Think eating high cholesterol foods is what’s to blame for high cholesterol levels in the body? Think again. Today’s research shows that there is very little correlation between the cholesterol that one consumes and the body’s cholesterol production. That doesn’t mean dietary choices can’t be blamed though! The liver gets triggered to produce fat and cholesterol in response to excess sugar and carbs. Meaning high-carb diets are to blame for high cholesterol levels! Why? Well, carbs are known to increase the production of triglycerides, lower the good (HDL) cholesterol, and increase the bad (LDL) cholesterol. Relevant: Chiropractic Helps Diabetes? 3 WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL NATURALLY Incorporate cholesterol-lowering foods into your diet. What kind of foods are these? 1. Studies have proven that soluble fiber-rich foods like oats help lower cholesterol by binding cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and dragging them out before they get into circulation. Numerous studies have shown that eating almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts are good for the heart. Fruit like apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus fruits are rich in pectin, another form of soluble fiber that regulates cholesterol levels. Eating fish replaces meat, which has cholesterol-boosting saturated fats. It also provides you Read more…
Did you know that at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime? Believe it or not, fractures due to osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer – combined! What are you doing to protect your bones? Keep reading to learn natural ways you can prevent osteoporosis! What is Osteoporosis, anyways? Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It causes your bones to become weak, brittle, and ultimately prone to fractures. It’s known as “the silent thief” because this bone loss happens without you even knowing. Certain things make you more susceptible to Osteoporosis. For instance: • Being a postmenopausal woman • Having a calcium-deficient diet • If you are a thin, petite woman • Smoking • Lead a sedentary lifestyle • Drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day • If osteoporosis runs in the family What can you do to protect yourself from the disease? Natural Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis There are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself naturally. In a nutshell, if you wish to decrease Read more…
With Canadian Thanksgiving coming up this weekend, I thought I’d share some thoughts on the topic of gratitude. Practicing daily gratitude holds many benefits. From lower our stress levels to increasing our happiness. Studies continue to show the tremendous power of giving thanks! Gratitude can be as simple as smiling or saying thank you. It can also be a more intentional practice, like taking time to jot down a few things that you are grateful for each day or practicing gratitude through daily meditation. Instead of giving thanks just one time a year, why not do it throughout? Here are 5 tips that I believe can help foster an attitude of gratitude all year long! Tip #1 – Use Gratitude to change your state of mind. When something isn’t going your way or someone upsets you, try to list 3 to 5 things that you are grateful for in that moment. It could be something as simple your kids being ready on time or a co-worker bringing you a cup of coffee. Focusing on a few good things will help put whatever annoyances or hardships you are facing into perspective. The best part – when you start thinking this way, Read more…
Ear infections are the second most common diagnosed illness (after the common cold) in Canadian and American children. It is reported that 75 percent of children are likely to suffer at least one ear infection before reaching the age of 3. But before reaching for antibiotics why not try this ear infection alternative. What is an Ear Infection? An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. While anyone can get an ear infection, children are more susceptible than adults. Why Are Children More Susceptible to Ear Infection Than Adults? There are three primary reasons: 1) Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear, point blank. So when the Eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain. 2) A child’s immune system isn’t as effective as an adult’s because it’s still developing. This makes it harder for children to fight infections. 3) Childbirth can do a number on a child’s spine. During the Read more…
It is estimated that between 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will struggle with symptoms. The exact cause of ADHD and hyperactivity disorders is unknown; however, it is believed to involve interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Keep reading to learn one way to manage ADHD naturally. ADHD Symptoms Symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders are generally categorized into three groups. Inattention: Meaning the child might procrastinate, not complete tasks like homework or chores, and often make careless mistakes. Hyperactivity: Common characteristics of hyperactivity include fidgeting or squirming while seated; getting up frequently to walk or run around (even when not appropriate), and talking excessively. Impulsivity: Those with impulsivity issues may be impatient, have a hard time waiting their turn, frequently interrupt or intrude on others, or start conversations at inappropriate times. How is ADHD Treated? In most cases, psychiatric drugs like Ritalin are given to children to treat their symptoms. However, according to Peter Breggin, MD, these drugs are dangerous. Ritalin can cause drug-induced behavioral disorders, psychosis, mania, drug abuse, permanent neurological ticks, and addiction. Other side effects Read more…
5 Ways to Reduce Menopause Symptoms Naturally!
From hot flashes to mood swings, most women experience a range of symptoms when going through menopause. Luckily, there are natural ways to reduce menopause symptoms – and chiropractic care is one of them What is Menopause? By definition menopause is one year without a menstrual period. Most North American women will experience menopause at around the age of 50. During this time, the ovaries begin to limit estrogen production, forcing the adrenal glands to take over. Those with balanced hormones will likely go through menopause with ease. However, those with hormonal imbalances are likely to experience symptoms like: • Irregular periods • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Problems sleeping • Mood changes • Weight gain and slowed metabolism • Thinning of hair and dry skin As we have said time and time again, symptoms are your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. A hormone imbalance is often the cause of issues during menopause. Many women turn to estrogen replacement therapy but this has many risks including: breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. What can you do if you suffer from menopause symptoms? 5 Ways to Reduce Annoying Menopause Symptoms Naturally! 1. Take a Supplement! Read more…
7 Ways to Support Healthy Liver Function
The liver is a large, meaty organ that is located on the right side of the body, just above the stomach. Weighing approximately 3 lbs., it is the largest organ in your body. It is also one of the most important organs—acting as your body’s personal toxic waste plant. The Liver’s Role Your liver chemically breaks down anything that you consume. It is your liver’s job to distinguish between the nutrients you need to absorb (like vitamins and minerals), and the dangerous or unnecessary substances that must be filtered out of your bloodstream (like drugs or alcohol). Unfortunately, maintaining the health of your liver is easier said than done. Pollution, processed foods, medication and alcohol consumption; all clog and overwhelm the liver. Making it difficult for it to process the nutrients and fats your body needs. This causes a buildup of toxins in the body, which drastically affects your overall health and wellbeing. Symptoms of Liver Toxicity An example of some of the symptoms of liver toxicity include: • Acne • Dry, brittle hair • Nightmares • Difficulty losing weight • Insomnia • Exhaustion • Flu-like feelings • Difficulty thinking or focusing • Pain under right rib • Blood sugar Read more…
5 Summer Sports That Can Cause Back Pain
Summer is officially here meaning Summer sports are in season. This week’s blog discusses five sports that are known to cause back pain, so that you can protect your spine when participating in your summertime activities! 1. Football All contact sports are rough on the body, but football is especially rough. Even as a spectator, my body starts to hurt after seeing someone take a big hit. One common back injury football players are plagued with is called a stinger “a sports related injury to the nerves around the neck or shoulders.” 2. Running Running is a well-known perpetrator of back pain. Its repetitive and high impact nature will often lead to, or worsen back injuries. Why is this? Your spinal discs are your body’s shock absorbers. Similar to the shocks on a bike or car, they are susceptible to wear and tear especially, if used often and for long durations. One common type of back pain runners experience is sciatica — a shooting pain that radiates from the back into the legs. Those experiencing back pain should consult a health care professional before running to ensure the action will not aggravate the problem. 3. Golf Though golf is one Read more…
Simple Ways to Relieve Tendonitis Pain
Swimmer’s shoulder Jumper’s knee Pitcher’s shoulder Tennis elbow You’ve probably heard one of these terms at some point or another. Though each term refers to a different body part, all refer to a common ailment: tendonitis. Tendonitis is caused when tendons (the thick cords that join your muscles to your bones) become irritated or inflamed. Any tendon can develop tendonitis, but most of time it occurs in the shoulders, elbows, heels and wrists. What are the Symptoms of Tendonitis? Tendinitis is known to cause acute pain and tenderness that often makes moving the affected joint difficult. Those experiencing tendonitis will usually feel a dull ache that is concentrated around the inflamed joint. The pain will often increase when that area is moved or if it is touched, and oftentimes swelling is present. What Causes Tendonitis? Tendinitis can be a result of: • an injury • repetitive movement • aging • disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis) That being said, the most common cause of tendinitis is repetitive action. Athletes or sport’s enthusiasts are often at a higher risk for developing tendonitis. Especially, those who play tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball, where the same actions are repeated over and over again. Those Read more…
Last week we talked about allergies, this week we’re talking about a common symptom of allergies: sinusitis. Let’s be real, no one likes having a stuffy nose. Especially, a chronic stuffy nose. You sound funny, food loses its flavor, and breathing becomes a hassle. Not to worry, there are some natural ways to relieve this pesky problem. What is sinusitis? In a nutshell, sinusitis is when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed. Normally, our sinuses are filled with air, but when we have sinusitis our sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid and germs that can grow and cause infection. Sinus blockages can be caused by the common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. Sinusitis (or a sinus infection) occurs when the blockages become chronic. Symptoms of Sinusitis Include: Pain and tenderness over the infected sinus. A blocked nose or runny nose A high temperature Headaches or aches in the face near the nasal cavities Toothache Cough Pressure in ears Tiredness Are you one of the unlucky Ottawans suffering from Sinusitis? Try these natural remedies. Get Rid of Sinusitis with these 5 Natural Remedies 1) Flush Your Sinuses. You’ve heard of the Neti Pot, right? The little Read more…