Back Clinic Nutrition Team. Food provides people with the necessary energy and nutrients to be healthy. By eating various foods, including good quality vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products, and lean meats, the body can replenish itself with the essential proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to function effectively. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Healthy eating does not have to be hard.
The key is to eat various foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. In addition, eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy products and drink lots of water. Limit salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat, and trans fat. Saturated fats usually come from animals. Look for trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarine, and shortenings.
Dr. Alex Jimenez offers nutritional examples and describes the importance of balanced nutrition, emphasizing how a proper diet combined with physical activity can help individuals reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, and promote overall health and wellness.
Antioxidants are scientifically referred to as compounds which restrict the oxidation process in the human body, that if left unchecked, it can create free radicals which can develop numerous chain reactions that may cause cellular damage. Fortunately, the human body can create such built-in immune mechanisms, however, when mounting reactive oxygen species, or ROS, are unable to be neutralized, envision a tiny flame which gets out of control when infused with oxygen, harm is bound to occur.
To continue expanding on the metaphor of the flame, the final product of not having the ability to neutralize the impact of ROS, or reactive oxygen species, is damage as well as inflammation, in other words, the human body is quite literally on fire. The fantastic thing is there are antioxidants which can tremendously help fight this health issue and this antioxidant is glutathione. Though found in 1889, glutathione’s antioxidant effect has become one of the most interesting topics in modern research studies.
Master of Antioxidants: Glutathione
The powerful�substance is a tripeptide that develops from cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Because of its capability to protect the human body against the creation of free radicals, glutathione can ultimately help promote a healthy immune system. Based on Scientific Reports in 2015, it was determined that glutathione’s capacity to function synergistically with peroxiredin and catalase helps guard cells against hydrogen peroxide. This synergistic formula functions against reactive oxygen species, or ROS. Glutathione, peroxidredin and catalase are essential elements in the increase of cellular homeostasis, which is an essential process of healthy cells, tissues and organs altogether.
Additionally, glutathione increases overall immune system structure and function utilizing its important effect on lymphocyte functions. According to the Department of Immunochemistry, properly supplementing levels of glutathione in the human body can greatly enhance immune reactions. By way of example, two randomized placebo-controlled trials demonstrated that the therapeutic treatment of immune-compromised patients with N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC, resulted, in both cases, in a substantial growth in most immunological processes which included an entire rejuvenation of natural killer cell activity. N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC, uses the sulfur from glutathione and combines it with poisonous molecules, which then become water-soluble and are discharged in the human body.
Glutathione also has the capability to revitalize lipoic acid as well as to recycle Vitamin C and E, which are necessary in order to initiate certain system processes by sending electrons to neutralize free radicals. Based on a research study from PLOS ONE, glutathione affected patients with diabetes metillus, or T2DM, and mycobacterium tuberculosis. Normally, individuals with weak immune systems have a tendency to show greater exposure to M. tb, or mycobacterium tuberculosis, disease or infection. Furthermore, individuals with Type 2 diabetes metilllus, or T2DM, are two to three times more prone to TB than people without T2DM. The research study also suggested that boosting the levels of glutathione in macrophages isolated from patients with T2DM led to improved control of M.Tb disease or infection. These results demonstrate that lower levels of glutathione in patients with T2DM contributes to a heightened chance of M. tb disease or infection. Moreover, dependent on Dietro Ghezzi in Brighton and Sussex Medical School, oxidative stress can ultimately cause poor immune system structure and function.
Fortunately, glutathione plays an essential role in strengthening and controlling immunity. By way of instance, glutathione is essential for innate and adaptive processes within the immune system, including T-lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and dendritic cell functions, which can be fundamental because these are made-up of antigen-presenting cells. Cell-meditated immunity includes protein antigens which initially begin to degenerate in the endocytic vesicles of macrophages and dendritic cells, therefore, the smaller peptides are demonstrated on the surface to activate proliferation of antigen-specific T cells. In addition, glutathione helps with the creation of cytokines, and it is necessary to maintain interferon-gamma production by dendritic cells, which is important towards protecting against intracellular pathogens including mycobacteria.
N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC, scientifically referred to as the precursor of glutathione, is also a very powerful cellular antioxidant used as a free radical scavenger antioxidant. Commonly recognized for its role in averting acetaminophen toxicity, NAC, or�N-acetyl-cysteine, has been demonstrated to possess several health and wellness benefits. According to Cell Journal, NAC helps support a healthy inflammatory response and may positively impact human term and preterm labors. The research study concluded that in women with previous preterm birth and bacterial vaginosis, 0.6 gram of NAC per day taken orally together with progesterone after week 16 of pregnancy shielded against preterm birth recurrence and improved neonatal outcome. In conclusion, NAC’s positive effects on muscle building was also detected. After three minutes of persistent contractions, there was a 15 percent enhanced output, demonstrating how NAC plays a fundamental role in improving muscle building and reducing overall fatigue during labour.
Researchers also discovered that NAC, or�N-acetyl-cysteine, may benefit those who have polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS, or�polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common endocrine glands-related disease which impacts approximately 5 to 10 percent of reproductive-age women. In such patients, there is a greater risk of experiencing metabolic syndrome, where the use of NAC helped restore healthy insulin levels and sensitivity.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Glutathione has been referred to as the “master of antioxidants” due to its fundamental role in achieving and maintaining overall health and wellness. While the human body is capable of producing its own glutathione, poor nutrition, pollution, toxins, excessive use of drugs and/or medications, stress, trauma, aging, disease and radiation can all decrease our natural levels of glutathione. This can in turn make individuals more susceptible to cell damage from oxidative stress, free radicals, infections and cancer. Glutathione supplementation can therefore have tremendous benefits on the human body. Together with alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, glutathione levels can once again be regulated to improve well-being.
Additionally, healthcare professionals have suggested implementing the use of glutathione supplementation together with other alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, to further improve overall health and wellness. Antioxidants are important towards maintaining maximum well-being as well as to inhibit the chain reaction of free radicals that cause cell harm or damage. Powerful antioxidants like glutathione, as previously mentioned above, ultimately help regulate the development of these free radicals and provide a healthier immune system response. Research studies have found that chiropractic care may also play an essential role in this process, naturally boosting the activity of antioxidants in the human body. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment approach which utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to correct spinal misalignments, or subluxations, in order to allow the human body to naturally heal itself without the use of drugs/medications and/or surgical interventions.
Finally, antioxidants demonstrate their biological properties through a great deal of health benefits, which might be necessary now more than ever with the every so increasing onslaught of stress, disease and pollution in our modern world, which all contribute to cell harm and/or damage. Glutathione and its precursor, NAC, or�N-acetyl-cysteine, continue to show their powerful status in the realm of antioxidants. Together with alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, people can take advantage of all the benefits that this powerful antioxidant has to offer. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient found in turmeric, a bright yellow aromatic powder obtained from the rhizome of a plant in the ginger family commonly utilized for flavoring and coloring in a variety of Asian cuisines, as well as a very strong antioxidant which additionally has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. While turmeric has been consumed for generations due to its medicinal properties, it’s curcumin content is actually not that high. Therefore, if you want to experience its full benefits, it may be best to take a supplement that contains significant amounts of curcumin, or better yet, a supplement specially formulated to bring out the benefits of this naturally occurring chemical compound.
Curcumin is ultimately found in turmeric, the key ingredient in curry, and as a powerful antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits, curcumin helps support joint health and cardiovascular function, and it helps maintain a normal inflammatory reaction in the human body. Individuals throughout Asia have benefited from the healthful effects of curcumin for centuries.�Whether taken as a nutritional supplement or from meals, however, curcumin is usually poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Fortunately, global experts in botanical extract technologies have uncovered the key to curcumin absorption: phytosome technology. Meriva curcumin phytosome is an exceptional curcumin extract that’s significantly better absorbed than other curcumin extracts. Curcumin nutrients which have previously been remarkable in “test tube” experiments are extremely poorly absorbed when taken orally by people. The product Curcumin Phytosome comprising Meriva� unites curcumin with another bioactive nutrient, thereby dramatically improving its absorption and releasing its overall health and wellness potential.�Meriva is a unique, patented, time-release curcumin product.
Meriva Product Overview
Phytosomes are plant extracts bound to phosphatidylcholine, or PC, an important component of individual cells. The human body can create PC, or phosphatidylcholine, but it can even be obtained from food and/or supplements. When taken orally, PC is very well absorbed.�PC is a significant building block for membranes, the most metabolically dynamic zones of our cells. PC most likely transfers the curcumins in the bloodstream until they arrive in cell membranes. Researchers found a way to attach a curcumin extract to PC for superior absorption, leading to Meriva.�Curcumin phytosome is a curcumin molecule bonded to a molecule of PC. Unlike curcumin alone, PC is excellently absorbed orally.
When consumers utilize Meriva curcumin phytosome, the body absorbs the PC as well as the attached curcumin, leading to more curcumin reaching the cells which can benefit more from it. After the curcumin phytosomes are accepted as a dietary supplement, PC protects its connected curcumin and economically transports it across the intestinal lining and into the circulating blood. Curcumins at phytosomes are over 29 times better absorbed than curcumin alone. PC itself has proven benefits for the liver, intestines, and lungs, and its existence in the Meriva curcumin phytosome amplifies the benefits available from the curcumin alone.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Turmeric contains four major curcuminoids: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and cyclocurcumin. These chemical compounds have been demonstrated to have tremendous benefits, which is why turmeric has been a fundamental addition in Asian cooking. However, curcumin, as well as all the other curcuminoids, are poorly absorbed by the human body when taken orally. Researchers developed Meriva curcumin phytosome, a curcumin compound which is bonded to the molecule phosphatidylcholine, or PC, which promotes the proper absorption of curcumin. Meriva curcumin phytosome can provide a variety of health benefits, including vision and eye health, joint health and even prostrate benefits, among other medicinal properties.
Meriva Curcumin Phytosome Research
Curcumin phytosome with Meriva� is a powerful antioxidant which protects cells and tissues by fighting free radicals. It’s also known to support healthy joint function, eye health and small vessel circulatory health. The curcumin is extracted from turmeric and provides a curcumin complex including, curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin and demethoxy curcumin. Meriva� curcumin phytosome is made utilizing the patented Phytosome� technology that enhances the absorption of those curcumins. Comprehensive research over the previous quarter of a century suggests that curcumin helps counter toxins, in addition to influencing cell survival through other means.
Although curcumins are poorly absorbed, Phytosome� technology helps improve bioavailability. The technology evolves every curcumin molecule with one or more atoms of the nutrient phosphatidylcholine, or PC, to create molecular complexes called phytosomes. Curcumin molecules at the Meriva� phytosome complexes are more stable against breakdown and combine far better into water in order for them to be better absorbed when taken orally. The PC molecules in the phytosomes serve as a “delivery vehicle” or even “chaperone”, which not only chemically protects the curcumin molecules but also markedly increases their absorption. A human absorption research discovered that the curcumins were absorbed when taken as Meriva� curcumin phytosomes, in comparison to their basic molecular forms.
The numerous beneficial effects attributed to turmeric root are linked to the antioxidant properties of the curcumins it contains. This antioxidant activity can neutralize free radicals which threaten the integrity of mobile structures. Free radicals may lead to “oxidative stress,” a process that can activate cell damage. In addition, oxidative stress is considered to play a role in the development of a variety of diseases. Because curcumins are poorly absorbed when taken orally, this can tremendously restrict their biological actions. The Phytosome� technology used with Meriva� curcumin phytosome creates phytosome complexes which are proven to be absorbed better.
A 2007 study published in the journal, Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, revealed Meriva’s exceptional bioavailability in contrast to ordinary curcumin. Liver levels of curcumin were also higher with Meriva supplementation. A recent human research study also demonstrated that Meriva curcumin phytosome has 29-times higher bioavailability. Meriva supplementation also resulted in higher plasma concentrations of curcumin from a much smaller dose compared to ordinary curcumin. In a recent eight-month human trial, Meriva was shown to encourage a healthy inflammatory reaction. People experienced improvements in clinical and biochemical end-points associated with joint health.
Several studies have shown curcumin’s hepatoprotective effects, causing researchers to suggest its use in protecting the liver from exogenous insults due to environmental toxins. Curcumin also has the capacity to increase both the circulation and solubility of bile. Curcumin’s hepatoprotective effects are due in part to lead free-radical scavenging; however, curcumin also enhances the body’s natural antioxidant system, which raises glutathione levels, thus aiding in hepatic detoxification and inhibiting nitrosamine formation. Furthermore, research studies have demonstrated several other health benefits of Meriva curcumin phytosome, including its support in joint health, eye health, vision and circulation, as well as several prostrate benefits, among others.
Supports Joint Health – Two Clinical Trials
In two double-blind trials with subjects having knee problems, Meriva, taken at about 1,000 mg/day, enhanced treadmill walk space by 345 percent after eight months. It improved joint pain, stiffness, swelling and joint work. Intakes of over-the-counter medications fell 63 percent and their adverse effects dropped by 67 percent. The subjects’ medical prices fell 45 percent after 8 months. C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, levels were reduced into a more healthy variety. After eight months, the Karnofsky Scale of well-being moved into “able to perform ordinary activity.”
Supports Eye Health, Vision, Circulation – Three Clinical Trials
One frequent eye problem is a really persistent redness that keeps coming back even when it is cleared. At a clinical trial, 106 patients obtained Meriva, taken at about 1,200 mg/day, for a single year. There were 86 percent fewer returns of this reddening, and in 82 percent of these patients, approximately 87 from 106, it didn’t return at all. In another study, Meriva, taken at about 1,000 mg/day, improved retinal blood circulation, retinal swelling, and eyesight. In only four weeks, visual sharpness improved from an initial average of 20/122-155 to 20/32-78. Meriva also improved circulation elsewhere in the body. In areas with foot blood circulation issues, it substantially reduced immunity, increased oxygen consumption, and enhanced nerve control over the capillary networks. The subjects’ Karnofsky Score of well-being improved, from “normal activity, with effort” into “normal activity.”
Breakthrough Prostate Benefits with Meriva
In a clinical trial on middle-aged men with prostate troubles, Meriva, taken at 1,000 mg/day, significantly enhanced: sense of incomplete bladder emptying, urination frequency, flow stop/start, feeble stream, straining and getting up at night, urinary block, and PSA levels. Quality of life and sexual activity were also considerably improved. The Meriva curcumin phytosome breakthrough guarantees that curcumins are effectively delivered to human cells, in functional mix with PC, or phosphatidylcholine. Multiple effective clinical trials have established curcumin phytosome comprising of Meriva� as the “gold standard” one of curcumin supplements.
In conclusion,�Meriva curcumin phytosome is bound to phosphatidylcholine, or PC, for increased absorption and bioavailability, ultimately protecting DNA against damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species, among providing a variety of other health benefits. With its enhanced absorption through an improved curcumin absorb delivery system, Meriva curcumin phytosome is clinically documented to promote joint health, eye health, vision and circulation, and even has prostrate benefits. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Vegan and vegetarian diet have long been touted as some of the healthiest diets for people of all walks of life. There is a lot of confusion and many misconceptions, though, about the two.
What most people don�t realize is that there are many sub-category diets that fall under vegetarianism, some of which include animal by-products, seafood, and even meat. Understanding veganism and vegetarianism as well as knowing the benefits of these diets can help chiropractic patients stay healthier, get more active, and stave off many chronic illnesses.
Is There A Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian Diets?
There are distinct differences between veganism and vegetarianism although many books and even food companies fail to clearly distinguish the two. While it is true that they are very similar diets, the differences are significant.
Vegans do not eat any animal by-products or animal flesh at all. This includes seafood. They also do not use products that use animal testing or that are made from animals including leather products.
On the other hand, vegetarians typically abstain from eating animal flesh, but do often eat animal by-products such as dairy products and eggs. Some also eat seafood including fish, shrimp, and crab. They are also a little more relaxed when it comes to the products they purchase as well.
What Is A Vegetarian Diet?
The vegetarian diet comes in several varieties. The standard vegetarian diet consists of eggs and dairy products but excludes fish and meat. This is also called a �lacto ovo vegetarian.� However, some vegetarians include dairy products but exclude eggs while others include the eggs and exclude the dairy. A �demi-vegetarian� includes seafood.
There are also what are known as �semi-vegetarians� although there is some controversy over whether they should be classified as vegetarian or not.
Pollo Vegetarian � includes poultry but excludes other meats and seafood.
Pesco Vegetarian � includes fish and chicken but excludes red meat.
Flexitarian � includes any kind of meat whenever they want but adhere mainly to a standard vegetarian diet.
What Is A Vegan Diet?
A vegan diet excludes all animal by products and meats. True vegans do not use or wear anything derived from animals (leather, snakeskin, etc.) or that is tested on animals. Most vegans tend to avoid sodas, sugary sweets, processed foods, and ready-meals, while choosing organic, high quality foods.
Still, there are a few variations of veganism too. For instance, a raw vegan combines a vegan diet with a raw diet meaning that they exclude all products and foods of animal origins as well as food that has been cooked at a temperature greater than 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Paleo vegan is defined by the types of foods that are eaten. It is still meat and animal product free, but the foods that are chosen are selected from the Paleo diet.
This type of diet centers on certain types of foods that are believed to have been consumed during the Paleolithic era. It includes fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables but excludes grain and dairy products. Of course, for vegan purposes, the meat and fish are excluded.
What Are The Benefits Of Vegan & Vegetarian Diets?
Vegetarian and vegan diets have many health benefits. The tend to be much higher in vitamins C and E, magnesium, folic acid, and potassium. The fat content tends to be more unsaturated.
Vegan diets typically have less cholesterol and unsaturated fat that vegetarian diets and they contain more fiber. This translates to lower blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol, less risk of diabetes and heart disease, and much lower incidence of obesity. While some of these diets may require certain vitamin supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and omega 3 fatty acids, most doctors agree that vegan and vegetarian diets are very healthy when done correctly.
Injury Medical Clinic: Migraine Treatment & Recovery
There has been a lot in the media lately about alkalinity and acidity in the body, but finding solid, straightforward information isn�t always easy. In short, acidity can cause a number of health issues. There are many benefits of bringing your body into balance.
What Is High Acidity?
The term acidity describes a condition where the body is affected by the excess production of gastric acids. Under normal conditions, hydrochloric acid is secreted by the stomach, aiding in the digestion and breakdown of food.
However, when this normal process is triggered in such a way that it causes overproduction of the acid, it can result in health problems. Acidity can be caused by irregular eating patterns, fad diets, alcohol consumption, stress, smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms can include:
Indigestion
Burning in the stomach
Belching
Sour taste
Burning in the throat
Constipation
Nausea
Restlessness
What Are The Dangers Of High Acidity In The Body?
When the body is acidic, it can affect everything from immunity to neurological function to bone health. The Japanese have linked acidity to degenerative diseases like arthritis, cancer, and osteoporosis.
An acidic body is also a very hospitable environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive meaning the person will often get sick more often. When the body is out of balance it becomes susceptible to conditions as simple as dandruff and as complex as diabetes. Interestingly, many people have reversed or gone into remission by simply bringing their body into balance.
What Is Alkalinity?
In order to understand alkalinity, you need to understand pH levels. This is the measure used to determine how alkaline or acid something is. A pH of 0 is at the acidic end of the scale and means the thing being measured is completely acidic. At the other end of the scale, a pH of 14 is totally alkaline. The neutral point is a pH of 7.
Different parts of the body have different pH levels, meaning that some parts are more acidic while others are more alkaline. For instance, blood typically has a pH that is between 7.35 and 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. The stomach, on the other hand, is highly acidic, registering a pH of 3.5 or lower. Making the body more alkaline is not about making it completely alkaline � you need some acidity, it is necessary for digestion and other processes � it is more about bringing the body into balance.
What Are The Benefits Of Alkalinity?
When the body has increased alkalinity, bringing it into better pH balance, it is healthier and has a decreased risk of chronic illness. There is also less likelihood of illness. When the body is in a better pH balance it can result in many benefits including:
More energy
Improved cognitive function
Slowed aging process
Weight loss
Lower cancer risk
Decreased risk of chronic illness
Increased immunity
How Can You Bring Your Body Into Balance?
The best way to bring your body into better pH balance is by modifying your diet. As a rule of thumb, animal based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy tend to be more acidic. A vegetarian diet rich in plant-based foods like vegetables and fruits tend to be more alkaline. While the body does need a diet that includes both acidic and alkaline foods, a diet of processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar can cause too much acidity. By adjusting the diet, eliminating processed foods, and maintaining a healthier, more vegetarian based diet, you can bring your body into balance and enjoy better health as a result.
Injury Medical Clinic: Elderly & Geriatric Fitness
Many supermarkets have started offering their shoppers a choice in produce: organic or conventionally farmed. This can leave many wondering just what the difference is.
The truth is, both foods taste the same � or very close. Both have the same vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, so what is the big difference?
It comes down to two major areas: safety and nutrition. That is what consumers need to understand when they are trying to make a decision on whether to purchase foods that have been conventionally farmed, or foods that are natural.
What Is �Organic�?
This is a misused word but the true meaning is that the term refers to how food is grown and processed. Organic farming is intended to encourage water and soil conservation as well as reduce pollution.
This type of farming does not use chemicals for controlling weeds, eliminating insects, or fertilizing. Most of the methods are completely natural. For instance, a farmer may use natural fertilizers to enrich the soil, strategically placed plants to control insects, and mulch or crop rotation to control weeds.
Organic Vs. Conventional Foods
Conventionally farmed products will often use chemicals for insect control and weed control. They often use some type of processing on their foods.
The fertilizer used in planting often has chemicals. The foods may even be genetically modified. Animals may be injected with steroids and hormones which can cause unpleasant or even harmful side effects.
These types of foods do not use any chemicals, they are not genetically modified, and they are not injected with antibiotics or steroids. The food has been very minimally processed � if at all.
There are no additives that don�t belong and could be potentially harmful. These foods are safer for human consumption and they are typically more nutritious.
How To Identify Organic Foods
In the United States, a food or product that is labeled as organic is required to be certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has a certification program for natural growers and it has a set of very stringent standards that the product or food must meet.
There are some exemptions. For instance, a producer who does not sell more than $5,000 annually just in organic foods is not required to get the certification although they do have to adhere to the USDA�s stringent requirements for organic foods.
When a food carries the USDA Organic label, it means that it meets the requirements. While natural producers are not required to put the label on their products, many do.
The labeling varies, depending on the type of food. Single ingredient foods like eggs, vegetables, and fruits are considered to be 100 percent natural and are allowed to carry the USDA seal.
Foods that contain two or more ingredients, like breakfast cereal, are still allowed to use the USDA seal, but also must include the following information:
Organic � The product must be 95 percent organic or greater in order to be able to use this term
100 percent organic � The product must be completely organic or all of its ingredients must be natural
Made with organic ingredients � The product contains no less than 70 percent natural ingredients
If the product has less than 70 percent natural ingredients, they are not allowed to use the word �organic� anywhere on their product labels.
Health Benefits Of Natural Foods
The greatest health benefit of natural foods is what it does not provide. Organic growers do not use synthetic pesticides to protect their crops from disease, insects, and molds. This means that the food itself has never been touched by these chemicals.
Natural foods also do not have the food additives that conventional foods often do. They are free from artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings as well as preservatives and monosodium glutamate. This means eating natural means that you aren�t putting those chemicals into your body. Plus, many people say that organic foods simply taste better.
If you have further questions or concerns about your particular diet, please ask us! Our Doctor of Chiropractic can help guide you toward a more healthy life, including the foods you consume.
Injury Medical Clinic: Accident Treatment & Recovery
Osteoporosis is a significant health problem in the United States and worldwide. An estimated 10 million individuals have osteoporosis in the U.S. alone and an additional 18 million individuals are at risk of developing the disease, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Females make up 80 percent of individuals who suffer from osteoporosis, but it also occurs in males although it is often underdiagnosed and thus underreported.
What is equally disturbing is that another 34 million individuals in the U.S. are at risk of developing osteopenia, a common precursor to osteoporosis. Many experts blame the typical American diet and lifestyle, although genetics can also contribute to a person�s likelihood of developing either of the diseases. The prevalence of both osteoporosis and osteopenia are serious health issues so it is important to understand them.
What Is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is often a warning sign of impending osteoporosis. Nearly half of all Americans who are more than 50 years old have the disease.
Osteopenia is a bone disease, marked by a decrease in bone mineral density � or bone loss. While it is not as devastating as osteoporosis, it is a strong indicator that the patient will eventually develop the disease.
Nutrition and exercise are common treatments for osteopenia. Occasionally doctors will prescribe medication, but that is usually not the preferred treatment. Exercise, specifically weight bearing exercise, is a very effective treatment and preventative measure against these diseases.
Incorporating calcium and vitamin D are also common treatments. These can be in the form of supplements, but patients are also encouraged to eat calcium rich foods such as yogurt, leafy greens like spinach, and sardines.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that causes bones to become extremely brittle and weak. The word �Osteoporosis� literally means �porous bone� which is indicative of the primary characteristic of the disease.
When the bone is viewed under a microscope, it has tiny holes in its surface. While healthy bone has a honeycomb appearance under a microscope, bone with osteoporosis has much larger spaces and holes. The mass and density of osteoporotic bone is severely compromised. This can result in frequent broken bones as well as chronic pain and a patient can even lose several inches in height.
Patients with osteoporosis can also experience limited mobility due to the disease or broken bones that may occur as a result. This can lead to other health problems including depression and obesity. These conditions can exacerbate the disease itself and increase the patient�s pain. Often patients with osteoporosis, particularly at advanced stages, require long term care in a facility such as a nursing home.
The real danger is not how devastating it is to bones, it is the way it can go undetected for so long. Often it is not discovered until a bone is actually broken or the patient�s upper back begins curving forward. Sometimes the patient may become shorter. At that stage it is usually very advanced. With the right treatment, though, it can be slowed or stopped. Sometimes bone density can be improved and the disorder can be reversed at least to some degree.
What To Do If You Have Osteoporosis Or Osteopenia
If you suspect that you may have osteoporosis or osteopenia, or may be at risk for developing it, the first thing you need to do is talk to your doctor to confirm that you do have it. From there you can decide on a course of action which is usually exercise, diet, lifestyle changes, and chiropractic treatments. The sooner you take steps to protect and improve your health, the less likely you are to develop long term conditions.
Injury Medical Clinic: Fibromyalgia Care & Treatment
Everyone has stiff, sore muscles now and then. From overdoing it at the gym to sleeping in an awkward position, there are many reasons you might feel some muscular aches and pains. Some medical conditions or illnesses can also cause soreness. Several studies have found a remarkable, effective, inexpensive cure that is natural and safe � magnesium.
Pain � It�s All In Your Head
Well, it�s in your brain, anyway. A chemical in the brain, NMDA, is responsible for pain. When this brain chemical is overly stimulated, the body experiences pain. The way the brain processes pain in an individual determines how that person will experience it and manage it.
There are very few medications that deal directly with NMDA, balancing it and decreasing its production. However, the side effects of these drugs are usually significant and undesirable. Magnesium has been found to calm production of NMDA without causing the side effects or toxicity. What�s more, magnesium is very inexpensive. It is far cheaper than pharmaceuticals at just pennies a dose. One drawback is that the FDA has not yet put its stamp of approval on the mineral that is often called the �gateway to health.�
Clinical Studies Find Magnesium Is An Effective Way To Relieve Pain
A study published in The Journal of Physiology in October 2010, explores the effectiveness of magnesium in decreasing nerve pain. The study, conducted on rats, found a strong link between magnesium deficiency and pain. In fact, that authors of the study suggest that pain is increased, or the sensitivity to pain is increased, due to magnesium deficiency.
As people are moving away from fresh foods, processed foods are becoming more prevalent. While processed foods offer easy, quick preparation and gratification, the trade-off has been a significant decrease in nutrition, leaving most people magnesium deficient. However, adding a magnesium supplement that provides 250 to 500 mg of the mineral will not only eliminate the deficiency, but decrease the pain as well. This usually happens surprisingly quickly � after only a few weeks you will notice a definite difference.
Chia Seeds Are High In Magnesium.
Other Benefits Of Magnesium
Magnesium has a wide range of uses and benefits for the entire body. It has long been used to treat indigestion as well as constipation when taken by mouth. For heartburn and indigestion, magnesium hydroxide has been noted as the fastest acting. It is also given to pregnant women to treat high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). When given as a shot or by IV, magnesium helps lower blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also the treatment of choice for eclampsia because it reduces the risk of seizures that accompany the condition.
Magnesium, given intravenously, is effective in treating torsades de pointes, a type of irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it is believed to help these other conditions:
Various types of pain including nerve damage associated with certain cancers, pain after surgery, pain after hysterectomy, and chest pain.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing the stress in your life will also help with your pain management. When your body is properly nourished it functions at a more optimal level, meaning not just less pain, but better management of it. Exercise causes your brain to produce endorphins which not only minimize pain, but also boost your mood.
Stress can make you more sensitive to pain, causing you to feel it more and experience it on a more intense level. It decreases your ability to tolerate pain and manage it. Even learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help you better manage stress that you may not be able to eliminate completely. Adding magnesium to your diet can help improve your overall wellbeing as well as decrease your pain.
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What Is Osteoporosis?
