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Archive for the ‘Diet’ Category
What Can I Do About Allergies?
Allergies are a response from your body to things you breathe, eat or touch such as pollen, dust or dander. Most people experience the symptoms of allergies in one or more of these major body systems due to the release of histamine:
RESPIRATORY — increased histamine can cause muscle constriction and affect breathing.
LIVER — becomes weakened which causes its productivity to remove toxins to be hindered and the body’s response to invaders to be compromised.
ADRENALS — if the body is stressed,cortisol is released to try and promote an anti-inflammatory environment. Long term stimulation of adrenals can lead to a host of other problems.
IMMUNE SYSTEM — to fight off invaders, the body will increase in IgE antibodies, which causes the blood vessels to dilate, the intruder to migrate further into the system and the system to react with more severe symptoms.
The histamine response can be a vicious cycle. The body’s histamine response interferes with the proper function of your nervous system and your immunity. Many people wonder why sometimes they are affected by allergies and other times they’re not. This can happen when your nervous system is out of balance. If your body is already out of balance, it will not be able to handle any extra inflammation and will send histamine out improperly. Something has caused a shift in your threshold and now instead of being able to properly function, your immune system is on edge and overreacts to the slightest foreign substance. If your body is balanced, however, you will be able to handle the allergen without having a reaction.
We see commercials all the time that tell us that histamine is the culprit and by covering up histamine, we are now able to breathe again and are totally healthy. Is this really fixing the underlying problem? Your body was made to produce histamine. It is a necessary function of your body. Here are alternative treatments:
- Get adjusted regularly! Chiropractic adjustments help shift your nervous system toward the parasympathetic state and away from stress mode. This gives your body a chance to increase its immunity. It also removes any interference in the immunity pathways so your body can heal more efficiently.
- Make sure your lifestyle isn’t running you into the ground. Get rest, drink water, exercise, eat healthful foods! If you think one of the aforementioned things isn’t affecting your immunity, think again. Sometimes just changing those small things can make a big difference in the way we feel.
- Ask your chiropractor about the following supplements: homeopathic medications, essential fatty acids, probiotics, adrenal support and a good multivitamin with high anti-oxidants. One or more of your systems may need extra support and taking a simple supplement until it can function on its own may be an easy fix.
Be well,
Dr. Beights
Brown Bag It!
Brown Bag Lunch
When you pack your lunch yourself, you can choose healthy foods instead of resorting to fast foods or unhealthy alternatives. And…brown bag lunches are generally cheaper and save you precious time that would have otherwise been wasted going out to eat during your lunch hour!
I would recommend bringing leftovers from the night before. Soups and stews make for healthy and easy lunches. Before you leave for work in the morning just heat up your leftover soup or stew and put it in a stainless steel thermos. No need to microwave or do other preparations and you have an easy lunch ready-made. Pairings to have on hand to compliment any healthy lunch are cut up fruits and vegetables (hummus dip and nut butters go great with these). Other ideas for a healthy lunch include fresh salads, hard boiled eggs, nuts dipped in raw honey, granola, raw pumpkin seeds, a quickly blended smoothie or natural yogurts or kefirs. There are also plenty of healthy bars that you can make on the weekends for your snacks and also a few that you can buy at the stores to keep you going throughout the day.
If you’re finding it difficult to be inventive, create a lunch club at work. This is an excellent antidote when boredom or time considerations make packing a daily lunch difficult. Two, three or more colleagues can take turns bringing homemade lunches for the others. This saves time several days a week for everyone.
Be Well!
-Dr. Jennifer Beights
Here’s To A Healthy 2010
2010 is already off to a great start! If you’re looking for better ways to make this the best year yet, try this healthy tip.
Seasonal eating. Foods in season are fresh and generally healthier. Our bodies were made to eat seasonal foods because that is when these foods will naturally have more flavor and thus be more enjoyable to eat.
Here are some examples of fruits and vegetables available during the seasons:
Spring: Artichokes, asparagus, green beans, honeydew melon, limes, mangoes, oranges, pineapple, spinach, sugar snap peas, and onions
Summer: Apricots, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, corn, cucumbers, grapes, honeydew melon, nectarines, plums, raspberries, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini
Fall: Acorn squash, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, grapes, pears, sweet potatoes, turnips, and winter squash
Winter: Apples, Belgian endive, chestnuts, dates, grapefruit, kiwifruit, oranges, pears, persimmons, sweet potatoes, tangerines, turnips, and winter squash
Because organic foods are grown seasonally, it will be easier to eat organic as well! For a more plentiful list of seasonal foods in Texas, check out: http://www.picktexas.com/product/produce_avail_main.htm
Be well!
Dr. Beights
Ready For The Holidays?
The holidays are right around the corner and you know what that means…feasts and parties! With the holidays bringing in flu and cold season, don’t you want to eat your pumpkin pie and enjoy it, too? Here are some great tips to keep you happy and healthy through the holiday season.
- Moderation is key. If you really want to enjoy that piece of pumpkin pie, skip the candied cranberry sauce and yeast rolls. Overloading your system with sugar or foods that easily convert to sugar can cause a major decline in the ability of your white blood cells to fight off germs.
- Prepare ahead. Remember last year when you chatted the night away with coworkers at the holiday party and ended up with only 4 hours of sleep? If you know it will be a late night, catch a few extra Z’s in the nights beforehand as well as after. Aim for 7-9 hours a night. They had a full buffet of desserts that you just couldn’t say “No” to? Consume about 300 less calories for a day or two before and after that big calorie-fest.
- Optimize your vitamin D. Not only is it great for bone health but it’s powerful to your immune system! Check out my earlier blog for detailed info.
- De-stress your day. Stressed out? Take a breath and make a laugh! Deep breathing exercises have been proven to lower blood pressure and relax muscles and deep-bellied laughs have shown to raise natural killer cells and interferons. If stress is overtaking your day, make sure you are getting adjusted more often to help balance out that nervous system. Keeping your body in a sympathetic state too long will surely make you susceptible to illness.
- Make it berry merry. Eat berries regularly to increase your vitamin C levels as well as your powerful antioxidants (cancer fighters).
- Get a whole body checkup. Make an appointment to make sure you aren’t in need of extra supplements or boosts to your nervous system to get healthy. Chiropractic care has been proven to boost the immune system and prevent illness.
If you are concerned about your health or have any other questions about the upcoming cold and flu season, don’t hesitate to contact me. Make it a great holiday season this year!
-Dr. Jennifer Beights
Why Junk Food Tastes Good
Before refrigeration, we had to depend on color, smell and the consistency of our food to know whether it was edible. Now, 90% of all of the money that Americans spend on food goes to fast food giants. So why do we reach for the two all beef patties, special sauce, onions, cheese, pickles, lettuce on a sesame seed bun instead of carrot sticks and apples slices?
Well, turns out canning, freezing, dehydrating and storing food gives it a cardboard taste. No one wants something that tastes of cardboard. So what’s a fast food chain to do? Take it to the lab. Chemical factories came to the rescue in an attempt to reproduce the original taste of foods. That unique taste that a fast food burger has actually comes from a scientist in a white lab coat applying a few drops of specialized chemicals dubbed “flavoring.” Some even got smart and started claiming “natural flavoring.” Don’t be fooled; there is little to no difference between natural flavor and artificial flavor. Both are man made additives doing what they do best-enticing your sense of smell. Up to 90 % of flavor comes from the aroma of food. Our taste buds can account for bitter, sweet, salty and sour but our sense of smell is where it’s at. Basically, the science behind the scent of your perfume is the same as the one that is added to give flavoring to your sausage biscuit.
Maybe one day we will all be able to buy a big vial of burger essence to sprinkle on our carrot sticks and save ourselves calories. At least then we would know there was some sort of nutritional value behind the flavor. As is, the nutritional value to a fast food burger is about the same as eating the plastic wrapping surrounding it. Don’t let the nostalgic aromas get to you, reach for the carrot stick instead.
-Dr. Jennifer Beights
What to Eat, What to Eat…
What is a balanced diet? The food pyramid has changed over the years and it can be confusing trying to decide portions and balance of food choices. Food combinations are usually very important and can vary from one person to the next, but in general there are two major food groups you should always have on your plate, protein and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are best but more colorful veggies are great alternatives to change up the routine.
Protein choices vary depending on your health and metabolism. Just remember, fat is necessary in your diet but best from food sources other than animal so lean cuts of meat are generally healthier. Healthy fats can be found by eating avocados, walnuts, fish and using coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.
Things to avoid when deciding on what to feed your family include alternative sweeteners, processed food, high fructose corn syrup and dairy. Try to avoid meals that contain too many starches like heavy pastas and breads. Vegetables actually count as a carbohydrate so adding high starch items is usually overkill on the carbs.
For more information on what food choices you should be making, I recommend reading “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Peter D’Adamo or “Take Control of Your Health” by Dr. Joseph Mercola.
-Dr. Jennifer Beights
Chiropractic Can Help With Allergies?
Do you suffer from allergies? Have you tried the route of taking shots and injections and it doesn’t work well? Perhaps you’re tired of letting your allergies rule your life? Maybe you take allergy medicines but find that those come with their own set of side effects? Many people turn to chiropractic care to help relief their allergy symptoms.
By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments permit the immune system to function more effectively-something all allergy sufferers need. A nervous system without stress functions more efficiently. When your nervous system is less stressed it can deal with problems like allergies better which can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
I correct a common spinal distortion that puts stress on your nervous system. Freed of nervous system stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy-causing ailments in your environment or life.
We can also discuss your total life wellness and examine your body overall to determine additional steps, such as supplementation, that may aid in dealing with your allergies.
Having Allergies doesn’t mean you have to take pills or shots for the rest of your life! Learn from me how to deal with them naturally. Call Today!
(817)-488-4466
-Dr. Beights
What You Don’t Know You’re Eating Could Be Making You Sick!
It is well known that monosodium glutamate has severe side effects. It can poison your nervous system and cause things like headaches, tremors, mood swings, hives, heart palpitations, seizures and even death. It has been classified as a neuro-degenerative causing agent. Some neuro-degenerative diseases include Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.
Do you know what to look for to avoid MSG in the foods you may be buying? Because MSG has been considered a preservative, it may not read “monosodium glutamate” on your labels. Know what to look for and you can avoid physical symptoms of neurotoxicity.
Here is a list of additives that ALWAYS contains MSG:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
Plant Protein Extract
Sodium Caseinate
Calcium Caseinate
Yeast Extract
Textured Protein
Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Here is a list of additives that FREQUENTLY contain MSG:
Malt Extract
Malt Flavoring
Bouillon
Broth
Stock
Flavoring
Natural Flavoring
Seasoning
Spices
Here is a list that MAY contain MSG:
Carregeenan
Enzymes
Soy Protein Caseinate
Whey Protein Concentrate
Soy Protein Isolate
Make sure these “preservatives” aren’t in the foods you are eating and keep your nerves free flowing!
- Dr. Jennifer Beights
Ready…Set…Get Healthy!
January is here…time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Resolutions are on the rise and most include having a healthier year. After the over indulgence on holiday treats, January is a great time to start a detoxification regiment and lay the foundation to wellness!
Detoxification is important in order for your body to function at optimum efficiency. This will promote healing, increase immunity and allow an overall feeling of well-being. Detoxing can resolve chronic aches/pains, allergies, weight management and increase energy levels. It involves cleansing the system of harsh chemicals (food additives, preservatives, flavorings, colors/dyes, pesticides, heavy metals), irritants (food sensitivities including corn, wheat, soy, dairy, sugar, eggs, peanuts), stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, MSG, Aspartame, Sucralose) and depressants (alcohol). Obviously, this is not something that can be done overnight, but don’t despair! There are many great resources to help you along the way.
Depending on where you are on your road to health, different measures should be taken. Always follow close supervision from a professional. If this is your first detox, it may be a better idea to start to add in cleansing foods to slowly start the process, rather than briskly rush toxins through your system which can be harsh on your body and actually make you feel worse. If you are further along in your healthy living, an elimination diet will be more appropriate. If this is the case, on your next visit to Wholistic Healing Chiropractic, muscle testing can be done to see which diet is right for you during your detoxification process. Either way, if you are just beginning your journey or currently living a healthy lifestyle, the detox footbath is a helpful tool to cleanse your system! Read more about the detox footbath here.
Along with cleansing, it is important to replace the bad with good. When going through a detox, your digestive system will be changing PH levels, absorption levels, permeability and bacterial lining. It is important that you give your digestive lining the ingredients necessary to replenish and work properly. The first that I would start with is a high quality probiotic. The probiotics Wholistic Healing carries are living cultures of a healthy balance of intestinal flora that support immune function and decrease colony populations of harmful bacteria. This formula contains FOS molecules which attract bifidobacteria in the gut. Another helpful product Wholistic Healing has available is GreensFirst, a supplement high in fiber containing vegetable ingredients to give you the nutrients, vitamins and fiber that you will need. You may also need a supplement to support liver, kidney or digestive function, if these meridians show up during your visit. It is important that you get muscle tested for supplements before taking them.
If you have any questions or are ready to start your detoxification program, give us a call today!
- Dr. Jennifer Beights
Holiday Tips!
The holidays are upon us. To most that means good food, good people and extra stress! According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, the top reasons for the extra stress are not enough money, not enough time and the fear of racking up more credit card debt. If you’re feeling the extra stresses this holiday season, keep in mind that you are not alone.
This same poll concluded that holiday stress is a growing concern as 25 percent of Americans are worried that the excess stress could affect their physical health. In order to cope with these stresses over one-third of Americans stated they turn to eating and drinking alcohol. On a positive note, the poll revealed that 45 percent of Americans use exercise to cope with stress, while 44 percent utilize religious and spiritual practices. Most people turn to what they are most familiar with when faced with stressful situations and as such, a common familiar coping strategy involves eating or drinking alcohol.
Rather than resorting to these short-term fixes, here are some healthier and longer-lasting stress-relieving techniques as written in Science Blog Dec 2004.
* Think of holidays as a way to reconnect with people and solidify good relationships
* Keep your holiday task list simple to avoid overwhelming yourself by setting goals that aren’t realistic
* Look at stressful situations in a broader context and keep a handle on blowing things out of proportion
* Before a holiday stressor gets the best of you, find out what the underlying cause of the stressful situation is and focus on that
* Don’t ignore your own needs and remember to take the time to participate in activities that are meaningful and relaxing to you
By practicing these techniques and taking care of yourself, the mind and body will become stronger and more resilient to stressful situations as they surface throughout the holiday season.
- Dr. Jennifer Beights