Monthly Archives: April 2011

Wine and Chocolate: A Happy Easter Indeed!

Posted by Dr. Kristen in Nutrition and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

health benefits of red wineThe festive holidays that mark the beginning of spring come with many temptations. Choosing to live well is to take these temptations and turn them into healthy treats that celebrate the season. Wine and chocolate can be good for you- or evil.

A glass of red wine is packed with powerful antioxidants that have been found to reduce the risk or heart attack and stroke, all while improving brain function, increasing lifespan, fighting cancer and decreasing the effects of aging. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and resveratrol, act as antioxidants and prevent “free radicals” from causing cellular damage in the body.

The benefits of red wine (and dark beer like Guinness) favor the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and inhibiting the oxidation of unhealthy cholesterol. In moderation, alcohol can raise your good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and thin your blood, preventing clotting and lowering the risk of heart disease.

When it comes to chocolate, the darker the better!

On a month where multitudes of chocolate bunnies fill the grocery store shelves, it’s easy to feel like a kid in a candy store. It’s O.K. to give in to temptation, just be smart about it.chocolate is good for you

The benefits of chocolate have been known for thousands of years and some native tribes who regularly consumed cocoa showed very low rates of cardiovascular disease. Epicatechins, the natural compound found in cocoa, may offer significant benefits to those who’ve previously suffered from a stroke by its ability to restore function to blood vessels. Chocolate even contains chemicals associated with happy emotions.

Remember that not all chocolate is created equal. The more processing, like heat and light, chocolate is subjected to, the less antioxidants it has. Added ingredients like sugar and dairy can turn the otherwise beneficial treat into something quite the opposite; the milk in milk chocolate interferes with the absorption of beneficial antioxidants. Consuming a moderate amount of an organic, unprocessed, dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa is ideal.

Limiting alcohol to one glass per day is recommended for optimal health benefits. Keep in mind that drinking heavily can lead to weight gain; one bottle of wine is about 480 calories (that’s the equivalent of two 20-ounce Cokes!) For some, sulfates and tannins in wine can even trigger migraine headaches.

So indulge on these plant phenol-rich super foods during this holy season… but keep well by indulging in moderation. Happy Easter, everyone!

Everybody’s Doing It

Posted by Dr. Kristen in Health and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celebrities and professional athletes have virtually unlimited funds to pamper their beautiful, tan, fit bodies. They hire personal trainers, chefs and multiple assistants to manage the success of their famous lives. It’s no wonder that so many of them use chiropractic and acupuncture to function, perform and look their best.

Most major league sports teams have chiropractors on staff and know that keeping their bodies functioning at 100% is essential to winning. Studies have even shown that regular chiropractic care can increase reaction time and performance, keeping players on the field, court, or track at the top of their game. “I think it should be mandatory for athletes to see a chiropractor. I go on a regular basis, because I want to prolong my career as long as possible” Barry Bonds.

Arnold Schwartznegger has a personal, in-home chiropractor. He says, “chiropractic is about health and fitness. Chiropractic is about natural, preventive health care. What [chiropractors] are doing, and I have experienced this for the last 30 years myself on my own body, means that whenever I have a problem-or even if I don’t have a problem-and I go to a chiropractor; my problems are gone for a long time.”

Cyclist Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour de France, attributes his success to chiropractic care, admitting, “I couldn’t have won without my chiropractor. He is possibly the most important man on the team.” Tiger Woods says, “it’s as important to my training as practicing my swing,” about the edge chiropractic gives his game.
Gwyneth Paltrow gets acupuncture
Super model Elle McPherson and actress Gwyneth Paltrow use acupuncture to stay beautiful, inside and out. It’s also been reported that Mariah Carrey recently used acupuncture to help conceive her twins and Kate Winslet is said to have received acupuncture treatment during the birth of her child. Other celebrities, like Kate Moss, Madonna, Neve Cambell and Cher have all been reported to use acupuncture.

Celebrities and athletes have the ability to choose the best healthcare money can buy…and they choose Chiropractic and Acupuncture. They may not know it all, especially when it comes to relationships, but when it comes to taking advantage of the best healthcare available, you can be certain they spare no expense. We look to celebrities for the latest fashion trends, why not try out their vogue wellness routine to match? Who says you have to be famous to live well?!

Top Ten Reasons NOT to See a Chiropractor

Posted by Dr. Kristen in Health and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10. You’ve become quite attached to your stiff neck and shoulder pain. Parting with it now would be upsetting.

9. Tylenol keeps you feeling good and your liver might be bleeding but it doesn’t hurt.

8. By the time your spine breaks down and wears out you’ ll be able to get a replacement.

7. You love taking risks. The side effects from your medications, like seizures, suicidal thoughts and death, keep life interesting.

6. Why drive to see a chiropractor three times a week when you can make a trip to the pharmacy once a month? Gas prices are outrageous these days.
top 10 reasons not to go to a chiropractor

5. A few headaches a week actually help distract you from the stress of work.

4. Your cousins, best friend’s sister tried chiropractic once and didn’t get any better.

3. The tingling in your fingers feels kind of neat and if they go numb you won’t need gloves next winter.

2. You’re worried the chiropractor might take the wallet from your back pocket while you’re lying on the table.

And the number one reason NOT to see a Chiropractor…

1. You’re the only living human without a spine.

Have a great week! If you are truly skeptical about chiropractic please talk to us.

The Power of Smell: Aromatherapy and Beyond

Posted by Dr. Kristen in Products and tagged with , , , , , ,

The power of smell is a fascinating and scientific topic, but you don’t need to be a scientist to utilize the stimulating fragrances and healing proprieties that aromatherapy offers. Essential Oils can be used in many different ways. These aromatic, concentrated little compounds have a  multitude of uses that will improve your well-being and more!essential oils

Use Essential Oils and Live Well

Freshen the Air you Breathe: A diffuser can be used to bring a scent into the air and fill an entire room.

Massage Away Your Worries: Small amounts of oil can be used on the skin or added to massage oil.

Aromatherapy While You Read: Place a drop or two of your favorite essential oil on the cool light bulb of your reading lamp. Enjoy the aroma while the light bulb heats up.

Freshen Your Car: Place a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and place it under the seat of your car.

Curb Your Appetite: Diffusing or directly inhaling essential oils can not only have an immediate positive impact on our moods but also on our appetites.

These are my go-to oils:
Peppermint – great for nausea or upset stomach. Use a few drops on the  inside of your wrist
Lavender – use topically on wrists, ankles and neck for relaxation, or difficulty sleeping
Tea Tree – use topically for skin conditions as a natural antiseptic (acne, scar, dry  skin, cuts). Use only a few drops because it’s potent.

Try This at Home: Herbal Remedies for a Cold

Bring a quart-size pot of water to a boil, add three drops of eucalyptus oil and two drops of  peppermint. Remove the pot  from the stove, place your face a comfortable distance from the steam. Cover your head with a  towel and breathe in steam for about ten minutes. These herbs help decongest and are antimicrobial.

Dilute juice of one squeezed lemon in glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey. Drink this lemony goodness 1-2 times a day. Vitamin C decreases toxicity in the body and helps the  immune system.

Remember, these home remedies are not a substitute for seeing a trained health-care professional.

What questions do you have about using essential oils or in what other creative ways have you used aromatherapy in your daily life?