What to Eat and Drink after a Chiropractic Adjustment
There is now a large body of evidence to support chiropractic care as an effective treatment for back pain, joint pain, and a host of other ailments ranging from allergies to digestive problems. Because chiropractic care has this proven track record, more people than ever are opting to undergo spinal adjustments. Furthermore, many of these patients may already be apprehensive about chiropractic care, based on what they have been told by family and friends.
Dr. Nathen Horst feels it is very important to put patients at ease by properly preparing them for their first chiropractic adjustment, including what to expect from the actual adjustment, as well as possible side effects and proper self care following an adjustment. Of course, part of any good self care plan following a chiropractic adjustment includes what to eat and drink.
Part of the Larger Picture
The actual adjustment is only one small part of the entire chiropractic experience. Patients should not expect to just come see Dr. Horst for one or two visits until the immediate problem has been resolved. Instead, the adjustment is part of the larger picture of an entire change in lifestyle. This chiropractic lifestyle includes embracing wellness as a daily routine. Dr. Horst believes regular chiropractic adjustments, regular exercise, a sensible diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are integral to the chiropractic lifestyle.
A Healthier Diet
Dr. Horst encourages people to think about changing their regular diet once they have begun getting regular chiropractic adjustments. This includes a strong emphasis on smaller portions of white meat or fish (about the size of a deck of cards) with more fresh fruits and vegetables, and fewer starches such as pasta, rice, bread, or potatoes. Patients should also cut back on processed food, such as fast food, in favor of healthier diet options that have undergone less preparation.
Additionally, patients are strongly encouraged to increase their water intake, particularly just before and after a chiropractic adjustment. It is not unusual for patients to feel mildly sore, stiff, dizzy, or nauseated following a chiropractic adjustment. This is perfectly natural, and is a result of the body readjusting to being properly aligned. Keeping properly hydrated can reduce the severity of these side effects. If patients do experience these side effects, it is important to take slow, small sips of water to rehydrate in order to avoid a sudden shock to the system.
Many patients may think that other drinks, such as tea, coffee or soft drinks, will keep them properly hydrated. In fact, just the opposite is true. These beverages, particularly coffee, may actually dehydrate the body and make patients feel worse following a chiropractic adjustment. Furthermore, these beverages may also contain caffeine, which can actually be addictive and slow the healing process following an adjustment.
Unfortunately, if patients do not make an active commitment to changing their lifestyle in conjunction with their chiropractic treatments, they will not get the most benefit from the adjustments. Dr. Horst is always willing to help patients transition to the wellness lifestyle and stay with it.
