Although protein is a main source of our body’s fuel and energy, not every protein-rich food is beneficial to our health. Protein is most commonly thought of as meat, however this important nutrient comes in many different forms. Not only is it an essential nutrient, it is one of the critical building blocks for cells and tissues throughout our body. Studies show that most women need only about 50 grams of protein per day, whereas men need around 60 to 70 grams (between two and three servings). Most people overeat protein and end up consuming more than 120 grams of protein per day, which is almost twice what we need! It is important to consider the saturated fat and cholesterol content in the protein you are consuming or else you can exceed your daily fat allowance with just a few bites. Skinless chicken breasts are a great choice when considering meats, but most red meats contain cholesterol and too much saturated fat. The healthiest sources of protein include beans, nuts, fish, and low-fat dairy products. Eggs are also a great way to obtain protein, however the yolk contains fat and cholesterol so it is wise to consume the egg white. Protein-rich foods are an imperative part of our healthy diet, so it is important to go for choices that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat but that give our body the protein it needs to function properly.
Chiropractic Care Costa Mesa
Laughing Your Way Back to Better Health
“Seven days without laughter makes one weak.” -Mort Walker
Why is it that we all think we need to be serious in order to achieve all of our goals each day? Who says we can’t be productive and crack a joke here and there? If we all knew how beneficial laughing is for our health, everyone we see encounter in our day would be consumed by an uncontrollable laugh attack. According to Dr. William Fry, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Stanford University who has studied the effects of laughter for 30 years, laughter increases your heart rate and improves blood circulation while working muscles all over the body. He even compares laughter to “inner jogging” and claims that laughing 100 times a day is the equivalent of ten minutes of rowing. The author of Humor: Its Origin and Development suggests that humor can create a more relaxed atmosphere, encourage communication on sensitive matters, be a source of insight into conflict, help overcome a stiff and formal social style, and facilitate the acting out of feelings or impulses in a safe, non-threatening way. Laughter is also known for increasing endorphins which is the body’s natural painkiller and protector against depression. Clinical studies have shown that laughter decreases serum cortisol levels, increases T lymphocytes and increases the number of natural killer cells, therefore decreasing stress hormones and stimulating the immune system. Put simply, laughing can only lift your spirits and boost your health. Let’s try and view laughter from Milton Berle’s perspective and that is that “Laughter is an instant vacation.”
Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Today women have become increasingly concerned about their health during pregnancy. Eating healthy foods as well as avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes are to be congratulated. Today’s’ mothers are more aware of how prenatal care effects fetal health. Chiropractic care is an integral part of prenatal care.
During pregnancy a women’s body releases many hormones. One of these is Relaxin which purposely reduces ligament tension. This has the effect of “relaxing” or loosening the ligaments and allowing more movement of the structures to which they are connected. This is necessary because of the many postural changes that occur during pregnancy.
A women’s center of gravity changes due to the increase in weight and the size and position of the fetus. Not only do the ligaments of the spine become relaxed, but so do the ligaments of the pelvis to allow for stretching during delivery. The curve in the lower back increases during pregnancy and may cause back and leg pain.
All of these changes make the spine more flexible and therefore less stable. This can be compounded by an already unstable spine. Since all nervous system control flows through the spine, chiropractic care is a necessity in maintaining proper control of body functions thru spinal health. Many symptoms such as back pain, leg pain and morning sickness can be helped with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care will help to normalize the functions of the nervous system and improve overall health. Optimal functioning of the mother’s body directly influences the proper development of the fetus.
Chiropractic features many different techniques. Modifications to chiropractic techniques and equipment during different the stages of pregnancy make adjustments for pregnant women gentle and comfortable. Many women report that deliveries were shorter and more comfortable than those before chiropractic care. A properly functioning nervous system is an integral part of total health during pregnancy to reduce stress on the spine and pelvis as well as producing healthier infants.
Symptoms vs. Disease
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? When are you sick? Was it when you got the sniffles or started sneezing? What was the cause? Was it a virus, bacteria, or lack of some vitamin?
Disease is nothing more than an outside invasion by some type of contaminant or invader. It can be a virus, bacteria, pollen or chemicals. You’ve seen all those Hollywood movies about alien invasions. There are always two things that affect the outcome. The balance between these two determine which eventually presents itself. It’s the strength of the invaders against the strength, weapons and determination of the defenders. Of course in the movies we always win! The battle for health in the human is not a Hollywood blockbuster, however, and the invaders often succeed in their invasion and take over, enforcing their will. In the human body the result is disease.
The defender of the human body against disease is the immune system. The invaders come from chemicals and substances in our environment both natural (like pollen) and unnatural (like asbestos) , as well as, bacteria and viruses. Since most these substances are always present and normally existing in our environment, they cannot be the cause of disease. If they were we would all be sick on a never ending basis. The cause of disease must then be the other component. The defender of the human body……….the immune system.
When the immune system is not functioning properly the body’s defenses can be overwhelmed and this leads to disease. So the first stage of disease is the dysfunction of the immune system. This makes the body susceptible to disease. It’s not the virus that makes you sick. You’re first sick and then you get the virus.
The improper functioning of the immune system is what allows disease to overwhelm the body and its’ defenses. Subluxations of the spinal vertebrae disrupt the flow of impulses that travel along nerves. This decreases the ability of the immune system to function properly. Subsequently, the bacteria and viruses can overcome the weakened defenses of the body. To compound this problem many people will further weaken the body’s defenses by taking unnecessary medications.
Let’s take the example of a common cold. The way it usually works is:
1. You begin getting symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or runny nose
2. You take aspirin or some cold medication
3. You eventually get better
A lot of the problem is with the perception of sickness. Symptoms like sneezing, coughing and nausea are actually the ways in which the body removes toxins. When you take a medication to stop the symptoms you are actually helping the invader stay in your body and multiply. The body knows the exact amount to raise the body temperature to kill off bacteria and viruses. This is what happens when you get a fever.
When you take something to lower the fever you are actually prolonging the sickness. Now your body has to fight the invader and the medication. Like soldiers your immune system learns from each battle and remembers. Next time it will be able to respond faster and stronger. By taking medication, the body doesn’t get the “experience” of fighting the disease. This weakens it’s response to the disease and to any following bouts.
Our bodies have an intelligence contained within them. The many systems of the body have been sharpened thru thousands and thousands of years of experience dealing with different foreign substances. Are you smarter than that? Do you have the knowledge to know what is best for the body after centuries of development? Think about it the next time you sneeze; are you sick or just functioning properly. Be glad that your body has the wisdom to expel that invader.
What is a sublaxation?
The term subluxation refers to a change in the position and/or motion of the spine and/or joints of the body, meaning that the spine or joints do not move in the normal way. When the spine is subluxated, the nerves in that area may behave abnormally. Nerves that send signals to the brain for muscle movement and pain sensation can be affected, changing what your brain perceives about the body and altering signals that the brain sends back. On the other hand, nerves that send signals to organs and tissues may be affected, with effects on those organs and tissues. The intent of a spinal adjustment is to restore normal motion, function and nerve impulse flow. Lets look at how subluxation leads to the four phases of spinal degeneration.
Vertebrae are smooth and healthy with no subluxations present. This allows equal spacing of the discs and proper curvature of the spine. The openings allow the nerves to flow without interference.
Subluxations and spinal degeneration usually begin with a vertebrae out of alignment. When a vertebrae is subluxated it can’t move properly and causes undue stress to the surrounding discs and nerves. Some subluxations are minor and may not show up until years later.
Untreated subluxations can cause calcium deposits and bone spurs. The surfaces of the subluxated vertebrae become rough and uneven and can cause the discs to compress, lose fluid and lose their cushion. The nerves also become irritated and problems can become chronic.
The degenerative process accelerates and causes a loss of bone mass. The discs start to collapse, the fusion process begins. Symptoms and health problems may become more severe.
This is the final Stage of degeneration. Bones are fused together becoming permanently subluxated and joints are immobilized. Nerve damage and soft tissue damage become increasingly more severe.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Preventive health care involves many factors — proper nutrition, sufficient rest, regular exercise, a positive mental attitude, good posture and more. One key ingredient is a healthy neuromuscular structure. Your spine plays an especially critical role. The spinal column houses the spinal cord, and from it nerves go out to all parts of the body. Chiropractic addresses itself to all the health care factors but gives special emphasis to care of the spine and the nervous system.