Health is a result of proper cellular function. Disease is the result of abnormal cell function. It really is that simple. The brain controls and regulates, through the nervous system, cellular function in the body. Interference with the transmission of the electro-chemical signals that connect your brain, the master control system for the body, to the cells, tissues, organs, and systems that make up the human body can have a detrimental effect on health. Chiropractors find and correct such interferences.

Chemical, nutritional and emotional factors can also affect the normal, natural functioning of the body at the cellular level. Chiropractors embrace and support the growing body of evidence that optimal health results from a combination of many factors including: a fully functioning nervous system, proper nutrition and hydration, exercise, natural sleep and emotional well being. A healthy spine allows your body to adapt, regulate and fully realize the benefits of these other natural methods of avoiding disease and achieving health:

While no diet will be the right fit for every person, there are some simple principles to follow to eat in the healthiest way possible. Every person needs a certain amount of various vitamins, minerals, and proteins to keep their body functioning correctly. Eating the right foods in the right amounts can significantly improve overall health. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides dietary guidelines emphasizing healthy food choices. While the amount of recommended meat, fruit, vegetables, and grains varies based on age, weight goals, and activity level, the following diet tips can help improve overall health:

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
• Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
• Reduce intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars

Sleep

In order to be fully alert, productive, and energetic during the day, you need an adequate amount of sleep. While opinions vary on what the “correct” amount of sleep is, seven to eight hours each night is the most common guideline for healthy adults. Lack of sleep can negatively affect your health and your lifestyle. Adequate sleep restores and energizes the body and brain. Getting the right amount of sleep can have positive effects on:

• mood
• alertness
• energy
• memory
• productivity
• communication skills

Exercise

Regular physical activity increases your fitness level, plays an important role in the prevention of disease, and increases your overall energy level. For maximum health benefits, the American Heart Association recommends moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Making physical activity part of a daily routine is essential to overall health.

Stress Reduction

Everyone experiences stress or anxiety at some point. Too much stress can cause negative physical and cognitive effects, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Inability to concentrate

Managing and reducing stress promotes overall health and well-being. There are several techniques and tips to reduce stress, including:

• Know your limits, strengths, and weaknesses
• Take breaks from stressful projects or situations
• Reinforce relationships with your friends and family
• Breathe deeply
• Practice relaxation skills, such as meditation

Preventive Health

In conjunction with healthy lifestyle practices, preventive health is an important component of maintaining overall health. Regular health screenings and visits to the doctor, dentist, and chiropractor can help prevent health problems and provide early detection of diseases and conditions.

Regular visits to the doctor allow for routine screenings that help diagnose health conditions early as well as preventive measures that can help avoid disease and problematic health conditions from occurring. Screenings and preventive measures include:

• Cholesterol screening
• Vision screenings
• Blood pressure tests

Oral health is also an important part of overall physical health. The American Dental association recommends that children and adults visit the dentist for routine oral exams and cleaning every six months, although some conditions could warrant more frequent visits to monitor and prevent progression of oral disease.

Similarly, regular visits to the chiropractor promote overall health and wellness by maintaining and improving spinal health. In addition, chiropractors are often qualified to assist in stress management, injury prevention, postural correction, and nutritional counseling, as well as matters of work-place safety, which are all important components to preventive care.