The human body relies on a complex assembly of many
different systems, all of which must work together in harmony if you want to
enjoy good health. For this reason, many chiropractors and other health
practitioners address their patients' issues from a holistic perspective, an
approach sometimes called functional medicine.
When you seek out chiropractic treatment for a particular
health challenge, don't feel too surprised if your chiropractor asks you about
your diet, evaluates your health from a nutritional point of view, and
recommends nutritional therapy alongside joint adjustments. Take a look at four
ways diet and nutrition can enhance chiropractic care.
1. Support for Healthy Bones
Chiropractors often work with people who suffer from bone
health issues that affect their posture and comfort. In one common condition
called osteoporosis, the bone fails to rebuild itself properly, leading to
reduced bone density and vertebral fractures that compress the spine.
If you struggle with poor bone health, your chiropractor
may recommend that you increase your intake of bone-building proteins, plus
minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and especially calcium. You may also
need to consume more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, with special
emphasis on vitamins A, C, and K.
Sometimes you can improve your bone health by eliminating
certain menu items from your diet. For instance, if you consume lots of salt,
alcohol, or caffeine your chiropractor may advise you to cut back on these
indulgences, all of which can impair your bones' ability to retain calcium.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation often go hand in
hand. Both acute and chronic injuries can trigger inflammation and swelling,
while autoimmune conditions can lead to rheumatoid arthritis and other joint
problems. One particularly painful example, gout, often develops when people
eat too many inflammatory foods.
Chiropractic treatment can reduce inflammation by bringing
joints back into their correct alignment and improving nerve function for more
normal immune responses. To aid this process, however, your chiropractor may
give you a plan for replacing specific inflammatory foods with natural
inflammation fighters.
3. Less Stress on Weight-Bearing Joints
An unhealthy dietary balance featuring too many daily calories
or too many fatty foods can lead to obesity. Obesity can contribute to many
kinds of chronic health problems, including damage to your weight-bearing
joints. The bones and cartilage may experience premature wear and tear, while
the soft tissues may suffer from chronic strain.
If you undergo chiropractic treatment for chronic aches and
pains, your chiropractor may recommend some sensible nutritional and dietary
changes to help you shed any excess pounds safely and easily. The reduction in
physical stress may ease or even prevent pain and stiffness in your lower back,
hips, knees, and ankles.
Even as weight loss helps you achieve better chiropractic
results, chiropractic care may help you lose the extra weight more efficiently.
For instance, chiropractic adjustments that reduce musculoskeletal pain may
encourage you to exercise more vigorously, burning calories that would
otherwise add to your waistline.
4. More Efficient Recovery From Injuries
Many people visit chiropractors for help with acute or
chronic injuries that involve the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. A
traumatic injury can leave you with joint alignment problems as well as other
damage. Chronic repetitive motion injuries can produce strained muscles and
tendons or sprained ligaments.
As your chiropractor addresses the immediate alignment
issues that cause your symptoms, you may also receive advice on how to eat your
way to a more efficient recovery. For instance, certain cheeses, meats, fish,
nuts, and seeds contain proteins called leucines which can accelerate muscle
healing.
If you want to restore or maintain your whole body's health
and wellness, schedule
a consultation
at Corner Chiropractic Center. Our team will evaluate your
joint alignment, diet, nutrition, and other key factors, creating a
personalized chiropractic and nutritional plan to suit your individual needs.
