So What Do You Think About Yoga? Pilates?

We are often asked what we think about Yoga and Pilates. Our answer is, "We don't!"

    

We have nothing against Yoga, Pilates, or any other form of stretching/exercise. Our concern is with your underlying structure and anything you do that either hurts, or preferably assists - our efforts.

When we tell patients to avoid certain movements, and it just so happens that the movements to which we refer, are a part of their yoga routine; the response from some of our patients goes something like this: "I thought yoga was supposed to be good for you?"

Two common misconceptions are (1) something that is supposed to be "good for you" is necessarily good for everyone, and (2) everything about something that is supposed to be "good for you" is always good. To our knowledge, yoga instructors and Pilates instructors, do not perform a complete Neuro-Spinal Corrective Chiropractic Examination prior to having you begin your routine. In other words, the instructors don't have a clue what's going inside your body.

There are many forms of yoga, and to our knowledge at least a few forms of Pilates. We don't make it our business to know every variation. We don't make it our business to know every variation of every form of exercise and/or stretch. That would be impossible. Likewise, we will never sit down with you and go over an entire list of what equipment you should use or avoid at you health club. To try to know the exercise equipment inventory of every club in the area, would simply be impossible.

Our primary concern with respect to non-structural exercises and stretching, is to have you understand the general positions and movements that will inhibit your progress and/or make your condition worse. Our goal is to show you what not to do - whether it's in the gym or on the yoga mat.

If you understand what not to do, the - no matter where you are (gym, yoga, Pilates, work, home, out on the tow), you'll know how to prevent further injury, while at the same time, help you get better.

At Dynamic Chiropractic, one of the components of your Neuro-Spinal Correction Care Plan is Corrective Exercises. These specific exercises are designed to complement our efforts in improving the structural integrity of your spine. Because these exercises target the ligaments (not the muscles), they differ from strengthening movements typically administered by physical therapists and personal trainers. These exercises are not optional. In fact, they are an integral part of your improvement in our office, and they account for one third of your corrective care treatment.

Cervical Supportive Pillow

TEMPUR® Neck Pillow

When a patient begins their Neuro-Spinal Corrective Chiropractic Care, we always recommend a Cervical Supportive Pillow such as the one shown above. This specific pillow aids in the correction of Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction.

The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is for sleepers who want a more controlled sleep posture to address neck or back pain. The contoured design helps align your head, neck and shoulders for more relaxing and restful sleep.

Features

• Ergonomic shape developed by doctors to promote proper alignment and support
• Relieves shoulder, neck and back pain by allowing neck and shoulder muscles to relax completely
• Contoured TEMPUR® material maintains shape for correct support
• Choose the proper size based on your shoulder dimensions and sleeping position to promote an anatomically correct posture
• Removable and washable cover
• Dust mite and allergen-resistant

Omega - 3 Oil: What You MUST Know

Let's say that we have two different bottles (brands) of fish oil sitting side-by-side.  Each bottle had 1,000 mg capsules.  Are the capsules the same?  The answer is NO.

 Here's why:  In regards to omega-3s, there are HUGE differences in sources, quality, and quantity. The best source of omega-3 oil is from cold-water fish such as sardines, anchovies, and salmon.  Warm water and fresh water  fish are not considered acceptable sources of omega-3.  Did we say that eating warm water fish was bad? No, we did not.  They just aren't good sources of omega-3.

Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

In regards to quality a lot has to do with the extraction process of the oil from its source, as well as the elimination of PCBs, dioxins, furans, PAHs, mercury, and of course, other heavy metals. You obviously want to remove the junk while still preserving the quality of the oil.

When it comes to the right amount, here is what you must know:  At the very least, an average adult should be taking no less than "1,000 mg of omega-3 or fish oil per day."  We specifically mentioned EPA. 

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is the heart and soul of fish oil.  It, along with DHA (which is much more important for little ones and nursing moms), are what counts when it comes to omega-3 oil.  Two 1,000 mg capsules may have very different levels of EPA.  Some have as little as 70 mg, and others have as much as 750 mg.  The point?  Fish oil...is not fish oil...is not fish oil.

You have to know what to look for.  In our practice, we carry only the finest quality omega-3 oil.  Is our omega-3 more expensive than what you'd find at a warehouse club, department store, or supplement store?  Absolutely.  We will never apologize for carrying quality products.

People ask me, "Dr. Hansen why do you write about nutrition"?

As a Neuro-Spinal chiropractor, which is different than conventional chiropractic, we focus on detecting and correcting Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction. Anything that complements our care we recommend to our patients - one of these recommendations is a healthy diet, including Omega-3 fish oils.  

BAD FATS GOOD FATS, WHY IT'S IMPORTANT?

Bad Fats:

When it comes to food, man made is never a good option. Man made brought us trans-fat and hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated fats are great for the food industry because they are a cheap alternative that provides food a longer shelf life.

Saturated Fats our bodies make anyway so limiting them is smart. Trans - Fat or Hydrogenated Fats causes havoc in our bodies.

Here's How:
Today we know that eating trans fats increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad" cholesterol), especially the small, dense LDL particles that may be more damaging to arteries.

Trans fats decrease the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL"good" cholesterol) particles, which scour blood vessels for bad cholesterol and transports it to the liver for disposal. It also promotes inflammation, that has been implicated in heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Eating trans fats also reduce the normal healthy responsiveness of endothelial cells, the cells that line all of our blood vessels. In animal studies, eating trans fats also promote obesity and resistance to
insulin, the precursor to diabetes.  - Reference, Harvard public health website

Okay... now remember the food industry knows you've heard about trans-fat so they are slowly eliminating or cutting down on trans- fat. So .... You will now see "no fat" or "reduced fat" products - they aren't healthy either because these products are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates to make them taste good. This, as you know, changes to fat if you do not burn the calories.

Tip 1:
Read the labels on food products to avoid products containing Trans fat or Hydrogenated fats  

 

Good Fats:

Unsaturated fats are called good fats because they can improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation, stabilize heart rhythms, and play a number of other beneficial roles. Unsaturated fats are predominantly found in foods from plants, such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. They are liquids at room temperature.

There are two types of unsaturated fats: 

1. Monounsaturated fats are found in high concentrations in canola, peanut, and olive oils; avocados; nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans; and seeds such as pumpkin and sesame seeds.

2. Polyunsaturated fats are found in high concentrations in sunflower, corn, soybean, flaxseed oils, and also in foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, and fish. Omega-3 fats, which are fast becoming the darling of the supplement industry, are an important type of polyunsaturated fat. The body can't make these, so they must come from food. An excellent way to get omega-3 fats is by eating fish two or three times a week. Good plant sources of omega-3 fats include flax seeds, walnuts, and oils such as coconut, flaxseed, canola, and soybean.

Tip 2: 

Add more mono and polyunsaturated fats to your diet, including *Omega-3 (fish oil at least 1000mg of EPA). *Important Information concerning Omega-3 fish oil will be in next week's DYNAMIC CHIROPRACTIC NEWS.

Why is a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor, talking about FATS any way?

Because, as you may know, a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor looks at the structure of your spine and how well your inner frame work is protecting the function of your central nervous system.

Your central nervous system is comprised of 60% fat, meaning your brain and spinal cord are comprised mostly of fat. FAT is vital, especially the Good Fats, Bad Fats not only affect your weight and heart disease but also the function of your nervous system, which is the reason I am discussing this topic.

Bad fats will adversely affect the central nervous system by decreasing fluid mobility. This can lead to spinal nerve interference which disrupts the communication between your brain and body. As a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor, my sole purpose is to CORRECT spinal nerve interference. When Neuro-Spinal Correction takes place, the body begins to heal and health is restored.