Saturday, August 16, 2014

Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Johnson County, KS

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?


Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury that is the result of a pinched nerve in the wrist. This can lead to pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers as well as weakness in the thumb. Carpal tunnel receives its name from the eight bones located in the wrist, which are known as carpals. These 8 carpals form a “tunnel” through which the nerves to leading to your hand extend.


chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in Johnson County, KS



Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:


  • Loss of strength in the palm of your hand and thumb.

  • A pain shooting from the hand up the arm (this pain can extend as far as the shoulder).

  • Feeling of uselessness in the fingers.

  • Pain and tingling in the hands at night, which can frequently lead to sleepless nights.

  • A feeling that your fingers are swollen even if there is little to no swelling that actually occurs.

  • Daytime tingling that makes it difficult to squeeze objects.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?


The carpal tunnel contains tendons (bundles of collagen fibers that attach your muscles to your bones) that control the movements of your fingers. Tasks that require highly repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist can result in swelling around these tendons, which can lead to a pinched nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common overuse injury, but can also be the result of pregnancy, trauma and certain diseases.


Who’s Most at Risk for Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?


Individuals who spend a lot of time using a computer keyboard or those who work with small hand tools are most likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Women are two to five times more likely than men to experience carpal tunnel syndrome; those between the ages of 30-60 are even more likely to develop CTS.


Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Johnson County, KS:


Chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in Johnson County, KS is common. Methods used by chiropractors to treat carpal tunnel syndrome can include manipulation of the wrist, elbow and upper spine. Treatment may also include ultrasound and wrist supports.


Spinal Adjustments as Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Johnson County, KS. Misalignments of the spine can often contribute to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. As a result, adjustments of the spine that aim to correct improper alignment of the spine after often beneficial in treating individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.


Wrist Supports as Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Johnson County, KS. Wrist supports aim to help keep the wrist in proper alignment after chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in Johnson County, KS. They can also be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome or prevent further injury to the wrist.


Studies have been conducted that support chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. In one study, 25 individuals with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome reported significant improvements in several measures including strength, range of motion and a decrease in pain after receiving chiropractic care. For a majority of these individuals the improvements lasted for at least 6 months.


Another study compared the effects of chiropractic treatment with conservative medical care (conservative medical care includes ibuprofen and wrist supports) amongst 91 individuals with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Both groups reported significant improvements in their nerve function, finger sensations and comfort levels. As a result of this study, researchers have completed that chiropractic care and conservative medical care are equal when it comes to effectiveness of treating individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.


Other Alternative Treatment Methods for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:


Some other possible alternative treatment methods can include


  1. Massage Therapy. Massage therapy may help to prevent or relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome especially when used in combination with rosemary or St. John’s wort oil.

  2. Physical Medicine. Physical medicine can include contrast hydrotherapy. This means alternating hot and cold water applications to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. This approach is often used to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and enhance healing. Castor oil packs can also be used to treat the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Apply castor oil to a cloth, wrap it around the wrist and over it was plastic wrap. Apply a heating pad for 1 hour or sleep with the application on the wrist.

Conventional Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:


The management of carpal tunnel syndrome by a medical doctor largely depends on the severity of your symptoms.


Prevention. There are ways to help prevent CTS and alleviate symptoms of CTS that has already occurred.


  • Stretch your arms and fingers before and during work that involves your hands.

  • Alternate tasks to avoid repetitive strain on the wrists.

  • Modify activities that put a lot of stress on the wrists.

Drug Therapies. Medical doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling, pain and redness. Corticosteroids may also be injected at the site of the carpal tunnel to help reduce tendon swelling.


Surgery. For patients who do not experience improvement with medication or conservative treatment methods, surgery may be recommended.


 



Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Johnson County, KS

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Backpack Safety for Kids in Kansas City

It’s that time of the year again, time to go back to school shopping. As another summer comes to an end and a new school year is quickly approaching, parents are beginning to prepare their kids for a successful year at school and this often means the purchasing of a new backpack. With so much to do in order to prepare for the upcoming school year, few stop to think about backpack safety for kids in Kansas City. Did you know that carrying a heavy backpack to school just may be causing health problems for your kids?


backpack safety for kids in Kansas City



According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, children between the ages of 5-18 account for 6,500 emergency room visits related to carrying a backpack that is too heavy for them. More research indicates that by the end of the school year, nearly 60 percent of all school-aged children will experience at least one episode of lower back pain. Backpacks that are too heavy are responsible for a significant amount of back pain from children ranging in age from elementary school all the way up through college. Common symptoms of poor backpack loading and carrying can include headaches, poor posture, neck pain and shoulder pain or stiffness. Let’s take a look at some tips for backpack safety for kids in Kansas City.


Tips for Backpack Safety for Kids in Kansas City:


  • Make sure your child’s backpack is no more than 5-10 percent of his/her body weight. A backpack that is too heavy will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to better support the weight of his/her backpack rather than allow the shoulders and straps to support the weight. Weight is very important when it comes to backpack safety for kids in Kansas City.

  • Compartments are key. A backpack with compartments can help you be able to be able to position the contents of your child’s backpack most effectively. You won’t have to worry about your child’s lunch being flattened under their textbooks.

  • When packing a backpack, make sure your child places items that are bulky or pointy away from the back of the backpack. An uneven surface rubbing against your child’s back will be uncomfortable and can lead to painful blisters.

  • Encourage your child to use both shoulder straps on their backpack, not just one. A backpack that is only supported with one strap disproportionately shifts all of the weight of the bag to one side of your child. This can cause lower back pain as well as neck and muscle spasms. Using two straps in key in backpack safety for kids in Kansas City.

  • Opt for a backpack with padded shoulder straps. Padded shoulder straps are definitely more comfortable and they will not dig into your child’s shoulders.

  • Shoulder straps should be adjustable. This can help you fit the backpack to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause your child’s backpack to dangle and be uncomfortable. This can cause misalignment and pain in your child’s back.

  • Talk to your child’s school. If your child’s backpack continues to be too heavy despite taking every precaution to save your child’s back, it may be possible to leave the heavy books at school and work from workbooks and handouts at home.

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to backpack safety for kids in Kansas City is talk to your children. It may sound silly, but make sure your children know how to properly use their backpacks. Help them to understand why carrying too much stuff or why only using one strap is bad for their backs. Children, who are educated about the importance of backpack ergonomics early on, can carry these lessons with them through high school, college and beyond.


If you have questions about backpack safety for kids in Kansas City or your child has complained of back pain, contact LifeWorks Integrative Health today at 913-730-5838. Your child and family may benefit from chiropractic care.


 



Backpack Safety for Kids in Kansas City

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Is Coffee Good or Bad for You in Kansas City?

Is Coffee Good or Bad for You?


The question “is coffee good or bad for you in Kansas City” is an age-old question that can be an extremely confusing to lay-people and healthcare professionals alike. This subject is just flat-out confusing. Watching the evening news is likely to tell you one night that your daily trip to Starbucks is going to cause all of your health concerns to go away. Turn the news on the next night and you may just hear that cup or two of coffee you enjoyed this morning is going to cause you to spend a whole lot of time at your doctor’s office. Confused yet? With so many contradictory messages when it comes to coffee, it’s safe to say that a majority of us don’t know whether to kick our coffee-drinking habits to the curb or if it’s safe to enjoy a trip to our favorite coffee shop each morning.


is coffee good or bad for you in Kansas City



Despite the fact that science keeps flip-flopping back and forth on whether or not you should be drinking coffee, the reality of it is that many Americans do rely on coffee to make it through these crazy, chaotic days we call life.


Is Coffee Good or Bad For You in Kansas City: A Look at the Controversies Surrounding Coffee


There have been many controversies surrounding coffee and its potential role in preventing Parkinson’s disease as well as its potential role in preventing breast cancer. Coffee is a potent combination of a number of biologically active compounds. Like any other food product, coffee has a number of effects on the body.


The question “is coffee good or bad for you in Kansas City” can be a tough one to answer. While the research on the benefits and disadvantages of coffee may vary, here are 10 reasons why you do not need coffee as part of your diet and for a healthy body:


1. The caffeine found in coffee increases the production of the stress hormone, catecholamines. As a result, your body elicits cortisol and increases insulin. An increase can lead to inflammation. Inflammation throughout the body will make you feel lousy.


2. Your caffeine addiction can lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity. This can make it very difficult for your body to appropriately respond to blood sugar. High blood sugar levels can lead to an increased risk of arterial deterioration and well as cardiovascular disease. This can lead to an early death.


3. While unfiltered coffee may have the highest amounts of beneficial antioxidants, unfiltered coffee can also cause diterpenes to enter your system. Diterpenes have been associated with higher levels of triglycerides, LDL and VLDL levels.


4. The chlorogenic acids in your system may be considered helpful in some aspects. This is a tricky topic when it comes to answering the question, “is coffee good or bad for you in Kansas City.” Chlorogenic acid may delay glucose absorption in the intestines. However, they have also been shown to increase homocysteine levels. Increased homocysteine levels have been found to be an indicator for increased risk of cardiovascular disease.


5.  Coffee is acidic. Coffee is associated with indigestion, heartburn, digestive discomfort, GERD and dyblosis (imbalances that occur in your gut flora).


6. Coffee addicts have a much more difficult time relying on the body’s natural source of energy. Coffee drinkers become addicted to energy that coffee gives them and have a hard time when coffee is not made available to them.


7. Coffee has become so trendy. Coffee shops are on every corner offering coffee drinkers more than just a plain old glass cup of coffee. Coffees now contain so many sugars and syrups. They are high in calories and are majorly lacking when it comes to nutrients.


8. 5-HIA is an organic acid and component of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin (a chemical in your brain that has a tendency to make you happy) found in urine has a tendency to be more elevated in those who drink coffee. This means that they are at risk for lower levels of serotonin synthesis in the brain. Serotonin is a necessary chemical for normal sleeping patterns, bowel functions, mood and higher energy levels. The caffeine found in coffee can make it very difficult to get a good night’s rest and can also lead to depression and anxiety.


9. Coffee can lead to elevated urinary excretion. This means excretion of important minerals — including potassium, calcium and magnesium. Coffee drinking can also lead to an imbalance in your electrolytes, which can eventually lead to serious systemic complications.


10. The ingredients in coffee can interfere with normal drug metabolism and detoxification in the liver. This can make it difficult to regulate normal detoxification processes.


Next time you run out of coffee or go and reach for that second cup, think to yourself “is coffee good or bad for you in Kansas City.” Taking a break from coffee may just do your body some good!


 



Is Coffee Good or Bad for You in Kansas City?

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Chiropractic Care Helps with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Kansas City

Recent research published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research in April 2014 indicates a documented case of a patient with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Kansas City (including high cholesterol and triglycerides) being reduced as the result of chiropractic care. Chiropractic care helps with cardiovascular risk factors in Kansas City.


chiropractic care helps with cardiovascular risk factors



This research goes on to indicate that two of the most commonly noted risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease are high triglycerides and high cholesterol. Other risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include:


  • Obesity

  • Physical inactivity

  • Diabetes

  • Unhealthy diets

  • Too much alcohol consumption

  • Tobacco exposure

  • Hypertension

What is Cardiovascular Disease?


Cardiovascular disease includes a number of conditions that can affect the structures or functioning of your heart. Cardiovascular disease can include:


  • Heart attack

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Arrhythmia’s (or abnormal heart rhythms)

  • Heart valve disease

  • Heart failure

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)

  • Pericardial disease

  • Marfan syndrome

  • Aorta disease

  • Vascular disease

In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. As a result it is important to understand the risk factors, implications of the diseases and treatments. This research publication indicates that more than 80 million individuals are diagnosed annually with cardiovascular disease. While cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity worldwide, it is extremely prevalent in the United States as the result of inactive lifestyles and Western diets.


How Chiropractic Care Helps with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Kansas City:


According to this recent research chiropractic care helps with cardiovascular risk factors in Kansas City. This case includes a 30 year old male, who sought chiropractic care after receiving a diagnosis of high cholesterol and triglycerides by his physician. His blood work showed that his triglycerides were 577 mg/dL (the normal range being from 35-150 mg/dL) and his cholesterol level was 246 mg/dL (with the normal range from 130-200 mg/dL). With these numbers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would classify this patient as being at a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. This patient also reported to his chiropractor that he was experiencing signs and symptoms of gout as well as lower back pain for a duration of six weeks.


His chiropractor performed an examination which consisted of a visual postural evaluation, orthopedic tests, motion and static palpation, neurological tests and deep tendon reflexes for upper and lower extremities. Based on the findings of this chiropractor’s exam, it was found that spinal subluxations were present.


To correct these subluxations, specific chiropractic adjustments occurred twice per week. As part of the patient’s treatment regimen, he began to make lifestyle changes and included regular exercise and a healthy, well-balanced diet as part of his routine.


When it came time for the patient’s second visit, the patient noticed a significant improvement in his symptoms as well as with his other complaints — less joint pain and lower back pain. The patient also reported that his sleeping patterns and his digestion had improved. Upon consulting his medical physician, the patient was able to discontinue his cholesterol and triglyceride medications.


Approximately 5 weeks into this patient’s chiropractic treatment, his physician performed another blood test to check for changes in his cholesterol and triglyceride levels. His blood work showed that his triglycerides were 126 mg/dL (the normal range being from 35-150 mg/dL) and his cholesterol level was 188 mg/dL (with the normal range from 130-200 mg/dL). Both levels were now within normal limits.


This case study suggests that adults with cardiovascular disease may lower their risk factors by seeking chiropractic care as well as modifying their lifestyles to include a healthy diet and increased physical activity. This patient study suggests that chiropractic care helps with cardiovascular risk factors in Kansas City.


Related Studies:


Several other studies have been conducted that suggest chiropractic care helps with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Kansas City.


One study found that adjustments to patients helped to lower their average heart rates — in patients who had above average heart rates. This major reasoning behind the thought that chiropractic care can help with cardiovascular disease in this study is that back pain, which chiropractic adjustment can help to relieve, may have caused an increase in heart rate. Researchers suggest that the stress of being in pain is a contributing factor to elevated heart rates.


Another study investigated that connection between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and anxiety levels. This study sought to quantify changes after the subjects has received chiropractic care. The results showed that patients were able to reduce their blood pressure as well as their anxiety levels.


 



Chiropractic Care Helps with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Kansas City

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Summer Beverages You Should Be Avoiding in Johnson County, KS

On a hot, summer day the first thing that likely comes to mind is a tall, cold beverage in your hand. Unfortunately, a majority of the most popular summer beverage come at a cost to your health. Chances are some of your favorite summer beverages are packed with an exorbitant amount of sugar. While the beverage may go down easily and help keep you cool in the hot summer sun, enjoying your favorite summer beverage may mean sipping on hundreds of grams of excessive sugar. Now, imagine drinking more than one of these beverages per day. There are plenty of summer beverages you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS to save your waistline and your overall health.


summer beverages you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS


 


 



Sugary Summer Beverages You Should Be Avoiding in Johnson County, KS:


1. Soda. Whether you are opting for regular or diet soda, you should just say no to soda this summer. Sodas contain way too much sugar or even worse — artificial sweeteners. Some experts go as far as to say that drinking soda in many ways as just as bad as smoking cigarettes. For example, diet sodas typically contain a chemical known as aspartame. This sugar substitute has more than 92 different side effects including birth defects, brain tumors, diabetes, seizures and emotional disorders. Sipping on an iced-cold soda also exposes you to:


  • Phosphoric Acid. Phosphoric acid can interfere with your body’s ability to use calcium. This can lead to osteoporosis.

  • Benzene. Researchers have found benzene levels as high as 79 ppb in some sodas. Benzene is a known carcinogen.

  • Artificial Food Colors. Artificial food colorings, including the caramel coloring that is found in most sodas, is a known carcinogen. The artificial caramel coloring is created by reacting corn sugar with sulfites and ammonia under high pressures at high temperatures.

  • Sodium Benzoate. Sodium benzoate is a common preservative found in a majority of soft drinks. This preservative can lead to DNA damage, which can eventually lead to Parkinson’s disease or cirrhosis of the liver.

2. Wine Coolers. A wine cooler is a sugary summer beverage you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS this summer. Wine coolers are a very popular summer beverage; especially for those who do not particularly enjoy the taste of alcohol. These drinks are designed to taste more like a fruit juice than alcohol. This makes these beverages a very popular drink while relaxing on a hot summer day. However, this sweet taste does come at a cost to your health. In order to make these beverages taste extremely sweet, manufacturers typically add fruit juice and sugar to these drinks. The wine used to make these drinks are typically the cheapest grade available. In fact, some wine coolers are not even made from wine, but a malt instead.


Wine coolers are packed full of artificial food colorings, artificial flavorings and artificial sweeteners. Of course, these drinks contain alcohol — which have addictive properties and overtime can be very damaging to your health.


3. Beer. Beer is another one of those summer beverages that you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS. Beer contains a large amount alcohol and empty calories. The yeast in beer also creates uric acid. Uric acid is a normal waste product that is found in your blood. Higher levels of uric acid are associated with gout.


Beer is also known to create the classic “beer belly syndrome.” This syndrome is very similar to metabolic syndrome. This includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. As a result, limiting your beer consumption is a great way of controlling your weight and improving your health.


4. Lemonades and Fruit Juices. For many, lemonade and fruit juices are a summer staple. However, these drinks are packed full of sugar and fall under the category of summer beverages that you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS this summer. Lemonade and fruit juice contain plenty of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In terms of the effects on your health, these drinks are very similar to sodas. Too much lemonade and fruit juice can increase your risk of weight gain as well as chronic degenerative diseases.


If you are craving lemonade, try making fresh lemonade. This will be lowest in fructose. If you need to add a sweetener, stick with stevia and avoid sugar as well as artificial sweeteners.


5. Sweetened Iced Teas. Sweet teas are another summer staple. However, sweet teas are a summer beverage that you should be avoiding in Johnson County, KS. It is a common misconception that sweetened iced teas are healthy for you just because they contain tea. Yes, tea can be a great source of antioxidants. However, sweet teas contain excessive sugars that are not great for your health.


One glass of sweet tea can contain up to 22 percent sugar. With sugar levels this high, drinking sweetened iced teas can actually contain twice the amount of sugar as one can of soda.



Summer Beverages You Should Be Avoiding in Johnson County, KS

Thursday, July 24, 2014

What Does Your MD think about Your Chiropractor?

Have you ever felt torn between your chiropractor and your MD? Have you ever felt like you were cheating on your MD with your chiropractor or vice versa? If so, you are not alone. In fact, many individuals wonder if they should even tell their medical doctor about their chiropractor. With medical doctors having varying views on the field of chiropractic care, it is hard to answer the question: what does your MD think about your chiropractor?


what does your MD think about your Chiropractor?



During the mid 1980’s, a political event caused a change regarding the medical community’s obvious disrespect for the field of chiropractic care. During this time frame, the American Medical Association or the AMA was sued for antitrust violations and the chiropractors won the case.


What did this mean for chiropractors? There would be no more anti-chiropractic slander! No billboard, magazine article, television advertisement or radio advertisement would mock the chiropractic industry. If anti-chiropractic slander seems shocking to you, how about AMA laws prohibiting medical doctors from publicly socializing with chiropractors? In the mid-1980s, this was the case. In today’s world, this is likely to seem very shocking. You are very likely to come across chiropractic-MD pairs that are friends, family members and even husband and wife.


Back to the question: what does your MD think about your chiropractor? In 1994, when the United States and the United Kingdom almost simultaneously published official guidelines for the treatment of acute lower back pain, both documents recommended spinal manipulation as the first choice of treatment for patients suffering from acute lower back pain. If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor before, you are likely very aware that spinal manipulation is the primary form of chiropractic treatment.


This was the first time ever that a non-chiropractic group of individuals had recommended chiropractic treatment based on research. The research is overwhelming. Spinal manipulation is seen as a safe, effective and a cost-efficient form of care when compared to all over options patients can choose from when it comes to treating acute lower back pain. This report was not the end of recommending spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. The research continued to pour in and the evidence is overwhelming when it comes to choosing spinal manipulation as the preferred treatment method for acute lower back pain.


According to these published guidelines, all patients who suffer from acute and chronic lower back pain should be paying a visit to their chiropractor first. However if everyone followed these guidelines, there would be a major shortage of chiropractors. Additionally, chiropractic care would be one of the most sought after professions.


While chiropractic care is becoming increasingly more popular and accepted by the medical field, many MDs do not have the knowledge about chiropractic care to recommend to inquiring patients.


What is being done about the lack of education in the medical world about chiropractic care?


  • Many chiropractic offices go out of their way to educate medical doctors in their surrounding communities about the benefits of chiropractic care.

  • Some medical schools are now offering “Alternative Medicine” courses in the curriculum of undergraduate MD programs as well as rotations in alternative medicine during post-graduate work.

Education is one of the best tools as more and more medical doctors are seeking chiropractors to work with when it comes to treating patients with chronic back and neck pain as well as headaches.


Again, looking at the question: what does your MD think about your chiropractor? The answer today is going to be far different from the answer most MDs would have given you in the mid-1980s. In today’s world, the MD/DC relationship continues to grow and improve. This is evident by the inclusion of chiropractic care in hospital program, on military bases and in VA hospitals and based on the fact that routine chiropractic care is covered by a vast majority of health insurance companies.


If you are considering chiropractic care or are already an active user of chiropractic care, your MD just may support it!


 



What Does Your MD think about Your Chiropractor?

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Put an End to Late Night Binge Eating in Kansas City

Are you one of the millions of Americans who just can’t seem to say no to a late-night snack? Whether you are crave a small snack late night or find yourself binge eating just before the clock strikes midnight, you are not alone. While you are not alone, this devastating problem have can have a serious effect on your health — think diabetes, obesity or depression. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City. With a little effort, you can say put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City and likely not even miss those late-night snacks. put an end to late night binge eating in kansas cityAre your hormones in-check? If you think those late night cravings and desires to eat foods you know you should probably avoid are the result of lack of willpower or a character flaw, guess again. While stress can be a trigger to unwanted binge eating, most of the time it’s not. In fact, biology just may be to blame. When you have a better understanding of why you can’t seem to put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City, it is much easier to control and overcome those cravings. Chances are the underlying cause of your binge eating is the result of a hormonal imbalance with the hormones that regulate your appetite. There are four specific triggers that lead to binge eating. Fortunately, you can put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City once you learn how to balance these hormones. The four most common hormones responsible include:


  1. Insulin. Insulin is a very important hormones that your body produces in order to process the sugars you consume. When your insulin spikes and then crashes after consuming processed foods or junk foods, you become hungry again. Unfortunately, a healthy meal can also cause you to become hungry again.

  2. Leptin. Leptin is the hormone that lets your brain know that you are full and that you do not need to eat any more. When you consume plenty of processed foods, sugar and flours, leptin can stop working. As a result, you brain can become resistant to leptin.

  3. Ghrelin. This hunger hormone is produced in your stomach to help you regulate your appetite. When you are hungry, this hormone will be sure to let you know.

  4. Peptide YY. This hormone is produced in your intestines and lets your body know that you are full and are unable to eat anymore.

There is also one more hormone that needs to be considered when we try to put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City. This hormone is the stress hormone known as cortisol. When you are stressed, the cortisol level in your body goes up. As a result, you become more hungry, your blood sugar levels rise and your insulin levels rise. This can lead to insulin resistance also known as pre-diabetes. How can you easily put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City? With a little work and dedication you can balance your hormones and fight those late night cravings, here’s how.


  • Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day when you want to put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City. Consuming breakfast is key in putting an end to your late night cravings. Consume  a breakfast that is high in protein. One option for a high-protein breakfast is eggs in any form. You can also try consuming a protein shake is you need your breakfast on-the-go. Breakfast can help keep your blood sugar levels even all day long and can also help reduce the amount of cravings you have for snacks throughout your day.

  • Avoid drinking your calories. By drinking your calories, you are consuming empty calories that are providing you with no real nutritional value. Sodas, lattes, teas and sports drinks may taste break, but they will cause a spike in your insulin and blood sugar levels. This will lead to cravings.

  • Get yourself on a meal schedule. Be sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks in between are fine as well. Think of your body as a clock. To keep your hormones balanced, you need to develop and eating rhythm.

  • Remember how important protein is to your diet. Have protein and high-quality fats with every meal. Good fats include nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut, and olive oil. High-quality proteins include chicken, grass-fed meat and fish. By consuming such foods, you can help to balance your blood sugar levels.

  • Keep your stress levels under control. Stress can cause you to eat, while relaxing can make it easier for you to obtain your goal weight. When you are stressed, take time out of your day to de-stress. De-stressing activities can include yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation or even going for a walk. Reducing stress can help to put an end to late night binge eating by balancing your brain chemistry and hormones as well as helping to fight unwanted cravings.

  • Never skip out on a good night’s sleep. When you don’t sleep, you become hungry. You become especially hungry for sugars and carbs. This is because sleep deprivation causes an increase in the hormones that let your brain known that you are hungry. This is why a good night’s sleep is so important for anyone looking to lose weight.

  • Are you allergic or sensitive to any foods? Many people have a tendency to crave the foods they are allergic to. Common triggers of food sensitivity include dairy and gluten. If you suspect you might have a gluten or dairy sensitivity, try going without these products for a few weeks and see how you feel.

Did you know that supplementation can help you to cut cravings and put an end to late night binge eating in Kansas City? Here are some supplements to consider: Omega-3 fats can help to regulate cravings. Vitamin D  helps to regulate hormones and balance insulin. Chromium, lipoic acid, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) can help cut cravings. Amino acids can also help balance your hormones, stop your cravings and increase muscle mass.



Put an End to Late Night Binge Eating in Kansas City