Many people have the common misconception that chiropractic treatment is only used to treat issues like back and neck pain, however, Dr. Billy DeMoss, doctor of chiropractic and expert in anti-aging, natural techniques, has helped hundreds of his own patients understand the true essence of chiropractic care and what it can really do to help an individual�s overall health and wellness, promoting longevity.
The connection between the brain, spinal cord and the nervous system is fundamental to control every function of the body which provides life and it�s important for each individual to understand how nurturing these structures through proper nutrition, exercise and good sleeping habits can extend our well-being. Additionally, just like functional and external health is important, taking care of the spine and the nervous system is essential towards overall health and wellness.
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Chiropractic Care for Longevity
Dr. Billy DeMoss emphasizes that longevity can be achieved through the daily basis practice of good habits which contribute to a whole improvement of lifestyle. According to Dr. DeMoss, that is the exact function of chiropractic. When a person visits a chiropractor�s office due to symptoms of pain and discomfort, foremost, the doctor of chiropractic will assess the individual�s spine to determine whether they have any subluxations, or spinal misalignments, which could be the source of their symptoms. When there�s a misalignment in the spine, a point along the spine where the vertebrae aren�t moving or functioning properly can cause irritation and inflammation to the surrounding structures, resulting in a compression of the nerves which can create an interference between the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ultimately, the internal organs of the body. A chiropractor�s job is to remove these interferences and restore the normal function of the spine and its surrounding structures.
In an average visit to the chiropractor�s office, a chiropractor will evaluate an individual�s condition to diagnose a subluxation, as well as other possible complications, through palpation, feeling the spine and checking their range of motion. Occasionally, these healthcare providers will utilize X-rays and thermographic scans, if available, to determine the area where an individual needs to be adjusted, to remove their spinal misalignments and allow greater communication through the circuitry of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, to the organs and back.
According to research studies, approximately 85 percent of disease is caused by being in a constant state of stress. When the spine is out of alignment, not only does it interfere with the natural transmission of nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body, it also causes tension to build up on the spinal cord, creating irritation of the nerves, which can then push an individual to enter a constant state of stress, triggering the sympathetic system, best known as the fight or flight response.
The human body is designed to enter the sympathetic state periodically in the case of a stressful situation or during instances of extreme danger. In a sympathetic state, the body reacts by increasing heart rate and pressure, along with other physical changes, to exponentially increase the function of the structures of the body, however, many individuals are found to constantly be in this state of stress, something which research studies have concluded could lead to heart disease and other complications if the issue is not corrected over a prolonged period of time.
Fortunately, these same research studies support the fact that if a person�s spinal subluxations, or misalignments, are corrected as well as their posture, the individual�s overall health and wellness can be restored, improving their longevity.
What is Chiropractic?
How Chiropractic Treatment Heals the Body
Chiropractic is referred to as one of the most powerful tools for removing stress. Chiropractic care helps correct subluxations through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, along with the participation in a specific set of exercises, changes in nutrition and sleeping habits, as well as the correction of posture. Compression on the nerves caused by a spinal misalignment can restrict the proper flow of life. Chiropractic treatment can help remove tension from the spinal cord and help shift a person from the sympathetic system into the parasympathetic state, where the body is able to rest, properly undergo digestion and nutrient absorption, ultimately repairing itself to promote a healthier state to prevent disease by building healthy cells to prolong life. Dr. Billy DeMoss describes how his patients have claimed they have more energy, sleep better and experience improved digestion and symptoms. A proper alignment of the spine can slow down the process of degeneration in the body, preventing the development of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
When it comes to correcting posture, chiropractic treatment can also help. The spine is placed under the stress of gravity on a daily basis. Additionally, due to the increased popularity of devices such as smart phones and tablets, or simply sitting in front of a computer screen for an extended period of time has created an epidemic of forward head posture cases in the population. With regular spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, chiropractic can restore an individual�s original alignment of their spine, reducing the amount of stress being placed on its surrounding structures to decrease irritation and inflammation, helping to strengthen the muscles and other tissues around the spine to improve posture.
In conclusion, Dr. Billy DeMoss, like many other doctors of chiropractic, understands the importance of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to help restore the body�s natural well-being to promote longevity. Overall health and wellness doesn�t only involve following nutritional, physical activity and sleep habits. Whole body wellness also includes the health of the spine and its surrounding structures. As an individual interested in living a longer, healthier life, make sure to consult your primary health provider or visit a chiropractic office to receive a diagnosis of your current spinal condition to begin treatment, if needed, as soon as possible and improve your overall lifestyle.
Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option utilized to naturally relieve symptoms of neck and back pain, among others. Recent studies have demonstrated however, that chiropractic can also have tremendous anti-aging effects on the body, helping to prevent the rapid degeneration of the spine to avoid developing diseases like osteoarthritis.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
A healthy eating plan should include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Learn easy ways to include the right amount of produce in your diet.
Seniors are better than younger people at making their servings of fruits and vegetables part of their diet, but that’s still not saying much. According to a review published in August 2013 in the journal Maturitas, only 21 to 37 percent of men and 29 to 45 percent of women ages 65 and older eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, which is the minimum amount recommended for�good nutrition.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is especially important as you get older, because the nutrients and fiber in these foods can help reduce high blood pressure, lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, stave off eye and digestive problems � and simply satisfy your hunger.
Before you try to eat an entire bunch of bananas or a bushel of apples, know this: One serving of fruit or vegetables equals half a cup, or about the amount you could hold in a cupped hand. Nutrition experts used to recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, but that�s probably not enough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual needs are different, so depending on age, gender, and level of physical activity, you�ll require between 5 and 13 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
Meeting Your Healthy Eating Goal for Fruits and Vegetables
Follow these simple tips for increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat each day:
Add fruits and vegetables to your favorite dishes.�Find ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into foods you already eat. For example, stir fruit into your cereal or yogurt, add strawberries or blueberries to your pancakes, pack your sandwich with extra veggies, add vegetable toppings to your pizza, stir greens into your favorite casserole or pasta dish, or stuff your omelet with extra vegetables.
Display your produce.�Put your fruits and vegetables out on the counter or in a prominent position in the refrigerator, so that you’ll be more likely to eat them.
Try new things.�Next time you go to the grocery store, pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try.
Cook vegetarian.�At least once every week, skip the meat (you could join in on�Meatless Monday) and try a new vegetarian recipe for dinner.
Snack away.�Try snacking on fresh or dried fruit, carrot and bell pepper strips with a low-fat dip, or baked chips with fresh salsa.
Why We Eat Less as We Age
As you get older, certain age-related changes can make it more difficult to get the fruit and vegetables you need, such as:
Difficulty chewing Some people have dental problems that make it harder to chew, resulting in a reduced interest in eating.
Changes in taste Your sense of taste can change as you get older, so you may avoid some of the foods you used to enjoy.
Mobility problems For older people who are no longer able to drive, it may be difficult to get out and shop for fresh produce.
Lack of motivation to cook If you live alone, you may not feel like cooking just for one.
Changes in appetite For many people, getting older means that you just aren’t as hungry as you used to be.
To get the most out of the fruit and vegetables you eat, aim for variety. Eat many different types of fruits and vegetables, in a rainbow of colors. This will help ensure that you get the variety of nutrients your body needs for healthy aging.
Following a healthy, balanced diet is ultimately essential towards an individual’s overall health and, while many people effectively implement fruits and vegetables into their eating plan, older adults can find it difficult to follow a proper, everyday nutrition. Fruits and vegetables are a fundamental part of a human’s diet. Several tips and tricks can help add these important foods to an individual’s diet.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
Rudy Ledesma joined Allstate as an agent shortly after serving in the Air Force for nine years. He spent time raising his family, hoping to make a difference in his kid’s lives, hoping they would someday do the same for someone else.
At his west side office, the focus is to provide great customer service that is tailored to the individual’s needs. Getting to know customers is what he loves the most about his job and he appreciates having the privilege of establishing connections with a variety of families. Rudy Ledesma truly enjoys being a trusted Allstate advisor to them, where he loves working with his team.
Once, Rudy Ledesma assisted a man with the purchase of life insurance. A couple years later, that purchase enabled his wife and daughter to keep their home after he passed away. Moments like these have reaffirmed him why he became an insurance agent and he is thrilled to be able to represent Allstate.
Working to provide better customer service to those who need and deserve it, Rudy Ledesma and his team at the Allstate Insurance Agency offer their knowledge and expertise to cover and protect an individual’s life and property. Rudy Ledesma is a trusted advisor who recommends the most appropriate insurance packages for many situations. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
Cocoon is a 1985 American science fiction, comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard, which tells the story of a group of elderly individuals who are rejuvenated by aliens. In the film, the Antareans, a civilization of ancient, peaceful beings, had set up an outpost on planet Earth, on an island that later became known to mankind as Atlantis. But, when the mysterious island of Atlantis sank, several Antareans were left behind, staying alive by confining themselves inside large, rock like cocoons in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Then, a group of these aliens returned to Earth to collect the cocoons left behind, charging the water of a pool next to a retirement home with a special type of life force to give those Antareans that stayed behind the strength to survive the trip back home. And, when a group of seniors become exposed to these waters, they begin to absorb the alien life force, making them feel younger and stronger than ever before.
Cocoon was a popular film at its time which filled people with the desire and wonder of being able to regain their youthful state of being. While this notion may seem to lean more towards the side of fantasy and science fiction, current medical research has demonstrated that there is one true approach which, much like the movie cocoon, can rejuvenate people and help relieve them of many injuries and conditions which may be affecting them: chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is a natural, alternative form of medicine which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and/or conditions of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, primarily the spine. After an initial diagnosis of the patient, a doctor of chiropractic, best known as a chiropractor, will utilize a series of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to correct any misalignments, or subluxations, which may be causing the body to function less effectively than its originally intended plan through creation, resulting in other complications if left untreated.
Chiropractic treatment focuses on the body as a whole, concentrating on the relationship of all the body�s main structures to provide overall health and wellness. Chiropractors believe that an individual�s well-being can be improved and preserved through manual adjustments, particularly to the spinal column, without the need to prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures.
The human body was created with numerous complex bones, joints and muscles, as well as other fundamental structures which grants us the ability of motion and flexibility. Life can be tied in with movement and creation has demonstrated the purpose and importance of motion towards an individual�s complete well-being.
As we age, the body begins to change naturally, resulting in the degeneration of bones, joints and other tissues. Along with these wear and tear alterations, without the proper care, the body can become stiff, greatly restricting an older adult�s ability to move properly. This can then cause the misalignment of the spine and its surrounding structures, resulting in the frequently described symptoms of back pain and neck pain in the general population, among other symptoms, which usually indicate the possible development of other issues resulting from the degeneration of the structures of the body, such as osteoarthritis. In addition, a misalignment or subluxation of the spine, even the degeneration of the spinal discs found between each vertebrae, can eventually lead to the impingement of the nerves, causing a whole new array of symptoms and complications in the elderly, including inflammation and pain.
Similar to Ron Howard�s 1985 film Cocoon, chiropractic care can naturally slow down the body�s degeneration process and it can help heal symptoms of pain, inflammation and stiffness, associated with aging restoring their original mobility, flexibility and strength. Furthermore, chiropractic can also be beneficial as a treatment for other types of injuries or conditions, including automobile injuries. Through the use of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations, a chiropractor will carefully realign the affected areas of the spine to eliminate any symptoms which may be inhibiting the individual to move properly. Then, by following up with physical therapy and by recommending several lifestyle changes to the patient, such as the inclusion of exercise and even guiding them on a proper nutrition plan, the individual can regain their flexibility and strength, achieving overall health and wellness.
Chiropractic has become a well-recognized and highly respected health field because of its amazing benefits on the elderly and the general population alike. This alternative, treatment option can ultimately heal a person, restoring their original lifestyles. While the idea of being exposed to an alien life force to achieve feeling youthful and strong may be solely an aspect of science fiction, chiropractic treatment is a true, earthly option which can provide people with the same benefits so many desired at the time of Cocoon�s release.
Whole Body Wellness
Ron Howard’s 1985 film Cocoon, portrayed the existence of a rejuvenating and healing life force which could be believed to only be possible through the stories of science fiction. However, chiropractic care has been demonstrated to offer the same results, restoring an individual’s original state of mobility, flexibility and strength.
For more information on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
A new, unique test has been designed where it has the ability to search for more than 100 markers which could indicate the presence of a concussion, according to the authors of the research. In previous years, researchers looked for a single marker in the blood to indicate whether an individual had suffered a concussion or not.
“We were pleasantly surprised when we looked at the pattern of metabolites (or markers) and we could identify people who were injured with no other information at a greater than 90 percent certainty,” stated lead researcher Dr. Douglas Fraser, a consultant in pediatric critical care medicine at the Children’s Health Research Institute in London, Ontario.
During the research study, Dr. Fraser and his colleagues examined 29 teen hockey players for markers of concussion. Of these individuals, some had experienced head injuries while others had not. Regardless, everyone involved in the study was convinced of the test’s abilities.
“It might have potential for diagnosis of concussion but these are preliminary results with only 29 patients,” stated Dr. John Kuluz, director of traumatic brain injury and neuro-rehabilitation at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. According to Dr. Kuluz, the test must first be validated in a lot more patients before its effectiveness can be determined.
Additionally, he stated how this type of testing isn’t necessary to utilize often. “There are only a small number of patients where the diagnosis is in doubt,” declared Dr. Kuluz. “However, in those cases, such a test could be helpful,” he noted.
Because properly diagnosing the presence of a concussion heavily relies on the observation of specific symptoms,such as dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea and other overt complications, it can often be challenging to distinguish an individual’s cause of injury. In the same manner, it is similarly difficult to accurately determine when an individual has fully recovered from a concussion and if they can return to their regular activities.
“People have been searching for one or two proteins floating around in the blood which are released from the brains after experiencing an injury,” stated Dr. Fraser. “But that approach hasn’t yielded great results, probably because every patient is different and every injury is different. Therefore, it’s probably a little naive to believe one or two proteins are going to give us the answer we need,” he concluded.
The team of researchers narrowed down 174 markers to approximately between 20 to 40 specific ones which could diagnose a concussion with an accuracy of more than 90 percent.
Foremost, to accurately diagnose a concussion through this process, the blood must be tested within 72 hours after the individual has experienced a head injury. The report was published in the October 2016 issue of the journal Metabolomics.
The test was developed in hopes that it could be a widely available and inexpensive procedure to be utilized in emergency rooms. Furthermore, the test could be used to evaluate the individual’s healing process. According to Dr. Fraser, he quoted, “It looks like these patterns remain abnormal for up to three months at a time. There is a potential that following the profile for a period of time can reveal accurate information pertaining to the healing process.”
The researchers have tested the accuracy of the test in other groups, such as the military, to determine whether it functions equally in adults as it does in teens. They have also developed a machine which can run the test quickly using a single drop of blood.
The research study was funded by the Children�s Health Foundation in Canada. The authors have filed a patent application for their test.
A concussion can occur as a result of a traumatic sports injury or due to any other blow to the head. While several symptoms could indicate the presence of a concussion, symptoms can manifest differently for each individual, making it difficult to accurately determine the presence of a head injury. With the development of a new test, a concussion could be diagnosed using a single drop of blood.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Ronnie Reagan� almost 30 years ago to the day, the 40th president of the United States�signed away the rights�of Americans to sue vaccine makers, replacing them with a law that forces families who have suffered vaccine injury or death to sue the U.S. government instead of a pharmaceutical company.
As a result,�special masters�from the�United States Special Claims Court,�also known for our purposes as the vaccine court, are given full authority as judge with no jury to decide the fate of Americans who have had the unfortunate �luck� to be stricken by a vaccine injury � which can range from chronic, mild symptoms to death.
Once a year, this non-traditional court provides the public with a glimpse into its inner workings, by issuing an�annual report on its website�� a ritual that happens every January.� The report is sent to the President of Congress, otherwise known as the Vice President of the United States, where it is intended to serve as a bell weather monitoring reactions the American public may be having to vaccinations that are increasingly becoming forced by government mandates around the country.
However, the report, which is consistently ignored by mainstream media/politicians/health officials and the CDC,�lies dormant on the reports page of the U.S. Special Claims Court website. While it is most definitely at the very least a deterrent from having anybody actually sit down and analyze the report, the circle of doctors did and they found several things.
Here’s what was discovered in the thorough examination of the report:
Vaccine court settlement payouts�increased in total $91.2 million in 2015, up from $22.8 million in 2014 to $114 million in 2015 � a 400% increase.
Vaccine court settlement payments for flu shots increased the most, from $4.9 million in 2014 to $61 million in 2015 �� an increase of more than 1000%, despite autumnal onslaughts every year of media/pr/advertising campaigns urging Americans to �get your flu shot,� with total abandon for the statistical facts coming out of the vaccine court.
Varicella (chicken pox) had the third biggest increase � from $0 in 2014 to�$5.8 million in 2015.� (No surprise shingles is on the rise among the elderly population, as recently vaccinated grandchildren continuously shed live virus to their unsuspecting elders.)
Hepatitis B was the fourth largest increase in vaccine court settlements, increasing 321% in 2015 to more than $8 million in 2015 from $1.9 million in 2014.
TDap/DTP/DPT and D/T shots were the fifth largest increase, leaping 75% in 2014 from $5.5 million to $9.8.
The rest of the settlements not pictured here are:�Tetanus, $4 million; HPV $3.4 million, up from almost nothing in 2014 (one to watch in January when the 2016 report is issued); MMR, which actually decreased from the number one position last year to under $1 m � an 88%+�decrease�in payouts; pertussis, $1.7 million; thimerisol $1.5 million; HIB, $345k, menginococal $500k, HEP A $408k, DPT & Polio, $210k & rotovirus $76k.
You may have noticed we omitted the second place winner, �other.�� Here�s why.
In 2015, the �other� category was the second largest increase in vaccine settlement payments, totaling $21.5 million in payouts, up 388% from $4.4 million in payouts the year before.
Also, a hand full of settlements in the payout are based on annuities � that means that the payouts (many of which total more than $1 million) reoccur annually.� That�s because life as they knew it for some plaintiffs disappeared after their vaccine injury occurred, and the costs to care for them in perpetuity for the life of the plaintiff requires an annual sum that is often extensive. Share far and wide people, it�s time to turn the tide.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: circleofdocs.com
Insight
The U.S. Special Claims Court was assigned to settle legal cases involving vaccine injuries, issuing an extensive collective report of these for anyone who wishes to analyze it. However, after conducting a full breakdown of each case in the report, the statistics of vaccine injuries over the years was demonstrated to have indeed increased tremendously.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
As our bodies age, it becomes more and more important to stay healthy and active. While bones and muscles may weaken, it is still possible to be out and about and doing the things we love. Many senior citizens face chronic pain or other issues related to the body deteriorating over time. Luckily, chiropractic care has been to shown to have multiple benefits for the elderly, from increased mobility to decreased risk of falls and other injuries.
Some seniors may be concerned about receiving spinal manipulation due to the delicate nature of their bodies. However, chiropractic doctors have been specially trained to treat the sensitive needs of the elderly in a safe and effective way. The first step is to examine the spine in order to find any vertebrae that are out of place. These subluxations can lead to many problems, from pain due to the misalignment to immune systems because of nerve blockage.
For seniors who are struggling with decreased mobility, chiropractic care has been show to help restore this deficit. Results will vary due to the nature of the patient�s individual needs. Some seniors may find themselves able to bend over again and play with grand-kids or garden. Others who enjoy golf may find an increase in their drive distance. These small improvements can lead to a large increase in overall quality of life for all patients. People with more severe mobility issues may be able to regain strength through a mix of chiropractic and physical therapy.
Many seniors also suffer from balance and coordination issues. These problems are often caused by previous injuries or degenerative changes in the cervical spine (the neck area). Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help to restore decreased coordination by stimulating joint receptors in the neck. This stimulation helps normalize joint receptor functioning, which controls balance and coordination.
In addition to the above issues, seniors also see chiropractors to find relief from chronic pain, decreased energy, and to avoid the need for additional cares. A recent study found that seniors who received chiropractic care were far more likely to remain in their homes versus seniors that did not receive care. Chiropractic can be a safe and effective way for seniors to stay healthy, active, and independent. Speak to your primary care doctor about how chiropractic can help you today!
When a proper nutrition and physical activity has ensured a healthy aging process, the development of degeneration complications may still occur, however, chiropractic care can help. Chiropractic is an alternative, treatment option which can be utilized by seniors to maintain a healthy body and overall wellness.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
As people age, there are some physical changes taking place. Skin changes to become thinner and less elastic and wrinkles appear in greater numbers. We may lose out hair or it can change to shades of gray or white. These are processes that everyone who lives a long life will go through naturally. Barring cosmetic changes, we can’t control the aging of our looks much.
The good news is that we can control the aging of other body physical aspects such as posture and weight.
Other physical changes we face as we age include the following:
Body weight is usually less in late adulthood because we lose muscle tissue.
Muscle strength, along with mass, is reduced, causing loss of strength in the legs, arm, and other part of the body. In late adulthood the most apparent loss of strength is usually in the legs.
Bone loss, or loss of bone calcium, occurs. This will cause changes in the body that are visible. Bone loss is responsible for some weight loss and possibly a stooped posture. A decrease in bone density or osteoporosis may also result.
Other body functions slow down due to a loss of organ reserve.
The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly
Reducing the effects of physical changes due to aging is the major reason behind the importance of exercise for the elderly. Exercise is an important tool for improving a large part of the process. Research indicates that many factors can be improved with regular exercise. Benefits of regular exercise include:
Increased exercise and activities promote well-being and a sense of feeling younger. Feeling younger and more self-confident has been shown to promote good psychological health.
Exercise is often a social activity, which many experts believe contributes to a healthy state of mind and reduced depression. Exercising is a great way to spend time with friends either at the gym or on a walk at the park.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has research that indicates exercising helps people in late adulthood avoid disabilities that may be caused by chronic disease and other illnesses.
Other studies show that exercise during late adulthood will help decrease the risk of diabetes and increase body function abilities.
Get Started With an Exercise Program
No matter what your age, if you want to begin exercising, the first place you need to stop is your doctor’s office. As a senior, it can be even more important to have a physical exam before starting an exercise program. Also, some medication use is affected by exercise, which your doctor can talk with you about.
There are also other special considerations. For example, it’s important to learn about stretch exercises for seniors because in late adulthood, it’s best to have a long stretching period before your exercise time and a proper cool-down. The best way is to warm up the body with light cardio activity for five minutes, stretch for about five minutes, then begin your exercise routine.
After discussing your exercise options with your doctor, narrow down your exercise plan to ideas you’ll be sure to use. Because of the importance of exercise for the elderly, choose an activity you’ll actually do. If you get dizzy on an exercise bike, switch to something else. If walking is boring to you, try swimming or even walking with a buddy-pairing up can make any activity seem more like fun and less like exercise.
The body naturally begins to change with age, often causing the degeneration of bones and joints, as well as other structures. While this process is inevitable, physical activity can help slow down the changes and ensure they happen much more smoothly. Research has demonstrated how exercise can improve other factors of aging.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Inflammation is generally identified as a symptoms accompanied by pain and discomfort, however, this symptom is often necessary for�for preventing illnesses, treating injuries, and healing wounds. To a larger extent, inflammation is necessary to keep us healthy. However, occasionally, an individual’s own immune system can cause inflammation when there’s no apparent cause for it. From an improper diet to increased levels of stress and even environmental factors, inflammation can develop without any of the previously mention complications.
Fortunately, if this is the case, following a properly balanced diet, focusing on a variety of anti-inflammatory foods, an individual can reduce their inflammation and experience relief once more. The following 10 foods are some of the top, recommended anti-inflammatory foods which can help fight the symptoms.
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1. Leafy green vegetables
Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, bok choy, and Swiss chard are rich in flavonoids (powerful, plant-based antioxidants) that restore cellular health, which is essential to stopping inflammation.
In addition, they provide vitamins A, C, and K, which protect your brain against the oxidative stress caused by free-radical damage � the same process that causes aging and disease development.
A very large portion of your immune system actually lives within your gut and is run by bacterial organisms � what you can think of as �your gut�s bugs.�
Microbial imbalances (when the bad bacteria outnumber the good) have been associated with heightened inflammation and increased risk of various diseases, but probiotic foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can help rebalance and heal your gut.
Probiotics are also linked to improvements in immune, cognitive, digestive, and endocrine system functions, and taking probiotics can even cheer you up!
3. Bone broth
Bone broth � the rich liquid that results from boiling the bones of organic, grass-fed beef or poultry for hours � comes packed with a number of nutrients, including collagen. Collagen and the amino acids proline and glycine work in unison to heal the lining of an inflamed gut, which quickly stops your immune system from acting on overdrive and attacking the body�s healthy tissues, from the skin to the brain.
Bone broth is also a great natural source of chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine � the same compounds sold as expensive over-the-counter supplements used to limit arthritis and joint pain caused by inflammation.
4. Walnuts
As a great source of omega-3s and trace minerals, walnuts are known for being a �brain food� because they supply special phytonutrients that help protect against cognitive decline.
An imbalance between oxidants (bad) and antioxidants (good) can eventually lead to oxidative stress, but walnuts help to calm an overactive immune system and reduce widespread inflammation.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a special kind of saturated fat that has built-in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Benefits of this miracle oil include being both easy to digest and helpful in restoring gut health, thanks to its ability to cause a thermic, warming response in the body.
Because coconut oil contains essential fatty acids that can fight bacteria, yeast, and infections within the digestive tract � where most illness and disease begins � it�s beneficial for both preventing and treating inflammation.
6. Beets
As their deep pigment suggests, beets contain the antioxidant betalain, which works to repair cellular damage caused by inflammation. Beets can also help improve blood flow and supply high levels of inflammation-fighting potassium and magnesium, two important nutrients many people are deficient in.
7. Broccoli (and other cruciferous veggies)
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and key vitamins like vitamin C. These nutrients work together to lower oxidative stress in the body and help battle chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
8. Berries
The stars of the fruit world, berries stand out because of their high content of both fiber and antioxidants like quercetin, a flavonoid compound that supports healthy bacterial growth in the gut and prevents colon damage.
Berries have also been shown to slow cognitive decline and improve memory and motor function.
9. Salmon
Consuming the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids is one of the keys to fighting inflammation. Omega-6es are �pro-inflammatory� while omega-3s are considered potent anti-inflammatory substances.
Wild-caught salmon and other oily fish (including mackerel and sardines) are the best food sources of omega-3s. They naturally lower the risk for developing many inflammatory diseases, especially heart disease, arthritis, depression, and cognitive disorders.
10. Super seeds (chia, flax and hemp)
Super seeds like chia, flax, and hemp offer both omega-3 (in the form of plant-based alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids, which help stop our immune system from overproducing cytokines and oxidant molecules that can lead to inflammation.
They�re also full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and numerous trace minerals that help regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure levels before they cause further damage.
Inflammatory symptoms can create feelings of discomfort among those affected. Inflammation is a natural response to a harmful stimulation in the body, where even certain foods can cause it. Fortunately, several types of foods can have wonderful anti-inflammatory effects on the body as well as disease-fighting benefits.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Your immune system attacks anything in your body that it recognizes as foreign�such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. The process is called inflammation. Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.Foods that fight inflammation
However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader. That’s when inflammation can become your enemy. Many major diseases that plague us�including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s�have been linked to chronic inflammation.
One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. “Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Choose the right foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.
Contents
Foods that Cause Inflammation
Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible:
refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
French fries and other fried foods
soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
margarine, shortening, and lard
Inflammation-promoting Foods
Not surprisingly, the same foods that contribute to inflammation are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats.
“Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation,” Dr. Hu says. “It’s not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases.”
Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn’t the sole driver. “Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake,” Dr. Hu says.
Foods that Combat Inflammation
Include plenty of these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet:
tomatoes
olive oil
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
nuts like almonds and walnuts
fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
Anti-inflammation Foods
On the flip side are foods and beverages that have been found to reduce the risk of inflammation, and with it, chronic disease, says Dr. Hu. He notes in particular fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, and leafy greens that are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols�protective compounds found in plants.
Studies have also associated nuts with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee, which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation, as well.
Anti-inflammatory Eating
To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet. If you’re looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.
In addition to lowering inflammation, a more natural, less processed diet can have noticeable effects on your physical and emotional health. “A healthy diet is beneficial not only for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but also for improving mood and overall quality of life,” Dr. Hu says.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a specific, often general, harmful stimulation. While there are many things which can cause the body to experience symptoms of inflammation, the foods people consume can also lead to these type of symptoms. Therefore, a proper nutrition is essential for the body’s overall health and wellness, and various types of foods can even help reduce inflammation in the body.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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