The Un-diet Diet

It’s been more than half a year–how’s your New Year’s Resolution coming along? You know, the one about losing weight and getting back into shape. The problem with most diets is they’re…diets. They’re followed for a relatively short period of time with the intent of “getting back” to the pre-diet way of eating.

Here’s a nutritional plan so simple (and obvious) it will likely be rejected out of hand:

1. Avoid manmade – That means avoiding genetically modified foods and those altered with manmade chemicals.

2. Spoil quickly – Choose foods that have a relatively short shelf life.

3. Reject white – White foods, whether refined sugar or bleached flour, are processed in ways that destroy their nutritional integrity.

4. Supplement as necessary – These days, even organic foods may be lacking some of the nutritional value that they used to have. On your next visit, ask what we would recommend.

Why Spinal Problems Often Return

Chiropractic skeptics often pooh-pooh the idea of periodic chiropractic checkups after symptoms subside with the classic “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” line. This justification often results in a relapse of the original problem for countless patients. Why? Because biomechanical changes along the spine affecting nerves and muscles don’t heal like a cut, infection or some other self-resolving health condition.

By the time spinal problems produce obvious symptoms, the problem has existed for some time. A chiropractic care plan may produce symptomatic improvement in a matter of months, sometimes weeks. Though a patient may be delighted, we haven’t completed the retraining of the underlying muscles and soft tissues necessary for lasting spinal changes.

That’s why the original problem may return. It’s hard to know when, but it’s almost always after major physical, chemical or emotional stress. Without some type of ongoing care, the weakened area remains susceptible to re-injury. Should this happen to you, contact us. You’re welcome back for another episode of care.

Managing Stress at Every Age

No matter how old you are, stress remains a consistent part of life from infancy to our golden years, ebbing and flowing with all of life’s twists and turns. And while it may be a natural part of life, it doesn’t have to run yours.

Here are a few tips for managing stress at every age:

For children: While recognizing stress triggers come later in life, teaching children breathing techniques for mindfulness may help them build an early, healthy habit.

For teens: Sleeping and eating well are a teenager’s best friend. Their changing minds and growing bodies crave both.

For adults: With life moving a mile a minute, it’s important for adults to take a step back. Schedule leisure time so you don’t burn yourself out.

For older adults: As we age, it’s important to maintain social relationships for our own wellbeing. Sometimes, connecting with a friend we’ve known for years is just the ticket for boosting our mood and lowering stress.

Feeling stressed? Give our practice a call. We’d love to help you relax with a focused adjustment.

Schedule your appointment online today and let our chiropractic team help you relax!