Pregnancy

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY 

DURING PREGNANCY?

Pregnancy is a time of rapid biological change. All bodily organs and systems are affected by the growth of the fetus and this brings with it alterations in body mass, a subsequent change in the centre of gravity and stretching and weakening of abdominal muscles. Within the early period of pregnancy, the woman will feel tired much more quickly and will often experience nausea. The abdomen shifts forward, forcing the body to compensate by increasing the curve in the lower back. This is known as “sway back”.

By the second and third trimester there is an increase in the hormones estrogen and relaxin which begin to affect the musculoskeletal system, causing softening of ligaments and increased joint laxity. During this phase the pelvic joints are relaxed and capable of greater movement. This allows greater rotation in the sacro-iliac joint and allows alteration in the diameter of the pelvis during childbirth.  

CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY

A common complaint that pregnant women have during pregnancy is back pain.

Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct problems that are causing back pain during pregnancy. It is a safe and effective method of care for both the mother and baby. You will be positioned in a comfortable manner during your adjustments and no manipulations that place unneeded stress on the baby will be performed.

Additionally some women report their labour time is shorter and more comfortable after receiving adjustments during their pregnancy.

Other conditions chiropractors can treat are: Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and foot issues.

For more information on chiropractic care and pregnancy, please feel free to speak to Dr. Barbara Rodwin.

PREGNANCY AND YOUR FEET

Foot pain is an often overlooked complaint during pregnancy. Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure to the knees and feet. Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are over- pronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for all pregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to help make this nine month period more comfortable for them. 

There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation and edema during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with orthotics. Proper fitting footwear is also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption.

It is recommended that a new foot scan/gait analysis be done during and after pregnancy to assess possible changes in the feet.

Edema in the feet can be minimized by the following methods: Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them. Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation. Compression socks are also very helpful. 

Questions? Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic what to do. 

Immune System

VITAMIN D: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Low dietary intake and limited sun exposure have led to an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Health experts now advise adults to regularly check their blood levels of vitamin D and to address deficiencies with supplemental vitamin D.

Vitamin D plays many essential roles throughout the body—enhancing calcium absorption, contributing to healthy bone mass, supporting immune function, quelling inflammation, and helping to fight cancer. Clinical studies support vitamin D’s role in preventing and treating colon and prostate cancers, and emerging studies suggest vitamin D may help avert cancers of the breast, ovaries, head, and neck, among others. 

Vitamin D quells inflammation that may exacerbate chronic heart failure, and in combination with other nutrients, benefits people with chronic heart failure. Vitamin D also shows promise in preventing both type I and type II diabetes, and offers important support for immune health. Vitamin D may help prevent wound infections and flu, support the body’s defense against tuberculosis, and boost immune function in patients with kidney failure. 

Vitamin D likewise may help to alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression experienced during the winter months due to decreased sunlight.

Looking for Natural Alternatives for a Cold or Flu?

The immune system is a very complicated mechanism within our bodies.  When off, it creates havoc for us! Traditional medicine offers us medications when ill which do not allow our own immune system to fight the offending pathogen. Have you ever thought of using natural products that aid your body in increasing its own natural immunities?

There are many ways  to prevent colds and flus naturally!  You can have a natural flu shot, take a prevention flu product weekly, take vitamins/anti-oxidants, use a neti pot weekly, and there are many more natural remedies. Interested? Email Dr. Rodwin to find out how! Dr.Rodwin@back2health4you.com

Foods that aid in helping the immune system

1. Nuts provide protein and are a rich source of mono-unsaturated heart-healthy fats that may actually decrease bad cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk by up to 25 percent. Nuts also provide vitamin E, folate, potassium and essential nutrients such as copper and magnesium for helping the immune system.

teddysorganicmarket.com

2. Get pumped up for pumpkins. Pumpkins are abundant in beta-carotene, an important antioxidant. One cup of cooked pumpkin has only 40 calories and provides 4 grams of fiber.

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3. Apples have it all -- great taste, good looks and health claims that can't be denied. Apples are a low-calorie choice with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and phytochemicals that reduce your risk for many chronic diseases. 

fitnessandhealthadvisor.com

4. Enjoy the red and green. Brightly colored foods such as red beets, apples, cherries, pomegranates, and cranberries provide an abundance of vitamins A and C, which are important for a strong immune system, along with other phytochemicals important for disease prevention. Green produce such as spinach, broccoli, avocados and pears also contain these important nutrients. Avocados in particular help increase the absorption of nutrients from other foods when eaten at the same time. 

5. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. 
Foods rich in vitamin C: Red and Green Hot Chili Peppers, Guavas, Bell Peppers, Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley), Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Mustard Greens, Garden Cress), Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kiwi Fruits, Papayas, Oranges/Clementines, and Strawberries.

bhhec.org

Acupuncture for the Immune System

It’s flu and cold season. Also known as the season for drugging yourself silly and making yourself go to work even when you’d rather curl up in bed and do nothing for 48 hours. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you’re looking for a method to fill in the weak gaps in your immune system and promote relaxation and pain relief, you’re looking for acupuncture. How does acupuncture boost your immune system and prevent colds?

mamashealth.org

From the standpoint of the ancient practice of medicine, the reason why acupuncture works is because of the manipulation of energies in the body. Everyone has varying weaknesses in their energy; places where the Chi naturally has problems. Acupuncture can address these weaknesses in the same way a vaccine addresses weaknesses; by boosting energy and giving the body what it needs to strengthen itself. At the root of it all, we see the movement of energy. When the body’s Chi is moving sluggishly and brokenly, the body falls prey to viruses more readily; when the body’s Chi is in balance, the body stays healthy and can fight off viruses.

Not enough? Studies have shown that acupuncture helps the brain increase the body’s level of T-cells; cells which destroy bacteria and harmful viruses in the body. It is thought that acupuncture does this by provoking the body’s immune response through the use of the needles: the body thinks the needles are a threat and marshal their white cell and T-cell count to fight them off. However, the effect of this lasts days after the acupuncture session and so works on viruses and bacteria as well.

So, sick and tired of being… well, sick and tired? Acupuncture may be a great way to fill in the missing gaps in your immune system and keep you healthy this flu season!

Nutrition

Nutrition and depletion of nutrients due to diet/drugs

telegraph.co.uk

Antibiotics destroy the natural intestinal micro-flora (bacteria) that assist in digestive and absorptive processes. These natural micro-floras are even involved in creating certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and K. Antibiotics can cause a mal-absorption of fat, protein, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Antibiotics also change or kill off the natural micro-flora in your gastro-intestinal system that are responsible for aiding in normal digestion and in creating nutrients. You should eat yogurt and take a pro-biotic when you take antibiotics. Continue to take the probiotic afterwards too.

Vitamin K deficiency can also occur due to taking antibiotics which can cause mal-absorption syndrome. You may experience weight loss, abdominal bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, bulky stool, fatigue, weakness, swelling or fluid retention, and muscle wasting. 

Antibiotics can cause you to not digest properly and you will have an upset stomach, gas and bloating. People often take antacids to aid with this. A high intake of calcium-containing antacids will interfere with the absorption of the other minerals - iron, magnesium, and zinc. You could feel tired, suffer more colds/viruses/flus, have muscle cramps, and even experience irregular heartbeats.

High Blood Pressure Medications

info-on-high-blood-pressure.com

These medications help flush magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10. The drugs can cause sexual dysfunction, glucose intolerance, gout, and low sodium level (hyponatremia).

The list of supplements that can help lower blood pressure is lengthy, and includes coenzyme Q10, essential fatty acids, fiber, garlic, lipoic acid, hawthorn, magnesium, N-acetylcysteine, taurine, vitamins B6 and C.

Birth Control Pills

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Birth control pills can interfere with absorption or utilization of nutrients. Oral contraceptives, for example, can deplete your body of B6, B12, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc. Because contraceptives are often taken over extended periods of time, even subtle effects could add up to nutrient deficiencies. 


If you're taking birth control pills, a daily multi-vitamin is a good idea. Be sure to support your body nutritionally with these nutrient-packed foods: lentils, cashews and spinach!

Pain Killers/Anti-inflammatories

nhs.uk

These drugs can create a Gastro-Intestinal irritation causing blood loss and an iron-deficiency anemia. They can also hinder absorption of folic acid (B-vitamin), 5-HTP (used for sleeping), and vitamin C, reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism. These effects can further contribute to the loss of bone and the development of osteoporosis associated with their long-term use. 
Check out this site for more information: 

www.naturalnews.com/DrugWatch_Home.html

telegraph.co.uk

Anti-depressants
A deficiency of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 can be associated with anti-depressant use. Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness and pain, gingivitis, and weakened immune function.

As well, a vitamin B2 deficiency can occur. Symptoms may include cracks at the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the skin, growth retardation, and impaired wound healing.
Please see the binder out front for food choices to aid in replenishing these nutrients!