Weight-Loss Archives - Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness
Paleo vs. Primal: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Paleo vs. Primal: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

by | Sep 1, 2022 | Advice, Diabetes, Weight-Loss, Wellness

Picture yourself in the world about 10,000 years ago, long before Great Grandmama and Richard III and even agricultural farming. It’s lunchtime for cave-you, and you’re on the hunt.

With a club in hand, you’re scouring the ancient plains and creeks for… a Twinkie? 

That doesn’t seem right, and many evolutionary biologists would agree. This article will explore modern-day primal vs. paleo diets, the differences between each, and how you can benefit from getting back to basics. 

Primal vs. Paleo Diets

Before diving into the differences between these two biology-based diet trends, let’s consider their similar roots. Both primal and paleo diets focus on human evolutionary biology. While our food sources have changed and evolved rapidly, our bodies have stayed much the same. 

If you could travel back in time to give a caveman a Twinkie, what would happen? Well, seemingly not much. His body would digest the Twinkie in the same way ours would, which is to say: not very well. 

Both the paleo and the primal diet focus on low carbohydrates, high protein and fats, and high vegetable contents. These are the kinds of foods our ancestors would have eaten, and the foods we are still built to eat today. So a Twinkie won’t kill us (or our caveman), but it’s not ideal for health. 

What is the Primal Diet?

The primal diet focuses on foods that our ancestors would have had access to before the agricultural revolution. To figure out what foods fit into a primal diet lifestyle, ask yourself: would my ancestors have been able to find this in nature? 

Acceptable foods on the primal diet include: 

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruits, berries, and flowers
  • Vegetables
  • Honey and maple syrup
  • Fish and mussels
  • Meat
  • Wild game
  • Wild eggs
  • Raw dairy products
  • Ancient grains, wild rice, quinoa
  • Tea and sometimes coffee

Foods to avoid include:

  • Grains
  • Beans and legumes
  • Wheat, rye, barley
  • Corn
  • Alcohol
  • Soy
  • Processed oils
  • Sugar
  • Preservatives

People following the primal diet avoid all processed foods. If a food item can safely be eaten raw, it is best to eat it raw to gain all of the nutritional value. Primal diet followers eat fresh and organic food whenever possible. 

What is the Paleo Diet?

The paleo diet follows the same premise as the primal diet. Followers should avoid processed foods and seek foods that our ancestors had access to in nature. The paleo diet is somewhat stricter than the primal diet. 

Acceptable foods on a paleo diet include: 

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruits, berries, and flowers
  • Most vegetables
  • Honey and maple syrup
  • Fish and mussels
  • Meat
  • Wild game
  • Wild eggs
  • Ancient grains, wild rice, quinoa
  • Tea

Foods to avoid include: 

  • Dairy
  • Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant)
  • Coffee
  • Grains
  • Beans and legumes
  • Wheat, rye, barley
  • Corn
  • Alcohol
  • Soy
  • Processed oils
  • Sugar
  • Preservatives

As you can see, both diets are relatively similar. The paleo diet is slightly stricter in that it doesn’t allow any dairy, nightshade vegetables, or coffee. These foods would have been hard to access and potentially poisonous for our ancestors. 

Benefits of a Primal or Paleo Diet

Although it is a tricky diet to maintain in our modern highly-processed, fast-food-loving society, primal and paleo diets can have some great health benefits, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Decreased abdominal fat
  • Improved blood pressure
  • Improved heart health
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Lower cholesterol

These are all great benefits of paleo or primal diets. Anybody using these diets should use discretion, however. Technically, one could eat nothing but bacon and eggs on a primal diet, but this wouldn’t be good for your health. 

Cleaning the Plate

Both the primal and paleo diets attempt to realign our current food intake with that of our ancestors. In the debate between primal vs paleo, it’s important to note that not everyone is perfect, and these diets can and should be adjusted to suit individual needs. 

Want to learn more about how you can boost your health and change your life? Check out our other articles on dieting, therapy treatments, and more!

 

BOOK APPOINTMENT TODAY
The Positive Impacts of Red Light Therapy on Performance and Muscle Recovery

The Positive Impacts of Red Light Therapy on Performance and Muscle Recovery

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Red Light Therapy, Weight-Loss

Red Light Therapy is Used By the Pros

In 2020, Titan’s running back Derrick Henry broke records when he ran over three hundred rushing yards in two games. That level of performance can be punishing for a body. It’s no surprise then that he would use cutting-edge recovery tools.

One such ace in his sleeve is red light therapy or RLT. If you’ve never heard of red light therapy before, your mind might conjure up something out of a science fiction novel.

However, rest assured, it’s all science. 

High-intensity athletes the world over rely on RLT’s rejuvenating properties. So, if you often find your performance suffering because of recovery, red light therapy may be the solution. Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy benefits for athletes.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy falls under the umbrella of photobiomodulation or PDM. You may be able to guess what this word means by looking at its components. The definition of “photo” is light, “bio” means life, and “modulation” is to regulate.

So photobiomodulation means to “regulate life” with “light.” In fact, that’s a great representation for what RLT does. 

How Does it Work?

Studies suggest that mitochondria activity is energized when infrared or red light photons are directed to muscle tissues. The mitochondria then produce more of the vital adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP. ATP provides the fuel we need on a cellular level to do everything from transport to using muscles. 

While some light on the spectrum is harmful, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays, red light encourages cell repair and has no side effects. 

How Red Light Therapy Benefits Athletes

Sports injuries can be accumulative with improper healing and recovery. So athletes know inflammation like nobody else. Luckily, red light therapy inhibits inflammation because it stimulates tissue repair.

As a result, red light therapy recovery is shorter than for someone who follows the traditional advice of ice and rest.

Where’s the Science?

A 2016 study showed that athletes using red light therapy enjoyed being recovered in half as long as their peers. The study featured the usual suspects of sports injuries such as sprains, ligament damage, and contusions. By the end of the experiment, the RLT recipients had an average recovery time of 9.6 days, compared to the control groups with 19.23 days. 

Since then, studies suggest that red light therapy, when applied both pre and post athletics, leads to more muscle mass and less inflammation, injury, and recovery time. 

 

 

 

​

Can Red Light Therapy Help You Lose Weight?

Can Red Light Therapy Help You Lose Weight?

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Red Light Therapy, Weight-Loss

What to Know About Red Light Therapy and Weight Loss

Are you looking for an easy way to lose weight without dieting or using supplements? If so, you may be wondering, “Does red light therapy work for weight loss?” The answer to this is a resounding YES. In fact, red light therapy offers a fast, effective, and safe way to lose weight. How does this therapy work? You simply are exposed to a special form of red light, which is designed to have therapeutic effects on the body. While the therapy is a new method, there is no doubt about the fact that it works. Not only that, but it works pretty well! Doctors agree on the effectiveness of red light therapy. Here’s what you need to know about this unique way to lose weight:

1. Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss Uses Certain Specific Frequencies of Light – 635 nm research

It isn’t just any red light that can help you lose weight. It’s only certain forms of it. All types of light have a certain frequency, which is the specific wavelength of the energy. Red light is a form of visible light, but the red light used for weight loss is often a specific type of red called near-infrared. This means that the wavelength is shorter than invisible infrared light, but it’s longer than most other forms of the color red. 

Less Cellulite:

In a 2011 study on red light therapy and cellulite reduction, women ages 25-55 were divided into two groups: Group A did treadmill exercises while Group B did treadmill exercises along with red light therapy twice a week. The study concluded that Group B, who partook in both the treadmill exercise and red light therapy in conjunction showed significant improvements in body aesthetics.

Cosmetic Body Contouring:

There are various different types of weight loss modalities but few are proven to work. These modalities include, body contouring or body sculpting, some surgical, others noninvasive. Red light therapy is completely natural & noninvasive and has proven to be an effective option for changing the way your body looks.

Smaller Waistline, Less Girth:

A study in 2011 by the Journal of Obesity Surgery studied red light therapy for body contouring. This study was a double-blind, completely randomized study which observed red light therapy at 635-680 nanometers (nm) on participants for four weeks and recorded effects on the size of their waistline. At the end of the study, participants had achieved a statistically significant reduction in waistline girth.

Targeted Fat Loss:

In a similar study published in Lasers in Surgery Medicine, participants who received light therapy showed a significant reduction in overall circumference, including numerous parts of the body. Researchers concluded that light therapy can reduce the circumference of the specific areas of the body that are treated with natural light.

Tighter Hips & Thighs:

A 2013 study in the same journal also found benefits from red light therapy at 635 nm for contouring the hips, thighs, and waist. At the end of the trial, researchers found a mean loss of 2.99 inches in overall body size compared to the starting point.

Less Body Fat:

A 2018 triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed red light therapy’s effects on people doing endurance training. Researchers found pre-exercise treatment can “decrease the body fat in healthy volunteers when compared to placebo.”

 

Why Are Only Some Frequencies Effective?

It’s likely that this is because near-infrared light is capable of penetrating into the body. In fact, the specialized light actually shines through the body’s deep tissues. This allows it to reach tissues that play a crucial role in the body’s vital functions, which can improve your mental and physical health! 

2. This Therapy Is Safe – Provide Research

Due to the fact that the only thing it uses is a specialized red light frequency, there is little to no risk of serious side effects being caused by it. The only side effect that you may experience is minor irritation of the skin, in some cases. Aside from that, the red light is not known to cause any potentially negative effects on the body. 

 

3. How Could It Help You Lose Weight? – research

A 2012 study in the International Journal of Endocrinology showed that light can affect hunger levels, which could help prevent the buildup of extra fat before it even begins. This study found that red light helped control levels of the hunger-related hormones leptin and ghrelin in sleep-deprived participants. Therefore, it will be easier to get proper nutrition, and this means that you’re less likely to constantly feel hungry. 

 

4. How to Use Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss

In order to use red light therapy for weight loss, it’s important to go for sessions on a regular basis. In addition, you’ll need to combine this one of a kind therapy with conventional techniques for improving your physique, including eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. 

​

660nm — 850nm Red Light Therapy Benefits

660nm — 850nm Red Light Therapy Benefits

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Red Light Therapy, Weight-Loss

Wavelengths Matter

Almost 50% of American adults tried to lose weight in the last 12 months, according to data published by the CDC. The chances are good that you are one of them.

If you’re also one of the 50 million Americans suffering from acne or one of the 7.5 million with psoriasis, you may find that Red Light Therapy benefits you.

Keep reading to get a quick overview of how RLT can help you.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a relatively new therapy. At its heart, it’s a non-invasive, therapeutic technique using LED light. At wavelengths between 500nm and 850nm, RLT penetrates your skin to get to the cells in the hypodermis. The light provides your skin cells with energy to repair and heal faster on their own, and each wavelength has a particular purpose.

What Are Some Red Light Therapy Benefits?

There are many benefits to red light therapy. Some people seek out RLT to treat:

  • Skin issues like acne
  • To remove wrinkles
  • Weight-loss
  • Seasonal depression
  • Scar tissue

As you can see, RLT can help in a range of different ways. Let’s check out some of the possibilities.

Skin Issues

The wavelengths in the 660nm range are reportedly the best option for surface healing. This includes skin conditions, burns, superficial scar tissue, and other non-structural issues.

Acne

Red light therapy can also be used to treat acne. Although blue light is usually used for acne, the red light helps regulate sebum, which prevents future outbreaks, according to Dr. Shamban, MD, board-certified dermatologist. RLT can also help reverse the signs of acne scarring and sun damage.

Chronic Pain

At the higher-level wavelengths, around 850nm, the red light can penetrate deeper into muscle tissue, increasing blood flow. This allows the body to receive oxygen to stimulate regeneration and reduce pain and inflammation.

Wrinkles

RLT is ideal for removing wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help with blemishes and your overall complexion. In addition, red lights promote blood circulation, which helps minimize signs of aging by increased collagen and elastin production.

Weight-Loss

Many proponents of RLT have seen improvements in weight loss.  It is said that RLT aids weight loss by breaking down part of the cell membrane in the layer of fat just below the skin’s surface, allowing fat cells to be removed naturally by your body.

It’s recommended to have at least six sessions to see the best results. RLT is non-invasive so that you can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment.

A 2013 Study of 86 participants showed a “significant” decrease in waist size. The average change was 1.1 inches / 2.8cm at the waist. 

RLT seems to target weight loss in some exciting ways, and there are many Full Body Red Light Therapy packages to suit your needs.

Getting Professional Help

Now that you’ve seen some red light therapy benefits, it’s time to take action. Getting professional help will make sure you set realistic goals and achieve them.

How the Red Light Table Targets Fat Loss

How the Red Light Table Targets Fat Loss

by | Aug 11, 2021 | Red Light Therapy, Weight-Loss, Wellness

Less Cellulite

In a 2011 study on red light therapy and cellulite reduction, women ages 25-55 were divided into two groups: some did treadmill exercise + red light therapy twice a week, while the other group just did treadmill exercise. The researchers presented thermographic photographs of the changes in thigh circumference and cellulite to demonstrate that red light therapy and exercise was more effective than just exercise alone. The study concluded that treadmill exercise and red light therapy in conjunction can improve body aesthetics.

Cosmetic Body Contouring

Many people trying to lose weight just want to look better in the mirror, or at the beach. A wide variety of therapies to target fat and improve appearance are called “body contouring” or “body sculpting”, some surgical, others noninvasive. But many of them don’t work, and/or produce troublesome side effects. Red light therapy is completely natural & noninvasive and has proven to be an effective option for changing the way your body looks.

Smaller Waistline, Less Girth

A study in the Journal of Obesity Surgery researched red light therapy for body contouring. This 2011 double-blind, randomized study performed light therapy at 635-680 nanometers (nm) on participants for four weeks and recorded effects on the size of their waistline. At the end of the study, participants had achieved a statistically significant reduction in waistline girth. 

Targeted Fat Loss

In a similar study published in Lasers in Surgery Medicine, participants who received light therapy showed a significant reduction in overall circumference, including numerous parts of the body. Researchers concluded that light therapy can reduce the circumference of the specific areas of the body that are treated with natural light.

Tighter Hips & Thighs

A 2013 study in the same journal also found benefits from red light therapy at 635 nm for contouring the hips, thighs, and waist. At the end of the trial, researchers found a mean loss of 2.99 inches in overall body size compared to the starting point. Separately, the thigh, waist, and hip areas all showed a reduction too. Researchers concluded that red light therapy at this wavelength was safe and clinically effective.

Less Body Fat: 

A 2018 triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed red light therapy’s effects on people doing endurance training. Researchers found pre-exercise treatment can “decrease the body fat in healthy volunteers when compared to placebo.”

Weight and Obesity Control: A study conducted by Brazilian researchers in 2015 assessed the effects of light therapy and exercise on 64 obese women, ages 20 to 40. One group exercised and received red light therapy treatments, while the control group just exercised. They concluded that red light therapy and exercise together were more effective than just exercise in reducing fat mass.

Healing Benefits of Natural Neuropathy Treatment

Healing Benefits of Natural Neuropathy Treatment

by | Aug 6, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Weight-Loss, Wellness

The Healing Benefits of Natural Neuropathy Treatments

When complications arising from diabetes occur, they may result in the disruption of blood flow. This interruption causes fewer nutrients (oxygen and minerals) to reach most body organs, leading to a type of nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathy itself is a nerve disease caused by nerve cell damage or dysfunction, hampering communication between the cells and the brain.

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy:

  • Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects mainly the nerves that control digestion, but it can also affect the nerves controlling heartbeat, sex organs, and blood vessels.
  • Mononeuropathy: This can occur in any specific nerve.
  • Peripheral Symmetric Neuropathy: Affects mainly the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
  • Proximal Neuropathy: Affects the thighs, buttocks, hips, and legs.

Diabetic neuropathy progresses over time, with symptoms getting worse with time. Here’s all you need to know about neuropathy’s causes, symptoms, and management.

Diabetic Neuropathy Causes

Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages the nerves over time, which is thought to be the number one cause of diabetic neuropathy. Anyone with diabetes stands a high risk of developing neuropathy. Although there is no precise reason why or how this happens, there are factors that make you susceptible to diabetic neuropathy, including:

  • Uncontrolled or Excessive Blood Sugar Levels: Excessive blood sugar levels put you at risk of all complications that arise from diabetes, including nerve damage.
  • Kidney Damage: Kidney damage inhibits proper excretion of some toxins, leading to nerve damage.
  • Smoking: Smoking results in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet because it causes the narrowing and hardening of arteries.  
  • Diabetes History: The longer you have had diabetes, the more likely diabetic-related neuropathy can occur.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the type of neuropathy and the nerves affected, but in general, they include:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, bloating, nausea, or even diarrhea
  • Difficulty standing up after sitting for long
  • Ulcers
  • Infections
  • Tingling, muscle weakness, numbness, or pain
  • Loss of feeling in the arms, hands, or feet
  • Double vision
  • Aching behind one eye
  • Deformities
  • Bone and joint pain

A reputable chiropractic clinic can offer relief for most, if not all, of these symptoms, allowing you to get back to your normal duties.

How to Treat Diabetic Neuropathy

As mentioned earlier, anyone with diabetes can get diabetes-related neuropathy, so the first and best thing to do is monitor and manage your blood sugar levels.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition, and treatment only aims to slow down its progression. It includes using:

  • Anticonvulsants: These include Pregabalin prescriptions to ease the pain. Gabapentin and Sodium valproate may also be given when other effects, such as weight gain, are present.
  • Antidepressants: These include Duloxetine or Amitriptyline to reduce unpleasant sensations.
  • Opioids: These include Oxycodone, Dextromethorphan, Tramadol, and Morphine. However, these are rarely prescribed because they have a high risk of rendering someone dependent after prolonged usage.
  • NSAIDs (painkiller): Common painkillers such as paracetamol to ease the pain.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation: A spinal cord stimulator is a pacemaker-like device implanted between the epidural gap (space between the spinal cord and the vertebrae). It delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord to help manage chronic pain when other medications fail to provide relief.

Diabetic neuropathy is a painful condition that causes many discomforts and can even be debilitating. However, by taking the correct measures to manage blood sugar levels, you can prevent it from getting worse.

CONTACT US