Chiropractic concerns itself with the overall holistic well-being of the client, including helping with issues such a weight loss. To that end, many chiropractors have advanced degrees or additional certifications in nutrition. Many Americans are overweight, and this can lead to chronic health problems as well as misalignment. Besides advocating a healthy diet, chiropractors have additional methods to assist people in weight loss.
Health Care Crisis
“More than half of all American adults are overweight and at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and more.” These “300,000 deaths per year” are largely preventable.1 Many traditional health care providers do not help their patients realize the need for, or help them accomplish, weight loss goals.
Exercise and Chiropractic
In order to maintain a healthy body and sustain weight loss, exercise is important. If a body is not aligned properly, however, exercise is negatively affected. Many people may not even attempt to exercise if they are in chronic pain. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to significant weight gain. Chiropractors can alleviate muscle spasms, promote flexibility, and assist with injury recovery.2
Other Health Benefits of Chiropractic
Chiropractic therapy can also be beneficial in assisting clients achieve better sleep. This, in turn, can aid the overall immune system. A more relaxed person, with better health, will be more likely to exercise successfully. Body and mind wellness are beneficial states for weight loss.3 Chiropractors can help their clients over their weight loss hurdles. Sleeping well is the first step. Reducing stress so that cortisol doesn’t cause belly fat is another way to help a client.4
Nutrition and Herbs
Thereare supplements that can help a client achieve a healthy weight, in additional to fresh and natural foods. Chiropractors are often knowledgeable about herbs, vitamins, and minerals that can support a healthy immune and weight-loss system.5 It is also important not to forget the health benefits of water. Dehydration slows metabolism and calorie burning, it increases cortisol, and it decreases the desire to exercise.6 It is easier to maintain a healthy weight if a person does not feel “deprived”. Chiropractors specializing in nutrition can help their clients see the importance of a high fiber, filling diet, more popularly known as “volumetrics”. Unlike simple carbohydrates that don’t leave a person feeling full, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains pack a lot of fiber. “Just increasing fiber intake to the recommended 25 g/day for women and 36 g/day for men may help stem the obesity epidemic”.7 According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), just 10% weight loss will reduce wear and tear on joints, decrease dependence on medications, lower the risk of many diseases, increase range of motion, and reduce the incidences of diabetes and sleep apnea. Overall, there will be less injury and strain on the body.8
References:
1 http://www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/wellness/weight.html
2,3 http://www.ehow.com/way_5685363_weight-loss-chiropractic.html
4,6 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4122
5 http://www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/nutrition/index.html
7 http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2353
8 http://www.acatoday.org/cvweb_aca/cgi-bin/MsasCartList.dll/ProductInfo?productcd=GEN-0003
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