CLOSURE NOTICES!!

1. BOTH OFFICES will be closed for Labor Day Sept 2nd. Please plan your regular Monday visit accordingly.

2. OUT OF OFFICE!!! Dr. Pomeroy will be out of office Monday and Tuesday September 9 and 10. THE WICHITA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BOTH DAYS! Please plan your regular weekly visits accordingly.

   Dr. Kayla will be available for any of Dr. Shawn’s patients who wish to still be adjusted on Monday September 9 in Derby.

Fiber 101: The Missing Piece in Your Health Routine

Is Your Diet Missing Fiber? Here’s Why It Matters!

Are you feeling sluggish, struggling with irregular digestion, or dealing with frequent bloating? These could be signs that your diet is lacking one key ingredient: fiber! Many people don’t realize that getting enough fiber is crucial for both digestion and overall health. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet recommended daily intakes for fiber (U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 9th edition.) It is recommended that we get 14 grams of dietary fiber per 1000 calories consumed.

But what exactly is fiber, and why does it matter so much? Let’s dive into the world of fiber, break down its benefits, and see how it plays a critical role in keeping your body functioning at its best.

The Fiber Breakdown: Soluble vs. Insoluble

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless—in fact, it’s essential! Dietary fiber comes in two main types: soluble and insoluble, each playing a unique role in your body.

• Soluble Fiber: This type dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in your digestive system. It helps lower cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar levels, making it a powerhouse for heart health and blood sugar control. You can find soluble fiber in foods like oats, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and beans.

• Insoluble Fiber: This type doesn’t dissolve in water and adds bulk to your stool, helping food pass more quickly through the digestive tract. It’s your go-to fiber for keeping things moving smoothly, preventing constipation, and maintaining colon health. Foods high in insoluble fiber include whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables like cauliflower and green beans.

Why Fiber is a Big Deal for Your Health

When your diet lacks enough fiber, you might experience more than just digestive discomfort. Prolonged fiber deficiency can lead to serious health issues, especially in your colon. Low fiber intake is linked to an increased risk of constipation, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and even colorectal cancer. But it doesn’t stop there—fiber also supports heart health, helps manage weight, and keeps your gut bacteria balanced, which is key to your immune system.

Without sufficient fiber, you’re more likely to suffer from slow digestion, which can cause bloating, fatigue, and poor nutrient absorption. Over time, a low-fiber diet puts extra strain on your colon and other systems, leading to a cascade of health problems. This is why getting a variety of both soluble and insoluble fiber is critical for overall well-being.

Chiropractic Care and Digestive Health: The Connection

You might be wondering—what does fiber have to do with chiropractic care? It’s simple: your nervous system plays a key role in digestion, and chiropractic adjustments help keep your nervous system functioning at its best. When your spine is properly aligned, your brain can better communicate with your digestive organs, ensuring smooth and efficient processing of the nutrients you consume, including fiber.

Chiropractic care helps reduce nerve interference, which can lead to improved digestion, better absorption of nutrients, and less bloating. By keeping your body in optimal alignment, you’re not only supporting your musculoskeletal health but also enhancing how well your body can process the food you eat, giving you the full benefits of a fiber-rich diet.

Conclusion: Fiber + Chiropractic = A Healthier You

Adding more fiber to your diet is a powerful step toward better health, but don’t overlook the role of your nervous system in making sure you’re getting the most out of it. If you’ve been dealing with digestive issues, low energy, or other signs of fiber deficiency, consider both increasing your fiber intake and visiting your chiropractor. Together, a balanced diet and regular adjustments can help you stay regular, feel more energized, and protect your long-term health.

Here’s to happy digestion and a healthier you!

Looking for a Fiber Supplement?

While fiber supplements can be a convenient way to boost your intake, not all supplements are created equal. Poor-quality fiber supplements often contain artificial fillers, sweeteners, or harsh ingredients that can cause bloating, cramping, and even worsen digestive issues. Some low-grade options may lack the balanced blend of soluble and insoluble fiber needed for optimal results, leading to frustration and minimal health benefits. At our office, we prioritize quality by offering carefully selected, high-grade fiber supplements that provide the nutrients your body needs without the unwanted side effects. Choosing the right supplement is key to supporting your digestive health—ask us about our trusted options next time you’re in!

Zone of the Week!

Zone 4: Digestive

Have you ever experienced an upset stomach, bloating, or just that sluggish, uncomfortable feeling after a meal? These common digestive issues might be telling you that your body needs some extra care in Zone 4.

What is Zone 4?

In chiropractic care, the Zone Technique is a powerful method that helps balance your body's six zones: Glandular, Eliminative, Nervous, Digestive, Muscular, and Circulatory. Each zone corresponds to a specific area of your body that influences your overall well-being.

Zone 4, also known as the Digestive Zone, focuses on your digestive system, which includes your stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs that help break down food and absorb nutrients. When Zone 4 is out of balance, you might experience digestive discomfort, such as gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Zone 4

Through the Zone Technique, we work to restore balance in your Digestive Zone. By gently adjusting the areas of your spine that are linked to digestion, we can help your body communicate better with your digestive organs. This leads to improved digestion, reduced discomfort, and a happier, healthier you.

Supporting Digestive Health at Home

While chiropractic care can do wonders for Zone 4, there are also some simple things you can do at home to support healthy digestion:

1. Eat Mindfully: Slow down and chew your food thoroughly. This helps your digestive system break down food more easily, preventing that uncomfortable "too full" feeling.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy digestion. Water helps move food through your digestive tract and keeps everything flowing smoothly.

3. Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods: Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in fiber, which is key to keeping your digestive system in good shape. Fiber helps prevent constipation and supports a healthy gut.

4. Manage Stress: Believe it or not, stress can wreak havoc on your digestion. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep stress levels in check.

5. Get Moving: Regular physical activity stimulates your digestive system and helps food move through your intestines more efficiently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Your Digestive Health Matters

Taking care of Zone 4 is an important step toward overall wellness. If you're experiencing digestive issues or just want to ensure your digestive system is functioning at its best, we're here to help. Schedule your next appointment and let’s work together to keep your digestive health on track!

Zone 4 Supplement Support

Even though we do everything we can to support our digestive system, sometimes we just need a little help. If that sounds familiar, consider doing a bit more research on these supplements and we can chat about them during your next appointment. These are all supplements we carry in stock. As a reminder, if you find something you want to try but it’s not something we stock, let us know! We can order just about anything on the market and our prices are super fair!

Liver Cleanse: helps detoxify the liver, aiding in the digestion and processing of nutrients

Super Probiotic: promotes a healthy gut microbiome, essential for balanced digestion

Fiber Tabs: ensure you’re getting enough fiber, which is crucial for regular bowel movements and overall digestive health

Proteo-Zyme: digestive enzymes that help the digestive process begin more smoothly, taking some of the strain off the stomach and also aids in inflammatory response to particular foods that may disagree with your system

In Health,

The Staff at PCW: Dr. Shawn, Dr. Kayla, Maddy, Charlene, and Jo