Dr. Theresa Lisk emphasizes the power of proper nutrition.

Whether it’s staying committed to your exercise goals, keeping a consistent sleep schedule or tracking your daily calories, maintaining optimal health and wellness requires commitment to many health-focused disciplines.
OCA member Dr. Theresa Lisk, an Oshawa-based chiropractor and the owner of Elite Chiropractic and Wellness, knows this all too well. As part of her practice, she gives patients advice on more than exercises to complement chiropractic treatment — Dr. Lisk also shares appropriate Guidelines on balancing nutrition, encouraging them to build a diet that matches their needs.
“If we want our bodies to function optimally, we need to feed them the nutrients required to maintain effective Musculoskeletal function,” says Dr. Lisk.
Dr. Lisk is sharing some of the advice she gives her patients on creating healthy, nutritious and sustainable eating habits.

Connecting the dots between nMSK and your diet

The foods we eat play a central role in all parts of our health and wellness, and while a chiropractor’s primary expertise is specific to the neuro-musculoskeletal (nMSK) system, they understand that a poor diet can compound the effects of conditions like arthritis and chronic pain.
“In chiropractic, one of our goals is to heal the body using a natural mechanism,” says Dr. Lisk. “By implementing nutritional advice within our chiropractic treatment care plan, we can improve the health and wellness of our patients on a different level.”
She points to her experience treating patients who come to her with chronic inflammation. Looking beyond traditional chiropractic care can identify lifestyle habits that acutely affect inflamed joints.
“Processed foods and sugar are some of the biggest dietary causes of inflammation which can lead to or accentuate chronic pain,” she explains. “By removing inflammation-causing dietary factors and incorporating healthy eating habits, we can decrease and potentially eradicate lingering or chronic pain within our bodies.”

Creating healthy eating habits

It’s no secret that there are endless benefits to a healthy, balanced diet, but that doesn’t make the temptation of a chocolate bar or a bowl of ice cream any less appealing. Dr. Lisk understands that creating healthy diets requires dedication and preparation.
One tip that she’s integrated into her own routine is meal prep. By preparing her lunches in advance, she knows she has nutritious meals available to her during a busy day, reducing the urge to grab fast food.
“I usually take a few hours on the weekend to make lunches for the work week,” says Dr. Lisk. “It does take a little extra prep work, like cleaning and slicing up veggies, but I feel it’s worth it.”
When it comes to creating an effective diet, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Optimal diets depend on other aspects of your lifestyle, though Dr. Lisk says that registered dieticians or nutritionists can help you create a diet that meets your needs.
In general, though, Dr. Lisk encourages prioritizing nutrients that boost your joint and nMSK health, such as Omega-3, magnesium and glucosamine. She also stresses that most people aren’t drinking enough water and recommends drinking three litres of water every day.

Avoiding common pitfalls

One common mistake people make is doing too much too soon, creating overly restrictive diet plans which fail to become habits. If your goal is unrealistic, most people will fall back into their old habits and lose the motivation to continue. Whether it’s an occasional treat or “cheat meal”, or building a nutrient-dense diet, Dr. Lisk recommends using an approach that improves the chances of developing sustainable eating habits. Progress is often built slowly but can be lost quickly.
“That’s why I always encourage healthy eating, but I wouldn’t discourage enjoying our lives and having a meal we really want once in a while,” she said. “It’s all part of a balanced approach to health and wellness.”
To find a chiropractor near you, use the chiropractor locator on our website. In Ontario, you can visit a chiropractor without a referral from a doctor, nurse practitioner or other health care professional.