Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Supplements can become overwhelming with everything that’s out there. This will touch on key categories of supplements and the best way on how to use them.
Supplements are divided into categories:
Nutrients
(Nutraceuticals or Orthomolecular Medicine)
Botanicals
(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)
Hormones
Hormone Replacement Therapy or Restorative Medicine
Each category is meant to support underlying excesses or deficiencies, with the ultimate goal of bringing the body back into balance.
Where it becomes complicated is understanding the different uses and dosing of specific:
Extracts
Chelates (a chemical compound that dissolves more easily and is easily absorbed compared to other types of molecules and compounds)
Prepared Compounds
Nutrients
Nutrients are defined as ingredients that would otherwise be found in food, which include:
Vitamins
Minerals
Phytochemicals
Antioxidants
What are Nutrients?
For sustaining life and staying healthy, the human body requires a balance of nutrients, which can be categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients constitute the major food groups of
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
These are required in large amounts and are used for energy production and tissue growth.
Micronutrients are required in small amounts and include vitamins and minerals.
Phytonutrients, such as anthocyanin found in blueberries or resveratrol found in grapes, are also often classified as micronutrients.
How do Nutrients Work?
Macronutrients are the caloric basis for our
Daily energy needs
Provide the building blocks of tissue development
Fiber for our microbiota
Cholesterol for hormone production
Micronutrients are not relevant for energy and contribute to:
Tissue development
Hormone and Neurotransmitter Production
Brain function
Immune function
Common Nutritional Supplements
Dietary supplements can provide nutrients in a condensed form, which allow for targeting specific conditions or in order to upregulate certain pathways that require those nutrients.
Examples include:
Whey Protein Isolate
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Calcium
B vitamins
Eating Properly/Healthy & Staying Hydrated
Making Protein A Priority
Muscle injuries are one of the most popular reasons for chiropractic visits. Protein helps build and heal muscle tissue, helping it to renew itself back to a pre-injury state.
If your daily intake of protein is low, it can hinder the healing process and stand in the way of chiropractic visits giving you the maximum results. Fish and lean meats are the foods that offer the highest protein.
Other vegetarian options are tofu, soybeans, eggs, milk, and nuts. Help your muscles rebuild and heal by adding high protein foods into every meal menu.
Staying H2o Hydrated
Why do most of us view water drinking with dread? If you wish to promote healing, it�s imperative to drink enough water every day.
Water provides an entire slew of benefits, from transporting those important nutrients to where they need to be, to flushing harmful toxins out of the body. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, and try to drink it throughout the day.
Getting into this habit will boost overall health, and promote healing of injuries and other medical conditions.
While it�s a smart goal to try to ingest all the nutrients you need through food and drink, supplements are available to bridge the gap. Before beginning a supplement regimen, talk to you chiropractor for recommendations on the type and dosage that will aid and improve your unique situation.
You may also want to download a smartphone app to track your daily intake of calories, calcium, protein, and liquid. There are many available, one being My Fitness Pal.
Chiropractic treatment is a big step in the right direction for overall health/well-being and incorporating these nutritional tips into your daily routine will help you get the most out of your chiropractic care.
Correct your Bad Posture with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture allows the body parts to be properly supported through correct alignment to promote the right amount of tension against gravity. Bad posture can cause a variety of health issues, including neck pain and back pain. Understanding how bad posture can affect your health is essential for overall wellness. Custom foot orthotics can also help improve posture. Dr. Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for posture health issues.
What’s Afoot
Treatment for foot pain varies depending on the condition/injury. Treatment can go from rest and ice to physical therapy, chiropractic and in severe cases surgery. Reflexology can provide relief, as well as, stretching exercises. Over the counter pain medication is often used. If the pain is too intense that it prevents sleep, a physician may prescribe non-addictive pain medication. Wear shoes with good arch supports, and if pain persists, see a podiatrist for special orthotic shoe inserts. Insurance often covers orthotics.
NCBI Resources
Don�t forget that most pain in the body is caused by inflammation and can be helped with anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle stressors. Concentrate on eating whole, unprocessed foods. Stay away from sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and white flour. Make sure to drink enough water every day, and get eight hours of sleep. This is one of the most effective ways to address inflammation. Bring the body back into balance.
Magnesium is an essential mineral, yet it tends to be overlooked as a health concern. To illustrate, a study shows that up to 75% of individuals are not intaking the recommended daily amount (2). This stems from the fact that most foods have steadily decreased the amount of magnesium they provide. Thus leaving many consumers with the need to supplement. Different magnesium supplements have been shown to facilitate the body in different ways.� Magnesium citrate can help to lower blood pressure whereas Magnesium L-Threonate can help with memory loss. So, which magnesium supplement should you be taking?��� �
Magnesium Citrate Overview
Magnesium Citrate is one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium out there, meaning it’s ready and easily absorbed by the body’s digestive tract (5). In addition to this, Magnesium Citrate has been shown to improve arterial stiffness, lower blood pressure, and in turn, help to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients who are slightly obese (3). However, be aware that magnesium citrate is also used to treat constipation, therefore it can act as a laxative by helping to absorb water in the intestines (1). �
Magnesium L-Threonate Overview
Magnesium L-Threonate is a newer form of magnesium, therefore there are fewer studies showing its full capabilities. However, Magnesium L-Threonate is the only form of magnesium to cross the blood-brain barrier more readily. The blood-brain barrier is extremely selective in order to reduce the amount of toxins entered into the CNS (central nervous system). Due to this, it has been proven to increase synapse density and aid in memory loss, cognitive decline, as well as help to improve short term memory (4). In a long term study of 17 years performed with Magnesium L-Threonate, the results manifested that subjects were 37% less likely to get dementia (4). �
If you are looking for something to assist in relaxation, sleep, and memory; Magnesium L-Threonate is the supplement for you. Although, if you are looking for something to relieve occasional constipation and something to aid in blood pressure that mixes well with water and has little to no taste, magnesium citrate is the route you should consider. Getting started on the right magnesium supplement today could set you up with a better tomorrow. – Kenna Vaughn, Health Coach Insight
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
References
(1)Cisar�, Fabio, et al. �Bowel Preparation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures With Sodium Picosulphate-Magnesium Citrate Is an Effective, Safe, and Well-Tolerated Option in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center Experience.� Gastroenterology Nursing : the Official Journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30063687.
(2)Guerrera, Mary P, et al. �Therapeutic Uses of Magnesium.� American Family Physician, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 July 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19621856.
(3)Schutten, Jo�lle C, et al. �Effects of Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Sulfate Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Overweight Individuals: a Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.� Trials, BioMed Central, 28 May 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31138315.
(4)”Science Review: Magnesium L-Threonate.” Metagenics Institute. 01 Aug. 2019 .
(5)Walker, Ann F, et al. �Mg Citrate Found More Bioavailable than Other Mg Preparations in a Randomised, Double-Blind Study.� Magnesium Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14596323. �
Orthotics Treat Other Areas Than the Feet
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Additional Topic Discussion: Xymogen� Supplements
The average adult in the United States takes one or more dietary supplements on a regular basis. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and a variety of other products. Several of the most common dietary supplements include vitamin D and vitamin E, minerals such as calcium and iron, herbs such as echinacea and garlic, and products such as glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils. For people who don’t have balanced nutrition, taking dietary supplements can help them get necessary amounts of essential nutrients and can help improve overall well-being.
Formulas for Methylation Support
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XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
� Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
� Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
� If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download � * All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Your health is easily one of the most important things in your life. When your health is good, you feel better, are more productive and generally happier. When your health is not good, it becomes difficult to accomplish even the smallest tasks�and your mood and ability to enjoy life suffer. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to lead a healthier life. Read on to learn some of the most important tips for healthy living!
3 Tips for Healthy Living
Magnified Healthy Living word illustration on white background.
1. Keep the body’s alignment with regular chiropractic.
Many times people are unaware of how to move in the best way for their bodies. Poor movement patterns can lead to injuries, which make it impossible to stay as active as you like. If you start to notice any pain caused when you move�like when adopting a new exercise routine�stop doing what you are doing and consult with your chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to identify movement problems and help correct them. Your chiropractor should be able to help you find a way to exercise that does not cause pain or lead to injury.
2. Keep track of your health.
It is important to get an accurate assessment of your current health on a regular basis. The goals you set for the future will be much more easily achieved if you know where you are starting from. Some of the ways you can keep track of your health include:
Maintain a relationship with your doctor, dentist, and chiropractor. Preventative healthcare is more effective and less expensive than waiting for something to go wrong. By keeping regular appointments with your doctor, dentist, and chiropractor, you can get valuable feedback on your current state of health. They can also help you catch potential problems early on.
Keep a diary of your exercise, diet, and mood. The diary does not have to be complicated or overly detailed. You just need a clear picture of how much you are exercising, what kinds of exercises you are doing, what food you are eating and how you are feeling.
3. Basics�a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Good health is built on a foundation of diet and exercise. The goal is to improve and maintain a regimen where you eat healthily and exercise regularly over the long-term. You do not have to do anything drastic, either. You will have an easier time making changes if you start small and gradually shift towards a lifestyle that you think is best for you.
Some points to remember:
The perfect diet for one person may not be perfect for another, but there are some basics that work well for the vast majority of people. A diet focused on whole foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, is ideal. Repeated studies have shown that a Mediterranean style diet is healthy and easy to maintain, making it a good place to start if you are new to healthy eating.
Take baby steps. Extreme shifts in diet can be mentally exhausting and difficult to maintain. Drastic changes in exercise habits risk injury and are also hard to maintain. Focus on taking small, incremental steps to reach your goals.
Contact Us Today to Set up an Appointment
If you would like a personalized plan for improving your health, please contact us. One of our chiropractic team members is ready to assist you!
Reduce *PLANTAR FASCIITIS PAIN* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)
Foot pronation is the natural movement which occurs during foot landing while walking or running. Foot pronation also occurs while standing, and in this instance, it is the amount in which the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Foot pronation is normal, however, excessive foot pronation can cause a variety of health issues, including bad posture.
Plantar fasciitis: A Perspective In Functionality
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia or aponeurosis. Which can be caused by trauma, e.g. jumping/running activity, or more from longstanding stretching of pronated feet.
The pain of plantar fasciitis is commonly at its worst when getting out of bed in the morning.
The initial steps cause a painful stretching of the tissue after hours of being in a shortened position.
As a person sleeps, the feet naturally go into a position of plantarflexion and shorten down in a relaxed.
Mild relief is common after moving about for a while.
Treatment options
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:
Reduced activity
Cryotherapy
Ultrasound
Taping
Massage
Chiropractic
Orthotics
If the patient is capable of walking without an antalgic gait, look to see how much foot flare occurs during the gait cycle.
Rule of thumb for foot flare:
Both feet should be pointing in the general direction you are walking toward.
Any deviation from a line directly in front involving one foot more than the other is a red flag for dysfunction in the kinetic (moving) chain and may be a contributing factor in the syndrome.
Foot flare is a compensation mechanism to help balance a wobbly pelvis.
If this is detected, remove shoes and socks and look at the medial arch.
Gentle care
Direct palpation of the plantar fascia may reveal painful thickened muscle, especially along the medial longitudinal arch.
This thickened muscle is the result of repetitive tear and repair process.
With the foot relaxed, grasp the toes and gently pull them up into passive dorsiflexion.
Gentleness is essential; as this motion stretches the irritated plantar area.
It often presents with fixations or subluxations of the bones of the feet.
The collapse of any of the three arches of the foot sets the stage for joint fixation.
Mobility & function
Mobility is life to a joint, so don�t overlook the benefit of adjusting the subluxations or fixations of the lower extremity.
Once the acute phase of plantar fasciitis is under control, you can address the factors that contributed to the condition.
Most of the time patients need arch structure to be supported in an optimal functioning position.
Custom-made orthotics support all three arches of the foot provide the necessary support to reduce the tension on the plantar fascia by blocking the excessive pronation stretches.
Improvement through non-invasive treatment
Improvement of muscle function of the kinetic chain through massage or other forms of muscle management can improve muscle compliance, or the ability of the muscle to contract and relax.
Chronic muscle tension creates joint dysfunction and can lead to inflammation in the plantar fascia.
A massaging or mechanical chiropractic compression down the length of the plantar fascia can restore flexibility to that tissue.
Roll the foot over a golf ball or similar device for the purpose of restoring fascia flexibility can have profound effects on foot pain and function.
Patient tolerance is the key to any technique used, so try to understand that the chiropractor/physical/massage therapists are trying their best to bring relief, increasing the pressure and the length of any intervention.
Plantar or Neural
Feet are important. When you consider what your feet go through, taking 8,000 steps over the course of a day, according to the�Illinois Podiatric Medical Association�(IPMA), it�s easy to see how 75 percent of all Americans will have some type of�foot pain�at some point in their lives.�Plantar fasciitis is a common and very painful foot condition that can become chronic if not treated. It is also a condition that responds very well to chiropractic care. As it Reduces Stress in the Plantar Fascia�� When a ligament is inflamed or stressed the tissue can develop very small tears that cause the pain of plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic adjustments made to the heel and foot take the pressure off of the plantar fascia, allowing it to relax.
NCBI Resources
The SMART approach is a guide for setting realistic goals and attaining them. It is an acronym that outlines a success-focused�strategy for goal setting:
Specific
Measurable
Accountable
Realistic
Timeframe
Each step will bring you closer to achieving your goals and improve your health.
If you have been paying any attention to the latest diet trends, the ketogenic diet has probably come under your radar. The diet has been gaining popularity for a while now and may stay that way�as those who follow the diet are able to obtain some impressive weight loss and other health improvements. The main question about the ketogenic diet is whether it is sustainable or not. It is a challenging diet to maintain, which means you will need to be quite motivated over the long-term to make it a permanent lifestyle.
Understanding Ketosis
Under normal dietary conditions, the body burns glucose for energy. Glucose, which comes from carbohydrates, is easy to access and works well for fuel. But under the right dietary conditions, it is possible to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it starts to burn fat for energy.
How the Ketogenic Diet Works
The ketogenic diet is designed to put your body in a state of ketosis. Successful ketogenic dieters are able to burn fat at a relatively rapid rate. But reaching ketosis requires eating a lot differently than most people eat, especially those eating the Standard American Diet (SAD). In fact, it requires eliminating almost all carbs.
There is actually quite a history behind the ketogenic diet. It was developed over 100 years ago to help children suffering from seizures. There are definitely proven benefits to ketosis for at least the short term.
The average keto diet consists of 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. Achieving this ratio takes focus and persistence, but it does start getting results quickly. It only takes around 72 hours to start going into ketosis and burning your body�s fat for energy.
What do Ketogenic Dieters Eat?
Popular foods in the keto diet include:
Dairy that is high in fat�like butter, high-fat cream, and hard cheeses
All types of meat�including beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, pork
Eggs
Seeds and nuts�including walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts, macadamias, and sunflower seeds
Avocado
Berries
Broccoli and cauliflower
Leafy greens�like kale, spinach, lettuces
Coconut oil
Saturated fats
What do Ketogenic Dieters Avoid?
There are some foods that the keto diet definitely does not include:
All grains�including wheat, corn, rice, oats, etc.
Legumes�beans, peas, etc.
Fruit�bananas, apples, oranges, pears, plums, grapes, oranges, etc.
Tubers�yams, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes
Sugar for sweetening�agave, maple syrup, honey
What are the Challenges of the Ketogenic Diet?
Being a successful keto dieter requires a serious commitment to the task at hand. With the exception of perhaps the Inuit in the Arctic, it is difficult to think of a culture that does not eat any grains, fruit or tubers. Most meals are built around these staples. That means that finding a restaurant or going over to dinner at someone�s home and eating keto requires being very selective in what you choose. The best way to maintain your diet is to plan your meals and eat mostly what you make yourself.
The number of keto-specific options available at grocery stores and in restaurants has grown in recent years, but not enough to allow you to eat out at every meal and maintain your diet.
The biggest challenge of the keto diet is maintaining it over the long-term. Few people have the willpower to totally avoid pasta, bread, potatoes, fruit, sugar, and beans for years at a time. That does not mean you cannot try the diet out, switch to a regular or different diet, then switch back again if you choose.
Here for Your Health
As your chiropractic team, we are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal health. If you have questions about the ketogenic diet or other diets�or you just want to eat healthier�we would like to help. Contact us today to get started.
Benefits of Using Functional *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, TX (2019)
Functional custom foot orthotics understand the anatomy of the foot. By supporting the 3 arches of the foot, functional custom foot orthotics can help promote proper posture to prevent a variety of health issues, including neck pain and back pain. Over the counter, inserts may create more harm than good. Functional custom foot orthotics can also help maintain overall health and wellness. Because every person is unique, functional custom foot orthotics can help balance a person’s unique body structure and function. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help provide functional custom foot orthotics to patients who need to improve their overall health and wellness.
99% of feet are normal at birth. But after the first year, 8% develop foot problems, 41% by age 5 and 80% by age 20.�By age 40, almost everyone has a foot condition of some sort. Many foot conditions eventually contribute to health concerns, especially the generalized condition of �back pain� or runner�s knee. Spotting a potential problem originating in the feet can prevent other injuries from affecting your health and lifestyle.
Foot Exercises
When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot�line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone.
NCBI Resources
There are several significant�health benefits of a ketogenic diet. It was developed to be a way of life (WOL), not just a temporary diet and this was primarily due to the health benefits it provides. In fact, ketone diets were created to help allay or improve the symptoms of certain chronic health conditions, including epilepsy.
Most people know that a chiropractor can help with musculoskeletal problems, such as backaches and slipped discs, but many people do not realize that chiropractic can do much more. In fact, chiropractic can even improve your sleep.
Getting enough quality sleep each night is good for your health. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions, according to Harvard Medical School.
But what if you allow yourself plenty of time but still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
Chiropractic can help you sleep. In fact, one-third of people who undergo chiropractic adjustment report sleeping better immediately, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The benefits are not just for adults � 40 percent of infants slept better after just one chiropractic session. That is good news, considering one-fourth of babies experience sleep problems and when babies don�t sleep, nobody else in the house sleeps either!
3 Ways Chiropractic Can Improve Your Sleep
1. Pain relief
Pain can prevent you from getting a decent night�s sleep, especially if you have chronic pain that lasts for three or more months. In fact, one study shows that 20 percent of people with chronic pain experience at least one symptom of insomnia, compared with only 7.4 percent of people without chronic pain. Chiropractic can alleviate pain associated with backaches, headaches, whiplash, migraines and more to help you get the sleep you need.
Chiropractic can also help you sleep by providing a drug-free approach to pain relief. Many prescription pain relievers, such as those containing morphine, oxycodone, and opioids, can make you drowsy throughout the day. Daytime drowsiness might cause you to take naps throughout the day, which can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. The drug-free approach of chiropractic allows you to stay alert all day and sleep well at night.
Extensive research presented by the National Institutes of Health shows that chiropractic is as effective as other treatments, such as drugs, at relieving pain. Perhaps the best part of chiropractic is that the research shows that pain relief lasts up to 18 months of treatment � which means you can remain pain-free without using drugs for a year and a half.
2. Relieves muscle tension and stress
Stress can prevent you from falling asleep or sleeping well. Stress can also cause uncomfortable muscle tension that interferes with sleep. The National Sleep Foundation lists muscle tension as one of the three signs that you are under too much stress to sleep. Tension and poor sleep can be a vicious cycle, as tension can cause poor sleep and poor sleep can cause tension.
Chiropractic often includes massage to melt away painful muscle spasms. These therapeutic massages are relaxing, which helps you unwind enough to fall asleep. Chiropractic also stimulates blood flow, which helps bring oxygen to your brain and other parts of your body.
Your chiropractor may also be able to suggest gentle exercises, stretches and relaxation techniques to help you relax tense muscles and quiet your stressed-out mind.
3. Suggested sleeping positions
Your chiropractor may offer suggestions on sleeping positions and other ideas about how you can sleep better. Your chiropractor may discourage you from sleeping on your stomach if you are having back pain, for example, or be able to recommend a particular pillow or mattress to help you sleep better at night.
For more information on how chiropractic can improve your sleep, talk with your chiropractor. You may start sleeping better as soon as your first visit.
Reduce *IMBALANCE & PAIN* with Functional Orthotics | El Paso, Tx
Foot Orthotics
Foot Dysfunction�can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment.
Recipe Ingredient Substitutions
Here is a guide to give your kitchen a healthy makeover! Here are tips to help you create a healthy environment for your home, and these substitutions will help you make delicious allergy-friendly�dishes.
NCBI Resources
We live in an extremely sleep-deprived society. According to the�Centers for Disease Control�(CDC), 1 in 3 people in the United States does not get enough sleep on a regular basis. Additionally, the�National Sleep Foundation�reports that 45 percent of adults in the US admit that insufficient or poor sleep has had an impact on their daily activities at least once in the previous week. What�s more, about a third of the people who said they slept the number of hours that doctors recommend reported experiencing poor sleep quality.
About� 40 percent of people all over the world struggle with allergies and the demand for treatment has never been higher. However, there is still no cure-all when it comes to treating allergies. There are plenty of options available, but few are as effective as we would like them to be�and the ones that do work usually have side effects that can make them undesirable.
Chiropractic offers an attractive alternative to standard medical treatment. By improving general health, chiropractic helps the body better cope with all those allergens now and years to come.
What are they?
When the human body encounters a substance that it is allergic to, the immune system is triggered and attempts to attack the allergen in much the same way it would a substance that is truly harmful. The problem is, the allergen is not harmful in and of itself�but the immune system reaction can be harmful, or at least highly unpleasant.
For example, if you are allergic to pollen, your immune system will attempt to attack the pollen you inhale. Your body will produce immunoglobulin, leading to the release of histamines. The histamines that surge through your system cause blood vessels to dilate, fluid to increase in the space surrounding your cells, and your blood pressure to drop. A runny nose and sneezing typically follow, and symptoms can become even more extreme, like nausea and vomiting. It all seems like overkill for a bit of pollen, but there is little you can do to avoid it.
It is possible to be allergic to just about anything, but there are certain substances that are common allergens. These include:
Pollen
Mold
Pet Dander
Weeds
Dust Mites
Grass
Girl� with allergies
Allergies and Chiropractic Adjustments
Allergies are not something that can be cured, but they can be treated in a way that lessens their impact on your life. Standard medical care offers a variety of treatments for allergies, some more effective than others.
Many over-the-counter allergy medications are available, each with its own potential side effects. You can also seek an appointment with an allergy specialist, who can determine exactly what you are allergic to and offer stronger treatment options�but these also carry potential side effects, and as with over-the-counter options, may or may not be effective.
Proper Nervous System Function
Chiropractic care approaches allergies more holistically. One of the main ideas behind chiropractic is that the human body can heal itself in most cases if the conditions are right.
It is the job of your chiropractor to create the ideal conditions for healing. By optimizing spinal alignment, it is possible to improve nervous system function and thereby improve the body�s response to all types of stimuli�including allergens.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Chiropractic is about more than spinal adjustments. A holistic approach means optimizing every aspect of your health, which includes diet and exercise.
Your chiropractor can look closely at your diet and other lifestyle factors and help you identify changes that may lessen your allergy symptoms. By improving your diet and adding exercises that add strength and mobility, you will change the composition of your body in fundamental ways. These changes often lead to surprising improvements in the way you react to a variety of substances.
Call To Make An Appointment
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms and you are tired of ineffective treatments and their unpleasant side effects, chiropractic care may be a perfect fit for you. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alex Jimenez. Let us show you how much better chiropractic can make you feel.
Whether you are walking around the house, to the store or to the mailbox, you know how to walk. Taking a walk is one of the most basic things a human can do. What you may not realize is that you are doing something that is fundamental for health. Walking is one of the single best exercises you can do. This is why you can expect your chiropractor to suggest that your daily routine should incorporate walking.
Cardiovascular health
Better mood
Weight loss
Walking does so much! If it was a pill, everyone would be taking it.
Walking Benefits
When you come to the chiropractor, chances are you are seeking help for a condition that is painful and/or uncomfortable. Back pain, leg pain, neck pain, etc. You may also make regular visits to the chiropractor for your overall health, as scheduled adjustments can help you feel better over the long-term.
Hearing your chiropractor recommend walking can be surprising, especially when you are expecting an adjustment or some other immediate type of care (don’t worry, you can still get your adjustment.) But there are reasons for the recommendation, reasons that fit perfectly into the goals of chiropractic care. These include:
1. It will help you lose weight.
Every extra pound you carry puts exponential pressure on your joints, including your back. Your chiropractor wants you to lose weight to protect your joints and minimize your pain and chance of injury.
Just 30 minutes a day of walking is enough to steadily shed pounds. Start with a 20-minute walk a day and gradually increase your time. Ideally, you should get 10,000 steps a day for fitness (a pedometer is helpful for measuring your steps.)
2. It will improve your mood.
Commercial products and pharmaceuticals are constantly offered to the public as mood lifters, and some of them may work�but most carry significant side effects. Walking will also improve your mood, and its main side effect is weight loss.
Studies have demonstrated that walking lowers feelings of anger and hostility. Walking is recommended for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the condition that tends to show up as the days get darker and shorter.
Walking can also be helpful after an upsetting situation. If you take a walk, you will probably find you feel a little calmer and more in control when you return.
A father walking with his dog and his son in the suburbs
3. It will lower your risk of chronic disease.
There have been several studies that have shown walking can reduce the risk of chronic disease. One study found that people who walked five days a week for 30 minutes or more had a 30% less chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown it reduces blood pressure and most likely reduces the risk of having a stroke.
4. It improves digestion.
Having regular, predictable digestion makes life easier and more enjoyable. There are plenty of ways that people try to improve their digestion�ranging from a cup of coffee in the morning to fiber supplements. Walking is another way you can become more regular. The movement of walking aids in digestion, so much so that people who have gone through abdominal surgery are required to walk because of its positive effects on digestion.
What Walking Does to Your Body
Check out this video and discover exactly what happens to your body when you walk:
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