Belly Fat is one of the most common concerns that come up when discussing diet and weight loss. It seems that it is a problem for even those folks who are "skinny". Is there an answer? Yes there is...

1. Control your Cortisol. Cortisol is your hormone that is released with stress. In times of chronic ongoing stress, cortisol increases appetite and sugar cravings. It causes you to gain abdominal fat even if you are otherwise thin. It also leads to loss of muscle mass, bone density, and memory. In other words, chronic stress makes you soft, flabby and older than you truly are. 

What you can do: Manage your stress levels daily through engaging in regular exercise, taking more time for yourself, keeping a positive attitude and using a support system from your friends or loved ones.

If you find that you have tried all of the above tips to manage stress and you still cannot loose that unwanted belly fat, our San Luis Obispo chiropractic clinic   offers an Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) saliva test to determine if your cortisol output is above normal and if so why this is occurring.

2. The Rollercoaster of Blood Sugar. With a diet of high carbohydrates, especially the processed kinds, your blood sugar goes way up then comes way down. When it is way down, your body will need to release cortisol as low blood sugar is a big stress on the body.

What you can do: Balance your diet. You can thwart this by eating a high protein breakfast within one hour of rising and continuing to eat every two to three hours. Make sure you are eating foods that steady your blood sugar like nuts, seeds, vegetables and meat like found in a Mediterranean type diet. At the same time, reduce your intake of sugar, processed carbohydrates like breads, cereals and candy that put you on the rollercoaster of sickness.

3. Eliminate Excess Estrogen Exposure.  Estrogen is a fat storage hormone, so the more you have, the more difficult it is to release your fat even if you are exercising and eating sensibly. This applies to men as well since most elevated estrogen levels are due to outside sources. The most common are the estrogens found in skin products as well as far as grain-fed, feedlot meats (vs. free-range, grass-fed meats).

What you can do: Eat lots of cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower to help rid the body of excess estrogens. Eat free-range, grass-fed organic meats and reduce your exposure to skin-care products that contain estrogens.   Avoid cooking foods in plastics or using products containing BPA, a compound that mimics estrogen.

Again, Powersource Chiropractic offers Male/Female Hormone Saliva panels in order to determine whether you are someone suffering from estrogen dominance.

4. Add a Variety of Exercises. It is important to do different exercises. Strength training has been shown to help balance your insulin response which helps with blood sugar among other things. The strength training done should take your muscles to failure and should be done 2 to 3 times weekly. Spend 20-30 minutes of physical activity 4 to 5 times a week.

Following these steps will allow you to Express Life More Fully and reduce that unwanted, annoying belly fat!

Happy New Year! Here’s hoping that the holi­days were full of abundance in those things that really matter - spending time with family and friends and experiencing unconditional love of self and others. Okay, all those gatherings probably brought abundance in something else – calories! If you are like most people, right now you are probably considering some way to lose those few “extra” pounds.

Before you adopt the latest celebrity diet plan consider that, as your San Luis Obispo Wellness Doctor, I am your source for wellness information and exper­tise. You know that one of my core recommen­dations is daily supplementation with omega-3 fish oil as a necessity for overall wellness. The good news is that recent research continues to prove that living in congruence with your ge­netic requirements not only ensures the highest levels of health and wellness, it can also help you reach and maintain your ideal body weight.

People with the highest intakes of omega-3 fish oil weigh less and lose weight more easily than those deficient in omega -3’s. A recent study at the University of South Australia showed that taking fish oil combined with moderate aerobic exercise over 12 weeks boosted weight loss. (Hill, Am J Clin Nutr, Vol 85, 2007, 1267-74). The researchers determined that the fish oil activated enzymes responsible for burning fat! Another research study showed that a diet high in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), specifi­cally those found in fish oil, could be protec­tive against obesity and metabolic syndrome in children. (Klein-Plata, Amer J Clin Nutr, Vol 82, 2005, 1178-84). More research reveals that ingesting fish oil helps stop the conversion of pre-fat cells to fat cells by causing pre-fat cell death. (J of Nutr, Vol 136:2965-69).

Basically when you are sufficient in what your body needs and avoid those things that are toxic, you will naturally gravitate towards health, AND your ideal weight. It’s that simple! For information on what to look for in a high-quality fish oil supplement, see our Whole Food Nutrition page or call Dr. Scott Dubrul at 805-781-9155.

This year Powersource Chiropractic celebrated our 13^th year of providing Christmas spirit for the homeless of San Luis Obispo County. Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to provide for each attendee: a fresh hair cut & shave, manicures, a full Christmas, chiropractic care and a magnificant meal. We were also able to provide: Undergarments, hats, mittens & gloves, BACKPACKS, Bikes & Helmets & Needed Toiletries. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful day by helping us remind everyone that they are a valuable child of God and that they deserve a special Christmas just like the rest of us!  Scott A Dubrul, D.C.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM POWERSOURCE!

Like tooth decay that can happen at any age and be present without obvious symptoms, spinal decay results from neglect. In essence, from the time you are very young, you are constantly barraged with different stresses and strains. Think about how many tumbles you have taken when learning to ride your bike, or falling out of that tree you loved to climb. The constant stress of sitting in school over the 12 to 18 years you had to endure. All of these stresses can cause the joints of the spine to get stuck, lose movement and begin the process known as spinal decay.

Most of us know what to do to avoid tooth decay – we brush after meals, floss, and make regular dental appointments to make sure our teeth and gums stay healthy.

But what do you know about spinal decay? Do you know that some signs of spinal decay can be just as silent as those related to tooth decay and that, by the time you notice something – the condition may be fairly well advanced?

Let me explain. The main “job” of the spine is to protect the spinal cord and all the nerves that travel from the brain, through the spinal cord, to communicate with and control every function your body. When the spine is misaligned in any way, this puts pressure on your nervous system, which can affect your health in many ways. As a result, the spine may actually start to decay. Many think this is just the effect of growing older. But just as tooth decay doesn’t result from aging, neither does spinal decay – it results from neglect and poor spinal hygiene.
 
In its first phase, spinal decay results in a loss of proper spinal curves or a reduced ability to turn and bend. If left untreated, your body responds by depositing calcium onto the affected joint surfaces, ligaments and connective tissues, in an effort to “splint” the affected spinal joint. At this point, you may still have no noticeable symptoms; this allows the decay to continue.

In its second phase, the body will begin the process of building bone spurs to start the process of fusing the joint. This can be noted on X-rays. It is this point where correction of the problem is in jeopardy. 
In its third phase, spinal decay has permanently damaged the spine, causing neurological changes that result in chronic health problems – usually just the kind we see in an aging population. It is important to know that while total correction may not be possible, chiropractic treatment can still help restore function and decrease pain.

Regular chiropractic checkups, just like regular dental exams, are designed to locate areas of the spine that are not functioning properly before they become major areas of concern. At Dr. Scott Dubrul’s office, he checks the spine to determine where it may be compromised in some way. Then, through a series of corrective adjustments, Dr. Dubrul provides the intervention you need to help correct the problem that leads to spinal decay. Along with the specific adjustments, you will also be given a regimen of spinal hygiene exercises that, much like brushing and flossing your teeth, will keep your spine healthy and your nerves free to function at 100%. To schedule an appointment with our office, click here.

During National Chiropractic Health Month, Powersource Chiropractic is sharing ergonomic and other injury-prevention tips that will keep people connected—and healthy!

Frequent texters can try these stretches to avoid pain from repetitive motion:

• Hand stretch. Start with your hands in a fist and stretch your fingers out as wide as they’ll go and then return to a fist. Shoot for about 10 stretches with each hand. For added resistance you can stretch a rubber band around your fingers.
• Squeeze a stress ball. Do this for approximately 30 seconds for each hand.
• Wrist circles. Clench your hands into a fist and roll your wrist in 10 circles in each direction.
• Forearm stretch. Place your hands in a praying position and squeeze them together for 10 seconds. Keeping your hands in the same position, point your fingers toward the ground and squeeze your hands together for another 10 seconds.
• Chest stretch. To counteract the hunched posture of texting, stand up straight with your arms down at your sides. Turn your forearms until your thumbs are pointing to the wall behind you.

Find these, and more, tips for living TechnoHealthy at www.TechnoHealthy.com.

If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you know how debilitating it can be and more importantly Expressing Life More Fully as you deserve.

Research over the years has clearly shown that restoring the function or your cervical spine (a fancy term for your neck) is absolutely vital in minimizing your pain and getting you back to sleeping, healing and being happy.

Since muscles and ligaments usually heal within 6 to 8 weeks, studies show that pain that lasts longer (than 6-10 weeks) is usually due to deeper problems such as injury to the disc or facet joint, or both.

How Chiropractic Care Fits In

If you suffer from Chronic Neck Pain, visiting a chiropractor is a must.

Because Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the evaluation of your spinal facets, discs and muscles, they will be able to evaluate your condition and help locate the cause or your problems.

Dr. Dubrul of Powersource Chiropractic may take X-rays to rule out any serious conditions such as fractures or disk bulges, as well as analyze the internal structure of your spine. His tests will also show any evidence of spinal joint arthritis.

If Dr. Dubrul’s examination shows that chiropractic treatment can help, he will recommend a treatment plan that will help you feel better and get your life back. For more information, please schedule an appointment with our office here.

The following are common causes of chronic neck pain:

·         Facet Joint Pain is the most common cause of chronic neck pain especially after a car accident. It may occur alone or along with disc pain. Facet joint pain is usually located to the right or left of the center back of the neck. The area might be tender to the touch, and facet pain may be mistaken for muscle pain. We cannot tell if a facet joint hurts by how it looks on an X-ray or MRI scan. This is why chiropractic examinations include feeling each joint to evaluate the presence of facet joint pain.

·         Disc Injury can also cause chronic neck pain. The disc allows motion of the neck, but at the same time keeps the neck from moving too much. The outer wall of the disc (called the anulus) can be torn by a whiplash injury. This usually heals, but in some people, the disc does not heal. In that case, it might get weaker and hurts when stressed during normal activities. The pain comes from the nerve endings in the anulus. The disc is the major cause of chronic neck pain in about 25% of patients, and there can be both disc pain and facet pain in some people.

·         Muscle Strain of the neck and upper back can cause acute pain. However, there is no evidence that neck muscles are a primary cause of chronic neck pain, although muscles can hurt if they are working too hard to protect injured discs, joints, or the nerves of the neck or there is something else wrong that sustains the muscle pain, such as poor posture and work habits.

·         Spinal nerves and the spinal cord can be compressed by a Herniated Disc or Bone Spur. This usually causes arm pain, but there can also be neck pain.

Powersource Chiropractic will be preforming Backpack Safety Screenings for San Luis Obispo students Tuesday, August 23 from 1-3pm. Please call to schedule.

We all want our children to do well in school. We make sure they bring home their books and do their homework at night. We make sure they have their books packed away in their backpacks and ready to be taken to classes the next day. However, what we may be overlooking is a threat to our children's spine more sinister than any fall off the swing set or sports injury.

Recently scientists have begun to examine the effects of carrying heavy backpacks full of books. What they have discovered is that carrying heavy backpacks may pose a serious threat to your child's spinal development. A team of researchers at Auburn University has studied 421 students and found that backpacks carried with one strap promoted lateral spinal bending and shoulder elevation. Additionally, they noted carrying a backpack with both straps promoted significant forward lean of head and trunk. You may have seen this postural condition, commonly known as the “Hunch Back”, in your child already.

The scientists stated that the average backpack represented 17% of the child's body weight. If we apply this standard to adults, it would be the equivalent of the average 150 pound adult carrying a 26-pound backpack!! The researchers went on to conclude that the daily physical stresses associated with carrying a backpack on one shoulder significantly alters the posture and gait of the youth. The authors of the study also stated that the effects of weight bearing induced stress is a serious issue when considering children and youths who are experiencing physical growth and motor development.  I know that none of us want our children to be subject to such issues, especially going to or from school.

If your child does use a backpack to carry books there are things that they can do to reduce the physical stress associated with carrying backpacks:

1. Make sure that the weight of the book-bag does not exceed more than 15% of the child's total body weight. This is especially important for children in grades 1-4. A simple weight scale can help you determine this percentage.

2. Avoid using backpacks or athletic bags that have only one strap.

4. Use the waist belt at all times.   

5. Use of a roller bag is preferred, as long as there are not a lot of stairs in the school.

Finally, it is important to have your child’s spine evaluated to make sure it is in good working alignment. Setting a weight-bearing backpack on an already misaligned spine can cause risk of injury. Simply call your local chiropractor and set up a spinal evaluation that includes your child’s percentage of backpack to body weight measurements.   

It’s back again – that dull steady pain that starts at the back of your head and moves forward, making you feel as though your head is being squeezed in a vice. Sometimes it lasts for a half hour, other times it may last for weeks on end. Tension headaches, also known as stress headaches, affect nearly 40% of all adults and teenagers, making them the most common type of headache. Headaches are known to affect over 45 million Americans and literally rob them of the life that they and their family deserve.

The great news is that researchers are discovering that chiropractic care often decreases the frequency and length of headaches as well as reducing the need for pain relievers.

Tension headache causes include stress, hormones, depression, fatigue, dehydration, holding your head in the same position for long periods of time (i.e., working at a computer, performing research using a microscope, and other types of “close” work), anxiety, TMJ, and spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or arthritis.

So what do you do when you experience this type of headache? Do you pop a few pain relievers and go to bed? Grin and bear it? Take a prescription pain pill? Do you realize that these so-called solutions to your pain only address the symptom (the pain) and not the cause of your headaches? Do you realize that chronic pill popping can actually cause more headaches (known as the “rebound effect)? Are these “solutions” really working for you?

Headaches are one of the most common condition for which patients seek help in our practice. Why? Because chiropractic has shown impressive results in reducing both the number and the duration of tension headaches.

Tension headaches are often the result of muscle tension in the neck, and chiropractors are trained to locate and correct this muscle tension which can wreak havoc on your nervous system, causing problems throughout your body. Following an appropriate examination, chiropractic care can begin to take the pressure off the joints and nerves that cause the “tension” in the first place.

If you or someone you know is tired of “solutions” for tension headaches that do nothing more than treat symptoms, let your chiropractor know. Dr. Dubrul has many patient testimonials that praise the safety and success of chiropractic care in our practice.

To schedule a complementary consultation with Dr. Dubrul, please click here or call 805-781-9155.