Vitality Chiropractic Clinics

26/04/2025

Interesting food for thought, folks! 🤔 I came across a recent article titled "Sucralose Affects Brain Mechanisms That Regulate Appetite" (follow the link if you fancy a read).

It seems research is suggesting that artificial sweeteners like sucralose might have more of an impact on our bodies than we previously thought, particularly when it comes to how our brain controls our appetite.

Here are a few potential takeaways:

➡️ Sucralose might interfere with the normal signals between our taste buds, gut, and brain that tell us when we're hungry or full.

➡️ It could potentially mess with the brain's reward system in a way that doesn't quite match up with actual calorie intake. This might lead to a bit of confusion in how our bodies learn to regulate how much we eat.

➡️ Some research hints that it could even lead to increased cravings for sweet or high-energy foods later on.

Now, why might this be relevant to your overall well-being? Well, our bodies are incredibly interconnected! What we put into them can influence everything from our energy levels and inflammation to even our musculoskeletal health. Understanding these subtle influences can empower us to make more informed choices about our diet.

This isn't about fear-mongering, but more about staying informed about the latest research and how different things can impact our bodies in ways we might not always realise. As chiropractors, we're all about supporting your overall health, and that includes encouraging mindful choices in all aspects of your lifestyle.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you noticed any connections yourself? Feel free to share in the comments!

The noncaloric sweetener sucralose appears to influence how the hypothalamus interprets sweet taste and metabolic signals, potentially influencing appetite regulation over time.

19/04/2025

Lowering ‘Bad’ Cholesterol May Help Protect Your Brain

New research highlights that keeping LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) low—especially below 70 mg/dL—can significantly reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Those already managing their cholesterol with statins saw even further benefit.

Simple steps to support healthy cholesterol levels include:
• Eating more fibre and fewer saturated fats
• Staying active
• Prioritising good sleep
• Limiting alcohol

Looking after your heart health really can support your brain, too.

LDL levels below 70 mg/dL are tied to a lower risk of developing dementia in general and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia in particular.

06/04/2025

A recent 30-year study involving over 105,000 individuals has highlighted the significant impact of midlife dietary choices on health in later years. The research indicates that adhering to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats—can increase the likelihood of reaching age 70 without chronic diseases by up to 86%.  

Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your meals not only supports overall well-being but also enhances physical and mental health as you age. It’s never too late to make positive changes to your diet; small, consistent adjustments can lead to substantial long-term benefits.

For more detailed information on this study, you can refer to the original article here: 

Diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy are associated with better physical and mental health in older age.

01/04/2025

🌿 Active April – Step into Spring! 🚶‍♀️☀️

With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, it’s the perfect time to get moving and enjoy the great outdoors! Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your physical and mental wellbeing – and best of all, it’s free!

✅ Supports joint mobility & spinal health�✅ Reduces stress & boosts mood�✅ Saves money on gym fees�✅ A great way to spend quality time with family & friends

Whether it’s a brisk morning walk, a lunchtime stroll, or an evening wander, getting outside can make a huge difference to how you feel and move. 🌳🚶‍♂️ So, grab your trainers, step outside, and embrace Active April!

How are you staying active this spring? Let us know in the comments! 👇

27/12/2024

🎄 Stay Active This Festive Season! 🎄

Christmas and New Year are times for joy, rest, and celebration, but it’s just as important to keep moving—especially if you’re prone to swelling or bloating. These tips will help you stay active while enjoying the festivities:

✨ Short and Sweet: Even just 10-15 minutes of light exercise, like walking or stretching, can make a big difference.

✨ Festive Fun: Get creative with movement! Dance to your favourite Christmas tunes, play active games with family, or take a stroll to admire the festive lights.

✨ Gentle Exercises: Breathing exercises, light stretches, or yoga can help ease bloating and support healthy circulation.

✨ Break Up Sitting Time: Sitting for long periods during big meals or movie marathons can lead to discomfort. Stand up and stretch every 30-60 minutes to keep everything moving.

✨ Set Realistic Goals: It’s not about perfection! A little movement each day will keep you feeling good and energised.

✨ Make It Social: Involve your family and friends in the fun. Group walks or family yoga sessions are great ways to stay active together.

🎁 Movement is a gift to your body—keep giving it this holiday season! 🎁

24/12/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄

From all of us at Vitality Chiropractic Clinics, we’d like to thank you for your trust and support throughout the year.

✨ Wishing you a joyful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and good health.
✨ Here’s to a bright and balanced 2025!

We look forward to continuing to support your health and wellness in the new year.

Stay safe, stay well, and enjoy the festivities!

23/12/2024

🎄 Healthy Holiday Tips for a Balanced Festive Season 🎄

The Christmas season is full of joy, but it’s also easy to let healthy habits slip. These simple tips will help you enjoy the festivities while staying on track with your overall health and well-being:

✨ Stay Hydrated: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Balance sugary or alcoholic drinks with a glass of water to stay refreshed and energised.

✨ Choose Nutritious Foods: Fill your plate with colourful fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados. These are packed with nutrients to keep you feeling your best.

✨ Watch Your Salt Intake: Festive foods can be high in salt, which may leave you feeling bloated. Use herbs and spices to add flavour instead.

✨ Keep Moving: Enjoy light activities, like a post-dinner walk or gentle stretching, to help digestion and keep your body active.

✨ Plan Ahead: If you’re heading to a party, eat a healthy snack or meal beforehand to avoid overindulging in less nutritious options.

✨ Enjoy Treats Mindfully: It’s Christmas, so don’t deny yourself your favourite goodies! Just balance them with healthier choices and listen to your body’s cues.

Celebrate the holidays with balance, joy, and self-care this season! 🎁

05/12/2024

Part 3
Build Power for the Slopes! 🏋️‍♀️

Here’s the final part of our “Get Ski Ready” series! Let’s add some explosive power to your ski routine to help you handle those dynamic slopes.

🔥 Exercise 3: Jump Squats
Jump squats build leg power, essential for quick turns and navigating varied terrain.
1. Start in a squat position.
2. Explode upward into a jump, then land softly back in the squat.
3. Repeat for 10–15 reps, aiming for 3 sets.

➡️ Finish with a 1-minute cooldown stretch.

Congratulations! You’ve completed our “Get Ski Ready” series. Now you’re ready to hit the slopes with strength and confidence!

23/11/2024

Core Strength for Skiing Stability 💪

Welcome to Part 2 of our “Get Ski Ready” series! Today, we’re focusing on core strength, which is crucial for maintaining balance and control on the slopes.

🔥 Exercise 2: Plank Variations
Planks strengthen your core, back, and shoulders, helping you stay stable even on uneven terrain.
1. Standard Plank: Start in a push-up position with your arms straight.
2. Side Plank: Shift to one arm, balancing on your side for extra core work.
3. Aim to hold each plank for 30 seconds, gradually increasing time as you progress.

➡️ Try 2–3 sets of each, with a 20-second rest in between.

Feeling stronger? Keep an eye out for our final exercise in the series to boost your ski performance!

18/11/2024

Post 1: Get Ready for the Slopes! 🏔️

Are you ready to make the most of ski season? ⛷️ Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, preparing your body can make all the difference. Let’s kick off with our first exercise to help build the endurance, stability, and balance needed for skiing!

🔥 Exercise 1: Wall Sits
Wall sits strengthen your quads, glutes, and calves—key muscles for skiing control.
1. Stand with your back flat against a wall.
2. Slide down until your knees are at a 90° angle.
3. Hold for 20–30 seconds, then gradually increase the time as you progress.

➡️ Try 3 sets, resting for 30 seconds in between.

Ready to feel the burn? Stay tuned for more exercises in our “Get Ski Ready” series!

13/11/2024

🌍✨ Happy World Kindness Day! ✨🌍

Today is a beautiful reminder to spread kindness wherever you go, in big ways and small. A smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can change someone’s day — or even their world. Let’s celebrate the power of compassion, connection, and community together. 💙

How will you share a little extra kindness today?

12/11/2024

🌟 3 Easy Desk Exercises to Help Prevent Headaches 🌟

Do you find yourself battling headaches while working at your desk? These three quick exercises can relieve tension and keep you focused and refreshed! 🙌✨

1️⃣ Neck Stretch
Sit tall, slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for 10–15 seconds, then switch sides. This relieves neck tension, a common culprit in headaches!

2️⃣ Shoulder Rolls
Roll your shoulders up towards your ears, then down and back in a smooth circle. Repeat 10 times. This loosens up tight shoulders and helps improve circulation.

3️⃣ Eye Focus Reset
Shift your gaze from your screen to an object far across the room every 20 minutes (the “20-20-20 rule”!). Focus for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain and avoid headache-triggering screen fatigue.

💡 Give these a try and see how you feel! A little break goes a long way in preventing headaches and keeping your mind sharp.

Come in to discuss what else you can do to reduce work related injuries.

E: reception@vitality-chiropractic.co.uk
T: 01202 835388