Wellness Archives - Page 10 of 31 - Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness
Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

Type II Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Living With Type II

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Diabetes, Wellness

According to Joslin Diabetes Research Center, over 30 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States alone. That’s almost one in every ten Americans that are struggling with some form of this disease. 

Chances are that you or someone you know is living with type II or type I diabetes. Educating yourself about the symptoms of diabetes, its causes, and how to live with it can be empowering to start your journey to health and wellness. 

Here is a primer on what you need to know about the most common type of diabetes, type II. 

Type I Versus Type II Diabetes 

There are some unique differences between type I and type II diabetes. Type I diabetes often begins in childhood and adolescence but can begin later in life as well. It requires daily injections of insulin to manage the disease as the body has stopped producing insulin. 

Type II diabetes is often seen later in life in those that are overweight and have a genetic predisposition to the disease. With type II, the body is still producing insulin, but the body’s cells can no longer properly use it due to insulin resistance.  

In type II diabetes the body’s pancreas can no longer generate enough insulin to properly regulate the body’s blood sugar. 

Type I diabetes does require lifelong insulin treatment, but the early stages of type II diabetes can be combated through diet and exercise changes. 

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

Many living with type II diabetes, may not realize it as these symptoms can slowly present themselves. Symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Vision issues including blurry vision
  • Increased infections and sores that take a long time to heal
  • Exhaustion
  • Increased appetite
  • Numb and tingling extremities

Causes of Type II Diabetes

There are numerous contributing factors to developing type II diabetes. Here are some of the causes to be aware of:

  • Being obese or overweight increases
  • Risks increase over the age of 45
  • Lack of daily movement and exercise
  • Having a family history of type II diabetes 
  • Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American ethnicities are more at risk
  • Low HDL and high LDL levels
  • Body fat storage in the stomach area 
  • Pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Unmanaged stress 

Living With Type II Diabetes

If you are suffering from type II diabetes, there are changes that you can make to your lifestyle to help you manage and even reverse it. 

Nutrition and weight loss are two key areas to address. Incorporating a diet of whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats can help you lose weight and improve health. 

Eliminating processed foods, fatty meats, and high sodium snacks is an important lifestyle change to make as well. 

Incorporating more movement in your day, from taking a walk to starting a daily exercise routine, can have a big impact on your weight, energy level, and overall wellness. 

CONTACT US
Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

Expert Tips for Eating Healthy the Easy Way

by | Feb 2, 2021 | Advice, Nutrition, Wellness

Are you ready to start eating healthy in 2021? If eating a healthier diet is your resolution this year, but you’re afraid you can’t make it happen because you’re low on time, we’re here to help. 

Keep reading for some healthy eating tips that are simple and easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Feel better this year by giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

Snack Smarter 

No matter how much you may try to avoid it, snacking is inevitable. If you’re craving a snack in between meals, turn to a healthy option. Stocking up on healthy snack options can help as can reducing the unhealthy snack options you purchase for your home or workspace. 

Instead, find healthy snack options that you also will actually enjoy eating. Nuts, apples with peanut butter, or veggies sticks are all great options. Plus, eliminating the unhealthy snacks in your home will help you avoid grabbing the potato chips when a craving comes on. 

Hydrate All Day 

If over-eating is an issue for you, hydrating throughout the day can help. A lack of water leads to dehydration which can cause you to want to eat more.

Additionally, hydration helps with digestive health which can affect weight loss. Limit the number of sugary drinks in your home so that you can opt for water when thirsty instead. 

Make Healthy Meals in Bulk

Are you often opting for eating out or grabbing fast food during a busy work week? A great way to make sure you’re stocked up on healthy lunches for the week is to meal prep.

Meal prepping can be as easy as finding a good source of protein, carbs, and veggies to cook in bulk. Once cooked, portion out the food in containers for the week. This is also a great easy dinner solution for the whole family and is a great alternative to frying or sauteing your food. The fewer oils you add when preparing the food, the fewer calories you add. 

This is a great way to make easy, healthy homemade meals that also allow for a quick cleanup. 

Swap Your Grains 

A simple solution to a healthy diet is to swap out your refined or white carbohydrates for whole-grain and complex carbs. Whole-grain carbs have tons of dietary fiber which are essential for weight loss. This is also easier to swap out than you may think, as you can find tons of options for whole-grain pasta, bread, crackers, and more.

Eating Healthy Made Simple 

We are much more likely to accomplish our goals if they are attainable. For this reason, if your goal is to improve your health this year, make eating healthy simple. There are tons of little things you can do to improve your overall health that won’t clash with a busy lifestyle. 

Are you looking for more ways to improve your overall health this year? Contact Amazing Life today to request an appointment. 

CONTACT US
5 Incredible Health Benefits of Taking Natural Supplements

5 Incredible Health Benefits of Taking Natural Supplements

by | Jan 27, 2021 | Advice, Nutrition, Wellness

While 80% of people worldwide use supplements, only around 39% of American adults do.

Are you wondering…Should I take multivitamins? Should I take fish oil? What are probiotics? 

In the midst of the pandemic, you may have also thought about natural supplements to boost your immune system. 

Natural health supplements can help your body in a number of ways. Keep reading to learn the benefits of fish oil, the benefits of multivitamins, and others as well as how to choose the right supplements for you. 

1. Improve Mental Health 

Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Do you or someone you know experience anxiety and/or depression? 

There are natural supplements to boost your cognitive function and improve your memory. Magnesium is crucial to having a healthy brain, yet many Americans do not get the amount they need from their diet. 

B-12 and Omega-3 found in fish oil are also important to brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids fight off depression as well.  

2. Boost Your Immune System

Do you ever start feeling sick, maybe a tickle in your throat, and you don’t know what to do to stop it?  Supplements from plants like echinacea and elderberry contain vitamins and antioxidants to help your immune system kick whatever is trying to bring you down. 

A quality multi-vitamin helps keep your immune system at the top of its game as well. 

3. Make Your Skin Glow 

Vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, fish oil, and collagen are all good for healthy skin. Whether you’re worried about aging, acne, or other conditions like atopic dermatitis, there is a supplement that will help give you the youthful glow you want. 

4. Fight Inflammation 

There are several supplementations with anti-inflammatory properties to help improve or prevent conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis. 

Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has shown to reduce inflammation. Capsaicin found in hot peppers may reduce your body’s ability to feel pain. Green tea or green tea extract is also helpful in reducing inflammation. 

5. Improve Heart Health 

From reducing the deposition of cholesterol to lowering blood pressure, natural supplements can improve your heart health. Taking things like flaxseed, garlic, and Ginkgo Biloba will keep your heart healthy.

Studies show that flax seeds reduce inflammation in the arteries. Garlic lowers blood pressure and helps treat high cholesterol and gets triglyceride levels in check. Most known to help with memory, it also improves circulation in patients suffering from coronary artery disease.

What Natural Health Supplements Are You Considering? 

Now that you know the benefits of natural health supplements, which ones are you thinking about adding to your daily routine? Improve your health safely and naturally by researching which supplements would benefit your condition and learn the best way to get what you need. 

We at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness are dedicated to your overall health and wellness. We believe that “healthy” starts from the inside. Contact us to help you put together a wellness plan that will help you get to optimum health.  

​

CONTACT US
Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

Your Guide to Restorative Movement for Lower Back Pain Relief

by | Jan 26, 2021 | Wellness

restoration fitness mill creek washington

A whopping 16 million American adults deal with chronic back pain — that’s 8% of the population. 

So, if you have an achy lower back, you’re certainly not the only one. And that’s good news if you’re seeking out remedies to help yourself. Those before you have found many methods for natural back pain relief. 

Here are four restorative movements to try. 

1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch

For this one, you will lay on the ground with your legs out straight. Bend your left knee and pull it in toward your chest, holding it in place with interlaced hands. Keep your right leg straight and your foot on the floor as you hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. 

Repeat this move on the right, then cycle through both stretches a few times for a well-rounded stretch. And, if you want to make it a little tougher, pull both knees in at once and hold the crunched position for 20 seconds. 

2. Cat-Cow Pose

If you have any familiarity with yoga, then you may know how to do cat-cow — it’s a great one to have in your arsenal if you’re looking for back stretches. 

Roll over from your knee-to-chest stretch and get on all fours. Make sure your hands are on the ground directly beneath your shoulders. 

Breathe out, and pull your belly button upward toward the ceiling. Imagine how a scared cat’s back looks — you want to mimic that curve. 

When you breathe in, your belly will drop and your spine will relax. This is the cow portion of the stretch. 

Repeat for ten rounds or more to really loosen up and relax your spine. 

3. Seat Forward Bend

Interestingly, it might not just be your lower back that hurts. Research has shown that tight hamstrings can cause tension and pain in the lower back, too. 

So, try the seat forward bend to reduce tension in your legs that could be pulling on the lower back. 

Stay on the floor, but stretch your feet out in front of you so you’re seated in an L-shaped position. Then, grab a towel and wrap it around your feet with both ends in your hands. 

Pull the towel and use it to help you bend your upper body closer to your legs. Keep your back straight, though. You should start to feel the stretch down the back of your legs. 

Hold your bend for 30 seconds and repeat three times with half-minute breaks in between. 

4. Massage

Sometimes, you’re the one performing the restorative movement. Other times, it’s a licensed professional manipulating your body and providing relief. 

In this case, we’re obviously talking about the latter. Massage can reduce the pain and tension in your lower back. And it’s a low-impact treatment method — you’ll probably even find it relaxing. 

Find Natural Back Pain Relief

Whether you get moving or get a massage, you will have signed up for natural back pain relief. But if you need further help to assuage your lower back pain, look no further than Restoration Fitness located in Mill Creek, WA. Request an appointment today and get started on your journey to a stronger, pain-free back. 

 

TREAT YOUR BACK PAIN TODAY!
5 Ways Exercise Can Reduce Stress

5 Ways Exercise Can Reduce Stress

by | Jan 26, 2021 | Hormone Balance, Injury, Wellness

1 in 3 adults exercise the suggested amount of time each week. 

The typical workday contains an extreme amount of stress, especially if you have kids. People find themselves rushing to get to the office and returning with just enough time to make dinner and sleep. 

The days always seem to get shorter, and we find ourselves with less time to exercise. However, exercise is the exact thing we need. Not only does it contribute to our health, but it also reduces our stress. 

Below are 5 ways you can use exercise to manage your stress. Check it out to start working towards a little more peace in your life. 

1. Boosts Your Mood

The hardest part of exercising is convincing yourself to do it. Once you truly learn how exercise can relieve stress and boost your mood, it won’t be as difficult to convince yourself. 

The boosted mood you experience after exercising will give you a clearer headspace when approaching stressful tasks later in the day. 

2. Improves Mindfulness

When stressed, it’s important to focus on the moment. This decreases our anxiety. 

Focusing on physical activity allows your mind to be present. Give exercises like yoga and pilates a try if you’re struggling with mindfulness. Yoga is not only meditative, but it also builds amazing body strength. 

3. Increases Confidence Levels

Exercise is one of the best stress remedies and confidence boosters. No matter your exercise goals, you’ll start to feel better about your body once you introduce routine movement into your life. 

4. Builds Community

If you’re looking to meet new people, try joining a local gym or workout group. You’ll be sure to run into friendly faces. Plus, the exercise journey gives everyone a common ground to discuss.

5. Pumps Up Endorphins

Our body uses endorphins to fight pain and feel good. By exercising, you’ll be naturally boosting your body’s endorphins. This is why most people feel a rush of excitement after a long workout. 

Exercises to Try

Not knowing where to start is normal so we’re here to help. 

If you want to get your blood pumping, try going for a jog. Running is a great way to get the blood and endorphins flowing through your body. You can also go for a brisk walk if you aren’t ready to run. 

For a major challenge, try weight-lifting. Lifting weights is a great outlet for channeling negative emotions that you want to work through, and it builds your confidence. 

Are you looking for something meditative? Try yoga because it relaxes your mind and builds body strength. You can also try hiking outdoors if you want to connect more with nature. 

Watch Out for Excessive Stress

While exercising is great for many reasons, it’s important not to over-exercise. Over exercising creates an extreme strain on the body and mind. Exhaustion of the mind can lead to clouded decision-making and low motivation. 

Give your muscles time to properly recover by sleeping well and indulging in relaxing activities, such as sitting in a sauna. Your mind will also appreciate the chance to clock-out for a bit. 

Exercise is Your Best Friend

As you can see, there are tons of stress-relieving benefits to exercise. Getting active is a great way to keep the body and mind healthy. 

Go for a jog to start your day off on the right foot. Try yoga for a bit if you need to calm your mind. Challenge yourself in weight-lifting for the confidence boost you’ve been looking for. 

If you’re looking for more ways to boost your wellness, check out the rest of our site. Contact us if you’re interested in our chiropractic or nutrition services. 

​

CONTACT US
Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression | Amazing Life Chiro, Seattle

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression | Amazing Life Chiro, Seattle

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Injury, Wellness

Learn More About Y-Strap Decompression and Adjustment

Maybe you’ve heard about Y-Strap Decompression treatment and are curious about its possibilities? Or a friend or neighbor recommended it as a possible relief for your chronic neck pain? To the curious or the uninitiated, it may look intimidating. However, Y Strap Adjustments have been used for a number of years in chiropractic care for pain relief and front-to-back balancing of the spine.

Developed by Dr. Burl Pettibon in the early 1970s, the Y-Strap was conceived as a treatment for the entire spine, as opposed to a single segment or vertebra. Today, the Pettibon Technique is practiced in chiropractic care, along with traditional methods, for corrective posture treatment and as a way to decompress the spine or treat pinched nerves in the neck and back.

How is a Y-Strap Decompression Done?

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Seattle, WA, we use a Y-Axis traction strap to apply gentle force to stretch the neck and spine releasing pressure and opening up spaces between the vertebra.

Essentially, our practitioner positions the flexible strap around the patient’s neck cradling the head with the strap continuing over the head to a handle reaching between the top of the “Y”. Once comfortably positioned, our chiropractor then applies pressure to the Y-axis in a straight motion: slow and smooth or more assertive (called High Velocity, Low Amplitude movement), depending on the desired effect.

The Pettibone technique is unique because the movement is done straight up and down along the Y axis, where many other chiropractic manipulation techniques use some form of torque or stretching and turning motion. This straight movement is highly effective at relaxing muscles in the back, aligning the neck and spine, and creating space where compression has occurred.

Is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment Safe?

This technique is absolutely safe and has proven to be extremely beneficial when relieving pain and stiffness, but it must be done correctly by a professional. At Amazing Life, all of our chiropractors have extensive education and training ensuring that you will be treated in the safest manner possible.

While products claiming to be safe at-home remedies are available online and in stores, we strongly recommend you seek a healthcare professional to treat your neck and spine pain. That way, you can be assured of a positive outcome.

When is Y-Strap Decompression Treatment a Good Alternative?

Our clients in the Seattle area have found this type of decompression treatment very effective for those leading active lifestyles and people who suffer from sports-related injuries and overuse.

We also see patients with spine and neck compression issues from gradual wear and tear and from osteoarthritis. This becomes more prevalent in people once they reach their 50s and 60s.

Whatever the cause, you don’t need to live with pain, stiffness, and discomfort. We encourage you to have an assessment, where one of our clinicians evaluates your symptoms and recommends a treatment plan that is then fully explained. At Amazing Life, we treat each patient holistically and look at our patients through a wide lens, including:

  • lifestyle challenges,
  • nutrition,
  • exercise plans, and
  • overall well-being.

A Final Note

We provide state-of-the-art chiropractic care as a non-invasive alternative treatment option for Seattleites experiencing a full range of medical issues. Driven by results, our goal is to provide you with a lifetime of good health. We’re available to answer all of your questions about the Pettibon technique, YStrap treatment, or any other aspect of our care.

If you are in the greater Seattle community, please contact us to learn more.

 

 

CONTACT US