NUTRITIONAL FACTORS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION
Your separate body systems work together synergistically, coordinating millions of tasks and
functions every day. What you eat greatly influences your body’s ability to function well. The
foods that you choose affect you on a cellular level and become your blood, muscles organs and
even your moods. As you have probably heard before food is “fuel”. This fuel contains
nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water, amino acids, carbohydrates and
fats. Nutrients do everything from combating infections to repairing tissues and even help you
think. If one has a nutritious diet and consumes enough water they will respond better to
rehabilitation exercises.
There are many factors that cause dehydration some include inadequate diets, drinking coffee,
sodas, alcohol, taking supplements and prescription medications. We have found most pain
expressive people are dehydrated to some extent. Dehydration alone can cause muscle
cramping, fatigue and dizziness. As the body losses water it must take fluids from the red and
white tissues before depleting the vital organs. Dehydration is another precursor to
dysfunction and disease.
A large percent of blood is made up of water, blood as we know delivers oxygen and nutrients
to the cells as well as removing cellular waste. Muscles are normally 80% water, when these
level are depleted and electrolytes become unbalanced headaches, neural pain, muscle spasms
and tetany are soon to follow. The nucleus of a healthy spinal discs are normally 88% water.
With just 12% of fluid loss the person can lose up to 2 inches in height and motion in the spine
is diminished. The self-stabilizing cushion that was once supplied by the fully hydrated discs
allows forces like gravity to be placed onto the posterior joints, causing pain with loss of
function, especially in the cervical and lumbar spine.
The nervous system is made up of 90% water. Research has found dehydration to have a
negative effect on the brain and can contribute to the development of fatigue and depression.
Dehydration can disrupt the messages being transmitted to the various parts of the body by
nerves, often resulting in the sensation of pain, fatigue, low energy, loss of muscle strength and
poor endurance.
Upon receipt of a stimulus the nervous system is supposed to convert blood protein into 3
forms of proteins needed for proper response to that stimulus. Protein is an important
component of every cell in the body. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues as well
as to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building
block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is
a "macronutrient," meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it.
© 2015 By The Pettibon Biomechanics Institute, Inc - 2118 Jackson Hwy, Chehalis, WA 98532
www.PettibonSystem.com
Therefore, to respond to your care as expected, the patient must have consumed adequate
amounts of water and protein within three hours before rehabilitation and/or corrective
procedures are performed.
Before any rehab session we recommend that the patient drink 2 oz. of a saturated salt
solution, this assures the nervous system has adequate electrolytes for optimum function. The
Himalayan Crystal Salt® contains 84 trace minerals essential for life, the daily infusion is highly
effective to normalize and mineralize the body. Followed that with at least 16 oz. of water with
a Ph of 7.0-7.5. Additional water must be consumed throughout the day generally this is half
the person body weight in fluid ounces. For example: a 180lb person needs 90oz or 3 quarts of
water daily. A protein rich meal or snack within 1-2 hours before each rehab workout is
necessary to ensure there is enough protein for the nervous system and the muscles to
respond.
THE BODY IS NOW PREPARED FOR SEQUENTIAL REHABILITATION PROCEDURES
© 2015 By The Pettibon Biomechanics Institute, Inc - 2118 Jackson Hwy, Chehalis, WA 98532
www.PettibonSystem.com