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The Problem With Sugar Substitutes

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Sugar is bad, right? It seems we know this, but do we really understand why? We also tend to believe that the sugar-free or sugar substitutes are not bad for us, too. In fact, it’s a better option for us to choose sugar-free when possible. The reality is that both are bad for us and cause unhealthy side effects to our bodies if we consume them. Understanding this impact on us is important to making more informed choices about the food we eat.

People often wonder if there is a difference between the different types of sugar. It can become a bit confusing as there are 7 major types on the market today:

  • white granulated sugar – highly refined; multi-purpose; most common type of sugar
  • caster sugar – very fine granulated sugar; more difficult to find
  • confectioners sugar – even finer sugar; used to make icings
  • raw sugar – larger crystals; few minerals
  • brown sugar – contains 5% molasses; trace amounts of calcium, iron and potassium
  • fructose powder – sweeter than sugar; metabolized differently; does not trigger hormones that regulate appetite  
  • glucose powder – source of instant energy; labeled as “dextrose”;  

Calorie-wise there is no difference between sugars, plus in any form offers little in terms of health benefits. For these reasons, the USDA suggests limiting sugar intake in our diet. To confuse matters even more, we find there is sugar-free options and sugar substitutes. Are they better for us? The short answer is no.

With our society in an obesity epidemic, one of the goals is to cut calories. Because sugar is filled with empty calories, this is the most logical place to start. We begin by switching to the diet version of our favorite soda, then opt for the sugar-free vanilla iced coffee rather than the regular. Granted the calories have lowered, but what have we really replaced them with? Both artificial and natural sweeteners. The FDA has approved 5 artificial sweeteners – saccharin, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, an acesulfame.

And only one natural sweetener, Stevia. Researchers are concerned about the long-term effects of consuming large quantities of sweeteners. Studies indicate that daily consumption of diet soda increased the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 36% and a 67% increase in developing type 2 diabetes. Which coincidentally was exactly what these artificial sweeteners were meant to help in the first place.

When it comes to sugar, choose the natural route, stick with the natural sugar found in fruit. Opt for unsweetened tea, black coffee, and fruit infused water. However, if you just can’t ignore your sweet tooth, remember to use moderation. Be smart about the calories you put in your body. Because not every calorie is equal.

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.

Hormones and Weight Loss

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Did you know that you produce over 50 hormones? Each hormone is responsible for a different function within your body. There are multiple glands throughout your body that produce these hormones to carry out specific functions. They are chemical messengers that regulate functions such as sleep, growth, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the body can be affected by weight gain or with problems losing weight. As we age, we also find that hormones and weight loss become more intimately linked too.

Extra body fat, high levels of stress, poor nutrition, and toxin exposure all can play a role in how well our hormones function. Carrying this excess body fat hinders our body’s ability to control our appetite with the hormone leptin, which tells us when we are full. This miscommunication can lead to overeating and additional weight gain.

Living with excess stress can create a situation where your adrenal glands overproduce the hormone cortisol. This hormone is responsible for raising your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is also responsible for regulating your immune system. High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body because sugar cravings can increase, feelings of fatigue can worsen, and the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction grows.

Fortunately, diagnostic testing is available to help determine the reasons for unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Getting a complete hormone panel test administered will assess your thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. This will chart your course to return balance to your hormones. Recommendations from your healthcare professional could range from dietary adjustments such as reducing your sugar intake, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and increasing proteins and vegetables in your diet; switching from strength to cardio training; and increasing your sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

The good news is that hormone balance can be achieved. If you find yourself stuck in the weight loss department, something more may be going on. Knowing what you are up against can turn the tides back in your favor so you can reap the rewards from your efforts to obtain better health and wellness.

Hormones and Weight Loss

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Did you know that you produce over 50 hormones? Each hormone responsible for a different function within your body. There are multiple glands throughout your body that produce hormones to carry out specific functions. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate functions like sleep, growth, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction. If a hormone imbalance occurs, our body can be affected with either weight gain or with problems losing weight. As we age, we find that hormones and weight loss are intimately linked throughout our life.

Extra body fat, high levels of stress, poor nutrition, and toxin exposure all can play a role in how well our hormones function. Carrying excess body fat hinders our body’s ability to control our appetite. The hormone responsible for telling us we are full, leptin, is produced by our fat cells. The excess weight we carry hinders our brain’s ability to receive the signal from leptin that we are full. This miscommunication can lead to overeating and additional weight gain.

Living with excess stress can create a situation where your adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. This hormone is responsible for raising your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is also responsible for regulating your immune system. High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body. We may find that sugar cravings increase, feelings of fatigue worsen, and the likelihood of thyroid dysfunction grows.

Fortunately, diagnostic testing is available to help determine the reasons for unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Getting a complete hormone panel test administered will assess your thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal glands. This will chart your course to return balance to your hormones. Recommendations from your healthcare professional could range from dietary adjustments such as reducing your sugar intake, moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, and increasing proteins and vegetables in your diet; switching from strength to cardio training; and increasing your sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

The good news is that hormone balance can be achieved. If you find yourself stuck in the weight loss department, something more may be going on. Knowing what you are up against can turn the tides back in your favor so you can reap the rewards from your efforts to obtain better health and wellness.

Weight Loss

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Just like no two snowflakes are alike, neither are any two people. Remembering that truth is essential to any successful weight loss goal. Why? Well, because regardless of the “diet” or change in lifestyle, our physical make-up, metabolism, hormone balance, exercise level, and other variables have a direct effect on our weight. Discarding the “one size fits all” mentality when it comes to successful weight loss will help to manage expectations and alleviate frustrations on the road to better health.

In the U.S., 69% of adults are overweight or obese, yet a vast majority report that they want to lose weight. Contributing to the lack of success of weight loss is the notion of one solution for all. The reality is that what works for one person may not work for another. Fortunately, today there exists a variety of tools to help determine the ideal solution for an individual based on their own body and lifestyle. A weight loss solution can now be customized to fit you and your needs.

The tools that are now available to tailor a weight loss plan range from blood and saliva tests to urine and fecal. These tests can be found in clinics, some better health clubs, and your chiropractor’s office. By assessing the latest scientific research, the results of your lab tests, and your health history, a custom approach to a successful weight loss program can be developed. However, it’s important to note that there are a few challenges, too. The challenges involve you getting better acquainted with your unique biological and lifestyle factors and how they affect each other. The good news is that the payoff is worth the extra effort, because enjoying the results of lasting weight loss is truly priceless.

Here are the factors that affect each person’s weight loss strategy:

  • Nutrition
  • Metabolism
  • Microbiome
  • Hormones
  • Environmental Toxins
  • Genes

The next 6 blog posts will specifically address each factor, ways to determine if it potentially affects you, and how to effectively work with each to custom tailor a weight loss program that is successful.

Adrenal Stress Diagnostic Testing

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Stress is a normal part of life.  It has been since the dawn of time when the stress of living simply kept you alive.  Today, stress means something entirely different.  It means stress beyond primitive “flight or fight” response.  It means subjecting ourselves to a lifestyle that keeps us running from the moment we wake until the moment our head hits the pillow.  And while at it’s most basic level stress is not harmful, continuous exposure to it is.  In fact, continuous exposure over long periods of time is so detrimental that it affects our body in profound ways.  This opens the door for any number of chronic conditions that can stay with us for a lifetime.

So how do we know if stress has impacted our quality of life when stress has become such a norm that we may not know any different?  The answer – diagnostic testing specifically geared at evaluating the functioning of the adrenal gland.  This is the gland that is responsible for the hormones that help our body fight stress.

As a part of the endocrine system, adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney.  The hormones they release are essential to supporting life.  The role of these hormones in the body can be divided into seven functions:

  • Metabolism support
  • Blood pressure controller
  • Stress response
  • Immune system response
  • Inflammation suppression
  • Maintenance of salt and water balance
  • Sex hormone regulation

Stress is a major underlying cause of many chronic illnesses and overtime it can affect the level of hormones.  Our body can develop conditions as a result of over- or under active adrenal glands such as Chronic Fatigue syndrome, disease resistance, impaired metabolism, diminished energy, and diminished emotions.

Utilizing an adrenal diagnostic test can open the door for healing.  Diet changes, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplementation help the adrenal glands return to functioning as they should.  When they are able to do that, the quality of life improves.  A simple test can have a huge impact and that’s priceless.

Hormonal Diagnostic Testing

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Hormones play a significant role in our lives especially in middle school with the onset of puberty.  They influence our sleep, our mood, our sex drive, appetite, energy, and metabolism.  As we age, the level of hormones in our body fluctuates.  The impact of these fluctuations can range from nearly undetectable to debilitating.  One of the cornerstones for healthy aging is managing this impact on our lives.  For it is inevitable that we will encounter fluctuations.  Hormonal diagnostic testing is one way to help manage that impact.  This type of testing can shed light on the true cause of the symptoms a person is experiencing.

Hormones play a powerful role in the body’s regulatory system.  They are secreted into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands, from the ovaries and testes to the pancreas and thyroid.  Hormones act as the messengers for each organ and tissue in the body, directing their specific functions.  Some of the functions include:

  • Metabolism
  • Growth and development
  • Reproductive health and sexual function
  • Cognitive function and mood
  • Body temperature and thirst

Hormones are so powerful that only the smallest amounts are necessary to do their job.  The slightest fluctuation can have a tremendous impact on our health which is why they are the key to healthy aging. But aging is only one factor that can create an imbalance.  Genetic disorders, diseases, exposure to environmental toxins, and even sleep disruptions can cause levels to shift.  In women, these changes in hormone levels can lead to chronic conditions such as:

  • PMS
  • Infertility
  • Endometriosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Breast Cancer
  • Polycystic Ovary Disease

However, both men and women can experience the same symptoms as a result of varying hormone levels.  Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Impaired memory
  • Poor focus
  • Loss of libido
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of sleep
  • Appetite level

Hormonal diagnostic testing identifies these imbalances.  It eliminates guess work and the process of trial and error.  By properly identifying the problem, a person’s quality of life improves faster because your healthcare provider can then direct you on the right path.  Because who wants to wait to feel their best each and every day?

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