It's baseball season and fans are flocking to the stadium to catch a game and make some memories. This can be a great time to bond with the family but many of us reach for a few hot dogs and sugary snacks to share. Are there healthier options? Yes! Many parks are adding healthier options to the menu to appeal to a broader range of people and tastes. Some national parks are now stocking grilled veggie wraps, Comerica is serving up sushi, and "infield greens" are available at Coors Field. There's also smarter choices on some of the regular "ball park" foods as well.
I'll take you on a brief ball park tour coming up next!
1) Don't skip the peanuts. Not only are these the star of the menu at the ball park, but those little shelled guys also pack some protein punch and are rich in fiber. A standard serving is about 1 once and raves only 160 calories and 7 grams of protein per serving.
2) Pick up some popcorn. Popcorn contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant, in the hull. The only drawback is that you need to skip the layers of salt and drowning it in butter to reap the benefits.
3) Choose your corn. Some ballparks are now bragging that they serve corn on a stick or even in the husk for fans. Sweet corn can be low in fat but be careful because loading up on corn can spike your blood sugar and cause unhealthy weight gain.
4) Reach for baked potatoes rather than cheese smothered fries. Baked potatoes have a healthy amount of B6 and Vitamin C packed in the spud and aren't smothered with grease or slathered with cheese and ketchup like fries.
5) Grab a brew with your buds. Beer does have some health benefits in small quantities but hold off on downing more than one glass at the game. Moderation is the key for beer connoisseurs and some parks may offer gluten free options as well. Opt for water after your brew for a healthier alternative and less of a hangover the next day.
6) Scoop up a single scoop. While ice cream is packed with fat and calories, a small amount can do your body good and satisfy the cool in the heat of the game. Better yet, get it in a cup and share with your fellow fans to spread the satisfaction. Look for frozen yogurt or even greek yogurt alternatives over the regular scoops.
7) Frequent the fruit cup. Some ballparks offer fruit cups instead of fries which can be a great alternative. However be wary on letting kids indulge in more than one as the fruit is usually steeped in a sugary syrup.
8) Go Greek! Instead of loading up on chips, reach for hummus and pita chips which have a great taste and are packed with goodness. Add a little salt and pepper for some kick and serve up a healthier snack.
9) Hydrate instead. Grab a bottled water instead of a sugary soda to keep you hydrated and to keep your blood sugar balanced during the game and the heat. Opt for water when you can while the sun is beating down.
Need more tips? Contact your local ball park to find out local healthy options or to find out if you'd be able to bring in a cooler of healthier options for the family. Another great idea is to find out about group deck rates since catering healthier options may be a great way to find more fans to party with and to share the check as well.
I hope this blog will aid you in starting some healthy habits and sharing what you've learned with family and friends. If you have any questions, comments, or things you'd like to see me post about shoot me an email and I'll be happy to respond!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Why your diet is failing you...
Have you been yo-yoing between diets only to find yourself gaining the weight back after you return to normal eating? Do you drop weight quickly in the first week of your diet and then plateau? Do you find yourself exhausted and craving foods your whole diet? Then you're doing it wrong! Many diet choices today have dire consequences for your body metabolism and your blood sugar especially if you are eliminating carbs altogether or limiting yourself to a select number of calories per day. Today I'm going to share with you how your body actually uses the food you eat and some common misconceptions about dieting. I'll also give you some healthy options to start losing weight and changing your metabolism for smarter food choices that automatically melt the weight off.
Diet myth #1: Eat less calories.
Your body is designed to use the calories you eat, however when we eat less calories our bodies actually adapt. Dieters have long used the mentality that when we eat less calories our bodies will break down fat and we will thus lose weight. However, what most people don't realize is that your body metabolism adjusts to the amount of calories you take in. So when you starve yourself by eating a very low calorie diet, your metabolism will slow down naturally. For example, if your normal metabolism burns 2000 calories per day and you start eating 1000 calories per day then your body's metabolism will adjust to burn only 1000 calories per day.
Diet myth #2: Don't eat carbohydrates.
When you think of carbs do you think of breads and pastas only? Well then you're wrong! All fruits and vegetables are actually made of carbohydrates and they also supply nutrients and minerals that are needed for every day body function. When you eat fruits and vegetables they get partially digested until they travel to your small intestines where the "good" bacteria are able to break them down and use them to speed your digestive tract along. The "good" bacteria in your intestines (about 5 pounds worth) need carbohydrates to survive and thrive in your intestines and a small portion of carbohydrates are also used in your brain. Most of the fuel your body itself uses and needs is actually contained in protein but carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables are needed for a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system as well.
Diet myth #3: Eat smaller portions of protein.
Like I just mentioned in #2, your body needs mostly protein to survive, so we need to make sure we are getting enough. Your body tends to break down muscle before fat, especially if you're not using your muscles enough. This can lead to weight loss (muscle tends to weigh more than fat) but when you're losing muscle your metabolism will also drop. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn everyday. So if you're not eating enough protein, you're going to breakdown muscle and lower your metabolism which will set you up for weight loss failure. As a general rule, most women need to aim for 4 servings of protein everyday and men should aim for 5 servings of protein per day.
So how can you change these myths?
1.) Eat smarter calories. Don't pig out on junk food and sugary drinks, but aim for 4 to 5 servings of protein daily with plenty of fruit and vegetable sources of carbohydrates.
2.) Fill up on carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetable sources of carbohydrates will actually swell with water and fill you up faster and keep you full longer than starchy pastas and breads.
3.) Eat enough protein. Your body needs protein and your calorie burning muscles are made of it. Eat enough so you don't lose muscle but burn fat instead! Women should aim for 4 servings daily and men for 5, but if you're active you need to add at least 1 more serving of protein daily.
4.) Move your muscles! Move those muscles to raise your metabolism and burn off the calories you eat plus the energy stored in your fat. Weight resistance exercise is best to build muscles and keep your bones strong, but if your bones are frail or you haven't exercised in awhile then start slow. Try walking with weights on your ankles and wrists and graduate to jogging with them. Arrange for a family hike and picnic to get everyone involved and moving.
If you're suffering any pain while exercising or moving you should check with a doctor. Chiropractors are a great solution for those with muscle strains and stiffness that are preventing people from getting the exercise they need or enjoying the activities they love. As an added bonus, most chiropractors can get you in the office within a day or two for treatment so you can return to living well faster.
Diet myth #1: Eat less calories.
Your body is designed to use the calories you eat, however when we eat less calories our bodies actually adapt. Dieters have long used the mentality that when we eat less calories our bodies will break down fat and we will thus lose weight. However, what most people don't realize is that your body metabolism adjusts to the amount of calories you take in. So when you starve yourself by eating a very low calorie diet, your metabolism will slow down naturally. For example, if your normal metabolism burns 2000 calories per day and you start eating 1000 calories per day then your body's metabolism will adjust to burn only 1000 calories per day.
Diet myth #2: Don't eat carbohydrates.
When you think of carbs do you think of breads and pastas only? Well then you're wrong! All fruits and vegetables are actually made of carbohydrates and they also supply nutrients and minerals that are needed for every day body function. When you eat fruits and vegetables they get partially digested until they travel to your small intestines where the "good" bacteria are able to break them down and use them to speed your digestive tract along. The "good" bacteria in your intestines (about 5 pounds worth) need carbohydrates to survive and thrive in your intestines and a small portion of carbohydrates are also used in your brain. Most of the fuel your body itself uses and needs is actually contained in protein but carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables are needed for a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system as well.
Diet myth #3: Eat smaller portions of protein.
Like I just mentioned in #2, your body needs mostly protein to survive, so we need to make sure we are getting enough. Your body tends to break down muscle before fat, especially if you're not using your muscles enough. This can lead to weight loss (muscle tends to weigh more than fat) but when you're losing muscle your metabolism will also drop. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn everyday. So if you're not eating enough protein, you're going to breakdown muscle and lower your metabolism which will set you up for weight loss failure. As a general rule, most women need to aim for 4 servings of protein everyday and men should aim for 5 servings of protein per day.
So how can you change these myths?
1.) Eat smarter calories. Don't pig out on junk food and sugary drinks, but aim for 4 to 5 servings of protein daily with plenty of fruit and vegetable sources of carbohydrates.
2.) Fill up on carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetable sources of carbohydrates will actually swell with water and fill you up faster and keep you full longer than starchy pastas and breads.
3.) Eat enough protein. Your body needs protein and your calorie burning muscles are made of it. Eat enough so you don't lose muscle but burn fat instead! Women should aim for 4 servings daily and men for 5, but if you're active you need to add at least 1 more serving of protein daily.
4.) Move your muscles! Move those muscles to raise your metabolism and burn off the calories you eat plus the energy stored in your fat. Weight resistance exercise is best to build muscles and keep your bones strong, but if your bones are frail or you haven't exercised in awhile then start slow. Try walking with weights on your ankles and wrists and graduate to jogging with them. Arrange for a family hike and picnic to get everyone involved and moving.
If you're suffering any pain while exercising or moving you should check with a doctor. Chiropractors are a great solution for those with muscle strains and stiffness that are preventing people from getting the exercise they need or enjoying the activities they love. As an added bonus, most chiropractors can get you in the office within a day or two for treatment so you can return to living well faster.
Labels:
activity,
body,
calories,
carbohydrates,
diet,
fat,
health,
lose weight,
natural,
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protein,
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Location:
Peoria, IL, USA
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Start Living Younger by Nourshing Your Body Correctly...
Your body is a well oiled machine that has a delicate balance between the food we put in our bodies and the amount of water we drink to the proper function of our body systems. Our bodies were designed to eat a specific diet and to move constantly, however due to a diet filled with many sugars, additives and preservatives, and a sedentary lifestyle we are moving farther and farther away from our ideal functions. While we move away from our ideal function and design we are noticing increasing amounts of children and young adults experiencing obesity and learning disabilities, our older are adults are so feeble they avoid walking or running so they don't break a hip, and our whole population is noticing symptoms such as headaches, acid reflux, and arthritis on a daily basis!
Our bodies were designed to eat a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat. When I say carbohydrates. I don't mean bread but instead fruits and vegetables! Fruits and vegetables have an alkaline effect on your body pH which helps to decrease inflammation and ensure the proper pH for optimum function of your body systems. In addition, these carbohydrates are essential for proper digestive function since the "good" bacteria in your colon depend on carbohydrates in order to produce enough fermentation products to maintain an acidic environment in the intestine. However many people rely on a diet full of wheat and gluten which instead cause an acidic pH in the body, increase inflammation in our joints, and effect the hormones that direct the function of every system in our body.
Our bodies were designed to be 70% water for hydration and for daily body functions and processes. However about 85% of Americans are dehydrated! This is in part due to our dependence on sugary drinks and caffeine filled sodas and coffee, while the other part is due to a misunderstanding of the damage that can be done if we aren't drinking enough water. Water is responsible for regulating body temperature, moistening tissue in the mouth, eyes, and nose, lubricating joints to reduce pain and inflammation, protecting body organs and tissues from damage while being jarred, helps protect from constipation, assists kidneys in flushing out waste products, carries nutrients and oxygen to body cells, and it helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so they are readily available when the body needs them. It should make sense that your body which is made up of 70% water needs water on a daily basis in high quantities due to urination, sweating, and evaporation that occurs on a daily basis.
Our bodies were designed to eat a diet rich in nutrients and minerals. In a study by the US government, 100% of the people in their study were not getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of any nutrients or mineral. This is scary! Your body depends on getting enough in order to function properly, maintain strong bones, and maintain muscle tone and hormone balance. The American Medical Association now recommends that everyone take a multivitamin to ensure we have enough of the essential nutrients our bodies need. Are you getting enough calcium, chromium, iodine, magnesium, or phosphorus? If you're not taking a multivitamin then I can almost guarantee you are not! Most of the food on our shelves at the grocery store or in our homes today is grown in nutrient depleted soil and is picked before ripening which can further ensure less than optimal levels of nutrients.
How can you nourish your body correctly?
1) Eat a diet of lean meat and FULL of fruits and vegetables.Children 2-6 years of age, less active women, and older adults should be getting about 1200 calories/day and should be advised to have 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables everyday. In contrast, most men, active women, teen girls, and older children should be consuming about 2200 calories/day and should be getting 3 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables. Active men and teen boys should aim for 2800 calories/day and should be consuming 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day.
2) Drink plenty of water. If you take your body weight and divide it in half, that is how many ounces of water you should be drinking daily. For example, if you weight 100 lbs, then you should be drinking 50 oz of water daily.
3) Take a high quality multi-vitamin. You need to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly and stay strong while you age. Don't buy a cheap supplement from a local grocery store. Visit a health food store and read the labels to make sure they have quality processing and high quality ingredients. Need a recommendation on a good product? Check out Daily Balance for adults or Pedia Balance for kids. Need tips on other nutritional information? Call 309-689-6200 and setup a nutritional consultation in our office or on the phone.
Our bodies were designed to eat a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat. When I say carbohydrates. I don't mean bread but instead fruits and vegetables! Fruits and vegetables have an alkaline effect on your body pH which helps to decrease inflammation and ensure the proper pH for optimum function of your body systems. In addition, these carbohydrates are essential for proper digestive function since the "good" bacteria in your colon depend on carbohydrates in order to produce enough fermentation products to maintain an acidic environment in the intestine. However many people rely on a diet full of wheat and gluten which instead cause an acidic pH in the body, increase inflammation in our joints, and effect the hormones that direct the function of every system in our body.
Our bodies were designed to be 70% water for hydration and for daily body functions and processes. However about 85% of Americans are dehydrated! This is in part due to our dependence on sugary drinks and caffeine filled sodas and coffee, while the other part is due to a misunderstanding of the damage that can be done if we aren't drinking enough water. Water is responsible for regulating body temperature, moistening tissue in the mouth, eyes, and nose, lubricating joints to reduce pain and inflammation, protecting body organs and tissues from damage while being jarred, helps protect from constipation, assists kidneys in flushing out waste products, carries nutrients and oxygen to body cells, and it helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so they are readily available when the body needs them. It should make sense that your body which is made up of 70% water needs water on a daily basis in high quantities due to urination, sweating, and evaporation that occurs on a daily basis.
Our bodies were designed to eat a diet rich in nutrients and minerals. In a study by the US government, 100% of the people in their study were not getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of any nutrients or mineral. This is scary! Your body depends on getting enough in order to function properly, maintain strong bones, and maintain muscle tone and hormone balance. The American Medical Association now recommends that everyone take a multivitamin to ensure we have enough of the essential nutrients our bodies need. Are you getting enough calcium, chromium, iodine, magnesium, or phosphorus? If you're not taking a multivitamin then I can almost guarantee you are not! Most of the food on our shelves at the grocery store or in our homes today is grown in nutrient depleted soil and is picked before ripening which can further ensure less than optimal levels of nutrients.
How can you nourish your body correctly?
1) Eat a diet of lean meat and FULL of fruits and vegetables.Children 2-6 years of age, less active women, and older adults should be getting about 1200 calories/day and should be advised to have 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables everyday. In contrast, most men, active women, teen girls, and older children should be consuming about 2200 calories/day and should be getting 3 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables. Active men and teen boys should aim for 2800 calories/day and should be consuming 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day.
2) Drink plenty of water. If you take your body weight and divide it in half, that is how many ounces of water you should be drinking daily. For example, if you weight 100 lbs, then you should be drinking 50 oz of water daily.
3) Take a high quality multi-vitamin. You need to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly and stay strong while you age. Don't buy a cheap supplement from a local grocery store. Visit a health food store and read the labels to make sure they have quality processing and high quality ingredients. Need a recommendation on a good product? Check out Daily Balance for adults or Pedia Balance for kids. Need tips on other nutritional information? Call 309-689-6200 and setup a nutritional consultation in our office or on the phone.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Family Road Trip Survival Tips...
I don't know how many of you plan to take road trips with the whole family this summer, but for those of you that are I feel your pain. Even though a family vacation can be the ticket to building better bonds with teenagers and getting siblings to see eye to eye, when you've got a few hours stuck in the car together with a few extra back seat drivers or siblings that can't stop annoying one another it can really try your patience.
So how can you shorten the hours and frustration?
1.) Plan your route a few days before and make sure to check online for road construction updates so you don't get stuck in a jam. Most state departments of transportation list upcoming road construction projects and alternative suggested routes.
2.) Plan for a few stops to get out and stretch your legs. It's good to get out and walk around plus it give you a break from the hectic and anxiety associated with traffic jams. My personal favorites to stop at include Cracker Barrel and rest areas with playgrounds and sightseeing. Cracker Barrel is a store and a restaurant that has plenty to see between the knick knacks on the wall and country styled toys and fashion wear. As an added plus many of them carry audio books that you can purchase and return with a $3.49 fee/week rental deduction. Many rest areas have hiking trails, places for sightseeing, and grill/picnic areas for strategically planned road trip breaks or impromptu meals.
3.) Bring plenty of water. About 80% of Americans are already dehydrated and being exposed to sunlight while traveling in the car doesn't help. Bring at least one water bottle per person for every 2 hours in the car. You may think the added fluids will increase rest stops but sometimes that is a good way to keep everyone sane during a long drive.
4.) Bring low sugar snacks. Bring a small cooler with ice over drinks to keep everything chilled. Aim for fruits, chocolate chip free snacks, and cheese. This will ensure there's no sugar rushes from screaming passengers or whining siblings who are victims of annoyance and boredom.
5.) Bring a magic bag of tricks. I know this sounds clique but everyone needs Mary Poppin's carpet bag on a road trip. This bag should be filled with car game ideas, decks of cards, travel games, books, a fun CD or two rented from the library, and maybe even a family movie rental if you have a portable DVD player or laptop for the road. Don't let the kids see all the tricks at once! Pull an item out of the bag once an hour or more often if they are bored and getting rowdy. They'll get something new to focus on and it'll be a surprise they're looking forward to.
6.) Bring extra layers for everyone.Odds are not everyone in the car can agree on interior temperature and rather than having fingers and toes freeze due to an A/C disagreement just make sure to bring a light jacket and a pair of socks to cover your toes in this situation. A few light fleece blankets wouldn't hurt in this situation either.
7.)Make sure to get plenty of rest before the drive as sleep deprivation can set you up for a car accident that can put a huge damper on plans.
8.) Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and bring a car charger in case of emergency.
9.) Don't forget to pack a small first aid kit and sunscreen as boo-boos, bug bites, and burns are frequent occurrences when you're away from home and don't have these things on hand.
10.) Plan road trips around children's nap schedules. This ensures they'll be snoozing shortly after you hit the road and will give you a chance to get on the long stretch of the trip.
So how can you shorten the hours and frustration?
1.) Plan your route a few days before and make sure to check online for road construction updates so you don't get stuck in a jam. Most state departments of transportation list upcoming road construction projects and alternative suggested routes.
2.) Plan for a few stops to get out and stretch your legs. It's good to get out and walk around plus it give you a break from the hectic and anxiety associated with traffic jams. My personal favorites to stop at include Cracker Barrel and rest areas with playgrounds and sightseeing. Cracker Barrel is a store and a restaurant that has plenty to see between the knick knacks on the wall and country styled toys and fashion wear. As an added plus many of them carry audio books that you can purchase and return with a $3.49 fee/week rental deduction. Many rest areas have hiking trails, places for sightseeing, and grill/picnic areas for strategically planned road trip breaks or impromptu meals.
3.) Bring plenty of water. About 80% of Americans are already dehydrated and being exposed to sunlight while traveling in the car doesn't help. Bring at least one water bottle per person for every 2 hours in the car. You may think the added fluids will increase rest stops but sometimes that is a good way to keep everyone sane during a long drive.
4.) Bring low sugar snacks. Bring a small cooler with ice over drinks to keep everything chilled. Aim for fruits, chocolate chip free snacks, and cheese. This will ensure there's no sugar rushes from screaming passengers or whining siblings who are victims of annoyance and boredom.
5.) Bring a magic bag of tricks. I know this sounds clique but everyone needs Mary Poppin's carpet bag on a road trip. This bag should be filled with car game ideas, decks of cards, travel games, books, a fun CD or two rented from the library, and maybe even a family movie rental if you have a portable DVD player or laptop for the road. Don't let the kids see all the tricks at once! Pull an item out of the bag once an hour or more often if they are bored and getting rowdy. They'll get something new to focus on and it'll be a surprise they're looking forward to.
6.) Bring extra layers for everyone.Odds are not everyone in the car can agree on interior temperature and rather than having fingers and toes freeze due to an A/C disagreement just make sure to bring a light jacket and a pair of socks to cover your toes in this situation. A few light fleece blankets wouldn't hurt in this situation either.
7.)Make sure to get plenty of rest before the drive as sleep deprivation can set you up for a car accident that can put a huge damper on plans.
8.) Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and bring a car charger in case of emergency.
9.) Don't forget to pack a small first aid kit and sunscreen as boo-boos, bug bites, and burns are frequent occurrences when you're away from home and don't have these things on hand.
10.) Plan road trips around children's nap schedules. This ensures they'll be snoozing shortly after you hit the road and will give you a chance to get on the long stretch of the trip.
Location:
Peoria, IL, USA
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Lower your risk for stroke with a simple vitamin...
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US and is responsible for the deaths of 140,000 people every year. Many of these cases are caused by years of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet choices that are in most cases preventable! Those suffering from the effects of stroke usually have long term disabilities that lower their quality of life and can make mobility an issue. This decreased mobility can cause or even contribute to other health conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc and joint disease, and many others. Since 3 out of 4 stroke sufferers are over the age of 65 and already suffering from the beginning stages of these diseases, this issue can be very concerning. The good news is that studies have shown lowering levels of an amino acid called homocysteine can decrease your risk for stroke.
Studies on homocysteine have shown that a broad spectrum of B vitamins can lower their levels in the blood. Since many of us don't eat the green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, almonds, or leafy greens that contain these vitamins and the vegetables we do eat have lower vitamin counts, most of us aren't getting enough B vitamins in our diet! So where can you get the vitamin B that you need? Supplementation seems to be our only option to really get the amounts we need since 80% of Americans aren't getting the recommended 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. According to a US Government study of 21,000 people, not one person was getting all of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and mineral.
In the 1980's the American Medical Association said that no one needed a multivitamin but due to new research in 2002 their policy changed and they are touting that everyone needs a multivitamin in order to receive the essential nutrients our bodies need to function properly. They have claimed that getting the right nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and even osteoporosis. Read more about why to take a multivitamin.
So how do you chose a multivitamin? Well since supplements are not regulated in the US, you must be very careful about selecting a product that doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as lead, mercury, or copper. Read more about dangerous ingredients in multivitamins. Many of these dangerous ingredients may be present in the multivitamin you are taking every day due to poor quality control and can lead to health problems such as ADD, decreased brain function, and even metabolic concerns. In addition, you should be careful about selecting cheap products off the shelf because the content is most often the cheapest ingredients that aren't going to be effectively absorbed in your body and you are literally going to be flushing your money down the drain.
So what can you do to lower your risk for stroke and make sure you're getting the nutrients you need?
1) Eat a diet rich in lean meats and a range of colors of fruits and vegetables. This will ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients and vitamins and it will lower your bodies pH for even more chronic disease prevention. Read more about pH here.
2) Take a high quality multivitamin everyday. I recommend Daily Balance for adults or Pedia Balance for children due to the full label disclosure, high quality control measures, and product guarantee.
3) If you're low on energy or have a family or personal history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about beginning to add a broad spectrum B vitamin in addition to your multivitamin. Active B is a great sublingual tablet for maximum absorption.
4) Drink plenty of water. 75% of us are dehydrated which can slow function in our bodies and starve our cells of the water they need. In addition water can help to lubricate your joints and muscles to help speed healing and reduce pain.
5) Get up and move. Movement and exercise can also lower your risk for chronic disease. If you're in too much pain to exercise you need to talk with a doctor. AlignLife offers same day consultations for those interested in relieving pain so they can return to an active and healthy lifestyle. Call 309-689-6200 to schedule your appointment today.
Studies on homocysteine have shown that a broad spectrum of B vitamins can lower their levels in the blood. Since many of us don't eat the green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, almonds, or leafy greens that contain these vitamins and the vegetables we do eat have lower vitamin counts, most of us aren't getting enough B vitamins in our diet! So where can you get the vitamin B that you need? Supplementation seems to be our only option to really get the amounts we need since 80% of Americans aren't getting the recommended 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. According to a US Government study of 21,000 people, not one person was getting all of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and mineral.
In the 1980's the American Medical Association said that no one needed a multivitamin but due to new research in 2002 their policy changed and they are touting that everyone needs a multivitamin in order to receive the essential nutrients our bodies need to function properly. They have claimed that getting the right nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and even osteoporosis. Read more about why to take a multivitamin.
So how do you chose a multivitamin? Well since supplements are not regulated in the US, you must be very careful about selecting a product that doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as lead, mercury, or copper. Read more about dangerous ingredients in multivitamins. Many of these dangerous ingredients may be present in the multivitamin you are taking every day due to poor quality control and can lead to health problems such as ADD, decreased brain function, and even metabolic concerns. In addition, you should be careful about selecting cheap products off the shelf because the content is most often the cheapest ingredients that aren't going to be effectively absorbed in your body and you are literally going to be flushing your money down the drain.
So what can you do to lower your risk for stroke and make sure you're getting the nutrients you need?
1) Eat a diet rich in lean meats and a range of colors of fruits and vegetables. This will ensure you get a broad spectrum of nutrients and vitamins and it will lower your bodies pH for even more chronic disease prevention. Read more about pH here.
2) Take a high quality multivitamin everyday. I recommend Daily Balance for adults or Pedia Balance for children due to the full label disclosure, high quality control measures, and product guarantee.
3) If you're low on energy or have a family or personal history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about beginning to add a broad spectrum B vitamin in addition to your multivitamin. Active B is a great sublingual tablet for maximum absorption.
4) Drink plenty of water. 75% of us are dehydrated which can slow function in our bodies and starve our cells of the water they need. In addition water can help to lubricate your joints and muscles to help speed healing and reduce pain.
5) Get up and move. Movement and exercise can also lower your risk for chronic disease. If you're in too much pain to exercise you need to talk with a doctor. AlignLife offers same day consultations for those interested in relieving pain so they can return to an active and healthy lifestyle. Call 309-689-6200 to schedule your appointment today.
Labels:
Alignlife,
b vitamin,
health,
homocysteine,
multivitamin,
natural,
Peoria,
stroke
Location:
Peoria, IL, USA
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Are you eating enough of these every day?
If you're not getting enough of these every day then you are putting your body at risk for chronic diseases, stroke, and even cardiovascular disease. I addition you may be starving your body of the essential nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function at 100%. So what are "these" and how do you know if you're getting enough?
Well fruits and vegetables of course! We all know that getting the right nutrition in our bodies is essential for their optimal function, but did you know that it also aids with digestion and even lowering your "bad" LDL cholesterol? Fruits and vegetables provide a rich source of fiber in our diet that can help to speed along the digestive tract so we have regular bowel movements and along the way they pick up excess cholesterol and harmful substances that can cause cancer in our bowel. These fruits and vegetables also supply many nutrient enzymes we need to aid in our digestion, so if you have irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's disease, or even celiac making sure you're getting your daily serving of fruits and vegetables can really pull though in a punch of an attack!
So much is enough? Well the American Medical Association recommends at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. However about 70% of Americans aren't getting the recommended amount and may be putting their health and bodies at risk because of it. The AMA recommendation doesn't take into consideration the age, calorie intake, or even the stage of development for this recommendation, so a better guide would be:
Children 2-6 years of age, less active women, and older adults should be getting about 1200 calories/day and should be advised to have 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables everyday. In contrast, most men, active women, teen girls, and older children should be consuming about 2200 calories/day and should be getting 3 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables. Active men and teen boys should aim for 2800 calories/day and should be consuming 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day.
So how can you make sure you're family is getting how much they need?
1) Plan your meals for the week so that you make sure you have a good variety of fruits and vegetables for your family to chose from when it comes to meal or snack time.
2) Make sure you're utilizing a variety of colors when you head to the grocery store or farmer's market. Even better, bring the whole family to the store or farmer's market because children that pick out their fruits and vegetables tend to be more likely to eat them!
3) When it comes down to it 100% fruit juice that is NOT from concentrate can be a great source of your daily servings that is fast, easy and can be mixed together for different tastes.
4) Encourage yourself and your family to reach for fruit at snack time or before sports activities because it'll bring them closer to their daily recommendation plus it will provide some extra energy to kick start their bodies.
5) Try a greens supplement to help kick start your daily intake and put your mind at ease throughout the day. Absolute Greens has a fresh minty taste that is sure to please.
6) Try some new recipes or put a spin on salad by adding colorful fruits and vegetables to please the eye and the stomach. See some great recipes below.
Strawberry Crunch Salad: Toss some salad together with chopped grilled chicken, sliced strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese and drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette for a summer twist that will sure to please.
Tomato and Basil Finger Sandwiches
Roasted Corn with Shallot Vinaigrette
Tropical Cucumber Salad
Grilled Chicken Polenta with Blackberry Nectarine Salsa
Peach and Berry Cobbler
Melon and Apple Granita
Well fruits and vegetables of course! We all know that getting the right nutrition in our bodies is essential for their optimal function, but did you know that it also aids with digestion and even lowering your "bad" LDL cholesterol? Fruits and vegetables provide a rich source of fiber in our diet that can help to speed along the digestive tract so we have regular bowel movements and along the way they pick up excess cholesterol and harmful substances that can cause cancer in our bowel. These fruits and vegetables also supply many nutrient enzymes we need to aid in our digestion, so if you have irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's disease, or even celiac making sure you're getting your daily serving of fruits and vegetables can really pull though in a punch of an attack!
So much is enough? Well the American Medical Association recommends at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. However about 70% of Americans aren't getting the recommended amount and may be putting their health and bodies at risk because of it. The AMA recommendation doesn't take into consideration the age, calorie intake, or even the stage of development for this recommendation, so a better guide would be:
Children 2-6 years of age, less active women, and older adults should be getting about 1200 calories/day and should be advised to have 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables everyday. In contrast, most men, active women, teen girls, and older children should be consuming about 2200 calories/day and should be getting 3 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables. Active men and teen boys should aim for 2800 calories/day and should be consuming 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day.
So how can you make sure you're family is getting how much they need?
1) Plan your meals for the week so that you make sure you have a good variety of fruits and vegetables for your family to chose from when it comes to meal or snack time.
2) Make sure you're utilizing a variety of colors when you head to the grocery store or farmer's market. Even better, bring the whole family to the store or farmer's market because children that pick out their fruits and vegetables tend to be more likely to eat them!
3) When it comes down to it 100% fruit juice that is NOT from concentrate can be a great source of your daily servings that is fast, easy and can be mixed together for different tastes.
4) Encourage yourself and your family to reach for fruit at snack time or before sports activities because it'll bring them closer to their daily recommendation plus it will provide some extra energy to kick start their bodies.
5) Try a greens supplement to help kick start your daily intake and put your mind at ease throughout the day. Absolute Greens has a fresh minty taste that is sure to please.
6) Try some new recipes or put a spin on salad by adding colorful fruits and vegetables to please the eye and the stomach. See some great recipes below.
Strawberry Crunch Salad: Toss some salad together with chopped grilled chicken, sliced strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese and drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette for a summer twist that will sure to please.
Tomato and Basil Finger Sandwiches
Roasted Corn with Shallot Vinaigrette
Tropical Cucumber Salad
Grilled Chicken Polenta with Blackberry Nectarine Salsa
Peach and Berry Cobbler
Melon and Apple Granita
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Thursday, June 7, 2012
This popular beverage to be relabeled for cancer risk...
This popular beverage may have to be relabeled in California due to caramel coloring byproducts in processed cola beverages. In a recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina, this byproduct has been linked to alveolar or bronchial adenoma and carcinomas in mice and mononuclear cell leukemia in female rats. Read more about this byproduct here.
This byproduct is called 4-methylimidazole or 4-MI. It is produced when ammonia or ammonia sulfites are used to produce caramel color used in many food products. That's right ladies and gentlemen it does not do ANYTHING for taste and is only present to make the product look better. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) calculates that the levels of 4-MI in Pepsi, Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, and even Whole Foods 365 Cola are responsible for causing approximately 15,000 cancer deaths in the US each year. The Archives of Toxicology found in a 2008 study that 4-MI is toxic and can be linked to clonic seizures, hyperactivity, impaired gait, chronic inflammation, fatty changes of the liver, and the same adenoma, carcinoma, and leukemia results as the NIEHS in the study above. Due to some of the resounding evidence on the harmful qualities of this byproduct, the CSPI petitioned the FDA to remove caramel coloring produced this was from the "Generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) list. Read the petition here. After the FDA refused this request, Californians have voted to have labels on food products relabeled with cancer warnings under the Californian Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.
Corporate beverage giants are currently trying to spin the story that 4-MI is safe while they try to figure out a way to produce caramel coloring with less 4-MI to meet threshold levels so they don't have to relabel. These same corporations are founding that the evidence mounting against this byproduct is "scientifically unfounded" and insuring us that the cancer link has not been found in humans. Unfortunately, these beverage giants won't be making changes nationwide to their labels, even though the CSPI study found an average of 140 mcg in each 12 oz can of cola! Less toxic methods have to be found to help protect the health of our nation.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
1) Talk to your legislature about your concerns.Click here to find out who to contact.
2) Read the labels on your food products and skim for caramel color. Beware that products containing caramel color have this byproduct present in varying quantities.
3) Switch to water! I've mentioned this numerous times but many of us are dehydrated and not getting enough water for our bodies or our joints to function properly.
This byproduct is called 4-methylimidazole or 4-MI. It is produced when ammonia or ammonia sulfites are used to produce caramel color used in many food products. That's right ladies and gentlemen it does not do ANYTHING for taste and is only present to make the product look better. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) calculates that the levels of 4-MI in Pepsi, Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, and even Whole Foods 365 Cola are responsible for causing approximately 15,000 cancer deaths in the US each year. The Archives of Toxicology found in a 2008 study that 4-MI is toxic and can be linked to clonic seizures, hyperactivity, impaired gait, chronic inflammation, fatty changes of the liver, and the same adenoma, carcinoma, and leukemia results as the NIEHS in the study above. Due to some of the resounding evidence on the harmful qualities of this byproduct, the CSPI petitioned the FDA to remove caramel coloring produced this was from the "Generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) list. Read the petition here. After the FDA refused this request, Californians have voted to have labels on food products relabeled with cancer warnings under the Californian Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.
Corporate beverage giants are currently trying to spin the story that 4-MI is safe while they try to figure out a way to produce caramel coloring with less 4-MI to meet threshold levels so they don't have to relabel. These same corporations are founding that the evidence mounting against this byproduct is "scientifically unfounded" and insuring us that the cancer link has not been found in humans. Unfortunately, these beverage giants won't be making changes nationwide to their labels, even though the CSPI study found an average of 140 mcg in each 12 oz can of cola! Less toxic methods have to be found to help protect the health of our nation.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
1) Talk to your legislature about your concerns.Click here to find out who to contact.
2) Read the labels on your food products and skim for caramel color. Beware that products containing caramel color have this byproduct present in varying quantities.
3) Switch to water! I've mentioned this numerous times but many of us are dehydrated and not getting enough water for our bodies or our joints to function properly.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
10 Ways to Protect Your Joints from Arthritis...
Arthritis rates are on the rise. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation by arthr= joint and itis=inflammation. 1 in 6 Americans is now suffering from debilitating arthritis according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In adults over 65 the arthritis prevalence is over 50%! These statistics are staggering, however what many Americans don't realize is that arthritis is not a normal part of aging. That's right, read it again!!! Arthritis is an abnormal degeneration of a joint that is caused by improper alignment and stress on a joint. That means that if we correct the alignment and reduce stress on a joint arthritis and degeneration will minimize and pain will decrease as a result. Read more about what your doctor isn't telling you about arthritis here.
So what can you do to minimized arthritis and improve your joint pain? Well I'm glad you've asked because I have some great healthy habits for you today! :)
1) Visit your chiropractor for a checkup on your spine and other joints that are painful. They will be able to check your joints for improper alignment and perform a chiropractic adjustment to correct that alignment so the joint doesn't further degenerate.
2) Improve your posture. Standing up straight with your weight over the major joints of your body (head over shoulders and hips over ankles) will make sure that your bones and joints stay strong and also make sure to distribute the weight over your joints the way it was designed. This will also minimize stress on your joints and minimize pain as a result. Your chiropractor should be able to give you some great postural correction exercises to do at home.
3) Maintain a healthy weight. This will minimize stress on your joints, in fact one extra pound of weight puts 7 pounds of excess pressure on your knees.
4) Get regular exercise. This will help to strengthen your muscles to support the weight and stress associated with movement and it will take the stress away from your joints to delay or decrease joint degradation. However if you're in pain, visit a natural healer such as your chiropractor to decrease the pain so that you can return to normal exercise and recreational activities. If you're experiencing neck pain the most important muscles to strengthen are the ones in the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades, however if you're experiencing low back pain the most important muscles to strengthen is your core muscles which includes those in the low back.
5) Stretch regularly to increase muscle length to normal size. This will increase their working power and protection for joints. This will also get circulation flowing in the joint as you relax your muscles for better joint performance. If you're experiencing neck pain the most important muscles to stretch are your chest muscles, however if you're experiencing low back pain the most important muscles to stretch are the ones in the backs of your legs and your feet.
6) If you're experiencing arthritis pain already, use ice over the joint to reduce inflammation.
7) Make sure to soak your muscles in warm water or a hot shower after exercise. This will relax and loosen muscles and thus relieve excess joint pressure.
8) Make sure you're drinking enough water. 70% of people are dehydrated and not having enough water in your body will affect the fluid in your joints which can further increase arthritis pain and cause further joint inflammation.
9) Make sure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables. If you're not getting at least 7 servings of fruits or vegetables daily then you're body is most likely already more acidic than it should be. This can lead to increased body inflammation body-wide leading to even more arthritis degeneration and also decrease healing time for injuries.
10) If you're not taking a multivitamin every day, you should add it to your daily regime. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, taking a multivitamin is "insurance" against low nutrient intake. Read more about the multivitamin study here. However, you must be careful when selecting a multivitamin as they aren't regulated by the FDA and many contain harmful additives such as heavy metals which can lead to toxicity or have such low quality ingredients that you are literally flushing them down the toilet. I recommend a multivitamin such as Daily Balance or Pedia Balance for kids that is formulated, processed, and packaged with quality control standards and a satisfaction guarantee.
Read more about reducing arthritis pain here.
Here are some helpful presentations to attend:
Online Webinar - Uncover the Cause of Your Arthritis compliments of AlignLife of Peoria
Saturday June 23rd @ 2pm - 5 Ways to Start Living Younger Today
This free presentation will take place at Alignlife of Peoria, 4812 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria IL
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Seating is limited.
** Must call (309) 689-6200 to RSVP.
Tuesday June 26th @ 6pm - 5 Ways to Start Living Younger Today
This free presentation will take place at Alignlife of Peoria, 4812 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria IL
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Seating is limited.
** Must call (309) 689-6200 to RSVP.
So what can you do to minimized arthritis and improve your joint pain? Well I'm glad you've asked because I have some great healthy habits for you today! :)
1) Visit your chiropractor for a checkup on your spine and other joints that are painful. They will be able to check your joints for improper alignment and perform a chiropractic adjustment to correct that alignment so the joint doesn't further degenerate.
2) Improve your posture. Standing up straight with your weight over the major joints of your body (head over shoulders and hips over ankles) will make sure that your bones and joints stay strong and also make sure to distribute the weight over your joints the way it was designed. This will also minimize stress on your joints and minimize pain as a result. Your chiropractor should be able to give you some great postural correction exercises to do at home.
3) Maintain a healthy weight. This will minimize stress on your joints, in fact one extra pound of weight puts 7 pounds of excess pressure on your knees.
4) Get regular exercise. This will help to strengthen your muscles to support the weight and stress associated with movement and it will take the stress away from your joints to delay or decrease joint degradation. However if you're in pain, visit a natural healer such as your chiropractor to decrease the pain so that you can return to normal exercise and recreational activities. If you're experiencing neck pain the most important muscles to strengthen are the ones in the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades, however if you're experiencing low back pain the most important muscles to strengthen is your core muscles which includes those in the low back.
5) Stretch regularly to increase muscle length to normal size. This will increase their working power and protection for joints. This will also get circulation flowing in the joint as you relax your muscles for better joint performance. If you're experiencing neck pain the most important muscles to stretch are your chest muscles, however if you're experiencing low back pain the most important muscles to stretch are the ones in the backs of your legs and your feet.
6) If you're experiencing arthritis pain already, use ice over the joint to reduce inflammation.
7) Make sure to soak your muscles in warm water or a hot shower after exercise. This will relax and loosen muscles and thus relieve excess joint pressure.
8) Make sure you're drinking enough water. 70% of people are dehydrated and not having enough water in your body will affect the fluid in your joints which can further increase arthritis pain and cause further joint inflammation.
9) Make sure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables. If you're not getting at least 7 servings of fruits or vegetables daily then you're body is most likely already more acidic than it should be. This can lead to increased body inflammation body-wide leading to even more arthritis degeneration and also decrease healing time for injuries.
10) If you're not taking a multivitamin every day, you should add it to your daily regime. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, taking a multivitamin is "insurance" against low nutrient intake. Read more about the multivitamin study here. However, you must be careful when selecting a multivitamin as they aren't regulated by the FDA and many contain harmful additives such as heavy metals which can lead to toxicity or have such low quality ingredients that you are literally flushing them down the toilet. I recommend a multivitamin such as Daily Balance or Pedia Balance for kids that is formulated, processed, and packaged with quality control standards and a satisfaction guarantee.
Read more about reducing arthritis pain here.
Here are some helpful presentations to attend:
Online Webinar - Uncover the Cause of Your Arthritis compliments of AlignLife of Peoria
Saturday June 23rd @ 2pm - 5 Ways to Start Living Younger Today
This free presentation will take place at Alignlife of Peoria, 4812 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria IL
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Seating is limited.
** Must call (309) 689-6200 to RSVP.
Tuesday June 26th @ 6pm - 5 Ways to Start Living Younger Today
This free presentation will take place at Alignlife of Peoria, 4812 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria IL
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Seating is limited.
** Must call (309) 689-6200 to RSVP.
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