The Power of Probiotics!

Probiotics Have Many Wonderful Benefits

By now, most of us have heard of probiotics and the wonderful health benefits which they provide.  In simple terms, probiotics are the “good” bacteria that occupy our intestines.  This form of bacteria is used to fend off harmful bacteria that may grow in the intestines.  It also contributes to the health of our digestive system.  Probiotics can be purchased in and of themselves but are also readily available in some foods.  The most prominent food that contains beneficial probiotics is yogurt.  Most often the live cultures in yogurt are lactobacillus acidophilus. 

A Major Reason to Consume Probiotics is to Counter the Effects of Antibiotics 

But what are some of the reasons for wanting to consume probiotics in one form or another?  One major reason can be to counter the effects of being on antibiotics for an extended time.  Antibiotics are used for medical purposes to kill ALL bacteria, even the good bacteria in the intestines.  The effects of antibiotics can lead to flatulence (gas), diarrhea, and cramping.  Also, by losing moderate amounts of good bacteria may lead to more severe infections including yeast and urinary tract infections.  Consuming food containing probiotics or a probiotic supplement will help in preventing digestive problems that may occur due to antibiotic use.  For more information on probiotics or narrowing down the right type for you, talk to Dr. Kmett today!

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Raise Awareness on Kid’s Vitamins What to Look For In Children’s Vitamins

Recently in the news was a story about a particular kid’s vitamin manufacturer who was found to be making false claims about the amount of DHA that their product contained.  DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in a variety of fish including salmon, mackerel, and sardines.  Consumption of this fatty acid is particularly important to pregnant women as they help aid in the formation of cell membranes in unborn children.  This recent issue brings up the subject of what to look for in a kid’s vitamin and should your child even take a vitamin.

Vitamins are Meant to Serve as a Supplement, Not a Meal Replacement

We as parents can agree that our kids go through phases in which they become picky about what they eat.  Many kids will gravitate towards hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chicken nuggets, and French fries.  But what do these eating habits mean for the child’s health?  Eating foods such as those listed can lead the child towards becoming deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.  These vitamins and minerals serve an important purpose during these early years as they help contribute to the healthy development of bones, brain cells, eyesight, etc.  But before buying vitamins, a parent needs to attempt to have the child consume foods that are abundant in these vitamins and minerals.  Vitamins are meant to be a SUPPLEMENT, not a meal replacement.  If your child tends to eat a decent variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, chances are that they probably don’t necessarily need a vitamin supplement.  However, with picky eaters and kids who may be more prone to certain childhood illnesses, a vitamin can be beneficial. 

A Few Important Vitamins and Minerals that should be in a Child’s Supplement

-        Calcium- this helps to develop strong bones and teeth. This can also be found in dairy products including milk and cheese.

-        Magnesium- along with calcium also helps with bone development as well as strengthening the immune system.  Magnesium is also found in whole grains, potatoes, and dairy products.

-        Vitamin C- This is a powerful antioxidant that helps with the immune system and normal growth.  This vitamin is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, as well as broccoli.

-        Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)- These fatty acids are considered “good” fats and have numerous health benefits including improved neurological and cardiovascular health.

Again, this is just a short list of a variety of vitamins and minerals that should be contained within a child’s vitamin.  Remember that this is not an all-inclusive list and before buying a vitamin please consult with Dr. Kmett or your family physician.  Try and develop good eating habits in your kids at a young age and they will grow up to healthier and happier adults!

To view additional health tips and chiropractic articles please visit the Valley Chiropractic Rehab website and "Like" us on Facebook.  

Dr. Aaron Kmett believes in offering patients the most effective and up to date treatments possible by utilizing a variety of chiropractic and soft tissue techniques along with rehabilitation and nutrition. Dr. Kmett graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Penn State and received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Campus in Port Orange, FL. While attending Palmer, he completed training in Graston Technique®, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Activator Methods, and Pediatrics. Dr. Kmett is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is licensed as aChiropractor with Physical Therapy Privileges in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The Best Protein for Your Body

It is Important to Choose the Right Protein Supplement for Your Body

Protein is a key building block that our bodies need in order to build more muscle and also helps with repairing damaged tissue.  From a nutritional standpoint, protein serves as a source of fuel and in its natural whole food state accounts for 4 calories per gram of protein.  But is all protein the same?  There are a variety of proteins including:

• ·       Whey
• ·       Casein
• ·       Soy

The Best Type of Protein for Your Body

So what is the best type for you and your goals?  First, whey is a fast digesting protein.  When consumed it is quickly and easily digested.  This factor makes it an ideal protein to use after an intense exercise session because it helps the body’s tissues recover faster and more completely after being broken down while exercising.  Also, whey has a higher bioavailability meaning that more of it is absorbed and used by the body when taken compared to other proteins.

Casein is a slow digesting protein.  It is typically used as a supplement at bedtime to prevent the body from entering a catabolic state considering that our bodies have no real nutritional fuel while we are asleep.  Since it is slow to digest, it remains in your system longer allowing your body to tap into it for fuel for a longer, and more consistent, time.  Both casein and whey are both derived from milk so there is the potential that they can issues for those who are lactose intolerant.

If you are lactose intolerant, soy protein may be the protein of choice.  It is derived from plants, low in saturated fats, and contains powerful antioxidants.  Soy protein is comparable to other proteins in its effects on the body and its tissues.  Also, soy and casein proteins are recommended if looking for a protein supplement to function as a meal replacement. 

For Any Further Information on Protein Supplements, Talk to Dr. Kmett Today!

To view additional health tips and articles please visit the Valley Chiropractic Rehab website and "Like" us on Facebook.  

Dr. Aaron Kmett believes in offering patients the most effective and up to date treatments possible by utilizing a variety of chiropractic and soft tissue techniques along with rehabilitation and nutrition. Dr. Kmett graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Penn State and received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Campus in Port Orange, FL. While attending Palmer, he completed training in Graston Technique®, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Activator Methods, and Pediatrics. Dr. Kmett is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is licensed as a Chiropractor with Physical Therapy Privileges in Maryland and Pennsylvania.