It's the rare child who actually wants to eat fruits and vegetables. Kids are bombarded by television and radio ads for cereals, candy, and chips that contain huge amounts of sugar and large quantities of saturated fat. The sugar craving begins in childhood - kids quickly develop a taste for sweets. To a child's sugar-sensitized palette, the complex sugars contained in fruits and vegetables are a poor substitute.
We carry these habits into adulthood and our long-term health suffers as a result. Twenty-four hours is not enough time in the day for most of us, and many consistently choose fast foods as a means of satisfying our need for food and a method for limiting the amount of precious time we spend on meal preparation.
But fast foods are not really food in the sense that the nutrition they provide is minimal. Fast foods are essentially empty calories.
In the 1950s and 1960s a well-known health-related slogan was "an apple a day makes the doctor away". This advice represented ancient folk wisdom. Today, decades of research has shown that apples - and all fruits and vegetables - have remarkable health-promoting and disease-fighting properties.
Most fruits and vegetables are packed with magical biochemicals called phytochemicals - "phyto" means plant. Phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their color, so the more colorful a food, the more phytochemicals it contains.
Ongoing research studies show that phytochemicals - of which there are thousands of varieties - provide protection against the development of many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.
Many phytochemicals are antioxidants and neutralize free radicals in human cells. Others have anti-inflammatory properties - these help slow the aging process.
Fruits and vegetables are so important for our health and well-being that many national organizations have promoted the "five to stay alive rule" - the recommendation is to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day.
Portions could include any of these - an apple, an orange, a banana, a cup of grapes, a cup of blueberries, a yam, a couple of carrots, a couple of tomatoes, and a couple of tablespoons of broccoli.
For many of us, "five to stay alive" would be a radical departure from our old habits. It might take a little effort to develop new shopping and eating habits, but once you're in the groove it's likely you'll be feeling so much better you'll wonder why you didn't start this healthy-eating plan sooner.
Your chiropractor is an expert on nutritional health and will be glad to help you create a food plan that works for you and your family.
1de Kok TM, et al: Mechanisms of combined action of different chemopreventive dietary compounds: a review. Eur J Nutr 47(Suppl 2):59-59, 2008
2Ware WR: Nutrition and the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer: Association of Cytochrome P450 CYP1B1 With the Role of Fruit and Fruit Extracts. Integr Cancer Ther December 2008
3Liu RH: Potential synergy of phytochemicals in cancer prevention: mechanism of action. J Nutr 134(Suppl 12):3479S-3485S, 2004
Five To Stay Alive
Spinal Decompression from Our Chiropractor near You in Winter Park, FL
If you have back or neck pain, the conditions can reduce your range of motion and prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. At Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, we offer various treatments, including spinal decompression, to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall health. Before you schedule your appointment, keep reading to learn more about this treatment!
How Spinal Decompression Works
This therapy involves the use of a specialized decompression table that applies controlled traction to the spine. The gentle stretching reduces pressure on spinal discs, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract. This process also increases blood flow and nutrient exchange, which supports the body’s natural healing response.
Conditions That Benefit from Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the back and neck. Many patients find relief from chronic pain and mobility issues caused by pressure on the spine. Common conditions that respond well to this treatment include:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – Reducing pressure on the discs helps them return to their normal position.
- Sciatica – Relieving nerve compression can ease pain that radiates down the legs.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Creating space between the vertebrae can slow disc deterioration.
- Chronic Back or Neck Pain – Stretching the spine alleviates tension and improves flexibility.
What to Expect During Treatment
A session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients lie on a motorized table while our chiropractor adjusts the traction to target specific areas of the spine. The treatment is gentle and relaxing, with most patients experiencing little to no discomfort. Several sessions may be needed to achieve lasting relief and maintain spinal health.
Contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury for an Appointment Today
If you’re considering spinal decompression, contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, at (407) 951-5500 today. Our team is ready to answer any questions you have and assist with scheduling your appointment. When you need a trusted chiropractor near you, our team is here to help!
Five To Stay Alive
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2221 Lee Rd #20
Winter Park, FL 32789
