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5 Amazing Activities That Boost Your Immune System

5 Amazing Activities That Boost Your Immune System

by | Sep 10, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Nutrition, Wellness

A 2016 survey in the US found that 3% of Americans have either a weakened, suppressed, or compromised immune system. Some researchers even believe that the numbers are rising, thanks in large part to medical advances that allow immuno-compromised individuals to live longer.

That percentage may not sound like a lot—but when you consider that you or your loved ones could fall into that category, the stakes become higher.

Are you considering ways to support and strengthen your immune system? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we list a handful of activities that help boost your immunity. Keep reading!

1. Physical Activity

You might be wondering, Does physical activity boost the immune system? It does, and in fact, it may be one of the most natural ways to boost your immunity!

In short, regular exercise can:

  • Improve your mental health (not exactly immunity-related, but a great bonus)
  • Lower your risk of illness
  • Increase the circulation of immune cells
  • Improve your immune response
  • Reduce harmful inflammation

Experts recommend an aerobic activity that lasts less than an hour, done regularly throughout the week (without overdoing it). This includes everything from walking to running, attending a spin class, or using the elliptical.

2. Quitting Bad Habits

This may not seem like an “activity,” but you can make it one! Record your highs and lows, progress and setbacks in a journal or with friends to make it more fun—and to hold yourself accountable.

Some habits to consider kicking include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Lack of sleep (more on that later)
  • A poor diet

3. Getting Adequate Sleep

Resting is an activity—and let’s admit, it’s a fulfilling one!

Not getting adequate sleep is detrimental to your immune system. On the flip side, getting good sleep fosters it.

When you sleep, your body creates cytokines, which are proteins that target infection and inflammation. The fewer sleep you get, the fewer cytokines your body produces. Not only does rest produce these proteins, but it releases them, too.

Sound sleep: it’s a win-win!

4. Visiting the Sauna

The health benefits of sauna-going are enticing!

The heat from saunas can reduce inflammation, improve your immune response, and reduce harmful physical stress, which takes its own toll on the body’s immune response.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your immune function, use your local sauna for about 15 to 20 minutes tops (to avoid dehydration).

5. Checking in With Your Chiropractor

The best chiropractor will support you in your entirety—beyond the mechanics of your spine. In addition to this, chiropractors emphasize your body healing itself without the use of prescription drugs and/or surgery.

The relationship between your body’s structure and its function is undeniable, and it’s something that’s significantly studied in the chiropractic world. The bond between these two things promotes the preservation and restoration of health, as well as the body’s natural recuperative power.

So, it might be time to visit your local chiropractor and see what they have to say about your nervous system, general physical health, and stress and anxiety levels.

Don’t Wait to Boost Your Immune System

If you’ve noticed one thing about these activities, it’s probably that they’re actionable on a daily basis. Additionally, they’re relatively simple to incorporate into your day-to-day.

Your immune system greatly depends on your efforts—your good habits, your sleeping patterns, your exercise levels, and more. If you can practice these activities regularly, you’ll be glad you did.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic & Wellness, we strive to make you feel better, and we’re not just talking about your spinal health! We take a well-rounded approach that observes everything from your physical activity to your body’s general well-being.

If you’re a new patient, click here to request an appointment with our talented team. We look forward to hearing from you.

How to Naturally Increase Your Immune System

How to Naturally Increase Your Immune System

by | Aug 31, 2020 | Informational, Nutrition, Wellness

How to Increase Your Immune System: 3 Tips to Improve Your Immunity Naturally

Certain studies report that early 3% of American adults have a weakened immune system. Those with some of the weakest immune systems include women, those in their 50s, and white people. However, anyone can have a weak immune system, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors.

Are you one of those with a less-than-healthy immune system?

If so, you’ve likely landed here for a reason—you’re looking for a way to change that. You’re wondering how to increase your immune system naturally, whether through supplements, chiropractic treatment, exercise, and the like.

In this guide, we have the answers you seek. Whether it’s how to increase your immune system with food or fluids, or something else entirely, we take a well-rounded approach. Keep reading for more.

Simple (But Significant) Tips on How to Improve Your Immune System

Strengthening your immune response doesn’t have to be complicated. You can practice these guidelines without the need for fancy regimens, costly appointments at the doctor, or fads. 

Without further ado, here are data-backed ways to get healthier.

1. Drink Your Water

Does staying hydrated help your immune system?

In fact, it does!

Our immune system depends on our bloodstream, which is full of nutrients. Our bloodstream depends on water, which it’s mostly made of—therefore, a hydrated bloodstream equals a healthier one. Without hydration, those nutrients don’t have the transportation necessary to make it to our organs.

Hydration also contributes to several other bodily functions, such as the detoxification of pathways in the body and clearing out waste and foreign invaders. 

2. Visit Your Chiropractor 

According to data, a chiropractic visit may be just the thing to boost your health.

When people think of a chiropractor, they think of spinal care, and that’d be accurate—but that’s not all a chiropractor does.

Many people visit their chiropractor when they have pain in the lower, mid-, or upper back. It helps to understand our nervous systems, too, which are directly affected by our spinal health. Since we operate in fight-or-flight (sympathetic nervous system) or rest-and-digest (parasympathetic), being able to relax, pain-free, is an excellent way to foster our well-being.

Chiropractors also tend to observe other aspects of the body, such as tightness or tension, as well as common ailments, like headaches or even plantar fasciitis.

3. Focus on Nutrition

Nutrition and diet obviously play a massive role in our immune systems. The more nutritious, well-rounded, and vitamin-rich your diet, the better your immune system can function.

Doctors recommend a balanced portion of the following items, among others:

  • Berries (vitamin C!)
  • Mushrooms
  • Oysters, which have a healthy amount of zinc
  • Yogurts, like Greek yogurt, which is high in probiotics
  • Cruciferous greens like spinach or kale

It’s crucial to limit your usage of alcohol, as well as intake of processed sugar, fried foods, bad fats, and more.

If possible, try to get most of these vitamins from food. However, you may need to take supplements depending on lifestyle and other factors. Supplements are an excellent natural way to boost your immunity—but it’s important to take the appropriate amounts.

Make Wellness a Priority

When it comes to how to increase your immune system, there are many things you can do independently—make movement a priority, as well as diet and sleep, and other positive habits—stuff in your control.

Some things, however, are better left to an expert; that includes visiting a chiropractor.

Book an appointment with us and get so much more than an improved range of motion. Learn how to build a healthier immune system, too. We look forward to hearing f

Understanding Neuropathy

Understanding Neuropathy

by | Jul 22, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Nutrition, Sleep

Understanding Neuropathy: Questions to Ask Your Neuropathy Doctor

​Over 20 million Americans suffer from some form of peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathy causes discomfort and weakness in your extremities. Damaged peripheral nerves send interrupted messages to your brain that results in pain. Common neuropathy causes include diabetes, injuries, alcoholism, and infection.

Do you have neuropathy questions? If so, keep reading. Our expert neuropathy doctor has created a go-to guide for frequently asked neuropathy questions.

Why Is Neuropathy Worse at Night?

Medical professionals believe neuropathy symptoms may have something to do with temperature changes during the night. Bodily temperatures fluctuate as we sleep. The same nerves that signal temperature changes also send pain signals.

Damaged nerves may translate fluctuating temperatures to tingling, sharp, or burning pain. The cool temperatures also slow your heart rate, leading to reduced blood flow.

Poor sleep quality may also play a role in neuropathy symptoms. Less sleep leads to increased pain perception and irritability.

Does Peripheral Neuropathy Get Worse in Cold Weather?

Neuropathy can get worse in colder climates. Cold temperatures decrease blood flow. As circulation decreases, nerve pain (especially in the hands and feet) increases.

Patients living with neuropathy should take precautions to bundle up when the seasons change. Light cardio can warm up muscles and promote circulation. Patients should avoid caffeine, as it can restrict blood flow.

Does Neuropathy Get Worse Over Time?

While neuropathy treatments can alleviate symptoms, there is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy.

If left untreated, neuropathy will worsen. Damaged nerves will send irregular messages to the brain more frequently, leading to constant numbness and burning sensations. Over time, the spinal cord may get so used to the pain signals that it starts to send them on its own.

Seeking immediate neuropathy treatment is the key to slowing down nerve signals and preventing severe pain.

What Foods Make Neuropathy Worse?

If you’re living with neuropathy, avoid starchy foods that are high in gluten. Research has shown a gluten-free diet may protect against nerve pain.

Incorporate gluten-free alternatives into your meals. Steer clear of pasta, bread, and pizzas.

Neuropathy patients should also avoid sugary, salty, and processed foods. This includes:

  • Potato chips
  • Cold cuts
  • Candy
  • Soft drinks and fruit juices
  • Fast food

Instead, focus on maintaining a nutritious and wholesome lifestyle. Foods rich in anti-inflammatories and vitamin B12 are ideal. Whole grains, lean meats, nuts, fish, and veggies can decrease neuropathy symptoms.

Natural Ways to Alleviate Neuropathy Symptoms?

Chiropractic, physical therapy, surgery, and injections can treat peripheral neuropathy. However, patients can make healthy lifestyle changes to naturally decrease their symptoms.

First things first, quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake. Smoking decreases blood circulation and increases discomfort. Alcohol causes inflammation and stress, which can trigger nerve pain.

In some cases, neuropathy is related to vitamin deficiencies. Increasing your vitamins B and D intake can ease the condition’s symptoms. Vitamin B boosts nerve health, while vitamin D lessens nerve pain.

Incorporate cayenne pepper into your diet. The pepper naturally lowers the intensity of pain signals, which is why it’s a common ingredient in topical creams.

Take warm baths to prevent discomfort. The warm water boosts circulation and lowers pain symptoms.

Meditation lowers stress and improves sleep quality. It allows those living with neuropathy to feel as if they have some control over their bodies.

Are You Looking for a Neuropathy Doctor?

Neuropathy is a chronic pain disorder that can hinder your quality of life. Fortunately, a professional neuropathy doctor can help.

Request an appointment to learn more about how we treat peripheral neuropathy. Our medical professionals use a variety of treatment methods to decrease pain and heal your body. 

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Protein Shakes

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Protein Shakes

by | Jul 20, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Nutrition, Weight-Loss

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Protein Shakes

Your body is 17% protein, and that protein is essential to the functioning of your cells, tissues, and organs. For fitness enthusiasts, it’s also important for getting the best results from your work out. 

It’s no wonder that protein powders and protein shakes have taken over store shelves. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which is right for you. 

Read on to learn more about what makes a good protein powder and which you should be using in your smoothies. 

What Is Bioavailability?

You can’t choose the right protein powder without understanding bioavailability. Bioavailability is how easily and how much of something that you consume actually absorbs into your body.

In other words, the bioavailability of a food or nutrient is what determines how beneficial it is to your health. Eating extra supplements won’t do you any good if your body isn’t actually absorbing them. Some of the most important micronutrients like vitamins and minerals can be the hardest to absorb completely. 

Your stomach acid can also destroy some of the nutrients you digest before they’re absorbed into your bloodstream. This is why the greater the bioavailability of food, the better it is for you. 

Why It’s Important When Choosing a Protein Powder

So why does bioavailability matter when it comes to choosing your protein shakes?

Well, there are many types of protein powders available, and not all of them are as bioavailable as the rest. For your protein smoothie to really do its job and not go to waste, you want to absorb as much of that protein as possible. Not only is it better for you, but you get more out of your money. 

Studies have shown that whey protein powders are the most easily absorbed, and therefore, the most effective. They also help you feel full for longer, which means it helps in the weight loss category as well!

Which Protein Powder Is the Most Effective

When looking for a premier protein powder, you should consider the source of protein, the amount of sugar, and the excess ingredients. All-natural products without added sweeteners are the best for your body. 

You should also choose powders with whey protein because of its bioavailability and because it’s a complete protein. A complete protein is a protein that contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. 

For many, Solutions4 is the best premier protein option. Not only is it whey protein, but it’s zero sugar, 100% all-natural,  gluten-free, soy-free, lactose-free, and contains extra digestive enzymes to boost bioavailability. 

Where to Find Solutions4 Nutritional Shakes

If you’re wondering where to find Solutions4 premier protein shakes, you can get them at the Amazing Life Chiropractic office.

Nutrition is just as important to your health as chiropractic care, so Amazing Life Chiropractic offers a variety of nutrition services including vitamin and mineral supplements. 

Get the Perfect Protein Shakes for You

Everyone’s body and needs are different. What doesn’t change from person to person is the importance of bioavailability when it comes to your supplements. 

When choosing a protein powder, make sure to choose one with whey protein, so you know you’re doing what’s best for your body.

If you want to optimize your health, check out our collection of services for a better body and life.

Nutrition and Chronic Disease: This Is What You Need to Know

Nutrition and Chronic Disease: This Is What You Need to Know

by | Jul 17, 2020 | Informational, Nutrition, Sleep, Wellness

Nutrition and Chronic Disease: This Is What You Need to Know

Nearly half of the adults in the U.S. have at least one preventable chronic disease. 

It’s an unfortunate reality that many of us deal with life-long struggles due to a lack of education about behavioral and dietary choices. As a result, many people turn to exercise and medication in hopes of treating or preventing these illnesses.

What’s often ignored and is a main component of health is nutrition. Keep reading to find out the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease so that you can make informed decisions for your well being. 

Can Poor Nutrition Lead to Chronic Diseases?

One of the four main risk factors for chronic diseases is poor nutrition. The others include excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and insufficient exercise. 

To understand why this is, it’s helpful to think of our bodies as if they were machines. Just like a car needs a certain type of gas and regular maintenance, our bodies need proper nutrition and exercise. 

Poor nutrition is malnutrition, which can be broken up into three categories:

  • Undernutrition (i.e. not getting enough macronutrients)
  • Micronutrient-related malnutrition (i.e. getting too much or not enough minerals and/or vitamins)
  • Overweight, obesity, and diet-related diseases

If your machine (your body) doesn’t get what it needs over time, it can lead to the following chronic diseases.

Chronic Diseases Associated With Poor Nutrition

While the scope of chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition may be wider, these are some of the illnesses that are linked to not eating a proper diet:

  • Arthritis
  • Brain dysfunction
  • Cancer
  • Dental disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart diseases (as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol)
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis

Luckily, we have the education and power to make good nutritional choices to reduce the risk, progression, and symptoms of chronic diseases.

Using Nutrition to Fight Chronic Diseases

As it’s said, “we are what we eat”. To work towards our healthiest selves, we can integrate balanced nutrition into our diets to improve our lives.

Rather than thinking of it as a diet or a short-term goal, think of working towards good nutrition as a life-long journey. Start with one area at a time to make a smooth transition.

One thing you can do is start cutting out processed foods. Processed foods are any ingestible items that have been altered before reaching your hands (and mouth). Sometimes, this is a good thing, as processing allows for long-term storage while killing off harmful bacteria.

However, when foods are processed, essential nutrients are often destroyed or removed. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to chronic diseases over time.

Work towards creating an organic, fresh, and balanced diet. This includes eating plenty of whole fruits and vegetables (roughly 5 portions per day), reducing added sugars, and eating plenty of nutritious carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fats (i.e. walnuts, seeds, or fish). 

Good nutrition isn’t always about counting calories, but it’s always about making calories count. 

Nutrition and Chronic Disease Go Hand-in-Hand 

By investing in your nutrition, you can prevent and reduce symptoms of chronic diseases to strive towards wellness.

Keep learning about nutrition and chronic disease so that you can make informed decisions. Then, take things day by day and make small changes for a better future.

For guidance, consider using our nutrition services to help you in your journey. 

Creating a Meal Plan for Diabetes

Creating a Meal Plan for Diabetes

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Advice, Diabetes, Informational, Nutrition

Creating a Meal Plan for Diabetes: A Quick Guide

As of 2018, 10.5% of the U.S. population has diabetes. In fact, more than one million Americans get a diabetes diagnosis each year. 

If you’ve had a recent diabetes diagnosis, know that you’re not alone. It’s a condition that you can manage with exercise and a healthy diet. 

Transitioning to a new diet can be frustrating, especially when you have to cut back on your favorite foods. 

Luckily, the right diabetic diet plan can keep you feeling your best. Read on to find out why proper nutrition is important and how to create a meal plan for diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes affects the pancreas, which is the organ that regulates blood sugar using a hormone called insulin. It happens for one of two reasons: your body can’t make the right amount of insulin or your body doesn’t use it correctly. 

Roughly 90-95% of diabetics have Type 2, which makes it the most common type of diabetes. It happens when your body can’t effectively use insulin. Extra body weight and a lack of exercise can lead to Type 2.

Type 1 happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. It’s a less common type and often appears during childhood. 

How Nutrition Can Impact Diabetes

Any time you eat too many calories or fat, your blood sugar can spike which can lead to complications. Luckily, you can keep your blood sugar levels in a safe range by eating the right foods. That’s why a healthy diet is critical to managing diabetes.

It’s also important to form good habits like eating at the same time every day and sticking to three meals. 

Creating a Meal Plan for Diabetes

A Type 2 diabetes diet should revolve around complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber. Since you need to limit the amount of calories and carbs you eat, it’s important to make everything in your nutrition plan count.  

The best diet for diabetics includes these foods:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grain bread and pasta
  • Nuts and legumes (unsalted almonds and walnuts, beans, peas)
  • Low-fat dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk)
  • Fish with omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and tuna)
  • Lean protein (chicken and turkey)
  • Healthy fats in moderation (avocados, olive oil)

You should avoid foods with a lot of sodium, saturated fat, and overly-processed foods. If you’re going to indulge, enjoy in moderation and choose the healthiest option. Here are some examples of what to avoid:

  • Red meat (beef and pork)
  • Hot dogs, bacon, sausage
  • High sodium foods (chips, crackers, canned food, some frozen entrees)
  • Highly-processed foods (packaged snack cakes, cookies, baked goods)

Transition to a Healthier Diet

A meal plan for diabetes doesn’t have to deprive you of your favorite foods. The important thing is to enjoy everything in moderation and choose a healthier option when it’s available. Plus, don’t forget to exercise, drink water, and check your blood sugar level. 

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we offer a 5-week program to help people with diabetes transition to a healthier diet. To learn more or book an appointment for chiropractic care, contact us today.