Advice Archives - Page 2 of 24 - Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness
4 Reasons To Stop Drinking Energy Drinks and Healthier Alternatives

4 Reasons To Stop Drinking Energy Drinks and Healthier Alternatives

Did you know that a growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can create major health problems for young adults and children?

Energy drink manufacturers claim that their products can improve concentration and make you feel more alive. What they don’t tell you is that they can also rot your teeth, interrupt your sleep cycles, and increase your blood pressure. 

This is why it’s so important to seek out healthier alternatives to energy drinks. If you want to find out more, read on and we’ll tell you what you need to know. 

1. Energy Drink Addiction Is Bad for Your Heart

Because it’s so effective at helping people stay alert, energy drinks contain lots of caffeine. Many people don’t realize that if they consume too much caffeine in one day, they’re likely to develop health issues. This includes heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, and increased heart rates. 

Since most energy drinks contain anywhere between seventy and one hundred and forty milligrams of caffeine, you only need to drink several beverages per day to do damage to your heart.

Energy drinks are particularly harmful to those who have preexisting heart conditions such as heart disease. 

2. They Have Lots of Sugar

Most energy drinks have more than twenty grams of sugar per eight-ounce serving. This is more than half of the total amount of daily sugar that the American Heart Association recommends.

When too much sugar is in the body, it starts to become inflamed, a condition that is linked to many chronic diseases. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and liver disease. 

3. Don’t Ever Mix Energy Drinks With Alcohol

Did you know that mixing energy drinks with alcohol can alter your intoxication levels? This often makes people feel less sensitive to the effects of alcohol even though they are still intoxicated. This can make people think that they’re able to do things that they shouldn’t be doing while drinking. 

People who mix energy drinks with alcohol are also more likely to binge drink. Since binge drinking can create problems such as liver disease and memory problems, it’s important to seek out healthier alternatives to energy drinks when you’re consuming alcoholic beverages. 

4. Energy Drinks Can Be Harmful to Young People

Youth and adolescents are still growing, and their bodies are not always ready to handle the effects of energy drinks. Teens and youth who consume energy drinks put themselves at risk of developing conditions such as cognitive under-development, difficulty sleeping, and an increased risk of developing mental health conditions. 

How to Stop Drinking Energy Drinks

If you want to stop drinking energy drinks, the best thing you can do is find healthy alternatives. Instead of reaching for an energy drink before you start your day, consider making yourself a cup of green tea. 

Another healthy alternative is ginkgo balboa. Though this species of tree has been used in China for many centuries, only recently has it gained popularity in the West. The plant will boost your energy. It also treats circulatory problems and issues related to respiration. 

It will also be easier to stop drinking energy drinks if you change your diet. It’s a great idea to limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Instead, start consuming plenty of green juices, smoothies, and whole grains.  

Avoid Energy Drinks and Seek Healthier Alternatives 

There are many reasons why you should avoid energy drinks and choose healthier alternatives. They are bad from your heart. Since they contain so much sugar, they increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. 

Do you need help to treat health conditions related to consuming energy drinks? Make the change and switch to healthier alternatives.

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

Recent studies have shown that at least 58.9% of American adults are living with back pain. Back pain can make going about our daily lives difficult. It can even make laying down uncomfortable, and no one likes that!

There are a lot of reasons back pain can occur. Bad posture and the negative effects of bad posture are some of the biggest ones. Fixing your posture can be the first step for correcting back pain.

But, how do you fix your posture for a healthier back? Keep reading, and we’ll help you fix your back and live a more comfortable and amazing life!

1. Fix Your Seated Posture

For many people, the reason their posture is bad is that they work on a computer all day. Our screens might be too low and we arch our necks downward to look at them, like when we use our phone, tablet, or laptop. Or, because we get tired, we relax and embrace a slouched position for hours.

Our spines will develop a curvature to them, like a shrimp. Our necks might be more forward than they should be naturally. Some people even experience pinching along their spine or shoulder blades.

Developing correct sitting posture can alleviate back pain. A correct sitting posture has your back straightened and your shoulders back. Your buttocks touch the back of your chair and, if possible, you have a pillow to support the lumbar curve in your back.

One way to do this is by creating a desk set up that has your computer or monitor high enough so you don’t have to slouch to see it. While working, you can also try to keep your ears lined up with your shoulders.

2. Learning to Stand

Instead of sitting, you can always get a standing desk. But, you need to understand what makes a good standing posture. Standing posture is important for anyone who performs manual labor or is on their feet all day.

Correct standing posture will once again have your shoulders back, just like when you’re sitting. Your head should be in line with your body like a pole is going from your head to your toes. Then, bring in your stomach and keep your feet shoulder-width apart without locking your knees.

The weight of your standing position should be on the balls of your feet. But, if you need to stand for a long time, shift your weight from one foot to another. This can help make standing for prolonged periods easier.

3. Stretching and Exercising

Another way to improve your posture is by taking a break from technology. Stepping away from your computer and taking a walk can stretch out your muscles, plus it gives your eyes a break. You can also do upper body stretches.

To do this, face a corner with your arms raised, elbows and shoulder height, and hands flat against the wall. Place one foot in front of the other and bend forward with your knees, exhaling as you lean into the corner. With your back straight and head up, there will be a stretching sensation across your chest. Stay in this position for 30 seconds, then relax your body. 

4. Visiting a Chiropractor

When you’ve experienced poor posture for a long time, or begin to feel pain in your back, the best thing you can do is visit a chiropractor. These trained professionals can ease back pain. They can even help you find ways to maintain a correct posture all day.

For example, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has a chiropractor in Mill Creek that specializes in providing pain relief. Professional chiropractors will use their hands to manipulate your spine and other back muscles. This can help realign your spine or end any pinching you might feel.

Correct Your Bad Posture Today!

The negative effects of bad posture include back pain, neck pain, and spinal damage. Bad posture can make living life uncomfortable. These tips for fixing your posture can help you develop positive posture habits in any environment!

If you’re experiencing back pain or have tried to fix your posture on your own and failed, reach out to our team at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Located in Mill Creek, WA, we want to help you live a more comfortable life. Don’t let back pain stop you from doing what you want.

Contact us today to make an appointment!

The Five Types of Headaches

The Five Types of Headaches

The pain of a headache can range from mildly irritating to completely unbearable.

You may rush for the medicine cabinet reaching for a pain reliever, assuming it’s just another migraine. You must educate yourself on the five types of headaches to know how to treat them best. Continue reading for more information.  

Migraine Headache

A migraine headache can be described as a throbbing headache, often affecting one side of the head. This type of headache may be accompanied by blurred vision or nausea. 

Migraine headaches are hereditary, with certain traits passed down from your parents. The debilitating pain that accompanies a migraine headache can last a span of hours to days. Some people may experience an aura or visual disturbances before a migraine attack begins. 

Cluster Headache

A cluster headache often reoccurs over a series of weeks, usually affecting one side of the head. The pain associated with a cluster headache is notably severe.

The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, though genetics, lifestyle choices, and habits play a role.

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches often feel like a sinus infection or sinusitis.

You may experience pressure around your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. Additionally, these symptoms could be accompanied by throbbing pain.

This type of headache may also be associated with migraine headaches. The majority of sinus headaches are not caused by sinus infections and do not always require antibiotic treatment. 

Tension Headache

A tension headache is the most common type of headache. You may feel mild to moderate pain, often described as a sensation of tightness around your head. 

Tension headaches can be brought on by physical or emotional stress. To prevent tension headaches, try relaxation exercises and meditation

Mixed Headache

A mixed headache, also known as transformed migraine, is a mix of tension and migraine headaches. 

In this type of headache, you may experience pain on one or both sides of your head. Sensitivity to light and sound may trigger episodes of nausea or vomiting. 

 

Chiropractic Treatment Options

Chiropractic care can be a valuable treatment option in relieving headaches. Understanding the types of headaches and what triggers you experience is equally important in regards to prevention. A few potential headache triggers include:

  • Dehydration
  • Caffeine withdraw
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Food Sensitivity

Chiropractic care is used to treat migraines and headaches with the use of manipulating and realigning the neck and spine, along with manual therapies. At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, a customized holistic treatment plan will also educate on the importance of proper nutrition and adequate hydration. 

Relief for All Types of Headaches

Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness offers a variety of services to help you feel your best.

If you live in the Millcreek, WA area and suffer from headaches, natural and reliable pain relief is a phone call away. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule an appointment. Let us help you, providing education on the types of headaches and how to treat them best.  

5 Amazing Side Effects of Seeing the Chiropractor

5 Amazing Side Effects of Seeing the Chiropractor

5 Amazing Side Effects of Seeing the Chiropractor

Believe it or not, the second most common reason people go to the doctor in the United States is for lower back pain. It so happens that this is also one of the many ailments and everyday struggles that seeing the chiropractor can help with.

Chiropractors are medical professionals who help patients with the neuromusculoskeletal system, including the spine, nerves, muscles, tendons, and more. 

Whether you suffer from chronic pain or not, a visit to the chiropractor can do you a lot of good.

Read on to learn five amazing benefits of seeing a chiropractor. 

1. Get Better Sleep

Chiropractic care can actually help you get better sleep at night. 

For those who suffer from pain that keeps them up at night, a chiropractor can reduce this pain for you. 

For those who aren’t in pain, you may still have mild spine misalignment or muscle tension issues causing unnoticeable physical strain. When the chiropractor removes this strain, it allows your body to relax more fully. As a result, you sleep better and feel more rested in the morning!

2. Reduce Pain Throughout Your Body

Short-term and long-term pain can be treated with chiropractic care. In fact, some doctors will recommend non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care before suggesting surgery or medication. 

One study even showed that spinal manipulation treated non-specific neck pain better than medication treatment. 

Chiropractors are often taught after for neck and back pain, but they can also treat headaches caused by tension and neck pain. 

3. Improve Your Digestion

Since chiropractic care boosts the health of your spine and everything attached to it, it also benefits your nervous system.

It’s no secret that your nervous system and digestive system are connected—many of the nerves that are ultimately attached to your spine play key roles in your digestive processes. 

As a result, seeing a chiropractor can improve digestion ailments. In some cases, it has even been known to help with IBS, heartburn, and constipation.

4. Enhance Your Range of Motion

Another of the many reasons to see a chiropractor is that it can improve your range of motion.

Over time, many of your body’s connective elements – like your tissues, joints, and ligaments – wear down. Chiropractic services can slow down this deterioration, saving you from pain down the road.  

5. Gain Better Posture

Poor posture is a prevalent problem as many people sit too much throughout the day. If you have poor posture, chiropractors can work with you to improve it over time and reduce any resulting pain. 

Better back mobility and strengthened muscles will also help you maintain good posture later in life. 

Seeing the Chiropractor Can Change Your Life

Regular chiropractic care can truly change your life by helping you maintain a healthy and pain-free existence. 

On top of treating common causes of pain, seeing the chiropractor can improve your posture, enhance your range of motion, improve your digestion, and help you get better sleep at night. 

Interested in taking advantage of these prime benefits and more? Check out our services today.

Why Golfers Love Chiropractic

Why Golfers Love Chiropractic

Why Golfers Love Chiropractic

Are you a golfer who’s feeling some of the aches and pains that are so common amongst lovers of the sport

Golf is a lot of fun. It’s a great way to socialize and get some much-needed exercise for people of all ages. No one can deny that it’s a healthy practice.

That said, there’s a reason why golfers love chiropractic care. There are several common golf injuries in chiropractic offices, and luckily, professionals are able to handle them.

Not convinced that it’s time to see a chiropractor? No problem; we’re here to explain. Keep reading to learn why golf and chiropractic care go together so well. 

It Can Improve Flexibility

Did you know that all good golfers should have a solid baseline of flexibility? 

No one expects you to be a yoga master or gymnast, but having a somewhat flexible body will help your swing and your overall performance. 

If you go to a chiropractor for preventative care, they can use a deep tissue massage and adjustment techniques to reduce stiffness in your spine and thus increase your flexibility.

Not only will this improve your golf game, but it will also help you prevent spinal injuries in the future. 

It Can Improve Posture

How is your posture? 

Anyone who works at a desk all day likely has inadequate posture. Poor posture can lead to several health problems in the future, but it can also affect your golf game!

Many golfers don’t pay enough attention to their posture while they’re golfing. While it’s true that the average golfing stance is a bit bent over, if you don’t do it right, you could be setting yourself up for poor swings and a back injury.

When you go to a chiropractor, they can help you learn how to hold your body while you’re golfing. They can also use deep tissue massage to loosen up your back and reduce posture problems. 

It Can Help Heal Injuries 

While we don’t often think of golf as a dangerous sport, golfers can experience serious injuries

One of the biggest risks for golfers is back and neck pain. While you can avoid these problems if you see a chiropractor often, they can also make adjustments after you’re already injured. 

You can also take advantage of saunas to relax some of your tense and sore muscles.

One of the best things about chiropractic for golf injuries is that it’s non-invasive and it doesn’t require the use of medication. With a few adjustment sessions and some rest, you can get back to the green. 

Do You Love Chiropractic Care Yet?

Take it from golfers who already love chiropractic care: it helps. While you can relieve pain and heal injuries with an experienced chiropractor, you can also avoid those aches and pains in the first place.

Before you start seeking pain medication or surgical options, visit a chiropractor to see what they can do for you.

If you’re ready to find a local chiropractor in Mill Creek, WA, we want to meet you! Contact us at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness to set up an appointment today.

 

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery Time

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery Time

Recovering from an injury can be a frustrating experience, especially if recovery is limiting your mobility. There are various factors that can impact how well or how fast you might recover from an injury and knowing what they are can increase your chance of feeling better faster. 

Common Factors That Impact Injury Recovery

  • Pushing yourself physically: Depending on the injury in question, you can slow your recovery if you are doing too much with the injured part of your body too quickly. For example, if you have sustained a leg injury, pushing yourself to walk on it before you are ready can compromise your recovery significantly. It is important to follow the instructions of your medical provider when it comes to how much you can do after an injury and when you can do it. You should also listen to your body and if you are in pain or feel too uncomfortable while engaging in physical activity, you might be doing too much too fast. This kind of overexertion can significantly set you back in the recovery process. 
  • Expending too much energy too soon: Expending too much energy too soon can also compromise your recovery. Rest is important during recovery even from the seemingly smallest of injuries. It is the way that your body heals. If you expend too much energy too soon, then your body cannot regenerate energy effectively to heal the injury in question. Therefore, energy conservation should be a priority as you recover from an injury of any kind.
  • Poor nutrition: Poor nutrition and lack of hydration can also compromise healing from an injury. This is similar to the body’s need for rest in that it operates more effectively when you are taking care of it. If you are not eating properly, then your body’s systems are not firing on all cylinders and you are likely to heal much more slowly than you otherwise might. 
  • Improper medication management: Improper medication management is also a common reason for healing slowly from an injury. Taking too little or too much of any medication provided for an injury can derail your healing. This is the reason it is imperative to take any medications prescribed for healing exactly as directed and check in with your healthcare provider often to determine how effective any medication might be as you recover.

Supplemental Assistance

While the speed of your recovery is important, so is the efficacy of it. The last thing you want is for an injury to heal improperly or cause issues elsewhere in the body. This is the reason that supplemental assistance during the healing process can make a huge difference in your physical outcome. 

Chiropractic care, physical therapy and other forms of supplemental assistance can help tremendously during the healing process to both help you recover faster and better. 

If you are frustrated with the speed of your recovery or just want to know how to make lifestyle changes that can help, reach out to Amazing Life Chiropractic to learn more.