Stance for Health

Rodney P. Wirth DC

This podcast is about the tiny changes that you can make consistently to add years and vitality to your life. Dr. Rodney and Karen will inspire you to start today to make healthy choices. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

What is Functional Medicine?
Apr 22 2024
What is Functional Medicine?
What is Functional Medicine?Functional Medicine is a systematic approach that focuses on root causes why you are currently lacking optimum health by:Identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Providing a systems-oriented approachEngaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. Addressing the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptomsFunctional medicine supports your very own expression of health and vitality.What makes Functional Medicine practitioners different?Functional medicine practitioners are different because they:Spend time with their patientsListen carefully to their historiesLook at a variety of subtle interactions that influence long-term health including:Detailed history that includes genetic elementsEnvironmental conditionsLifestyle factors (nutrition, diet, and exercise) that influence long-term healthLab work to determine the beginning of possible complex, chronic diseasesWhy did Dr. Rodney choose to study Functional Medicine?Dr. Rodney had been interested in making a difference in the long-term health of our patients (we now call health partners).  This new functional approach allows us to partner with you and empower you to live a life free of disability as you age so you can go the distance to fulfill our life purpose.We want to help those who have health issues that have been overlooked because they fall within the “normal” range yet know that something needs to change.We look forward to partnering with you as a medical detective helping those willing to take responsibility for their own health by making the choices that allows you to live a rejuvenation lifestyle.Follow us on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook.Visit our website. Please rate us and write a review!
Is Your Posture Killing You?
Jan 24 2024
Is Your Posture Killing You?
In this podcast Dr. Rodney and Karen explore the importance of posture.Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture improves your appearance and other physiologic functions of your body.Researchers discovered that persons with a hyperkyphotic posture have a 144% greater rate of mortality. This happens because as you type of postural distortion pattern your organs are not allowed to work properly and your chances of dying before your time come close to doubling.Your posture has a positive or negative influence on the daily activities that you do.  Proper posture can only be maintained with adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. Also, you must recognize your postural habits at home and in the workplace in order work to correct them, if necessary. Simply correcting your posture can enhance the quality of your life and overall health.  Good posture demonstrates confidence, balance, pain free movement and enhanced physiologic function of your body. Whereas poor posture causes additional stress to the body, spinal degeneration, and diffuse pain.  Good posture promotes movement efficiency and endurance and contributes to an overall feeling of well-being.The return on investment for better posture will be astounding in later years. We simply cannot afford to neglect our postural needs, especially when so much of our ability to function is riding on the quality of our postural alignment. Posture is defined as “the relative position of the body at any one period of time”. Correct posture or neutral posture is a position in which minimal stress is applied to the body’s muscles, tissues, joints, and ligaments, providing the most energy efficient movement.You will have more fascia over the central and dominant side of the sternum or breastbone. This means the chest area of a dominant hand person may be tighter or more contracted, possibly causing rounded shoulders if poor posture is evident. In addition to creating stress on the fascia system this can cause a lot of issues and even pain.The best way to correct it is:Bring yourself into ideal postureExtend and reach out your arms in a reversal of the way it was forwardGently pull your head with the opposite handAnother way to correct head-forward posture is with a posture pumpFollow us on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook.Visit our website. Please rate us and write a review!
5 Easy Secrets to Halt Dementia/Alzheimers
Nov 10 2023
5 Easy Secrets to Halt Dementia/Alzheimers
In this podcast, Dr. Rodney and Karen share 5 easy changes that will halt dementia and alzheimers. The number of Americans with Alzheimer's is predicted to more than double by 2050.Make these secrets part of your daily life:1-Take Omega 3’s (DHA)DHA helps prevent Alzheimers because it reduces inflammation in the entire body (including the brain)Higher DHA levels result in a 47% drop in Alzheimers due to::Preservation of brain structureImproved blood-barrier integrityLower cerebral amyloid levelsListen to this podcast on this topic here.2-Exercise and challenge your brain to increase neuroplasticityRegular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's by approximately 30% and 45%, respectively. Completing puzzles, playing games, and taking adult education classes can also reduce the risk of dementia after the age of 70 by up to 11%.Active mental activities like games, puzzles, and literacy classes provide the greatest cognitive benefits as they require problem-solving or processing and storing new information.3-Maintain your life purposeView life through a lens of hope (optimism)Enjoy diverse leisure activities that make a difference in the lives of othersCognitive benefits happen because of growth of neurons and synapsesMaintain and promote a sense of well-being4-Pay attention to your gut healthRecent studies suggest that there is a link between poor gut health, specifically chronic constipation, and early dementia. Chronic constipation may not only be an indicator of gut health but may also be a warning sign of cognitive decline. Researchers believe there is evidence connecting gut health to brain health. The researchers theorize that constipation and cognition are linked via the gut microbiome, which is also linked to various diseases like Alzheimer's. People with constipation and worse cognition tended to have relatively few gut bacteria that produced butyrate, which is an important fatty acid that helps control inflammation. 5-Get your teeth cleaned regularlyA study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation has found that periodontal (gum) disease leads to changes in your brain's microglial cells.Microglia, which eliminate harmful substances in the Central Nervous System, can be generated from white blood cells called monocytes. Gum disease can hinder microglia's ability to digest amyloid plaque, leading to neuro-inflammation. Older adults with gum disease and mouth infections are more likely to develop Alzheimer's. Nearly half of Americans aged 30 and above have periodontal disease.Brush your teeth regularlyFlossUse a Waterpik Get regular dental cleanings.Follow us on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook.Visit our website. Please rate us and write a review!
You Can't Change My Mind About Vegetable Oils - Here's Why
Oct 25 2023
You Can't Change My Mind About Vegetable Oils - Here's Why
In this episode, Dr. Rodney and Karen talk about a topic that is important to your future health.Here are the top 10 reasons why you should replace dangerous vegetable oils with  healthy ones:Vegetable oils degenerate when heated and have been linked to certain types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.Vegetable oils contain high amounts of omega-6 linoleic acid. (Click here for the link on this topic.)Many oils - especially soy and corn - come from genetically engineered crops that have been exposed to glyphosates and cause gut damage and other health issues.These heated oils are linked to heart disease and link to tau proteins that are found in those with dementia.Vegetables oils were released to decrease cholesterol. Actually they damage the cell lining and get integrated into your cell and mitochondria.Once they have entered the cell membranes other stuff gets in that should not be there.These oils have an impact on hormone transporters in the cell membrane and your metabolism slows down.These oils also turn off the alarm system that your cell is having problems. Instead of disposing of the damaged cell, the growth continues and can be cancerous.When you eat these oils your body tolerates damaged and aged cells resulting in faster aging and age-related diseases.These oils introduce glyphosates that in time create leaky gut that in turn increase inflammation and result in allergies.What can you do now that you have this information?Throw out vegetable oils and replace them with healthy oils such as grass-fed butter, coconut and olive oils. (Be sure your olive oil is well sourced and kept pure.)Avoid all pre-processed food because most contain seed oils.Make your own salad dressing.Follow us on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook.Visit our website. Please rate us and write a review!
How to Banish Five Life-Shortening Health Myths
Oct 11 2023
How to Banish Five Life-Shortening Health Myths
In this episode, Dr. Rodney and Karen talk about five popular health myths that may be shortening your life.Myth #1: You can make up for lack of exercise during the week by becoming a weekend warrior. The tendency for your body is that when you don’t use something you lose it. Here is an average daily scenario for many who sit eight to ten hours per day at work with very few breaks, drive an hour, sit and watch TV before falling into bed. You have these muscles that cross joints that shorten from sitting too much. You put force on a tendon and activate that muscle while inhibiting the opposite side muscle group. A simple example is the hip flexor and the glutes where the glute gets weakened by sitting.Myth #2:  No pain, no gain.The problem with that tendency  is that the last part of that muscle then actually crosses the hip joint gets out of balance . And when you're in an exertion mode, not only are you working muscles that are already tight, but one side is tighter than the other, one side is weaker than the other. And that's a recipe for low back disaster, low back pain. If you're running, you can have injuries and other complications. The no pain - no gain may have started with coaching for those who didn't want to work hard enough to be sore the next day. The people that buy into this myth basically learn to ignore their body's warning signals such as scar tissue, restricted joints and lack of range of motionMyth #3: More is better. That's another health myth seen particularly with bodybuilders building muscles and models losing weight. Long distance runners get into it and don’t want to stop. More is better. We used to think that marathons were excessive. yet now with triathlons they run, cycle and swim.Those doing ultramarathons or extreme bodybuilding are tapping into this oxidative stress that reaches  free radical toxicity. The end product is all of these things that are almost like saying body rust. “An extreme lifestyle will shorten your life.”Health Myth #4: Don't waste your time with rest. Keep pushing.You need to rest and get good sleep. That's why we do high intensity interval training, because we rest in between and we don't push past a certain point depending on our age. But we are the other part. We are consistent. It's important to do things every day with some rest days mixed in. So I contradicted myself right there. It's important to do it consistently and yet allow some rest days in between that's.Health Myth #5: Supplements  can make up for an unhealthy lifestyle.There's some magic potion for women who want to look young. They're willing to inject rat poison into their face by their forehead. They're willing to get fillers around their mouth. And so instead of living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, avoiding the foods and the things that would cause that aging, getting enough sleep, all the things that we say that are longevity pillars, instead of doing that, they want something magic, a pill they can take that's going to erase all of that. Live a Rejuvenation LifestyleExercise regularly and consistently build your strengthListen to your body when you feel pain and do something about it quicklyBe satisfied with incremental progressTake time to restEat real food and take quality supplements for what is no longer in the soil Living a rejuvenation lifestyle is bringing all of the different factors into good balance.Follow us on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook. Visit our website. Please rate us and write a review!
Take Action Now to Protect Against Hidden Dangers with Cell Phones
Aug 31 2023
Take Action Now to Protect Against Hidden Dangers with Cell Phones
Here are a few of the dangers:Exposure to dangerous magnetic fields of mobile communication and infrastructureCurrent standards recommended by FCC are no longer followedMounting evidence of non-thermal effects to human population from cell phonesMobile phone radiation RFR constitutes a possible human carcinogen5G cellular base stations can be placed as close as 3 meters from the ground in proximity to home, schools and offices and they need ONE MILLION new antennas will be required to allow the 5G network to functionThere is  clear evidence  that mobile phone radiation caused cancer in male rats along with cardiac and other damage. Numerous studies show adverse biochemical changes where free radicals result in an increase in cancer and behavioral issues from cell phone usageNo one is funding this research and the US government programs on this subject were defunded by Congress  Action stepsDo not carry an active phone in your pocket or anywhere near your bodyTurn your phone to airplane modeSwap out airpods for wired headphones to protect your brain from EMF exposureBlock blue lightCreate a “no phone zone” every night - put your phone in another roomTurn off WIFI at night to reduce EMF exposurePurchase R2L Radiation-to-LightSupplementsMagnesium - Magnesium is essential to ensuring the normal function of neurons and helps regulate neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers that help the cells of the brain communicate with each other, and with the rest of the body. Glutamate plays a major role in learning and memory. Any imbalance can disrupt nerve cell communication.Low levels of magnesium can lead to excess glutamate in the brain. When this happens, nerve cells can become overexcited, leading to nerve cell damage and/or death, a condition known as glutamate excitotoxicity that has been implicated in many neurodegenerative conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, migraines, depression and chronic pain.Omega 3 to 6 ratio - DHA plays a significant role in mental health throughout early childhood and even into adulthood. In the brain, DHA is important for cellular membrane fluidity, function and neurotransmitter release. Evidence indicates that a low intake of omega-3s increases the risk for numerous mental health issues, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal ideation. Glutathione -Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-protein thiol, and plays crucial roles in the antioxidant defense system and the maintenance of redox homeostasis in neurons. GSH depletion in the brain is a common finding in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and can cause neurodegeneration prior to disease onset. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stanceforhealthFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stancechiropracticOur website is: https://www.stancechiropractic.com/podcastPlease rate us and write a review!
What's wrong with lectins?
May 31 2023
What's wrong with lectins?
In this episode, Dr.  Rodney and Karen talk about the dangers in seemingly "healthy" foods that you might be eating. If you are struggling with weight gain, stomach/digestive tract issues, auto-immune disease and/or swollen joints you might want to listen up.What are lectins?Lectins are proteins that bind to sugars and carbohydrates on the surface of most cells in your body.  At the same time, they have no nutritional value because they are what the plant provides in order to keep pests away.  The problems develop because your body cannot digest the lectins and tries to get them out of your body as quickly as possible through vomiting or diarrhea. Which food have the highest amounts of lectins?NightshadesBell peppersPotatoes (white/red)TomatoesEggplantTomatillosJalapenosChili peppersHot peppersCurry powderChili powderCayenne powderRed pepperPaprikaPimentosTobaccoGoji berriesGround cherriesAshwagandhaLegumesCashews (some consider it a nut)ChiaPeanuts (even has nut in the name...)PumpkinSunflowerLentilsLentil pastaChickpeasBeansEdamamePeasWhich foods can I eat?So you are probably protesting right now that you have nothing left to eat. Well, here is a partial list of lectin-free choices:ArtichokesArugulaAsparagusBamboo ShootsBaobab fruitBasilBeetsBok choyBroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCarrotsCassavaCauliflowerCeleryCelery rootChinese cabbageChivesCilantroCoconutCollardsDark chocolate (72%+ and 1oz/day)DillEndiveEscaroleFennelGarlicGingerHearts of palmJicamaLeeksLemongrassLettuceMicrogreensMilletMillet CerealMintMushroomsMustard greensNapa cabbageOkraOnionsParsleyPersimmonRadicchioSweet potatoesTaro rootYamsFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stanceforhealthFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stancechiropracticOur website is: https://www.stancechiropractic.com/podcastPlease rate us and write a review!
Why are Omega-3s so important for your health?
May 14 2023
Why are Omega-3s so important for your health?
In this podcast, Dr. Rodney and Karen talk about the role of essential oils to your overall health and longevity. Your need both Omega-6 and Omega-3s. This time we focus on the Omega-3s.Here's what the Omega-3s will do for you:Provides support for a strong heartOmega-3s promote nerve transmission which helps the heart muscles as it fires off. Promotes a healthy brainThe Omega-3s promote a better mood and overall brain health because they allow the neurons to get adequate nutrition. Many do not realize that your brain is 60% fat so it is dangerous to go on a low-fat diet. Prevents maculardegenerationMany are unaware of how important the moisture in your eyes is to maintain healthy vision and nerve transmission. Adequate Omega-3s help to maintain the moisture level in your eyes as well as the transmission of information to the optical nerves.Minimizes joint painResearch has shown the increasing your level of Omega-3s rivals taking over-the-counter pain medication for relief of joint and back pain. The good news is that the Omega-3s only have good results rather than giving you leaky gut.Encourages proper development of the baby during pregnancyIt is critically important for pregnant women to have enough Omega-3s to establish a healthy foundation in the development of th baby's eyes, brain and nervous system.Supports a strong immune systemOmega-3s help with the internal repair system when your immune system is under stress.Nourishes skin, hair and nailsOmega-3s protect against age-related damage to these three components. It's a healthy way to look younger than your biological age.Assists in recovering from exerciseOmega-3s support healthy lung function and enhance blood flow to different part of your body in order to recover quickly from exertion.Supports digestive healthOmega-3s protect against free radicals to keep your gastrointestinal and digestive systems in top shapeHow much Omega-3s should you be taking?500 mg to avoid deficiency1 gram for proactive support2-4 grams for high intensity supportYour next step needs to be to call us at 972-802-8812 to set up an appointment to get a simple blood test to measure your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.You'll be glad you did!!!!!Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stanceforhealthFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stancechiropracticOur website is: https://www.stancechiropractic.com/podcastPlease rate us and write a review!
What's a simple 10 second test to predict your longevity?
May 7 2023
What's a simple 10 second test to predict your longevity?
In this podcast, Dr.  Rodney and Karen talk about amazing research about a simple 10 second one leg stance assessment. There are numerous studies that show that your ability to balance on one leg for a mere 10 seconds will predict your chances of surviving from all-cause mortality.The amazing part of these studies shows that those that cannot perform this simple test are setting themselves up for disability and an early death.Who is at risk?Basically everyone who is living a regular busy lifestyle. What does it look like? Your foot's behind your knee consistently. You're barefooted on a flat surface and your eyes are open. spread your arms out and count the seconds you can hold that pose. The British Journal of Sports Medicine, published this study in June, 2022 where they studied 1,702 individuals for seven years tracking their lifespan.What are important principles to keep in mind? Balance is important.Freedom from pain is caused by free nerve expression. Muscular strength is important so you need to eat enough protein and practice regular movement Your neurons need to be receiving the right information from your eyes and vestibular system.How can I improve my one-legged balance?Eat whole foods and plenty of protein. Move regularly and eliminate the results of a sedentary lifestyle. Avoid empty carbohydrates and sweets. Eat plenty of good fats.Visit a chiropractor on a consistent basis.How can I safely increase how long I sustain my one-legged stand?Start small and build your confidence slowly and surely. Practice standing on one leg with a counter or back of a chair close by. Gradually increase the length of time on each leg.Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.Use a red-light cold laser on your cerebellum. (For more information call us at 972-802-8812)Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stanceforhealthFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stancechiropracticOur website is: https://www.stancechiropractic.com/podcastPlease rate us and write a review!
What are more than 10 benefits of heat exposure?
May 2 2023
What are more than 10 benefits of heat exposure?
In this podcast, Dr. Rodney and Karen talk about the benefits of heat exposure. It is very helpful to slow down aging because when the body experiences heat stress it releases heat shock proteins that support your antioxidant capacity and repair damaged proteins so they return to proper structure and function.Sauna use releases the ‘feel good’ endorphins (such as serotonin) and widens the blood vessels to improve circulation and blood flow.10  Benefits of Heat ExposureFire up  your immune system. Heat exposure from sauna use stimulates your body's natural immune system by releasing cytokines, increasing heat shock proteins and stimulating antigen-presenting cells. Increase your cell power.Heat has been proven to positively impact your mitochondria, the ‘batteries’ powering your cells, helping your body naturally produce more energy and stay fit. Slow down Father Time (aka: aging!). Cell regeneration means you slow the aging process. And if you’re not quite convinced, check out the 20 year study of Finnish men that links two to three sauna sessions per week with a 23% decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Detoxify heavy metals and chemicals. Everyday exposure to potentially toxic heavy metals through a variety of sources means even the most health conscious people still have toxins in the body. Regular sauna bathing helps excrete toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.Reduce blood pressure. Sauna heat helps widen blood vessels and improve circulation, which reduces blood pressure.Make your heart happy and healthy. A 2018 study found that sauna bathing four to seven times per week reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by as much as 58%. Optimize athletic performance. Blood flow improvements from hyperthermic conditioning (heat conditioning) sends more blood to the heart, leading to an increase in plasma and red blood cell volume. That process delivers more oxygen throughout the body, fueling athletic performance.Improve muscle function and recovery. As more blood flow and oxygen is delivered throughout the body, muscles increase in size and muscle breakdown is diminished. One study showed that two, one-hour sauna sessions for seven days straight increases production of the human growth hormone (HGH) by two to five times. Fuel weight loss. Regular sauna use is shown to regulate the appetite, increase metabolism, and improve oxygen utilization, helping to fuel weight loss along with a reduction in body fat.Boost brain function. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF increases with regular sauna use, activating the growth of new brain cells, better maintaining existing cells, and improving neuroplasticity, the brain’s process for forming new neural connections. BONUS BENEFIT: improve emotional health and mood. When your body and brain are healthy, detoxified, and de-stressed, and you’ve boosted endorphins, your overall mood and emotional health improves.Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stanceforhealthFollow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stancechiropracticOur website is: https://www.stancechiropractic.com/podcastPlease rate us and write a review!