Our Patients Speak! Thank You To All Of Our Patients!

"...The staff and doctors listen to my complaints and try to solve them. I love that a lot." -Nancy V.
_________________________________________________________________________________

...Everyone here is very interested in improving the quality of my life. I am not viewed as someone who pays them for a service. Rather, they treat me as a valued person." -Kimberly B.
_________________________________________________________________________________

"...A group of true professionals that truly care and always are looking for ways to continue to bring the patients the longest, purest, and healthiest life as if it were their own." -Anthony C.

"...It's awesome to start a new way of life by eating right and doing the right things. It's also awesome having a cheerleading team rooting for you!" -Fannie H.
_________________________________________________________________________________

"...I appreciate how informative the practitioner was in explaining everything she could in detail, about foods and my progress. She spent a lot of time outside of our appointments, helping us with a list of
foods we requested that she evaluate what to stay away from and what were OK to eat. This showed her concern and care for just one patient!" - Maria S.
_________________________________________________________________________________

"...I am so pleased to find a substitute from regular meds. I have always reacted to drugs and found little help. Now Im off allergy meds and shots, and I feel so much better. I've also lost weight."
-Nancy G.

"...I love my experience here! Ive seen many medical doctors that couldnt help me!... "
-Martina B.
_________________________________________________________________________________

" ...I enjoy every visit. I am always heard out and attended to, and have learned a lot about
what to eat and what not to eat. Thank you for taking care of me & my girls! - Michelle Z.
_________________________________________________________________________________

"...I just want to say Thank You for all your help. Many times through the years I have not been the perfect patient. However,I know that my health today is in result of your care, work, and love. You all are the best!" - M.R.

_________________________________________________________________________________

"...Nutrition Response Testing is the only way to go! Healing vs. cover-up." - C.B.

Scrap the black box!

Our good old government has done us a huge favor by insisting on food labels, and by making laws that somewhat regulate their contents.  We are grateful for that.

The challenge, however, is obtaining the most important nutrition information from the labels. There is just as much to be learned from what is not there, as from what is there!

Fortunately, by following a few simple principles, you can pick up on the main things you need to know - in just one glance.  There's no need to spend hours of your valuable time in the supermarket,

Principle #1:  SKIP THE BIG BLACK BOX  

Even elementary children are being trained to interpret   the famous "nutrition label" - to our dismay! Unfortunately, this attention-grabbing box directs our focus away from genuine health-promoting natural nutrition.  Here are some problems we have with it:

   

     a) Ambiguity

                         - Where the calories come from is very important, but 'good' and 'bad' caloric food sources are all lumped together and listed as "Calories."  This gives the impression that you only have to keep to a certain number of calories in order to be healthy.  Not true!

                         

                         - What are 'sugars' ?  Healthful sources such as fruit, and unhealthful sources such as processed sugar, fake sweeteners, and refined flour are swept together into this one category - as if the "grams" are all that really count.

                       

                         - Sodium - again, the sources make such a difference.  Refined salt is not a real food; earth or sea salt IS, and provides certain natural minerals we require for health.   Total milligrams of sodium, therefore, can be bad or good - this generic category won't distinguish them for you.

    b) Misleading information

                          

                         - 'Total carbs' is divided into 'dietary fiber' and 'sugars.' How did fiber become a carb?  Fiber is very necessary in our daily diet for the digestive and elimination processes, but to list it as a carb scares off people who believe they should eat NO carbs, for weight loss or for any other reason. If by 'fiber' a grain product is being identified, it's rather well disguised, isn't it?

 Principle #2:  READ THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS   

This fine-print list is often found underneath or beside the black box, but not always.  From this list, you will find virtually all you need to know. 

         

                     - The items are listed in order of weight, heaviest to lightest

         

                     - Look for not more than three ingredients total. If it's longer, this is almost guaranteed to be an unhealthful food product.  More than likely it contains lifeless chemical ingredients such as added vitamins, colors, flavors, preservatives, etc.

         

                     - If that first glance doesn't convince you, watch for hidden aliases, such as for sugar and MSG.  If the various types of sweeteners were added together, their total weight would mean 'sugars' had to be put as FIRST in order. (That might affect sales.)  Similarly, MSG aka's can be spread throughout the list as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy protein isolate, natural flavors, etc.

Hint:  Sometimes this list of ingredients is hidden under a flap or printed in light ink that is almost impossible for people like me to read.  :)  Be sure to search for it!

Principle #3:  BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE 'ORGANIC' SPEAK

There are some government regulations for the use of the word organic, but you should know what they are. I suggest you do a little research on this to avoid getting 'marketed' into misdirected thinking. 

Be aware, and move forward - that's what we're all about here! 

Your feedback, as always, is welcomed. Call us anytime at (562) 861-3896

Eat These Foods To Make Yourself Happy

What you consume has a big impact on your mood. Can you eat yourself happy?

So while Bridget Jones was consoling herself with the contents of a biscuit tin and guzzling a bucket of white wine, she might actually have got over her broken heart a lot quicker if she had sat down to grilled salmon with leafy green vegetables and wholemeal rice.

If you look to food for comfort then it’s worth being aware of which foods can really help to lift your spirits and which foods make you feel worse in the long run. This is due to a complex range of factors – from the way certain foods affect the chemicals in our brains and the way they are digested to how they react with our immune systems. Food can also have a surprising psychological effect that can alter the way we feel. Fish – A majority of scientific studies have focused on omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) which are found in fish and seafood. These fats are found in high quantities in the brain and are well known to be essential for help brain development in infants and children and for good brain function in adults.

One of the main feel good chemicals produced in the brain is serotonin, and it seems the more omega-3 fats you consume, the more serotonin you can make, and the more receptive you become to its effects. What is interesting is that levels of depression are much lower in countries where they consume a high amount of seafood. After taking a high dose supplement of one particular omega-3 fat, EPA studies have proven to show positive effects in people who suffer with mild to moderate depression and certain other mood disorders. This is based on evidence taking a 1 gram supplement high in EPA and a diet of oily fish 2 to 3 times a week. Other seafood and lean meat are also good. Omega-3s are also found in plant foods such as flaxseeds and leafy greens. Other mood-affecting nutrients are folic acid which is found in green vegetables. Trials have shown folic acid supplements can help improve symptoms in people taking antidepressants. Other B group vitamins which are found mainly in animal foods and wholegrains, people lacking in B2, B6 and B12 have all been linked to depression. Blood glucose levels also play a part in our moods, the brain needs a slow and steady stream of glucose to work properly. Sudden mood changes are caused by high GI carbohydrates and will make changes to the brain’s chemistry. If you fuel yourself on white bread, processed breakfast cereals, cakes and other processed carbohydrates all day long, your mood will go up and down to match your fluctuating blood sugar levels. So why do we seek out cakes and pastries when we feel blue? It is due to blood sugar levels – after eating carbohydrates we release more feel good hormones in the brain. We get a quick buzz from this sugary treats but the high does not last long and will bring you down much harder and faster than you think.

Food to help you spirits soar are Salmon, trout, sardines and other oily fish, Oysters and mussels. Walnuts and flaxseeds. Barley, quinoa and bulgur. Free-range eggs. Broccoli, kale, watercress, rocket and spinach. Dark chocolate (two squares only). Free-range chicken. Brown rice and grainy bread. Cocoa with cinnamon and low-fat milk. Green beans, peas and sweetcorn.

If you are feeling sluggish then we recommend you include more Fiber. A new study has just revealed that including more fiber in the diet can reduce fatigue. Professor Andrew Smith of Cardiff University, tested a group of volunteers over a month and those who ate a high fiber breakfast cereal reported a 10% reduction in tiredness. ‘This is linked to the fact that if you are feeling even slightly constipated it will make you feel lethargic, bloated and generally under the weather. ‘Eating fiber prevents stops constipation.’ 8 out of 10 of us do not eat enough fiber. The recommended daily intake is 18g per day. The best way to include more fiber in your diet is replacing white bread and pasta with the wholemeal versions. Snack on fruit and include more fresh vegetables in your diet. For breakfast eat a high fiber cereal, add avocados to salads and include lentils and beans to soups and stews.

Water – If you are even slightly dehydrated it will affect your physical and mental performance, dehydration leaves us feeling tired and irritable. Try to drink at least 2 liters of water a day, approx 8 glasses this will leave you feeling more alert and energized.

Don't Give Up! Keep Going & Keep Seeing The Results You Want!

CALLING FOR CALCIUM

In the past few years, we've been hearing a lot about calcium and the important role it plays in the human diet.   Sometimes, though, calcium is demonized because of negative symptoms that can appear in those who take calcium supplements. So, where is the truth in this seeming paradox?    It's pretty simple, actually.  What our bodies require is calcium in a form that it can USE to meet its many demands for this essential mineral.  That usable form is called "calcium bicarbonate."  The "bi" part of the word helps us remember that this calcium is already bioavailable for the body's use. On the other hand, there are plenty of calcium supplements out there that are in the "calcium carbonate" form.  This means the calcium they contain is NOT readily available for the body.  In fact, it takes twelve biochemical steps for the body to break it down, and by that time, only a small portion of the calcium is useful. Knowing that contrast, you can understand why there is this dichotomy about calcium supplements out there.  Calcium carbonate supplements are often made from coral or chalky rocks.  Who would  choose to chew on coral or a chunk of rock, even if we had the teeth for it? These are not foods, and therefore not good sources of calcium.  Much of the calcium from these supplements ends up either excreted in the urine or deposited in various ways.  Arterial plaque build-up, kidney stones, cataracts, bone spurs - these all consist of calcium that has not been utilized by the body.  Calcium Lactate, by contrast, is in calcium bicarbonate form, made from fermented vegetables (actual foods!).  The fermentation process acts as a type of pre-digestion, so the calcium is readily usable by the body - in a one-step process.  This means that the much lower number of milligrams per tablet in Calcium Lactate will do a better job than the high-mg. 12-step calcium carbonate supplements. Growing pains, muscle cramps (and angina, because the heart is a muscle), hyperactivity, osteoporosis, and low immunity all point to calcium deficiency.   And, as you know, the typical western diet does not supply nearly enough of it.  The result is that most of us require calcium supplements in order to re-stock the body with what it has been missing for years.  Of course, the other half of the equation is to eat a NON-typical diet - one that contains plenty of usable calcium.  Great dietary sources include raw milk (not pasteurized) and raw cheese, almonds and Brazil nuts, sesame and flax seeds, kale, broccoli, spinach and other leafy greens. Standard Process has been making Calcium Lactate supplements for 65+ years.  They are one of our most popular products, and very reasonably priced.   Call us anytime so we can have your supply ready for you.  (562)861-3896

HEART PALPITATIONS l CHEST PAIN

HEART PALPITATIONS l CHEST PAIN

When I first visited Dr. Thropay, I came for lower back pain and numbness in my left leg. After talking with him about the nutritional program, I decided to sign up. I had been suffering some other symptoms, like chest pains, fatigue, and heart palpitations, besides the lower back pain.

Now after two to three months of following his instructions and taking the supplements he gave me, I feel so much better! My chest pains and heart palpitations have been reduced to almost nothing. My back pain that had been about a 6 on a scale of 1-10, has come down to about a 2. In fact, at times I have no pain at all.

I am a firm believer in Dr. Thropay’s practice, and also in the care his staff provides. I have brought a number of family members here to experience similar health benefits for themselves.

Elpidio Rodriguez

Promoting Healthy Living At Thropay Chiropractic!

The Dismal of 'Bismol...​and other antacids

Acid indigestion is one of the most common complaints in America. Because it is often blamed on "too much stomach acid," millions of antacids are swallowed every day.  In fact, many of those are actually doctors' prescriptions!  The rest are bought over the counter for symptomatic relief.

Funny - with all these remedies, acid digestion never really goes away.  That's because the REAL problem is not too much but too little stomach acid!  

Does that sound paradoxical to you?

Here's what happens. The human stomach is designed to produce acid in response to food that enters it. This acid in turn becomes pepsin, an enzyme which is necessary to digest proteins, carbs, and fats.  When this digestive process takes place in the stomach, the food mass is then passed into the small intestine in a timely manner - under normal conditions.

BUT - due to the enzyme-deficient diet that is constantly consumed by most people. stomach acid often becomes deficient. Food that lacks the necessary nutrients causes a negative type of chain reaction:

1) Stomach acid production is not stimulated as it would be if corresponding enzymes were in the food 

2) Proteins, carbs, and fats therefore cannot be properly digested in the stomach

3) The food mass sits in the stomach, waiting for the problem to be corrected and the process completed, instead of passing through to the intestines

4) The food then begins to ferment (like rotting), which creates acidic gasses in the stomach

5) These gasses rise and take the reverse route back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

The medical treatment for this situation is antacids - that is, "Let's suppress the acid production in your stomach so these gasses are not formed - voila, no heartburn!" However, your stomach has been programmed to do its job, and that job is to maintain a specific pH balance.   SO...taking the antacid stimulates the stomach to produce MORE acid to correct the pH imbalance..

                    ...and the cycle simply repeats itself, getting more and more difficult to live with as symptoms worsen.

Additionally, if food is not digested, the nutrients in it are not absorbed or utilized.  When nutrients are not absorbed, the body is deprived of the necessary building blocks for good health.  Any number of disease conditions will result from this domino effect  These will eventually get bad enough to be "diagnosed"...and treated with toxic medications that often bring a slew of other problems. 

Does it make any sense to fight against the body and make things worse - much worse - by taking anticids?  

The REAL problem is relatively uncomplicated, and it's so easy to correct!

Take a few simple steps to start restoring your stomach to its normal functioning capability, and you can kiss "Aunt Acid" goodbye!

a) Be evaluated by Susana for digestive support products such as Zypan or Enzycore from Standard Process.  These provide natural enzymes that stimulate normal acid production and quickly smooth out digestive problems.

b) Avoid processed, refined food products - particularly anything containing sugar or flour.  These have had the nutrients and enzymes removed from them to increase their shelf life.

c) Eat only whole, real foods that contain their full complement of nutrients.

You will wonder how you ever lived before!

Have a wholesome, healthy weekend, everyone.

Check out our website at athropay4health.com, or call us at (562) 861-3896

Cosmetic Chemicals In Fast Food?

PLAYING TO WIN

"Thropay Health Center has helped me gain a healthier lifestyle and has enabled me to become a better athlete."  C.K.

C.K. is one of our Nutrition clients.  As she noted, her improved lifestyle from her customized nutrition program has resulted in better performance as an athlete. 

Chiropractic also 'plays' an important 'position' on the athletic 'field.'  Here are enlightening testimonials from a couple of professionals:

Gerald Wilkins, New York Knicks - "My shooting has improved because of chiropractic.  I feel more balanced and have more coordination and control.  Since I have been under chiropractic care, I have improved by leaps and bounds."

Dan O'Brien, Olympic Declathlete - "Chiropractic is essential for running.  If I could put a percentage value on it, I would say that I compete 8-10% better from regular Chiropractic."

Not a professional athlete?  Whether or no, the same guidelines apply to any and all who wish to have that winning edge. 

Here are a few tips for you to naturally and healthfully improve your game and help prevent injuries:

1) During the game, drink "nature's Gatorade," which is NOT Gatorade nor PowerAde, but coconut water to replace lost electrolytes.  Get a plain, unsweetened brand, such as from Trader Joe's, with no additives.  You may even start a new healthy trend for your team!

2) Take supplements that support both ligaments and heart - specifically, Ligaplex I and Cardio-Plus from Standard Process (sold here).  Both of these are  concentrated whole food supplements, of course. They should be taken with meals and be a daily part of your diet during the athletic season, at least.  It's a good idea to see our Nutrition practitioner Susana for the specific amounts and/or other products that would fit your case.

3) Take particular care with your everyday diet.  Concentrate on organic, whole, real foods - particularly vegetables and grass-fed meat - and avoid the junk.  

4) Keep your body structure in place and balanced with regular chiropractic care from Dr. Lam.    Although they can't all come here :), you'll be in step with an estimated "90% of world class athletes (who) use chiropractic on a regular basis to prevent injuries and to improve their performance." [Quote from Sean Atkins, PhD. Exercise Physiologist.]

Following these tips may well bring you surprising results in your game.  In any case, you will be a winner when it comes to your health and fitness!

Speaking of athletics, our promo for August and September is a special discounted price of $25 for school sports physicals!  Dr. Lam will perform the physical and fill in the required form.  Please call us for an appointment at

(562) 861-3896.

Enjoy the weekend, and try to keep cool!