Chiropractic is not a quick fix, it is a lifestyle.  Although Chiropractic can be used and is very effective for acute pain relief, however it is so much more than that! Chiropractic views the patient as a whole, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. This is referred to as systemic reasoning, and is the foundation of Chiropractic philosophy.

Receiving Chiropractic treatment, as well as eating healthy, exercising regularly and living a balanced life contributes to your health and well-being.

Chiropractic’s founder DD Palmer believed that problems in the body arise from 3 sources. They are the 3 T’s of disease

• Thoughts
• Traumas
• Toxins

If order to feel better, you must think better. You must take control of your own life. Having the right mindset up your body in a state that promotes healing, but this is only half the battle.  You must continue this state of healing by staying active, having a positive attitude and eating right.

Chiropractors are generally personable people, and are hands on. This is what separates us from other Health Professionals. We do more than adjust, we are here to listen and give lifestyle advice to make you feel the best you possibly can!

In addition to receiving Chiropractic treatment, here are some of the ways you can take control of your health:

• Exercise regularly- It is recommended at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes of moderate activity.
  • Exercise also releases endorphins and enkephalins. Chemicals which make you feel euphoric and reduce pain.
  • Exercise can also help reduces stress levels by reducing the stress hormone Cortisol.
• Live a balanced life
  • It is very important to separate work and personal life.  Your Chiropractor is there to listen and give advice in how to do so.
  • It is also important to have a way to release stress.  Yes, I mentioned exercise is good, but do something you love to do.  I like to hit golf balls, but I also love to read, write, draw and play music.
  • Make time for yourself. It is also important to separate family life and yourself. Take a night every week or two and do something you love to do.
  • Meditate often. Follow a guided meditation video, or do deep breathing exercises, which promote balance between your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Eat right- Dieting is not eating right. Diets are a temporary restriction in calories and eating foods which you might not like. This is not sustainable.
  • Eating right means making better choices. Avoid anything fried, breads or processed. Instead choose a salad for lunch if you go out, or eat a burger or sandwich without the bread. Better yet bring something from home like cottage cheese and fruit or vegetables for a snack.
  • At home use smaller plates, that way you limit your portions. Also take your time and chew your food so that you will feel fuller faster and stop eating once you start to feel full.
  • Eating out once in a while is okay also. Make healthier choices instead of fast food every day.
  • Make sure to eat the right amount of vegetables and fruits. Fruit is the morning is great and taking some vegetables like carrots and celery for a snack in the afternoon.
  • Limit grains because they are pro-inflammatory. And if you do, take a little more fish oil or have fresh fish for dinner to balance out your omega 3:6 ratio.
• Taking the right supplements. A whole food multivitamin is a good start especially if you are are not getting enough nutrients through your diet.
  • The daily vitamins I take and recommend to everyone are:
    • Vitamin D. Find a Physician who understands proper levels and dosing.
    • Omega 3- in the form of EPA and DHA and not ALA like flax based omega 3’s. In addition to fish oil, try to eat seafood 2-3 times per week, which is lower in mercury.
    • Magnesium is one of the most important minerals involved in 300 biochemical reactions. Many people are deficient in magnesium.
    • Probiotics with a variety of strains to promote normal flora of the intestines. Cycle and rotate probiotics and also include prebiotics including lots of fiber and fermented foods.
    • B-complex. B vitamins are very important co-factors to many enzymes and making energy (ATP) in your body.
    • Also a good anti-oxidant can be beneficial. However in the case of anti-oxidants, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Anti-oxidants in excess can become pro-oxidants. And, you need the the free radical oxygen to accept electrons in order to make energy for your body. Anyways, blueberries are very good sources of anti-oxidants. Also, some examples include:
      • Co-Q 10. If you are over the age of 30 you want Co-Q 10 in the form of ubiquinol.
      • Quercetin
      • Alpha Lipoic acid
      • NAC, which is the precursor to Glutathione. Also, you can regenerate glutathione in your body by increasing selenium.
      • Vitamin C
      • Vitamin E
      • Turmeric. Curcumin is the compound in the turmeric root, which is the main spice in curry foods. Turmeric is very anti-inflammatory.

I use FullScript for supplements for myself and for my patients. Email or message me for a consultation and recommendations for dosages.