Karen Baker BSc, DC
Most of my patients have heard me say something like “move it or lose it” or “motion is lotion”. Well, as a chiropractor, this is my model; “It’s all about motion” is my mantra. Movement is fundamental to a healthy body. And for the joints, lack of motion means death, literally (cell death, really). We often forget that the tissues that make up the body are alive. They consist of millions of cells busy working to keep us doing what we’re doing. These cells require energy and materials to continue to perform their daily jobs.
Most of our cells receive nutrients via blood vessels (capillaries). One notable exception is the cartilage that lines our moveable synovial joints. This tissue does not have its own blood supply. These cells depend on the regular motion of the joint to squish the synovial fluid into these tissues (a process called imbibition) so that this nutrient filled fluid can be absorbed into the cells. Without this process, the cells of the cartilage do not receive the nutrients they need to thrive or even survive. As these cell degenerate, the cartilage barrier between the bones becomes thin. As the bones get closer and closer together they will start to grow towards each other forming bony spurs (called osteophytes) in an attempt to fuse this unused joint. This, although simplified, is the process of osteoarthritis (OA).
This process also applies to our spine. These same synovial joints exist between the vertebrae, allowing our torso to bend and twist. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle are numerous, and to the spine - disastrous.
The best thing we can do for all of our joints is keep them moving through their full range of motion – every day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Should I take Calcium Supplements?
Peter Wilansky-Traynor CHNP, PTS
As the population ages, the importance of healthy bones has become a growing concern. With that concern, comes the question of calcium supplements.
Our bones do much more than most of us realize. Of course, the skeleton serves as the infrastructure to our bodies - keeping us upright, and giving our muscles and other soft tissues something to attach to - allowing us to stand, sit, and move around. The skull, ribcage, spine and pelvis also provide protection for our vital organs. In addition to these obvious structural roles, bones have important functions in our body chemistry: Blood cells are produced in the marrow of the bones; long bones store fat that can be used as energy. Bones also store vital minerals required for proper function of nerves and muscles (such as calcium and phosphorus). The correct level of these nutrients is needed for healthy cells. While low levels of calcium in the blood can cause muscle spasms and leaching of calcium from the bones, too much calcium can slow neuromuscular activity, cause lethargy and in extreme cases - heart failure.
Although everyone needs to ingest the nutrients needed for strong, healthy bones, therapeutic doses of calcium can actually worsen some health conditions.
The need for supplementation depends on each person’s health condition, and biochemical individuality. In my nutrition practice, I use Metabolic Typing as a tool to help determine an individual’s needs. Certain “Metabolic Types” naturally require higher amounts of calcium in their diet; while others do well on diets lower in calcium but higher in the synergistic nutrients required for absorption and use of calcium by the body.
So before you stock up on Calcium supplements, make sure that is really what your body requires.
As the population ages, the importance of healthy bones has become a growing concern. With that concern, comes the question of calcium supplements.
Our bones do much more than most of us realize. Of course, the skeleton serves as the infrastructure to our bodies - keeping us upright, and giving our muscles and other soft tissues something to attach to - allowing us to stand, sit, and move around. The skull, ribcage, spine and pelvis also provide protection for our vital organs. In addition to these obvious structural roles, bones have important functions in our body chemistry: Blood cells are produced in the marrow of the bones; long bones store fat that can be used as energy. Bones also store vital minerals required for proper function of nerves and muscles (such as calcium and phosphorus). The correct level of these nutrients is needed for healthy cells. While low levels of calcium in the blood can cause muscle spasms and leaching of calcium from the bones, too much calcium can slow neuromuscular activity, cause lethargy and in extreme cases - heart failure.
Although everyone needs to ingest the nutrients needed for strong, healthy bones, therapeutic doses of calcium can actually worsen some health conditions.
The need for supplementation depends on each person’s health condition, and biochemical individuality. In my nutrition practice, I use Metabolic Typing as a tool to help determine an individual’s needs. Certain “Metabolic Types” naturally require higher amounts of calcium in their diet; while others do well on diets lower in calcium but higher in the synergistic nutrients required for absorption and use of calcium by the body.
So before you stock up on Calcium supplements, make sure that is really what your body requires.
How Many Joints are in My Feet?
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Here's a clue: each foot contains 26 bones (7 bones in the ankle region, 5 long bones in the mid-foot and 14 bones in the toes). These bones create 33 joints where they interact with one another. This makes for an incredibly flexible structure with great strength which not only supports our body's weight, but propels us forward through life. Leonardo Da Vinci called the foot "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" -- if we all shared that view our often achy and tired feet might get the attention they deserve! During the winter months, when the ground is cold, wet, and slippery and our feet are bundled up in heavy boots, the 33 joints of our feet do not have the opportunity to move through their full range of motion. Lack of motion coupled with the cold temperatures can cause the muscles of our feet to tighten and the joints to stiffen. A few simple measures can help keep your feet healthy and happy throughout the winter so that when the snow melts, spring is not only in the air but also in your step.
Tips to help your feet survive the winter:
• soaking the feet to mid-shin in a hot Epsom salt bath once or twice a week
• self-massage on the feet improves circulation and mobility
• daily stretching of the feet, toes, and ankles
• make sure that orthotic inserts stay dry and are periodically checked by your health professional
• always check feet for cuts, rashes, calluses, which might be the early warning signs of a more serious foot condition.
Here's a clue: each foot contains 26 bones (7 bones in the ankle region, 5 long bones in the mid-foot and 14 bones in the toes). These bones create 33 joints where they interact with one another. This makes for an incredibly flexible structure with great strength which not only supports our body's weight, but propels us forward through life. Leonardo Da Vinci called the foot "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" -- if we all shared that view our often achy and tired feet might get the attention they deserve! During the winter months, when the ground is cold, wet, and slippery and our feet are bundled up in heavy boots, the 33 joints of our feet do not have the opportunity to move through their full range of motion. Lack of motion coupled with the cold temperatures can cause the muscles of our feet to tighten and the joints to stiffen. A few simple measures can help keep your feet healthy and happy throughout the winter so that when the snow melts, spring is not only in the air but also in your step.
Tips to help your feet survive the winter:
• soaking the feet to mid-shin in a hot Epsom salt bath once or twice a week
• self-massage on the feet improves circulation and mobility
• daily stretching of the feet, toes, and ankles
• make sure that orthotic inserts stay dry and are periodically checked by your health professional
• always check feet for cuts, rashes, calluses, which might be the early warning signs of a more serious foot condition.
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