In China, acupuncture has been used with spinal manipulation for centuries. Spinal manipulation improves the structure of the body to improve function. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and meridian system directly to improve function. While often used as stand alone treatments, they are a great complement to each other. At our office, we have a great respect for chiropractic care. We use it ourselves and recommend it to our patients.
1. Tissue Healing - Acupuncture increases blood circulation to the areas treated. The body sees the treatment as a new injury and the effect lasts for days. Skin, muscle, bone, and connective tissue heals much more rapidly.
2. Pain Management - For many patients, chiropractic is all that is needed to take care of pain. When it is too severe or limits activity, adding acupuncture will be helpful to speed this process. Acupuncture stimulates the body to release natural pain killers called endorphin and adenosine. Distal points have also been shown on fMRI imaging to deactivate the pain centers in the brain!
3. Holding Adjustments - With regular chiropractic care, the body should begin to return to a lasting normal state of balance. When the same areas need to be adjusted on an ongoing basis, acupuncture can help the body hold these changes longer. This is achieved by improving muscle imbalances and ligament health.
4. Internal Medicine - Many internal medicine conditions respond to chiropractic. But, your doctor may have an entirely musculoskeletal practice. Further, not all internal problems are related to chiropractic subluxations. Acupuncture meridians have such a strong connection to the internal organs that they are actually named in this way. Most internal problems can be treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
5. Post Adjustment Pain - Like most types of physical medicine, chiropractic has the potential to cause post treatment pain for a few days. Using acupuncture along with spinal adjustments can reduce this and give patients with increased pain a more comfortable course of treatment.
6. Natural Treatment Option - Many patients seek out chiropractic care to avoid prescription medications or surgery. Whether it is in addition to the chiropractic plan or only used for stubborn conditions, an acupuncture referral is very appropriate for these patients.
7. Contraindications - There are times that chiropractors may not be able to adjust specific spinal regions. These include fracture, osteoporosis, tumors, post spinal surgery and a few more. In many cases, acupuncture can still be used as a local treatment. A well trained acupuncturist should also be able to choose a treatment plan that includes only distal points.
8. Hastening the Course of Treatment - Some people have a very specific time table for recovery. "I need to be able to dance at my daughter's wedding in two weeks." Even with frequent adjustments, these goals are sometimes unrealistic. Adding another treatment modality, like acupuncture, can greatly increase the chances of a successful outcome fast.
9. Mental and Emotional Triggers - For many people, emotions play a significant role in aggravating pain. Adding stress relieving techniques to your chiropractic plan may not be enough. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression. We can usually treat the pain and emotional triggers at the same time.
10. Tried Everything Else - Unfortunately, a lot of people don't consider chiropractic until they don't know what else to do. Many of these people get great results and become life-long promoters of spinal manipulation. For those that don't respond, acupuncture is one more treatment option that most people in West Michigan have never considered. For these people, a good referral offers more hope. They'll thank you for it.
If you're in the Grand Rapids area and are interested in finding out more about acupuncture, please consider coming to our office for a free consultation.
Acupuncture of West Michigan
2815 Michigan St NE
Grand Rapids, Mi 49506
www.acupunctureofwestmichigan.com
616-855-7718
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Supporting the Thyroid with Nutrition and Acupuncture
When I think about my patients with sluggish thyroid, they are cold, tired and have trouble losing weight. Their moods are often depressed. They may notice thinning hair on their legs or more hair in the shower drain. Their socks leave marks on their ankles because of the increased water retention. Other chronic problems related to low thyroid include: aches and pains, constipation, high cholesterol, irregular periods or infertility.
Did you just read this and think 'This is Me!" Or, have you had blood test results that show thyroid dysfunction?
Most people decide to go on thyroid medication (synthetic or natural) and many find this helpful. But, every week, I see patients that take thyroid medication and either still have symptoms or need to regularly adjust their medications. They come to me frustrated!
SUPPLEMENTS
Ideally, we'd get all of the nutrients that we need every day from our diets. Unfortunately, many of us follow the standard American diet which is devoid of many nutrients (They actually take them out of foods during processing!) Our soils have become depleted and produce is harvested too early to have its full nutrient value. Some of us have digestive problems that limit our ability to digest and absorb the vitamins and minerals that we consume. Many medications can also cause nutrient depletion and this may be one reason for side effects.
Most of us already know that Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. Did you know that the amino acid, Tyrosine, is also necessary? Zinc, copper, vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 and C are necessary for the production of T4 (an important precursor to the more active T3). Selenium needs to be sufficient for this conversion to be effective.
With a comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test, we can see which nutrients are deficient based on the proportions of T4, T3 and reverse T3. But, if we're deficient in nutrients, doesn't it make sense to just take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement?
DETOXIFICATION
There is no escaping it. We are all exposed to large amounts of environmental toxins on a daily basis. Their effect on the endocrine (hormone) system is huge! You should learn to limit your exposure and consider some detoxification on a regular basis. I do a cleanse twice a year.
The University of Michigan just published a large study on plastics and their effect on thyroid hormone. You should avoid eating food and water stored in plastics and should never heat food in plastic. This includes non-stick pots and pans and those individual coffee packs that have become popular.
Floride and Bromide are in the same chemical family as Iodide and battle for the same receptors in the thyroid. You might consider drinking distilled water without Floride.
IMMUNITY
Our own immune systems can be overactive and make it hard for our thyroids to work properly. This is one of the most common causes of thyroid trouble (low and high). A comprehensive blood test for your thyroid should include thyroid antibodies. Autoimmunity often stems from problems with the digestive system. A knowlegeable health care provider can help you evaluate and treat your GI system if this is a problem.
HORMONE BALANCING
All of the major hormones in the body interact and effect each other. It is a mistake not to take into account the health of pancreas (insulin), adrenals (Cortisol and DHEA), and Sex Hormones (Estrogens, Progesterone, and Testosterone).
ADRENAL HEALTH
The adrenals are the gland on top of the kidneys that help us respond to stress. Many of us have 'worn out' adrenals and this can cause some of the same symptoms as low thyroid. The Adrenals Vs Thyroid questionnaire can help us figure out which is the problem. Poor adrenal health will also slow the conversion of thyroid hormones. If there are symptoms of both, it makes sense to treat the adrenals first!
ESTROGENS
Both men and women can have too many estrogens (estrogen dominance). This can be caused by contraception, hormone replacement, toxins that look like estrogens, or produced by our own fat cells. When estrogens are out of balance or too high, it causes the thyroid hormone to be bound up and inactive. Sometimes these patients say that their blood tests are normal or they are taking thyroid hormone without improvement in their symptoms. When this is a problem we need to avoid the extra estrogens and help the body detoxify from them. A low fat diet, lots of fiber, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale) are helpful.
TREATMENTS
NUTRITION
You should work with an experienced health care provider to help figure out where to start. It would be too much to do all at once. Your doctor should give you a thorough physical exam and might use questionnaires, body temperature readings, and specialized blood or saliva testing. This can be very complicated, don't self treat. And, be prepared to take things step by step if necessary.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is often part of my patients' treatment plan. It has a strong effect on the brain and nervous system. The hypothalamus and pituitary (in the brain) are responsible for balancing hormones in the body. Acupuncture probably has its effect by improving this balancing function. At my office, we use traditional body acupuncture as well as auricular (ear) acupuncture to aid in hormonal problems.
Did you just read this and think 'This is Me!" Or, have you had blood test results that show thyroid dysfunction?
Most people decide to go on thyroid medication (synthetic or natural) and many find this helpful. But, every week, I see patients that take thyroid medication and either still have symptoms or need to regularly adjust their medications. They come to me frustrated!
SUPPLEMENTS
Ideally, we'd get all of the nutrients that we need every day from our diets. Unfortunately, many of us follow the standard American diet which is devoid of many nutrients (They actually take them out of foods during processing!) Our soils have become depleted and produce is harvested too early to have its full nutrient value. Some of us have digestive problems that limit our ability to digest and absorb the vitamins and minerals that we consume. Many medications can also cause nutrient depletion and this may be one reason for side effects.
Most of us already know that Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. Did you know that the amino acid, Tyrosine, is also necessary? Zinc, copper, vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 and C are necessary for the production of T4 (an important precursor to the more active T3). Selenium needs to be sufficient for this conversion to be effective.
With a comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test, we can see which nutrients are deficient based on the proportions of T4, T3 and reverse T3. But, if we're deficient in nutrients, doesn't it make sense to just take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement?
DETOXIFICATION
There is no escaping it. We are all exposed to large amounts of environmental toxins on a daily basis. Their effect on the endocrine (hormone) system is huge! You should learn to limit your exposure and consider some detoxification on a regular basis. I do a cleanse twice a year.
The University of Michigan just published a large study on plastics and their effect on thyroid hormone. You should avoid eating food and water stored in plastics and should never heat food in plastic. This includes non-stick pots and pans and those individual coffee packs that have become popular.
Floride and Bromide are in the same chemical family as Iodide and battle for the same receptors in the thyroid. You might consider drinking distilled water without Floride.
IMMUNITY
Our own immune systems can be overactive and make it hard for our thyroids to work properly. This is one of the most common causes of thyroid trouble (low and high). A comprehensive blood test for your thyroid should include thyroid antibodies. Autoimmunity often stems from problems with the digestive system. A knowlegeable health care provider can help you evaluate and treat your GI system if this is a problem.
HORMONE BALANCING
All of the major hormones in the body interact and effect each other. It is a mistake not to take into account the health of pancreas (insulin), adrenals (Cortisol and DHEA), and Sex Hormones (Estrogens, Progesterone, and Testosterone).
ADRENAL HEALTH
The adrenals are the gland on top of the kidneys that help us respond to stress. Many of us have 'worn out' adrenals and this can cause some of the same symptoms as low thyroid. The Adrenals Vs Thyroid questionnaire can help us figure out which is the problem. Poor adrenal health will also slow the conversion of thyroid hormones. If there are symptoms of both, it makes sense to treat the adrenals first!
ESTROGENS
Both men and women can have too many estrogens (estrogen dominance). This can be caused by contraception, hormone replacement, toxins that look like estrogens, or produced by our own fat cells. When estrogens are out of balance or too high, it causes the thyroid hormone to be bound up and inactive. Sometimes these patients say that their blood tests are normal or they are taking thyroid hormone without improvement in their symptoms. When this is a problem we need to avoid the extra estrogens and help the body detoxify from them. A low fat diet, lots of fiber, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale) are helpful.
TREATMENTS
NUTRITION
You should work with an experienced health care provider to help figure out where to start. It would be too much to do all at once. Your doctor should give you a thorough physical exam and might use questionnaires, body temperature readings, and specialized blood or saliva testing. This can be very complicated, don't self treat. And, be prepared to take things step by step if necessary.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is often part of my patients' treatment plan. It has a strong effect on the brain and nervous system. The hypothalamus and pituitary (in the brain) are responsible for balancing hormones in the body. Acupuncture probably has its effect by improving this balancing function. At my office, we use traditional body acupuncture as well as auricular (ear) acupuncture to aid in hormonal problems.
Friday, February 28, 2014
When Diet And Exercise Are Not Enough
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
A lot of my patients ask me why they have such a problem losing weight. Throughout human history, the ability to gain and store fat was extremely beneficial. People frequently didn't have enough to eat. So, our bodies have become programmed to prevent starvation, not to prevent obesity. Our bodies crave easy calories especially sugars and fat. Once the weight comes on, our physiology does its best to hold onto it.
DIET
There are so many diets out there and they all claim to be the best. It can be extremely difficult to decide what to try. Ideally, a good diet would be healthy to continue as a lifelong change. It should support good health in general, not just effective in reducing weight. The focus should be on whole foods with little or no processed foods.
My favorite diet, the one that I follow myself, is the McDougall Diet. Its focus is on whole starches, vegetables and some fruit. During weight loss, the diet should be about 50% whole starches (avoid wheat during weight loss) and 50% vegetables. It does not contain meat, dairy, separated fats/ oils or high fat plant foods (avocado, coconut, olives). There are great books available written by Dr. John McDougall. Notably, The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss and The New McDougall Cookbook. Some health problems respond extremely quickly to this program. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, you should get some dosing advice from an experienced health care provider before starting.
If giving up meat and dairy isn't something you're willing to do, make sure you're eating lean, unprocessed meats. A serving size of meat or fish (3 oz) is about the size of a bar of soap. A serving of cheese can vary. One serving of Montery Jack Cheese is 1.5 oz (the size of four stacked dice). Eat plenty of vegetables and a limited amount of whole grains. The fat you're getting in the meat will need to be balanced with some omega-3s. Get these with a few servings of fish per week, fish/krill oil, or with freshly ground flax seeds.
People can also lose weight simply by reducing the number of calories that they are eating. There are some great Mobile Apps for calorie counting and I sometimes recommend the website CalorieKing.com. Weighing and measuring all food can be a good short term lesson in portion control. This can help people get a better grasp on the portions they should be eating especially if they are unwilling to give up their favorite unhealthy foods. Ask your health care provider to help you set a daily calorie goal.
DIET
There are so many diets out there and they all claim to be the best. It can be extremely difficult to decide what to try. Ideally, a good diet would be healthy to continue as a lifelong change. It should support good health in general, not just effective in reducing weight. The focus should be on whole foods with little or no processed foods.
My favorite diet, the one that I follow myself, is the McDougall Diet. Its focus is on whole starches, vegetables and some fruit. During weight loss, the diet should be about 50% whole starches (avoid wheat during weight loss) and 50% vegetables. It does not contain meat, dairy, separated fats/ oils or high fat plant foods (avocado, coconut, olives). There are great books available written by Dr. John McDougall. Notably, The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss and The New McDougall Cookbook. Some health problems respond extremely quickly to this program. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, you should get some dosing advice from an experienced health care provider before starting.
If giving up meat and dairy isn't something you're willing to do, make sure you're eating lean, unprocessed meats. A serving size of meat or fish (3 oz) is about the size of a bar of soap. A serving of cheese can vary. One serving of Montery Jack Cheese is 1.5 oz (the size of four stacked dice). Eat plenty of vegetables and a limited amount of whole grains. The fat you're getting in the meat will need to be balanced with some omega-3s. Get these with a few servings of fish per week, fish/krill oil, or with freshly ground flax seeds.
People can also lose weight simply by reducing the number of calories that they are eating. There are some great Mobile Apps for calorie counting and I sometimes recommend the website CalorieKing.com. Weighing and measuring all food can be a good short term lesson in portion control. This can help people get a better grasp on the portions they should be eating especially if they are unwilling to give up their favorite unhealthy foods. Ask your health care provider to help you set a daily calorie goal.
EXERCISE
When it comes to achieving an ideal weight, diet is 80%. Still, exercise is very important. If it has been a long time since you've been active, get the okay from your health care provider first.
Start with your current level of activity or just 5 minutes/ day with light to moderate activity. Increase this each day by 1 minute until you're averaging 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Once there, start to mix your activity with moderate and heavy exercise. You should also mix cardio with strength training. A few sessions with a personal trainer can be extremely helpful and motivating.
OTHER LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Poor sleep can slow weight loss. Make sure you are allowing yourself enough sleep to feel rested the next day. Some people do great with as little as 6 hours of sleep but others require as many as 9! Try to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time if possible. If you have trouble sleeping, remove electronics from the bedroom. EMF Radiation, especially near your head, can cause insomnia. Avoid caffeine, especially after noon. Valerian throughout the day can help come bed time. And, people that have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep often do well with Melatonin. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can be very helpful for sleep problems and the treatment is tailored for each patient.
Many of my patients have heard about the role of cortisol in weight (especially around the belly). This is a stress hormone and can be greatly improved with stress relief. Regular exercise is hugely helpful for stress. You can also practice regular stress reducing exercises like yoga/ tai chi/ or meditation. The Grand Rapids Center For Mindfulness has a great 8 week program that I highly recommend. Stress reduction can also be part of an acupuncture or herbal treatment plan.
A sedentary lifestyle can also make weight loss difficult. If you sit all day at work or are otherwise not moving, be sure to break up your day with a little activity. This is helpful as an addition to your exercise program, not as a replacement.
MEASURING PROGRESS
We've all been guilty of focusing too much on the scale for proof of our success. As we eat healthier and start exercising, our muscle mass increases. This can increase our total weight even if there is fat loss. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number that uses height and weight. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25-29.9 is overweight and 30+ shows obesity. There are a lot of websites that can help you figure out your BMI. I'd also be happy to help during an office appointment. Like the scale, the limits to BMI are that it doesn't tell the difference between fat and muscle. It is possible (as in body builders) to be completely healthy but have a high BMI.
Body Impedance Testing is a great tool. The technology has come a long way and accurate home devices are not very expensive. Our office uses an Omron Body Composition Scale that we found for about $75. It shows body weight, body fat percent, muscle percentage, BMI, and organ fat percentage. It can be really encouraging to see some of these other numbers improve even when the weight has not yet changed.
You can also check to see how your clothes are fitting. A goal in body composition is to get a healthy waist to hip ratio. Dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement should be less than 1 for men and less than .85 for women.
OTHER FACTORS
Ideally, you've made these lifestyle changes and you're having great success. Are you one of those people that has tried everything but still can't seem to lose weight?
We've all been guilty of focusing too much on the scale for proof of our success. As we eat healthier and start exercising, our muscle mass increases. This can increase our total weight even if there is fat loss. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number that uses height and weight. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25-29.9 is overweight and 30+ shows obesity. There are a lot of websites that can help you figure out your BMI. I'd also be happy to help during an office appointment. Like the scale, the limits to BMI are that it doesn't tell the difference between fat and muscle. It is possible (as in body builders) to be completely healthy but have a high BMI.
Body Impedance Testing is a great tool. The technology has come a long way and accurate home devices are not very expensive. Our office uses an Omron Body Composition Scale that we found for about $75. It shows body weight, body fat percent, muscle percentage, BMI, and organ fat percentage. It can be really encouraging to see some of these other numbers improve even when the weight has not yet changed.
You can also check to see how your clothes are fitting. A goal in body composition is to get a healthy waist to hip ratio. Dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement should be less than 1 for men and less than .85 for women.
OTHER FACTORS
Ideally, you've made these lifestyle changes and you're having great success. Are you one of those people that has tried everything but still can't seem to lose weight?
OBESOGENS
These are environmental toxins that stimulate our bodies to hold onto weight. Our bodies respond by increasing the number and size of fat cells!
Pthalates: Avoid artificial fragrances. Consider essential oils instead of air fresheners. Switch to fragrance free or natural laundry detergent/ dryer sheets and household cleaners.
BPA: This chemical is found in plastics. Avoid food and water stored in plastic. Never heat anything in plastic. This includes non-stick pots and pans.
Atrizine: This is an herbicide. You should buy as much organic food as your budget allows. Atrizine is heavily used for corn products. Avoid corn and corn products such as high fructose corn syrup.
Monosodium glutamate/ MSG: This is a flavor enhancer found in a lot of processed foods. This is used to cause obesity in lab animals for medical studies! Again, buy whole foods. Braggs Aminos is a great substitute for soy sauce!
If you have exposure to obesogens, the best thing is to do a better job of avoidance. We're all exposed to at least some of these chemicals. It can be very helpful to do a supervised Purification Program to aid the body in getting rid of these substances.
More tips on avoiding obesogens at this link.
MEDICATIONS
There are a number of common medications that cause the body to gain or hold onto weight. If you take medications in the following categories, check to see if it has an effect on body weight. http://www.drugs.com/article/weight-gain.html
Anti-depressants
Anti-psychotics
Anti-diabetics
Anti-histamines
Anti-convulsants
Beta blockers
Steroid Hormones
Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor. If you find that your medication may be contributing to your weight challenges, talk to your doctor about trying alternative medications. With your prescribing physicians okay, some conditions may also respond well to a trial of natural alternatives such and acupuncture or herbal support.
There are a number of common medications that cause the body to gain or hold onto weight. If you take medications in the following categories, check to see if it has an effect on body weight. http://www.drugs.com/article/weight-gain.html
Anti-depressants
Anti-psychotics
Anti-diabetics
Anti-histamines
Anti-convulsants
Beta blockers
Steroid Hormones
Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor. If you find that your medication may be contributing to your weight challenges, talk to your doctor about trying alternative medications. With your prescribing physicians okay, some conditions may also respond well to a trial of natural alternatives such and acupuncture or herbal support.
APPETITE
Our bodies use food volume and nutrition to signal when we are full. Too much of our food is way too calorie dense. Eat plenty of healthy, nutrient rich food and your appetite will probably take care of itself. You might also consider taking a whole food based supplement to get your nutrition up.
The best way to avoid specific cravings is to avoid those types foods COMPLETELY. Remember, we are programmed to eat these easy calories when they are available. DON'T LET YOUR BODY KNOW THEY ARE AVAILABLE! If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, it can cause your appetite to come up even shortly after eating. Ask your health care provider about trying Chromium or an herb called Gymnema. Green tea can help curb appetite and is full of antioxidants. Finally, acupuncture can stimulate the sense of feeling full.
CORRECT SYSTEMIC IMBALANCES
Consider working with a qualified acupuncturist or herbalist that can assess and treat the underlying causes of your weight loss trouble. Common causes are related to digestive health (poor digestion, dysbiosis, food allergies, vitamin/ mineral deficiencies) and hormones (adrenals, insulin, thyroid, sex hormones, leptin).
Our bodies use food volume and nutrition to signal when we are full. Too much of our food is way too calorie dense. Eat plenty of healthy, nutrient rich food and your appetite will probably take care of itself. You might also consider taking a whole food based supplement to get your nutrition up.
The best way to avoid specific cravings is to avoid those types foods COMPLETELY. Remember, we are programmed to eat these easy calories when they are available. DON'T LET YOUR BODY KNOW THEY ARE AVAILABLE! If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, it can cause your appetite to come up even shortly after eating. Ask your health care provider about trying Chromium or an herb called Gymnema. Green tea can help curb appetite and is full of antioxidants. Finally, acupuncture can stimulate the sense of feeling full.
CORRECT SYSTEMIC IMBALANCES
Consider working with a qualified acupuncturist or herbalist that can assess and treat the underlying causes of your weight loss trouble. Common causes are related to digestive health (poor digestion, dysbiosis, food allergies, vitamin/ mineral deficiencies) and hormones (adrenals, insulin, thyroid, sex hormones, leptin).
ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS
Friday, January 24, 2014
Supporting Womens' Health Before Conception
Every pregnant woman wants to give her child the gift of great health. Epigenetics is showing us that our environment and diet help determine which genetic traits we pass on to our offspring. Since it takes about four months for the egg to mature before it is released, changes in the diet and lifestyle is best changed before that time.
Nutrition - Eating right is more than just getting the right amounts of protein, carbohydrate, and fat in the diet. Eating whole foods and as much organic food as possible supplies our bodies with phytonutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. The standard American diet, full of processed foods, is deficient in all areas. Even the best diets leave deficiencies in nutrition. Along with dietary changes, consider a whole food vitamin and mineral supplement to fill in these gaps.
Detoxification - We are exposed to an increasing number of environmental toxins. Many of the toxins that our bodies cannot get rid of easily get passed down to our offspring. These have even been shown to be passed along several generation. Other toxins, called xenobiotics, have hormone like activity in the body and can affect fertility in both men and women. Most people would benefit from learning to avoid toxins and going through a purification program or other cleanse.
Healthy Weight - Both overweight and underweight women have a higher risk of fertility challenges. Obesity during pregnancy substantially increases the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (hypertension) and may set the children up for obesity and hypertension in young adulthood. If you struggle with your weight, this should be top priority.
Hormone Balancing - Preconception hormone balancing is important to prevent fertility problems and sets the stage for a healthy pregnancy. A well rounded program will support the pituitary, hypothalamus, ovaries and work on balancing estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and adrenals.
If you're interested in talking about an individualized plan, please call the office to set up a consultation or new patient exam.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Nutrition: Fuel for Healing
Nutrition: Fuel for Healing
Given the right conditions, our bodies really are amazing in their ability to adapt and heal. Our diets have a huge impact on our overall health and our ability to overcome health challenges. In my practice, I've seen prescribed diets take care of severe health problems that didn't respond other treatments including medication.There are a lot of changes that we can all make to bring us closer to health. The standard American diet makes it easy to be over fed but remain under nourished. I am a big proponent of a whole food/ plant based diet and encourage anyone that is interested to read The McDougall Program by Dr. John McDougall and give it a try. For people that aren't ready to make such a drastic change, start by getting as much processed food out of your diet as possible.
Eating more whole foods is our best bet for improving health and preventing disease. Whole foods – like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes -- retain their fiber as well as the whole portfolio of beneficial phytochemicals and nutrients that are often removed in processed foods. Try to do most of your shopping around the outside edges of the supermarket. When you pick up packaged foods, look at the ingredient list before buying it. You should be able to recognize and pronounce all of the ingredients listed. Try to avoid artificial colors/ flavors, preservatives, and trans-fats.
I also highly recommend purchasing as much organic and non-GMO food as your budget allows. Pesticides, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be disease promoting and put extra stress on the organs of detoxification. Environmental Working Group has a great guide to help you figure out which organic produce you should make a priority.
Whole grains and starches such as brown rice, beans, corn, oats, wheat and other grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes are extremely important and should make up the most significant portion of your diet. Contrary to popular belief, these are healthy foods and do not make us fat. The carbs we want to avoid are deep fried, processed, or covered in fats like cheeses and oils.
Protein is important but our bodies do an great job of making healthy levels of protein from the amino acids in our other foods. If you choose to eat meat and dairy, I suggest eating much less. A serving of meat is about the size of your palm without your fingers. A serving of dairy is 1 oz. 2-3 servings per day is plenty. Choose cuts of meat that are not too fatty. Get organic, grass fed beef and organic, free range chicken.
When it comes to fats, eliminate as much of it as possible. Fats that occur naturally in our other foods is sufficient. Even without meat in our diets, we don't need to add any oil to our foods and should even limit other fatty foods like avocado, nuts/ seeds, separated oils, coconut, and soy.
Some of our patients are sensitive to specific foods. Even people with very healthy diets can find that this is a limiting factor in their health. The most common food sensitivities are to fish, shell fish, nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, corn, nightshade plants (peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes), alcohol, processed sugar, MSG, preservatives, and artificial colors. A food elimination diet or purification program is the best way to figure out what foods might be contributing to ill health. Laboratory testing can also be done.
Even those of us with the very best diets miss some nutrients. Growing seasons affect which nutrients are available at any given time. Soil has become increasingly depleted of minerals. And, food is harvested long before it gets to us which further limits how many vitamins and minerals are in it in the first place. Isolated nutrients common in many vitamin supplements are not adequate replacements. I recommend whole food supplementation. Everyone should take a whole food multivitamin and mineral supplement. Depending on the rest of the diet I'll also recommend a supplement to fill in the gaps for green food and berries.
Food is the best medicine. But, if you've gotten quite a bit off track with your health, consider Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. We'll help your body use its resources to get you feeling better!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Solutions for Arthritis Pain
In this article, I'd like to focus on osteoarthritis (OA) also known as 'wear and tear' arthritis. OA tends to come on slowly. People have pain, swelling or tenderness in a joint. There is stiffness after inactivity especially in the morning. Pain is also worse with increased use. There may be a crunching feeling or a sound of bone rubbing on bone. By age 55, 40% of us will have arthritis. The arthritic changes are permanent but you don't have to live with the pain!
ActivityKeep moving! Doctors used to recommend rest as a treatment for arthritis. They couldn't have been more wrong and have changed their recommendations. Assuming you are healthy enough to exercise, you'll want to look for low impact forms of aerobic exercise. My patients enjoy walking, swimming and biking. Strength training (with light weights, elastic bands or your own body weight) is helpful to build muscle and protect the joints. You should also do some stretching to keep the joints flexible. Consider taking yoga classes or tai chi from a knowledgeable instructor.
Weight Loss
Extra body weight can put a lot of additional stress on the body's joints. It is not only a common cause of OA but losing even a little weight can be very helpful in reducing pain. My patients have had a lot of success with a plant based/ whole food diet. Here are a couple great videos to get you started: Dr. McDougall's Diet for Maximum Weight Loss and How to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind.
Diet and Food Sensitivites
What you put in your mouth didn't cause your arthritis but it can have a major effect the amount of inflammation in your body. It is possible to have a sensitivity to almost any food. The most common culprits are dairy, eggs, fish/ shellfish, nuts, sugars/alcohol, separated fats, and gluten. If strictly avoiding these foods for a couple weeks doesn't give you the results you want, I'd recommend consulting with a health care provider that has some experience guiding people through a more personalized avoidance plan.
Nutritional Supplements
Some people may have to take prescription or over the counter medications as part of their arthritis treatment plan. If it is not essential, I'd recommend avoiding these. Many cause damage to the liver, kidneys, digestive system, are addictive, or raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. Nutritional supplements are generally much safer. Before trying supplements, I'd recommend you consult with a qualified herbalist especially if you are taking medications. A full list of herbs to try is beyond the scope of this article but, some common supplements to ask about would include: MSM, Glucosamine with Chondroitin, and Turmeric.
I frequently recommend a supplement called InflamaSYN to help with the inflammation and pain. It contains 10 anti-inflammatory herbs and is in a convenient 2 pills/ day dosing. In addition, I can recommend Chinese Herbal Medicines that are chosen very specifically for patients. Chinese herbal formulas are chosen based on: other health issues, quality of pain, what makes it better/worse, and location of pain. My patients tell me that Chinese Herbs often work even when other supplements have failed.
Topicals
Next time you're achy and thinking about taking an over the counter medication, try a topical instead. There are a lot of options out there. If you see a qualified acupuncturist or chiropractor, they should be able to help you pick the best to try. Notable products: Tiger Balm, Zeel (Traumeel), and BioFreeze.
Acupuncture
In my opinion, Acupuncture is the ultimate tool in treating arthritis especially when it hasn't responded to other treatments. It is powerful, safe, and tailored to each patient. I'd suggest trying about four sessions to see how you respond and keep it up as long as things continue to improve. The large majority of my patients experience relief and most have long term or even permanent changes in their pain level.
Call our office or visit us online to schedule an appointment or for a free consultation.
Acupuncture of West Michigan
www.acupunctureofwestmichigan.com
616-855-7718
Friday, June 7, 2013
How Does The Acupuncturist use Chinese Medicine?
At some point during treatment, it is common for patients to ask, "Do you use acupuncture for yourself?" The answer is a resounding yes!
Acupuncture is extremely effective for pain. I'm lucky to be free of chronic pain. But, I use acupuncture any time something comes up. My knee was injured a few years back and I did my own acupuncture. The swelling responded right away and I was back on my feet in no time. I've also used it for some recurrent wrist problems from over use and low back pain after working in the yard. We never know which injury will cause long term problems. I treat my own problems early to keep them from becoming chronic.
We all deal with stress and anxiety from time to time. Acupuncture is well documented to take care of this kind of anxiety. Even when people come in for other conditions, stress relief is a great side-benefit to treatment. When I get stressed; I feel tense, sleep is terrible, and I get some digestive symptoms. An acupuncture treatment usually does the trick and I feel better almost immediately. I use acupuncture to take care of my stress before it gets severe enough to cause other problems.
Most people are surprised that acupuncture and Chinese herbs work great for infections including cold and flu. It is important to get acupuncture right away for this to work. I use it to boost my immune system and get over things more quickly. I combine acupuncture with Chinese herbs to get even better results.
One of the reasons I practice acupuncture is because of the, often, long term results. But, we often recommend a wellness plan to prevent other conditions. People should get treated every 6-12 weeks as part of an overall wellness plan. When I'm on top of this for myself; I get sick less, have less stress, sleep better, have more energy, and I recover faster from injuries. I do my best to get treated regularly to stay well.
You don't have to have a major problem to get acupuncture. Consider using it as part of your overall healthy lifestyle.
Stephen Durell, MTOM, Dipl. Ac.
Acupuncture of West Michigan
616-855-7718
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