A common reason why you have joint fixation/ chiropractic subluxation and dysfunction is due to the soft tissue surrounding your joints.  Injury to this soft tissue can result in fibrosis and loss of elasticity and strength.  Acute (sudden and intense) and repetitive trauma to muscular, tendinous, fascia or ligamentous tissue results in fibrosis (thickening or scarring of the tissue). Read on to find out Why You Should Get Chiropractic Care After an Injury.

 

Inflammatory Response

Whatever injury you experience, an inflammatory response happens which accumulates extracellular exudates (pus) and blood. Exudate is fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. This fluid is made of cells, proteins, and solid materials.  Platelets (clotting cells) then release thrombin (enzyme in blood plasma which causes the clotting of blood) converting fibrinogen into fibrin.  Then this organizes into collagenous scar tissue.  In conclusion, a variety of soft tissue and articular (joint) adhesions result.

The adhesions can be often excessive in the case of traumatic neuromusculoskeletal injuries.  Therefore, early chiropractic treatment will limit the extent of the inflammatory response leading to the articular adhesions. So the goal in this phase of treatment would be to reduce pain, muscle spasm and to promote early pain free repair. 

Connective Tissue Repair

Firstly, the exudates that form from injury and inflammation set the stage for the next step in the process of connective tissue repair. Exudates provide the basis for the development of granulation tissue (new healing tissue) and scar formation.  Secondly, the formation of granulation tissue is predominantly carried out by the proliferation of fibroblasts (connective tissue producing cells).  And collagen tissue is produced and placed in the repair area. Thirdly, at first, the collagen is not well placed and additional collagen cross linkages along lines of stress are deposited to improve strength in the area.  Fourthly, the repair and remodeling process may take months.  However, without treatment, it may result in less than optimal healing of the involved tissue.  This will mean less range of motion and strength in the injured area.

 

Myofascial Cycle

Painful conditions triggering persistent muscle hypotoncity (decreased muscle tone) are additional sources of restricted joint motion.  Muscle spasm/contraction  may be a source of pain and muscle hypotoncity.  Moreover, the joint’s surrounding muscles may splint and block (passive) joint movement.  The muscle splinting may be a protective reaction to the injured area. Continued persistent contractions after awhile may develop into muscle contractures.  And this is due to adaptational shortening and loss of elasticity from disuse.

Furthermore, muscle strain may lead to pain which leads to muscle splinting and vasoconstriction.  And this leads to retained metabolites and edema (inflammation). Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) ischemia (inadequate blood supply) leads to joint dysfunction and myofascial syndromes.  Additionally, sustained contraction of muscles leads to fibrous reactions and finally soft tissue contractions, persistent join and somatic (body) dysfunction.

 

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain leads to pain, which leads to muscle splinting, which leads to retained metabolites and edema (inflammation). 

Ailments capable of producing acute muscle contraction or muscle strain are:  physical trauma, structural inadequacies, visceral (organ) disease, emotional distress/tension, uncoordinated movements, exposure to cold, Repetitive use, chronic postural stress, exposure to cold.

 

Immobilization

Inappropriate immobilization (preventing movement) slows the process of recovery.  It leads to a loss of strength, flexibility and potential intra-articular (joint) adhesions.  Immobilization also leads to dehydration of the joint causing further problems. Chiropractic adjustments will increase flexibility and restore motion after an injury. Then your pain and inflammation will go away. Indeed, immediate and appropriate chiropractic care provides the best chance for optimal healing and an early return to your sport or life activities. 

 

Why You Should Get Chiropractic Care After an Injury: Chiropractic Restores Motion

Spinal and extremity (limbs) adjustments along with recommendations from your chiropractor regarding stretching and strengthening exercises, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can successfully treat a number of common, chronic and acute injuries. Besides from becoming a peak performance athlete, regular chiropractic care will help with digestion, improve sleep, and increase energy. Regular chiropractic adjustments help avoid many of the disorders that take shape as illness.

Are you looking to get out of pain fast, perform better and reduce injuries? Dr. Natalie Meiri, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach can definitely help you! Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Why You Should Get Chiropractic Care After an Injury .

 

A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you with many ailments by way of adjustments. However, the food you consume on a daily basis has a very large impact on your body and the thousands of underlying processes that go on inside it every day. Nutrition is certainly a significant factor in your health. So some of your lifestyle choices outside of the doctor’s office can influence the effectiveness of treatment. When you eat well, your immune system fights off illness better, you elevate your brain function, and your energy soars. By incorporating certain foods into your diet, you can contribute to faster healing, continued wellness and peak performance.

In this post we will look at Sports Nutrition: Tips on Your Diet Along With Chiropractic Care.

1. Calories

 

Firstly, athletes training for a competition need more calories than the average person. Early fatigue, muscle tissue loss and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods for 3 months or more) in women may occur with inadequate calorie intake. Some athletes will decrease calorie intake to compete in lower weight categories or to attain certain body shapes.  This can impair performance and have other side effects.

 

Secondly, programs for weight gain or weight loss should be gradual with a 2 lb/wk change. And the change should improve lean to fat ratio (lean tissue to body fat) of body composition.

 

Thirdly, you can use a formula for finding the ideal energy/calorie requirements: body weight  x  C (30 for kids and 24 for adults) + type of exercise:

golf 3.6-4.8, baseball 4.1-5.3, basketball 6.0-8.5, dancing 3.6-4.8, running 9.7-17.2, swimming 3.4-9.7, tennis 6.0-8.5, wrestling 11.1 and walking 2.9-5.8, rowing 12.0, volleyball 4.8-8.5, soccer 7.8, cycling 4.8-9.7, football 7.3, mountain climbing 8.7, skating 4.8-8.7, skiing downhill 8.5, skiing cross country 9.7, handball 8.5

1. Carbohydrates

 

Carbohydrates (fiber, starches and sugars) are important for athletes in intense, strenuous training.  You will need glucose to give you the energy to finish your training or competition.  It should make up a majority of your diet to sustain the activities (60-70% of total calories in the diet).  Avoid processed, refined (e.g. white flour) and high carb foods (e.g. potato chips, sugary deserts).  Choose healthier fruits, vegetables, sweet potatoes and whole grains (e.g. organic brown rice, quinoa).

 

2. Protein

Typically, protein intake should be increased for most competitive athletes.  Intense training especially for muscle growth and increased strength requires more.  Furthermore, it’s best if protein increase is achieved through the normal (15%-30%) protein diet with adequate calorie intake.  Try high quality protein such as lean poultry and eggs. Opt for fish (e.g. salmon), high quality natural yogurt (probiotic source), and vegetable protein (e.g. beans).  Of course, protein supplements (e.g. whey protein)  can assist. 

 

3. Fats

Due to the increased amount of carbohydrates and protein needed by the athlete, fat intake has to be limited.  Therefore, fats should represent less than 30% of the diet.  But you do need fats for many important processes such as muscle movement and reducing inflammation. So saturated fat (e.g. butter, fatty meats) should be kept below 10% due to the many health risks.

Eat good fats such as monounsaturated (e.g. extra virgin olive oil, avocados) and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6). Consume salmon and chia seeds for Omega 3 fats.  And examples of plant based omega 6 fats include flaxseeds and walnuts.

 

4. Fluid

Dehydration can decrease athletic performance.  Intense exercise causes significant loss of water mostly through perspiration.  And exercising in very hot weather and/or humidity makes you sweat more.  High exercise intensity, high air temperature and high relative humidity conditions can lead to hyperthermia.  Hyperthermia  also called heatstroke, is a condition in which a body gets so hot that it can no longer cool itself.  Hyperthermia affects sports performance by reducing muscular endurance/ contractions.  It changes the way the body generates energy.  Indeed, staying hydrated is detrimental to peak performance and avoiding hyperthermia.

 

Dehydration occurs when athletes don’t drink enough before competition and training or can’t drink enough during it to replace the water lost through sweating.  Athletes should drink one to two cups of water 2 hours before exercise and again 15 minutes before to hydrate the tissues.  During exercise, 4- 8 oz of water every 15 minutes should be taken depending on intensity and climate conditions. Bottom line, athletes should drink at least 10 ounces or 10 cups of water throughout the day. 

 

5. Electrolytes

 

With exercise lasting many hours, electrolyte loss may be significant.  Especially with ultra endurance sports having over 4 hours of activity, electrolyte replacement becomes necessary.  Many sports drinks supply the necessary electrolyte amount. The following is a home made remedy:  1 quart of water + ½ cup of orange juice + 1/8 tsp of salt.

 

Water intoxication can occur in ultra-endurance athletes drinking low-sodium fluids such as soft drinks during exercise.  Also called water poisoning, this can occur when sodium levels in the blood are dangerously low.  This can be life threatening for athletes who participate in marathons or triathlons.  Sports drinks utilized in training and competition should contain at least 230 mg of sodium, 195 mg of potassium and 355 mg of chloride per quart. And Coconut water is a great alternative to sugary sports drinks, which often pack in extra chemicals and added ingredients.

 

3. Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements

First, vitamins are essential in many body functions during exercise.  Exercise also increases metabolism which increases the body’s vitamin requirements.  Deficiencies of certain vitamins may impact performance.  But if your diet is well-balanced and contains the necessary calories, most vitamins maybe obtained in sufficient quantity from your diet alone.  Similarly, increased food consumption associated with heavy training/competition minimizes deficiency risks of minerals (e.g. magnesium, iron, zinc and chromium).

 

Second, some studies show vitamin C and  pantothenic acid (B vitamin) may enhance exercise performance.  Vitamin E may help in repairing exercise-induced muscle tissue damage.

 

Third, calcium consumption is important in minimizing athletic amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation), bone loss and stress fractures.

 

Fourth, some athletes report increased endurance with caffeine, 5 mg/kg of body weight prior to exercise.  In one research study, Chinese ginseng, 1000 mg/d enhanced sports endurance, fitness and muscular strength.  Add spinach to your  protein shake which is is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, iron, manganese and folate.  Lastly, berries (e.g. blue berries) are rich in antioxidants, which can aid in cellular regeneration, help heal muscle tissues and speed up recovery time post-workout.

 

 

Sports Nutrition: Tips on Your Diet Along With Chiropractic Care

 

As is the case with all diets, the athlete’s diet should be compatible with long term nutritional health goals. Also, deficiency prevention or harmful excesses have to be avoided.  And depending on the particular Sport activity, special dietary changes should be made.  Finally, some athletes may have preexisting health problems or other current problems that must be addressed.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor, Dr. Natalie Meiri of Meiri Chiropractic

Dr. Natalie Meiri has treated patients for over 20 years with sports injuries.  She has been helping athletes stay active and injury free.  In addition to joint manipulation and adjustments to the spine and peripheral (limb) joints, at Meiri Chiropractic, we use soft tissue procedures, hot cold modalities, rehabilitative exercises, recommend ergonomic and nutritional changes. 

Get fast pain relief and function better from the best chiropractic clinic in West Palm Beach.  Be at your peak performance! Contact Dr. Natalie Meiri today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Sports Nutrition: Tips on Your Diet Along With Chiropractic Care.

 

References: Jame Gerber, Hand book of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition, 1993

References: Handbook of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition by James M. Gerber,M.S., D.C.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3^rd edition), Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

 

 

 

A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you with many ailments by way of adjustments. However, the food you consume on a daily basis has a very large impact on your body and the thousands of underlying processes that go on inside it every day. Nutrition is certainly a significant factor in your health. So some of your lifestyle choices outside of the doctor’s office can influence the effectiveness of treatment. When you eat well, your immune system fights off illness better, you elevate your brain function, you lose weight and your energy soars. By incorporating certain foods into your diet, you can contribute to faster healing and continued wellness. 

In this post we will look at Joint Disease: Tips on Your Diet Along With Chiropractic Care.

 

1. Nightshade-Free Diet

Certain wild plants belonging to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family are known to cause arthritis and joint pain with consumption.  When avoided, joint pains are said to subside.  This Nightshade-free diet was developed by Norman Childers, an established professor of horticulture, at Rutgers University. Around age 50 he developed arthritis and diverticulitis requiring a colostomy. Eventually he realized that nightshades triggered his arthritis pain, often within less than an hour of consumption.

The Nightshade family includes:

-Tomatoes

-potatoes (white)

-peppers (hot and sweet)

-eggplant

-tobacco   

 

1. Reduce Inflammation by Prostaglandin Modification

Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) is a principal mediator (substance that transmits information between two cells, tissues, or organs) of inflammation in diseases. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that are produced in your body to act as chemical messengers and regulators of various body processes. The body releases prostaglandins-E2 (PGE2), as an inflammatory response to disease and injury.  But in excess, chronic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) and cancers are in part maintained or supported by this “proinflammatory” cascade. You can pause this cascade through diet.

Firstly, reduce dietary intake of animal fats and increase intake of polyunsaturates (Omega-3 fatty acids). Your source of omega-3s can be consumed by wild-caught fish. Eat salmon once or twice a week. Plant based sources include flaxseeds and walnuts (also Omega-6 fatty acids).

Secondly, reduce your intake of saturated fat by eating less butter, cream, high fat cheese, and fatty meats. Use extra-virgin olive oil (monounsaturated) in cooking.  Additionally, include in your diet nuts and avocados (mono-saturated).  And try nut butters from almond, walnut and cashews.

Thirdly, in rheumatoid arthritis, evening primose oil (Omega-6 fatty acids), 3 to 4 g/d (grams (g) per decilitre (dL) may be of benefit.

Fourthly, Vitamin E may help reduce inflammation.  In one study, vitamin E 600 IU/d provided relief to more than half of the participants with Osteoarthritis within a week.

 

1. Free Radical Activity Prevention

Scientist discovered the degenerative and inflammatory effects of oxygen radicals. A free radical is a type of unstable molecule that is made during normal cell metabolism (chemical changes in a cell). Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules.

These reactions called Oxidation is a normal and necessary process. For instance, during aerobic respiration, the oxygen taken in by a cell combines with glucose to produce energy in the form of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the cell expels carbon dioxide and water.

However, oxidative stress emerges when an imbalance exists between free radical formation and the capability of cells to clear them. And Antioxidants are molecules that can donate an electron to a free radical without making themselves unstable.

In summary

An oxygen radical is a type of unstable molecule that contains oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell. Subseqeuntly, a build up of oxygen radicals in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death.

Moreover, your diet can contribute to pro-oxidant or antioxidant conditions in your joints. To create antioxidant conditions take vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and sulfur containing amino acids (Cysteine and Methionine). Many anti-oxidant nutrients vital to free radical protection also serve as natural chelators (Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions). Vitamins C and E and the amino acids, cysteine and methionine, help rid the body of toxic metals such as lead.

 

 

1. Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

Numerous deficiencies or imbalances of vitamins and minerals have been noted by blood studies on rheumatoid arthritis patients. An optimal diet and broad spectrum supplement is beneficial.  Prostaglandin inhibition is important by consuming omega 3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and bioflavonoids.  Food allergy testing should be investigated.  Allergen exclusion diets resulted in reduction or cessation of symptoms in some participants in a study. Lastly, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B6) given to rheumatoid arthritis patients showed improvement in another study.

 

2. Tips for Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)

 

Weight loss when necessary is an effective therapy goal for osteoarthritis. You will see improvement even in your non-weight bearing joints.  Along with antioxidants, niacinamide (B3) may relieve symptoms and improve joint function.  Finally, glucosamine sulfate is a well known supplement helpful for osteoarthritis. It stimulates the rebuilding of damaged cartilage.

 

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri has treated patients for over 17 years with osteoarthritis and inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.  Dr. Natalie Meiri also adjusts arthritic joints of the extremities (limbs).  Too many people suffer with conditions that can be treated using natural and noninvasive treatments.  She will educate you on how to prevent future suffering by learning and implementing a lifestyle for health self enhancement.  In this regard, we may give take home exercises, recommend ergonomic changes and nutritional changes. 

Get fast pain relief and function better from the best chiropractic clinic in West Palm Beach.  Contact Dr. Natalie Meiri today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Joint Disease: Tips on Your Diet Along With Chiropractic Care.

 

References: Jame Gerber, Hand book of Preventative and Therapeutic Nutrition, 1993

 

 

 

In today’s modern world, we have more pollution and stress in our lives.  Your body systems can become overburdened and strained from the by products and toxins of pollution. And this can lead to health problems. Moreover, illnesses such as fibromyalgia, migraine, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, and even arthritis can be better managed with detoxification.

Some examples of toxins are:

–Anti-nutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. For instance it could be high-fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, excess caffeine/alcohol, and processed foods.

–Internal (inside your body) metabolic toxins:  nitrogen, carbon dioxide, free radicals, stool and urea (substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver and the kidneys filter urea).

–Medications (conventional drugs) used improperly, inappropriately, or too often.

–Heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, and aluminum.

–Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, solvents, and glues.

–Allergens such as certain food, mold, dust, pollen, and chemicals.

–Infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites.

Furthermore, there are social, emotional, and spiritual situations that affect your well being as well:

–Stress, such as lack of personal time, too much work, excessive worry, and too little rest.

–Unhealthy mental states, such as addictions and overeating

–Over stimulation from advertisements, radio, computers, television, smart phones.

–Lack of spiritual connection, a loss of purpose or the lack of social/community.

–Nature deprivation, being disconnected from natural environments.

 

So What is Detoxification (Elimination)?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances or qualities. You can do this by enhancing the eliminative body functions.  Elimination is important in order to remove the physiologic stress of accumulated metabolic waste products and environmental irritants.  Organs of detoxification include the colon, liver, kidney, skin and lungs.

 Colon (large intestine)

The colon processes food, with the help of healthy bacteria, that was not digested by the small intestine. You can improve digestion to decrease delivery of undigested food to the colon by increasing dietary fiber.  This will increase the speed of time for passage of food.  Additionally, restoring the normal flora with acidophilic cultures (e.g. probiotics) will help.

Liver

The liver is responsible for an array of functions that help support metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, and vitamin storage among other functions.  To help the liver, you should have a diet low in fat, refined sugar and highly processed foods, minimal intake of alcohol, drugs, food additives and chemicals.  Furthermore, to have optimal function, you should take all the essential vitamins and minerals. Also, lipotropics (combination of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that help metabolize fat in the body) should be considered.

Kidneys

The kidneys are a pair of organs in the abdomen. It removes waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells.  You can help your kidneys with a diet low in salt and moderate in protein as well as a minimal intake of drugs, food additives and chemicals.  Drink 2 (8 glasses)  quarts of plain water per day to maintain normal specific gravity (your kidneys’ ability to balance water content and excrete waste).

Skin

Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature. One of the most effective ways to detox your body naturally is through perspiring. When sweating, your body is flushing out toxins.  By maintaining freely open skin pores with regular washing with mild abrasive rubs you are detoxing. So exercise regularly as tolerated to perspire.  And steam baths or suanas are also excellent ways to detox.

Lungs

Your lungs are part of the respiratory system, a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe.  It transports oxygen and removes extra carbon dioxide.  You can increase the exchange of volatile substances with regular aerobic exercise to tolerance.  Yoga and deep breathing exercises also help.

Mind Body Connection

The mind-body connection is important. Stress is probably the most significant toxin confronting you on a daily and long-term basis. Illnesses such as fibromyalgia, migraine, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel and others can affect you more when you are stressed.

Therefore, your mind needs to detox. Here are some suggestions:  journaling, spend more time in nature and with positive people and family, meditate, take a day off if you are working too much.  Read books on being a grounded, happy and peaceful person.