How can Chiropractic Boost Your Metabolism to Lose Weight?

Most people in Utah would give a lot to increase their metabolism. Having a high metabolic rate enables one to burn fat and lose weight fast with the least amount of exertion. Metabolism is the rate by which the body produces and consumes energy and calories to support life. There are several factors that affect the metabolism of a person, such as the amount of muscle tissue in one’s body, the frequency of the meals one consumes, genetics, the digestive system, stress levels, personal diet, and activity levels.

 

Metabolism slows down when there is a loss of muscle because of not enough physical activity, when there is the tendency of the body to cannibalize its own tissue because there is not enough food energy to sustain it, and as a result of the decrease of physical activity that comes naturally with old age.

It is obvious that metabolism decreases along with age, but it is possible to counter the effects. The amount of muscle a person has is a very strong determinant in the ability to burn calories and shed fat. So it goes without saying that physical activity is essential. This is where chiropractic adjustments can have the greatest effect.  Regular adjustments improve the mobility and function of the spine and other joints in the body which make it easier to exercise and remain active to build lean muscle tissue.

Another key is to match the amount of eating to the amount of activity one has.

·         Eat breakfast. Many people ignore the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Metabolism can slow down considerably if breakfast is eaten during mid-morning or if one waits until the afternoon to eat.

·         Avoid processed sugar. Sugar enables the body to store fat. It is recommended that a person consume food that helps sustain an even level of blood sugar. Additionally, physical activity 2-3 times a week is important to stabilize blood sugar.

·         Increase water intake. Water flushes out toxins that are produced whenever the body burns fat. The majority of bodily functions involve water, and lack of water causes its systems to decrease in speed, this produces unneeded stress as a result.

·         Get regular chiropractic adjustments based on your chiropractor’s recommendation. Adjustments can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and increase the success and comfort of your body as your state of health increases.

·         Eat smaller meals. It is advisable to consume 4 to 6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart, and include more energy foods in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains. Salt Lake City has many great food options, locally sourced farmer’s markets, and interesting restaurants to help you plan your meals accordingly.

·         Never skip meals. People tend to skip meals in order to lose weight, which is a big mistake since it slows down metabolism.

·         Ditch the stress! Stress, be it physical or emotional, triggers the release of a chemicals in the body that decrease metabolism. Also, most people tend to eat excessively when stressed.

So take advantage of regular chiropractic adjustments to assist you in being more physically active, watch your diet, get enough sleep and takes steps to reduce your stress and you will be able to burn more calories because your metabolism will be on fire!

Preventing Ski Injuries

As winter approaches, it is time to start preparing for ski season. Here at The Joint - Sugarhouse our Salt Lake City Chiropractors see and treat numerous ski and snowboard related injuries every year. Many of these injuries are avoidable. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 144,000 snow skiing-related injuries treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, and emergency rooms every year. Injuries associated with snowboarding are even greater: 148,000.



A wide range of injuries can occur in snow skiing or snowboarding. Knee injuries are the most common. Shoulder injuries such as dislocations and sprains are common as well because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall. Head injuries and back pain can also occur in skiing, and can be especially serious.

Here are some tips for avoiding injury:

Proper Preparation

Maintain fitness. Be sure you are in good physical condition before you start the season. If you are out of shape, select runs that are less challenging to start and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.

Many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if you prepare by keeping in good physical condition and stopping when you are tired or in pain.
Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.

• Hydrate. Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after skiing.
• Get Adjusted. Make sure that your spine is functioning at its best. Even small misalignment can cause you to lose some of you normal range of motion and reduce endurance. A regular spinal adjustment will help you to perform at your optimal level and reduce back pain.
• Ensure Appropriate Equipment
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature.
• Buy or rent boots and bindings that have been set, adjusted, maintained and tested by a ski shop that follows American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard job practices.
• Check the binding of each ski before skiing. The bindings must be properly adjusted to your height and weight.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles and a helmet. Helmets are sport-specific, so do not wear a bike helmet on the slopes. Ski helmets should be worn.
• Ensure a Safe Environment
• Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
• Watch out for rocks and patches of ice on the ski trails.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow powder, and wet snow.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ski season. Remember if you are injured or have back pain during or after your day on the slopes, don't wait to be treated. The Joint - Sugarhouse is conveniently located off of I-80; our Salt Lake City chiropractors are here seven days a week and no appointment is needed.

-Dr. Sean Smith

Weather and Your Health

Over the last couple weeks in Salt Lake City, we have seen the weather shift from almost summer like conditions to near winter conditions. We all know people who blame the weather for their achy joints, headaches, and many other health problems. At the Joint, our chiropractors in Sugar House hear this on a regular basis from Utah chiropractic patients. While some health care professionals remain skeptical about the effect of weather on health, more and more evidence is emerging to support some of these claims. Here are a couple of the most common conditions that may be related to weather changes.

Migraine Headaches

In people who are already susceptible to migraine headaches, such changes as falling barometric pressure, a sharp increase in humidity, or a sudden drop in temperature may trigger a migraine. Research supports the theory that changing weather triggers migraines. In one survey that asked migraine sufferers to list triggers, 53% responded "weather." In many instances when migraine sufferers move to an area with a more stable climate, they notice a reduction in the incidence of the migraines.

Of course not everyone can move to a different climate so they can feel better. But migraine sufferers can take some action against weather-induced headaches. If weather changes seem to play a role in the incidence of your migraines, it would be a good to monitor the weather forecast and take steps to avoid the occurrence of a headache. One thing that has helped many migraine sufferers is a Utah chiropractic adjustment.

Stiff Joints

Probably the most common weather-associated complaint is joint stiffness. This is something we see and treat on a regular basis at the joint. According to a recent study: "Baseline pain appears to be strongly affected by a drop in temperature and a change in humidity. Almost 80% to 90% of patients feel a difference in their pain's intensity and sensitivity."

Instead of simply reacting to weather-associated increases in joint pain with measures like placing heating pads over painful joints and taking pain meds, it is recommended that people use proactive measures to improve joint function, such as engaging in nonweight-bearing exercises, and getting a chiropractic adjustment.

So when the weather turns, be sure to come see us at The Joint.  Our chiropractors in Sugar House and we will help keep you feeling good.

~Dr. Sean Smith

Foods That Promote Healthy Living

Many people know that the foods you eat can have a profound effect on your health.  The Standard American Diet (SAD) is filled with saturated fat, preservatives, and sugar.  at The Joint, our Chiropractors in Utah recommend changing your diet.  By eliminating saturated fats, preservatives, and sugar, you can promote a healthy lifestyle.  Choose lean proteins such as poultry or fish.  Beans and nuts are an excellent source of protein for those who are vegetarians.  Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and switch to water.  Vegetables should be included in every meal are a huge source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy carbohydrates which the body needs to function.  Choose leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens which are rich in vitamins K, C, and E as well as many of the B vitamins.  They also contain the necessary minerals calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.  

Eating healthy also helps your chiropractic health by strengthening bones reducing the probability of fractures and strains.  Your body needs calcium for strong bones, and iron for strong muscles.  Together, strong bones and muscles help keep your body frame in the erect position in which it was intended to be.  Choose fruits in a variety of colors to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.  Pick healthy carbohydrates like whole grains and eliminate sugary  unhealthy empty carbohydrates.  Dairy also plays a role in our health.  There are many choices of low fat dairy products on the market including, cheese, and yogurt.  Our Chiropractors in Utah can help answer any questions you may have on getting started with healthy eating.

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