Monthly Archives: March 2015

Middleton Chiropractor April Newsletter From SHCC

Lowering Your Cortisol Levels

Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is one of the body’s instinctual response hormones to the fight-or-flight situation. It is released by the adrenal gland during times of stress and has several functions in the body, such as blood-pressure regulation, glucose mobilization, and reducing inflammation. However, although beneficial and even crucial in many aspects, chronically increased levels of cortisol will impede your body’s overall health. Cortisol is one of the hormones responsible for tearing down muscle tissue. It also increases fat stores, particularly in the abdominal area. One way to keep this destructive hormone lowered is to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Another way to lower cortisol levels is via a proper, well-balanced diet with the right nutrients. Research suggests certain nutritional strategies may help to reduce levels of cortisol in the body. Here are a few to consider:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies reveal that taking fish oil for as little as three weeks reduces cortisol levels compared to placebo. Wild Alaskan salmon is one of the premium choices for omega 3. Other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include halibut, walnuts, almonds, and flax seed oil.

Vitamin C: Increasing your intake of vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, as well as bell peppers and dark green leafy vegetables, could reduce cortisol levels. A research study conducted at the University of Alabama concluded that rats supplemented with vitamin C had reduced levels of cortisol after a stressful event compared to those receiving a placebo.

Low-GI Foods: Low-glycemic-index foods can lower cortisol levels in your body. It is recommended to consume foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables to lower cortisol levels. High glycemic index foods containing large amounts of sugar or starch are poor choices for reducing this hormone level, and may even increase the level of cortisol in the blood. High-glycemic-index foods require utilization of almost an equivalent mass of animal protein to keep glycemic balance. It is also necessary to avoid extreme lowcalorie diets. Low-calorie dieting is a major stress to the body and increases cortisol production while simultaneously reducing testosterone levels.

Dark Chocolate: Good news, chocolate lovers: Eating dark chocolate may aid in relieving stress. Researchers in Switzerland examined the effects of dark chocolate on stress metabolism. At the end of a two-week study, scientists observed that the group given 40 grams of dark chocolate per day experienced decreases in blood cortisol levels compared to the control group.

Keep in mind that in addition to proper diet, getting the adequate amount of sleep (seven to nine hours of sleep per 24-hour span) and a regular exercise regimen are crucial in lowering levels of the stress hormone. Additionally, rose hip extract has been found to reduce cortisol levels and thus reduce stress.

Dynamic Chiropractic

Middleton Chiropractor March Newsletter From SHCC

New Location and Hours

For patients who have not had an appointment for some time, we are now settled in our new location. The address is:

1468 N. High Point Road Middleton, WI 53562

We are located directly behind the old clinic and in the first building on the left when turning into Foxridge Hills Office Park.  Normal clinic hours have resumed. They are Monday through Friday 8:30 to 6:00, Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Orthotics Can Help Lower Your Pain

Orthotics are shaped insoles placed inside shoes with the purpose of restoring natural foot movement. This is necessary when the natural balance of our lower body has been disrupted by, for instance, over-pronation or the foot rolling in. Over pronation is more commonly due to the arch falling.

Many common complaints such as muscle pain, heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain can be caused by poor foot mechanics. As the arch falls, the lower and upper leg roll in causing the hip on the same side to lower. This side where the arch dropped will call raise the shoulder on the same side. A rotated foot can cause many other postural misalignments. This results in joint dysfunction and pain.  If left uncorrected, it may result in arthritis, sciatica, headaches and more.

Chiropractors treat the whole body and can determine how the use of orthotics can complement our treatment. We also use specific mobilization and manipulation techniques to ensure that areas of restricted movement are released, which will have an effect on how your feet are functioning, helping your problem resolve better. It doesn’t make sense to just put an orthotic in a shoe without both using manipulation to clear the restrictions in your foot and give specific exercises to strengthen the supportive musculature.

Dr. Brent is trained in fitting custom orthotics and can determine if you require orthotics.