Around 60-70% of the human body is water, so it is fair to say that water is vital for survival. Its used to keep our body temperature regulated, allows us to breathe, is essential in digestion and excretion, assists movement of the body, to name a few!

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is recommended, but during exercise or hot weather conditions, we need to drink more, because you sweat more.

Did you know … Studies have shown that less than one percent dehydration can cause large changes in body temperature, while two percent dehydration decreases performance substantially! So to work or play effectively it is essential to keep fluid levels up.

But is water enough? Or do you need a sports drink to stay hydrated? Sports drinks will keep you hydrated and give you energy if you participate in high intensity exercise for more than an hour. But if you do not train at this level, tap water does fine.

What defines a sports drink? Sports drinks (sometimes called electrolyte or isotonic drinks) are developed to contain the appropriate level of carbohydrates (5-8 g / litre) and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) to stay well hydrated, which replace what is lost by the body during exercise.

Other beverages that contain large amounts of carbohydrates (such as Lucozade and Red Bull as well as soft drinks like coke etc) prevents water from quickly being absorbed, and therefore may delay hydration and therefore are not appropriate before exercise.

So if you do a workout of high intensity, choose a sports drink (but keep an eye on the amount of sugar or artificial sweeteners in the drink). But if you do not work-out with this intensity and drink them as part of your daily routine, you can end up gaining weight because of the extra carbohydrates consumed.

If you do not like the taste of plain water, add a slice of lemon, orange or a sprig of mint to give the water some flavour without adding calories that would be obtained using cordial.

Hydration Tips for Exercise

1. Make sure you are well hydrated before exercise – start to take fluids two hours before you begin

2. Keep your fluid intake topped-up during your training

3. Always don’t forget to re-hydrate after exercise – it is critical to recovery. Try drinking a glass or two per hour until your urine is pale again

Pilates is a great body conditioning and training system that builds core strength and allows for more flexibility. This type of exercise uses apparatuses in addition to floor work in a type of resistance training. The exercises and work take focus and consistency to benefit in the long term. Many people who practice Pilates feel revitalised after a few sessions, because the body is beginning to build strength. Oftentimes practicing this form of fitness can lead to a toned and strengthened body with little body fat. The focus on breathing through the movements is similar to that of yoga.

Practicing Pilates over time tones and firms the body, because this is a form of resistance training. Those who practice this exercise can achieve optimal strength through the movements. Whether a person uses the apparatuses or only participates in the floor movements, the goal is the same. Using the apparatuses may help a person achieve the goal in a shorter period of time, and strengthens muscles more effectively. Overall this type of movement on a consistent basis strengthens muscles and allows the body to work at its optimum level of physical fitness. Those who have physical limitations can practice Pilates because the movements are adaptable, making this type of exercise a great tool for many people.

Pilates is one of the most popular exercise systems in the world. Many professional athletes as well as older senior citizens can practice Pilates, because the work is based on improving individual strength. This method of fitness can work for both men and women. Building up the strength and endurance in a person’s muscles reduces the chance of injury when they are performing any movement, participating in a sport or exercising. Breath control, concentration and precision are all important factors to this fitness program.

Pilates improves physical and mental well-being in most people when practiced consistently. The results are incredible when compared to other forms of fitness or strength building. Pilates works on the whole person, rather than just certain areas of the body. When the body’s core muscles are strengthened, this improves posture and endurance in a person. Most people who practice Pilates have a complete sense of well-being, because the system works on the whole well being of a person. Building the core muscles takes time and when established in a person’s normal routine, the benefits can be incredible. Most sports and movement requires the use of the body’s core muscles, so the benefits of Pilates can be seen in most areas of life.

Contact our office today for further details!

Millions of health conscious men and women across the world have started to endorse green tea. Doctors, nutritionists and medical researchers from various countries have been reiterating the health benefits of green tea and when there is so much inferences from the widespread medical fraternity, there is very little doubt or reason to not drink green tea. With more people becoming conscious about their normal health, weight, lifestyle and diet, it is important to indulge in the best foods that would contribute to enhance your health.

Here are 13 reasons why you should be drinking green tea.

1. Anticancer Properties

Green tea has an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Research has shown that EGCG can kill as well as contain the growth of cancer or cancerous cells. Also, EGCG doesn’t harm the healthy cells and tissues in the body.

2. Better Brain Health

EGCG also has the properties to help enhance brain functions and to reduce possibilities of inflammations in the brain.

3. Weight Loss

Green tea can speed up metabolism. With an increased metabolic rate, the body will not only have better digestion and absorption of nutrients but would also burn fat which leads to weight loss.

4. Improved Oral Health

Green tea can kill the bacteria that are prevalent in the mouth. Dental plaque, bad breath and other dental problems can be prevented and treated quickly if you drink green tea.

5. Lower Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is referred to as the bad cholesterol which is undesirable and can cause many health problems. Green tea can lower bad cholesterol.

6. Prevents Blood Clots

The EGCG present in green tea can prevent blood clots. While blood clots are not common among all and sundry, they often lead to heart attacks and strokes if one is prone to blood clotting.

7. Enhanced Immunity

The number of T-cells which is also known as immune cells is increased by green tea which helps to attain enhanced immunity.

 8. Anti-aging Properties

Green tea is rich in antioxidants which help in preventing the adverse impacts of free radicals that trigger aging. While green tea doesn’t stall aging, it can slow down the process and delay the obvious symptoms of aging.

9. Manages Diabetes

Green tea is recommended for diabetics because the increased metabolism due to green tea can help in regulating healthy glucose levels in the blood.

10. Prevents Cold/Flu

Green tea is rich in vitamin C which helps in prevention of cold and flu.

11. Stress Relief

L-teanine which is an amino acid in green tea can reduce stress and anxiety.

12. Anti Allergens

Green tea can prevent various allergens including pollen from causing an infection or allergies.

13. Healthy Blood Pressure

Green tea can regulate angiotensine that results in reduction of blood pressure.

References:

http://www.naturalnews.com/037839_green_tea_cancer_prevention_cardiovascular_disease.html

http://www.foodlve.com/article2.php?url=21-health-benefits-of-green-tea-561

http://drjessechappus.com/8-health-benefits-of-green-tea/

http://www.findhomeremedy.com/13-incredible-health-benefits-of-green-tea/

Because of its pure mineral qualities it has been used to help aid in various health conditions.

1. Epsom Salt offers a magnesium content that’s fairly high which essentially helps to regulate enzymes in the body. Because of this it’s really no wonder why it is used in various forms and to treat various issues concerning health and beauty!

2. Many of us exfoliate our skin frequently but often pay quite a heavy price for specific products on the market that offer no real value to our skin. If you use Epsom Salt after showering or washing your face you could be adding many benefits to the skin and at a fraction of what you’re paying for other products. Simply apply to a wet face and see great results!

3. Adding ½ cup of Epsom Salt to a water-filled basin can sooth the feet and you also have an instant pedicure which could cost you quite a bit elsewhere!

Did you know there are other health benefits as well?

4. If you love the outdoors and the sun then chances are you’ve suffered a few sunburns and bug bites which can be very irritating. Epsom Salt can help alleviate the discomfort and get you feeling better in no time.

5. If you’re looking for a truly beneficial use of Epsom Salt for your health then soak in a relaxing bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. Using just two cups of salt can help the body significantly to help fight of osteoporosis and even heart attacks! If your nerves and muscles don’t function as you’d like Epsom Salt to get your electrolytes back up and running!

6. If you suffer from bruising then Epsom Salt may be a great health benefit. Dissolve two tablespoons in water and make a thick paste to rub over the bruised areas!

7. If you suffer from migraines you may want to consider Epsom Salt to help ease the pain.

Who knew there were some many wonderful benefits to something that’s very inexpensive and readily available at the store? There are more benefits that you can gain from using Epsom Salt regularly. It’s a product that you should keep in stock in your home to help alleviate pain and help ward of heart attacks and aid in bruising! There are so many amazing benefits to this product that many of us didn’t already know. Make sure you keep some in stock at all times!

References:

http://www.naturalnews.com/029397_epsom_salt_magnesium.html

http://www.meditricks.com/2013/01/health-benefits-of-epsom-salt.html

http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/fitness/the-many-uses-of-epsom-salt/

http://diyconfessions.com/2013/01/06/detox-bath/

http://greenbootliving.com/2012/09/07/benefits-of-epsom-salt/

More than just tasty little bites, the health benefits of blueberries are incredible. These little berries really pack a punch of nutrients and health benefits that you may not even be aware of. Do your body a favor and snack on some today. Here’s why:

1. Packed with antioxidants, these little berries are incredible free radical fighters, ready to go to bat to help inhibit the formation of cancerous cells; they can aid in preventing oxidative stress in cells that lead to DNA damage.

2. Blueberries have shown, in animal studies, that they may help prevent age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

3. One of the chemicals in the berries, called anthocyanins, is responsible for not only the blue color of the fruit but it has also been used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

4. Of the many health benefits of blueberries, some of the lesser known are about beauty. The berries, it turns out, can help improve skin condition thanks, again, to their high antioxidant load. They can slow the oxidation of collagen and elastin, which can lead to poor skin condition and sensitivity.

5. These berries can provide a boost in brain function, improve memory and learning, and reduce symptoms of depression.

6. The immune system gets a helping hand from vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help it fight off infections.

7. Because of their high vitamin A load, blueberries can help to maintain people’s eyesight throughout their lifetimes.

8. These berries have similar compounds as cranberries and can, a Rutgers study has shown, be used to prevent and even treat Urinary Tract Infections (known as UTIs).

9. Rich in fiber, these little fruits can help with overall digestive health and ease and can help to prevent constipation.

10. Overall, these berries demonstrate incredible anti-aging properties across many areas of the body; they can help regenerate and repair skin, eyes, brain cells, DNA, and even hair.

These little blue powerhouses really do pack a punch. The health benefits demonstrated by antioxidant-laden berries are absolutely incredible. For a fruit, berries have turned out to be incredible multi-taskers.

Berries have the most antioxidants when they are at their ripest so eat them in season (early spring) for the best results. The health benefits of berries grown and eaten out of season shouldn’t be discounted but it’s best to buy organic, local, and naturally ripe berries whenever possible.

References:

http://www.aboutnutritionfacts.com/health-benefits-of-blueberries.html

http://www.herbcyclopedia.com/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=488&Itemid=193

http://www.naturalnews.com/035473_blueberry_superfood_brain_function.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/035740_flavonoids_blueberries_diabetes.html

http://www.healthonlinezine.info/12-health-benefits-of-blueberries.html

Insomnia has been found to be directly linked to Fibromyalgia. This syndrome has been found to prominently affect women and is a syndrome that results in chronic pain. Therefore, fibromyalgia can be very difficult to live with and still maintain your normal lifestyle. Sufferers of Fibromyalgia are extremely likely to get little or no sleep due to their chronic pain that can be debilitating at times. These sleep disturbances are reoccurring and completely throw off your normal sleep patterns. The pain associated with Fibromyalgia is normally located in the joints, but can be difficult to treat. However, chiropractic care has been seen to yield positive results for Fibromyalgia sufferers, when compared to other types of treatment.

If you are suffering from poor sleep due to pain, then you should seek chiropractic care to decrease your pain and lessen your fatigue. Allowing poor sleep patterns to continue will only lead to more sever Fibromyalgia symptoms that will have detrimental effects on your life. Chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life and can become overwhelming. Pain medications only treat the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, but do nothing to treat the underlying cause. However, the powerful natural method of chiropractic treatment will treat this syndrome in a way that conventional treatment options cannot.

The onset of Fibromyalgia can be sudden and your symptoms will only become increasingly more severe with time. Lack of sleep is a main cause of this syndrome that shouldn’t be overlooked or forgotten. Fibromyalgia is completely treatable if the proper form of treatment is sought out. Chiropractic care and exercise can be used in combination to be a natural way to cure this debilitating condition. Instead of taking countless forms of pain medication that leaves you groggy and unable to function seek out a natural solution that will give you back your life.

Chiropractic care is an alternative form of healthcare that can be therapeutic and help you manage your pain in a natural way. Your chiropractor will develop a treatment that will enable you to have joint wellness that will lessen your suffering and enable your body to perform at an optimal state that will improve your overall wellness. Therefore, if you are a woman and suffer from a lack of sleep this could lead to Fibromyalgia and chiropractic care should be your preferred form of treatment.

Contact our office today for further details!

Your overall health can be greatly impacted by your lifestyle choices. How you take care of your body can be directly correlated to what health issues arise in your lifetime. Poor lifestyle decisions can be linked to the onset of pain and disease for many individuals with poor health. Leading a healthy lifestyle will lessen your odds of suffering from chronic pain. However, two unhealthy lifestyle choices of smoking and obesity have been found to be directly linked to sciatic pain and other related conditions.

Lifestyle choices have a great impact on your health and chiropractic care can be used to correct issues that arise from unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and obesity. And other Research shows that smoking is more strongly linked to back pain than old age, obesity and other factors. Chiropractic care can lessen your symptoms caused by smoking and correct your back pain issues. Since some problems are linked to neurological issues, it is important to seek chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms. Allergies and headaches are telling signs of back pain issues that can be worsened by smoking. These issues can usually be corrected by simple spinal realignments. You no longer need to suffer in pain when a treatment is so readily available.

Smoking is also linked to Fibromyalgia. This condition is one that results in chronic pain that can lead to insomnia and extreme fatigue. Thousands of people are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia syndrome due to the harmful lifestyle choice of smoking. Many people suffering from Fibromyalgia find it difficult to function and live a normal life. However, there are alternative ways to deal with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia using chiropractic methods. Over a period of time with treatment, Fibromyalgia sufferers can see a lessening of symptoms and pain. Anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia will be overwhelmed by the results of chiropractic procedures. Pain should not be managed or a part of your everyday life. Relief is available and highly recommended by trained chiropractic professionals. This form of healthcare is alternative, but the results are effective and consistent.

Although poor lifestyle choices like smoking and obesity can lead to back pain and other conditions, there are alternative forms of treatment that can treat these conditions effectively. In order to correct past harmful lifestyle choices it is essential that you make the positive lifestyle choice to receive chiropractic care as your treatment option.

Contact our office today for further details!

Taking care of one’s health is of the utmost importance. There are literally thousands of supplements, medicines, and devices on the market that claim to be the pinnacle of healthiness, but how can you know what is actually good for you and what is full of chemicals and other less than desirable materials? For starters, it is always advisable to use natural substances—too many man-made materials contain chemicals that have nasty side effects. Fortunately, coconut oil is a natural substance that truly offers an impressive set of health benefits. From combating tooth decay to heart disease prevention, coconut oil is remarkable.

How does coconut oil promote heart healthiness? Some people find this a little hard to believe since it is oil, which we have heard is bad for the heart. Well, this substance is comprised of about fifty percent lauric acid, which is actually fairly rare in nature. Lauric acid helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and the body can also use it in fighting measles, the flu, and even herpes. Another health benefit users can receive from this natural substance is proper thyroid function.  Moreover, this particular oil supports the metabolism as it is a fantastic fuel for the body.

Yet another advantage of coconut oil is that it strengthens your body’s immune system.  As mentioned previously, the body takes the lauric acid in this oil and converts into a substance known as monolaurin, which is helpful in dealing with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast.  In addition, other substances that aid the immune system found in coconut oil include antimicrobial lipids, caprylic acid, and capric acid, meaning that it is effective on most types of infections and injuries.  In fact, when applied to bruises, this amazing oil shortens the healing process by actually repairing damaged tissues.

Finally, coconut oil has long been renowned for its wonderful effects on the skin and hair. It keeps the skin looking healthy and youthful as it is an especially good moisturizer.  It works with dryness, flaking, and redness without the adverse consequences that can occur with mineral oil.  For those concerned with appearance, it delays the wrinkles and sagging skin associated with aging as well. When one learns about coconut oil and the health benefits it offers, it can be truly astounding.  In fact, even with all the advantages mentioned here, it is truly only scratching the surface—there are even more benefits!

There are many ways in which regular exercise can improve your health. Most people only think of exercise in terms of the weight loss benefits it can provide. As important as those benefits are, even if you don’t need to lose any weight, you can still reap the benefits of exercise in other ways. For example, exercise can improve and prevent diabetic symptoms. Not only that, it has also been shown to be a very effective way to help detoxify your body. In order to enjoy these benefits, you need to find exercises that you enjoy. That way, you will not dread doing them as much.

One of the decisions you will need to make right up front in your quest to find out which exercises you enjoy has to do with whether you prefer to exercise indoors or out. A lot of people enjoy performing regular exercise in the outdoors where they can breathe the fresh air. On the other hand, by exercising inside, you can enjoy protection from the elements. Perhaps an ideal compromise is to exercise outside when the weather is nice, but inside when it isn’t. That way, you can experience the best of both worlds. A little experimentation will help you figure out which of these options you personally prefer.

Another area of experimentation for you will be in deciding which specific exercises you want to incorporate into your regular exercise routine. Walking is a great for beginners, who may want to eventually consider running as well. Hiking is a great variation on these, and cycling and swimming are also lots of fun. These are all activities that are performed mostly outdoors. If you are looking for indoor exercises, you might consider dancing, martial arts, or the use of exercise machines. You might also consider such exercises as yoga, Pilates, gymnastics, or weight lifting. Most people end up with some combination of exercises.

Aside from the benefits of regular exercise which we have already listed, it can also improve your mood and boost your energy levels, at least according to the Mayo Clinic. They also say it promotes better sleep and even improves your sex life! You can read more about what they have to say on this subject at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676/NSECTIONGROUP=2
You can also learn more about the benefits of exercise by visiting http://www.naturalnews.com/025262_exercise_regular_health.html
To maximize these benefits, you want to get to the point where you are exercising thirty minutes a day, six days a week.

Cholesterol is a major concern across the developed world. In the United States about 40 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol. Apart from the general health deterioration that cholesterol triggers, it is extremely undesirable for cardiovascular health. People with high cholesterol are at a heightened risk of suffering cardiac arrests and other health problems.

In several studies conducted in the US, Spain and other countries, probiotics have shown remarkable efficacy in lowering high cholesterol. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are found in the human intestines that are crucial for the immune system and several other functions. Since there is a limit to the quantum of healthy live probiotics that can be found in the guts, it is advisable to take foods or supplements that are good sources of probiotics.

Now, the primary question is how probiotics can help lower high cholesterol. It has to be noted that cholesterol in itself is not bad for health. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for several bodily functions including hormonal secretions and generation of vitamin D. It is only when cholesterol doesn’t get metabolized and absorbed by the body in various forms that high cholesterol develops. In such cases, the cholesterol remains in the blood without being used up or absorbed by the body. The presence of high cholesterol in the blood can lead to artery blockage, inflammation at various junctures and eventually leads to high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, obesity, higher blood sugar levels and also cardiac problems.

Probiotics, when consumed on a regular basis, can metabolize this cholesterol in the blood. It allows the body to use up the cholesterol and then absorb the nutrients which are necessary for the body. Experts have commended the findings since high cholesterol drugs eliminate cholesterol in its entirety which is not desirable. The absence of cholesterol in the body would invariably lead to poor health. Probiotics simply work on the level of high cholesterol, prevent building up of bad cholesterol and reduces existing levels of high cholesterol.

The numerous studies conducted across the world include Mari Fuentes and her team’s research at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Moncloa Hospital and Torrelodones University Hospital, all in Spain, the Metabolic Research Group, VA Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington and medical studies at the Shinshu University in Japan. Similar findings have been published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and by J. Martoni, Ph.D. and Satya Prakash, Ph.D. in American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2012.

References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/038279_high_cholesterol_probiotics_prevention.html

http://probioticrevolution.net/High_Cholesterol.html

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-06/health/34947080_1_ldl-cholesterol-absorption-probiotics

http://www.insidershealth.com/article/new_study_shows_probiotics_reduce_cholesterol/2729