Thursday, December 19, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
High Cholesterol
What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol itself is a waxy, fat-like substance that is primarily made by the liver, although some comes from the diet. It is an essential component of cell membranes and is used by the body to produce hormones and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream attached to two different compounds called lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from the liver throughout the body, and potentially allows it to be deposited in artery walls. HDL, known as the "good cholesterol," picks up cholesterol from the blood and delivers it to cells that use it, or takes it back to the liver to be recycled or eliminated from the body.
Too much cholesterol in the blood builds up on artery walls causing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The buildup of cholesterol narrows arteries, slowing or blocking the flow of oxygen-carrying blood to the heart, which can manifest as chest pain. If blood flow to the heart is cut off because of clogged arteries, the result is damage to the heart muscle - a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so there are no outward signs that your levels are too high and thereby posing a risk to your heart.
What are the causes of high cholesterol?
The tendency toward high cholesterol appears to be genetic although diet also influences cholesterol levels. Other factors that can influence cholesterol levels include being overweight and being physically inactive. The older you get, the more likely your cholesterol levels are to rise. Before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men of the same age, but after menopause, women's LDL levels often increase.
There is considerable controversy over whether high cholesterol is in itself a cause of heart disease (the lipid hypothesis), or a symptom of an inflammatory condition that is the true cause of heart disease (the inflammation hypothesis). According to the latter theory, chronically high levels of inflammation creates small lesions on arterial walls; the body sends LDL to heal those lesions, but it ultimately accumulates and oxidizes, causing blockages. From this perspective, the best lifestyle approach to lower cardiovascular disease risk is to lower inflammation in the body rather than LDL levels.
The two theories are not mutually exclusive; they may both be true to some extent.
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
Your cholesterol levels can be measured by a blood test done after you've fasted for nine to 12 hours. Results will reveal your total cholesterol level, your LDL and HDL levels as well as levels of triglycerides, the most common type of fat in the body. Some doctors also obtain tests for LDL particle size and number.
Desirable levels of total cholesterol are 200 mg per deciliter of blood or less; levels between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high; 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high cholesterol and raises your risk of heart disease to twice what it would be if your total cholesterol were 200 mg/dL or lower.
A desirable level of heart protective HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dL or higher; levels below 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women increase the risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, the mean level of HDL cholesterol for American adults age 20 and older is 54.3 mg/dL.
A desirable level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL - the lower your LDL, the better in terms of heart disease risk. Levels between 139 and 150 mg/dL are borderline high and those between 160 to 189 mg/dL are considered high, while LDL levels above 190 mg/dL are classed as very high. According to the American Heart Association, the mean level of LDL cholesterol for American adults age 20 and older is 115.0 mg/dL.
Normal triglyceride levels are considered 150 mg/dL or lower; those from 150 to 199 mg/dL are considered borderline high while those from 200-499 mg/dL are considered high, and those above 500 mg/dL are deemed very high. The American Heart Association reports that the mean triglyceride level for American adults age 20 and older is 144.2 mg/dl.
Source: drweil.com
What are some recommendations to lower cholesterol levels?
Lifestyle Changes
High cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol itself is a waxy, fat-like substance that is primarily made by the liver, although some comes from the diet. It is an essential component of cell membranes and is used by the body to produce hormones and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream attached to two different compounds called lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from the liver throughout the body, and potentially allows it to be deposited in artery walls. HDL, known as the "good cholesterol," picks up cholesterol from the blood and delivers it to cells that use it, or takes it back to the liver to be recycled or eliminated from the body.
Too much cholesterol in the blood builds up on artery walls causing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The buildup of cholesterol narrows arteries, slowing or blocking the flow of oxygen-carrying blood to the heart, which can manifest as chest pain. If blood flow to the heart is cut off because of clogged arteries, the result is damage to the heart muscle - a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so there are no outward signs that your levels are too high and thereby posing a risk to your heart.
What are the causes of high cholesterol?
The tendency toward high cholesterol appears to be genetic although diet also influences cholesterol levels. Other factors that can influence cholesterol levels include being overweight and being physically inactive. The older you get, the more likely your cholesterol levels are to rise. Before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men of the same age, but after menopause, women's LDL levels often increase.
There is considerable controversy over whether high cholesterol is in itself a cause of heart disease (the lipid hypothesis), or a symptom of an inflammatory condition that is the true cause of heart disease (the inflammation hypothesis). According to the latter theory, chronically high levels of inflammation creates small lesions on arterial walls; the body sends LDL to heal those lesions, but it ultimately accumulates and oxidizes, causing blockages. From this perspective, the best lifestyle approach to lower cardiovascular disease risk is to lower inflammation in the body rather than LDL levels.
The two theories are not mutually exclusive; they may both be true to some extent.
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
Your cholesterol levels can be measured by a blood test done after you've fasted for nine to 12 hours. Results will reveal your total cholesterol level, your LDL and HDL levels as well as levels of triglycerides, the most common type of fat in the body. Some doctors also obtain tests for LDL particle size and number.
Desirable levels of total cholesterol are 200 mg per deciliter of blood or less; levels between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high; 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high cholesterol and raises your risk of heart disease to twice what it would be if your total cholesterol were 200 mg/dL or lower.
A desirable level of heart protective HDL cholesterol is 60 mg/dL or higher; levels below 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women increase the risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, the mean level of HDL cholesterol for American adults age 20 and older is 54.3 mg/dL.
A desirable level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL - the lower your LDL, the better in terms of heart disease risk. Levels between 139 and 150 mg/dL are borderline high and those between 160 to 189 mg/dL are considered high, while LDL levels above 190 mg/dL are classed as very high. According to the American Heart Association, the mean level of LDL cholesterol for American adults age 20 and older is 115.0 mg/dL.
Normal triglyceride levels are considered 150 mg/dL or lower; those from 150 to 199 mg/dL are considered borderline high while those from 200-499 mg/dL are considered high, and those above 500 mg/dL are deemed very high. The American Heart Association reports that the mean triglyceride level for American adults age 20 and older is 144.2 mg/dl.
Source: drweil.com
What are some recommendations to lower cholesterol levels?
Lifestyle Changes
- Lose weight. Even a modest amount of weight loss can lower cholesterol levels.
- Reduce the amount of sugar and flour in your diet. Recent evidence indicates that added sugar - in the form of table sugar (sucrose) or high-fructose corn syrup - is probably a greater contributor to heart disease than is consumption of saturated fat. This suggests that the inflammatory hypothesis may in fact have more validity than the conventional lipid hypothesis, although the debate is far from settled. As a general rule, limit the comsumption of foods with added sugars, particularly soft drinks and highly processed snack foods, which can cause rapid spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. The result can be overeating, obesity and heart disease.
- Avoid trans-fatty acids. These heart-damaging fats can reduce HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and raise levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The tip-off that trans-fatty acids are present in foods is the listing of "partially hydrogenated oil" on a food's ingredient list. Trans-fats are found in many brands of margarine and in most heavily processed foods, as well as in snack foods such as chips, crackers and cookies, and in the oils used to cook fast-food French fries, doughnuts and movie popcorn.
- Exercise. Daily aerobic exercise can help increase HDL levels.
- Don't smoke. Smoking itself is a risk factor for heart disease. It can also significantly lower HDL cholesterol.
- Relax. Emotional stress may prompt the body to release fat into the bloodstream, raising cholesterol levels. Counter stress by practicing daily breathing exercises and other stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
- Limit the amount of animal protein. An excellent source for protein are Beans (soy, kidney, white, lima, black), Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews), Seeds (pumpkin, squash, and watermelon) and Tofu.
- Use fresh garlic regularly. Garlic has been shown to lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Use one or two raw or lightly cooked cloves a day.
- Drink green tea daily. The antioxidants it contains help lower cholesterol and prevent the cholesterol in your blood from oxidizing.
- Take Organic Barley Green Supplement. Barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which has a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect.
- Limit refined carbohydrates. These include cookies, cakes, crackers, fluffy breads, chips and sodas, all of which can worsen cholesterol levels by lowering HDL and also increase triglyceride levels.
- Take Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil Supplement. Fish oil contains an abundance of essential omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) that have been shown to lower triglyceride (blood fat) levels, minimize inflammation and clotting, and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. Research indicates that omega-3s may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders influenced by inflammation, including heart attack and stroke. Adults should take no less than 1,000 mg per day containing high levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Survive or Thrive, It's YOUR Choice
Oxygen is the human body's most vital resource/fuel, not only to survive but to THRIVE as well. Our body is dependent on receiving oxygen through the natural elements of air and water. The importance of quality & quantity water intake will be the topic next week. Today we will focus on breathing patterns and also provide you with an extremely beneficial breathing technique called Dynamic Rhythmic Breathing.
First, a brief explanation of why we tend to breathe improperly and what happens within our body when proper breathing is not applied. As you know, the world we live in is very fast-paced and at times stressful - Deadlines to be met, bills to be paid, job struggles, kids to be taken to practice, Holiday & family events, etc... With this continuous stressful fast-paced lifestyle we can easily forget to breathe properly. Our breathing becomes fast, shallow and at times we will even hold our breath or forget to breathe which obviously can cause an adverse affect in our body. This type of breathing puts the body into the "fight or flight" survival mode. What makes this even worse/detrimental is if we are unaware of our improper breathing pattern which will keep our body in a continuous "fight or flight" survival mode. This physiological response can cause Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction, which commonly leads to tight & sore muscles, headaches, poor posture, breathing difficulties, fatigue, etc.
The goal at Dynamic Chiropractic is to have our patients THRIVING with their health not just surviving. This breathing exercise can help prevent Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction which means that a patient does not require a corrective chiropractic adjustment at the time of their office visit. "Holding" adjustments is what we ultimately want for our patients so that they can continue to THRIVE in regards to their health.
Dynamic Rhythmic Breathing:
- Get into a comfortable relaxing position by either sitting or laying on your back. Body Position is not as important as focusing on a consistent rhythm.
- Inhale into your belly, expanding the waist or abdomen. Breathe in through your nose AND COUNT SLOWLY to a count of four. If you have trouble with a 4-count, try a count of three. As you practice this, you'll be able to count higher.
- Hold in the breath for the same count as you inhaled. DO NOT TRY TO HOLD LONGER. RHYTHM IS KEY.
- Exhale fully to the same count as you inhaled. NOTE: Sometimes you have to push the air out to empty the breath to the same count as you inhaled.
- Hold the breath OUT for the same count as you inhaled.
- Repeat all four steps for at least five minutes, at least twice a day (most importantly is at night-time, right before you sleep). You may do this Rhythmic breathing ANYTIME you feel stressed or anxious.
If you feel yourself panicky as you perform any step, as if you'll run out of air or not breathe soon enough, decrease your count-you're trying too hard. This should be effortless, although it requires focused awareness.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
DYNAMIC Tuesday Health Tip
At this time of the year it is VERY important to manage your stress levels so that your body/health does not breakdown or decline. By practicing these 4 Stress Reducing Tips, not only will your health improve but your Life Enjoyment will increase as well
Which 1 out of the 4 would you most benefit in applying?
At this time of the year it is VERY important to manage your stress levels so that your body/health does not breakdown or decline. By practicing these 4 Stress Reducing Tips, not only will your health improve but your Life Enjoyment will increase as well
Which 1 out of the 4 would you most benefit in applying?
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Posture, The Window of Your Health
Being a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor one of the first thing that I notice on people is their posture. Most people have heard the saying "the eyes are the windows to someone's soul", well, that may or may not be completely accurate, but what I know to be accurate is the saying "posture is a window to your health". Research shows:
Can't I just stand up straighter? This is a question I get quite a bit. While it sounds good, if your spine's structure has been under abnormal alignment for years then it has molded into that position. You can straighten up for a few minutes, but it will feel weird and even look "off" because you're using your muscles to bend your spine "straight" for a minute or two. The only way to correct your posture is to correct the underlying structure of the spine and then strengthen the muscles to stay in that posture without you having to think about it.
Not many people are aware that the "granny hump" or a "hunched back" is a result of an abnormal spinal alignment and not old age. The progressive destruction of an abnormal spine are at work long before a hump is visible to the untrained eye. One indicator of abnormal spinal alignment is the alignment of the ear with the shoulder. The ear should sit directly over the shoulder, take a look around today at the people that you see how are the lining up? How are you lining up? If the alignment is over 30mm you have Anterior Head Syndrome. A complete Neuro-Spinal Corrective Examination is the best way to see if your spinal alignment is normal or abnormal. Our office uses advanced technology such as; Digital Spinal Radiography, Digital Structural Photographs, Spinal Alignment Assessment, and Neuro-Spinal Infrared Thermography. Our unique Neuro-Spinal Corrective Examination will clearly identify a problem that we correct which is Anterior Head Syndrome and/or Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction.
As a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor I see a lot of secondary conditions such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, poor posture, chronic muscle tension, pinched nerve syndromes, etc. By correcting the primary condition, Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction, poor posture improves as well. This not only allows a person too feel better, but to look better too!
- "All measures of health status showed significantly poorer scores as C7 plumb line deviation increased." Spine 2005
- "Older men and women with hyperkyphotic posture have higher mortality rates".Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2004
- "Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture". American Journal of Pain Management. 1994
- Bad posture could raise your blood pressure. Study finds neurolink between position of the neck muscles and high blood pressure. The Journal of Neuroscience. 2007
Can't I just stand up straighter? This is a question I get quite a bit. While it sounds good, if your spine's structure has been under abnormal alignment for years then it has molded into that position. You can straighten up for a few minutes, but it will feel weird and even look "off" because you're using your muscles to bend your spine "straight" for a minute or two. The only way to correct your posture is to correct the underlying structure of the spine and then strengthen the muscles to stay in that posture without you having to think about it.
Not many people are aware that the "granny hump" or a "hunched back" is a result of an abnormal spinal alignment and not old age. The progressive destruction of an abnormal spine are at work long before a hump is visible to the untrained eye. One indicator of abnormal spinal alignment is the alignment of the ear with the shoulder. The ear should sit directly over the shoulder, take a look around today at the people that you see how are the lining up? How are you lining up? If the alignment is over 30mm you have Anterior Head Syndrome. A complete Neuro-Spinal Corrective Examination is the best way to see if your spinal alignment is normal or abnormal. Our office uses advanced technology such as; Digital Spinal Radiography, Digital Structural Photographs, Spinal Alignment Assessment, and Neuro-Spinal Infrared Thermography. Our unique Neuro-Spinal Corrective Examination will clearly identify a problem that we correct which is Anterior Head Syndrome and/or Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction.
As a Neuro-Spinal Chiropractor I see a lot of secondary conditions such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, poor posture, chronic muscle tension, pinched nerve syndromes, etc. By correcting the primary condition, Neuro-Spinal Dysfunction, poor posture improves as well. This not only allows a person too feel better, but to look better too!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Lemon Ginger Tea Benefits
If you feel that influenza or common cold
has arrived around you, then a cup of lemongrass flavored hot ginger tea
may prove to be a wonderful remedy. It has an invigorating taste which
can refresh you within minutes.
In India and China and in other eastern countries, ginger tea has
been used as a remedy against cold and flu for 2500 years. It is also
used for the effective treatment of sore throat, nasal congestion, and
sinus pain. Not only through ginger tea, but also through various other
ways, ginger is effectively used to treat asthma, cold, bronchitis and
influenza. The expectorant properties of ginger make it very effective
in such treatments. The compound cineole, plays an important role in
offering various effects. If there is stress or depression, tension or
anxiety due to flu or asthma or constant cold, ginger can be used, as it
offers great relief from all types of stress. Ginger has
anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help in relieving any
kind of pain. You can use a paste of ginger or ginger oil to rub into
the aching muscles. It helps get rid of headache due to cold and flu.
Ginger root extract is more advantageous than common pain killers. It is
interesting to know how ginger cleans up the whole system - the throat
and the mucus from the lungs, which are the main culprits in the
blockage of lungs and the wind pipe. Ginger helps the body sweat and it
also prevents infections. As sweating results in detoxification of the
body, it reduces the symptoms of cold and flu. Hence, ginger is
considered a wonderful natural medicine.
Health Benefits of Lemon Ginger Tea |
Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Water - 4 cups
- Grated fresh ginger root - ¼th cup
- Herbal tea - 2 teaspoons
- Small lemon - 1
- Lemon grass - 1 stalk sliced
- Honey - 1 teaspoon
- Boil the water.
- Reduce the heat.
- Add sliced lemon grass stalk.
- Add grated ginger.
- Simmer for around ten minutes.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add herbal tea.
- Strain the mixture
- Add lemon for extra flavor
- Add honey to sweeten
- Serve the tea hot
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Cervical Supportive Pillow
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
Thursday, November 14, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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