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For individuals with aches and pains throughout their body, can a foot detox help bring relief? Foot Detox A foot detox involves soaking the feet in an ionic bath to help remove toxins from the body. They can also be performed using acupressure, scrubs, foot masks, and pads. Combined with eliminating toxins, detox is also believed to help enhance blood circulation and provide body pain and discomfort relief. However, current evidence is limited and there has been no evidence to support that toxins can be released from the feet using an ionic bath. However, they have been found to provide other benefits, which include: - Relaxation
- Lower stress levels
- Enhanced skin health and hydration.
- Reduced inflammation in individuals with skin disorders.
Foot detoxes are considered generally safe, but individuals are recommended to speak to their healthcare provider. Potential Benefits The potential health benefits include: - Reduces inflammation and swelling.
- Improves stress levels and mood.
- Can help with weight management.
- Can help with heart health and increased blood circulation.
- Relieves aches and pains.
- Balances pH levels.
- Eliminate harmful pathogens and microorganisms.
However, most reports surrounding the benefits of foot detox are not proven by research investigating whether the health claims are scientifically accurate. One study in 2012 found that foot detoxes did not produce the intended results and could not help remove toxins from the body. (Deborah A Kennedy, et al., 2012) Other research surrounding foot baths and massages showed that they could help reduce symptoms of mood disorders like schizophrenia because of the relaxing effect they produce. (Kazuko Kito, Keiko Suzuki. 2016) Ways Toxins are Removed From the Body Toxins are filtered out of the body in a variety of ways. Breathing out expels carbon dioxide from the body. Another way is through the body's natural processes. The body has organs and other systems to filter out and release toxins. - Specific organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes, filter and remove harmful and unneeded substances. (UW Integrative Health. 2021)
- The health claims surrounding toxin removal through the feet are currently insubstantial because no evidence supports the effectiveness and the anecdotal evidence is not based on science.
- Water tested after foot detoxes did not detect any toxins. (Deborah A Kennedy, et al., 2012)
Types Foot detoxes can be an enjoyable experience that can help relieve sore feet, relax the body, and offer relief for certain foot ailments. They could be an excellent addition to a self-care routine. Some of the most commonly used natural foot detoxes include the following. Epsom Salt Foot Bath Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar foot baths are made by diluting 1 cup of vinegar in warm water and soaking the feet for 20–30 minutes.
- There is limited research available to confirm the health claims.
- The studies that have been done have found the reverse effect, that bathing the feet in apple cider vinegar and water can irritate the skin. (Lydia A Luu, et al., 2021)
Baking Soda and Sea Salt Sea salt combined with baking soda dissolved in a bath and soak the feet for up to 30 minutes. While research is limited, some evidence supports the health benefits associated with sea salt that include: (Ehrhardt Proksch, et al., 2005) - Enhances skin hydration.
- Improve skin barrier function. (Kanwar A. J. 2018)
- Reduces inflammation in skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis.
Foot baths should be avoided for the following: - There are open sores on the feet that could be irritated by salt and other foot bath ingredients.
- Individuals with a pacemaker or any electrical body implant.
- Pregnant women.
- Consult a healthcare provider before trying any new health protocols.
General Disclaimer * The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico* References Kennedy, D. A., Cooley, K., Einarson, T. R., & Seely, D. (2012). Objective assessment of an ionic footbath (IonCleanse): testing its ability to remove potentially toxic elements from the body. Journal of environmental and public health, 2012, 258968. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/258968 Kito, K., & Suzuki, K. (2016). Research on the Effect of the Foot Bath and Foot Massage on Residual Schizophrenia Patients. Archives of psychiatric nursing, 30(3), 375–381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2016.01.002 UW Integrative Health. Improving your health by removing toxins from your body. Akyuz Ozdemir, F., & Can, G. (2021). The effect of warm salt water foot bath on the management of chemotherapy-induced fatigue. European journal of oncology nursing: the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 52, 101954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101954 Vakilinia, S. R., Vaghasloo, M. A., Aliasl, F., Mohammadbeigi, A., Bitarafan, B., Etripoor, G., & Asghari, M. (2020). Evaluation of the efficacy of warm salt water foot-bath on patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized clinical trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 49, 102325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102325 Luu, L. A., Flowers, R. H., Gao, Y., Wu, M., Gasperino, S., Kellams, A. L., Preston, D. C., Zlotoff, B. J., Wisniewski, J. A., & Zeichner, S. L. (2021). Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis. PloS one, 16(6), e0252272. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252272 Proksch, E., Nissen, H. P., Bremgartner, M., & Urquhart, C. (2005). Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International journal of dermatology, 44(2), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x Kanwar A. J. (2018). Skin barrier function. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 147(1), 117–118. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5916.232013
Detoxifying does not necessarily mean juicing and going on a diet. Detoxing is about cleansing the whole body of environmental pollutants, food waste, bacteria, and toxins. Things like medications and alcohol also need to be flushed from the body. When the body becomes unhealthy and overweight, it can put its systems in a chronically stressed state, leading to nerve energy production failure, fatigue, a weakened immune system, and disease. The body constantly works to cleanse itself. Exercise helps expedite the process. Exercise To Detoxify Exercise removes harmful toxins by getting the lungs and the blood pumping and increasing sweat production, which encourages detoxification. More blood circulating throughout the body allows the liver and the lymph nodes to flush out toxins properly. With exercise, fluid intake increases, allowing more sweat production to release toxins. Drinking more water during workouts also helps the kidneys function at optimal levels to flush out toxins, fats, and waste. Aerobics Any low-intensity aerobic exercise that increases heart rate and increases heavier breathing is recommended as long as the breathing is within the fat-burning heart rate. Exercises can be anything from: Bouncing/Rebounding Bouncing on a mini-trampoline, also known as rebounding, is another form of exercise that promotes toxin release. The low-impact motion stimulates the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes filter substances and fight off infections by attacking bacteria/germs that travel into the lymph fluid. Twenty minutes on the trampoline two or three times a week to detoxify. Yoga There are yoga poses that help to detoxify specific organs. Yoga can help the body cleanse inside and generate more energy. This pose stimulates the liver, spleen, digestive system, improves spinal alignment, and tones the abdominals. - Start with the feet together or hip-width apart, depending on what is most comfortable.
- Bend the knees as if sitting in a chair.
- The knees should be aligned with the center of the feet.
- Place the palms of the hands together in a prayer position at the center of the heart.
- Bring the elbow to the opposite knee.
- Squeeze the shoulder blades together.
- Allow the chest to open up.
This pose improves circulation, stretches, and strengthens the low back, hips, hamstrings, and calves. - Step with the feet 3 to 4 feet apart.
- Hands-on hips.
- Lift tall through the whole torso.
- Fold slowly over the legs.
- Bend from the hip joints without rounding the lower back.
- If the back starts to round, stop folding forward.
Sweating and Detoxing Sweat is one of the body's primary ways of eliminating toxins. However, more sweat does not mean more toxins are being flushed. Excess sweat could be caused by the body overheating and can lead to dehydration. This is why it's vital to maintain the body's hydration levels while working out. Fluids like juice and sports drinks can help maintain hydration, but they contain sugar and other ingredients that could interfere with thorough detoxifying. Before Starting A Detox Diet Individuals are recommended to talk with their doctor, nutritionist, health coach about detox diet methods to lose and maintain weight. Talk with a doctor - Seek consultation with a physician before starting any body detox cleanse, especially if there are underlying medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
- For individuals struggling with obesity, a physician can recommend alternative diet approaches and exercise programs.
Realistic expectations - Detox diets work primarily through caloric restriction like a conventional diet.
- Individuals could feel better from a body cleanse because they will likely be avoiding processed foods and empty calories.
Adopt a long-term frame of mind - Diet and exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is a lifelong journey.
- Detox diets can be a helpful tool to get going in the right direction.
General Disclaimer * The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico* References Ernst, E. "Alternative detox." British medical bulletin vol. 101 (2012): 33-8. doi:10.1093/bmb/lds002 Klein, A V, and H Kiat. "Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence." Journal of human nutrition and dietetics: the official journal of the British Dietetic Association vol. 28,6 (2015): 675-86. doi:10.1111/jhn.12286 Obert, Jonathan et al. "Popular Weight Loss Strategies: a Review of Four Weight Loss Techniques." Current gastroenterology reports vol. 19,12 61. 9 Nov. 2017, doi:10.1007/s11894-017-0603-8
Ingesting high-concentration hydrogen peroxide as a “natural cure” or cleansing agent may land you in the emergency room, health experts caution.
Of particular concern are alternative drinking “therapies” that proactively promote the health benefits of potent peroxide. These so-called “super water” cures are anything but curative, researchers said, with ingestion leading to heart attack, stroke, and in some cases, death.
“Alternative medicine practices are not always safe,” said study lead author Dr. Benjamin Hatten. He’s currently an assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
“In addition to the lack of scientific evidence of benefit, ingestion of high-concentration peroxide can be life-threatening. This product is much more dangerous than the household hydrogen peroxide that comes in a brown bottle and is used by the public to clean wounds,” Hatten said. He conducted this research while at Oregon Health & Science University.
The current investigation looked at both the accidental and intentional consumption of industrial-concentration peroxide in formulations of 10 percent or more. That’s different from the low-concentration (3 to 5 percent) hydrogen peroxide liquid that people find in drug stores to safely treat external wounds and for cosmetic purposes.
The study included 10 years of information from 2001 and 2011. The information was from the U.S. National Poison Data System and the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).
NEARLY 300 CASES OF HIGH-CONCENTRATION PEROXIDE POISONING WERE IDENTIFIED
Just under 14 percent of the patients experienced a partial or total blockage of blood flow to the heart (an embolism). Almost 7 percent either died following peroxide ingestion or suffered long-term disability. Both figures, said Hatten, were “much higher than anyone expected.”
PROBLEMS OCCURRED AS LONG AS 25 HOURS FOLLOWING PEROXIDE INGESTION
What’s more, significant injury — ranging from seizures, respiratory distress, strokes, heart attacks and altered mental states — wasn’t always immediately apparent.
And phony medicine aside, Hatten emphasized the dangers of accidental risk.
“Many of these cases occur when patients store undiluted or minimally diluted high-concentration peroxide in unlabeled containers or fill an old beverage bottle,” he explained. This raises the risk of someone confusing peroxide for water.
“If a consumer insists on consuming high-concentration peroxide for its purported health benefits,” Hatten said, “please keep it locked away in a clearly marked bottle to prevent accidental injury or death.”
And he added that anyone finding someone in distress after possibly ingesting high concentration peroxide should contact emergency services (EMS), find a health care provider, or reach out to their local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Dr. Eric Lavonas, a spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians, said that “tragically, cases of people who suffer strokes and other severe injuries from drinking high-concentration hydrogen peroxide are not rare.”
WHY?
“When you consider that drinking a tablespoon of 35 percent ‘food grade’ [industrial] hydrogen peroxide suddenly releases more than 1.5 quarts of gas into the stomach, it’s not surprising that there are going to be some serious injuries,” Lavonas said.
That sudden release of a large amount of gas makes the stomach stretch. Eventually, the stomach can’t stretch anymore and the person who ingested the peroxide can’t belch fast enough, but the gas has to go somewhere. Sometimes the stomach ruptures. More commonly, the gas enters the arteries and veins, he said.
“Gas bubbles in a liquid rise, and when they get to a small blood vessel, the vessel gets blocked. Because of gravity, this means the most common place to see damage is the brain. The bubbles themselves don’t last very long, but the stroke can be permanent,” Lavonas explained.
Lavonas’ bottom line: “I’m not sure there is any proven health benefit to consuming hydrogen peroxide.”
The study was published recently in Annals of Emergency Medicine.
SOURCES: Benjamin W. Hatten, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor, section of medical toxicology, department of emergency medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; Eric Lavonas, M.D., emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist, Denver Health, Denver, Colo., and spokesman, American College of Emergency Physicians; Jan. 30, 2017, Annals of Emergency Medicine, online
News stories are written and provided by HealthDay and do not reflect federal policy, the views of MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins transport blood back to the heart, and the valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward. When the veins have difficulties sending blood from the limbs back to the heart, this is known as venous insufficiency. With this condition, the blood does not flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to accumulate in the veins of the legs. Chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and functional medicine can increase and improve circulation and help manage symptoms. Venous Insufficiency The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the cells in the body. This system consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. When blood circulation is restricted, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products, which can cause various health problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Unhealthy circulation can also contribute to other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The most common causes of venous insufficiency include: - Blood clots
- Varicose veins
- A family history of venous insufficiency.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- When forward flow through the veins is obstructed, such as in the case of a blood clot, blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
- In varicose veins, the valves can be missing or damaged, and blood leaks back through the defective valves.
- In some cases, weakness in the leg muscles that push blood forward can also contribute to venous insufficiency.
- Venous insufficiency is more common in women than men and is more likely in adults over 50.
Circulation Symptoms There are different symptoms associated with unhealthy circulation, and can include: - Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Cold hands and feet
- Pain or cramping in the muscles
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Erectile dysfunction
Symptoms of venous insufficiency include: - Swelling of the legs or ankles - edema
- Pain that gets worse when standing and improves when raising the legs.
- Aching, throbbing, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- A sense of tightness in the calves.
- Leg cramps
- Weak legs
- Itchy legs
- Thickening of the skin on the legs or ankles.
- Skin that is changing color, especially around the ankles
- Varicose veins
- Leg ulcers
Diagnosis A doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history. They may order imaging tests to locate the source of the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound. Venogram - A doctor will insert an intravenous contrast dye into the veins.
- Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor see them on the image.
- This dye will give the doctor a clear image of the blood vessels.
Duplex Ultrasound - A duplex ultrasound tests the speed and direction of blood circulation in the veins.
- A technician will place gel on the skin and press a small hand-held instrument on and around the area.
- The instrument uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer and produce images of blood circulation.
Treatment Treatment will depend on various factors, including the reason for the condition and individual health status and history. Other factors a doctor will consider include: - Specific symptoms
- Age
- The severity of the condition
- Medication and/or procedure tolerance
The most common treatment is prescription compression stockings. - These special stockings apply pressure on the ankle and lower leg.
- They help improve blood circulation and reduce leg swelling.
- Compression stockings come in a range of prescription strengths and lengths.
Strategies Treatments can include several methods. Improving Circulation Chiropractic adjustments and vascular massage therapy on the legs can help improve blood circulation. Massage therapies such as vascular and lymphatic drainage massages aim to increase circulation, improve tissue nutrition, and can benefit patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. - The technique for lymphatic drainage involves light strokes to move lymph fluid into lymph vessels.
- The technique used to improve circulation involves short strokes to move blood from the valves to the veins.
However, massage therapy is not for all patients with vein diseases and conditions. - Massage therapy is not recommended for patients with advanced-stage vein disease, in which large and bulging veins, ulcerations, and discoloration are present.
- Massaging the area could cause the weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition.
- Massage therapy is also unsafe for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot and cause it to travel.
Medications Medications may be prescribed. These include: - Diuretics - medications that draw extra fluid from the body and are excreted through the kidneys.
- Anticoagulants - medicines that thin the blood.
- Pentoxifylline - medicine that helps improve blood circulation.
Surgery More serious cases may require surgery. A doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures: - Surgical repair of the veins or valves.
- Removing the damaged vein.
- Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery - The surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera to see and tie off damaged veins.
- Laser surgery - A treatment that uses laser light to fade or close off damaged veins.
- Vein bypass - A healthy vein is transplanted from a different body area. Generally used only in the upper thigh and as a last option for severe cases.
General Disclaimer * The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico* References Annamaraju P, Baradhi KM. Pentoxifylline. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559096/ Chronic venous insufficiency. (n.d.). hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/cardiovascular_diseases/chronic_venous_insufficiency_85,P08250/ Evrard-Bras, M et al. “Drainage lymphatique manuel” [Manual lymphatic drainage]. La Revue du praticien vol. 50,11 (2000): 1199-203. FIELDS, A. “Leg cramps.” California medicine vol. 92,3 (1960): 204-6. Felty, Cindy L, and Thom W Rooke. “Compression therapy for chronic venous insufficiency.” Seminars in vascular surgery vol. 18,1 (2005): 36-40. doi:10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2004.12.010 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Varicose veins.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649 Patel SK, Surowiec SM. Venous Insufficiency. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430975/ Youn, Young Jin, and Juyong Lee. “Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins of the lower extremities.” The Korean journal of internal medicine vol. 34,2 (2019): 269-283. doi:10.3904/kjim.2018.230
Chocolate is comfort food. When stressed out, frustrated it makes you feel better, and when things are great, it can make them even better. However, there is a difference between the chocolate bar candies on the store shelves and healthy chocolate. Unhealthy chocolate is full of sugar and fat that can cause health problems like acne, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Healthy dark chocolate can be eaten regularly in moderation to gain a variety of health benefits what to know as far as what type of chocolate should be eaten and how much. Healthy Dark Chocolate All the chocolate snacks, bars, minis, etc., contain added sugar, honey, and butter. These are not healthy for the body. Healthy dark chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa. Dark Chocolate Nutrition A 3.5 ounce - 100 grams dark chocolate bar contains: - 11 grams of fiber
- 98% of recommended daily intake of manganese
- 89% of recommended daily intake of copper
- 67% of recommended daily intake of iron
- 58% of recommended daily intake of magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Potassium
- However, one bar contains 600 calories, which is why it needs to be consumed in moderation.
Cardiovascular System Benefits Studies have shown that dark chocolate can restore elasticity and flexibility to the blood vessels and arteries. It was found to help prevent white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessel walls, a common cause of clogged arteries. Lowers Cholesterol & Reduces Risk of Heart Disease Dark chocolate has compounds that prevent the oxidation of LDL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Less cholesterol means a lower risk of heart disease. Researchers found that dark chocolate reduced the risk of heart disease by 50% throughout a 15-year study. Healthy for Expecting Mothers and Baby Women that are pregnant and craving sweets can have dark chocolate. Eating dark chocolate can help improve blood flow to the arteries in the uterus. The improved blood flow helps the placenta develop and function normally, leading to a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It is recommended that pregnant women should only consume healthy dark chocolate during the first two trimesters and not in the third trimester. Speak to an obstetrician before making any diet changes. Can Help Prevent Diabetes When consumed in moderation, healthy dark chocolate can delay and even prevent the development of diabetes. This is achieved by improving insulin sensitivity. A study found that dark chocolate helped delay diabetes and also helped to lower blood pressure. Beneficial for the Brain Dark chocolate has been found to improve blood flow to the brain. This increases overall function. Subjects in a study found that after five days of consuming a small amount of dark chocolate daily, they had significantly increased the amount of blood in the brain. It was also found to help improve cognitive function in elder individuals. Another study found that 90 elderly patients had enhanced verbal skills and improved overall health. Moderation Health To be healthy, it needs to be consumed in moderation. This means about 1 ounce a day. A regular-sized healthy chocolate bar contains approximately 3.5 ounces. Therefore the bar should be split into thirds with one piece a day. Read the label carefully and ensure that that dark chocolate has a 70% or higher cocoa content. There can be several types of cocoa are on the label, including: - Cocoa nibs
- Cocoa butter
- Cocoa powder
- All are perfectly healthy additions to a healthy dark chocolate bar.
It is recommended to avoid dark chocolate known as Dutched, or that has been processed with alkali. Treating dark chocolate with alkali reduces the bitter taste but also reduces the healthy antioxidants. Dark chocolate does have some sugar but is far less than the average milk chocolate bar. It is recommended to look for dark chocolate with sugar listed as the last or next to final ingredient on the list. Often the higher the percentage of cocoa, the less sugar. Overeating ASAPscience simplified the science of hunger and cravings in the above two-minute video. It explains the body’s hunger-regulation system and the why of second helpings how the appetite works. Appetite is different from hunger. Hunger is the need to eat, while appetite is the desire to snack mindlessly even after a meal. Hunger and appetite are influenced by a network of pathways involving the neuroendocrine system. Appetite regulation, fullness/satisfaction, and energy balance include: - The gut - the largest endocrine organ in the body
- Various hormones
- The brain
High-calorie foods rich in fat and sugar are highly desirable to the body. This comes from the hunter-gatherer ancestors who sought these foods for survival because they were scarce or difficult to come by. The instinct for fatty and sugary foods is still active even though these foods are available all over. The continual intake of high-calorie fat and sugary foods overrides the body’s natural hunger regulation system, leading to chronic overeating. The more an individual eats foods with high levels of fat and sugar, the more likely the body gets addicted to them. General Disclaimer * The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico* References Buijsse, Brian et al. “Cocoa intake, blood pressure, and cardiovascular mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study.” Archives of internal medicine vol. 166,4 (2006): 411-7. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.4.411 Desideri, Giovambattista, et al. “Benefits in cognitive function, blood pressure, and insulin resistance through cocoa flavanol consumption in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment: the Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) study.” Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) vol. 60,3 (2012): 794-801. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.193060 Francis, S T et al. “The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people.” Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology vol. 47 Suppl 2 (2006): S215-20. doi:10.1097/00005344-200606001-00018
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Experience the natural relief a foot bath can provide. Get ready to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and optimize body health. For answers to any questions you may have, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677