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Your Gut and Weight Loss

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We know that burning more calories than we consume each day contributes to weight loss. But, did you know that is only part of the story? The actual process of burning calories is due to what resides in our gut. Surprisingly, it is the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi (of all things) that do the burning. This collection of microorganisms is called microbiome, and it is only with a healthy balance that our metabolism is optimized and weight loss can occur.

It is ideal that a healthy balance of microbiomes exist within our gut. If this balance does not exist, then we experience conditions like bloating, stomach aches, puffiness, infrequent bowel movements, and excess weight. All are signs that our body is not happy with how we are treating it, whether with antibiotics, poor nutrition, or environmental toxins. We cannot expect a different outcome if we continually choose to ignore the needs of our body. When it comes to good health and overall wellness, we will inevitable reap what we sow, especially as we age.

So what exactly to these microorganisms do, these microbiomes? Well, first and foremost they take the food we eat and extract the energy and calories from it. If our gut contains a healthy balance of microbiomes, then they will literally eat more than half of our daily caloric intake. Being gut healthy promotes weight loss, metabolism, vitality, energy use, and energy storage.

To help improve your internal situation, consider testing your microbiota balance to identify which of your bacteria needs support. Once the imbalance has been determined, steps can be taken to correct it from targeted foods, probiotic supplements, moderating stress, and getting sufficient sleep each night. Just as you are physically unique, so too is how you are designed on the inside. Tailoring a weight loss program that meets the needs of your gut will not only bring you closer to your ideal weight, but will significantly improve your quality of life. You will look and feel good, both inside and out.

Metabolism and Weight Loss

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As individuals, we are so unique that even our metabolism is vastly different than anyone else. Metabolism, or the way we use the calories we consume to sustain life, is central to our overall health. Understanding how our body works in terms of metabolism and weight loss will prevent needless frustration and keep your goals realistic and attainable. So what exactly is metabolism? What factors can affect it? And how can we determine what our metabolism is?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, metabolism is “the sum of chemical reactions that take place within each cell of a living organism and that provide energy for vital processes and for synthesizing new organic material.” Essentially, metabolism is the process by which the food we eat is converted to fuel. This fuel, or energy, gives us the ability to perform each and every function, from the ones we perform intentionally to those our body simply does for us like breathing, circulating blood, and tissue repair.

There are three factors that can affect our metabolism:

  1. The number of calories we need to maintain life.
  2. The number of calories we use during physical activity.
  3. The number of calories we consume each day.

A key component of metabolism is how your body uses proteins to build muscle and how it uses nutrients for fuel. The first is called anabolism, the second catabolism. If you eat far more than you burn each day, your body will be forced to store the excess energy which, in time, will increase your weight. You will also begin to accelerate your aging. The extra weight puts a tremendous burden on each system of your body simply because it needs to work harder to do even the most basic things like breathing. This, in addition to your age, height, gender, and body composition, also affects the rate of your metabolism.

You can determine your metabolism through both a resting and active assessment that includes a respiration test. This can be a useful tool in determining your baseline and help create your personalized plan to improved health. It can also tell you which you burn more of, fat or carbohydrates, for fuel, plus your ideal heart rate zone that promotes weight loss.

Understanding the unique needs of your body will prevent you from compare yourself and your progress to others. This journey towards wellness is for you alone. Honor who and what you are, and give your body the tools it needs for success.

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.

The Alternative To Knee Replacement Surgery

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Did you know that each year there are over 670,000 total knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States? Most of these surgeries are due to arthritis, a disease of the joint that causes swelling, inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. For the first time ever, a study was conducted to compare the effects of knee replacement surgery with that of other treatment options. The results indicated that there are alternatives to surgery.

While knee replacement surgery is a very popular remedy for those suffering from knee pain, there has not been good evidence showing its effectiveness. This first-ever study took 100 patients and split them in two groups. One half were provided non-surgical treatment that consisted of rehabilitation, exercise, diet recommendations, and pain medications. The other half were provided surgery followed by 12 weeks of the treatment given to the first group. Those who had the surgery improved twice as much as the other group in terms of pain, daily activities, and quality of life. However, the results had significant findings for the non-surgical group, as well. Two-thirds of those not given surgery still had a considerable improvement in pain levels, daily activities, and quality of life. Plus, only one-fourth in that group ended up having surgery within the year.

On the surface, the surgical option may appear to be the preference. Yet, if we dig a bit deeper, we find that the research revealed results for the surgery group that should also be taken into consideration before opting for surgery. With the knee replacement surgery, complications were much more frequent. These complications included “several serious deep vein clots, a fracture, and a deep infection.” There have also been other studies that indicate surgery is not as successful as one might think. Interestingly, 1 in 5 patients still experience pain six months later.

Medical experts agree that surgery should be your last resort. Other options such as weight loss, rehabilitation therapy, exercise, strength training, and diet changes can be effective at significantly improving the situation. Resist the more invasive approach. Instead try other options that give your body the opportunity to heal through the changes you make yourself.

Liver Detox

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Our liver rarely gets the attention it deserves when it comes to health and wellness.  Aside from being the second largest organ in the body, the liver’s role in sustaining life is rather astounding.  Take a look at the daily functions of our liver:

  • Provides digestive system support.
  • Controls blood sugar.
  • Regulates fat storage.
  • Regulates blood flow.
  • Stores and mobilizes energy.
  • Filters and breaks down the food we eat.

Yet, we make it increasingly difficult for our liver to do its job because of the sheer number of toxins we expose our body to on a daily basis.  If we stop to think about how the liver chemically breaks down everything that enters our body – from an organic apple to a glazed donut – the liver must distinguish between what to keep and what to dispose of.  In other words, keep all the nutrients that support life and prevent those that do not from being absorbed.  In addition to the food we eat, the body is also accosted every day with external toxins as well.  From the chemicals in our furniture and flooring to our face wash and body lotion.  This incredible amount of daily exposure to toxins overwhelms the liver and causes it to become “clogged,” where it simply can’t perform it’s role as effectively.  This in turn causes countless toxins to bypass the liver’s filter and either get absorbed or remain in the liver.  We need to help our liver help us.

First, how do we know if our liver isn’t functioning as optimally as it should?

  • Do you have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off?
  • Do you suffer from chronic fatigue?
  • Do you suffer from fibromyalgia?
  • Do you have a history of nausea?

If we listen, our body will give us the signs that something is amiss.  Answering yes to any of the above questions might be your first clue that your liver needs your help.

The good news is that you can do something about this situation.  With a proper plan in place, you can re-calibrate your body to regain the balance it needs to thrive.  That doesn’t mean dieting either, as almost 90% of people who go on diets actually gain back more weight than they lost.  By addressing the imbalances within our body we can then allow the weight to come off and stay off. Imbalances are caused by years of toxic eating, stress, environmental factors, and yo-yo dieting which lead to overeating, cravings, fatigue, pain, sleeplessness, and more stress.  Resetting the body with a switch to an organic lifestyle, eating as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible begins to restore balance in the body.  Damron Chiropractic & Wellness can provide the additional support needed to detox the liver through a physician supervised weight loss program.

Remember, you are not alone on your wellness journey.  Support is only a phone call away.

The Best Weight Loss

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We live in a society that enjoys immediate gratification from fast food restaurants, microwave ovens, over-the-counter medications offering speedy relief, instant coffee, and tanning salons.  These modern day conveniences have conditioned us to expect this quick sense of fulfillment from just about everything, especially when it comes to obtaining good health.  This false sense of “instant” leads us to believe the ads we see on television and in print that say taking a particular pill can help us lose weight, or that a pair of pants can shave inches off our waist line.  There’s even those commercials asking us to purchase unique work-out gear because fitness is guaranteed or “your money back.”

Deep down, we know that it’s all too good to be true, yet we so badly want to believe that losing weight and obtaining good health is just that simple.  The reality is that while it might be a simple approach, the approach is no where near instant nor offer immediate gratification.  No one ever said that just because something is fast and convenient that it is good for us.  Total contradiction from what we see in our present day society, right?

The best weight loss approach is one that has a plan; a plan that is realistic and holds you accountable. You are the one that makes this plan a reality because you commit yourself to it – every day.  It’s important to point out that while there are many ways to secure weight loss and better health, some are substantially better than others because of their success rate.  Here are a few statistics to consider from the American Journal of Medicine regarding weight loss solutions:

  • Popular diet programs have an overall weight loss success rate of 5%.
  • Gyms, health clubs, and group classes have an overall weight loss success rate of 11%.
  • Average boot camps – 17%.
  • Personal trainers – 80%.

So why the big jump in weight loss success with a personal trainer?  In one word – accountability.  Having a partner walk beside you on your journey towards your wellness goals is key.  A personal trainer will keep you on track, know how far to push you, help to prevent injury, offer no negative side effects (like some diet programs), and have your best interests in mind as your success is their success.  It’s true that the best weight loss solution is the slow and steady approach.  Gradually building a solid foundation of health and fitness helps you learn new habits to live a new lifestyle plus have a deeper appreciation for your hard work because YOU did it!!

Who’s your accountability partner?

Arthritis

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Arthritis use to be a word associated with the elderly.  We knew it was painful because of the reaction the person made when moving.  Unfortunately, arthritis is one of those health problems that can affect all ages.  In fact, according to the CDC, an estimated 52.5 million adults suffer from arthritis and 1 in 250 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed.  But what is arthritis?  What causes it?  And what can be done to minimize symptoms so one can live an active, pain-free life?

Another word for arthritis is inflammation, specifically joint inflammation.  The knee is the most common spot for arthritis to develop but it can also occur is other parts of the body as well:

  • Spine
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Wrists
  • Hands
  • Fingers
  • Hips
  • Ankles
  • Heels
  • Toes

In order to identify the causes, it’s important to understand the two main forms of arthritis – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid.  Osteoarthritis is caused by the inflammation, breakdown, and the loss of cartilage in the joints.  It is the most common type of arthritis that progresses over time and is said by many – “has no cure.”  However, preventative steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence, or if you already suffer from it, steps can be taken to halt its progression.  Typically it affects people over the age of 40, especially women, but it can also develop in younger people, too, which is known as juvenile arthritis. The causes can be linked to poor diet, obesity, a prior injury or joint condition, muscular imbalance over time, family history, age, and your sex.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint, also known as synovial membrane, causing it to become inflamed and swollen.  As the disease progresses it can cause painful deformity and immobility in an individual. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “nearly three times as many women have the disease as men.”  The risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include a family history, age, and being a woman.  The reason it affects more women is due to a lower percentage of muscle mass, which continues to decline later in life, especially during and after childbirth and menopause.

The symptoms of both types of arthritis include stiffness, pain, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion which can significantly affect quality of life.  And while there is no known cure, there are many steps a person can take to minimize symptoms:

  • Strength training
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise
  • Heating pads or ice packs
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Yoga or Tai Chi
  • Massage therapy

Life may throw us many curve balls.  We simply course-correct and continue on our journey living our best life – today.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

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Why is it that when it comes to our automobiles we are like the dogs in the Pavlov experiments?  Each time an indicator light turns on we are conditioned to heed the warning and service our car.  Similarly, just how the bell would ring causing the dogs to salivate conditionally as they anticipated being fed.  The car is a source of freedom, bringing us to work and back home, taking us to our vacation destination, and out to cheer our favorite team.  Yet our most overlooked vehicle of freedom is our own body.  Granted, there are no indicator lights to tell us to get more sleep, start exercising, drink more fluids, or eat more protein, but there are indicators that, if we listen carefully, will tell us exactly what we need to know to ensure we stay on track with our health.

Our primary mode of transportation, our very selves, can never take a back seat.  In fact, ignorance, as it relates to our body, is not bliss especially as we get older.  Ignorance can cause bigger problems for ourselves and our quality of life which is something no one wants.  So, what are some of those “indicator lights” we should be looking for that tell us something is amiss with our body?

  • Chronic fatigue – do you wake up feeling just as tired as you did when you went to sleep the night before?
  • Migraines – do you find that most days you suffer from a headache?
  • Arthritis – do you feel your daily activities are restricted due to the pain and discomfort of arthritis or stiffness in your joints?
  • Sports injuries – is that old football injury causing you issues with your range of motion or pain?
  • Weight loss – have you hit a plateau with your weight loss goal and despite your best efforts feel stuck?

While the mechanic is the professional that addresses the needs of your car, a Doctor of Chiropractic is the health care professional specifically trained to address the needs of the human body through the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.   A chiropractor is focused on finding those “indicator lights” within our muscles, bones, joints and nerves to reveal the problem, identify its source, and then provide the appropriate course of treatment.

Remember, ignorance is not bliss, but rather a lack of ownership to our most important asset – our bodies.

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