Posts Tagged "antioxidant"

Stress Relief

Posted by Dr. Wirtz on Dec 6, 2011 in Blog, Drug Free Treatment, Health Tips, Uncategorized | 0 comments

So I was really thinking about what to write about this week and thought stress relief would be perfect.  With my wedding 2 weeks away, in-laws in town visiting, and various work stresses, I definitely need some ideas on stress relief! Ha!  So with that being said, here is a list of some things you can do if you feel the stress coming on!

1. Calm down

2. Feed your mind with positive thoughts

3. Remember good things

4. Look at the big picture

5. Believe that everything will be all right

6. Exercise

7. Forgive

8. Take action

9. Say something positive

10. Think about other people

I also found some foods that you can eat that may help reduce the stress and help your body start feeling better!

Blueberries – Besides having been identified as one of the healthiest foods around, blueberries are very high in vitamin C, which has been shown to give the body added reserves to help it deal with high levels of stress. Also, blueberries contain a high amount of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that fluctuate too much are a major contributor to stress for some people.

Oranges – Oranges are very rich in vitamin C. When you are stressed, your body releases even more free radicals than usual. Vitamin C helps to keep the free radicals in check, and repairs the body. Basically, it helps protect the body from the cumulative effects of stress.

Brown rice – All whole grains, including bulger wheat, quinoa, oats and brown rice contain plenty of B vitamins and also supply serotonin producing carbohydrates that do not spike blood sugar levels. They also contain plenty of healthy fiber.

Green Vegetables - Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress. Many vegetables also contain potassium, which is good for our nerves and can calm them. Also, when we eat a diet high in vegetables, we do not feel weighed down by our diet, and it is easier to get stress-reducing exercise.

Turkey – Turkey contains an amino acid called L-Tryptophan. This amino acid triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason why many people who eat turkey feel relaxed, or even tired, after eating it. L-Tryptophan has a documented calming effect. Chicken is also high in this amino acid. However, don’t eat them fried, or your body will be so busy digesting the fats that you will miss out on the benefit of these foods!

Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress reducing because they can satisfy the urge we get for carbohydrates and sweets when we are under a great deal of stress. Instead of reaching for a donut, eat one of these instead. They are packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

Water – While technically not a food, it is important to have sufficient water intake, as even a mild state of dehydration can stress your entire body. Keep your nerves steady by staying well hydrated.

If you are feeling some stress with the upcoming holiday season, then try some of these helpful tips.  Don’t forget, to have a healthy body that can defeat stress a Chiropractic adjustment is a MUST!  Get adjusted today!

Cranberries

Posted by Dr. Wirtz on Nov 22, 2011 in Blog, Diseases, Health Tips, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Well it’s that time again for lots of good food, family, and football!!  It’s Thanksgiving week and with this in mind I wanted to share with you some of the health benefits of one particular food that many of you will be consuming.  Now I’m sure some of you will be eating the canned cranberry sauce and some will even have the homemade kind.  I shouldn’t have to explain that canned cranberry sauce is full of fructose or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  From my previous blog, you now know how unhealthy HFCS is for you.  So you should definitely make your own cranberry sauce with fresh organic cranberries and all natural sugar.

Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants that can help you protect yourself against cancer, stroke, and heart disease.  Research has shown that cranberries, compared to 19 other fruits, have the highest amount of anti-oxidants.  Cranberries also help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s) by altering the e.coli bacteria from causing an infection and keeping the bacteria from adhering to the wall of your urinary tract.  Some animal studies have shown that cranberries can help lower cholesterol and even prevent tooth decay.

So on Thanksgiving Day, it’s okay to have an extra serving of fresh cranberry sauce! Yummy!   Don’t forget in order to keep your body healthy, nutrition is great, but Chiropractic care is a MUST!  So, make an appointment and get the spine adjusted!!!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Perfect Cranberry Sauce (foodnetwork.com)

Empty a 12-ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries (organic is BEST) into a saucepan and transfer 1/2 cup to a small bowl. Add 1-cup sugar, 1 strip orange or lemon zest and 2 tablespoons water to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst, about 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the reserved cranberries. Add sugar, salt and pepper to taste and cool to room temperature before serving.

A Glass Of Goodness A Day…

Posted by Dr. Wirtz on Oct 11, 2011 in Blog, Diseases, Drug Free Treatment, Health Tips | 0 comments

Will help keep the doctor away! Next to pure water, this “glass of goodness” is the next healthiest beverage of choice.  Green tea is beneficial in fighting cancer, heart disease, lowering cholesterol, preventing diabetes and stroke, and fighting off dementia.  What exactly is in green tea that does all of this?

Green tea contains an antioxidant called catechins.  These antioxidants attack the free radicals in your body that can cause DNA damage.  Free radicals actually make us age faster and green tea naturally rids your body of them.  Catechins are found to be 100 times stronger than the antioxidants in vitamin C and E.  Research over the last few decades has shown that catechins have the ability to support the immune system, fight the signs of aging, support healthy digestion, promote a healthy liver, promote healthy brain function, and a healthy heart.  Green tea is also a natural appetite suppressant and can aid in healthy weight loss.

Research has also shown that catechins can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and kills cells that are growing inappropriately.  Catechins were also found to help dilate blood vessels and help prevent clogging, thus preventing atherosclerosis and blood clots.

Drink up!  Instead of a sugary beverage like sodas or sports drink, nourish your body with green tea. It’s a natural way to restore healthy cells and prevent disease.  Buy organic green tea from your local health food store to ensure that it’s high quality and pesticide free.  Research showed that drinking up to 2 cups a day actually prevents cancer cells from even beginning to grow!!  Remember to drink plenty of pure water too.  A healthy diet, plenty of water, green tea, and of course a regular visit to the Chiropractor will keep your immune system strong and able to fight off diseases.

Curcumin: The Most Powerful Cancer Gene Regulator

Posted by Dr. Wirtz on Oct 4, 2011 in Blog, Diseases, Drug Free Treatment, Health Tips | 0 comments

You may be asking your self, “What?  There is something that can regulate a cancer gene?  And if so, how?”  The answer is YES.  After many years of research it is becoming more widely known that cancer is NOT pre-programmed into our genes.  Cancer genes are only allowed to be expressed when we have an environmental trigger.  The following can alter, damage, or mutate DNA and cause an alteration in the genetic expression which triggers the cancer gene: poor nutrition, toxins and pollutions, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, free radical damage, and thoughts/emotional conflicts.

Curcumin is a part of the popular Indian spice Turmeric. It has been used historically as of part of Indian Ayurvedic Holistic Medicine for many ailments and diseases.  Curcumin has been widely studied over many years and has evidence based literature to support its’ use against cancer. Once curcumin is in a cell it can affect over 100 different pathways. Research has found that it can: inhibit the spreading of cancer cells, decrease inflammation, inhibit transformation of cells from “normal” to “tumor” cells, inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be in a tumor, decrease blood supply to the tumor to prevent further growth, and help destroy the mutated cancer cells so it can’t spread throughout the body.

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are your body’s way to eliminate free radicals and slow down the aging process.  Free radical oxidation is what puts the most impact on our aging process.  With that being said, it’s so important to include antioxidants in your diet.  Curcumin is said to be 5-8 times stronger than vitamin E and vitamin C.

Curcumin also helps:

• Reduce Cholesterol
• Reduce Thrombosis and Myocardial Infarction
• Suppress symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
• Increase bile secretion to aid in a healthy digestive system
• Suppress symptoms related to Type II Diabetes
• Suppress symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Enhance wound healing
• Fight against cataracts
• Reduce symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Reduce inflammation and pain associated with Osteoarthritis
• Promotes healthy bones and joints
• Promotes healthy heart and liver function
• Inhibit HIV replication

This is only skimming the surface of what this incredible Indian herb can do to benefit your health!  I recommend adding this spice into your diet immediately.  Look for a 100% organic-based (certified organic product) turmeric extract with at least 95% curcuminoids or you can find it in a powder form. Look in your local health food stores to find the best quality products. You can add it to tea, casseroles, curries, meats, soups, and healthy veggie stir-fries.  Remember to maintain a healthy immune system you need to also get a Chiropractic adjustment regularly as well as maintaining a healthy diet.