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B12 Benefits Your Brain

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Getting older is a fact of life, even if we don’t necessarily like it. It doesn’t need to be a bad thing either, especially if we know there are things we can do to slow it’s progress and maintain a higher quality of life in the process. Mounting evidence is revealing that vitamin B12 actually slows the shrinking of the brain that commonly occurs after the age of 60. This is truly exciting news!

Brain shrinkage, also know as atrophy, results in a higher incidence of cognitive impairment. It is this mental decline that sets the stage for an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The evidence is revealing that if we can prevent brain atrophy, then perhaps we can also prevent this cognitive decline, too. A study published by JAMA Psychiatry in June of 2016 focused solely on B12. The results of this study indicated that “high blood levels of vitamin B12 can slow the shrinking of the brain” which is very common once a person reaches the age of 60.

Vitamin B12 provides another benefit, as well. It also lowers a chemical found in the blood called homocysteine. Homocysteine is found in high levels in individuals who eat a lot of animal protein with little fruits and vegetables. This chemical is thought to contribute to heart disease, brain atrophy and Alzheimer’s. The higher levels of vitamin B12 is overwhelmingly positive. It is the only supplementation that is able to slow brain shrinking, or atrophy, in human clinical trials. And, to date, there have been no drugs that have been able to do this at the same level. That feat is truly amazing.

Salmon

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Not all fish are created equal. Some are more healthy and sustainable options than others. Even those in the same family like salmon where you find:

  • Atlantic
  • Chinook
  • Sockeye
  • Pink
  • Coho

With all these choices available to us, how do we know which to select while out grocery shopping? Did you know that the term Atlantic salmon is misleading? Or that “fresh salmon” on a restaurant menu is more than likely not entirely true? “Atlantic” is put on the packaging and refers to farm-raised fish. Not fish caught in the Atlantic ocean and brought to your table.

The truth is that the wild Atlantic population has been severely depleted due to over-fishing. And despite aggressive conservation efforts, the numbers remain extremely low. So, to compensate for this Atlantic salmon farming began. In the last ten years, to respond to more demand, aquaculture has increased over 400%. This has had a significantly negative impact on the environment because of the dumping of fish excrement, uneaten food, and various chemicals into the oceans. Farming requires the use of commercial feed that contains antibiotics and potentially other contaminants which the fish retains. This is what we, in turn, eat.

There are better choices for our health. The first is to stay away from Atlantic, wild, and farmed salmon. Look for wild caught fish from Alaska such as Chinook (or king), coho, pink and sockeye. This is deemed the best as it is filled with nutrients, sustainable and approved by the animal welfare experts. Frozen tends to be less expensive than fresh, plus still retain the flavor with the flash-freezing that occurs on fishing boats. If canned salmon is your preference, look for the word “wild” on the label.

Bottom line, salmon is exceptionally healthy for you. It is a great source of protein, vitamin B12, selenium, omega-3, and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. If you make the better choice in terms of salmon type, the benefits only get better.

 

Eggs

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What came first, the chickens or the eggs?

While it really doesn’t matter which came first, what does matter is how one affects the other. We know that eggs come from chickens. We also know that because of this fact, the two are intimately related. In other words, what the chicken eats affects the egg eats as it develops inside the chicken, much like a baby inside their mother’s womb. So, based on the last blog regarding pasture-raised chickens, would you not agree that eggs from a pasture-raised chicken are more nutritious than those raised conventionally? And if given a choice, you would select the more nutritious option, right? When you walk the aisles at the grocery store or order two sunny-side up at a local restaurant, do you know what type it is?

Nutritionally, eggs are a great source of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, lecithin (a fat that is essential in the cells of the body), and choline (a macronutrient important to liver function, brain development, and nerve function). Pasture-raised eggs have higher levels of these nutrients, plus higher levels of omega-3 fats and Vitamin D. Why? The pasture-raised chickens have access to plants and bugs that have a nutrition profile that is superior to the commercial grade feed they receive in cages.

So, what should you look for the next time you are grocery shopping?

  • Pastured
  • Certified-organic
  • Cage-free (also known as free-range)

Pastured eggs are from hens that had access to natural food sources. They may still be caged and eat some conventional feed thought. “Certified organic” means the chickens were raised outside of cages, even outdoors, and provided organic feed. Organic feed does not contain pesticides, any animal byproducts, or GMOs. In addition, the chickens are given no antibiotics. The key is to select eggs that are not only certified organic, but also pastured as well because of their higher nutritional content. Ironically, the terms “cage-free” and “free-range” don’t exactly mean what their names imply. For example, the Humane Farm Animal Care organization only guarantees 2 square feet of space for a chicken. Is that humane to you?

You truly get what you pay for. In terms of protein options, the pastured egg is still the most cost-effective than conventionally grown meat. Opt for the better option.

The Omnivore Chicken

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When you think of a chicken, what comes to mind? Is it Old MacDonald’s farm? He had quite a few animals on that farm, didn’t he? Chickens roaming the yard? Horses, cows and sheep in the field? Odds are it’s not a commercial farm that pops into your head; one with hundreds of animals literally on top of each other, cramped for space, never seeing the outdoors, simply there to eat. The image of the barn and green pastures is how animals were designed to be raised. Designed to eat the bounty that Mother Nature provides. A chicken in an omnivore. That means it eats both plant and animal food. Yes, that means bugs. Why do we feel then we should change the original diet of the animals that we consume? There is a price to be paid for doing that.

Let’s look at how our own body was designed. What price has our society paid by changing the diet our body was originally designed to eat? A staggering increase in Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease to name a few. If this can happen to us, imagine what can happen to the animals who are forced to change their diet to grow faster so we can consume more? The chicken is one of those such animals.

Chicken is a popular protein choice because of its perceived health benefits and cost. Plus, it has a less damaging effect on the environment because they don’t produce methane gas like a cow does. However, knowing the different options available in the meat department will help you make more informed decisions at the grocery store. And, give your body more of the good stuff it was designed to eat.

Pasture-raised chickens are the way to go. They have a much healthier omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, 1:5 versus conventionally raised chickens which is 1:15. Pasture-raised chickens are also significantly higher in Vitamin D3 and have simply a better flavor. Here’s a bit more to consider:

  • Stick with labels that say “pasture-raised” or “pastured” because it indicates the chicken was able to forage for grass, bugs and seeds.
  • Beware of “free-range” as the term has no legal definition and does not mean that the chicken was ever outside.
  • Beware of “all-vegetarian diet” because the chicken is an omnivore.
  • “Hormone-free” means nothing because hormone use is not permitted in any poultry production.

Give your body what it recognizes and needs. Never settle for anything less. Your body will thank you.

“Where’s the Beef?”

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If you are old enough, you remember the ’80s Wendy’s commercial with the little old lady asking, “Where’s the beef?” The underlying message behind the commercial was to spotlight the significant patty size between Wendy’s and its competition. Today, we can ask ourselves the same question but under much difference circumstances. Perhaps it’s the fear of over-consuming red meat. Perhaps it’s due to the confusion brought about by all the different labels: grass-fed, pasture-raised, grass-finished, and natural. Sometimes it’s just seems easier to avoid it all together. The truth is that beef can be very good for us. But first we must understand why and how to make the best selection.

There’s a familiar saying, “you are what you eat.” When we hear that we think of avoiding processed foods and eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But do we really think about the protein that we eat, like beef, chicken, pork or fish, and what they eat? Do we truly understand the correlation between what those animals eat and the fact that we also consume indirectly what they eat, as well? Or do we look at the packaging and figure that if the butcher at the grocery store put it out that it must be “safe” to eat?

Being safe means different things. Yes, a food item can be safe to eat. It is not rotten, spoiled, or contaminated. But what about the long-term effects of eating something that may be considered safe, yes is filled with unnecessary by-products such as GMOs, growth hormones, arsenic, or copper? Yes, you read that right. Beef that is conventional raised versus grass-fed is exposed to all that. And so are you.

Cattle that are raised in pastures, eating grass rather than processed grains, are nutritionally superior.

  • There are higher levels of Vitamin E, Zinc, and B12.
  • A much healthier ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids (grain fed can have 20:1 and grass fed 3:1; experts recommend between 1:1 and 3:1). 
  • Antioxidant rich.
  • Provides a better source of immune-boosting linoleic acid.
  • Less likely to contain bacteria that is responsible for food-poisoning outbreaks.
  • Less likely to contain antibiotic resistant superbugs.

So what’s the best choice? Look for beef that is labeled USDA certified grass-fed. You can even go the local route and purchase beef from a farmer you know, like and trust.

Eat Smarter

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Upon entering any grocery store one can feel a bit overwhelmed. We all want to eat smarter, but aside from increasing our fruit and vegetable intake and cutting out processed foods we may not know what to do next. We can walk the aisles, looking at all of our options, but not truly understand all that we were seeing. We may know that organic is the ideal, but what do the terms “all-natural” or non-GMO or “free-range” really mean? For that matter, is it really that important to know? What about the use of antibiotics and pesticides in the feed, how the animals are housed, and high levels of omega-3s? All that we find on the labels can be quite confusing.

The purpose of this blog post and the next four is to break down the food groups that create the most confusion:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Salmon

Hamburgers seem to be an American favorite, especially during the warmer months. The choices you will find in the meat department are numerous, from the cut of meat to the type of meat. You have probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” The same is true with cattle. The beef they produce is in essence what they eat. If they are raised on grains with a mixture of antibiotics and hormones, rather than the grass they were intended to eat, then that is what you consume as well.

A favorite protein is chicken. This animal is meant to eat both grains and protein from insects. Much of the chicken consumed today has been confined to a cage and fed the same type of grain as that of the cattle. Grain that is laden with antibiotics and hormones. Now imagine the impact on the eggs that these chickens produce.

It is common knowledge that salmon is a healthy fish to eat. However, the means by which it is raised and/or caught can compromise its nutritional value. Clever names are given to project a different image. For example, did you know that Atlantic salmon is actually farm raised salmon? Why not just say farm raised?

The next four blog posts will dig deeper into what the best options are for you and your family when it comes to beef, chicken, eggs, and salmon. The more you know the better decisions you can make.

Brain Health

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Getting old can be a very humbling experience. Just like an old car, parts begin to deteriorate. Our vision is not as clear, our hearing not as sharp, hair starts to thin, the waistline begins to expand, the fine lines on our face deepen. And many times our memory seems to dull. Perhaps the thing that bothers us the most is the combination of aging and our brain health. Our recall may not be as quick as it was when we were younger and at times it can get quite frustrating.

When it comes to reclaiming the benefits of our youth, we can wear glasses or contact lenses to improve our vision or even get Lasik surgery. For our hearing, wear low profile hearing aids. Hair, use special products to regrow it. Waistline, exercise and better nutrition. And for those not so fine lines? Again, special products or even the care of a plastic surgeon. But what about declining memory?

Our memory is perhaps our most prized possession. Not only is it an endless photo album of our life, but also what gives us the ability to connect with others and be productive each day. The thought of aging and even losing a tiny bit of our memory is enough to fill us with dread. The good news is that just like the other areas of our self that can be reclaimed as we age, our memory can be, too.

There is increasing evidence that memory loss is not only preventable but perhaps reversible as well. Yes, it is true. Did you know that poor nutrition and insufficient fluid intake strongly affect a person’s reasoning and thought processes? Think about the emphasis we place on prenatal care and the very young. Much of it is regarding brain development and support.

So what can we do, as we age, to support brain health?

  • Eat foods that contain DHA such as fish, eggs, and meat.
  • Eat foods that contain resveratrol which is found in grapes, pistachios, blueberries, cranberries and dark chocolate.
  • Take supplements that support nervous system health.

To learn more about what supplements would benefit you the most, we encourage you to inquire at DCW.

French Fries and a Side of Phthalates

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What you don’t know can potentially kill you. This statement is not referring to accidents that cannot be helped, such as the possibility of there being a drunk driver on the road or the acts of Mother Nature. Rather, it is referring to not having the knowledge of the dangers of something which unknowingly cause your harm. The most recent issue of Dynamic Chiropractic (June 15, 2016) had a great article titled “Drive-Through Disease” regarding the not so obvious harmful effects of fast food, effects far beyond the regular consumption of it.

Are you familiar with the word phthalates? You may have heard it in conjunction with plastics, as it is commonly called the “everywhere chemical.” Phthalates make plastics soft and pliable. However, just because a particular food item is not served in a plastic container does not necessary mean that it was not processed in one. But why does this really matter?

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is also found in plastics alongside the phthalates. It is used to make plastics such as water bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and inside many food and beverage cans. But where is the connection to the fast food industry? In addition to the poor quality of nutrition found in most fast food items, there is also another danger – phthalate and BPA exposure. Think about how the food is manufactured and packaged? In the article, a particular study was highlighted that was featured in The Washington Post that found higher levels of these two chemicals in individuals that had a higher consumption of fast food. So, not only are we increasing our risk of obesity and diabetes, but also an adverse effect on reproduction, behavior, and respiration in children, plus insulin resistance in adults. How do you feel about that big old double cheeseburger now?

Fast food is a silent killer. The only way to prevent its harmful effects is by limiting our exposure to it. The choice is ours.

Our Pavlov Response

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In the early 1900s, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov accidentally discovered classical conditioning while working with dogs. Classical conditioning involves an unconditioned stimulus and response. Then replacing the unconditioned stimulus with a neutral one in order to get the same response. Using dogs, Pavlov found that the dog began to salivate (unconditioned response) to an unconditioned stimulus, the food. He then realized he could turn a neutral stimulus,such as a bell ringing, into a conditioned response. In other words, the dog would begin to salivate when the bell rang, just as it did when it saw food. Our response to many things in life is really no different than what the dogs experienced in Pavlov’s experiments. We, too, have our own Pavlov response, especially when it comes to health and wellness.

Commercials and advertisements would like us to believe that what they are promoting is the solution to what we are searching for. All to often we believe that what they are promoting is the solution, as well. Heck, who doesn’t want their problem to disappear, especially those that involve our health and wellness? So, the unconditioned stimulus is the solution being promoted. Our response is the hope brought about by the possibility of a solution. Advertisements use various means to get our Pavlov response. They are looking for an action from us – a purchase!

To achieve sustainable good health and wellness, we need to change our stimulus. We have been conditioned for far too long to believe that improved health comes in the form of a pill or latest trend. Changing the stimulus means reconditioning ourselves to find the solution elsewhere:

  • whole food nutrition
  • exercise
  • adequate sleep
  • lower stress
  • meditation
  • chiropractic care
  • massage

We can change the outcome if we are aware of how we have been responding. We can train ourselves to respond in a better way. One that truly addresses the root of our problem versus opting for the band-aid approach that does nothing more than keep us exactly where we are.

Circle of Care

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Things at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) are a little different than they are at other chiropractic offices. Most practices provide only one element of care to patients, that being chiropractic. While there is nothing wrong with this singular approach to wellness, we believe that there are ways to enhance it so that the benefits of chiropractic are maximized and retained. At DCW we provide a circle of care that incorporates three other therapies to every person we treat:

  1. Massage Therapy
  2. Rehabilitation
  3. Nutritional Support

So, what is the significance to this methodology? Well, structurally, a body that is out of alignment will eventually go back to its original state after an adjustment if nothing else is done to support it. The muscles will work against the realignment, as they are use to holding the body in a certain way. Massage therapy works to loosen the muscles that are holding the body in a particular position. This in turn will improve the results of each alignment. Likewise, incorporating rehabilitation will strengthen those muscles to hold the body’s structure as it should.

Our body is designed to function a certain way; however, life sometimes gets in the way. Years of improper posture, accidents, childbirth, or aging can have a negative affect on how our body is aligned. Off-setting that with the care of a Chiropractor is providing your body with preventative maintenance, and coordinating that with massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutritional support completes the circle of care.

Knowing that you have several wellness professionals working together to provide you with the best possible care should give you peace of mind. It should also tell you that DCW is interested in getting you well once again because our individualized care plans have an end in mind. This end is possible because we have strategically incorporated three other modalities that can truly support the benefits of chiropractic care.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Andrew Damron, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Damron established DCW because he was fed up with the current health model. Statistics continue to show an increase in pharmaceutical prescriptions to patients every day. Although he does believe some medications are necessary, he believes the majority of what is prescribed is actually harmful to the patient’s long-term health, creating another set of healthcare issues as a result. Dr. Damron believes DCW’s unique approach to achieving overall wellness will revolutionize the healthcare industry through collaborative care utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. The DCW focus addresses the whole person versus a only symptom and uncovers the root cause. He also believes that education is vital to sustaining a healthier more vibrant lifestyle as well. His goal is to create a healthier society and a better place for our children to live.
Dr. Damron began his medical career with a Biology Degree from Wright State University in 2002. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida in 2007. While attending Palmer, he had the opportunity to travel abroad to Madagascar and provide chiropractic care to the native Malagasy people. Dr. Damron has continued his post-graduate studies with a focus on nutrition, rehabilitation, and functional medicine.
Dr. Damron and his wife, Kristy, reside in West Chester with their two young children, Graden and Isabelle. An avid Buckeye fan, Dr. Damron enjoys playing the guitar in a band with his college friends, watching/playing any sport, cooking, reading, and attending concerts, especially the Dave Matthews Band and Foo Fighters.

Dr. Greg Washam, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Washam was introduced to Chiropractic by his mother at the age of 16. She was working for a Chiropractor at the time, experiencing all the benefits that Chiropractic care had to offer, and thus began taking Dr. Washam and his siblings in for regular adjustments. Dr. Washam had been experiencing painful bouts of Strep Throat from the age of 8, which always included a 10 day course of antibiotics. While under Chiropractic care his doctor convinced him to avoid the antibiotics and receive Chiropractic adjustments instead. To his amazement, Dr. Washam’s strep throat symptoms had vanished within three days and he never had an issue from that point forward. He was so astounded by his experience that he fell in love with Chiropractic and decided that was the path for him. He wanted to commit his life to helping people through the power of Chiropractic, just as it had helped him.
Dr. Greg Washam began his college education at the University of Cincinnati, studying biology. After he made the decision to become a Chiropractor, he attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. While at Logan, he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Life Sciences in 2009. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2011. Dr. Washam was presented with various awards upon graduation. These included Dean’s List honors, the Senior Intern Assistant Award, and the Award of Excellence from the Division of Research. He has completed many hours of post graduate education focusing on nutrition, supplementation and injury recovery.
Dr. Washam and his wife Kassie reside in Mason, Oh with their two daughters, Lillian and Wren. In his free time, Dr. Washam enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, touring local craft breweries and reading. He also spends a great deal of time outdoors with his family and his Beagle, Willow. Dr. Washam is a music enthusiast and listens to all genres of music. He especially loves classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s. His favorite band of all time is Led Zeppelin.

Brooke Snyder, Operations Manager

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Brooke had never been to a medical office where she really felt like they cared more about her than her money until she came to DCW as a patient. DCW made it so easy to arrange financial payment with, they were compassionate, dedicated and most importantly 100% honest. The team addressed all aspects of her health and well-being, above and beyond chiropractic care. Her initial impression of chiropractic offices were that they would only adjust then send her on her way. She realized that she was wrong. Because of her experience as a patient at DCW she realized she wanted to pursue a career within it. She saw everything she wanted in healthcare at DCW. Finally, a place where patient care really comes first! She comes to DCW with a degree in Nursing and a background in finance. When someone asks her “Why DCW?” she cannot think of one reason why not.
Brooke has a background in business finance and computer technology prior to the start of her medical career. She attended Southern State and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Science, R.N. Sh began working from DCW in December of 2014.
Brooke has five beautiful girls from 15 to 6 years old. She is married to Jamey Snyder who has two boys of his own. She lives on a two acre farm in the country with horses, dogs, cats, and a pot belly pig. Brooke enjoys spending time with her very active family and watching their kids play sports.

Nicole Foreman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Why MassageProfessional Experience Personal Information
Nicole always wanted a career that was focused on helping people. It wasn’t until she drove past the Dayton School of Medical Massage on a daily basis that it became clear what she was meant to do. She enrolled as soon as she could and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She loves the feeling of knowing she has alleviated someone’s pain and possibly made their day better in some way. She had been working alongside chiropractors for over 7 years before joining the DCW team. Before DCW she never really felt her opinions and insights were valued or even asked for, which she felt hindered patient care and the effectiveness of each treatment. At DCW she feels valued and part of a practice that is focused on changing the approach of wellness with cohesive and effective patient care.
Nicole is a graduate of the Dayton School of Medical Massage and obtained her license in 2008. She utilizes Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai massage techniques to relieve pain, tension, and stress while increasing range of motion and flexibility.
Nicole is married to her husband of 5 years and they one daughter, Rylee, and one child on the way due in September 2016. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking and spending time at the lake during the summer.

Erika Pantona, Insurance Specialist

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Erika started coming to DCW in 2010 after spending two years in substantial pain after an injury. She had spent those two years at various specialists and taking medications to simply get up in the morning due to the pain. She was 18 when she found herself facing a major, life altering surgery (SI Fusion) and realized there must be another way. When she began her treatment plan at DCW she started to have days with little or no pain. She stopped taking her medications and realized they had been affecting her overall mood. In 2015 Erika joined the DCW team because they allowed her to live her life once again. She wants to prevent others from living in pain like she did unnecessarily, and to receive the benefits of chiropractic care.
Erika is well versed in the insurance industry with her previous employment at Express Scripts and Anthem.
Erika has two siblings and resides in Liberty Township. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.

Amy Faris, Patient Care Coordinator

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
After moving to Ohio in 2010, I was in need of some relief from minor pain associated with working in customer service fields for 15 years. I was interested in seeking alternative forms of therapy and found a chiropractor in our small town. After going for a few visits, the therapy seemed somewhat outdated compared to what I had researched. In talking with my husband, he remembered that he knew someone who was a chiropractor. After just a few visits with Dr. Damron, I definitely noticed a difference in his techniques and style. It was nice to see results and feel like I was being listened to as a patient, not just heard…something you don’t always feel with doctors. After being a patient for several years, the opportunity came about to join the DCW team. It would be something different from what I had done in my past, however I knew my passion for working with people would translate well into helping patients receive the best care possible. I believed in the mission of DCW as a patient, and I am excited to be part of living that mission every day. 
 I am originally from St. Louis, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Secondary Education – Language Arts. I worked in restaurant/catering management for several years before starting a career in retail management and training.
In that position, I met my husband, Matt, who is from Wilmington, OH. After we got married in 2010, I moved to Wilmington. Realizing retail wasn’t where my heart was any longer, I began working as a substitute teacher in the Clinton County area. Matt and I live in Wilmington with our 6 year old German Shepard, Dale. I enjoy camping, boating, riding 4-wheelers, and spending time with family and friends. I love St. Louis Cardinals baseball and am a recently converted Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Hours

Monday 9-1 & 2-6

Tuesday 9-1 & 2-6

Wednesday 9-1 & 2-6

Thursday 9-1 & 2-6

Friday 8-11

Saturday and Sunday CLOSED

Contact information

 3187 Western Row Road Suite 114
    Maineville, OH 45039

Office:
     (513) 770-3434

Email:
    info@damronchiropractic.com