January 03, 2023
Have you ever wondered why our bodies sometimes struggle to keep us healthy? The answer lies in three categories of stressors that affect our health: thoughts, traumas, and toxins.
As chiropractors, we look deeper into the root causes of illness by asking, "What other factors could be causing stress, leading their body to become susceptible to disease and how can we fix it?" By identifying and addressing underlying stressors, we aim to not only treat the symptoms, but resolve fundamental issues, restoring balance and promoting overall wellness.
In this blog, we uncover each type of stress, how each affects one’s health and well-being, and how chiropractic care can help you live a happier, healthier life.
So, what is disease?
The medical definition described by Merriam-Webster is "any abnormal condition of the body or part of it, arising from any cause." When we hear the word "disease," we usually think of conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Congestive Heart Failure, Cancer, etc. But disease starts before the big-name conditions present themselves.
In chiropractic care, we approach disease with a unique perspective—rather than focusing solely on the named disease. We carefully examine the body's warning signs and symptoms which may include allergies, indigestion, or high blood pressure, and allows us to proactively address underlying issues before they develop into more serious conditions.
Thoughts
You've probably experienced how it can impact your emotions. Maybe it’s a nerve-wracking project or coworker who always seems to ruin your day. These mental stresses influence everything from our posture, heart rate and even hormone production.
Individuals who struggle with heightened anxiety or endure significant stress often find themselves in a state of compromised health. The correlation between mental strain and physical well-being cannot be overstated, as the body often bears the brunt of emotional turmoil.
Most of us have experienced firsthand the toll prolonged stress can take on our bodies. Think back to a time you were under immense pressure for an extended period—perhaps it was a demanding work project, a personal crisis, or a challenging life transition. As soon as the storm passed, you likely found yourself battling a cold, flu, or other ailment - a clear manifestation of the mind-body connection.
When our bodies are in a state of fight or flight, it's similar to running an engine at its maximum capacity—eventually, it becomes vulnerable to breaking down. The relentless release of stress hormones during challenging times takes a toll on our bodies, rendering us more prone to sickness once the stressful period ends. This emphasizes the significance of actively managing stress to preserve our health and well-being.
My experience with the mind-body connection is a testament to its power—during a grueling finals week of chiropractic school, we faced a barrage of 13 exams, each worth a significant portion of our grade. Without fail, just a few days after the stress subsided, I'd found myself battling an illness. This begs the question: If such a brief period of stress can wreak havoc on our health, what toll does long-term stress take on those who live in such a state for years or even decades?
Our bodies are finely tuned hormones and physiology, with numerous checks and balances to maintain equilibrium. The kingpin of it all is the pituitary gland, which is directly connected to the brain, called a "neuroendocrine" gland. This means the neurology of the brain tells the pituitary what to do.
This master conductor connects directly to the brain, receiving neurological cues that dictate the release of hormones essential for regulating other glands, such as the thyroid and adrenals, ensuring the harmony of our internal systems. This reaction causes changes we notice in our body. For example, seeing a mountain lion on a hike triggers a response in our brain, signifying we’re in danger.
The brain sends a distress signal to the pituitary gland, "We are in trouble RIGHT NOW!" The pituitary gland releases necessary hormones telling our adrenal glands to release the "fight or flight" response, which is why our heart rate goes up, our pupils dilate, etc.
Now, the triggering event doesn't need to be as dramatic as seeing a mountain lion on a hike. It could be stress from an upcoming deadline for a major project at work. Or not knowing what mood a loved one is coming home in.
Our thoughts have a significant impact on our physical well-being, as the mind-body connection plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Intriguingly, our actions and emotional states can also influence the health of those around us, especially our loved ones.
Traumas
Chiropractors often are associated with treating physical discomforts like aches and pains, injuries from falls, and sprains. Many patients seek help with familiar complaints like “I feel like my back is out so I better go see my chiropractor,” or “I slept wrong and got a crick in my neck.”
However, what's truly fascinating is the interplay between these physical traumas and the mind—sometimes, injuries your body experiences can influence the thoughts and emotions we experience. Have you ever had a day when you were in a bad mood because something hurt? Or couldn’t focus because movement was painful? So often traumas and thoughts go hand in hand, where pain negatively affects our thoughts.
Cells, tissue, and organs get information to operate from the brain. Then, the brain sends information down the spinal cord and through 110 miles of nerves. Think of your nervous system like a highway; just like cars going in opposite directions, information comes and goes from your brain to every cell in your body.
But what happens to traffic on the highway if there is an accident? It slows down or stops. When a bone in your spine, or anywhere else in your body, is misaligned, information can’t travel freely up and down the nervous system highway. This is what chiropractors call a subluxation.
How can we tell if a subluxation is present in the body? Subluxations affect the nerves in the affected area and can cause temperature differences from one side to another. By using an instrument called a Nervoscope, we can detect these changes in temperature and use it to be as specific as possible with our adjustments.
Toxins
Artificial sweeteners, food or plastic additives, preservatives, and heavy metals are known disruptors to our bodies' natural processes. Artificial sweeteners consist of synthetic molecules that are even more potent than natural sugar, potentially leading to imbalances in our system. To maintain better health, we suggest using natural alternatives such as regular sugar or Stevia.
Bought a new water bottle recently? You may have noticed the "BPA Free"
sticker
. What exactly is BPA, and why do we worry about it? BPA is a polymer (classified as an endocrine disruptor) often found in cans, plastics, and other food packaging.
Bisphenol A (BPA) interacts with estrogen receptors, hindering the body's capacity to utilize estrogen and disrupting numerous physiological processes. This disruption can result in various health concerns, such as premature puberty and menstruation in young girls, reduced testosterone production in males, and an elevated estrogen level that has been linked to different forms of cancer.
To Help Eliminate Ingesting Toxins
Drink from a reusable stainless steel water bottle, store leftovers in glass container, and Opt for glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe materials to ensure safer and healthier heating practices.
While this overview doesn't cover every aspect of how our habits, lifestyle, and environment influence our health, it provides a solid understanding of the factors chiropractors consider when evaluating underlying causes of illness in their patients.
Time spent wondering why you are getting sick all the time is over; let us help you take your health back, naturally!
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(605) 716-2486
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