Inflammation and pain. Eating
and healthy living. Obesity and neurodegenerative disease. These are some combos!
Chiropractic Solutions welcomes these daily in our
San Jose chiropractic practice, describes the
connections, and encourages the exploration of new and
different-to-you approaches to enhance health via nutrition like the
Mediterranean diet to manage obesity and neurodegenerative
disease.
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES AND OBESITY
The the beneficial aspects of a Mediterranean
diet for patients with neurodegenerative diseases are just getting
clearer…as are indicators both conditions share like
inflammation (which also impacts back pain sufferers). Such a
diet of natural products delivering antioxidants, fiber, and
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could prevent cell death and even
restore function to injured neurons. (1) Neurodegenerative
diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s and obesity
are associated with low grade inflammation leading
to concerns like neuronal inflammation, brain atrophy and
cognitive decline. With obesity impacting almost
30% of people globally, any connections that can tackle
inflammation and fight obesity like diet and physical activity are encouraging.
(2) We can all find prasie for that!
“WHAT CAN I EAT WITH THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?”
US News & World Report granted the
Mediterranean Diet as the #1 Best Heart-Healthy Diet, Best Diet for Bone
and Joint Health, Best Diet for Diabetes and Best Diet for Healthy Eating in
2024.
Core foods are simple: fruits, veggies, whole
grains, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and healthy fats. (Think: olive
oil, avocado oil.) Add in fish and seafood twice a week with dairy, eggs, and poultry on
occasion. Skip the red meats and sweet goodies except for special occasions. The Mediterranean Diet
Pyramid
(Think of it as an updated USDA food pyramid so
many of us might recall from our younger years.)
consists of red wine (in moderation) and water
(lots of it!).
It also incorporates dining with friends, dancing,
exercising, being physically active!
(3) These are the fun
things in life!
PRAISE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Mediterranean diet researchers and supporters
list multiple benefits: enhanced
brain function, longer life, certain types of cancer
prevention, heart disease/high blood pressure/”bad” cholesterol decrease,
diabetes security, weight loss/management support, depression prevention,
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s prevention, rheumatoid
arthritis and eye health enhancement, improved
breathing, improved infertility, healthier babies, and more!
(3) There is something beneficial for
everyone with the Mediterranean diet! Neurodegenerative diseases experience
a loss of neuronal structure and function in addition to
progressive dysfunction. Neurodegeneration involves many
different pathological processes that natural products – especially
the ones that have bioactive compounds that are
able to cross the blood brain barrier - are important as
neuroprotectors. Some such natural products are widely known
than others: quercetin (green tea, tomato, capers,
black and red wine), luteolin, Reservatol (nuts, fruits, grapes), apigenin (flavonoids), genistein (isoflavone), Hesperidin
(grapes/citrus), etc. (4) Our San Jose chiropractic patients are often
prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, so our back pain patients
may also benefit from this kind of low
inflammation diet. The Mediterranean Diet allows so
much variety of natural goods!
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox about the role of inflammation in back pain and spine pain
and neck pain on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes the benefits of
The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your San Jose chiropractic
appointment now. Eating well isn’t that hard and
is so good for our San Jose chiropractic friends, especially those carrying
a few extra pounds and/or dealing with neurodegeneration-related
issues.