial factors for people that need relief. This link will explainhow spinal decompression offers impressive results for many individuals who suffer from spinal stenosis or other spinal issues.
How Decompression Help Restore The Spine
With many treatments available for relieving spinal stenosis, research shows that non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy and spinal decompression can help reduce the pain symptoms caused by spinal stenosis and help improve the functionality back to the legs and lower back. Decompression does to the spine because it uses mechanical and manual traction to help loosen the stiff muscles and cause tension to reset the spinal discs back in place. Additional research has also shown that laminectomy, a form of surgical decompression, has been used to alleviate spinal stenosis by releasing the neural structures affected along the spine. With these treatments, many suffering individuals will feel much better and slowly regain their sense of purpose in the world without being in pain.
Conclusion
The spine helps the body protect the spinal cord while keeping it standing straight. When some injuries or issues affect the spine, it can lead to spinal problems like spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the nerve roots are compressed and narrow the spinal canal. The symptoms that spinal stenosis causes to the body can affect the sensory and motor functions to cause numbness and various pain ranging from dull to sudden sharp pain. Therefore, with decompression therapy, many individuals will feel relief from spinal stenosis as the spinal column becomes wider and allows the spinal discs to return to their proper position. Many people who use decompression treatments will feel much better and notice that their functionality is coming back, so they can keep on moving.
Estefan, Martin, and Gaston O Camino Willhuber. “Laminectomy.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542274/.
Lee, Seung Yeop, et al. “Lumbar Stenosis: A Recent Update by Review of Literature.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Oct. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591458/.
Lurie, Jon, and Christy Tomkins-Lane. “Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), British Medical Journal Publishing Group, 4 Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6887476/.
Munakomi, Sunil, et al. “Spinal Stenosis And Neurogenic Claudication.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430872/.
Maintaining a healthy weight is challenging, especially Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and extended weekends, increasing the risk of binge eating and weight gain. This is where healthy cheat meals and snacks come into play to help individuals stick to their diet while enjoying healthy junk food. Plus, finding the proper high-calorie carb-packed meal can help optimize the body’s hormones to prevent adverse effects on metabolism and hunger.
Cheat Meals
One way to look at a diet and still have the flexibility for sweet or savory foods is to set up the flexibility. To maintain health, practice portion control and eat healthy foods 80% of the time, allowing a 20% margin for the junk foods. To improve health, eat healthy foods 90% of the time, and allow a 10% margin until a health goal is reached.
Cheeseburger without the Buns and Sweet Potato Fries
They can be made healthy with lean ground beef, beans, peppers, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeños for a meal that incorporates quality protein and healthy fats.
It can be made vegetarian by removing the meat and adding more beans and vegetables.
Dark chocolate contains monounsaturated fats that can help improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.
Dark chocolate also supplies vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for heart and brain health.
Dietician Nutritionist
These are a few examples; the objective is to get individuals to learn to create their healthy cheat meals A diet or adjusting for a more nutritional food plan should always start with a nutritionist, dietician, or health care provider. They can help develop a customized plan that fits an individual’s specific needs. It is about finding the balance and creating a positive relationship with food.
Fibromyalgia Food Choices Nutraceutical Options
References
Coelho de Vale R, et al. (2016). The benefits of behaving badly on occasion: Successful regulation by planned hedonic deviations.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2015.05.001
Kuijer RG, et al. (2014). Chocolate cake. Guilt or celebration? Associations with healthy eating attitudes, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and weight loss. DOI:
10.1016/j.appet.2013.11.013
Murray SB, et al. (2018). Cheat meals: A benign or ominous variant of binge eating behavior? DOI:
10.1016/j.appet.2018.08.026
Warren JM, et al. (2017). A structured literature review on the role of mindfulness, mindful eating, and intuitive eating in changing eating behaviors: Effectiveness and associated potential mechanisms. DOI:
10.1017/S0954422417000154
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
