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Paleo, Keto and Mediterranean Diets. What’s the Difference and Which Should You Try?

Paleo, Keto and Mediterranean Diets. What’s the Difference and Which Should You Try?

From 2013 to 2016, 49.1% of adults engaged in weight loss efforts within the past year. With so many diets and exercise regimes, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Paleo, Keto, and Mediterranean diets are some of the best plans for weight loss and disease management. But, before starting either of these, you need to learn the difference between Paleo and Keto diets.

Continue reading to learn how to eat a Paleo, Keto and Mediterranean diet and the best type of food for a Paleo and Keto diet!

Keto Diet

To answer the question of what is the paleo and keto diet, you need to first understand the basics of the Ketogenic diet.

On the Keto diet, your goal is to have your daily food intake be mostly fat at 80%, some protein at 15% to 20%, and very little carbohydrates. Your meals will mostly consist of dairy products, nuts, fish, and vegetables. Starchy or high-carbohydrate items like potatoes, chips, bread, and fruits are not recommended.

You should choose this diet if the food restrictions would be sustainable for your lifestyle. Since the diet is low in carbohydrates, it’s good for people with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or obesity. Despite the health benefits, risks include kidney stones, nutritional deficiencies, or stomach problems. 

Paleo Diet

Though they are similar, the biggest difference between a Paleo versus Keto diet is the restriction level.

The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods that were available during the Paleolithic period. This includes a lot of nuts, meats, and fresh produce. Dairy, grain, starch, and processed products, such as crackers and potatoes, are not allowed. This diet is less restrictive than Keto but has a lot of the same focus on reducing carbohydrate intake.

This is a good choice for people looking to reduce their junk food intake to lose weight or improve high blood pressure. You should always consult with your doctor or chiropractor about any diet changes

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is the least restrictive of these three diets and also includes a healthy carbohydrate intake.

You would be eating foods popular near the Mediterranean sea like fresh produce, whole grain, nuts, olive oil, and fish. Dairy products like yogurt and carbohydrate-heavy items like rice are encouraged. Discouraged foods are red meat and processed items like candy.

This diet is the best choice for those seeking to improve their health by reducing their packaged food intake and eating healthier foods. The biggest disadvantage is the time consumption of cooking meals despite its cost-effectiveness.

Difference Between Paleo and Keto Diets

Now that you understand the difference between Paleo and Keto diets, you can choose the right one for your needs and preferences. Whether a more restrictive diet like Keto or a more balanced diet like Mediterranean is best depends on its long-term potential.

If you need a bit of help let us know visit Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness today in Mill Creek, Washington,! 

Benefits of Therapeutic Massages

Benefits of Therapeutic Massages

Why You Should Experience Therapeutic Massage

According to ACA, chronic pain is one of the most likely reasons people miss work.

Pain and stress both put a damper on everyday activities. When you’re stressed out, it’s hard to enjoy the present.

You deserve to enjoy the little moments that make life enjoyable. Hands-on approaches like a therapeutic massage could be just what the doctor ordered!

Below are the basics of therapeutic massage therapy. We will talk about different massage techniques and the quick relief they bring!

What Is a Therapeutic Massage?

This type of massage is a safe and effective form of therapy. People from all over the world practice massage therapy at a professional level.

A this type of massage involves mobilizing soft tissue like muscle and body fluids to restore normal use and can can help treat most musculoskeletal problems.

Licensed Massage Therapists use their hands to manipulate different parts of the body. If illness or injury leaves pain or stress in your body, you could seek a massage therapist to massage the affected areas.

Massage can be done alongside other medical treatments. Simply discuss your options with a health professional before your first session.

What Is the Difference Between Swedish and Therapeutic Massage?

There are several types of therapeutic massage techniques based on the firmness and focus of touch.

Swedish vs. therapeutic massage is a popular query among people looking for the right therapeutic massage.

Therapeutic massage is the umbrella term for all massage techniques. Swedish massage is one of those techniques.

Swedish massages use flowing and kneading hand movements. These help to relieve tension and have a calming effect on the body.

Some other massage techniques are reflexology, which focuses on pressure points in the body, or lymph drainage therapy, which improves the movement of lymph fluid in your body.

If you aren’t sure which technique to try, simply let your massage therapist know which area of your body is in distress. Let them know when aches, pain or stress flares up on a typical day. Your massage therapist can then use a light or firm touch accordingly.

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

A common complaint from patients is stress and its negative effects on both mind and body. Stress can cause a chemical imbalance, fatigue, and a lowered immune system.

Regular massages combat stress by stimulating fatigued areas of the body. As your body begins to feel better, you may feel the stress melt away. Blood flow can help you feel more focused and energized.

You may notice better circulation after just one massage. Doctors often note improved function among lymph nodes, too.

Even your brain benefits from massage. Neurological function in patients is much higher after utilizing therapeutic massage therapy.

The best benefits of therapeutic massage? The sense of harmony and overall well being. Your body needs regular attention to align with your mind.

Relief Requires a Professional Touch

Tackling pain head-on requires the knowledge of a professional.

Instead of having kids walk on your back or ignoring your pain, get the therapeutic massage you need. The right professional will have years of experience putting patients’ minds and bodies at ease!

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!

5 Amazing Side Effects of Seeing the Chiropractor

5 Amazing Side Effects of Seeing the Chiropractor

Believe it or not, the second most common reason people go to the doctor in the United States is for lower back pain. It so happens that this is also one of the many ailments and everyday struggles that seeing the chiropractor can help with. Chiropractors are medical professionals who help patients with the neuromusculoskeletal system, including the spine, nerves, muscles, tendons, and more.  Whether you suffer from chronic pain or not, a visit to the chiropractor can do you a lot of good. Read on to learn five amazing side effects of seeing a chiropractor. 

1. Get Better Sleep

Chiropractic care can actually help you get better sleep at night. 

For those who suffer from pain that keeps them up at night, a chiropractor can reduce this pain for you. 

For those who aren’t in pain, you may still have mild spine misalignment or muscle tension issues causing unnoticeable physical strain. When the chiropractor removes this strain, it allows your body to relax more fully. As a result, you sleep better and feel more rested in the morning!

2. Reduce Pain Throughout Your Body

Short-term and long-term pain can be treated with chiropractic care. In fact, some doctors will recommend non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care before suggesting surgery or medication. 

One study even showed that spinal manipulation treated non-specific neck pain better than medication treatment. 

Chiropractors are often taught after for neck and back pain, but they can also treat headaches caused by tension and neck pain. 

3. Improve Your Digestion

Since chiropractic care boosts the health of your spine and everything attached to it, it also benefits your nervous system.

It’s no secret that your nervous system and digestive system are connected—many of the nerves that are ultimately attached to your spine play key roles in your digestive processes. 

As a result, seeing a chiropractor can improve digestion ailments. In some cases, it has even been known to help with IBS, heartburn, and constipation.

4. Enhance Your Range of Motion

Another of the many reasons to see a chiropractor is that it can improve your range of motion.

Over time, many of your body’s connective elements – like your tissues, joints, and ligaments – wear down. Chiropractic services can slow down this deterioration, saving you from pain down the road.  

5. Gain Better Posture

Poor posture is a prevalent problem as many people sit too much throughout the day. If you have poor posture, chiropractors can work with you to improve it over time and reduce any resulting pain. 

Better back mobility and strengthened muscles will also help you maintain good posture later in life. 

Seeing the Chiropractor Can Change Your Life

Regular chiropractic care can truly change your life by helping you maintain a healthy and pain-free existence. 

On top of treating common causes of pain, seeing the chiropractor can improve your posture, enhance your range of motion, improve your digestion, and help you get better sleep at night. The amazing side effects of seeing a chiropractor!

Interested in taking advantage of these prime benefits and more? Check out our services today.

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery Time

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery Time

Recovering from an injury can be a frustrating experience, especially if recovery is limiting your mobility. There are various factors that can impact how well or how fast you might recover from an injury and knowing what they are can increase your chance of feeling better faster. 

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery

  • Pushing yourself physically: Depending on the injury in question, you can slow your recovery if you are doing too much with the injured part of your body too quickly. For example, if you have sustained a leg injury, pushing yourself to walk on it before you are ready can compromise your recovery significantly. It is important to follow the instructions of your medical provider when it comes to how much you can do after an injury and when you can do it. You should also listen to your body and if you are in pain or feel too uncomfortable while engaging in physical activity, you might be doing too much too fast. This kind of overexertion can significantly set you back in the recovery process. 
  • Expending too much energy too soon: Expending too much energy too soon can also compromise your recovery. Rest is important during recovery even from the seemingly smallest of injuries. It is the way that your body heals. If you expend too much energy too soon, then your body cannot regenerate energy effectively to heal the injury in question. Therefore, energy conservation should be a priority as you recover from an injury of any kind.
  • Poor nutrition: Poor nutrition and lack of hydration can also compromise healing from an injury. This is similar to the body’s need for rest in that it operates more effectively when you are taking care of it. If you are not eating properly, then your body’s systems are not firing on all cylinders and you are likely to heal much more slowly than you otherwise might. 
  • Improper medication management: Improper medication management is also a common reason for healing slowly from an injury. Taking too little or too much of any medication provided for an injury can derail your healing. This is the reason it is imperative to take any medications prescribed for healing exactly as directed and check in with your healthcare provider often to determine how effective any medication might be as you recover.

Supplemental Assistance

While the speed of your recovery is important, so is the efficacy of it. The last thing you want is for an injury to heal improperly or cause issues elsewhere in the body. This is the reason that supplemental assistance during the healing process can make a huge difference in your physical outcome. 

Chiropractic care, physical therapy and other forms of supplemental assistance can help tremendously during the healing process to both help you recover faster and better. 

If you are frustrated with the speed of your recovery or just want to know how to make lifestyle changes that can help, reach out to Amazing Life Chiropractic to learn more. 

Different Imaging Technologies

Different Imaging Technologies

The imaging services sector is among the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. It was estimated at approximately 134 billion dollars in 2020. Ideally, most people prefer medical imaging since it remains a fast and safe way to obtain vital medical information. Whether you require interventional radiology or diagnostic radiology, radiologists will use different imaging technologies for accurate imaging results.

Different Types of Imaging Technologies

Medical imaging has revolutionized diagnostic and intervention treatment due to the presence of interfacial intelligence in radiology. Imaging technologies include imaging modalities such as MRI, X-ray, and CT scan that promote timely diagnosis for different health conditions. Here is a list of the top imaging technologies radiologists use to obtain accurate images:

X-rays Imaging Technology

This medical imaging technique utilizes electromagnetic waves to capture images of the hard tissues. This common form of radiology is useful in fracture diagnosis or bone tumors. When a person enters the X-ray machine, a radiologist exposes their body to high energy light radiation that remains invisible. As the light passes through the target region, hard tissues such as bones absorb most waves. The X-ray machine transfers images of the film for interpretation.

When do you Use X-ray Imaging Technology?

  • An x-ray scan helps orthodontists and dentists to inspect your teeth.
  • Radiologists recommend X-ray scans to diagnose bone tumors.
  • X-ray scans are common in guiding surgeons in detecting broken bones and guiding operations.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Unlike an X-ray machine, the CT scanner uses additional software to create 3D images of internal structures. It picks subtle body parts that remain invisible in X-rays.

What Are Some Common Uses of CT Scans?

  • Radiologists use CT imaging technology to locate soft tissue tumors and estimate their size.
  • CT’s scans are also essential in monitoring progress on developing conditions such as tumors and cancers.
  • CT scans can be used in diagnosing broken bones from landscaping activities.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology (MRI)

An MRI uses both radio frequency (RF) and magnetic waves to create images of the internal body structures. MRI imaging technology produces high-quality cross-sectional images for radiographers to differentiate various tissues. A patient lies in a long tube with magnetic fields. However, doctors also recommend open MRIs for claustrophobic patients.

What Are Some Common Uses of MRI Imaging Technology?

  • MRI scans provide a more detailed image of internal body parts such as blood vessels and the brain.
  • MRIs are essential in diagnosing or monitoring health conditions and preparing treatment plans by doctors or chiropractors.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging Technology (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radiologists use radioactive tracers to detects irregular body tissues. A PET scan is often preferred because it creates a 3D image of the internal body organs. When focused on specific body parts and combined with MRI and CT scans, PET scans provide an accurate diagnosis.

Common Uses of PET

  • They are used to monitor the progression of health conditions such as cancer.
  • Radiologists use PET to diagnose dementia.
  • Doctors use PET to plan surgeries.

Ultrasound (Sonography)

Medical practitioners utilize high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissue, organs, and muscles.

Uses of ultrasound Scans

  • Doctors use an ultrasound scan to monitor the progress of unborn babies.
  • Medical practitioners use ultrasound scans to plans and guide surgeons during surgery.

Expert Imaging in Mill Creek, Washington

You can not proceed with your daily activities if you suffer from internal pain caused by medical conditions or injuries. Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness’s talented staff provide you with preventive care or a treatment plan.

 Schedule an appointment with us and learn more about different imaging technologies to help you detect health conditions early with accuracy. Also, call us at 1(425)-737-5343 for high-quality services.

 

Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Avoiding Swollen Feet During Pregnancy: 4 Chiropractic Tips That Can Help

Did you know that each year 123 million women attempt to become pregnant and succeed? Are you currently pregnant, and want to make sure you avoid swollen feet during pregnancy? Or, maybe you’re currently experiencing swelling, and want to know what to do next?  In this article, explore the top chiropractic tips for keeping your feet at a normal size with no swelling. Read on to explore these tips from your chiropractic office here at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. 

When Do Your Feet Swell During Pregnancy? 

Swelling (edema) affects many pregnant women each year. You might notice it beginning between weeks 22-27. It’s common for it to stay until you give birth. 

What happens is your body fluids increase for both your baby and you. This increased fluid accumulates within the tissues in your body.

Pressure is experienced on your vena cava and pelvic veins from your uterus growing. This can cause swelling in your feet and ankles. It can also cause swelling in your hands as well. 

1. Exercise

To prevent swelling, do pregnancy-safe exercises, rest, drink plenty of water, and eat healthily. Make sure to choose comfortable shoes instead of anything too tight and restricting. Be mindful of your shoe size because some women might experience a permanent shoe size change from pregnancy. 

2. Stretch

During the day, have your feet up and stretch your legs to ensure you’re keeping the blood flowing. Don’t sit or stand for too long at a time. When you raise your legs, keep them higher than your heart. 

3. Avoid Socks

Avoid stockings or socks since they can restrict your blood flow. Instead, choose compression socks. They can help reduce any swelling you’re currently experiencing. 

4. Reduce Salt

In the United States, many Americans eat a high sodium diet. While some might find it delicious, it can increase your risk of swelling during pregnancy.

Ensure that you watch how much salt you use, and cut down on it. Instead, choose foods that are lower in sodium content. Choose fresh herbs instead of salt for your meals. 

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

To decrease the swelling you’re experiencing, choose a high potassium diet. Examples of foods high in potassium are bananas, salmon, lentils, yogurt, beans, spinach, and sweet potatoes. 

If you drink coffee or tea with caffeine, you’ll want to cut back. Coffee can make the swelling you’re experiencing worse due to the caffeine. Instead, go for herbal tea or decaf coffee. 

Choose waist-high maternity support stockings during pregnancy to help out. Make sure that you’re getting enough water as well. If you’re not finding relief with at home care, you’ll want to schedule a chiropractic appointment

Tips for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Now that you’ve explored the top tips for reducing and preventing swollen feet during pregnancy, you should have better information to have less swollen feet soon. Are you uncomfortable from your swollen feet, and want relief? 

Or maybe you’re trying to get your baby into a good position before delivery? Contact us today and we’ll come up with an action plan that’s specific to your needs.