Services

As Bonney Lake's premier Chiropractic and Wellness Center you will find a complete set of services to fit your specific health needs. Our services span the spectrum from the traditional to the latest most modern techniques in managing pain, health and wellness

Chiropractic Care Decompression Acupuncture Sports Injuries Massage Therapy Orthotics Nutrition Weight Loss

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Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors are experts in the care of bones, nerves, muscles, joints, and ligaments. All of these elements work together as one unit to make up who we are. When we hurt, our body does not function like a well oiled machine - as a result we compensate by limping and causing other areas to hurt.

Your First Visit
At your first appointment we provide a thorough exam and history. If necessary, we will provide x-rays at our facility. Conditions chiropractors treat range from headaches (migraine to tension), neck pain, stiffness, back pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, tendinitis, plantar fascitis, extremity pain (hip, shoulder, elbow, knees, wrist, ankles .etc), short leg, muscle ache, and many other conditions. If you have any questions feel free to contact us and find out if we can help you!

The Science
Since its beginning, chiropractic has been based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is more vulnerable, covered by 24 moving vertebrae. When these bones lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts the function of the tissue or organs the nerves control, and is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex or Subluxation Syndrome. Today's Doctor of Chiropractic takes four-years of post-graduate college education to master the adjusting "art" of chiropractic. In addition to the science and art, Chiropractic philosophy recognizes that only the power that created the body can heal the body--if there isn't any interference. Instead of covering up your symptoms with drugs, chiropractic looks to correct the underlying cause(s). Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal joint dysfunction, the art of correcting them, and the philosophy of things natural.

The Art
After a thorough examination and a review of your health history, your chiropractic doctor will recommend a specific care program. If yours is a chiropractic case, this will include specific spinal adjustments.The word "chiropractic adjustment" describes using a carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to a more normal position or motion. When spinal function is improved, nervous system function (health) can improve too. After years of training, chiropractic doctors become experts at using the right amount of force in the right direction. This may require a quick movement or in other instances a slow and constant pressure. The chiropractic adjustment is truly an art.

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Decompression (flexion-distraction)

Decompression is a gentle, non-surgical, chiropractic spinal manipulation adjustment procedure. 95% of back and neck pain patients DO NOT require surgery. Decompression is a safer alternative to back surgery. It is also appropriate for failed back surgery patients who still suffer after surgery.

Decompression is a well-researched (with research studies completed and underway), well-referenced (with over 90+ articles in medical and chiropractic journals) chiropractic spinal adjusting manipulation. Decompression relieves back, leg pain, neck and arm pain. Disc herniation, arthritis or back sprain are usually the cause of pain.

Decompression drops disc pressures and increases the disc space.

Decompression stops pain, realigns the spine and restores ranges of motion while reducing low back pain, especially in the leg or arms. It is an accepted and widely used form of spinal manipulation. Today, nearly 60% of chiropractic physicians report using it in their practices.

Dr. John Huynh & Dr. Michelle Marconi have advanced their training through postgraduate courses.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

Denise Groothuizen provides acupuncture to patients at Mountain View Chiropractic & Wellness Center

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Sports Injuries

Chiropractic care has proven to be very effective in the treatment, rehabilitation, and most importantly the prevention of many sports related injuries.

We recently added a new technique called Active Release Technique. Ask our staff for more information about this technique and how we can use it to help you today!

Below you will find common sports related injuries that we treat, Just select your sport and if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or issues listed, consider making an appointment today to see one of our doctors.

Soccer

Twisted ankles, cramping muscles, and joint pain are all common side effects of being a competitive soccer player. Some of the more serious injuries involved in soccer are major knee injuries and concussions. It is important to know that once you get one concussion it is becomes easier to get another. Always follow your doctors orders when it comes to rest and rehabilitation.

Sprains/Tears
Ankles, Knees, Hips
Strains
Groins, Hamstrings, Quads, Backs
Tendinitis
Achilles, Knee
Joint Dysfunction
Entire Body, but most commonly in the legs, hips, and low back
Head Injuries
Concussions

Basketball

Jumpers knee, tendinitis in the wrist, elbow and shoulder, along with twisted ankles are all common for basketball players. The most common basketball related injuries can all be easily treated and with proper rehabilitation, returning to the court should be a breeze.

Sprain/Strain
Ankles, Knees, Back, Fingers, Wrists, Elbows, Shoulders
Joint Dysfunction
Entire Body, but most commonly in the legs, hips, and low back
Head Injuries
Concussions
Tendinitis
Achilles, Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist

Baseball

Even in little league it can be common to get throwers elbow! It's most common in pitchers, third basemen, and shortstops, but it can really effect anyone on the field. All of the sliding and diving can also cause back, knee, ankle and hip problems as well.

Sprain/Strain
Shoulders, Elbows, Backs, Ankles, Knees
Tendinitis
Elbow, Shoulder, Wrist
Joint Dysfunction
Entire Body, but most commonly in the arms, shoulders, neck, ribs and back

Football

What isn't injured in football? If your back starts to hurt, don't ignore it! Take care of your back pain before it becomes serious and becomes the kind of injury that prevents you from playing the sports that you love. Our office has a decompression table that has had incredible results on patients with back pain and it was designed specifically for disc herniations.

Burners and Stingers
Neck, Shoulder
Disc Herniations
Low back, Neck
Sprain/Strain
Ankles, Knees, Hips, Back, Elbow, Shoulder, Neck

Golf

Posture! Posture! Posture! Bending forward and twisting puts the absolute most stress on the spine, and this is the exact motion of swinging a golf club. It is also common to develop golfers elbow if you are one of those people who can't stay off the course if the sun is out!

Sprain/Strain
Elbow, Shoulder, Back, Wrist

Running

Sprinting and long distance cause completely different injuries. It is more common to sprain, strain, or even tear a muscle if you are a sprinter. The distance runners commonly develop more chronic problems like tendinitis. Both sprinters and distance runners may develop shin splints which can lead to stress fractures.

Sprain/Strain
Ankles, Knees, Hips, Back
Tendinitis
Plantar Fasciitis, Infrapatellar (knee), Hip, Ankle
Fractures
Stress Fracture � Secondary to Shin Splints

Swimming

Although swimming is one of the safest and effective ways to exercise because it is zero impact and you use almost every muscle in your body, it is still common to develop injuries due to repetitive motion. The good news is it is rare to experience major trauma while swimming and most injuries are easily treated.

Sprain/Strain
Shoulder, Elbow, Neck, Back
Tendinitis
Shoulder, Elbow, Neck, Back

Official Sports Injury Clinic for the Bonney Lake High School Panther Football Program

Massage Therapy

Does your back ache when you've sat too long? Have you ever experienced a stabbing sensation when you've picked up something heavy? Do you feel stiff after gardening or home projects? If so, you are not alone. Next to the common cold, back pain is the most frequent complaint heard by doctors.

Research and experience show that massage is a safe and effective treatment that can help you heal and prevent further injury.

Massage Therapy helps with:

Geriatrics
Scoliosis
Neurological Dysfunction
Pediatrics
Sports Injuries
Rehabilitation
Restriction of Motion
Chronic Fatigue
Head Trauma

Back Pain
Neck Pain
Rotator Cuff Pain
Chronic Pain
Head Aches
TMJ
Carpal Tunnel
Fibromyalgia
Spasm/Spasticity

Massage for Your Health

Stress
Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress providing more energy, improved outlook and reduction in injury and illness. Massage can also relieve the symptoms and conditions aggravated by stress, such as asthma or insomnia and provides excellent support for people in counseling.

Tight and Painful Muscles
Massage stretches and kneads away muscle tension relieving everything from short term muscle cramps to a habitually clenched jaw or tight shoulders. In addition massage works gently on the nervous system, relaxing the muscles throughout your body.

Injuries
Massage assists in the healing of injuries such as tendinitis, ligament sprains or muscle strains. Massage therapy reduces swelling and inflammation by assisting the body in removing waste and providing nutrition to injured cells. In addition massage has been found to be useful in making old scar tissue pliable and reducing its formation in new injuries.

Injury Prevention
By relieving chronic tension massage can help prevent injuries that otherwise would be caused by unbalanced muscle groups or by the forced stretching of tight painful areas.

Pain or Restriction in Joints
By releasing tight muscles that restrict joint movement massage increased circulation to the joints which in turn improves the general health of the joint and it’s natural lubrication relieving greatly reducing pain and discomfort.

Postural Problems
Massage releases restrictions in muscles, joints and surrounding connective tissue (fascia). This frees your body to return to a more natural posture. Massage is also used to relieve the contracted muscles and pain caused by abnormal spinal curvatures such scoliosis.

Back Pain

Our modern lifestyle is frequently the culprit in back pain. Long hours of sitting at work, home, or in cars can lead to an imbalance between weak muscles and those that are chronically contracted. On top of that, tension and fatigue in back muscles are often aggravated by the stress of a busy, demanding life. Tight, weak or tired back muscles are vulnerable to injury any time you overdo it, for example in the yard or at the gym. Sometimes it doesn't take much. A sudden jerk or mild twist can cause lingering pain.

Massage is well known to kneading away tension and relieving pain in muscles that are injured or in spasm. It also relieves discomfort in surrounding areas that may be tightening up or "guarding" in response to pain. Massage improves circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. This helps reduce swelling and accumulated toxins that can cause irritation.

Hot Stone Massage

This method combines the time-proven healing therapies of hot and cold applications with therapeutic massage. Used in relaxing spa treatments as well as for chronic tension and pain, stone massage is increasingly in demand.

Stone massage can be extremely relaxing to both body and mind
The penetrating heat of the stones begins almost immediately to soothe the nervous system and melt the effects of stress. Muscle tension eases under the smooth pressure of the stones, allowing circulation to increase. Irritating toxins are flushed away and healing nutrients flow in the muscles, aiding in the release of pain.

Stone massage can be especially helpful for people with fibromyalgia, arthritis and those recovering from injuries. It also helps relieve sinus pain and the discomforts of premenstrual syndrome. Athletes find it helps them recuperate after a strenuous workout. Stones are also used in facial massage to help restore your healthy glow.

Orthotics®

Ergonomic Footwear, Custom Orthotics®, Built From the Inside Out. 3DO is a revolution in foot scanning and analysis that allows medical professionals to provide the perfect Orthotics® for your foot type.

With 3DO technology, we can now take extremely accurate three dimensional scans of your feet, both while stationary and in motion for gait analysis, to determine exactly what type of correction is needed in your foot-bed. This 3D information is then used in a digital process to create Orthotics® which is more accurate and efficient than those created through plaster casting, delivering your solution in days rather than weeks.

3DO provides a documents dynamic motion analysis, foot pressure analysis and weight distribution data-creating the most complete picture of your biomechanics.

A medical level solution for every type of foot
The corrective insert is a fully custom shaped medical orthotic designed to work seamlessly with any product on the market. Providing optimal comfort and the correct fit as diagnosed to you.

"In 2003 my career was cut short due to foot problems. Up until now, I couldn't stand on my feet for very long without them becoming numb and/or painful. Recently I discovered and tried 3DO Digital Orthotics® and now I am able to function much more normally. I can now spend much more time on my feet doing the activities that I love to do. I want to thank 3DO for improving my daily living." -Todd MacCulloch, Former NBA Player.

"As a major league baseball player of 16 years, I have tried different Orthotics® to help my flat feet and subsequently help with my stability and balance on the field with very little success. Recently I discovered the technology of 3DO and tried the Orthotics® that is made from this amazing system. Now for the first time, I am able to wear Orthotics® and have a paid for all of my shoes." -Mike Fetters, Former MLB Player.

The facts of fit comfort
Improperly fitted footwear can lead to a myriad of problems, and not just with the whole skeletal system, " says Dr. Craig Lowe, podiatrist with over 25 years of experience. "Your feet are 3% of your body's mass yet they bear the brunt of 97% of its weight. Problems with your feet can lead to problems throughout your whole muscular-skeletal system, including your knees, legs, back, and so on."

Internal Disorders and Clinical Nutrition

We treat internal disorders with natural supplements and a holistic approach to correct illness. The emphasis is based not on masking or alleviating symptoms of illness, but uncovering the cause of illness and correcting it.

Most doctors only mention the specific items that are outside of what is known as ‘clinical ranges,’ we assess the blood work using an ideal or ‘functional’ range. Clinical ranges are based largely on data from sick people and by the time some tests exceed the clinical range, the damage is already done to your body. The functional range is based on the ranges found in healthy people and is used to assess risk before disease develops, as well as to identify nutritional needs. Listed below are some of the common disorders treated at Mountain View Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Click on them to learn more.

Cancer Screening

Why is cancer screening not more commonly known or used by most medical doctors?
We don't know.

In our office we offer the AMAS test. When cancer cells develop in the body they have an antigen called malignin on their cell walls. This is true for any type of cancer. When these cells are detected by your immune system, an antibody called Anti-malignin antibody is produced to fight off these cells. The AMAS test measures the levels of this antibody in your blood. The AMAS test is very sensitive to this antibody, which means if elevated levels are present the test is very accurate at detecting them. The test however will not tell us the location or type of cancer it is detecting. The test often detects cancers far before the outward signs would be detected on any other testing.

The AMAS test is an excellent general screen to rule our any cancerous processes. Even if your test were to be elevated, further screening to locate the problem will begin sooner than with any other method, and we all know that early detection is the key to cancer survival.

Cholesterol Issues and Heart Conditions

What are important factors for heart health?

One important factor is the amount of lipids – fats – in the body. Simply speaking, heart disease develops when your blood lipids – i.e. your total cholesterol level – get too high. But researchers have recently found that the complete picture involves many other important factors.

Scientists have identified new warning markers, related to nutrition, blood clotting, and inflammation that can play a major role in determining whether an individual will suffer a heart attack. Using these latest advancements in cardiovascular research, we now have a unique comprehensive cardiovascular assessment that measures 10 important markers and their ratios:

Homocysteine
C-reactive protein
Fibrinogen
Lipoprotein(a)
Triglycerides

LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Apo B
Apo A-1
Total cholesterol

What do these markers mean?

You may already be familiar with some of lipid markers such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which are increased by a diet high in saturated fats or carbohydrates and often lead to heart disease. HDL cholesterol, commonly called the “good cholesterol,” is bolstered by exercise and fish oils, and actually protects your heart. Apo A-1 and Apo B are important protein components of these two cholesterols that influence their movement in the bloodstream and determine their impact on your cardiovascular system.

But besides these important standard markers, there are new independent factors that can double or even triple the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

Researchers at Harvard recently discovered that C-reactive protein, a protein that indicates inflammation in the body, serves as a strong predictor of future heart attack and stroke. Levels of this important protein are increased by past or current infections, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Another new marker, homocysteine, is an amino acid that can scrape the lining of blood vessel walls, triggering fatty deposits and atherosclerosis. One study found that men with high homocysteine had 3 times greater incidence of heart attack, even when adjustment for other factors was considered! Click Here to Learn More

Thyroid Issues

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are frequently misdiagnosed, misunderstood and poorly managed. Patients will often seek help in our office for symptoms associated with hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight loss, heavy menstrual bleeding, depression and fibrocystic breast disease only to find out they have a thyroid problem. Other signs and symptoms of thyroid problems can include elevated cholesterol, constipation, always feeling cold, extremely dry skin and the loss of the lateral one third of the eyebrow.

Patients often are led to believe that they either do or do not have a thyroid disorder because their doctor has run a TSH. TSH is not a thyroid hormone but rather it is a pituitary hormone and using it as an indicator of thyroid function assumes that other endocrine organs such as the pituitary and hypothalamus are functioning normally. In order to properly diagnose thyroid disease, blood tests that include the active forms of the thyroid hormone called Free T 4 and Free T3 must be assessed along with a hormone called Reverse T3. Autoantibodies must also be tested to determine whether the disease has an autoimmune component. Often it is necessary to determine whether an iodine deficien cy is present. Iodine deficiency is very common and can easily be tested through urinalysis. In addition to thyroid disorders, iodine deficiency can be a contributing factor in fibrocystic breast disease.

Although thyroid disorders are very manageable and oftentimes fixable, the proper evaluation and diagnosis are essential before treatment can be effective. Disease of the thyroid is often secondary to other problems and thyroid problems should be assessed and treated with consideration of a persons overall health. If you have been told that you have symptoms of thyroid disease and that you don't have a thyroid problem because of a simple TSH test, it may be time for a more through evaluation. Click Here to Learn More

Bacterial Overgrowth and Candida Issues

What is Bacterial Overgrowth?
It's not an overstatement to say that the small intestine is the most important segment of the entire digestive tract, which starts at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Nutrients we eat -- carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals -- are absorbed in the small intestine. If anything interferes with the absorption here, nutrient deficiencies can result.

The small intestine normally contains relatively small numbers of bacteria. However, certain factors can cause the growth of excess bacteria.

Through a process called bile acid deconjugation, the unwanted bacteria causes fat malabsorption. It also blocks carbohydrates from being absorbed. Intead, they're left to ferment in the intestines, resulting in gas, bloating, pain, mucus in stools, foul-smelling gas and stools, and diarrhea. Sweets and starchy foods cause the worst symptoms.

Toxic metabolic substances produced by the bacteria injures intestinal cells and impairs absorption, resulting in nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and intolerances, and poorly functioning digestive enzymes.

What Causes Bacterial Overgrowth?

Decreased motility in the small intestine - caused by excess dietary sugar, chronic stress, and conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and scleroderma. In the United States, up to 40% of chronic diarrhea in people with diabetes is associated with bacterial overgrowth.
Hypochlorhydria - as people get older, the amount of stomach acid they secrete decline. Because stomach acid is acidic and helps to kill bacteria in the small intestine, if there is less stomach acid, bacteria are more likely to proliferate. Another very common cause of hypochlorhydria is due to excessive use of antacids.
Structural abnormalities in the small intestine - gastric bypass surgery, small intestinal diverticula, blind loop, intestinal obstruction, and Crohn's disease fistula are some of the structural causes of bacterial overgrowth
Other causes include immune deficiency, stress, certain medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills, inadequate dietary fiber, and pancreatic enzyme deficiency.

Click Here to Learn More

Constipation/Diarrhea

Constipation or Diarrhea
Constipation and Diarrhea are common complaints for many patients, and most of them feel it is “just how they are” and that it is something they have to live with. Laxatives and other medications are not long term solutions to these problems. If you are not moving your bowels regularly and daily you could have a developing condition that could cause more serious problems later on. Chronic constipation can cause a back up of waste material into the intestines. This material can be harmful if retained in the bowels. Remember there is a reason that the body is trying to eliminate it.

Recurrent diarrhea or loose stools are frequently a sign of abnormal flora in the gut. There are normal beneficial bacteria which reside in our intestine that help aide in digestion and keep harmful bacterial from taking up residence. Did you know that antibiotic use often disrupts the normal beneficial bacteria living within our GI tract? When these “good” bacteria are killed off it allows harmful bacteria and even yeast (candida) to flourish. This situation is called bacterial overgrowth. This can result in diarrhea, loose stools and even constipation.

Occasionally, constipation or diarrhea is often a symptom of other internal conditions occurring within the body. Conditions such as thyroid abnormality, chronic candida, and autoimmune attack on the intestines can all cause bowel irregularity. Normal intestinal function and health is very important to your overall health and wellbeing. We can help to diagnose the cause of the irregularity and exclude more serious conditions.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal Issues
Information from Diagnos-Techs, Inc. Clinical and Research Laboratory

Get to the bottom of heartburn, bloating, and diarrhea...
You don't have to travel to another country to contract a parasite; they are all around us, both in big cities, and in small towns.

Also, using antibiotics without an evaluation to reveal the type of infection can result in using an inappropriate antibiotic. This can actually strengthen the offending microbes and make it more difficult and expensive to treat. Overutilization of antibiotics renders the gastrointestinal tract more susceptible to chronic overgrowth of harmful micro-organisms.

Currently, World Health Organization studies indicate that about ½ billion individuals are infected annually by Amoeba histolytica and about the same number are infected by Giardia and cryptosporidium. Considering all parasites, more than ¼ of the Earth's population is infected at any time.

Bodily functions affected by GI pathogens
Intestinal pathogen infections cannot be clinically differentiated solely on the basis of medical history, physical exam and/or symptoms. Specific diagnosis requires laboratory evaluation and confirmation. In most laboratories, the general request for stool ova and parasite screening does not include the specialized testing and confirmation provided by the GI Health panel™. Asymptomatic, mild symptomatic and overt GI pathogen infections can affect and deter gastrointestinal function, and, if undetected, will lead to chronic illness.

Prevention notes

Observe strict personal hygiene habits
Eat cooked food when outside your home
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with soap and water
Avoid drinking potentially contaminated surface water
Before overseas travel, contact the CDC for tips
Wash hands after touching pets

Advantages & Benefits of GI testing

Non-invasive sampling: saliva and stool
Home collection: no office visit
Economical
Comprehensive: detects a broad spectrum of common pathogens and includes digestion efficiency evaluation
Improved wellness: general GI complaints identified and resolved
Modular: retesting of one or several abnormal findings is available without repeating the entire panel

The GI Health Panel™ strikes a balance between comprehensive screening and economy by bundling appropriate individual tests that would otherwise cost over $700 at current prices.
To determine if the GI Panel™ is appropriate for your gastrointestinal concerns, call us today to schedule your consultation.

Heartburn

Heartburn and GERD
In case you have missed the multitude of commercials on television, GERD stands for Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease. Although the term GERD has become very popular lately, it certainly is not a new condition. Simply put GERD is heartburn which is caused by backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. This reflux of acid can cause heartburn, an acidy or sour taste in the mouth, painful swallowing and even chest pain.

GERD is becoming an increasingly more common problem. Recent statistics from the US Department of Health and Human Services indicate that about seven (7) million people in the US alone suffer from GERD. If the disease has been around for such a long time, why are we seeing it more frequently? There are likely several factors which contribute to this increased frequency. There are obvious dietary factors such as high sugar and fatty meals. Overuse of antacids and antibiotics can lead to disruption of normal GI tract flora or bacterial overgrowth. Even food allergies or sensitivities could be causing irregular or improper digestion and leading to heartburn. What may not be so obvious is that the treatments now readily available are not controlling the problem. It may seem obvious that if acid from the stomach is flowing back into the esophagus, there must be too much acid in the stomach. This is somewhat true, but that acid is not necessarily “normal stomach acid”, but abnormal acids in the stomach from improper digestion and putrefaction of stomach contents.

In other words, when normal stomach acid is inadequate food is not properly digested and undigested food remains in the stomach. The undigested food begins to break down and produces acids. It is often these acids that cause heartburn and GERD. We can help you find a permanent solution to your heartburn without taking daily medications.

(Source: Digestive Diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact, National Digestive Diseases Data Working Group, James E. Everhart, MD, MPH, Editor, US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, NIH Publication No. 94-1447, May 1994)

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky Gut
The lining of the intestines is a barrier that normally only allows properly digested fats, proteins, and starches pass through and enter the bloodstream. A healthy digestive tract is very efficient at only allowing these things to pass thorough. However, when the GI tract becomes irritated for any number of reasons tiny spaces between the cells called desmosomes open up and can allow the passage of larger undigested and unwanted molecules into the blood stream. Our immune systems do not recognize these molecules and an immune antibody reaction is triggered. The excess immune response often leads to more damage and irritation to the cells lining the GI tract and now it may be possible for bacteria and/or yeast to pass into the bloodstream. The body's immune response to these invaders will often trigger an inflammatory reaction that can involve the entire body and produce many symptoms other than GI discomfort.

Some common symptoms of leaky gut include: abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, confusion, fuzzy or foggy thinking, gas, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, poor immunity, recurrent vaginal infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, bed-wetting, recurrent bladder infections, poor memory, shortness of breath, constipation, bloating, aggressive behavior, anxiety, fatigue, feeling toxic. Leaky gut syndrome is associated with the following conditions:

Ulcerative colitis
Giardia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Eczema
Psoriasis
Food allergies and sensitivities
Liver dysfunction
Rheumatoid arthritis
Irritable bowel syndrome

Autoimmune disease
Celiac disease
Crohn's disease
Environmental illness
Hives
Acne
Allergies
Inflammatory joint disease / arthritis
Intestinal infections
Pancreatic insufficiency

Cathy Wong, N.D., Leaky Gut Syndrome/Intestinal Permeability. Lipski, E. Digestive Wellness, Keats Publishing/McGraw Hill, 2001.

Stomach Pain

Stomach pains and indigestion
Do you suffer with chronic stomach upset and heartburn? Have you tried antacids with no relief? Are you tired of feeling bloated after meals?

You could be suffering with intestinal dysbiosis. In other words, you are not digesting your food well and it is causing an alteration of the normal healthy environment in your GI tract. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the GI tract. This can happen for many reasons from food allergies to disorders of your intestinal linings. Let our doctors help you get to the root of your stomach problems.

Have you already been diagnosed with an intestinal disorder, but not getting effective relief? Because we address the source or cause of the problem rather than trying to treat the symptoms, we can often help where other treatments have not. Stop suffering and let us help you.

Weightloss

Weight Loss
Weight loss is an issue that should be looked at from the perspective of health and well being. Patients should consider the attainment of optimal weight as a benefit derived from a balance in their life that incorporates proper diet, physiology and exercise. When it comes to weight loss, optimal metabolism is a key feature.

Some of the most common physiological imbalances of metabolism are caused by the misconception that glucose should be the primary source for our energy. Permanent weight loss can usually be attained by converting from a glucose to a fat based metabolism. Proper intake of healthy fats combined with the necessary supplements to help the body burn them will result in both increased energy and weight loss. Burning healthy fats will also result in increased mental focus and a decrease in the mental fogginess that so many patients initially complain about.

Leptin is a fat hormone that can be easily measured through a simple blood test. Elevated levels of this hormone indicate leptin resistance and this results in the inability of the body to turn off the hunger signal in the hypothalamus. Elevated leptin will also cause the body to store excess fat. When leptin is elevated the hormone can be brought down to a healthy level through diet and supplementation thus allowing weight loss in patients who have tried various approaches that have failed and now have no hope.

Other common problems that cause patients difficulty when trying to lose weight include improperly diagnosed and poorly managed thyroid disorders. Female hormone imbalances are also contributory to the inability to lose weight. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause difficulty in the ability of the body to efficiently burn glucose for energy. Cortisol can be measured either through blood or saliva and can be reduced through proper treatment that includes identifying the physical cause of the stress and balancing the body's physiology.

There are a number of things that can make it virtually impossible to lose weight. Identifying physiological and hormonal imbalances can help particularly when reasonable approaches have failed in the past.

Weight Loss

Do you struggle with Weight Management and Nutrition? Are you tired of programs that involve more math than you used in high school and more exercise than you have time in the day?

The program for you comes from Biotics Research Corporation and is available exclusively by Mountain View Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Introducing Control-IT™, a healthy solution to weight management. Control-IT™ is an easy to follow program designed with the modern consumer in mind. It is based on minor modifications in the way you eat, rather than strictly reducing your calories. Dramatic increases in excerise are NOT a part of this program, making it easy to follow without dramatically changing your lifestyle. For the first time, a weight management program has been designed to educate and empower y ou to a new way of living that can easily be continued for the rest of your life.

Some of the health benefits realized by participants of this program:

Increased energy
Improved blood pressure
Improved sleep
Improved mood
Improved skin/complexion
Improved allergic responses
Improved digestion
Improved joint comfort
Improved PMS symptoms
Improved hot flashes

Mountain View Chiropractic & Wellness Center relies on Biotics Research Corporation because they test every supplement on site, using state of the art laboratory methods to check for digestibility, approve raw materials and monitor production processes, including the testing of finished products prior to their release. Biotics Research produces each product in isolated rooms to avoid cross contamination and to maintian the purity of each product, ensuring that what is claimed on the label is actually what the consumer gets.