What is Inflammation?

Bottom Line:

If you've ever cut your finger or twisted your ankle, then you have first-hand experience with inflammation. The redness, swelling, pain and heat are all hallmarks of the inflammatory process. In some ways, this is the first step of the healing process as your body begins to repair the injured tissue. However, there is another side to inflammation that can be extremely damaging to your overall health…chronic inflammation.

Why it Matters:

Chronic inflammation occurs when the body is unable to complete the healing process. Your immune system may continue to produce white blood cells that create oxidative stress for months or even years. This long-term stress, or chronic inflammation, has been linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Some of the risk factors for developing chronic inflammation include smoking, obesity, poor diet, stress and sleep disorders.

·       Chronic inflammation is a long-term inflammation that can last for months or years.

·       Diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease have been linked to chronic inflammation.

·       Reducing stress through exercise & diet can help reduce chronic inflammation and create a healthier you.

Next Steps:

You can reduce or eliminate chronic inflammation naturally with a few simple steps. Researchers have discovered that daily exercise and weight loss can cause a dramatic reduction in chronic inflammation. Additionally, reducing the stress on your muscles and joints through Chiropractic care may provide additional benefits on your way to curbing chronic inflammation.

Science Source:

 Understanding Inflammation. Harvard Health Publishing. 2019

---

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 6 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).

---

Our modern diet and lifestyle have been linked to a variety of digestive issues. The overall health of your digestive system is closely tied to the food you eat, the exercise you get, and your overall stress levels. 

Feel and Function Better with Chiropractic Care

Bottom Line:

The first thought many people have when suffering with back or neck pain is “Better go to the Chiropractor,” because, as research shows, Chiropractic adjustments are one of the best ways to relieve that pain. However, research has also shown us that those same adjustments may be able to do much more – namely, positively impact your immune system and help it function at a higher level.

Why it Matters:

Relaxation of neck tension after an adjustment is common, which leads many to feel less stressed overall. That matters because when your stress response is lowered, your immune system can better fight off sickness. Here’s why…

-       Inflammation, the normal response of a compromised immune system, can increase sympathetic nerve activity.

-       Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your stress (fight or flight) response.

-       When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, it inhibits your immune system, meaning you aren’t able to rest and recover very well.

Next Steps:

Less pain. Less stress. Better overall function. So many of our patients tell us that since the start of their care, they get sick less often. If you know someone who seems to get sick quite often, share this information with them. It may be their first step towards a healthier immune system!

Science Source: Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. September 1991 | Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines but Not Substance P Production in Normal Subjects. January 2006 | Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. September 2010 | Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017

---

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).

---

Exercise for a Stronger Immune System

Bottom Line:

Get that daily dose of exercise to boost your immunity. By carving out time to be active, you can feel better, more energised, and strengthen your immune system. Make it a point to take a brisk walk during your lunch break. If you can, use a standing desk at work. Skip the email and deliver a message to a colleague in person. Take the stairs. An active routine will allow you to stay healthier and feel more energised overall.

Why it Matters:

Exercise and taking steps to maintain an active lifestyle, in general, can help to naturally increase your immunity in a variety of ways. So just what are the added benefits of breaking a sweat? Read on…

-       Exercise gets our blood pumping more rapidly, which helps white blood cells circulate more rapidly to better fend off illness.

-       Increased activity levels can also slow down the release of stress hormones and stimulate the release of endorphins.

-       Higher body temperatures driven by exercise can help prevent bacteria from growing and aid the immune system in fighting infection.

Next Steps:

A recent health survey found that an incredible 60% of participants reported fewer colds since they began their exercise routine. Follow their lead and skip the stress of being sick this year by being proactive. By simply taking a walk each day, you can start strengthening your immune system and decreasing your likelihood of having to call in sick.

Science Source: Medline Plus. Exercise and Immunity. 2017 American College of Sports Medicine: "Exercise and the Common Cold." 2017 Harvard Health Publishing. Exercising to Relax. February 2011

---

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).

---

Eat This, Not That, To Fight Your Cold

Bottom Line:

When you’re under the weather and just trying to get through the day, necessities like food are often the last things on your mind. You just want to feel better, and, honestly, even your favourite foods seem unappetising when your nose is clogged, your throat is sore and you can’t taste a thing. However, making it a point to eat healthy foods while you’re sick can help speed up your recovery and may help you stay better longer.

Why it Matters:

Food fuels your body, and, especially when you’re sick, it’s important to give your digestive system a break by eating easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods. You’ll recover faster, and your immune system will become stronger. Here are a few ideas to get started…

-       Start with soup, as bone broth contains minerals that can help boost your immune system.

-       Consider adding yoghurt with probiotics that can help improve your sleep, digestion, and overall immunity.

-       Stick to lean meats, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce any nagging inflammation.

Next Steps:

Those same healthy foods that help you recover faster can keep you feeling and functioning better all year round. This week, try creating a simple calendar outlining your meals. Emphasise healthy, home-cooked meals which will strengthen your immune system (and possibly save you money!).

Science Source: Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Chest. Oct 2000

Probiotics and immune health. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. Oct 2011

Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Dec 2002

---

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).

---