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.

Try Cherries for Your Inflamation Fight!

The Over-Prescription and Abuse of Pain and Inflammatory Medications is One of The Biggest Problems Facing Our Healthcare System

One of the biggest problems facing our healthcare system today is the over-prescription and abuse of pain and anti-inflammatory medications.  However, most people haven’t tried some of the natural alternatives to fighting inflammation through dietary changes.  One great inflammation fighting superfood is cherries, specifically tart cherries.  Anthocyanins, which are the antioxidant compounds found in tart cherries, have been found to have inflammation fighting capabilities on par with common pain medications including aspirin. 

2 Glasses of Tart Cherry Juice a Day for 3 Weeks have Shown a Significant Decrease in Chronic Pain Caused by Common Osteoarthritis

The cherries can be eaten in their natural state or one can drink the juice as well.  Recent studies suggest that drinking 2 glasses of tart cherry juice a day for 3 weeks have shown a significant decrease in chronic pain caused by common osteoarthritis.  Also, tart cherry extract taken on a daily basis has been shown to reduce inflammation by up to 20%.  These findings are significant in regards to athletes as well as common individuals battling pain and inflammation from a myriad of conditions because they can also be used to recover from exercise-induced muscular soreness and fatigue. 

Ask Chiropractor Dr. Kmett Today About using Tart Cherries to Help with your Episodes of Inflammation!

For more information and health tips please vist the Valley Chiropractic Rehab website and "Like" us on Facebook.  

Dr. Aaron Kmett

Try Graston Technique for Your Soft Tissue Injuries

The Graston Technique is used to Detect and Treat Your Soft Tissue Injuries

The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used to detect and treat muscular adhesions.  The Graston Technique has been shown to be effective in treating numerous acute and chronic conditions including carpal tunnel, neck and back pain, rotator cuff injuries, strains and sprains, tendonitis, and post-surgical scarring.  Also, the technique is used by numerous college and professional athletic teams, a diverse group of healthcare providers, the United States Olympic Team, large corporations, and even branches of the military. 

The Graston Technique Incorporates 6 Specifically Designed Steel Instruments Contoured to Address Various Aspects of the Human Anatomy

The technique incorporates the usage of 6 stainless steel instruments that are specially designed and contoured to address various aspects of the human anatomy.  Muscle fibers generally are arranged in a similar direction which when contracted, allows a person to move a specific body part in a specific direction.  When an injury occurs or scar tissue is present, those fibers become mixed to the point where they lie in various directions. 

The Beveled Edges of the Graston Tool are Used for Specific Fibrous Adhesions

Using specific strokes and pressures, the beveled edges of the Graston tools are used by a chiropractor to break up these fibrous adhesions, allowing them to lie back down in their original direction and position.  Along with specific stretches and exercises, this technique allows individuals to recover from injury and surgery faster and more completely.  If you are suffering from some soft-tissue injury, osteoarthritis, or recovering from surgery, talk to Dr. Kmett today about applying the Graston Technique.

Dr. Aaron Kmett

Valley Chiropractic, LLC
4 S. McCain Drive #8
Frederick, MD 21703

Are your Feet and Ankles Causing Your Low Back Pain?

Strong Feet and Ankles Give Your Body the Support it needs to Prevent Low Back Pain

When addressing low back pain, it is absolutely necessary to check the alignment of the feet and ankles.  The reasoning can be compared to that of constructing a house.  In order to have the entire structure of the house stable and sound, it has to rest upon a strong, supportive foundation.  If there are weaknesses or problems with the foundation, chances are that the rest of the construction project will not go smoothly.  The feet and ankles are the foundations of our body’s structure, so when problems persist in these regions, the symptoms tend to manifest themselves in other locations such as the knees, hips, pelvis, and most often, the low back.

Overpronation Creates an Unstable Base Which Leads to Low Back Pain

The most common issue typically seen in the foot and ankle complex is overpronation (think your feet and ankles rolling inward).  This process causes the tibia and femur bones (shin and thigh) to rotate inward as well.  If this process takes place on one side, let’s say the left, the left side of the pelvis will also drop downward creating an unstable base for the low back.  This creates inflammation, muscle tightness or over activity, and generalized low back pain.

Chiropractic Adjustments and Shoe Orthotics Can Create the Support You Need to Alleviate Low Back Pain

To address the low back pain caused by this problem, shoe orthotics is a great way to start.  The orthotics will provide support to the feet and ankles, allowing them to provide a stable base for the rest of the spine.  Also, chiropractic adjustments of the lower extremities and lumbar spine will help to maintain joint mobility and integrity.  Along with these treatments, corrective rehabilitation should also be utilized in order to correct the overpronation and muscular imbalances.  Talk to Dr. Kmett today about your treatment options!

Dr. Aaron Kmett

Valley Chiropractic, LLC
4 S. McCain Drive #8
Frederick, MD 21703

Is Your Job Causing You More Low Back and Neck Pain?

Low Back and Neck Pain Caused By Poor Posture on The Job

As our society advances, jobs continue to become more sedentary in which people are spending most of their workday using a computer while sitting at a desk.  This trend has seemed to increase the incidence of low back and neck pain like never before seen.  Is part of the problem due to our physical deconditioning? Absolutely.  However, another significant cause is improper workstation ergonomics.  This refers to factors such as seat height, positioning of the computer screen, distance we have to reach when typing, etc.  These factors are important because improper positioning can cause postural related syndromes that directly lead to neck and low back pain.  So if you work at a desk for long periods throughout each day, try some of these simple changes to relieve neck and low back pain.  

Steps To Take To Avoid Low Back  Avoid Low Back and Neck Pain on the Job

-          Check the height of your chair.  If it is adjustable, proper positioning includes being able to comfortably rest both feet flat on the floor.  Your thighs should be roughly parallel with the floor or even slightly downward.  If using a computer, allow your shoulders to relax and bend your arm at the elbow.  The elbow should rest comfortably on the armrests of the chair.  From that position, you should be able to rest your forearms on the desk comfortably.  This is where you should place your keyboard and mouse so that you do not have to vary from that position to type or use the mouse.

-          Check the front edge of the chair.  Your thighs should extend slightly past the edge of the chair and not be pressed directly against it.  This prevents certain nerves, veins, and arteries in the legs from constantly being compressed which could lead to sensation changes in the lower extremities.

-          Position of the computer screen.  Ideally, you want the computer screen placed directly in front of you and not off to either side.  This will help prevent overstimulating and straining various muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back.  Also, if possible, the screen should be placed in such a way that your eyes gaze downward at approximately a 15 degree angle.  Research has shown that this is the natural sight line for our eyes and prevents constant eye strain.  If you absolutely have to place your screen to the left or right, try and arrange your body so that you are completely turned that way and not just turning your head in either direction.  Also, consider changing the side it is located at from time to time in order to avoid overworking the neck musculature on the same side constantly.

-       Proper Lighting.  Natural light is best to prevent eye strain and to help avoid headaches.  If possible, arrange to have your desk located near a window where you can have access to the natural light during the daytime hours.  Avoid placing lamps or bright lighting near your line of sight.  This can cause severe eye strain leading to headaches.

If you work a desk job or use the computer often, feel free to talk to Dr. Kmett about setting up your workstation properly!