Wellness Archives - Page 13 of 31 - Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness
4 Tips to Avoiding Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

4 Tips to Avoiding Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

by | Oct 9, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Pregnancy, Wellness

Avoiding Swollen Feet During Pregnancy: 4 Chiropractic Tips That Can Help

Did you know that each year 123 million women attempt to become pregnant and succeed? Are you currently pregnant, and want to make sure you avoid swollen feet during pregnancy? Or, maybe you’re currently experiencing swelling, and want to know what to do next? 

In this article, explore the top chiropractic tips for keeping your feet at a normal size with no swelling. Read on to explore these tips from your chiropractic office here at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. 

When Do Your Feet Swell During Pregnancy? 

Swelling (edema) affects many pregnant women each year. You might notice it beginning between weeks 22-27. It’s common for it to stay until you give birth. 

What happens is your body fluids increase for both your baby and you. This increased fluid accumulates within the tissues in your body.

Pressure is experienced on your vena cava and pelvic veins from your uterus growing. This can cause swelling in your feet and ankles. It can also cause swelling in your hands as well. 

1. Exercise

To prevent swelling, do pregnancy-safe exercises, rest, drink plenty of water, and eat healthily. Make sure to choose comfortable shoes instead of anything too tight and restricting. Be mindful of your shoe size because some women might experience a permanent shoe size change from pregnancy. 

2. Stretch

During the day, have your feet up and stretch your legs to ensure you’re keeping the blood flowing. Don’t sit or stand for too long at a time. When you raise your legs, keep them higher than your heart. 

3. Avoid Socks

Avoid stockings or socks since they can restrict your blood flow. Instead, choose compression socks. They can help reduce any swelling you’re currently experiencing. 

4. Reduce Salt

In the United States, many Americans eat a high sodium diet. While some might find it delicious, it can increase your risk of swelling during pregnancy.

Ensure that you watch how much salt you use, and cut down on it. Instead, choose foods that are lower in sodium content. Choose fresh herbs instead of salt for your meals. 

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

To decrease the swelling you’re experiencing, choose a high potassium diet. Examples of foods high in potassium are bananas, salmon, lentils, yogurt, beans, spinach, and sweet potatoes. 

If you drink coffee or tea with caffeine, you’ll want to cut back. Coffee can make the swelling you’re experiencing worse due to the caffeine. Instead, go for herbal tea or decaf coffee. 

Choose waist-high maternity support stockings during pregnancy to help out. Make sure that you’re getting enough water as well. If you’re not finding relief with at home care, you’ll want to schedule a chiropractic appointment. 

Tips for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Now that you’ve explored the top tips for reducing and preventing swollen feet during pregnancy, you should have better information to have less swollen feet soon. Are you uncomfortable from your swollen feet, and want relief? 

Or maybe you’re trying to get your baby into a good position before delivery? Contact us today and we’ll come up with an action plan that’s specific to your needs. 

 

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The Most Common Work-Related Injuries That Hairdressers Face and How to Treat Them

The Most Common Work-Related Injuries That Hairdressers Face and How to Treat Them

by | Oct 7, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Orthotics, Testimonials, Wellness

The Most Common Work-Related Injuries That Hairdressers Face and How to Treat Them

Just about any job you can find will have some type of physical risk. The risks are obvious with manual labor jobs like construction and factory work. Even a desk job, though, is likely to lead to back pain, neck pain, and other occupational hazards.

One job that’s harder on the body than it gets credit for is the work of a hairstylist. You’re on your feet for hours at a time, and not necessarily on the most ergonomic floors either. You’re working with your arms and shoulders all day too, sometimes at odd angles.

All this adds up to a variety of work-related injuries that our chiropractic staff sees on a continuous basis. Two injuries are especially common, though: foot pain and headaches from shoulder tension.

Foot Pain

Feet were designed to take us from place to place when necessary. Our bodies weren’t meant to be standing in one place for hours on end, especially not on concrete floors. For many hairstylists, that means they end each day with sore, achy feet.

The good news is that you don’t need to grin and bear it while your foot pain gets worse. There are a few things you can do to protect your feet.

Custom Orthotics

There are specialized providers that will make custom orthotics to fit your feet. Tell them about your job and your work circumstances and they can design orthotics to support and cushion your feet throughout the day.

Foot Exercises

The right exercises can stretch and massage your feet to release the tension from standing too long. One option is the golf ball massage. Rolling a golf ball around under your bare foot will massage the hard-to-reach surfaces.  

A second option is the toe extension stretch. Sit on a chair and place your left foot on top of your right thigh. Then pull your toes upward toward your ankle.

You should feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot. Hold this for ten seconds before repeating it with your other foot. Complete several reps for each foot.

A third stretch to try is the wall calf stretch. Stand next to a wall and prop up one foot so the heel is on the floor and the ball is against the wall. Lean toward the wall to feel a stretch in the bottom of your foot and your calf. Hold it for 15 seconds on each foot.

Repeated Headaches

Not everyone recognizes the connection, but overworking your shoulders can lead to headaches. The tension from your shoulders carries through into your neck and to the nerves in your head. How do you release that tension and reduce your headaches?

Yoga for Shoulder Tension

Yoga is a great way to release tension in your shoulders and neck. In fact, there are specific yoga flows for the shoulders.

Yoga allows you to do a series of controlled stretches, usually with longer holding times than typical stretches. This both releases tension and strengthens your shoulders so they are less affected in the future.

Taking Control of Your Work-Related Injuries

The work-related injuries that come from being a hairstylist can be painful and put a damper on the career you love. Instead of sacrificing your job, try the techniques above to ease your pain.

If you prefer more direct, professional treatment, call our chiropractors for help with your aches and pains.

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5 Immune System Boosters All Diabetics Should Try

5 Immune System Boosters All Diabetics Should Try

by | Oct 7, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Wellness

Your Immune System and Diabetes: 5 Immune System Boosters All Diabetics Should Try

Your immune system and diabetes aren’t friends. High blood sugar lowers your immune system, and people with diabetes have high blood sugar more often. It’s a concern that people with diabetes need to consider all year round, but especially during cold and flu season.

Does that mean you have to buy a hazmat suit and lock yourself in a sterile bubble? Not by a long shot. In addition to managing your blood sugar, there are plenty of natural ways to boost your immune system.

1. Get Choosy with Your Carbs

The first rule of living with diabetes is to control your sugar intake, but that isn’t all it takes. Other carbs can have an impact on your blood glucose levels and reduce your immune system too.

The key is to focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Avoid simple carbs like those in more process foods such as pasta and white bread.

High blood sugar is the top problem with how diabetes affects immune system responses. Complex carbs will keep your blood sugar levels more stable which keeps your immune system strong.

2. Head Outside for a Workout

Take time today to go outside for a walk, jog, or even yoga in your backyard. This empowers your immune system in two ways at once.

First, exercise promotes a healthier blood flow throughout your body. Better circulation strengthens your immune system, and people with diabetes have reduced blood flow. Second, healthy sun exposure helps your body product more vitamin D which is essential for immune activity. 

3. Spice Up Your Life

Most people know vitamin C helps your immune system, but did you know some herbs and spices have a similar effect? Some top spices that boost immunity are garlic, turmeric, and ginger, but there are many others.

Start incorporating more of these spices into your diet in healthy ways. For instance, include garlic in your salad dressings or indulge in healthy Indian dishes which are often high in turmeric.

4. Make an Adjustment

Chiropractic care can have a powerful impact on your immunity and diabetes alike. When you have inflammation or misalignments in your musculoskeletal system, it can reduce your blood flow. Blood vessels get compressed between bones or muscles and they can’t function their best.

A chiropractic adjustment can get your body back in alignment. That allows your blood flow to thrive and to carry your white blood cells and other immune system essentials throughout your body.

5. Hit the Hay

It’s common for adults not to get enough sleep, and in some circles, it’s almost a badge of pride. Toss out that ideology because a lack of sleep could have a serious impact on your health.

While you sleep, your body fights infections, manufactures white blood cells, and takes other steps to maintain your immune system. There are plenty of ways to modify your schedule and environment to get better sleep.

Caring for Your Immune System and Diabetes

No one likes to get sick, but if you have diabetes, a simple illness could become a serious threat to your life. The best way to stay healthy is to empower your immune system before you get sick.

The tips above can improve your immune system and diabetes at the same time. To start making positive changes, schedule a chiropractic visit with our skilled providers today.

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Immune System Detox Boosters You’ll Want to Try Today

Immune System Detox Boosters You’ll Want to Try Today

by | Oct 5, 2020 | Advice, Fun, Injury, Wellness

Immune System Detox Boosters You’ll Want to Try Today

A 2016 survey in the US found that 3% of Americans have either a weakened, suppressed, or compromised immune system. Some researchers even believe that the numbers are rising, thanks in large part to medical advances that allow immuno-compromised individuals to live longer.

That percentage may not sound like a lot—but when you consider that you or your loved ones could fall into that category, the stakes become higher.

Are you considering ways to support and strengthen your immune system? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we list a handful of activities that help boost your immunity. Keep reading!

1. Physical Activity

You might be wondering, Does physical activity boost the immune system? It does, and in fact, it may be one of the most natural ways to boost your immunity!

In short, regular exercise can:

  • Improve your mental health (not exactly immunity-related, but a great bonus)
  • Lower your risk of illness
  • Increase the circulation of immune cells
  • Improve your immune response
  • Reduce harmful inflammation

Experts recommend an aerobic activity that lasts less than an hour, done regularly throughout the week (without overdoing it). This includes everything from walking to running, attending a spin class, or using the elliptical.

2. Quitting Bad Habits

This may not seem like an “activity,” but you can make it one! Record your highs and lows, progress and setbacks in a journal or with friends to make it more fun—and to hold yourself accountable.

Some habits to consider kicking include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Lack of sleep (more on that later)
  • A poor diet

3. Getting Adequate Sleep

Resting is an activity—and let’s admit, it’s a fulfilling one!

Not getting adequate sleep is detrimental to your immune system. On the flip side, getting good sleep fosters it.

When you sleep, your body creates cytokines, which are proteins that target infection and inflammation. The fewer sleep you get, the fewer cytokines your body produces. Not only does rest produce these proteins, but it releases them, too.

Sound sleep: it’s a win-win!

4. Visiting the Sauna

The health benefits of sauna-going are enticing!

The heat from saunas can reduce inflammation, improve your immune response, and reduce harmful physical stress, which takes its own toll on the body’s immune response.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your immune function, use your local sauna for about 15 to 20 minutes tops (to avoid dehydration).

5. Checking in With Your Chiropractor

The best chiropractor will support you in your entirety—beyond the mechanics of your spine. In addition to this, chiropractors emphasize your body healing itself without the use of prescription drugs and/or surgery.

The relationship between your body’s structure and its function is undeniable, and it’s something that’s significantly studied in the chiropractic world. The bond between these two things promotes the preservation and restoration of health, as well as the body’s natural recuperative power.

So, it might be time to visit your local chiropractor and see what they have to say about your nervous system, general physical health, and stress and anxiety levels.

Don’t Wait to Boost Your Immune System

If you’ve noticed one thing about these activities, it’s probably that they’re actionable on a daily basis. Additionally, they’re relatively simple to incorporate into your day-to-day.

Your immune system greatly depends on your efforts—your good habits, your sleeping patterns, your exercise levels, and more. If you can practice these activities regularly, you’ll be glad you did.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic & Wellness, we strive to make you feel better, and we’re not just talking about your spinal health! We take a well-rounded approach that observes everything from your physical activity to your body’s general well-being.

If you’re a new patient, click here to request an appointment with our talented team. We look forward to hearing from you.

CONTACT US
5 Simple Tips for Relieving Neck Pain During Pregnancy

5 Simple Tips for Relieving Neck Pain During Pregnancy

by | Oct 2, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Wellness

5 Simple Tips for Relieving Neck Pain During Pregnancy

A 2016 survey in the US found that 3% of Americans have either a weakened, suppressed, or compromised immune system. Some researchers even believe that the numbers are rising, thanks in large part to medical advances that allow immuno-compromised individuals to live longer.

That percentage may not sound like a lot—but when you consider that you or your loved ones could fall into that category, the stakes become higher.

Are you considering ways to support and strengthen your immune system? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we list a handful of activities that help boost your immunity. Keep reading!

1. Physical Activity

You might be wondering, Does physical activity boost the immune system? It does, and in fact, it may be one of the most natural ways to boost your immunity!

In short, regular exercise can:

  • Improve your mental health (not exactly immunity-related, but a great bonus)
  • Lower your risk of illness
  • Increase the circulation of immune cells
  • Improve your immune response
  • Reduce harmful inflammation

Experts recommend an aerobic activity that lasts less than an hour, done regularly throughout the week (without overdoing it). This includes everything from walking to running, attending a spin class, or using the elliptical.

2. Quitting Bad Habits

This may not seem like an “activity,” but you can make it one! Record your highs and lows, progress and setbacks in a journal or with friends to make it more fun—and to hold yourself accountable.

Some habits to consider kicking include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Lack of sleep (more on that later)
  • A poor diet

3. Getting Adequate Sleep

Resting is an activity—and let’s admit, it’s a fulfilling one!

Not getting adequate sleep is detrimental to your immune system. On the flip side, getting good sleep fosters it.

When you sleep, your body creates cytokines, which are proteins that target infection and inflammation. The fewer sleep you get, the fewer cytokines your body produces. Not only does rest produce these proteins, but it releases them, too.

Sound sleep: it’s a win-win!

4. Visiting the Sauna

The health benefits of sauna-going are enticing!

The heat from saunas can reduce inflammation, improve your immune response, and reduce harmful physical stress, which takes its own toll on the body’s immune response.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your immune function, use your local sauna for about 15 to 20 minutes tops (to avoid dehydration).

5. Checking in With Your Chiropractor

The best chiropractor will support you in your entirety—beyond the mechanics of your spine. In addition to this, chiropractors emphasize your body healing itself without the use of prescription drugs and/or surgery.

The relationship between your body’s structure and its function is undeniable, and it’s something that’s significantly studied in the chiropractic world. The bond between these two things promotes the preservation and restoration of health, as well as the body’s natural recuperative power.

So, it might be time to visit your local chiropractor and see what they have to say about your nervous system, general physical health, and stress and anxiety levels.

Don’t Wait to Boost Your Immune System

If you’ve noticed one thing about these activities, it’s probably that they’re actionable on a daily basis. Additionally, they’re relatively simple to incorporate into your day-to-day.

Your immune system greatly depends on your efforts—your good habits, your sleeping patterns, your exercise levels, and more. If you can practice these activities regularly, you’ll be glad you did.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic & Wellness, we strive to make you feel better, and we’re not just talking about your spinal health! We take a well-rounded approach that observes everything from your physical activity to your body’s general well-being.

If you’re a new patient, click here to request an appointment with our talented team. We look forward to hearing from you.

CONTACT US
Baby-Growing Aches and Pains: A Guide to Muscle Pain During Pregnancy

Baby-Growing Aches and Pains: A Guide to Muscle Pain During Pregnancy

by | Sep 30, 2020 | Advice, Injury, Pregnancy, Wellness

Baby-Growing Aches and Pains: A Guide to Muscle Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it many different ailments that women may not have experienced previously. Extreme headaches, food aversions and nausea, pregnancy rhinitis, bleeding gums, a weakened immune system, and muscle aches and pains are all common during pregnancy.

Muscle aches can really put a damper on enjoying your pregnancy and keep you from doing many of the things you are used to doing. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through them for nine months. Muscle pain during pregnancy can often be treated with rest and stretching and when at-home treatments aren’t cutting it, a chiropractor can help. 

Read on to learn more. 

Lower Back Pain

This is one of the most common types of pregnancy muscle pains. The weight that you gain during pregnancy combined with a shifting center of gravity due to your growing abdomen puts stress on your lumbar spine. Pregnant women, especially during the later months of pregnancy, often alter their gait to compensate for this shift, which also contributes to low back pain. 

Stretching, rest, and chiropractic care are the best ways to treat low back pain during pregnancy.  

Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is often worst during the second trimester. Between weeks 16 and 26, your uterus grows quickly and relocates from your pelvis into your abdomen. This can cause pain in the round ligaments that support the uterus.

You might feel this pain only on one side or both sides and it could be a sharp, stabbing pain or more of a throbbing, achy pain. You’ll feel this pain the most near your pubic bones. 

Like lower back pain, round ligament pain is best treated with rest, stretching, and chiropractic care. .   

Leg Cramps 

Leg cramps are very common during pregnancy, likely due to weight gain, changes in circulation, and pinching of nerves that often happens. These often happen at night and if you’ve ever woken up with a Charley horse, you know how excruciating they can be. The good news is that they usually come and go quickly and it’s not constant pain.

Make sure you are drinking enough water during the day, as that can often contribute to muscle cramping. When you feel a leg cramp coming on, gently stretch your leg, avoid pointing your toes, and instead pull your toes back towards your knee. You can also try to massage the muscle to work out the cramp.  

Sciatica 

Your sciatic nerve runs from the base of your spine down both sides of your hips and glutes, then down to your feet. Any changes in posture, particularly ones that come about during pregnancy, can put pressure on it, causing pain. It could be a shooting pain or could feel like tingling or numbness anywhere along the nerve. 

Regular movement (avoid staying in the same position too long) and walking around regularly to stretch out can help alleviate this pain.  

You Don’t Have to Live With Muscle Pain During Pregnancy 

Muscle pain during pregnancy is inevitable, but you don’t have to suffer day in and day out. Stretching, getting plenty of rest, and using acetaminophen can help you relieve your pain on a daily basis. When these strategies don’t help, though, consider seeking chiropractic care. 

If you are in need of a massage or chiropractor, get in touch with us. Our providers at Amazing Life Chiropractic can help you spend less time in pain and more time enjoying your pregnancy.   

 

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