Sugar: The Beach Body Killer

Bottom Line:

If you have a sweet tooth, you know it can be difficult to avoid sugary foods like pastries, candy, or even soda. Which sugary food is your weakness?

Researchers have proven that sugar is a key contributor to weight gain. But how?

Well, sugar is made up of two molecules: glucose and fructose. Glucose is what your body uses for energy. Fructose, on the other hand, is a molecule that your liver turns to fat and is a key contributor to weight gain and disease.

Why it Matters:

When you eat a lot of sugar, it causes your blood glucose to rise, which can be toxic. So your body produces insulin to get the glucose out of your blood and into the cells to be used for energy. Over time, your body can actually build a resistance to insulin which means that your pancreas works harder to create the same balance. When the resistance to insulin reaches a critical point, it can result in type II diabetes. But first, your body begins storing an overabundance of fat in your fat cells. The worst part? Not only do you start “gaining weight” but your body has a tough time getting the energy out of the fat cells, which means your brain thinks you are hungry, and you eat even more. What a vicious cycle!

- Excess sugar can lead to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.

- Eating sugary foods can result in your body storing away more fat.

- Sugar can trick your brain into thinking it’s still hungry (even after you’ve eaten a full meal).

Next Steps:

Staying fit and healthy can be challenging, but we’re here for you. How you choose to eat is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy life. When you make good choices about how you eat, how you move, and how you think - you are set up for a healthy life.

Science Source(s):

Sugar Consumption, Metabolic Disease and Obesity: The State of the Controversy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2016

Stress and Weight

Bottom Line:

A recent research study found over 75% of people experience at least a moderate amount of stress every day!

Chronic stress is not fun to deal with, but did you know it can also affect your weight?

When you are stressed your body goes into survival (or “fight or flight”) mode which changes your hormonal balance. You don’t need to be running from a saber tooth tiger to enter fight or flight mode. Even everyday events like traffic and stress at work can cause you to have that physiological response.

Why it Matters:

Recent research suggests that chronic stress can result in:

·         high blood pressure,

·         changes in your brain,

·         and weight gain.

When you are stressed out, it is more likely that you will over-eat and less likely that you will get enough sleep and exercise. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, a hormone that can produce a build-up of fatty tissue and cause weight gain. Cortisol increases both your appetite and the amount of fat the body stores. By recognizing your stressors, and engaging in a few simple relaxation techniques, you can learn to reduce your body’s natural stress response.

·         The hormone Cortisol is released in response to stress and increases your blood sugar.

·         Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels.

·         An association has been found between increased cortisol levels and obesity.

Next Steps:

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help your body counter the stress response. Also, exercise has been shown to decrease stress levels substantially.

The next time you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to breathe a few deep breaths and try to get some exercise into your schedule that day. Not only will you feel better mentally, but your body will be able to reduce the amount of Cortisol produced which will limit your body’s fat storage and help curb any thoughts of over-eating. Staying fit and trim does start in your head!

Science Source(s):

Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 Years. Obesity 2017

Don’t Have Enough Time to Exercise?

Bottom Line:

You're busy and you're stressed out. Well, you're not alone.

These are two of the most common reasons people give for not exercising consistently. Ironically, these are the two exact reasons you should be exercising and moving your body!

Moving your body releases endorphins which help you feel good, relaxes your mind which reduces stress, and burns calories to keep you looking great.

Why it Matters:

Your body is meant to move. Long hours commuting in your car or sitting at a desk can place a lot of stress on your musculoskeletal system.

If your spine and core muscles are weak and unstable, then you are more likely to suffer an injury which can cause a downward spiral that impacts your relationships with food, sleep, and exercise. So taking a pro-active approach to your exercise routine is crucial to live your best life. Chiropractic adjustments are an essential part of the picture because they can help you feel good mentally and keep you moving physically.

·         Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk factors for cardiovascular and heart disease.

·         Even 15 minutes of light exercise can make a difference in your overall health.

·         Exercise can help you feel good both physically and mentally.

Next Steps:

Schedule time every day to exercise. But, don’t get discouraged if you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Even 15 minutes of walking during your afternoon break can provide you with the health benefits you are looking for. Burning an extra hundred calories per day (which could be accomplished with 10 minutes of walking) adds up to thousands of calories each month. Continue that trend, and you will notice inches falling off your waistline before you know it!

Science Source(s):

The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

Can Chiropractic Help You Lose Weight?

Bottom Line:

If you are looking to lose a few extra pounds this month, you are not alone. Many of our patients are working towards a similar goal.

How you move, eat, and think every day will determine your success. All three are part of maintaining an active lifestyle. So where does Chiropractic fit in?

Why it Matters:

Unfortunately, no Chiropractic technique takes off 10 pounds with each adjustment; but people just like you have been able to maintain a healthy weight by adding Chiropractic care into their active lifestyle.

Research has suggested that periodic Chiropractic care can help evaluate, detect and treat emerging problems. So, by reducing injuries, you will be able to stay active and keep your exercise routine on track.

Also, many people report reduced stress after getting adjusted. This makes sense because research studies have shown reduced muscle tension in the shoulders after an adjustment.

And finally, we firmly believe that healthy food choices make a significant impact on your body’s ability to be well and stay well. Eating healthy whole foods and sometimes even using select supplements can give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day.  

·         Chiropractic has been shown to reduce the stress and tension in the muscles that support your head and neck.

·         Staying active with daily exercise will help keep your muscles toned and reduce your risk of injury.

·         Lowering your sugar intake helps to avoid those devastating blood sugar crashes in the afternoon.

Next Steps:

Thank you for making our office a part of your healthy lifestyle. Our team is here to support your ability to move, think, and eat in a way that results in achieving your healthcare goals.

We know that by moving your body, making smart dietary choices, and managing your stress, you will put yourself in the best place possible to live your best life. We are proud to be your partner in health!

Science Source(s):

The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 years. Obesity 2017

Sugar Consumption, Metabolic Disease and Obesity: The State of the Controversy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2016

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017