Author: Superadmin

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Medical Certification is a highly sought-after and specialized credential that allows chiropractors to expand their expertise in the field of sports medicine, specifically in golf performance enhancement. The TPI Medical Certification equips chiropractors with the tools and knowledge necessary to analyze and address the physical limitations and imbalances in golfers, ultimately helping them achieve a more efficient and injury-free swing.

Golf is a highly technical sport that places tremendous stress on the body. Repetitive golf swings can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, such as low back pain, hip and shoulder issues, and even wrist and elbow problems. Chiropractors, with their unique understanding of biomechanics and the musculoskeletal system, are ideally positioned to help golfers optimize their performance and prevent injury.

The TPI Medical Certification program offers chiropractors a comprehensive curriculum that includes three levels of training. Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals of golf-specific fitness, biomechanics, and swing analysis. Chiropractors learn how to identify the 12 most common physical limitations that can lead to swing faults and injuries in golfers, known as the “Body-Swing Connection.”

Level 2 delves deeper into the assessment, treatment, and management of golf-related injuries. Chiropractors learn advanced assessment techniques to identify the root cause of biomechanical issues and develop a customized treatment plan for each golfer. This level also covers rehabilitation strategies and exercise prescription, empowering chiropractors to guide their clients through the recovery process.

Level 3, the highest level of TPI Medical Certification, focuses on mastering the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous levels. Chiropractors learn how to integrate their expertise with other professionals, such as golf instructors and fitness trainers, to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to golf performance enhancement.

TPI Certified chiropractors become part of a global network of professionals dedicated to helping golfers achieve their performance goals. They have access to cutting-edge research and the latest information on golf-specific injuries and treatment strategies. Additionally, TPI certification sets these chiropractors apart from their peers, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a specialization in golf performance.

In conclusion, TPI Medical Certification for chiropractors is an invaluable asset for those looking to expand their practice and expertise in the field of sports medicine. It equips chiropractors with the skills and knowledge necessary to address golf-specific injuries and limitations, helping golfers optimize their performance and reduce the risk of injury. As golf continues to grow in popularity, the demand for specialized golf performance professionals, including TPI Certified chiropractors, will only increase.

Superfoods are an increasingly popular concept within discussions and content about health and nutrition. They have many purported benefits, but what really are superfoods? 

Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods thought to provide a wide range of health benefits, beyond their core nutritional value. These foods tend to be packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients known to prevent chronic diseases and promote good health ¹. 

Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect cells from damage and may minimize the risk of cancer and heart disease, among other diseases, by reducing oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress occurs in the presence of an excess of free radicals in the body and is associated with an array of human diseases ¹. Blueberries are a superfood that is filled with antioxidants.  

Minerals are inorganic elements, that come from soil and water, such as calcium, potassium, or iron, which help the body perform at its highest level. Vitamins, in contrast, are made by plants or animals. Superfoods tend to be charged full of both minerals and vitamins. 

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It is essential in that it helps decrease cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and control glucose in Type 2 diabetes. High-fiber foods such as kale promote healthy digestion and provide a sense of fullness. This can support weight loss efforts, among other benefits ². Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of a wide variety of nutrients, including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber ³. 

Flavonoids, formerly called vitamin P, are found in plant-based superfoods and exert beneficial anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Finally, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, or “good fats”, are also amply found in superfoods. These help lower cholesterol and prevent stroke and heart disease ⁴. Certain foods like salmon are packed with such healthy fats ⁵.  

For those wondering whether superfoods are medically defined, and if so, what that definition is, the answer unfortunately is no. A “superfood” is not a scientifically recognized term, as there are no set criteria to determine what defines superfoods, according to the American Heart Association ⁶.  

However, a number of tips can help identify and better incorporate healthy, nutrient-packed foods into one’s diet, focusing on the current lay definition of superfoods. First, an easy visual tip is to try to have your plate be multicolored, from foods with rich color like kale, beets, and berries. Second, it can be beneficial to regularly add shredded greens to soups and stir fries, while replacing beef or poultry with salmon or tofu. Furthermore, having green tea or matcha tea, and consuming turmeric, cumin, oregano, ginger, clove, and cinnamon can be helpful because of their antioxidant content. When snacking, nuts, seeds, such as Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds, and dried fruit with no sugar or salt added are excellent choices ⁷. 

Obtaining nutrients from real foods is preferred over taking supplements, when possible. Many supplements contain ingredients that can have a strong biological effect on the body; they may also interact with certain medications ⁸. Taking supplements could thus result in vitamin or mineral toxicity or affect postsurgical recovery, among other consequences. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that combining or taking too many supplements can be hazardous. It is thus important to conservatively use only supplements that the Food and Drug Administration has approved. 

Finally, while superfoods are a valuable addition to a healthy diet, no one food can provide all needed nutrients. It is thus essential to eat a variety of whole foods and maintain a balanced diet at all times. 

References 

1. What Are Superfoods? | Live Science. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/34693-superfoods.html. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

2. Miketinas, D. C. et al. Fiber Intake Predicts Weight Loss and Dietary Adherence in Adults Consuming Calorie-Restricted Diets: The POUNDS Lost (Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study. J. Nutr. 149, 1742–1748 (2019).  doi: 10.1093/jn/nxz117. 

3. 16 Superfoods That Are Worthy of the Title. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

4. What Is a Superfood, Anyway? – Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

5. Heart Disease: Types, Prevention & Treatments | Live Science. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/34733-heart-disease-high-cholesterol-heart-surgery.html. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

6. American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

7. Superfoods: Health benefits, uses, and risks. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303079. (Accessed: 10th May 2023) 

8. Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A. & Chandra, N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn. Rev. 4, 118 (2010). doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902 

Magnesium is a mineral that plays several key roles in the body [1]. It is necessary for glycolysis and energy production; assists with the development of bone and muscle; regulates blood glucose, blood pressure, and protein synthesis; and influences the maintenance of healthy heart rhythm [1]. Magnesium’s role in health is pivotal, as is an understanding of the role of nutrition in acquiring magnesium — the requisite levels, key sources, and health consequences. 

The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of magnesium is 400-420 mg for adult men and 310-320 mg for adult women [2]. Approximately 10 to 30% of people do not consume enough of the nutrient [3]. To correct this problem, medical professionals encourage people to focus on nutrition, eating a diet that features leafy greens, mineral water, and certain fortified breakfast cereals, among other sources, to maintain their health [1, 2]. It is important to note, however, that some forms of processing may strip foods of their magnesium content, so foods meant to contain magnesium may lose their nutritional value after cooking in some cases [1].  

The modern Western diet generally features a decreased presence of magnesium, meaning that it may be advisable for people fitting into those food habits to take magnesium supplements, like magnesium oxide, chloride, and citrate, to round out their nutrition and health [1, 4]. Before taking magnesium supplements, though, one should note the various side effects of supplements. For one, they may have a laxative effect [2]. Magnesium supplements may also reduce blood pressure or antibiotic absorption [5]. Moreover, there is a lack of a consensus within epidemiological literature concerning whether magnesium supplements can correct the diseases often characteristic of magnesium deficiency [2]. These caveats illustrate why people should not take magnesium supplements without consulting their doctor. 

By taking the appropriate level of magnesium, people may better avoid severe health conditions. Research demonstrates a lack of magnesium can result in various cardiac, neurological, and other issues [6]. Researchers also suggest that magnesium helps prevent or treat type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, and migraine headaches [3]. In the elderly, researchers have identified an association between magnesium deficit and hyperemotionality, sleep disorders, cognitive disorders, and asthenia [7]. These occurrences demonstrate the importance of satisfying nutrition guidelines for magnesium in order to optimize health. 

Along with taking sufficient magnesium, it is also important for people not to consume too much magnesium. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for magnesium ingested via supplementary sources is 350 mg [2]. An overdose of magnesium can have negative consequences, including nausea, cramping, and diarrhea [2]. More serious health effects, such as low blood pressure, depression, cardiac arrest, and heartbeat irregularities, may also be indicative of excessive magnesium intake [3]. Fortunately, these negative effects are attenuated by the kidneys, which dispel excess amounts of magnesium through urine [2]. As a result, otherwise healthy people rarely exhibit signs of magnesium overdose, but those with kidney impairments should be more cautious [3]. 

Given the various health issues associated with magnesium deficiency and overdose, the importance of consuming enough but not too much magnesium cannot be overstated. With magnesium naturally occurring in many consumable goods, along with easily accessible supplements, the RDA can be satisfied with simple adjustments in one’s diet and routine. 

References 

[1] National Institutes of Health, “Magnesium,”  Updated June 2, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/.  

[2] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “Magnesium,”  Updated March 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/.  

[3] J. Leonard, “Can you take too much magnesium?,” Medical News Today, Updated October 16, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323349.  

[4] D. Fiorentini et al., “Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency,” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 1-44, Mar. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041136.  

[5] J. Kubala, “Health Benefits of Magnesium,” Health, Updated March 13, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.health.com/magnesium-7229399.  

[6] R. Swaminathan, “Magnesium Metabolism and its Disorders,” The Clinical Biochemist Reviews, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 47-66, May 2003. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1855626.  

[7] M. Barbagallo, N. Veronese, and L. J. Dominguez, “Magnesium in Aging, Health and Diseases,” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 1-20, Jan. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020463.

Vegan diets have become increasingly popular in recent years as people are choosing to eliminate animal food products for environmental, ethical, and health reasons. Consuming a nutritionally balanced vegan diet may result in numerous positive health effects, including protection against liver disease, obesity, and certain kinds of cancer (5). However, those consuming a strictly vegan diet can be at risk of nutritional deficiencies that have a detrimental effect on overall health. 

Plant-based diets, including vegan diets, have repeatedly been linked to favorable blood lipid profiles and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (1). Meat and animal products are higher in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and saturated fats, contributing to plaque build-up. On the other hand, plant-based foods that are rich in monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats help regulate blood lipoprotein levels (1). 

As a result, consuming more plant-based foods and reducing or eliminating meat and animal products results in lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol—a type of cholesterol that contributes to plaque build-up in blood vessels. Plaque build-up in arteries reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood tissue to vital organs, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke (1).  

Another of the positive health effects of a vegan diet is that nutritionally balanced plant-based diets can be rich in phytonutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber (4). Soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes helps facilitate cholesterol being flushed out of the body and reduces the synthesis of liver cholesterol (1). Fiber-rich foods may also help lower inflammation and reduce levels of leptin—a hormone that regulates appetite and body weight—protecting those who consume more plant-based foods against obesity and cardiovascular disease (2). 

The health effects of a vegan diet on cognitive function and brain health are less conclusive. Consuming a balanced vegan diet that is abundant in vitamins and antioxidants may help fight cognitive decline as we age (4). However, vegans who are not taking supplements can be deficient in key nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and DHA—an omega-3 fatty acid that serves as the main structural component of our brains (4). These deficiencies may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and mental illnesses like depression (3). 

Those consuming vegan diets are also at risk of being deficient in nutrients that are less bioavailable in plant foods (6). Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a particular nutrient that the body is able to absorb and utilize. For example, although many plant-based foods are plentiful in iron, plants provide the non-heme form of iron, which is less bioavailable than heme-iron from animal products (6). As a result, vegans and vegetarians can have lower levels of ferritin and hemoglobin (6). Similarly, vegans can suffer from zinc deficiency due to low zinc bioavailability in plants, putting them at greater risk of depression, diarrhea, dermatitis, and alopecia (6). 

Many of the benefits of consuming a vegan diet also result from following other plant-based diets, including vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Low-fat, reduced animal-product omnivorous diets that are rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables have also been shown to provide many of the same benefits regarding lipoprotein profiles and the risk of cardiovascular disease (7). Plant-based diets that reduce the intake of animal products but do not necessarily completely eliminate them also have a much larger body of scientific literature to support their benefits compared to exclusively vegan diets (4). A non-vegan plant-based diet that incorporates some amount of animal products may be a better fit for some people depending on the desired health effects and the ability to intake essential nutrients. 

Ultimately, reducing your consumption of animal-based foods like meat can reduce your risk of developing certain illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. However, consuming a well-rounded diet that prioritizes plant foods and ensures that you absorb the necessary nutrients for proper organ function is key to harnessing the positive health effects of eating plant based, including vegan. 

References 

1. Elliott, Patrick et al. “Plant-Based Diets and Lipid, Lipoprotein and Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Observational and Interventional Studies.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 24, 17 Dec 2022, doi: 10.3390/nu14245371 

2. Gogga, Patrycja et al. “Plant-based diets contribute to lower circulating leptin in healthy subjects independently of BMI.” Acta biochimica Polonica, vol. 69, no. 4, 2022, pp. 879-882., doi:10.18388/abp.2020_6388 

3. Jain, Rishika et al. “Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review.” Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 27-49, 19 Jan 2022, doi:10.1111/nbu.12540 

4. Katonova, Alzbeta et al. “Effect of a Vegan Diet on Alzheimer’s Disease.” International journal of molecular sciences, vol. 23, no. 23, pp. 1494,, 29 Nov 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms232314924 

5. McManus, Katherine D. “With a little planning, vegan diets can be a healthful choice.” Harvard Health Blog, Feb 6 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/with-a-little-planning-vegan-diets-can-be-a-healthful-choice-2020020618766 

6. O’Keefe, James H et al. “Debunking the vegan myth: The case for a plant-forward omnivorous whole-foods diet.” Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, vol. 74, pp. 2-8, September-October 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.08.001 

7. Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M et al. “Effect of a Plant-Based vs Omnivorous Soul Food Diet on Weight and Lipid Levels Among African American Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA network open, vol. 6, no. 1, 3 Jan 2023, doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50626