Supplements 101

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

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Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

What are Botanicals?

• Records of humanity using botanical extracts therapeutically date back to the beginning of first recorded history.
• Today, botanical medicine serves as an inspiration for pharmaceutical inventions and continues via modern research.
• Botanical medicine is essential in integrative medicine and normally elicits fewer and less significant adverse side effects than pharmaceutical interventions.
• Growing research shows that when used correctly, botanical extracts are more effective than pharmaceutical equivalents, and more cost-effective as well.

Botanical Work?

• Given their capacity to interact with virtually every system and tissue in the body, there are thousands of therapeutic uses.
• There is a great deal of literature on traditional botanical medicine, however, there is a very little amount of modern research relative to modern medicine.
• As a result, it becomes somewhat challenging to compare botanicals with pharmaceuticals regarding
  clinical outcomes.

Botanical Ingredient Examples

Botanical medicine provides very helpful effective therapeutics and allows everyone, from professional practitioners to common laypeople apply these treatments.

Common examples:

• Garlic (Allium sativum) – immune function, cardiovascular function
• Berberine – lowering blood sugar, decreasing triglycerides, antimicrobial
• Reishi – immune function, potential anti-cancer properties

 

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Diet vs. Lifestyle Change

Bottom line, diets are temporary. There are some serious consequences that can come from dieting, especially fad or crash diets. The effects of these types of diets can also seriously impact your chiropractic care, hindering your progress.

Also, because diets are temporary, once you return to your regular eating habits the weight usually comes back.

A lifestyle change is a far better choice. It involves making smart, healthy eating choices – choices that you maintain for the rest of your life. This also impacts your chiropractic care by strengthening your body and keeping it healthy so that it is in an optimal state for healing and responds well to treatment.

Types Of Diets

There are all sorts of diets out there. Some are blatantly unhealthy but others are sneaky. They come with claims of being healthy, of being created or endorsed by doctors, or include tons of vitamin supplements but very limited food intake. It is important to be able to spot these destructive fad diets so you don’t get suckered into their hype.

Some of the most common types of fad diets include high protein, low or no-carb, liquid, cabbage, grapefruit, broth or juice, and food combining. Some of these can cause serious health problems including vital organ damage. Others can cause vitamin deficiencies and dehydration. None of them can (or should) be maintained over a long period of time, much less the rest of your life.

Healthy Eating Is A Lifestyle

When you make the life-changing commitment to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle you open yourself up to a world of better health, more energy, and better focus. Your body will heal faster and you will feel better.

A diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, and whole grains, along with lots of water should become a way of life. It is far healthier than the temporary diets that are out there and more effective too.

If you or a loved one need additional dietary guidance, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

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*CORRECT FOOT PRONATION* 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. The following video describes the 5 red flags of excessive foot pronation, which can ultimately affect a person’s overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help diagnose and treat excessive foot pronation. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for excessive foot pronation health issues.

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What’s Afoot

The feet are complex structures which function to provide protection and support to the body in relation to the spine and head posture. The feet are essential towards balancing the body’s entire weight, allowing it to walk, run, stand, and, jump. Consequently, foot complications may cause severe issues throughout the spine, hips, knees, and ankles if left untreated. Chiropractic care can be effective for treating injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains, among others. Foot health is essential towards establishing the body’s proper support and balance, together with a proper spinal posture. In the presence of foot complications, chiropractic treatment can be used to achieve long-lasting health.

 

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NCBI Resources

While most of us know that proper nutrition is vital in assisting us to reach our optimum health and feel our best; finding time to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis seems a formidable job in this fast-paced, affluent society. Though your life may be frantic, there are still many good tasting, healthful alternatives which can assist you to lose weight and enhance your health.