Chiropractic Migraine Treatment

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Chiropractic Migraine TreatmentA migraine is more than just a bad headache. Migraines are a problem for millions of people, causing pain, vision disturbances, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Research shows that there are many different triggers for migraines and that certain alternative remedies and therapies can be helpful for treating the condition. Chiropractic, in particular, is an effective drug-free method of dealing with the pain of recurring migraines. Here�s how chiropractic helps remedy migraine pain.

Different Types of Migraine

A migraine may be called a common migraine or a classic migraine. Common migraines, doctors believe, are caused by a change of blood flow to the head and neck and are responsible for the majority of migraine headaches. Symptoms of a common migraine include a stabbing or pulsing headache pain, nausea, and vomiting. A classic migraine also results in visual disturbances alongside the headache pain, like auras or blind spots. Sufferers also feel tired and may vomit. Migraines may be triggered by eating certain foods � chocolate or cheese, for example � drinking wine or caffeinated drinks, taking some medications, increased tension in the neck and the upper back, sleeping in a different way, or hormonal changes.

How Migraines are Assessed

Every treatment plan for migraines is different, depending on the individual�s needs and health condition. This is why chiropractic has benefits over other types of treatment, which are not tailored to the individual or the individual as a whole person. Treatment for a migraine starts with the chiropractor making an assessment of your spine and also your general health and your migraine symptoms. The assessment includes looking at the curve of your spine, your posture, and any triggers for headaches and migraines.

How Migraines are Treated with Chiropractic

The chiropractor begins with a series of spinal manipulations that are used to correct the alignment of the bones in the spine. When the spine is properly aligned there is less stress on the muscles and nerves, and pain is lessened. In addition to the alignment activity, the chiropractor will also advise the patient on how to reduce migraines with postural changes and nutritional alternations. Other lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress relief are also discussed, and the chiropractor may make referrals to other healthcare providers. Normally a series of consultations and manipulations are required to remedy the condition and provide migraine relief for the long term.

Memorial Day Healthy Diet Tips

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Memorial Day Healthy Diet TipsHolidays are notoriously difficult for dieters and people trying to live a healthy life. Holidays like Memorial Day come complete with tables laden with treats � hot dogs, burgers, dips, chips, cookies, cakes and ice cream�. This Memorial Day, enjoy yourself with family and friends while still staying healthy � here are some ideas for a lighter Memorial Day weekend.

  • Find healthy alternatives

If you are hosting a Memorial Day party or get-together, you can tip the balance in your favor by serving some healthy choices alongside the not-so-healthy foods. For example, include plenty of salads on the table and put some chicken breast on the grill along with vegetable kebabs.

If you are not hosting, bring along a healthy choice to the party so you have something to fill up with. You could bring a quinoa salad with veggies and nuts, or a bowl of fruit salad. You can also take along some healthy snacks like unsalted popcorn or nuts so you have something to snack on if there are no healthy items available.

Speaking of snacks, chips are probably the best way to ruin a healthy diet because it is easy to eat too many without realizing. Don�t hover near the BBQ table � have one handful of chips then leave well alone.

Avoid eating cake and cookies by ending the meal with a snack of fruit � choose a fruit salad served with cr�me fraiche or low-cal cream or yogurt. There are plenty of low calorie dessert foods available so you don�t need to miss out on the sweet side of the Memorial Day festivities.

  • Don�t go to the party hungry

Arriving at the holiday party starving hungry will result in eating more than you planned � and usually eating more of the unhealthy options. Make sure you have a good breakfast or a healthy snack at home.

  • Be careful with drinks

It�s not just alcohol you need to watch out for, although alcohol is laden with calories. You also need to steer clear of too many sodas and fruit juices � these beverages contain sugar, which can lead to you piling on the pounds. Stay hydrated and feeling full by drinking water. Alternate between sparkling water and still water, and add sliced lemon, lime or cucumber to keep it interesting.

5 Steps to Maintaining Your Exercise Motivation

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5 Steps to Maintaining Your Exercise MotivationDo you find it difficult to lace up your running shoes or step through the door of the gym once the initial excitement of a new exercise regime is over? Perhaps you get enthused by the thought of a new routine, only to get bored after a few weeks. If you, like many others, struggle to maintain your fitness motivation long-term, try this five-step plan to keeping happy and interested in your fitness plans.

1. Think of a goal. An inspiring plan includes a target or a goal you will be working towards. When you have something to measure your progress against you are more invested in the outcome and more interested in continuing to exercise on a regular basis. Your goal could be competing in a 5K race, losing 10 pounds, or running two miles on the treadmill.

2. Plan the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Make sure your goal is achievable yet not so simple you will get there within a few days. Work out what you need to achieve and when you can achieve it. If you can, schedule exercise at regular times during the week so it becomes a habit and part of your daily life. Once you reach your goal, reward yourself then think of another target to hit.

3. Focus on the benefits you are getting from your fitness regime and don�t dwell on the problems. Think about how your muscles are getting stronger, how you are dropping the weight slowly but surely, and how good you feel at the end of a workout. Don�t dwell on the difficulties of getting out of the door for a run on a cold night.

4. Erase negative thoughts and talk with positive messages. Replace things like �I can�t do it� with �I am doing it� or �I am good enough.� Fill your head with positive messages and you will start to believe your own hype.

5. Find support that will be there when you falter. Because you will falter � everyone has good days and bad days. If you are lacking motivation and feeling unfit today; tomorrow or next week may be a different story. Draw on the support of friends and family to encourage you to stay on track with your fitness goals.

What to Drink (And How Much) For Proper Hydration

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What to Drink (And How Much) For Proper HydrationSpring is here and it�s time to relax and enjoy the warmer weather while taking a walk or a hike, swimming, playing soccer or simply having fun with the kids in the backyard. But while it is great to enjoy the sunshine, you also need to be more careful with hydration in the warmer months. Proper hydration is important, and it is not only applicable to people running marathons or training as a professional athlete. Anyone can become dehydrated, and being dehydrated means health problems. Here�s what to drink to stay in top form this spring.

What Should I Drink for Proper Hydration?

Water, water, and more water. Water is the cheapest and most effective way to hydrate. You don�t need to worry about sports drinks unless you are exercising at a high intensity for an hour or more (sports drinks replace the salts you lose through high-powered exercise but they are also high in calories). Water is calorie-free and always available. Fruit juice and sodas are good from time to time as part of a balanced diet, but watch out for the sugar. Coffee and tea will hydrate you to a certain extent but because they also contain caffeine � which is a diuretic � you can�t rely on these drinks for your hydration needs.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

Drinking plenty of water is the best way to avoid dehydration. The amount of water you need differs for different people, but you should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day � at least. If you are exercising outdoors you will need to drink more in order to stay properly hydrated. Drink before, during, and after any physical activity especially when the weather is warm.

How Do I Know if I am Dehydrated?

You may start to feel tired or dizzy; you may lose your appetite or have flushed skin. Other signs of dehydration include a dry cough and an intolerance of heat. If you feel thirsty, chances are you�re already dehydrated. Drink water before you feel thirsty � don�t wait for the signal. If you want to check whether you are properly hydrated, look at your urine. If it is a pale yellow color then you are hydrated. Darker colors signify dehydration and the need to supplement with extra fluids.

8 Home Remedies for Allergy Relief

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8 Home Remedies for Allergy ReliefIt�s difficult to suffer from allergies but it is even more frustrating when you also feel drowsy and dizzy because of your anti-allergy medication. Wouldn�t it be great if you could turn to something natural, free from side effects, to treat the symptoms of you allergies? We looked at eight possibilities � natural remedies to soothe irritating allergy symptoms.

  1. Take quercetin for allergy symptoms

Quercetin is a flavonoid and its antioxidant powers make it useful for stabilizing cells and limiting inflammation. Take quercetin supplements to block the release of histamines.

  1. Use butterbur for allergies

Butterbur is a popular herbal remedy for allergies, particularly hay fever. Butterbur has been tested in various studies and shown to be as effective as standard antihistamine medication.

  1. Use a neti pot

Use a neti pot to pour saline solution into your nostril � the solution flows through and out of the other nostril in order to cleanse the nasal passages of irritations and reduce the symptoms of allergies. Try it � it just might work.

  1. Drink apple cider vinegar

Mix organic apple cider vinegar and water, sip the mixture three times a day, and see if there is a reduction in the amount of mucus you produce and a lessening of the congestion.

  1. Take probiotics

Some people believe that allergies are linked to the amount of good bacteria in the gut � supplementing with probiotics can tip the balance in your favor.

  1. Try nettle leaf for allergies

Take a supplement containing extract of stinging nettle leaf. Nettle is a natural antihistamine and can reduce allergy symptoms.

  1. Eat honey for relief

Locally produced honey can help your body adjust naturally to the allergens in your local environment, making it more likely the body will not mount an offence against them. That�s the theory, and many people swear by natural honey for allergy relief.

  1. Try changing your diet

Sometimes allergies are the result of your diet, and certain negative interactions with foodstuffs or nutrients � changing your diet can help to reduce allergy symptoms in certain cases.

While these remedies are natural and free from the side effects associated with anti-allergy medication, remember that they may interact with other medications to produce unwanted effects. If you suffer from another health condition, consult your doctor before taking any natural allergy remedies.

7 Sun Health Benefits You Can’t Afford to Ignore

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Sun Health Benefits Springtime brings with it longer days and more sunshine. But when you turn on the news all you hear are warnings about how the sun damages your health. Sunlight can cause cancer as well as give you lines and wrinkles. Sure, spending too much time in the sun, getting sunburn or not using sun protection can all harm your health. But did you know there are health benefits associated with sun exposure? Don�t avoid the sun � enjoy some safe sun exposure. Here are seven of the surprising benefits of the sun that will help improve your life.

Sunlight Helps Prevent Disease

  1. The Vitamin D supply you get from being outside in the sun can help to protect against some forms of cancer, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and breast cancer. In order to get the direct benefits of vitamin D, exposure your skin without sunscreen to a small amount of sunlight � experts suggest up to 10 minutes a day, without burning the skin.
  2. Exposure to sunshine as a child, and also higher maternal levels of vitamin D through sun exposure, are linked to lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis as an adult.
  3. One of the main benefits of vitamin D is how it assists the body with using calcium for making healthy bones. Vitamin D from the sun therefore helps prevent bone disease, osteoporosis, and fractures.

Sunlight Helps Minimize Disease Symptoms

  1. Sun exposure has been linked to a lessening of the symptoms of Alzheimer�s disease. The results of one study show that exposure to bright light in the daytime helps relieve depression, improve cognitive function, and improve sleep in Alzheimer�s patients.
  2. Sunlight may also help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and lupus.

Sunlight Brings Mind-Body Benefits

  1. Getting out in the sun can help you sleep better, which in turn promotes better health. When your body is exposed to sunlight it triggers the brain to put a halt to the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps you sleep. Cutting down production of melatonin in the day means there is more at night when you need it.
  2. Sunshine is a powerful mood-booster and makes you feel better � this free mood enhancer is available whenever the clouds roll away, so make the most of it to help lower levels of depression and feel more positive.

Good Balance: Why it is Important to Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet

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Healthy DietIf you want to live a healthier life and feel better then look closely at your diet. Are you eating a balanced diet with the right mix of vitamins and nutrients to help your health? A balanced diet is important if you want to prevent illness and keep to a healthy weight. But how do you eat a balanced diet � how do you know if your diet is up to scratch? Here we talk about the components of a balanced diet and why it is important to eat well.

Balanced Diet: A Definition

A balanced diet essentially means eating a variety of healthy foods from the different food groups, and limiting your consumption of less-healthy choices. The major food groups are: fruit and vegetables; carbohydrates; protein; and dairy. You should be cutting down on foods with added sugar, salt and fat in order to benefit from a healthy balanced diet.

The Importance of the Four Food Groups

  1. Fruit and vegetables: The importance of eating a good supply of fruit and vegetables is connected to their high levels of vitamins and minerals, and their low fat content. Fruit and vegetables provide a low-calorie way to get a variety of nutrients that are essential for healthy bodies. You should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and choose a variety of different colors of fruit and veggies so you can be sure you are getting the right spread of vitamins and minerals.
  2. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are important because eating them gives you energy. Carbohydrates also contain fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Base your meals around carbs � each meal should be around one-third carbohydrate. Choose wholegrain options where possible like brown rice, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread, lentils, nuts, and legumes.
  3. Protein: Protein is a building block � protein helps your cells grow and keeps them healthy. If you don�t get enough protein you could suffer from muscle deterioration, growth problems, heart problems, arthritis, and hair loss. Get your protein by choosing foods like meat, chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, seeds, eggs, nuts, and soy.
  4. Dairy: You get calcium from dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones and to avoid diseases like osteoporosis. It is best to choose low-fat dairy products and to eat around three portions a day.