Food allergies are well known in our society. These allergies are an immune system response that is typically characterized by hives, shortness of breath, digestive system upset and in some rare cases severe symptoms that can lead to a medical emergency. The most common food allergies are to nuts, shellfish, wheat and dairy. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network about 4% of the United States population has a food allergy. Food intolerance, on the other hand, is much more common than food allergies and is characterized by digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, chronic fatigue, aching joints, skin disorders and…
Read More
Catch Better Zzzzzz's If counting sheep is getting old, you’re among a great majority who have difficulty sleeping – falling, staying, or getting restful sleep. You may not be able to fall back asleep if you wake up, you may feel you need coffee all day or need to nap by noon. There are natural ways to sleep better at night! Most of us need about 7-8 hours of good shut-eye for optimum daily functioning. Most of us need about 7-8 hours of good shut-eye for optimum daily functioning. After all, when it is terrible, so is everything else! As…
Read More
Whether suffering from acute or chronic pain, we can all agree that it can be MISERABLE! Often times we find ourselves on a much larger regimen of pain relievers than we’d like to take. We may take a small dose, realize that dose isn’t working, and continue to take more. Our goal is to help you get to the root of the problem get some pain relief and remove the ‘band-aid’ approach! While some medications may be the best temporary option, long-term consumption can cause chronic issues and lead to more serious health problems. Common conditions seen may include leaky…
Read More
People have been eating seasonally since the beginning of time – there was no other choice. We usually find that ‘in-season’ foods taste much better, cost less, and are readily available. It has also been found that these 8 fall foods contain a greater quantity of nutrients than when you purchase the same food out-of-season. Top 8 Fall Foods That Contain an Array of Nutrients and Benefits Pears – try the Bartlett variety which contains a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and copper. Additional benefit: people who ate a diet high in white-fleshed fruits like pears or apples had a…
Read More
It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of people are affected with some form of neck pain at some time in their lives; five to ten percent suffer a pain in the neck that is debilitating. Relating to those with “nonspecific” discomfort – pain not associated with injury, disorder, or tissue degeneration – a recent study in the journal Spine, researchers examined 40 adults with no prior neck injuries or treatment, to study the structural composition of the neck and its relation to pain. Volunteers were tested for neck-muscle endurance, range of motion, and extension, and questioned about their history…
Read More
What’s the harm in having too little of one vitamin?! The issues could potentially be lengthy. Your body uses B12 injections to make nerves, DNA, red blood cells, and to carry out any necessary functions. Like many other vitamins, B12 cannot be made within our body; it has to be absorbed from our food or from supplementation. For many, issues often begin with a poor diet or inability to properly absorb what they’re taking in. As a result, it is common to see B12 deficiency in older individuals, those on medications, and with illness. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that up…
Read More
Eating healthy on a budget has a lot to consider. Two things often fall short in our daily lives: time and often money. Industries taking advantage of this include fast food manufacturers and grocers. We are often drawn to expensive, over-processed convenience foods that impair our waistline, health, and budget. About 50% of meals are consumed outside the home! With our limitations on time, the temptations of these items seem far better than cooking. We also may feel our kitchen skills are below average, have busy children’s schedules, and are often just ‘too tired’ for added effort and ‘deserve a…
Read More
Fashion is a big part of our culture and we all enjoy following the latest trends and fashions. However, designers generally don’t take into consideration comfort and function, but favor style. We often see women wearing high heels to round out their outfit, but serious discomfort and problems can follow. High heels alter your balanced position which, not only, can affect your feet, ankles, and knees, but can affect your low back! You see, our musculo-skeletal system is like a linked sling of muscles. When one is affected, the next is affected as you may visualize a row of dominoes falling. We can eventually feel the effects of foot problems in our neck! Women are not the only ones sacrificing comfort for style. Clothing can often be restrictive tight pants or skirts and can throw off simple tasks such as sitting, bending, and walking. This restricts you from moving comfortably and can result in poor misalignment of your spine. Another unhealthy, yet very common, fashion statement are handbags, backpacks, and computer bags. We carry too much with us and don’t…
Read More
We all know that participating in light physical activity is good for our health, but did you know it could help you sleep?! Activities such as running, biking, weightlifting, yoga, and even gardening are associated with better sleep habits compared to no physical activity, the University of Pennsylvania research found. However, other types of light physical activity like childcare and housework are associated with worse sleep habits. Of course, it’s possible that this may be due to the fact that parents are more likely to engage in these activities and may experience worse sleep for other reasons, but researchers did not…
Read More
Harmful chemicals are in practically every beauty product you own, and chances are, you’ve been finding yourself heading towards the natural beauty aisle more than ever. But if you’re going to shell out extra money for healthier, greener versions of your favorite products, they’d better work. After all, most of us are on a budget. Here are some organic beauty products that live up to their promises. Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser. This creamy cleanser is as good for your sensitive skin as it is for the environment. It’s Fair Trade Certified, made in the USA, and is packed using materials…
Read More