How Seeing a Chiropractor Can Improve Your Nutrition

Female doctor hand holding a green apple, sitting at the deskWhen most people think of a chiropractor they think of back pain, neck cracking and not much else. However, chiropractors, especially those that are trained in Applied Kinesiology (AK) can help with so many other ailments. They work at getting to the root of the problem, as opposed to aiding what’s on the surface.

Several years ago I was having a hard time sleeping, I was fatigued and plain burnt out. I saw my chiropractor, Dr. Jennifer Shell, who got me on the right supplements, and now I sleep great! I was even having some digestive distress and she traced it back to popcorn, something I would have never thought bothered my stomach. I learn so much about nutrition every time I see here. Today I’m sharing how seeing a chiropractor can improve your nutrition.

They do nutritional response testing
This technique, more commonly known as muscle testing, looks for weakness in the tone of an organ. Simply by pressing on the acupuncture point of an organ and resisting the doctors push of your arm they can determine if an organ is weak. This could be due to a food that you eat or because you’re lacking in a specific vitamin and mineral.

They believe in whole food supplements
Chiropractors understand that it’s difficult to get certain minerals in your diet. For instance, the higher above the equator you live, the less iodine you get through your diet. Iodine is essential for many things including thyroid function and breast tissue health. They also recognize that many things deplete our stores of these nutrients and therefore must be supplemented. I recently met with Dr. Shell and she explained how almost everything we do decreases our magnesium levels, including eating sugar. To learn more about what she had to say check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit.

They focus on digestion
Another thing Dr. Shell mentioned is how some deficiencies can be due to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals in your gut. If your stomach can’t probably digest the food you’re eating you will be lacking in vital nutrients. A chiropractor can test for these things and can suggest a digestive enzyme if and when it’s appropriate. Most chiropractors also suggest taking a probiotic to keep the gut happy and healthy.

They understand that the nervous system plays a role in everything
Believe it or not, your nervous system has a control over every process in your body. It is also the center that sends messages to and from your brain. If there is miscommunication between your nervous system and your brain there is bound to be a disturbance. This can include disturbances in your diet. For instance, your stomach may not be able to communicate to you that it’s full, causing you to overeat. Getting an adjustment will probably realign your spine and balance your nervous system.

Receiving regular chiropractic care is great for your overall health and an excellent addition to your healthcare regimen! To learn more about what Dr. Shell had to say pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit today! It includes 6 interviews from top female health professionals, 2 workout videos as well as 3 bonus videos on living with a mind and body in harmony from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard. As an added bonus if you purchase the summit today you will receive a bonus video from Dr. Shell about magnesium and supplementation. Use promo code “BEWELL” for 50% off.

6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractor Treating PatientDid you know that spinal manipulation has been around for over 2,500 years? Back in ancient times, practitioners would perform spinal adjustments to treat a wide variety of misalignments. Chiropractic, meaning “done by hand,” was founded by DD Palmer in the late 1890’s.

A common misconception is that chiropractic care is only beneficial for treating back pain. However, chiropractic can be used for a wide range of things including ear infections and headaches, as well as treat nutritional deficiencies. In fact, I started seeing a chiropractor a little over two years ago for this very reason. I was burned out, not sleeping, and I had always suffered from lower back discomfort. She discovered that I needed some help nutritionally and suggested I take some supplements. Now, I see her on a fairly regular basis for nutritional consultations and occasionally for my lower back. It’s much better now thanks to my workout routine, but I still have trouble bending at times. Not many people know about the benefits of chiropractic care. October is National Chiropractic Health Month; therefore, today we are going to discuss the benefits of Chiropractic care.

It’s safe for all ages
You may be surprised to know that spinal adjustments are safe to perform on day-old babies. Birth is extremely stressful on an infant’s spine and cranium. All of that pushing and pulling can cause many different spinal misalignments. It’s often common for newborns to have trouble latching to their mother’s nipple to breastfeed. Performing a manual manipulation on a newborn’s skull and jaw will realign their bones and allow them to begin breastfeeding. It’s truly miraculous. Chiropractic care is also safe for the elderly, even if they have osteoporosis. The doctor must be careful, but it is still appropriate to do spinal manipulation on people who have disorders similar to this.

It relieves pain
Chiropractors look to find the root of the problem as opposed to treating the symptoms on the surface. The spine and spinal cord have a hand in everything the body does. Therefore, if these areas are misaligned it can cause discomfort. Returning them to their proper alignment can relieve that pain.

It can improve your posture
Chronic postural issues can cause harm to the spine and spinal cord. Regular chiropractic care can help shift one’s weight back on their heels, allowing the spine to be in its proper alignment. Mechanically, the spine has normal curves, which resemble an “S” shape. However, many people have over-exaggeration of these curves leading to chronic pain. Many people work on computers for most their day. This causes a forward head posture, rounded shoulders, a hunched back posture and an exaggerated curve of the lumbar spine. Spinal manipulations will help move these bones back in to their proper place and improve posture. You can also feel and look taller after getting an adjustment. Chiropractors can also offer examples of exercises that you can do at home based on your specific postural needs. They may even suggest you start a strength training program, such as Pilates, to improve your core strength.

It can save you money
Some insurance plans cover chiropractic care. However, even if chiropractic isn’t a covered benefit, it can still save you money in the long run. Things such as physical therapy and surgery usually have a pretty big copay tied to them. Seeing a chiropractor regularly may help keep you well and save money.

It can help you stay off drugs and antibiotics
Chronic ear infections are a common reason that children go to the pediatrician. The doctor puts them on antibiotics, their ears clear up, yet several weeks later the infection is back. Chiropractic care, as well as nutritional supplementation, can help rid your child of ear infections for good. It’s important to keep in mind that chiropractic care doesn’t specifically treat ear infections, however it restores the body to its natural function. Receiving regular adjustments can also help relieve joint and bone pain allowing patients to stop taking medications for arthritis and other pain conditions. Chiropractic care offers a different perspective, one that isn’t all about drugs.

It can keep you well
Chiropractic care isn’t solely beneficial for times that you’re in pain. Many people see chiropractors on a regular basis to help them to stay well. A regular spinal adjustment can help reduce the amount of inflammation in your bones and joints. Inflammation can wreak havoc on the body and lead to all sorts of illnesses and diseases. Regular chiropractic care can also improve sleep. When people are sleep deprived their immune system gets run down. Many chiropractors also offer nutritional consultation and supplementation to help keep one well.

Chiropractic care has truly changed my life. If you don’t already see a Chiropractor on a regular basis, schedule an appointment today and try it out! If you do see one on a regular basis I would love to know – why did you start seeing a chiropractor?

 

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