Inflammation and pain. Eating
and healthy living. Neurodegenerative
disease and obesity. These are some combinations!
Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. sees these daily in our
Auburn chiropractic practice, describes the
connections, and urges the exploration of new and
different-to-you ways to enhance health via nutrition like the
Mediterranean diet to manage obesity and neurodegenerative
disease.
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES AND OBESITY
The benefits of a Mediterranean
diet for patients with neurodegenerative diseases are just getting
clearer…as are symptoms both conditions share like
inflammation (which also impacts back pain sufferers). Such a
diet of natural products providing antioxidants, fiber, and
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could prevent cell death and even
bring back function to damaged neurons. (1) Neurodegenerative
diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s and obesity
are associated with low grade inflammation which can lead
to issues like neuronal inflammation, brain atrophy and
cognitive decline. With obesity affecting nearly
30% of people globally, any connections that can affect
inflammation and fight obesity like diet and physical activity are hopeful.
(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 trouble-free: fruits, veggies, whole
grains, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and healthy fats. (Think: avocado oil.) Incorporate fish and seafood a
couple times a week with dairy, eggs, and poultry occasional. Skip the red meats and sweet goodies except for special occasions. The Mediterranean Diet
Pyramid
(Think of it as a re-organized USDA food pyramid so
many of us remember from our younger years.)
consists of red wine (in moderation) and water
(lots of that!).
It also incorporates dining with friends, dancing,
exercising, being physically active!
(3) These are the fun
activies in life!
PRAISE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Mediterranean diet researchers and advocates
list multiple benefits: improved
brain function, longer life, certain types of cancer
prevention, heart disease/high blood pressure/”bad” cholesterol reduction,
diabetes security, weight loss/management support, depression deterence,
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s deterrence, rheumatoid
arthritis and eye health enhancement, better
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 contain bioactive compounds that are
able to cross the blood brain barrier - are important as
neuroprotectors. Some such natural products are widely recognized
than others: quercetin (tomato, capers, green tea,
black and red wine), luteolin, Reservatol (nuts, fruits, grapes), apigenin (flavonoids), genistein (isoflavone), Hesperidin
(grapes/citrus), etc. (4) Our Auburn chiropractic patients are often
prescribed anti-inflammatory meds, so our back pain patients
may also feel some relief from this type of low
inflammation diet. The Mediterranean Diet allows so
much variety of natural goods!
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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
illustrates the benefits of
The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your Auburn chiropractic
appointment soon. Eating well is not that hard and
is so good for our Auburn chiropractic friends, especially those carrying
a few extra pounds and/or dealing with neurodegeneration-related
issues.