07/09/2025
Dear Patients and Friends,
Most people think of exercise as a way to “stay in shape” or to have more energy—but that’s just scratching the surface. From a chiropractic and physiological point of view, exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to support the health of every system in the body.
Let me explain why.
Blood Flow: The River of Life
When we exercise, we increase circulation. This is a big deal. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body—it’s quite literally the river of life. It also carries away waste products that, if left to build up, create toxicity and inflammation. And as many of you know, chronic inflammation is a root cause of most degenerative diseases.
Improved blood flow also helps maintain the tone and health of your muscles, which matters more than just looking firm. Healthy muscle tone plays a major role in supporting your venous system—the network of veins that return blood to the heart. Unlike arteries, veins don’t have strong muscular walls to push blood forward. They rely on muscle contractions to act like pumps, squeezing the veins and propelling blood upward, against gravity. This is called venous return, and it’s crucial for preventing swelling in the lower extremities and reducing the risk of varicose veins.
The Lymphatic System: Your Body’s Drainage and Defense
The lymphatic system works hand-in-hand with your circulatory system. It clears out cellular debris, excess fluid, and supports immune function. Unlike blood, lymph doesn’t have a pump like the heart—it depends on movement. Exercise is the single best way to stimulate lymph flow, helping to reduce edema (swelling) and keep your immune system sharp.
Your Heart: Efficiency Through Movement
Regular exercise improves what’s called your stroke volume—the amount of blood your heart pumps with each beat. This makes your heart more efficient. A stronger heart doesn’t have to beat as often, which lowers your resting heart rate and reduces wear and tear on your cardiovascular system.
Additionally, consistent exercise helps keep your arteries clear, reduces plaque buildup, and improves blood vessel flexibility. All of this adds up to a significant reduction in the risk of ischemia (restricted blood flow), high blood pressure, and even stroke.
Hormonal Balance and Inflammation Control
Exercise also has a profound effect on your internal chemical environment. It lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are chemical messengers that contribute to systemic inflammation. Just as important, regular movement helps normalize cortisol, the stress hormone that—when chronically elevated—can harm everything from your immune system to your sleep and even your ability to heal.
In Closing…
I encourage you to view exercise not as a chore, but as a daily investment in your cellular health, circulation, detoxification, heart, and immune system. It’s not about six-pack abs or fitting into a smaller pair of jeans—it’s about building a body that functions better, feels better, and lasts longer.
As your chiropractor, I see firsthand how the body thrives when we move with intention. Chiropractic care and regular movement go hand in hand—they both promote alignment, circulation, and optimal function.
So keep moving. Your body is counting on you.
Dr. Chuck Berg
