From The Heart: Omega 3s, Blood Pressure and the Adjustment

Dr. Broosan's Research Corner

Lately, we are seeing more and more ads on TV about fish oil. Though chiropractors (and other health professionals) have been advocating the use of fish oil for years, it has just recently gotten press as more research is coming out supporting the use of these supplements (such as fish oil). Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) that are necessary for proper body function and development. This includes many systems of the body, but the focus of this piece will be on the heart. WebMD states that:

 
"Omega-3 fatty acids are key for normal development and growth. Omega-3 supplements have also become one of the most popular supplements in the U.S. They're used to prevent and treat a number of serious diseases. Since the human body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we have to get them from our diet. Lack of dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and too much intake of omega-6 fatty acids is believed to be a significant contributing factor in many disease states."


"Studies show strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People who have had a heart attack and are treated with omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of having further heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the overall risk of death from heart disease."

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids

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More Omega-3 research (from the American Heart Association):



"Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of CVD [cardiovascular disease]."

Kris-Etherton, et al. AHA Scientific Statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2002;106:2747

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Moving on.....

did you know that high blood pressure may be lowered through chiropractic adjustments?

"This pilot study tests the hypothesis that correcting mal-alignment [subluxation] of the Atlas vertebra reduces and maintains a lower BP [blood pressure]....No adverse effects were recorded. We conclude that restoration of Atlas [1st cervical vertebra] alignment is associated with marked and sustained reductions in BP [blood pressure] similar to the use of two-drug combination therapy."

Bakris et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 (May); 21 (5): 347-352.

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"The patient received specific contact, short lever arm spinal adjustments as the primary mode of chiropractic care. During the course of chiropractic treatment, the patient's need for hypertensive medication was reduced. The patient's medical physician gradually withdrew the medication over 2 months."

Plaugher G, Bachman TR. Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1993; 16 (8) Oct: 544-549.

Heart Health

This month we are creating awareness on the topic of Heart Health. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death of women in the United States. That may seem scary and reason for alarm, but instead of fear, I would like to empower the women reading this with ways you can "love" and "take care" of your heart each day. First, I'd like you to understand that your heart is a muscle. When we think of the heart as a muscle, it is easier to relate to what can keep our hearts healthy and beating strong. Bring your attention to the muscles in your shoulders and neck. Are they tight, tense and achy? If yes, than it is likely that your heart "muscle" is tight, tense and achy.
And a tight, tense and achy heart eventually leads to high blood pressure, irregular pulse and ultimately heart disease. But, just as I've been teaching you to care for your skeletal muscles, the same methods apply to caring for your heart muscle.

Muscles need to be stretched. To stretch the heart muscle we need to be taking active long, deep breathes on a regular basis (try 10-12 deep breathes each morning, afternoon and night). Muscles need relaxation. We need to keep stress low, remember if your shoulders are tense, so is your heart. When you feel tension build, take a step back, center yourself and remember not to sweat the small stuff. Muscles also need strength. To strengthen the heart muscle we need to sweat and pant! Any exercise that increases your respiratory rate and causes perspiration is good for your heart. Lastly, muscles need a balanced amount of protein, vitamins & minerals and are burdened by excess fat. So, eat a sensible diet that includes 5 small servings of protein along with unlimited fruits and vegetables per day and drop any extra weight that could be burdening the heart. Adding additional Omega 3 fatty acids and a good vitamin and mineral supplement is beneficial as well.

From our hearts to yours,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Treat your Sweetheart with our Valentine's Day Special!

One-Hour Wellness Massage

now only $49

regularly priced at $75 ($26 savings!)

Show your loved ones you care by treating them to our One-Hour Wellness Massage. This customized massage performed in one of our private treatment suites, is designed to offer true therapeutic relief combined with deep relaxation.

(Treatment time 60-minutes)

Complimentary Chocolate Rose with each gift certificate purchased!*

We also offer gift certificates for any of our treatments or in any denomination should you wish to combine massage with a chiropractic or acupuncture treatment!

*offer expires 02/28/11. while supplies last.

Massage and Chiropractic Spots available this Saturday!

We have...

 

5 Massage Appointments

&

3 Regular Chiropractic Appointments

available from 10 am - 1 pm

For this Saturday, January 22, 2011

Call our office to schedule your appointment today!

Phone: 1 (818) 549-1300

Thank you,

InnerMovement Chiropractic

A few words about grace

One of the most powerful teachings I've been gifted to receive was the teaching about grace. Grace means that there is a divine energy (that has many names) moving through us at all times. This is the energy that grows the sapling to a fruit-bearing tree and allows the bird to find food and a nesting place. This divine energy is always there supporting us toward our highest good. But we, as conscious human beings, get lost in "doing". We worry and strive, denying that we are exactly where we need to be, forgetting to connect to the ever-present grace guiding our way. I find that when I meditate, I can drop the fears, the striving to be better and the toxic thoughts and in that space I can connect to grace. Much like the sapling, I grow towards my full potential naturally.


Interestingly, this teaching applies to our bodies as well. I have learned, along with modern science, that the body has a state of grace called homeostasis. Homeostasis is an innate process that continually keeps the body moving towards health, as long as it is not interfered with. Toxins in our food source and environment have become one of the leading contributors to ill health. This is because they take the body away from its natural state of grace "homeostasis".

So as meditation can help us cleanse the mind, I participate in and recommend to all of my patients, a thorough body Detox once per year to help cleanse the body. Remember, we have all we need to be healthy in body, mind and spirit, we just need to remove interference and return to our natural state of grace. Until our next adjustment...


Yours in health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

3-Week Aqua Detox Diet Weight Loss Program

"Allopathic science has found between 50 and 170 toxic substances in the blood that weren't there 50 to 100 years ago."

"As seen on Oprah, Dr. Oz reports that 30 known carcinogens were found in the blood of newborn infants tested in the US."

Our simple, yet effective Detox program eliminates the guesswork by making it easy for you to follow while ensuring your body gets all the nutrients it needs to restore a vibrant state of health.

Safe, detoxifying herbs are combined with a fortified protein beverage are used in conjunction with our guidelines for healthy meals and snacks. To further encourage the elimination of toxins, we add our Aqua Detox foot bath weekly to be enjoyed while you relax at our wellness center.
 

Program Cost (includes):

30 packs of Detoxifying Herbs

3 week supply of Nutri-Clear Detoxifying Beverage

3 week supply of Whey Protein Powder

3 Aqua Detox Foot Baths

*plus email support

for only $299

We're also happy to combine Chiropractic Adjustments, Acupuncture Treatments and Wellness Massages to aid in the restoral of your optimum health... please feel free to inquire on how these treatments can boost your Personal Detox Program!

Healthy Nutrition Recipe: Vegan Nut Butter Potato Chip Cookies

Healthy Nutrition
Recipe-of-the-Month!

from our Clinical Nutritionist Michelle

The holidays are about enjoying yourself & this recipe will satisfy your desire to be indulgent without the guilt!  Surprise your friends & family with this delicious treat!
Vegan Nut Butter Potato Chip Cookies
- makes about 40

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups evaporated cane sugar (or your favorite sugar substitute)
• 1 cup refined coconut oil
• 1 cup chunky natural salted roasted almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 2 cups coarsely crushed Baked Kettle potato chips (they're Vegan!)

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium sized bowl sift flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl combine sugar, coconut oil and nut butter of choice and mix on medium to high speed until creamy. Add molasses, water and vanilla and mix until combined.
5. On low speed add in flour mixture slowly.
6. Add potato chips until combined well while not over mixing.
7. Make dough balls about 2tablespoons and place then about 2-inches apart on lined baking sheet.
8. Smash balls to about 3/4 inch thick then make crisscross pattern with back of fork.
9. Bake until slightly brown at corners, about 13-15 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack & try not to eat them all before sharing!

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

If I had to choose one month out of the year that has the worst effect on our health, December would win hands down. Not only are we struggling with never ending to-do lists and pressure-driven money stress, but we also have to face our old family wounds being drudged up over eggnog. Patients seem to exist in such a perpetual state of stress that holiday activities, generally considered enjoyable, have become dreadful. Compound that with every sugar laden indulgence surrounding us from all angles with no time to exercise and you've got a recipe for disaster.

This year, don't let stress run the show! Stay on track with your "wellness lifestyle". Get adjusted, it increases your immune system and helps your body adapt to stress. Relax with a Massage, you'll be nicer to your in-laws I promise. And pick up a carrot stick instead of a cookie if you can. Stress makes you sick (see Dr. Broosan's research in the previous post), it packs on the pounds (check out our nutrition tips) and it robs you of the moment (try our stress busters)! Be AWARE this holiday and use some of the recipes, research and tips from our Wellness team to help keep you healthy and stress-free all season long.

Until our next adjustment...

Yours in health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

How are Stress, your Immune System & Chiropractic Adjustments related?

Dr. Broosan's Research Corner
How are Stress, your Immune System & Chiropractic Adjustments related?

Along with family gatherings, celebration, and joy, the holidays can also bring with them higher levels of stress. Stress is one way to set off the body's "fight or flight" system. This system (known as the sympathetic nervous system) is intelligently designed to allow the body to adapt to life threatening situations. The problem arises when we have high stress levels chronically. You see, we were not meant to remain in a "fight or flight" state for long periods of time and yet this is exactly what happens to many of us on a daily basis. Add a little more stress (i.e. the holidays), and guess what happens to a lot of people? They get sick! Ever notice that when you are stressed out, you are more likely to get sick? It's not a coincidence.

Book your InnerMovement Appointment Online

Now you can book your appointments from your computer.

(1) Go to innermovement.net

(2) In the top right hand corner, click on the "Reserve an appointment" link


(3) You will be directed to the mindbodyonline website, there you will be prompted to enter your first and last name


(4) Once it finds your information, you will need to answer a verification question


(5) Create a user name and password to register


(6) From there, feel free to request any appointments needed and a staff member will get back to you promptly to confirm!

Thank you,
InnerMovement Chiropractic