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Dietary Patterns & Brain Health

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Raise your hand if getting older is something you look forward to. I’m guessing there are very few hands going up right now. While aging isn’t optional, healthy aging is. But there are several facets to healthy aging, from physical and emotional to social and cognitive. One is not necessarily more important than the other; however, without mental capability, the others simply cannot be. Our cognitive ability dictates how the rest of us will function. The higher our cognitive ability the more we can connect with others, take better care of ourselves, and remain active. Take away our cognitive ability and those areas cease to exist. So, as we continue to age, how do we ensure our brain power is kept strong?

To sustain life, we need to eat. Eating can mean different things to different people, but it essentially boils down to eating smart. Elementary school taught us the food groups – meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains – yet how many of us use that information when planning what to eat?

A recent article in USA Today highlighted how dietary patterns offer “the best hope for feeding your brain.” So what does this mean? We have all heard of superfoods, foods like acai berries, spinach, and wheat grass. And while it’s true that they are packed with nutrients that are beneficial to our health, we cannot just rely on one food item to maintain optimal health. It is the entire diet that impacts our health.

There a several studies suggesting that there are certain diets that help slow cognitive decline. Ironically, these are the same diets that are also good for our hearts. Some of these diets might even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and they typically contain those superfoods. A few diets the article mentioned were:

  • The Mediterranean Diet
  • The DASH Diet
  • The Mind Diet

Each of these diets contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and lean proteins, plus provide that dietary pattern researchers are most interested in. The belief is that there is a synergistic effect from the nutrients found in whole foods that have a positive impact on brain health. So, the bottom-line is – eat smart and create a dietary pattern that helps to prevent memory loss and other signs of brain aging.

Aging is going to happen whether we like it or not, so why not make it work to your advantage?

Choosing Your Chiropractor

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Choosing a Chiropractor is not unlike choosing any other healthcare professional.  It’s a very personal relationship where you truly feel he or she has your best interests at heart.  But there are other things to consider as well because you are essentially advocating for yourself.  Good health is our greatest asset and it should never be taken for granted.  It needs to be earned through daily effort.  Partnering with a Chiropractor can help you achieve and maintain this asset throughout your life.  The key, however, is making sure you chose wisely.

There are many false stereotypes regarding Chiropractors, just as there are for other professions such as lawyers and politicians.  Common sense tells us that we mustn’t judge a book by its cover, but that’s exactly what we do.  We take hearsay and turn it into fact without investing the time to find out for ourselves the truth.  The end result?  Lost opportunity to benefit from the care and expertise from a committed professional.  Rushing to a snap judgement means we’d rather follow what another says.  Relying on unsubstantiated claims can have a negative impact on our lives.  Take, for example, the marketing of several consumer goods over the decades:  Tab, Olestra, nicotine, aspartame, MSG, and GMOs.  We took for granted that because it was available, it was good for us.  Years later we learned we were wrong.

Chiropractors are doctors that specialize in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.  They practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare.  With broad diagnostic skills, they are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, in addition to nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.  They are also best known for providing spinal adjustments to help restore joint mobility that causes inflammation and pain.

But what other services does a chiropractor provide?

  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Clinical examinations
  • Patient education
  • Electrical muscle stimulation
  • Transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulators (TENS)
  • Heat and ice therapy

However, did you know that there are also other value-added services that you should be looking for when choosing your chiropractor?  Here are a few questions to consider as you explore your options:

  • Is massage incorporated with treatment?
  • What about rehabilitation?
  • How much time does the Chiropractor spend with each patient?
  • How are patients educated on achieving and maintaining wellness?
  • Is decompression as part of the treatment options?

Other ways to educate yourself on the philosophies of a particular Chiropractor is to check social media.  Are there recent testimonials?  Pictures of the practice, the doctor, the other team members?  What about reviews?  What is the general feeling regarding the practice?

When it comes to your health, never settle.  A little homework can go a long way!

VIP Supplements: Fiber

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This is the first in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of supplements out there today.  So many, in fact, that it’s near impossible to to discern what supplements to take, leaving many of us scratching our heads and walking away empty handed.  Well, believe it or not, there are some supplements that are more important to our overall health than others simply due to the incredible benefits they provide.  One might call them the VIPs of supplements.

The top five nutritional supplements, ranked in no particular order, that provide you with an optimal foundation to begin your wellness journey are:

  • Fiber
  • Fish Oil
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Probiotics
  • Multi-Vitamin

While this list in no ways ranks in terms of significance to one another, it is meant to provide you with the basics to ensure your journey begins on the right foot.  It is the starting point.  Many times we never take that first step due to the uncertainty surrounding what direction that first step should be in.  A common phrase describing this indecision is “analysis paralysis” – a decision is never made because we consume ourselves with analyzing our options to the point of complete confusion.

So let’s begin by dedicating this post with the first nutritional supplement on the list, fiber.  When it comes to fiber we know that it is an essential part of our diet, but what does it do?  Most of us might immediately think of Metamucil when we hear the word fiber or that fiber helps to keep things moving in the right direction, if you know what I mean.  But fiber is so much more than that.

Fiber is actually a carbohydrate that is found in the plants we eat each day such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.  However, due to its chemical makeup, it cannot be digested by the body.  Passing through our system undigested is what makes fiber so important to our overall health and puts it on the top five list above.  Fiber’s benefits to our bodies include:

  • Helping to lower our blood cholesterol.
  • Preventing diabetes because it slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
  • Lowering the risk of heart disease.
  • Reducing overeating by helping to make us feel full.
  • Promoting a healthy bowel function.
  • Adding zero calories to a meal to help to control weight.

Fiber gives our body that initial tune up.  Cleaning out the old to get ready for the new.  The new you! Unfortunately, most Americans are not getting enough fiber in their diet each day.  The average adult eats an average of 10-15 grams per day when the recommendation ranges between 25 for women and 38 for men according to the Institute of Medicine.

To help you reach your dietary goal of fiber intake, fiber supplements can help.  Sometimes our busy lifestyles get in the way of maintaining optimal health.  That should never stop us from giving our bodies what it needs to thrive.  Continue to build on eating whole foods full of fiber like brown rice, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Utilize fiber supplements to fill in the gaps, because gaps can make for a very bumpy road.

The Surprising Gifts of Our Skin

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Just like a beautifully wrapped present, shielding our eyes from not only the gift inside but the box itself protecting the contents from damage, our skin functions in much the same way.  Protecting our ability to live and creating a protective barrier around our vital organs so that we can enjoy life each and every day.

As the largest organ in the human body, with a surface area of 21 square feet in an average adult and accounting for 6-10% of our body weight, our skin is truly essential to life for without it we would literally evaporate.  The skin functions in many ways:

  • As a waterproof barrier
  • An insulating shield
  • Preventing infection
  • Manufacturing Vitamin D for healthy bones
  • Keeping us connected to the outside world through our nerves
  • Alerting us to a potential health issue

It’s the last point that is the focus of this blog post, how our skin can tell us if there is a problem within our body that needs to be addressed through the clues is reveals.  The clues, while not necessarily painful or uncomfortable, create something we dread far more – the visibility the skin clues bring to ourselves, which can be far more painful than the skin problem itself.  The good news is that our skin condition is usually alerting us to an inflammation that originates elsewhere in the body.  By working with a skilled health practitioner, the underlying cause can be addressed rather than simply addressing the symptoms which can be temporary.

Here is a list of the common, chronic skin conditions many of us encounter, what may be triggering it, and what strategies you can utilize to correct it.

  • Eczema – Common causes are food sensitivities or other lifestyle-related triggers.  Remedies include avoiding the offending food(s) for six to eight weeks, hydration, food allergy and celiac testing, and GI testing.  Often the symptoms can be eliminated without medication.
  • Dry Skin – Common causes are nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or circulatory disorders.  A low thyroid function, circulatory problems, environmental exposures and medical conditions can contribute to persistent dryness or xerosis.  A diet lacking in B vitamins, healthy fats, and long-term use of antacids can be the culprit as well.  Improving the diet to increase dietary fats, probiotics, and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E are beneficial.
  • Acne – Common causes are an excess of inflammatory foods, deficiency of nutrient rich foods, hormonal imbalances, and food intolerances.  Modifying one’s diet is usually all it takes to improve the skin.  Reducing milk consumption, increasing vegetables, decreasing grains and fruit, taking fish-oil and zinc supplements, adequate sleep, and stress management all help eliminate acne.
  • Psoriasis – Common causes include an irritated gut, overactive immune system, or a metabolic syndrome.  Remedies include non-smoking, alcohol moderation, a low-glycemic, nutrient-rich diet, and fish oil.  Removing the common inflammatory food triggers first – gluten, sugar, and diary – is a good first step.
  • Premature Aging – Common causes are the damages caused by the lifestyle choices one makes and the skin’s ability to keep up with the repair work.  Remedies include a healthy diet, reduction in stress or proper stress management, and smoking cessation.
  • Skin Tags – Common causes are blood-sugar and hormonal problems.  Remedies include lowering sugar intake and incorporating a healthy, balanced diet.

Use your skin as a means to communicate what is happening on the inside of you.  A quick self-inventory can go a long way in keeping you living a healthy life.

Reasons to Eliminate Prescription Meds

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Just turn on the television for a few minutes and channel surf.  In no time, chances are that you will find a commercial for some type of pharmaceutical drug be it for lowering cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, inflammation, hormones, or antacids.  You could even flip through any magazine and find numerous ads there as well.  We are inundated by the messages from companies who provide “solutions” to our medical problems.  Or are they really the “solutions” we need?

After every advertisement, especially print, you find pages of small print covering side effects, potential side effects, precautions, and risks of taking that particular pharmaceutical.  It’s almost like a tradeoff – one problem is addressed but four others have taken its place.  Still, at the end of the day, the original problem still exists because if no other changes are made and the drug is no longer taken, the problem presents itself once again – cholesterol elevates, blood sugar increases.  Ironically, those prescription medications are only supposed to temporarily alleviate the problem because one needs to take the proper dose to keep it at bay.

Let’s take a look at several major classifications of medications, what they are typically prescribed for, and their side effects:

  • Statin – prescribed to lower cholesterol by reducing the amount the liver produces, yet cholesterol is necessary for the normal function of every cell in the body.  Typical side effects of statins include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and muscle pain.  Rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins, is the rapid destruction of skeletal muscle that causes muscle weakness and pain.  Common brand names – Lipitor and Zocor.
  • Metformin –  prescribed to treat Type 2 Diabetes to help control high blood sugar levels.  Typical side effects include abdominal discomfort, lower back or side pain, cough or hoarseness, fever or chills, and sleepiness.  Common brand names – Glucovance, Glucophage XR.
  • Anti-Inflammatory – also known as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are used to treat inflammation caused by chronic conditions and injuries.  Typical side effects include vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, and drowsiness.  Common brand names – Celebrex and Toradol.
  • Bio-Identical Hormones – prescribed for menopausal women to alleviate symptoms by supplementing hormone levels.  Also known as Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), the hormones created are chemically identical to those your body produces through a process called compounding.  Compounding allows the BRHT to be specifically made for the individual vs a “one size fits all” approach.  Typical side effects include acne, irritability, bloating, cramping, spotting, and breast tenderness.  Common brand names – Climara Pro and Estrogel.
  • Antacids & Proton Inhibitors – used to treat heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), and gastric ulcers caused by stomach acid that is either overproduced or in the wrong place.  Typical side effects include fracture risk, pneumonia risk, C-diff infections, and Iron and B12 deficiencies.  Common brand names – Prilosec and Nexium.

Did you know that there is another way to improve your health without resorting to a prescribed drug if you suffer from any of the conditions above?  It’s true.  And while it might require a little effort on your part, it will do more that simply applying a temporary “fix” to your symptoms.  This other way will have lasting, positive, long-term effects on your life that will address the source of your symptoms.

  • High Cholesterol – Make dietary changes, eliminating processed foods, sugary drinks, and high fat options.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – Control your food intake.  By taking full responsibility for what you eat you will eliminate the need to be on medication.
  • Inflammation – Reduce diet of processed foods and sodas, increase your water intake (optimal 1/2 body weight in ounces), and increase omega 3’s (i.e. fish and cod oil, flax).
  • Menopause – Utilize saliva testing to find the root cause of hormonal imbalances which can be balanced through diet and nutritional supplements.
  • Heartburn/Reflux/Ulcers – When the amount of stomach acid is at the correct level, these things are not an issue.  Increasing betain chloride through supplementation is one way of increasing the stomach acid production, correcting this problem. However, ulcers (damage to the stomach wall) will be worsened with the increased stomach acid. Therefore, the stomach lining must be healed first through a proper diet, nutrition, and supplements to heal the lining of the stomach.

The ability to change your life rests in your two hands.  Stop the merry-go-round effect that relying on prescription medicine is the solution, when in reality it is only a band-aid that masks the root of the problem.

Why the Need for Supplements?

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When it comes to our nutrition, it’s easy to think that by eating whole foods – like organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed dairy – that it will be enough to ensure our body receives the essential nutrients it  needs to stay well and thrive.  Unfortunately, we live in a time where our farming practices have left the soil significantly lacking in nutrients which feed the crops that in turn feed us.  Over-farming, pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants have contributed to this dilemma. While organic farming methods are certainly on the rise, as well as accessibility to organic produce, we still live in a society that fuels itself on convenience whether from fast food restaurants or processed foods.  It’s inevitable that, despite our best efforts, we have fallen prey to the convenience factor at some point in our life.

Dietary supplements have been around since the 1940’s when consumers began purchasing multi-vitamins.  Over the years, supplements have evolved into substances you can eat or drink; comprised of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other plants, amino acids, or parts of these substances; and widely available.  To help our body combat the deficiencies in our soil and food we can take supplements. However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the dietary supplement industry,  meaning they can be sold without research supporting the product’s claims.  So what can you do to ensure your body receives the high quality nutrients it needs to thrive?

Fortunately, there are reputable companies out there that produce dietary supplements that are supported by key research.  It’s even more significant because, despite not being regulated, these companies have invested tremendous resources to build trust and credibility to back up their product’s claims.  That speaks volumes.  At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness we choose to align ourselves with other trustworthy and credible companies, so when it comes to improving wellness through diet, we recommend Standard Process to our patients.  The major reason due to the extensive research this 85 year old company has invested in its products to be sure that those who use it have the best quality product possible.  We want to know that the lives we touch each and every day are provided with the most current and accurate information regarding optimal health.

Supplements are our allies that give our bodies the resources it needs to thrive.

 

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