San Leandro Chiropractor

Correcting Hormone Imbalance with Chiropractic Care

June 25, 2014 by drburt

Correcting Hormone Imbalance with Chiropractic Care

Many people view chiropractic care as an obscure, ineffective branch of medicine. Even those who are supporters of the practice think chiropractors are just “back doctors.” Unfortunately, both of these perceptions are inaccurate.

The Chiropractic Mindset

Proponents of chiropractic care believe our overall health is dependent on proper spinal and nervous system health. When these vital elements of the body are out of balance, the rest of the systems suffer the consequences. Our bodies crave a state of homeostasis and balance. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to create this ideal situation. By attending to the spine and nervous system health, chiropractors can influence positive change in other areas of the body. Therefore, these holistic healers offer numerous benefits—many we didn’t even know possible. One of the many benefits of alternative medicine is correcting hormone imbalances.

Understanding Hormones

Hormones are essential chemicals that regulate and facilitate many of the body’s most necessary functions. They serve as messengers, traveling through the bloodstream from one tissue to another. The most talked about hormones are estrogen and testosterone. Most people are familiar with the way estrogen wreaks havoc in the lives of menopausal women and how low testosterone affects the sex life of men. However, these two hormones only scratch the surface of what the body is capable of producing and regulating. There are hundreds of hormones flowing through the body at any given moment.

Hormones are responsible for various functions of the body, such as:

Growth
Circadian rhythm management (like sleep/wake patterns, appetite, etc.)
Moods and emotions
Healthy immunity
Metabolism regulation
Puberty, menopause, and andropause
Reproductive health
Sexual arousal

Hormone levels are in a constant state of flux. However, there are definite “high” and “low” thresholds and a span that is considered normal. When hormones become imbalance, patients can expect to experience things like:

Excessive mood swings
Unexpected weight loss or weight gain
Depression
Disturbances in sleep patterns
Decrease libido
Unexplained hair loss or growth

Since none of these situations are desirable, it is important to keep hormone levels in check.

Chiropractic Care to Balance Hormones

Many people find it surprising to learn chiropractors can help regulate hormones. Because of the widespread appeal of commercial products for hormone replacement therapy, many people are unaware of the natural healing techniques. Fortunately, chiropractors offer drug-free, non-surgical hormone restoration techniques. Usually, these alternative methods involve spinal subluxation, exercise and a healthy diet.

Spinal Subluxation

When the spine is misaligned, it puts pressure on the nearby nerves. This pressure hinders the nerves’ ability to communicate with the rest of the body. When this happens, the brain doesn’t receive the messages it needs to in order to regulate the body (it can also receive inaccurate messages). When the brain is receiving poor information from the rest of the body, it won’t properly communicate with the endocrine system—which is responsible for hormone regulation. Once the spinal alignment has been restored, the nervous system will begin functioning properly again.

Exercise

Many hormone imbalances are caused by weight management issues. For example, there is a direct correlation between obesity and low testosterone. There is also a correlation between decreased muscle mass and low testosterone. For these reasons, it is essential to incorporate exercise into an all-natural hormone management system. Fortunately, there are many exercises that boost testosterone naturally. In addition to exercise, there are other lifestyle changes that can naturally increase testosterone and other hormones.

Nutrition

A healthy diet is also a key element in overall health. Since an alarming portion of the population is deficient in one or more nutrients, it is no surprise our health suffers. Therefore, proper nutrition should always be included in any alternative healing technique.

Balancing Your Hormones

If you suspect a hormone imbalance, talk with your chiropractor. The doctor can conduct a simple test to evaluate your hormone levels. Once hormones have been deemed inadequate, the chiropractor will work with you to bring a natural balance to your body.

6 Vitamins and Minerals to Enhance Chiropractic Care

June 23, 2014 by drburt

Routine visits to the chiropractor help you feel and live better. Mainly that’s because chiropractors focus on two main groups in your body: the skeletal and the nervous system. These systems impact your daily life in more ways than you can imagine.If you’ve had regular visits to your chiropractor for some time now, but you want to do your part in order to keep on top of your health and well-being, then there’s some good news! These six vitamins and minerals will enhance the skeletal and nervous systems so the work of your chiropractor is even more effective.

Vitamins for Your Nervous System

Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and every nerve ending throughout your body, so it’s obviously incredibly important for you to live your best. This system dictates heartbeat, movement, memory, cognitive functions, and breathing. In order to keep all of these functions in tip-top condition, be sure to get plenty of the following vitamins and minerals.

1. Potassium.

Never underestimate the importance of Potassium for your body’s nervous system. Since this mineral regulates nerve impulses it is essential for your nervous system’s maintenance. More specifically, Potassium manages the electrochemical impulses which the nerve cells use to signal throughout the rest of the cell. As a result Potassium directly contributes to the regulation of nerve control which can also prevent uncontrolled nerve signaling. This sort of uncontrolled nerve response can lead to diseases like epilepsy. In order to keep your Potassium levels adequate, consider eating foods like bananas, prune juice, and oranges in order to supplement as needed.

2. Vitamin B12.

This essential vitamin helps regulate your body’s metabolism by breaking complex carbs into glucose which can then fuel your brain. B12 also helps to regulate myelin, an insulator that allows nerve transmission. A deficiency in B12 can cause a breakdown of this insulator which in turn can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Deficiencies are actually quite common. Most people need B12 shots to get their nutrient levels back to normal. Talk to your doctor; see if you need to purchase B12 shots or if you can get by with just eating lots of shellfish, poultry, beef, and eggs.

3. Calcium.

The function of this mineral is to help cells signal an action potential, or cellular response, as well as to help cells return to their resting state after the signal has been passed. Calcium also helps the nervous system develop by guiding the migration of nerve cells. Keeping your Calcium levels high is important, so be sure to eat dairy products, beans, and even kale to get what your body needs. For an added bonus, Calcium also contributes to strong and healthy bones.

Nutrients for Your Skeletal System

It’s important to keep your bones as strong as possible to avoid risks like osteoporosis that may affect you later in your life. Maintaining a healthy bone structure can be even easier by supplementing a visit to the chiropractor with essential nutrients.

4. Vitamin D.

By promoting Calcium absorption, bone maintenance, and bone growth, Vitamin D is essential to your skeletal structure. Of course, it’s a multifaceted vitamin and has been linked with functioning as a modulator for the development of your brain as well as stimulating the growth and survival of neurons. With this doubled-effectiveness for both your nervous and skeletal systems, you’ll want to make sure to eat enough fatty fish like salmon as well as food fortified with this essential nutrient.

5. Phosphorous. The important thing to remember about Phosphorous is that its levels in your body need to be balanced for it to most effectively support your skeletal structure. If you consume too much of this nutrient, your body may have difficulty absorbing Calcium– which can lead to a decrease in your bone density. The appropriate amount of Phosphorous to consume on a daily basis is just over 1,000 milligrams, so look for it in foods like milk, protein-rich foods, grains, and soda.

6. Vitamin K. Similar to vitamin D, vitamin K helps balance your Calcium levels. Additionally, vitamin K can benefit people with osteoporosis as well as reduce their risk of fractures while overall strengthening their bones. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli have this vitamin in abundance, so be sure to eat appropriate amounts in order to balance your body’s vitamin levels. By keeping your body supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, you can do your part to help keep your body on a healthy track even when you’re not visiting your chiropractor. Taking the few extra steps to ensure that you’re in your best health can make all the difference down the road.

Jessica A. is a proponent of complementary and alternative medicine. She believes a lot can be accomplished with the diet. She also endorses techniques like chiropractic care, acupuncture and meditation.

4 Essential Super Foods For Your Health

June 11, 2014 by drburt

4 Essential Super Foods For Your Health

It is a fact. You are what you eat. Which is why there might be some days you feel like a cream filled sponge cake than the beefed up lean body that you have always aspired to reach. But this fact is something that you are already aware of, which is why like most of us, you too are constantly trying to start anew, refresh your act and begin on a healthy diet.

Unfortunately, doing that is just not enough. Because even if you think you are eating healthy by chomping on fresh apples, salads with iceberg lettuce, bananas etc., the fact is that you are not eating smart. If your main goal is to build a rock hard body with ripped abs, thunderous arms and a razor sharp brain you will need to make the most of every morsel that you put in your mouth and make it count. This means, creating a diet from scratch, based on the most nutrient dense, muscle growing, disease fighting and potent foods available at hand.

But the question arises, where does one begin? How does one recognise which foods bring out the absolute best in you? Here are the top most important foods that every person must include for enhanced fitness and top health.

Turkey breast.

Skinless turkey breast can be consumed three times a week that will be helpful in providing your body with more than 8 grams of muscle building protein in every ounce. Each portion or serving of skinless turkey breast provides approximately 71 calories. In addition, turkey meat is high in zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and amino acids while practically containing nil saturated fats. Considered to be one of the most versatile cuts of meat available for consumption, turkey meat can be easily consumed more than thrice a week without having to eat the same kind of preparation twice.

Quinoa.

The newest super food around the block, quinoa is an exotic whole-grain that is considered to be the staple food of the natives in the Andes mountains. Quinoa can be had three times per week as it offers 315 calories per half cup, thus making it an ideal meal filled with flavour and light on the palate. Some of its strong points include high protein content than any other whole-grain around, heart healthy unsaturated fats, high amount of fibre and vitamins B.

Extra virgin olive oil.

One tablespoon of olive oil contains 115 calories and approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil can be safely consumed every day. Extremely rich in monounsaturated fat, olive oil makes for an ideal food for good heart health. According to research, substituting two tablespoons of butter or lard with olive oil help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disorders among participants. Based on a study conducted by the ‘Nature’ journal, olive oil possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics, which is useful in reducing swelling and pain. Olive oil can not only be used in cooking food but also used as a dressing for salads, and some fitness experts swear of its fitness properties by mixing one tablespoon of olive oil in their daily protein shakes.

Eggs.

Eggs are not only cheap and abundant but are the gold standard among fitness and athletes in providing all kinds of right nutrients for the growth of muscle. Eating between 4 to 7 eggs per week is perfectly good, as one large egg contains approximately 72 calories while providing a power packed 4 grams of pure muscle building amino acids, choline and protein.

Carol is a food diet expert, writes matters related to healthy food and diet. She is currently associated with US Premium Garcinia Cambogia, that aids people lose weight.

Chiropractor Should be a Health Role Model to Patients

June 1, 2014 by drburt

san leandro chiropractic — Above the Clouds of Golden Gate Bridge

Chiropractor Should be a Health Role Model to Patients

It is not a secret that quality chiropractic adjustment requires physical strength and precision. Musculoskeletal system of a chiropractor is constantly in semi bend positions in order to deliver a proper cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine adjustment. Just like a car we “chiropractors” are going through wear and tear in our body and do require tune up on regular bases in order to function to its full potential. A well maintain chiropractor is a perfect example of health for patients. In the next few paragraphs I will try to explain how I take care of myself at the office and outside of the office.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday are my working days. Get up at 6.00 am and start my morning with Organic Green tea in order to wake my system up. Taking supplements and minerals with my tea is a habit that I have developed over the years. If I forget to take my supplements for some reason there is always a back up package at my office. Stretching and push ups are only taking 15-20 minutes and is another great way to wake up a system and keep your core activated. Making breakfast for everyone is a family tradition. Dropping our son at school at 9am and start work at the office at 9.15am.

We are seeing patients from 9.30am-1.30pm and then from 3.00pm-7.00pm. I do not have typical lunch hours. Instead of going to a restaurant to eat I go to a local GYM and swim 1km a.k.a 0.6 miles. Occasionally I do 1 mile swim when morning patient flow ends at 1pm. My lunch hour is usually done at the office with already prepared healthy meal that I bring from home. Swimming helps me to keep my mind clear and focused. It is the only exercise that activates every single muscle in a human body. But the most important thing it helps me to keep my endurance fitness up to date which is super important for my Mountain Biking rides which ranges from 20-30 miles without any breaks. I call them express rides.

On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I ride my bike. Tuesday and Thursday is usually 20 miles ride and Saturday is 30 miles ride (that one is painful) Riding bike in a nature is an awesome and magical experience. Besides great benefits for your central nervous system which is being activated from balancing a bike to a precision steering on a single track, it is also a great cardiovascular exercise. When I Ride a bike I always try to push my endurance level to a next level. Strava is an application that records my rides via Garmin GPS and it shows me things such as maximum heart rate, speed, elevation gain, calories burned and much more. Every year I participate in endurance mountain bike races, which ranges from 30 miles and all the way to 50 miles. I race them solo on my single speed 29er. Couple of years ago I have tried Tahoe Sierra 100 which is one of the most difficult races in Northern America. I thought I was ready for that but that was not the case.

Every Friday I get a full spine adjustment from my Chiropractic School Classmate. One Friday he drives to my clinic and next week on Friday I drive to his clinic. Every chiropractor must get what he or she preaches. Chiropractic Adjustment keeps my vertebral joints aligned and helps to function my nervous system at its fullest potential. A well adjusted spine helps me to get better results with my physical activities such swimming and biking. At this point I am 41 years old but deep inside I still feel like I am 20 years old.

“Stay Active, Eat Well, Rest and Get Your Spine Adjusted” – Eduard Burt, D.C.