Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Although I am first and foremost a physical therapist, I am always looking for ways to improve health and prevent illness.  I read a lot and get great information from patients, classes and colleagues:

Smoking reduces blood flow.  A colleague of mine won’t treat anyone with a back problem if they continue to smoke.  He says blood flow to the back is already limited. Since smoking further reduces blood flow, the injured area doesn't get adequate nutrition for healing and treatment will not be effective.

Processed sugar is a neurotoxin.  Sugar is poisonous to the nervous system. Any condition involving pain or neurological symptoms such as tremors, decreased balance, lack of coordination or brain dysfunction will be adversely affected by processed sugar or artificial sweeteners. 

Excess sugar in the blood is converted to stored energy, i.e. fat.  Eating more fiber slows down absorption of sugar into the blood stream, making it less likely to be converted into fat. Weight gain may be due to eating excessive sugar rather than eating too much fat.

The gluten content of wheat has been going up in recent years.  The higher the gluten content, the more farmers get paid. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye. People are not well suited to digest gluten and gluten tends to interfere with digestion, making it harder to absorb nutrients. Poor absorption leads to malnutrition or overeating. The body continues to trigger appetite to get the nutrition it needs. Many substitute grains and gluten free products are available. 

Eating leafy green vegetables provides a better environment in your digestive tract.  This attracts the good bacteria creating more nutrients. Fiber from the vegetables provides a way for toxins and other waste material to exit your body, instead of recycling back into your system.

Many toxins are stored in fatty material.  Excess fat can become a breeding ground for tumors and cancer. Statistics show losing excess fat can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke and may reduce your risk for cancer.  

The body does not produce all essential fatty acids needed. Taking in certain fats from your diet is necessary. Since omega 3 oils are not consumed as frequently as omega 6 oils, more attention should be paid to getting omega 3 oil from cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, avocados, nuts, and olive oil. The nervous system is made up largely of fat, which is why pediatricians advise parents to give their kids whole milk containing the essential fatty acids needed for good brain development. Fat tends to turn off the appetite switch in your body, making you feel satiated. 

Vinegar and Honey:  An old folk remedy in Dr. Jarvis’ book, “Arthritis and Vermont Folk Medicine,” is reputed to reduce appetite, increase energy, improve bone density, reduce plaque formation on teeth and blood vessels, improve digestion and improve skin quality. Take 2 teaspoons of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 cup of water with each meal.   

Paying attention to what you eat does make a difference in your health. The old saying, “You are what you eat,” certainly holds true.

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801 PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system
 

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