Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Chiropractors have cared for children for over a century. Many parents are surprised when they learn that many common childhood ailments respond well to this natural form of health care.

Chiropractic care is complex yet in simplest terms is when there is dysfunction in the spine and its joints it can lead to dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS coordinates and controls all the body’s systems so even if there is some minor issue in the spine, it can create a host of negative effects throughout the entire body. Children are no different from adults when it comes to suffering with dysfunctions in the spine or joints.

A child actually goes through many physical stresses throughout their growing years. Many children attain their full height without any issues and others experience some troubles along the way. If your child appears to be uncomfortable or complains about their back or joints then seeking chiropractic care can help.

The first challenge a growing spine endures is in utero. Many parents are aware that foetal positions such as breech, transverse, brow, etc., can cause problems with the development of the baby’s spine. Spinal segments can be forced out of place by the position of the baby while in utero. It has been shown that if the baby’s position is less than optimal it can result in a longer and more difficult time while making the journey through the birth canal.

Many parents are aware of common problems in newborns such as colic, sleep disturbances, infections, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties and more. These are often traced to an irritated nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.

Significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth and as a result many parents choose to have their baby’s spine checked once he or she is born. Learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all milestone activities that are affected by spinal alignment. As a child grows there are so many factors that come into play that warrant a chiropractic check. Some of these factors include carrying heavy backpacks, sports injuries, falls, and sitting all day in school (lack of physical activity in the day). Any one of these is a form of physical stress that can affect the child’s spine and central nervous system.

What Does a First Visit Look Like?

It is really important for a chiropractor to gather as much history as possible about your child’s health. A complete examination of the spine will be conducted and the chiropractor will use gentle techniques to locate and adjust problem areas. At no time will the examination or adjustment cause pain; it is a very gentle procedure (unless there is an injury).

Each child is different so the chiropractic care is specific to each child.

Generally speaking, spinal adjustments for infants and young children are nothing more than a very light fingertip pressure to correct misalignments in the spine. The child will not feel force, he or she will basically feel a ‘finger touch’. In most cases this is all that is needed to restore mobility to spinal joints which have become stiff or locked. Other techniques may involve the use of hand-held instruments which can provide gentle correction.

Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, except in cases where a child has a physical injury. In these cases the child may be sensitive to any touch; however, once the adjustment has been made the area can effectively heal.

How Long Are Treatments?

Children tend to heal faster than adults and this is true in chiropractic care as well. There is no definitive answer to this question because each child is different and the conditions also play a factor in determining how many treatments are required.

Does My Child Have a Problem?

It isn’t always obvious that a child may need chiropractic care. Some symptoms include restricted head movement, one shoulder appears higher than the other, one leg appears longer than the other, disturbed sleeping patterns, or breastfeeding difficulties.

Many childhood disorders are often linked to spinal troubles. Some of these include bed wetting, headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, scoliosis, ADHD, persistent sore throats and olds, and even constipation.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit us for more information.

If you’re like most people you take vitamin C supplements. This prominent vitamin is promoted for its antioxidant power and role in the support of maintaining a healthy immune system. Did you know that nutrition research into vitamin C has found that it has an important role in forming bone and in bone protection?

Vitamin C is active throughout our body. It strengthens the capillaries and cell walls, and it is crucial for the formation of collagen (a protein found in connective tissue and helps to keep the skin looking healthy). Vitamin C also helps to prevent bruising, promotes healing, and keeps ligaments, tendons and gums strong. It also aids in producing hemoglobin in red blood cells and vitamin C helps our body absorb iron from the foods we eat. This incredible vitamin has also been proven to minimize cold symptoms, has treated asthma, prevents cataracts and offers protection from degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

This vitamin is not made or stored in the body therefore it must be ingested daily. If you feel you’re not consuming enough of this essential vitamin through diet then taking supplements is very important. There are many factors that go into how much vitamin C needs to be ingested by an individual such as age, weight, gender and lifestyle choices.  There are disputes as to how much should be taken daily so it’s best to speak with a qualified health professional as to what is best for you. (If you have kidney stones, kidney disease or hemochromatosis then you must speak to your health professional before taking supplements.)

So where does this vitamin fit into chiropractic care? This vitamin has a protective role for bone health. I read in a journal a while back that 1,000mg of vitamin C along with 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol could be used in preventing or assisting in the treatment of bone loss and osteoporosis.

There was a study conducted a few years back (Vitamin C supplement use and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, DJ Morton et al.) in which the findings were encouraging. Women who used vitamin C supplements for an average of 12 ½ years with calcium appeared to have a beneficial effect on levels of bone mineral density.

Vitamin C deficiency is a serious problem in the elderly and is an under-diagnosed contributor to degenerative disc disease. Once this problem starts, accompanying tissue degeneration occurs as well if left untreated.  This is where vitamin C treatments become necessary for collagen synthesis. Getting on a regimented vitamin supplement program and eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits earlier in life can help avoid this disease.

Far too often the mineral aspect of bone health is what we read about yet the organic matrix is an essential aspect of bone quality. Collagen makes up 90 percent of the organic matrix of bone. Our bones are made up of a lot more than just calcium. (In fact, calcium alone cannot keep bones healthy; it needs magnesium and D3 as well in order for the calcium to be absorbed into the bones.)

Smoking is a huge factor in breaking down bone mineral density. Unhealthy lifestyle choices aren’t just factors in the breakdown of health, they also work against bone health.

Micronutrients such as phosphorus, fluoride, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C have a critical role in maintaining bone health (as well as calcium and vitamin D3). Taking supplements without the advice of a qualified health professional means you may be causing some harm to your body without even realizing it. The professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help you.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. They have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235.2620 for more information.

Most of us will have minor back pain at some point in our life. As a rule our everyday body movements usually do not cause us problems, but symptoms can develop from everyday wear and tear, slouching, overuse, or injury.

Back pain can cause problems anywhere from the neck to the coccyx (tailbone). Our back consists of:

• The vertebrae (bones and joints).
• Discs separate the vertebrae and act as a shock absorber.
• Muscles and ligaments hold the spine together.

Back injuries are the most common cause of back pain and bad posture is a very close second. Often the two occur together because after an injury many people tend to slouch and this can make the pain worse. Good posture means your ears, shoulders, and hips are in alignment; if this causes you pain then you may have another condition such as a problem with a disc or bones in your back.

No matter the cause of mild back pain there are some stretches and exercises you can do at home to help alleviate the discomfort. Always remember to never attempt doing any stretch or exercise until a qualified health professional has given you the go ahead so that you don't cause further harm.

When you have the ok from a qualified health professional to do some stretching or exercises at home keep the following in mind:

• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Stretching should never hurt.
• Move into a stretch slowly.
• Hold stretches long enough (20-30 seconds) to allow your muscles to become loose.

Stretch #1

Kneel on all fours, with your knees directly under your hips and your hands under shoulders. Do not over-arch your back. Keep your neck stretched out, your shoulders held back, and always have your elbows slightly bent.

Slowly push backwards with your bottom making sure to maintain the natural curve in your spine. Hold the stretch for one deep breath and return to the starting position. Repeat ten to twelve times.

Stretch #2

Find a comfortable rug or mat and lie on your back. Place a small flat cushion under your head. Pull your legs up keeping your knees bent together with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your upper body relaxed and your chin gently tucked in.

Slowly roll your knees to one side, followed by your pelvis; be sure to keep both shoulders on the floor. Hold the stretch for one deep breath and return to the starting position. Then roll your knees to the other side and hold the stretch for one deep breath.  Repeat ten to twelve times making sure you alternate sides.

Stretch #3

Find a comfortable rug or mat and lie on your stomach. Prop yourself on your elbows, lengthening your spine. Keep your shoulders back and stretch out your neck.

Keeping your neck extended, arch your back up by pushing down on your hands. You should feel a gentle stretch in the stomach muscles as you arch backwards. Be sure to keep your hips on the ground. Breathe and hold for ten to fifteen seconds (whatever you are able to). Return to the starting position and repeat ten to twelve times.

Stretch #4

Find a comfortable rug or mat land lie on your back. Place a small, flat cushion under your head. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor at hip-width apart.

As you breathe out pull up the muscles of your pelvis and lower abdominals, as though you were pulling up a zipper along your stomach. Hold this gentle contraction while breathing from your abdomen anywhere between five and ten seconds, then gently let go. Be sure to keep the legs, shoulders and neck are relaxed. Repeat ten to twelve times.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Do you need maintenance chiropractic care? Before answering this question, let’s examine some of the evidence that has recently come to the forefront.
In the past two years there have been several studies that demonstrate how maintenance chiropractic care is beneficial for helping to prevent reoccurrence of lower back problems. What is even more exciting about the news is that some of these studies were published in medical journals.

In the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an article was published about a study that followed 894 workers’ compensation cases for one year to see their response to chiropractic care as compared to other types of care. The stated objective of this study was “To compare occurrence of repeated disability episodes across types of health care providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP).”

The results showed that when compared to physical therapists and medical doctors, the group of patients that had chiropractic care had the lowest rate of disability recurrence over the one year period. What this study showed was that when injured workers continued with chiropractic care, their rate of disability or re-injury in the year after the original accident was less than those workers under other types of medical care.

The Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University (Egypt) conducted a study and found that maintenance care provides benefits for those suffering from chronic low back pain.

Spinal manipulation (SMT) is a common treatment option used by some chiropractors for treating low back pain. Many clinical trials have taken place to evaluate maintenance for different subgroups of acute and chronic low back pain patients but not for maintenance spinal manipulative therapy in chronic low back pain sufferers.

In this particular study, sixty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain that was persistent minimum six months were randomized into three groups:

1. Twenty of those studied received twelve treatments of sham spinal manipulative therapy over a thirty day period.
2. Twenty of them received twelve treatments of spinal manipulative therapy during a thirty day period, with no maintenance care during the following nine months.
3. Twenty of them received 12 spinal manipulative therapy visits throughout the first month, followed by maintenance spinal manipulative therapy every second week for the next nine months.

In order to determine any difference researchers measured pain and disability scores, back-specific patient satisfaction, and generic health status; and these scores were reviewed at the one month, four month, seven month and at the ten month mark.

At the end of the first one month period, patients in groups 2 and 3 experienced significantly lower pain and disability scores than the sham group

At the ten month follow-up, only the maintenance group (number 3) maintained improvements in pain and disability

This was the first medically managed trial that clearly demonstrated that chiropractic maintenance care provides improved results to those who suffer from chronic low back pain.
So now to answer the question, do you need maintenance chiropractic care? The evidence for maintenance chiropractic care benefiting patients is now there. For many chiropractic patients, receiving ongoing care is in their best interests. No two people are alike and even though the evidence is there, having a consultation with a chiropractor is the best way to get a definite yes or no as to whether or not maintenance care is for you.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you determine if maintenance care is for you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

Glucosamine sulfate and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) are perhaps the most widely used natural
supplements when seeking relief from joint pain. Together, these supplements have been extensively studied for almost thirty years and the results indicate that both these supplements offer a natural solution.

What Are Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm?

Glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical found in the fluid that is around our joints.
Glucosamine is also found in other places in nature, for example, the glucosamine sulfate that is often put into dietary supplements is often harvested from shellfish. Although this is a natural substance, it can also be made safely in a lab.

MSM is a white powder that is a naturally-occurring nutrient found in many foods such as cabbage,
broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. During food preparation, we lose most of it because it is
water soluble therefore it evaporates with the steam or gets tossed out with the water. Over processing our food supply has drastically reduced the amount of MSM that we consume. As a dietary supplement, MSM is synthesized.

What Separate Functions Does Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm Perform?

Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used for arthritis and more specifically, osteoarthritis. Over the years, people have tried glucosamine sulfate for a variety of other health ailments such as glaucoma and even for weight loss. Glucosamine sulfate has not been adequately studied for these uses and as of yet, there is no proof that glucosamine sulfate is beneficial for these conditions. Glucosamine also has the potential to rebuild cartilage lost in a joint due to injury or osteoarthritis.

MSM provides sulfur, which is a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support the many vital biochemical processes in the body and this includes our energy production.

Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm Benefits

Together, glucosamine sulfate and MSM have been proven to provide relief from painful joints and

connective tissue. These ingredients have synergy so that together, they maintain the structural
integrity of connective tissue and joints while supporting the healing process.

Glucosamine sulfate protects connective tissue and cartilage to optimize joint function while MSM's
powerful therapeutic agent lessens inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, inhibits pain impulses, softens scar tissue and increases blood supply.

The addition of MSM to glucosamine sulfate is a proven and effective combination in supporting joint health as a whole.

Osteoarthritis

Cartilage absorbs impact and allows for smooth, pain-free motion when joint tissues are healthy.
Osteoarthritis has become a common condition where these soft joint tissues become inflamed, harden or they simply wear away – the results are pain and the loss of mobility. This debilitating disease can affect anyone at any time, although it tends to become more common as we age.

Many of the pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used to suppress arthritis symptoms can cause serious side effects that many people do not like. Those wishing to reduce or avoid these potentially dangerous drugs are increasingly turning to natural alternatives that are proven to be safe that lessen symptoms as well as promote long-term healing.

Remember, it's important not to self-diagnose. Let the healthcare professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill provide you with all the care you need to ensure safe and proper healing.

When used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, glucosamine sulfate and MSM are perhaps the most effective natural supplements available today that provides relief from joint pain.

Gardening is a favourite activity enjoyed by many and as the growing season progresses so does back trouble. Working outdoors in the garden or those who are landscapers often experience back issues from time-to-time and this is (usually) treated quite easily. After a long winter we all want to get outside and rush into our gardens yet after sitting idle for many months, racing out there may get many into trouble. Sometimes right away or sometimes weeks later, back troubles start to emerge that inhibit one’s ability to enjoy their garden. The main muscles used during gardening are in the back, shoulders, legs, thighs, and wrists. Lower back pain is the most common pain that gardeners tend to suffer. The lower back muscles support the whole body so it is very common to suffer from lower back pain not only after gardening, but any physical activity.

Prevention is Key

To help prevent back injury doing some simple warm up exercises is important. After all, gardening is exercise and being limbered up to spend time working outdoors can help. Not only will you feel better after gardening, chances are you’ll feel better while out in the garden.Having a brisk walk around the block is a simple exercise you can do to help limber up. A few toe touching movements (be sure knees are bent), holding your arms straight out from your shoulders and making circles, and a few twisting movements at the waist (legs secure, knees bent) all go a long way to loosening up your muscles and helping you get through your garden work with ease.

Repetitive Movements

Keep in mind that repetitive movements and improperly lifting heavy objects are the main causes of injuries. Gardening is bending over, twisting, lifting and pulling. Depending on how much work there is to do, switch up your tasks every 10-15 minutes.

Other Tips

The riskiest thing to a gardener is bending over and lifting heavy objects. Always be sure your knees are bent and when you lift something that your legs are doing the brunt of the works and your back is kept straight at all times. Never twist when picking something up.If you have a lot of raking to do (as most of us do especially in the spring and autumn months) rake with one foot in front of the other then switch ‘lead’ legs once in awhile.Take frequent rest breaks. Stop as often as you need to and evaluate how you feel. Always drink lots of water, and breathe deep while having your breaks.Above all, know your limitations and get help when needed. They say in health care that the caregiver needs to take care of themselves in order to provide the best care. This rule applies to gardening as well. When the gardener takes care of himself, the garden will flourish. Last but not least, if you are down on the ground removing weeds or planting be sure to use knee pads. Knee pads go a long way to prevent knee injuries.

The Sun

Although the sun doesn’t fit into the category of preventing back injury while gardening it needs to be mentioned because it is important to having healthy bones. We all need sunshine on our skin to help our body produce vitamin D which is critical in our overall health. To read more about this please refer to a previous article by clicking here. If you always use sunscreen then you are opening the door to possible health problems including having a poor immune system in the winter. Having 15 or 20 minutes of mid day sun will help your body produce all the vitamin D you need for awhile. However, as summer draws to a close it becomes very important to start taking supplements or making sure you are getting enough vitamin D. The best method of protection when you aren’t “getting” your daily dose of sunshine is simply by wearing a wide brimmed hat and long sleeves. However, if you must use sunscreen please research which ones are safe. Many have been proven to cause cancer because of the chemical content. You can refer to the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen report to find out what brands are safe.

When Gardening Injury Occurs

An injury can be something as minor as a tiny ache to piecing pain and anything in between. If it is a minor ache and you can still maintain good posture and this ache does not stop you from doing other activities then be sure to take it easy. Sometimes going for a walk can help or doing very light work, but none-the-less do not go overboard.
If your injury causes you to want to reach for pain killers then please seek chiropractic help. Taking a pill will temporarily alleviate pain but it won’t solve the underlying issue which is the injury. It is critical to ensure that the exact problem is taken care of properly to help prevent re-injury.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your head, spine and extremities. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Myositis ossificans is an abnormal bone that forms within the muscle tissue. There are two types of myositis ossificans: myositis ossificans circumscripta is the result of a muscle injury and myositis ossificans progressiva is an inherited condition that causes the formation of bone in many tissues.

This is a condition that athletes often experience after sustaining a blunt injury resulting in deep tissue bleeding. A neglected bad muscle strain or contusion can result in myositis ossificans. When an impact causes damage to the sheath surrounding a muscle or a bone, then a bone growth develops (calcification) that can be quite painful. Bone growth begins two to four weeks after injury and within three to six months is a mature bone.

What Causes Myositis Ossificans?

Sometimes when an injury occurs an individual may self-assess and choose not to follow injury protocol which starts with ‘R.I.C.E.’ immediately after injury (rest, ice, compression and elevate). However, if intensive physiotherapy or massage occurs too soon after injury then this too can result in myositis ossificans. In addition, if an athlete returns to training too soon after injury, this may also result in this condition.

Myositis Ossificans Symptoms

Symptoms of myositis ossificans often varies from person-to-person. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, discomfort, swelling, and a lump within the muscle tissue.

Myositis ossificans progressiva symptoms include digits (fingers and toes) that have changed shape, painful lumps around the joints, a spine with an abnormal curve, as well as a decrease in the range of motion in the shoulders and hips.

Diagnosis And Treatment Options

An examination from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can indicate if myositis ossificans is present. Usually at about three weeks post injury an X-ray can confirm diagnosis. Other diagnosis methods include an MRI scan or an ultrasound.

Once myositis ossificans is established, there are very few options that can be explored to accelerate the restorative process. Treatment will generally focus on rest from activities that can cause agitation and a physiotherapist or chiropractor can provide a gentle pain-free range of movement exercises.

Prevention

In the event of an injury, a person must diligently follow R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevate) in the initial phase of injury (preferably immediately but within the first 24 hours). By following the RICE regime, this greatly reduces the likelihood of the development of myositis ossificans. Far too many people think they’ll be okay and do not follow R.I.C.E.; it is better to be safe than sorry.

What is also very important is to rest from activities, regular icing, and if possible, use a compression bandage. Taking preventative measures at the time of and shortly after an injury will save a lot of time down the road should myositis ossificans develop.

If you suspect you may have myositis ossificans then help is a phone call away. For more information about treatment options to seek relief from myositis ossificans, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

Optimum joint mobility is the result of supple, healthy joint tissue and joint elasticity. Collagen is a vital component of tissue, bones and cartilage required for healthy joints. Research suggests that boosting collagen intake can contribute to joint health, but can it actually repair? There is no shortage of articles on the Internet that make claims one way or the other, but rarely do they mention what types of collagen there are and what their specific functions are. Yes, collagen can assist in joint repair; but knowing what specific collagen, how it is produced, and other therapies you must do is the key in achieving results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the fundamental structural protein that forms connective tissue; it is a vital component of the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and skin. Essential to the formation of connective tissue, it is the highest source of protein found in the body. Collagen contains specific vital amino acids including arginine, proline, glycine and hydroxproline.

The human anatomy contains and utilises over 20 variants of collagen amino acids, however there are three main types of collagen that comprise 80 to 90% of the body.

Different Types of Collagen Explained

First, all three types of collagen decrease with age. The knees generally take the brunt of this loss earlier in life in those who are regularly engaged in vigorous physical active and are not keeping up with the levels of collagen regeneration required for recovery.

There are actually 28 different types of collagen with three being the main types. These three types of collagen are simply named I, II, and III. Collagen type II is the most significant for joint health. Of the three, collagen type II is believed to be most effective in targeting and enhancing joint cell health.

Collagen Type I

This collagen is in our skin, artery walls, bones, tendons and in scar tissue. Type I is the most abundantly found in the body. It is a fibrillar type collagen, and inevitably has been the best investigated collagen.

Collagen Type II

This collagen is found in our cartilage and respiratory tubes. Type II is a fibrillar collagen, and the main component of cartilage. This collagen constitutes 95% of the collagens and approximately 60% of dry weight. Mutations in type II collagen result in several types of chondrodysplasia, leading to premature osteoarthritis.

Collagen Type III

This collagen is predominantly found in blood vessels. Type III collagen is a fibrillar collagen which is secreted by fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cell types. This makes it a huge factor in various inflammation-associated pathologies such as viral and non-viral liver diseases, kidney fibrosis, lung injury, and vascular disorders.

In order for collagen to help repair joints Type II is the collagen people need to have the most of in order to attain any level of relief. Having supplements will help but the body also needs to be able to produce collagen as well. Eating foods high in lysine and arginine will help collagen production. Getting both of these amino acids from food is important.

Collagen and Vegetarian Diets

A vegetarian diet is known to prevent some diseases but it may influence the balance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as collagen synthesis. Research published at Karger Journals in Switzerland, (Vegetarian diet affects genes of oxidative metabolism and collagen synthesis), indicates that there is reduced collagen synthesis in vegetarians, and this could also play a role in the aging process.

However, all is not lost for those adhering to a vegetarian diet. There are some foods that can help but seeking the advice from a qualified health practitioner is strongly advised.

Without Vitamin C There Is No Collagen

Vitamin C intake is critical to collagen production. There is a plethora of research that indicates many people are not getting enough vitamin C to maintain proper health; further to that, it has been argued that the recommended daily values fall short of what we really need.

Vitamin C deficiency, although uncommon in North America, results in our bones being unable to properly manufacture collagen and its connective tissues. The body literally deteriorates as collagen is broken down and not replaced. This results in joints wearing down as tendons weaken.

Denatured vs Undenatured Collagen

Denatured collagen is hydrolyzed. Most of the type II collagen that is derived from the sternum of chickens is denatured or hydrolyzed. This means that high heat and possibly even chemicals have been used to process it. These processes fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the protein, rendering the collagen ineffective as an immunomodulator. There seems to be no peer-reviewed scientific studies showing that denatured type II collagen provides joint health benefits.

Undenatured type II collagen is produced using little or no heat and processing is bare minimum. The processing required is just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. This type of collagen supplement is the only form that the body can use effectively.

Collagen Helps to Repair Joints

Collagen can help repair joints but under the proper conditions. Not only are foods rich in vitamin C needed (possibly supplementation as well), but also foods high in lysine and arginine ( i.e., fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, and mung bean sprouts). Avoiding foods that cause inflammation is really important and this means reducing or eliminating gluten and anything that contains processed sugar. In addition to diet, exercise is important, but knowing what exercises can be done safely should be approved by a qualified health professional.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you develop a personalized plan to ensure your joint health is as good as it possible can be. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128098479000015
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/efficacy-of-oral-collagen-in-joint-pain--osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-2167-7921-1000233.php?aid=87350
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/collagen-type-iii-alpha-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18772587