Herbal Teas

Herb teas are an effective way to improve your health. Herbs can tend to be too concentrated in a solid state, but not in the form of a tea. Mild teas are used daily for many conditions.

If many herbs are recommended for a disorder, it is best to rotate the herbs on a regular basis. This keeps the body from getting used to the herb.

When preparing herbs, use one to three teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling water (or as otherwise recommended.) Pour the water into a mug, and allow to sit for five minutes. Do not store your herbs in a clear jar, because the herbs potency breaks down with light.

Exercise Improves Heart Function

Most people would agree that exercise is good for the heart. With the right type of exercise, the heart pumps more blood and becomes more efficient. During relaxation, the heart fills with blood. When the heart pumps, the blood is expelled to the body.

Exercise increases muscle contraction, and this pushes blood toward the heart. The heart rate will increase at this time. A fast heart rate without exercise is of no benefit. This results from emotional responses. The heart gets strong from exercise by pushing against larger volumes of blood. The heart is a muscle, and can atrophy from lack of exercise. Exercising for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, can be of great benefit. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program.

Your doctor can choose from two types of orthotics that best suited for your condition.

1. A functional orthotic – is designed to alter the function of the entire lower extremity. This orthotic is made for a foot that does not function properly.

These orthotics are made from a foam mold impression. This will show a 3 dimensional view of the foot in a subtalar neutral position eliminating sublatar joint pronation. They are also recommended for supination to support the plantar fascia, helping to eliminate plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, back and knee pain.

2. An accommodative orthotic – is designed to evenly distribute weight over the entire weight bearing surface of the foot. This reduces stress to prominent areas of the foot.

In more moderate cases of pronation, your doctor may recommend Spine Align Orthotics.

Excessive pronation can lead to foot, knee, hip, and back pain

When the subtalar joint pronates, the leg internally rotates. These motions cannot be separated so abnormal subtalar joint pronation will cause internal rotation of the leg when it should not be internally rotated. This can cause stress at the knee and the hip which can also cause low back pain.

By reducing abnormal subtalar joint pronation, functional orthotics help maintain the proper position of the leg at the knee and hip. Even though abnormal subtalar joint function causes only a slight misalignment of these structures, the cumulative effect over time can cause serious problems.

Supination Can be associated with a high arch!

Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward at the ankle. The most common symptoms of supination are pain through the arch of the foot or pain in the heel. The pain can usually be associated with plantar fascitis or heel spurs. Other symptoms can be back and knee pain.

Overview Of The Ankle And Foot

The human foot serves as the foundation of the body, combining mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle specifically serves as the shock absorber and propulsion engine of the body. The foot and ankle are designed to sustain enormous pressure while providing flexibility and resiliency.

The foot and ankle are made up of…

• 26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in the feet);
• 33 joints;
• More than 100 muscles, tendons (fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones), and ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones); and
• A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue.

These components work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.

*Ten Ways To Get Skinny*

1. Stay away from desserts – they are the enemy.

2. Throw away all your breads, pasta, potatoes, etc. (Maybe just cut down a bit.)

3. Drink 6-10 glasses of good water per day.

4. The portion of your food should fit in the palm of your hand. (Big hands are a plus here.)

5. Eat some protein with your meals.

6. Use lean proteins such as: turkey, fish and chicken.

7. Fall in love with fruits and vegetables.

8. Snack on protein when in between meals.

9. Do not eat when emotional. It can lead to many things!

10. Get your fats from olive oil, avocados, etc.

Weight Loss Tips For Restaurants

1. No fast food joints.

2. Dessert is a big no-no.

3. Only water and unsweetened tea.

4. Order salad dressing on the side.

5. Have your entrée grilled or broiled. Sorry the fryer is broken.

6. Share your food. Who knows, this might become the reason you want to lose weight?

7. Ask the food server if you can substitute foods.

8. The cracker and bread basket should be sent away A.S.A.P.

9. Don’t frequent restaurants that do not have a healthy menu selection.

10. Stay away from the artificial sweeteners. They will only make you hungrier.

Eight Ways To Eat Healthier

1. Use sea salt, herbs and spices to dress up your meals.

2. Use lots of green leafy vegetables.

3. Make large healthy meals, and freeze leftovers for future use.

4. Grill, broil or bake your food. No frying!

5. Use virgin olive oil for cooking.

6. Cooking sprays are great for skillets and baking pans.

7. Steam all vegetables.

8. Plan out your meals on a weekly basis.

Potassium For Heart Health

Potassium is a main factor in keeping blood pressure at the correct level for maximum cardiovascular benefits.

Potassium must be in balance with sodium for proper water balance in the body. It is more effective when taken with magnesium.

Heartbeat irregularities are a sign of potassium deficiency. Other signs are loss of appetite, constipation, fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in legs, nausea, and confusion.

Potassium is found in baked potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, spinach and bananas.

The daily recommended dosage for potassium is 99mg.

What's Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is a very popular supplement in Europe. Several million prescriptions are written every year. In the U.S. it can be bought over the counter. Ginkgo is used to increase blood flow, and inhibit the build up of platelets.

Ginkgo biloba has shown to be of value by increasing blood flow to the brain. This is often an age related condition. Many case studies have shown an improvement of memory with the use of ginkgo biloba.

What is St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s Wort has been used as an herbal supplement for depression for many years. This herb has been used in numerous double-blind controlled studies, and also compared to prescription antidepressants. In these studies it was concluded that St. John’s Wort improved depression, sadness, anxiety and insomnia.

St. John’s Wort improves the flow of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a mood elevator, and helps balance brain chemistry, in a gentle fashion without the side effects of drugs.

St. John’s Wort can be purchased at most health food stores. Follow the recommended dosages listed on the bottle.

Licorice For Stomach Ulcers?

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice called (DGL) for short is a natural way to treat stomach ulcers. Prescription drugs Zantac or Tagamet work by decreasing stomach acid. This interferes with digestion, and formation of stomach cells.

DGL strengthens the stomach lining, and increases its defenses against acid. This is actually a smart way to do things! DGL also strengthens the immune system!!

In one major study DGL was superior when compared to antacids and tagamet.

If you are currently using prescription meds for stomach ulcers, ask your Dr. about substituting DGL. DGL can be purchased at most health food stores. Chewing one or two tablets 20-30 minutes before meals will give optimal benefits.

Health Bulletin: Prostate

An enlarged prostate gland in males can put pressure on the urethra. This in turn reduces your ability to urinate. (Not a fun situation!)

Believe it or not the French have been using an extract of berries called “Saw Palmetto” to help alleviate this condition. They have seen results in prostate health for nearly a 100 years using saw palmetto. Now if we could only get them to pay back their war debts? This berry has been out performing the prescription drug “Proscar” in reducing the destruction of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Guys this means you will not have to get up so many times during the night to relieve yourself!

Saw palmetto is available in most health food stores. Ask your M.D. if this might be a viable solution to your prostate dysfunction.

How To Store Vitamins

This is a very common question I hear from my patients, and could be the difference in having fresh vitamins or not.

I like to store my vitamins in a cool, dry place. Please make sure the cap is on tightly. Keep your vitamins out of the medicine cabinet. If in doubt, read the label or contact the vitamin company for further instructions.

Sciatica And Back Pain

Sciatica is a feeling of pain, numbness, or tingling into the buttocks and thighs. The cause of this nerve disorder is due to the pinching of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body.

Major causes of sciatica are: herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs and bones out of place in the spine. Sciatica can also be caused by tumors, arthritis, muscle spasms, and pregnancy. Sciatica responds well to chiropractic adjustments, and spinal decompression.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work? Part II of II

Spinal decompression can trick the body into relaxing. Regular pulling of the spine can trigger sensors in the muscles, and cause them to tighten up. Spinal decompression can bypass the muscle tightening response of the body. This is accomplished by gently pulling on the spine and relaxing the back over a period of time. The spine is able to reposition without tension, or putting itself into an emergency tighten down mode.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work? Part I of II

An increase in disc pressure causes the disc to bulge, and causes a lot of pain. Spinal decompression creates a negative pressure within the spinal disc that produces a vacuum. This vacuum helps pull nutrients and fluids into the disc region. This in turn helps facilitate the healing process, and helps retract the disc into a more proper position. This improved position is very beneficial for disc health.

Spinal Decompression! The Right Choice?

Spinal decompression therapy is recommended for those patients that have ongoing back pain that is caused by herniated or bulging discs, sciatica and degenerative disc disease. S.D. is also beneficial for those that have unstable joints, and failed back surgery.

Spinal decompression is not recommended if you have osteoporosis, (thinning of the bones), recent vertebral fracture, spinal infections, or pelvic cancer. If you are pregnant or have surgical hardware installed in your spine, you are not a candidate for spinal decompression.

Spinal Decompression and Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis occurs with a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can be caused by disc damage, and excessive bone growth. The end result is pain, weakness and numbness into the buttocks, legs and feet. Patients with spinal stenosis receive relief from spinal decompression by the repositioning and rejuvenating effect on the spinal discs.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Part III of III

By now you are probably thinking, how can I get rid of plantar fasciitis? It is not realistic to stay off your feet at all times. You are recommended to see a qualified physician.

Every time your foot hits the ground, the plantar fasciitis is stretched. You can decrease this pressure by losing body weight, wearing shoes and slippers that support your arch. Some physicians recommend medicine, taping of the foot, and orthotics. Orthotics are prescription inserts that fit into your shoe. Orthotics tend to support and help control the foot and ankle region. If you have any questions please contact me.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Part II of III

As earlier discussed, improper foot movement can cause plantar fasciitis. If the foot flattens too much at the arch, the tissue may overstretch. In return, if the foot flattens too little, the fascia is too tight and causes pain.

A heel spur can also cause plantar fasciitis. This bone growth can be caused by a pull on the heel bone over time.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis occur on the bottom of the foot, usually in the morning. Pain may decrease after walking briefly, but comes back with rest or over activity.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Part I of III

The plantar fascia is a large group of ligaments that are bound together and run from the ball of the foot to the heel. This group of tissue creates a tension that pulls your foot into an arch. With improper movement of the foot these ligaments begin to break down. This causes inflammation, and now you have a condition called plantar fasciitis.