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.
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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.
Chiropractic can help Chronic Chest Pain
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, (JMPT), published a cases study of a 49 year old man who suffered from chest pain. The patient, a music composer, was exercising on a treadmill during part of his regular physical workout routine when he developed a dull and achy chest pain with some difficulty breathing. The patient did not seek immediate help for the condition, thinking that it would resolve on its own.
Over the next two weeks the pain increased and the patient sought medical care. A visit to his internist revealed the patient’s blood pressure to be 140/97. He was diagnosed with muscular chest pain, secondary to tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and hypertension (elevated blood pressure). Treatment was a prescription of a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers. The patient felt that his beta-blockers made him extremely drowsy, and the anti-inflammatory drugs did not relieve his chest pain.
In spite of the medication, most all of the man’s problems seemed to worsen. After extensive testing, all findings were deemed normal, and the internist declared that the patient’s heart and lungs were healthy. Over time, the patient’s symptoms had progressively worsened to the point that the chest pain radiated sharply into his upper back as well. The pain was so severe that he was unable to sleep at night or perform simple activities of daily living without increasing his pain. Anxiety over the severity of his condition also began to affect the patient’s emotional well-being, and got to the point of precluding the patient’s active employment and most physical activity.
Finally the debilitated man sought chiropractic care. His chiropractic examination showed an increase in many reflexes and the conclusion was that the man had subluxations. Chiropractic care was initiated at the time. After only one session, the man immediately rose to a standing position after the chiropractic adjustment, he then took a deep breath and exclaimed that he could breathe much easier.
The patient was placed on a program of sustaining chiropractic care, initiated 3 times per week. The study showed that the patient responded favorably to chiropractic, obtaining prompt relief form his symptoms. Sustained chiropractic care rendered over a 14-week period resulted in complete resolution of the patient’s previously chronic condition, with recovery maintained at 9-month follow up.
Cancer Patients Quality of Life Improved with Chiropractic
An article published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics follows two case studies of patients with various types of serious cancer. The article follows the chiropractic care and it’s effect on these patients pain and quality of life.
The first patient was a 57-year-old man with serious terminal pancreatic cancer. This patient received chiropractic care during the later stages of the disease. In the remaining time the patient had before succumbing to the disease it was documented that the patient had significantly less pain and was able to reduce his medications. The journal article summed up this case by stating, “In this case chiropractic care was able to provide significant pain relief, reduce the amount of pain medication being taken (as well as the potential side effects), and temporarily improve the quality of life for a patient with terminal cancer.”
The second patient was a 54-year-old man recovering from surgery for lung cancer. This patient was continually suffering form upper back pain and had gotten no relief for over one year. At that point the patient began chiropractic care. In this case the patient received immediate relief and was able to discontinue all pain medication after two chiropractic visits.
The principles of chiropractic make it plain that the focus of chiropractic care is not to directly treat the patient’s pain but rather to assist the body and allow the body’s own healing abilities to work at that person’s maximum potential. These case studies show that ability and the effect on people suffering with serious conditions. The Journal article states it best when it said, “These clinical examples offer 2 specific instances of how chiropractic may improve the quality of a cancer patient’s life.”
Commit to Your Health in this New Year.
Patients and Friends: From now until the 31st, we would like for you to come in and invite your friends to come in for a Complimentary Chiropractic Exam. This includes examinations of the spine, posture, muscles, joints, nerves and even spinal x-rays if they are needed. This is a total of up to $198 of services we will provide at no charge to your family and friends. We are sure you know two people who would appreciate the opportunity to take this step towards better health. In fact, it could be the most important gift anyone has ever given them. Come in to see us at Harbor Family Chiropractic and bring a friend. We want to see you have a well adjusted 2010. Call 949-515-5170 for an appointment.
Can you tell the holiday food myths from facts?
1. Nothing good can come from eating that slice of pie.
False. A slice of pumpkin pie can give you half your daily requirement of vitamin A, as well as 3 to 5 grams of fiber, which can lower cholesterol, blood pressure and even your risk of diabetes. Sure, a slice of pecan pie is full of fat, but it’s heart-healthy unsaturated fat. The pecan pie also has 3 grams of fiber, and 20 percent of your daily requirement of selenium, a mineral that’s been shown to lower the risk of lung, colon and prostate cancer.
2. Stuffing can be part of a healthy holiday meal.
True. Stuffing is rich in antioxidants, especially if you make it with dark breads such as wheat or pumpernickel. Throw in some oysters, and you’ll be getting your daily allowances of B-12 and zinc, and most of your daily iron requirement, too.
3. You can get something healthy out of those scrumptious potatoes.
True. Even when drowning in marshmallows and sugary sauce, a medium-sized sweet potato can give you three times your daily requirement of vitamin A and almost half your daily requirement of vitamin C, as well as that all-important fiber. Mashed potatoes are also full of fiber, and the milk or cream used to make them so creamy and dreamy will give your calcium requirements a real boost.
4. Giving in to all that tempting food will destroy your diet.
False. You can indulge – but in moderation. Don’t deny yourself a small taste of your favorite holiday foods, and you’ll keep yourself from feeling deprived, thus preventing a binge later when your hunger and frustration catch up with you.