ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page

Weight Loss

Back Clinic Weight Loss. People who are overweight or obese and are suffering from back pain may not realize that their excess weight contributes to their back pain. It is a known fact that overweight people are at risk for back pain, joint pain, and muscle strain. Not only is back pain an issue, but other symptoms of obese or overweight people may include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and/or shortness of breath during short periods of physical activity. When this happens, people begin to avoid physical activity, which leads to pain and various other unhealthy conditions.

Dr. Jimenez brings the PUSH-as-Rx System, which is a program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience. The program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics, and extreme motion dynamics at its core.

A clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges through continuous and detailed assessments of the clients in motion and under directly supervised stress loads. This system with continual dynamic adjustments has helped many of our patients in their weight loss. Plus, they become faster and stronger. Results demonstrate clear improved agility and speed no matter the age. Along with physical training, Dr. Jimenez and the trainers offer nutritional advice.


Weight Loss and Whole Body Chiropractic

Weight Loss and Whole Body Chiropractic

Chiropractic medicine specializes in the musculoskeletal system. It treats the whole body because if one area of the body is inflamed, swollen, out of place, or damaged, it affects other areas. Chiropractic’s goals are to bring the body back into balance and get it functioning at an optimal level. Achieving overall health and wellness requires an individual’s body to be at its appropriate weight.

Weight Loss and Whole Body Chiropractic

Obesity and Pain

Chronic pain and obesity are linked, according to various studies. Individuals dealing with chronic pain are more likely to become obese, and those who are obese have an increased risk of developing a chronic pain condition. Research studies also show that individuals that lose weight have a reduction to complete alleviation of pain.

The Pain Gain Cycle

The goal is to break the cycle. When an individual is dealing with pain symptoms, eating foods high in sugars and starches can be comforting. However, unhealthy food is fueling the pain and causing inflammation. Back pain commonly occurs in individuals that are obese. Chiropractic helps kickstart the weight loss process by relieving pain naturally and safely.

Spinal Alignment and Weight Loss

Spinal alignments go beyond relieving pain to help with weight loss. Adjustments improve the body’s ability to burn fat and maintain overall health. A spine that is out of alignment can affect the nerve pathways of the central nervous system and the communication signals affecting nearly every aspect of the body. Problems with the central nervous system can affect how the whole body burns fat and the metabolic system.

Hormone Regulation

Spinal misalignments can affect the body’s hormone regulation. These hormones include those for breaking down foods during digestion. Affected hormones can contribute to weight gain and prevent weight loss. Chiropractic corrects the nerve’s pathways, allowing for proper hormone regulation, which can help with weight loss.

Pain Relief and Exercise

Exercise is pivotal to losing weight, building muscle, and maintaining health. The problem for overweight individuals is that they are in too much pain to exercise. With back pain, just walking a quarter of a mile can become excruciating, and this is where chiropractic care for pain relief comes in. When managing pain through chiropractic, individuals can exercise regularly.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

The whole body is a unit where everything affects something else. Chiropractors are becoming or teaming up with certified nutritionists and health coaches. Part of a treatment plan includes nutritional recommendations personalized to individual needs and weight loss goals. They also recommend:

  • Specific exercises
  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Third-party support

Whole Body Composition


Weight Loss and Cheat Meals/Days

A cheat day or meal every once in a while will not undo weeks and months of regular workouts and eating healthy. Cheat days can help individuals stay motivated for the long term. But this does not mean getting carried away and going on a bender or making cheat days a routine. The goal is to develop healthy eating habits that become the norm while decreasing the craving for junk food. Changing body composition and losing weight is a long-term journey, but done correctly and with support turns into a healthy body.

References

DeMaria, Anthony, et al. “A weight loss program in a chiropractic practice: a retrospective analysis.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 20,2 (2014): 125-9. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.11.007

James M Whedon, DC, MS, Andrew W J Toler, MS, Louis A Kazal, MD, Serena Bezdjian, Ph.D., Justin M Goehl, DC, MS, Jay Greenstein, DC, Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain, Pain Medicine, Volume 21, Issue 12, December 2020, Pages 3567–3573, doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa014

Okifuji, Akiko, and Bradford D Hare. “The association between chronic pain and obesity.” Journal of pain research vol. 8 399-408. 14 Jul. 2015, doi:10.2147/JPR.S55598

Losing Weight To Alleviate Back Pain

Losing Weight To Alleviate Back Pain

Losing weight can be one of the hardest things to do. It is also one of the best things anyone can do to get rid of back pain and optimize overall health. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight impacts the whole body, especially the spine. It is prevalent for individuals who are overweight to experience back pain. This comes from the added weight that the feet, legs, pelvis, and spine have to support. For many, once the weight comes off, the back pain reduces significantly and/or disappears completely. For those embarking on a weight loss journey,  our:

  • Chiropractic team
  • Physical therapists
  • Health coach
  • Nutritionist
  • Can provide resources to plan, encourage, and assist in reaching health goals.

Losing Weight To Alleviate Back Pain

Overweight, Obesity and Back Pain

Spine pain is one of the top reasons individuals see a doctor. The need to lose weight is based on body mass index/BMI. BMI can be an indicator that an individual’s weight might not be in a healthy range. BMI ranges:

  • Normal weight – Body Mass Index of less than 25
  • Overweight – Body Mass Index of 25 to 30
  • Obese – Body Mass Index of 31 to 35
  • Extremely obese – Body Mass Index of 36 or higher

If unsure about how to get an accurate BMI measurement, talk to our team about InBody Testing.

Added Weight Places Pressure On the Spine

Added bodyweight places added strain on the low back. Studies have linked obesity with degenerative disc problems. Combined with the physical impact the added weight has on the spine and overall health, it can also affect spine surgery outcomes. Studies have shown that some overweight/obese individuals have an increased risk for surgery-related complications like:

  • Infection
  • Issues recovering from anesthesia
  • Overall recovery struggles

The good news is that individuals do not have to lose a significant amount of weight to see and feel the benefits. Losing 15% of excess weight will improve chronic back pain.

Exercise

Successful weight loss is the ability to maintain the loss. It needs to be something that can be committed to and brought into an individual’s lifestyle. Trying to go hard with an extreme diet or intense exercise program is not recommended. This is like not having any long-distance running knowledge along with training but entering a 12345K race. An individual will collapse after a few blocks. And sustained weight loss is just that, a long-distance journey that requires:

  • Getting educated about what is going on with the body
  • Understanding how foods affect/impact the body
  • Understanding the body’s unique needs to lose weight
  • Developing a personal health goal plan
  • Following through

Lifestyle factors contribute to healthy body weight. Being able to embed healthy habits into one’s life is the objective. Although it can sound easy to do, it can be a challenging process. With professional help, individuals can:

  • Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet
  • Have an active lifestyle
  • Maintain healthy sleep habits
  • Keep stress under control

Discussing a weight loss plan is very important. A professional health coach, nutritionist, and chiropractor will develop the right program that considers an individual’s specific health status.

Overall Health

Achieving a healthy weight will reduce to relieve back pain completely and significantly improve quality of life. Weight management is challenging, but once the benefits are seen and felt, it becomes second nature.


Body Composition


Healthy Kidneys

The kidneys pump more than 400 gallons of recycled blood through the body every day. These organs work nonstop to filter blood and remove waste. If the kidneys become impaired, the body can become overloaded with waste. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can harm/damage the kidneys. Kidney disease progresses slowly over the years. Individuals can lose 90 percent of kidney function before symptoms become serious. Chronic kidney disease is not reversible. However, with lifestyle adjustments, an individual can lower their risk of developing kidney-related diseases.

Proper Hydration

Drink plenty of water to clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body and prevents kidney stones. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Every individual’s body water levels are different. A body composition test can determine what is normal for the individual.

Maintain healthy diet

Poor diet contributes to visceral fat gain. This has been linked to chronic kidney disease. Reduce visceral fat by eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Cut down on salty, processed foods. Body composition testing can help form an individualized diet plan to reduce visceral fat.

 Supplements, antibiotics, and OTC medications

Overuse of common over-the-counter medications and supplements can cause kidney damage and disease. Consult with a doctor before taking medications and supplements if there is kidney function impairment.

Maintain fitness and physical activity

Cardio and strength training exercises are recommended. High blood sugar levels stress the kidneys. Building adequate muscle mass will help control blood sugar. A body composition test can make sure there are adequate amounts of muscle mass.

References

Liuke M, Solovieva S, Lamminen A, Luoma K, et al. Disc degeneration of the lumbar spine in relation to overweight. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005;29(8):903-908.

Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: the United States, 2011–2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics.www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db219.htm. Page last updated: October 28, 2015. Accessed July 10, 2017

Samartzis D, Karppinen J, Chan D, Luk KD, et al. The association of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging with body mass index in overweight and obese adults: A population-based study. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 2012;64(5):1488-1496.

Belly Fat Can Cause Back Pain and Injury

Belly Fat Can Cause Back Pain and Injury

Belly fat is a gateway to back pain/spinal issues that can lead to various health problems. The bulging belly population has grown a bit since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 37% of individuals have gained weight since it began, according to a global Ipsos survey. If back pain is presenting and there is excess weight around the abdomen known as abdominal obesity, this could be a contributing factor.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Belly Fat Can Cause Back Pain and Injury

Belly fat and posture

When the natural curves of the spine are normal, the core is stable and well-supported. Excessive weight, including a large abdomen, shifts these curves out of correct alignment. Excessive abdominal fat has been associated with lordosis, which is an excessive inward curve of the spine toward the lower back. One study found that severely obese individuals had pain and changes in posture. This was especially visible in the spine, knees, and feet.

Front-loading shift

The back pain felt from a bulging belly can be caused by a shift in posture and body mechanics. Studies show these can have a negative impact on back pain and body positioning. All or most of the weight is placed on the lower back.

Overloaded discs

Abdominal obesity can damage/injure the discs/shock absorbers of the spine. This leads to:

And a bulging belly can flatten the height of the intervertebral discs.

Fat pollutants in the blood

Fat can accumulate and secrete toxins that contribute to swelling and inflammation that can be painful. Over time, these toxins wear down components of the skeletal system. A study found potential links between obesity and degenerative disc disease. Scientists found a connection in obese men, but not obese women. This is believed to be because men tend to store fat in their bellies, and women tend to store fat in the buttocks and thighs.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Belly Fat Can Cause Back Pain and Injury

Damage to the musculoskeletal system

The bones constantly renew themselves, but when there is excess body fat it can interfere with the process. This has the potential to turn into osteoporosis over time. Studies associate visceral fat with lower bone mineral density, and an increase in the risk of fractures.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Belly Fat Can Cause Back Pain and Injury

Ankylosing spondylitis treatment and fat interference

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that causes chronic back pain and can cause the vertebrae to fuse. The back can be extremely stiff, and the condition can lead to a permanently hunched posture. There are medications to improve symptoms and slow the disease. However, being overweight reduces the drugs’ effectiveness. This is because belly fat can cause medication absorption problems.

Rare spinal condition linked to obesity

Obesity along with a high Body Mass Index increases the risk of a rare condition called spinal epidural lipomatosis or SEL. This is an overgrowth of body fat in the spinal canal. Spinal epidural lipomatosis can cause various types of back pain. This is why it is recommended to have a doctor examine and evaluate any aches or pains.

Body Composition

Kombucha beneficial for gut bacteria

Kombucha contains a wide variety of bacteria and fungi that helps ferment the sugar in kombucha drinks. It is able to affect the existing microbes in the gut by inhibiting the growth of various gut-dwelling pathogens. These include:

  1. It is a probiotic drink made from fermenting green or black tea
  2. It is made up of healthy bacteria that produce acetic acid that is beneficial for blood sugar, insulin levels, and body composition
  3. It helps the body process food by lowering insulin levels after a meal
  4. It contains polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress, to help fight disease risks
  5. It destroys unhealthy bacteria in the gut
  6. It helps increase healthy bacteria

Kombucha can be thought of as a natural antibiotic. However, it does not come with the weight-gain side effect. Improving the health of the gut through fermented foods like kombucha help reduce the risk for weight gain/obesity, as well as restore gut health for those trying to lose weight by creating a healthy gut environment.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives. (2016) “Influence of Obesity on Postural Stability in Young Adults.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5194219/

Obesity Surgery. (2005) “Postural changes in morbidly obese patients.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16105399/

Arthritis Research & Therapy. (2017) “Fat mass and fat distribution are associated with low back pain intensity and disability: results from a cohort study.” arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13075-017-1242-z

Clinical and Investigative Medicine. (2014) “Visceral fat reflects disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24895992/

European Spine Journal. (2012). “Rapid progression of spinal epidural lipomatosis.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3369035/

Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss

Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss

Understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss will help promote a healthy change and improve an individual’s wellbeing. Fat loss can be a part of losing weight. However, individuals lose more than just fat. Fat loss is the goal for most individuals, so taking a deliberate, focused approach will generate the best results. Here we discuss how individuals can optimize for fat loss.  

 

Understanding The Difference

  • Weight loss is the overall reduction in body weight
  • Fat loss is a reduction in body fat

When losing weight, the body is not just losing body fat, and changes are being made to each component of body composition. This includes:

  • Body fat
  • Lean Body Mass
  • Body Water

This is also true for weight gain. An individual cannot control how much is lost but can influence what is lost.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Weight Loss

Hundreds of diet and exercise programs can help achieve fat loss, some better than others. The ones that tend to work better focus on the same thing: reducing energy intake from food/diet while increasing energy output through exercise and regular physical activity. This forces the body to compensate for the missing energy by breaking down the body’s tissues, including fat and muscle. As an individual loses weight, they will also lose some muscle in the form of Lean Body Mass in addition to body fat.  

Fat Loss

Body fat is a combination of essential fat and storage fat. Storage fat is adipose tissue that has accumulated for reserved energy. This type of fat changes with diet modification and regular exercise. Too much storage fat can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing, so this should be the focus for better health.  

Focus on fat loss and not weight loss

There is a clear association between obesity and chronic disease. Focusing on weight loss can lead to unintended consequences like eating disorders. This is why focusing on weight loss, and healthy body composition is critical. This is the recommended approach because it encourages the individual to move more and eat healthily.  

Understanding health benefits of losing fat

Body fat percentage works better as a gauge of health than weight.

Weight is composed of lean body mass, body fat, and water, so any changes in these areas can lead to weight gain and not just fat loss. Excess body fat, specifically storage fat, has a close association with chronic diseases like:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Various Cancers

The key is understanding that a healthy body fat percentage will help reduce the risk of these diseases and improve mental health and overall health.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Different ways to measure fat loss

Tracking body fat loss means having body composition tracked and monitored. There are devices and methods for determining body composition, including:

For genuinely accurate results, get tested by a highly skilled professional who uses medical-grade tools for assessment. Cheap plastic calipers and at-home scales don’t tend to be the best options.  

Metabolism changes with weight loss

 

When losing weight, there is more loss than fat. One loss can be Lean Body Mass, which is critical because the amount of Lean Body Mass has directly influenced Basal Metabolic Rate or the body’s metabolism. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body naturally burns when resting. When focusing on weight loss and not making changes to minimize lean body mass loss, the individual decrease the size of their metabolism. However, if an individual continues with the same eating habits, this could be a setup for weight regain.  

Weight loss can slow down metabolism.

Here is an example of a typical set of body composition results of someone who would be clinically diagnosed as obese.  

 

Along with weight and body fat mass measurements, the individual naturally developed muscles by carrying their body weight. This means that individuals that are obese also have relatively large metabolisms. Dramatic changes to Lean Body Mass and metabolism are not ideal, especially when the goal is maintaining a healthy body weight.

The weight and body fat bars on the above chart are significantly over average, and the Skeletal Muscle Mass bar. This is common for individuals that are obese. Individuals that are obese have developed this muscle by carrying a large amount of weight. Large amounts of muscle begin to build to move the heavy body. This is why it is essential to come up with a focused/customized approach for gaining strength, losing fat, and body recomposition, rather than just weight loss.  

 

Stopping weight regain

Focusing on body composition, developing muscle, and Lean Body Mass is crucial. With weight loss, there will be some Lean Body Mass loss. This means a low metabolism and non-regulated eating habits can lead to regaining weight. With no development of Lean Body Mass and skeletal muscle to help grow the metabolism, there is an increased chance of weight retrieval. Along with continued changing eating habits after an individual reaches their target weight.  

Building muscle, losing fat for healthy body composition

The main areas to focus on to change body composition, overall health, and wellbeing.

 

Focus on body composition, not on weight loss

Instead, track changes in body composition. This means optimizing programs for fat loss while minimizing Lean Body Mass loss. Weight loss will occur, but proper nutrition and strength training can reduce Lean Body Mass loss.  

Develop new eating habits

An important step is understanding how to improve eating habits by choosing a diet plan that will be enjoyable. When optimizing for fat loss, it will take longer than weight loss. Effective dietary strategies go for half to one pound of fat loss per week. This is a manageable and sustainable goal that will not cause adverse effects on metabolism. Slow and steady is the better option and will lead to long-term changes.  

Start strength training to increase metabolism.

Strength training/weight lifting is a great way to increase metabolism. Increased muscle benefits range from:

  • High ability to recover from disease/s
  • Reducing insulin resistance
  • Keeps the body mobile
  • Helps combat obesity by increasing BMR and metabolism
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Body composition in the long-term

Fat loss is more important than weight loss and will lead to long-term changes. Understanding that working out smarter and finding out body composition numbers will promote getting fit while keeping the fat off. It will take longer than expected, but dropping 30 pounds in less than a year and then regaining it all back is counterproductive. Take the time to make minor, impactful adjustments that will lead to a lifetime of optimal health.


InBody


 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use public health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*  

References

Hall, Kevin D et al.  Calorie for Calorie, Dietary Fat Restriction Results in More Body Fat Loss than Carbohydrate Restriction in People with Obesity. Cell metabolism vol. 22,3 (2015): 427-36. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.07.021

Merlotti, C et al.  Subcutaneous fat loss is more significant than visceral fat loss with diet and exercise, weight-loss promoting drugs and bariatric surgery: a critical review and meta-analysis. International journal of obesity (2005) vol. 41,5 (2017): 672-682. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.31

Tobias, Deirdre K et al. Effect of low-fat diet interventions versus other diet interventions on long-term weight change in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 3,12 (2015): 968-79. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00367-8

Weight Loss Strategies That Are Evidence-Based

Weight Loss Strategies That Are Evidence-Based

The human body is a complex system, that requires consistent development in all areas. When it comes to weight loss being too strict can cause the body to rebel. Examples are individuals that have lost weight, then put it right back on, or get stuck in a plateau. The objective is to step off the weight loss rollercoaster and embrace weight-loss strategies that work. Here, we explore a few evidence-based weight loss strategies that focus on long-lasting success.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Weight Loss Strategies That Are Evidence-Based
 

Improve insulin sensitivity

When consuming carbohydrates, it is broken down into sugar. The body needs a certain amount of sugar to function. However, it is a narrow safety range. If the level gets too high for too long, cellular damage happens. The role of insulin is to guide the excess sugar/glucose into the cells. However, more individuals are experiencing high blood insulin levels, called hyperinsulinemia. Possible symptoms can include:
  • Sugar cravings
  • Unusual weight gain
  • Frequent hunger
  • Excessive hunger
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Anxiety or feelings of panic
  • Lack of focus
  • Extreme fatigue
Insulin rises because the blood sugar does. It�s dangerous to let glucose levels stay elevated, which is why more insulin gets produced to bring the blood sugar down. Given enough time constant hyperinsulinemia can result in a condition called insulin resistance, where the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and are less effective.  
 

Insulin sensitivity and weight loss

A high level of insulin in the blood can trigger weight gain and make losing it difficult. Results of high insulin:
  • Disrupts the breakdown of fat known as lipolysis
  • Raises the potential for fat storage
  • Increases the risk of regaining weight despite following a low-calorie diet

Improving insulin sensitivity can be done by:

  • Consuming whole, low glycemic foods
  • Eating healthy fats
  • Incorporating high-intensity interval training
  • Going for optimal gut health
  • Managing stress effectively

Manage stress levels

Stress and stress eating could be contributing to an expanding waistline. Examples could be eating a favorite meal while barely being conscious of the process or the inability to resist a chocolate bar after a long, distressing day. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that stress-related eating has a preference for calorie-dense and highly tasty foods. And when stress levels rise, food cravings rise, triggering fat gain.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Weight Loss Strategies That Are Evidence-Based
 

Reducing stress

There are a variety of techniques that can help the mind and body relax turning off the stress response. Here are some science-based favorites:
  1. Free-range eggs
  2. Nuts
  3. Seeds
  4. Fatty fish
  5. Dark chocolate

Proper sleep cycle

Proper sleep means sound sleep eight hours each night. Many individuals have convinced themselves that five or six hours is enough. Unfortunately, research shows otherwise. In a study published in PLOS Medicine, researchers studied the effects of short sleep duration on hormones that lessen or increase hunger, and on body mass index or BMI. They found the participants with short sleep had reduced leptin and elevated ghrelin which increases appetite and can contribute to weight gain.  

Improving sleep quality

  • Developing a healthy sleep routine
  • Have the same sleep and waking time
  • Time to wind down
  • Meditate a little before sleep
  • Take a warm bath 90 minutes before bed
  • Avoid blue light at least 90 minutes before going to sleep
  • Limit caffeine intake as it can negatively affect sleep even when taken six hours before sleep
  • Avoid/limit alcohol in the evenings
  • Regular physical activity can help release stress and tension, tiring the body out so sleep comes naturally
  • 30 to 40-minute endurance sessions a week are plenty. However, for some individuals, exercising too close to bedtime can have the opposite effect. Therefore, take note of whether this would be a problem.
 

High-Intensity Interval Training

There are a variety of approaches to exercising. But there is one evidence-based approach that has been proven to:
  • Burn abdominal fat
  • Reduce waist circumference
  • Address insulin resistance

It is known as HIIT.

High-Intensity Interval Exercise involves:
  • Repeated brief sprints with all-out intensity immediately followed by low-intensity exercise or rest.
  • This type of exercise is a perfect match for:
  • Treadmill workout
  • Elliptical trainer workout
  • Skipping/jumping rope
  • Rowing workout
  • Walking workout
 

Increasing Muscle Mass

An increased amount of muscle increases the basal metabolic rate or BMR. This increases the body’s ability to burn fat and lose weight. A loss of lean body mass lowers resting energy expenditure and increases fatigue and injury risk. For individuals trying to lose weight the metabolic decline triggered by a loss of lean body mass can cause regaining the fat previously lost. What this means is that when muscle mass drops so does metabolism along with the ability to keep the weight off. When muscle mass increases the body can easily burn fat, making it possible to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It�s important to remember that as the body’s muscle mass increases the body needs more energy to nourish and support this new tissue. This means that higher calories are allowed, as not having enough calories becomes counterproductive. Muscle mass increase can be achieved by:
  • A healthy diet will help build muscle
  • Strength and resistance training
  • Taking protein supplements
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Weight Loss Strategies That Are Evidence-Based
 

Weight loss strategies takeaway

With the right approaches, permanent weight loss is possible. Instead of deprivation, focus on science-backed approaches that work:
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Stress management
  • Sound sleep
  • High-intensity interval training
  • Increasing muscle mass
  • Choose approaches that are enjoyable and fun
This will make sticking to the weight loss strategies easier and will contribute to a happy, healthy life.

Body Composition


 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Chao, Ariana et al. �Food cravings mediate the relationship between chronic stress and body mass index.��Journal of health psychology�vol. 20,6 (2015): 721-9. doi:10.1177/1359105315573448 Taheri, Shahrad et al. �Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index.��PLoS medicine�vol. 1,3 (2004): e62. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062
Body Composition Terminology Guide

Body Composition Terminology Guide

The world of health and fitness has evolved with all kinds of technical jargon and terminology that can require a guide to get a handle on things. It can become confusing and terms like Lean Body Mass and Lean muscle can get mixed up. Body composition analysis allows an individual to understand their body in a much clearer way with insight into the body’s health. Here we break down this technical terminology to get a basic understanding of how it is relevant to the body’s health. Think of this as a combination glossary, and action guide. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide

Guide to Basic Body Composition

Percent Body Fat Body/Fat Percentage

  • Percent Body Fat is a reflection of how much of the body’s weight is made up of fat.
  • It is calculated by dividing the weight of body fat mass by total weight.
  • It helps to track progress whether trying to lose weight or gain muscle.

Takeaway

  • This percentage can be applied to set percent body fat ranges.
  • The healthy ranges are around 10-20% percent body fat for men and 18-28% for women.

Lean Body Mass/Fat-Free Mass Guide

Lean Body Mass is sometimes used interchangeably with Fat-Free Mass.

  • Lean Body Mass is the weight of everything in the body that is not fat.
  • This includes muscles, organs, bones, and body water.
  • Lean Body Mass is not the same as muscle.
  • Lean Body Mass is a collection of different types of body tissues that includes muscle.

Takeaway

  • Lean Body Mass plus Body Fat Mass make up entire body weight.
  • If the Lean Body Mass value is in pounds subtract this number from total body weight to get an approximation of Body Fat Mass.
  • Divide this number by body weight, results are percent body fat.
  • Lean Body Mass is closely related to the total number of calories the body needs every day.
  • The Lean Body Mass forms the core of the body’s metabolism, and this number can be used to help determine unique dietary needs.
  • No more basing nutrition off the 2,000-calorie diet. This is a poor one-size-fits-all approach to food intake.

Skeletal Muscle Mass Guide

  • Skeletal muscle is one of four major muscle types and governs all the movements that are consciously controlled. Everything from texting to deadlifting a barbell.
  • It is the muscle group that grows/builds when exercising.
  • Increased Skeletal Muscle Mass translates into increased strength.
  • When trying to build up the body and grow in size, this is the value to track and watch increase over time.
  • However, muscle is not just for strength.
  • Muscle is made up primarily of protein and can act as protein storage.
  • When the body is under severe stress like a traumatic injury, the recovery process is triggered and needs added protein, up to four times the amount.
  • When the body is not able to get the proper amount of protein from a normal diet, the body begins to get what it needs from the protein storage/muscles.

Basal Metabolic Rate/BMR

  • The Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, is the number of calories that the body needs to maintain Lean Body Mass. It is a significant component of overall metabolism.
  • An individual with more Lean Body Mass will have a higher Basal Metabolic Rate.
  • This is the reason why a 250-pound athlete needs to eat more than a 150-pound sedentary adult. Because the athlete has more Lean Body Mass.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide
  • BMR can help make a healthy diet plan designed for fat loss or muscle gain by helping understand how much energy/calories from food the body needs.
  • Multiplying the BMR with activity factor will estimate Total Daily Energy Expenditure or TDEE.
  • Using the TDEE as a baseline an individual can develop a nutritional plan based on body composition goals.

Body Water Guide

  • Body Water includes all the water in the body. This means everything from:
  1. The water in the blood
  2. Water in the organs
  3. The water inside the bones

Body water can be subdivided into two types:

  • Intracellular
  • Extracellular
  • Intracellular means inside the cells and includes the water in the organs, muscles, composing 2/3 of total body water.
  • The remaining 1/3 is extracellular outside the cells and includes the water in the blood.

Takeaway

  • When the body is generally healthy it maintains a healthy balance of intracellular to extracellular water with a ratio of around 3:2.
  • When the balance becomes unbalanced or falls apart water monitoring becomes important.
  • For example, individuals with severe health problems, like kidney ailments/failure, are unable to rid the body of extracellular water. This causes a buildup of water and requires removal through procedures like dialysis.

Dry Lean Mass

  • Lean Body Mass includes everything that�s not body fat and includes body water.
  • When all the water has been taken out what remains is known as Dry Lean Mass.

Lean Body Mass – Body Water = Dry Lean Mass

  • This amounts to the protein content of the muscles and the mineral content of the bones.
  • Most Dry Lean Mass will be found in these areas.

Takeaway

  • Water monitoring can help track real, physical changes in the body.
  • Lean Body Mass contains body water, and body water levels can be influenced by different factors like a recent workout or being low on carbohydrates.
  • Changes in body water are considered technical changes in Lean Body Mass.
  • When building muscle, the body is actually building new physical protein stores and reflects in Dry Lean Mass.
  • An increase in Lean Body Mass can signal muscle growth, or not.
  • However, an increase in Dry Lean Mass is a more favorable indicator that there is muscle growth.

Visceral Fat

  • Two major categories of body fat.
  • Subcutaneous fat is the fat under the skin and is the type that can be seen.
  • The second type is called visceral fat.
  • This fat collects inside the abdomen and wraps around the internal organs.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide

Takeaway

  • Just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there.
  • If it is there it is something definitely worth knowing about.
  • This is because visceral fat is not just extra pounds but an active organ that secretes harmful hormones into the body that triggers never-ending inflammation.
  • The more visceral fat, the greater risk of inflammation.
  • Inflammation over time places added stress on the heart that can lead to cardiovascular problems.

Get Tested Today

Hopefully, this guide has clarified some of the common body composition terminology. This is a basic overview designed to provide essential information about body composition and how it applies. A general understanding can help in making healthy lifestyle choices, like deciding to lose weight or dietary adjustments.


Body Health


 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.� European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4

Borga, Magnus et al. �Advanced body composition assessment: from body mass index to body composition profiling.��Journal of investigative medicine: the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research�vol. 66,5 (2018): 1-9. doi:10.1136/jim-2018-000722

Golden Nutritional Recommendations and Suggestions

Golden Nutritional Recommendations and Suggestions

Making small adjustments to achieve a healthy lifestyle is not as difficult/complex as some may think. Here are some golden nutritional recommendations for longevity, and a healthy lifestyle. Understanding these golden suggestions is a first step towards developing and maintaining sustainable changes. Our health coach and nutritionist can develop an optimal customized nutritional program that is focused on teaching individuals how to promote lifelong transformations and become more connected with mind and body.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Golden Nutritional Recommendations and Suggestions
 

Vitamins

Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables at least six+ portions every day to ensure the body absorbs essential micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. A golden recommendation is to count the fruit and vegetable colors instead of calories. Eating the food rainbow is an ideal way to get a variety of vitamins.  

Red foods

These foods contain phytochemicals and help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. These include:
  • Tomatoes
  • Red peppers
  • Red onions
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Watermelon

Orange and yellow foods

These are packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C to promote healthy skin and vision.
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Lemons
Are all ways to obtain orange and yellow nutrients.

Green foods

These are high in Vitamin K, antioxidants, and folates highly beneficial to bone health. These include:
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Kiwi
  • Green grapes
  • Brussels sprouts

Blue and purple foods

These contain antioxidants that help with heart disease and protect the body’s cells. Included are:
  • Eggplant
  • Blueberries
  • Plums
  • Purple cabbage
  • Beetroots

White and yellow foods

These have anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system. White foods include:
  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic
  • Hominy
  • Shallots
  • Parsnips
  • White beans

Organic coffee

This type of coffee is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Golden Nutritional Recommendations and Suggestions
 

Cut Back On Refined Sugar and Flour

Added sugars and refined flour have none of the essential fiber and micronutrients the body needs to feel full. Whole grains are fiber-rich. This helps increase feeling full and satisfied, which helps block sugar cravings. Go for whole wheat flour instead of refined flour. Limit sugar intake by using the natural sweetness of fruits. Add fruits to meals to increase the sweetness if necessary.  

Plenty of Water

Drinking half of an individual’s body weight is essential each day. 10-12 ounces of water before a meal will help increase full satisfaction and make an individual more aware of the body�s hunger cues. Golden suggestion, use a reusable water bottle can help keep track of water intake throughout the day.  

12/12 Meal Schedule

Schedule the three main meals within a 12-hour window to avoid snacking throughout the day. The body needs to rest, digest, and reset between meals and overnight.  

Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Sleeping

The body’s metabolism starts to slow down around 7-8 p.m. Research shows this timeframe falls in line when the body starts to tire and wind down. Allow the body to rejuvenate cells instead of wasting energy on digesting calories that don’t get burned for energy while sleeping.  

Daily Physical Activity

Daily exercise contributes to overall health and longevity. Regular exercise can help in the treatment of chronic illnesses and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Every day try to complete 50-60 minutes of low-impact physical activity, and 15-20 minutes of moderate-high intensity cardio. Each week make two of the 20-minute workouts to strength training.  

After Workout Snacks

Recovery snacks 15-minutes after a workout will help keep cravings down. These include a healthy carbohydrate, lean protein, and healthy fat. 1-2 hours after a workout have the next balanced meal.  

No Devices With Meals

Electronic devices distract from the body’s natural hunger cues. Screens should be put away during meals to pay attention to the food and proper consumption. Watching TV or scrolling through social media has been shown to increase calorie intake.  

Plenty of Sleep

Sleep deprivation alters the body’s hormones that control/regulate hunger cues. When the body loses sleep, the body begins to crave more food more often. Even after the body has had the necessary nutrients. A golden recommendation is to develop a relaxing nighttime routine that will enhance the length and quality of sleep. The goal is for 8-10 hours of sleep a night.  

Stress Reduction

Incorporate stress-reducing activities into a regular routine. Constant stress on the body can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Activities help take the mind off thoughts, memories, and events that cause stress and worry. These include:

Healthy Body Composition


 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*  
References
Braude L, Stevenson RJ. Watching television while eating increases energy intake. Examining the mechanisms in female participants. Appetite. 2014;76:9-16. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.01.005 Dimsdale JE. Psychological stress and cardiovascular disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(13):1237-1246. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2007.12.024 Eckel-Mahan K, Sassone-Corsi P. Metabolism, and the circadian clock converge. Physiol Rev. 2013;93(1):107-135. doi:10.1152/physrev.00016.2012 Vina J, Sanchis-Gomar F, Martinez-Bello V, Gomez-Cabrera MC. Exercise acts as a drug; the pharmacological benefits of exercise. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;167(1):1-12. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01970.x