Overcome your sinusitis today!
Forty million Americans suffer from sinusitis. You may have experienced acute sinusitis in which the nasal cavities of the nasal passages become inflamed, mucus is built up and it blocks drainage. This maybe following a cold, and you have symptoms such as painful pressure behind cheekbones, headaches, nasal congestion etc… For some people this is not a temporary problem. If you have chronic sinusitis, you spend majority of each year experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, facial pain, headaches, mucus secretion, bad breath, post nasal drip, and etc.
1. Get steamy
Take a hot shower or better yet try steam treatment to help rid you of the inflamed mucus. The steam you breathe can be enhanced with sinus-clearing essential oils. Try adding Eucalyptus, lavender, oregano or peppermint to a large bowl of steaming-hot water. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe deeply for 10 minutes. You’ll feel relief within that time.
If you are short on time, apply a warm wash cloth over your eyes and cheekbones for relief.
1. Get fit
Aerobic exercises at least three times a week can help drain sinuses naturally, which then reduces inflammation and risk of an infection. Physical activity helps cleansing you of toxins and relieve accumulated stress. Dawn’s info or link?
1. Flush the sinuses
Make sure you use a saline solution that does not contain preservatives; they can impair your nasal function. To make your own preservative-free saline solution, add one table spoon of non-iodized salt to one pint of distilled water and rinse your sinuses, and nasal passages with it daily.
1. What to eat
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and staying away from sugar, dairy products, wheat, alcohol, and foods that can increase mucus inflammation is key in staying healthy, and avoiding those sinusitis episodes all together. Take your natural anti-inflammatory (e.g. fish oil). Try adding garlic, onions, horseradish, hot pepper and ginger added to any soup broth to open up the sinuses. Drink lots of hot herbal tea.
1. Killer immune system
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you exercise, eat right and your nervous system is functioning properly, you shouldn’t be suffering from any aches, pains, tiredness etc…
Your brain controls everything and it communicates with all of your organs through the nervous system/spine. If you have an abnormal neck curve, you have a low resistance immune system which in majority of cases does not cause any symptoms. So get your immune system checked before it’s too late. Also check out this post about Immune System!
Is your sinusitis life-threatening?
In addition to being painful, a chronic sinusitis can be dangerous and in rare cases causes blindness or even death. You may have tried anti-biotics for your sinus infection; unfortunately antibiotics kill the helpful bacteria in your gastro-intestinal system and can cause a variety of other problems if taken frequently. Before your sinusitis becomes more than just a head and face pain, prevent it.
Call 949.387.1333 in order to avoid sinusitis being a detrement to your health! We serve Orange County, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or Irvine.
6 natural ways to beat allergies
Here are top 6 ways to beat your allergies this spring:
1. Correct your ‘allergy posture’
Your brain communicates to every cell in your body through your nervous system. The information gets sent down into your neck and then the rest of your body. If you have a misalignment in your neck that is blocking life and energy into the rest of your body, the communication is stopped. The goal of chiropractic care is to located these blocks that are causing major stress on your body and thus enable the immune system to communicate more effectively with the nervous system.
2. Eat allergy-fighting food
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation and can be found in cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil. Garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits like lemon and oranges also contain natural anti-histamines.
3. Aqua therapy
This natural allergy remedy simply involves drinking lots of liquids to help flush out mucus. However, when you hydrate, you also need minerals to hold onto the water.
Hot liquids can help rid your of congestion. Mint and Green tea work well and contain lots of anti-oxidants that will keep you young as a ‘side-effect’ too. Stay away from black tea, coffee, milk, alcohol and anything with preservatives and additives in it.
4. Beneficial Bugs
Healthy gut flora is essential for wellness of the immune system. Probiotics are the natural and beneficial bacteria in your gut that contribute to your overall health. Disturbed flora can deplete your gut of normal flow of good bacteria. Probiotics can replenenish your source of good bacteria in your gut, and stimulate your immune system in order to prevent you from developing allergies and treating them.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains many healing properties and is often used to ease the symptoms of sinus infection as well as to treat allergies developed from exposure to pets, foods, and various environmental agents. In addition to being rich in vitamins E, A, B1, B2 and B6, apple cider vinegar contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It reduces the amount of mucus in the sinus cavities, soothes sore throats, and will shorten the duration of colds.
6. Raw local honey
There are reports that eating honeycomb that comes from the area where you live can relieve symptoms of allergy. The theory is that by chewing a little honeycomb made by local bees you can desensitize yourself to local pollens. Try it daily before allergy season starts so that you build resistance against it. A spoonful a day will keep allergies away!
Call us if you have any questions 949.387.1333
Sciatica
Most common type of Sciatica is basically a lower back (lumbar) problem that has progressed into degeration of the nerves coming out of the spine and effecting nerves that innervate the muscles of the buttocks, legs and feet. A lower back pain that is not being taken care of can result in tingling and numbness, weakness, loss of senstation, and eventually atrophy of the muscles. Here at our Costa Mesa office we see many patients come in with sciatica that is caused by a variety of entrapments, inflammations, scar tissue, or hypertrophy. Almost every time it has started with a minor pain in the lower back or buttock that didn’t get taken care of. If you are suffering from sciatica, make sure you are taking omega 3 supplemets and ice the painful area. Heat may feel good, but long term will attrach all the inflammation to the area. If you live in beautiful Orange County and want to see if you are a candidate for care, give us a call at 949.387.1333
Chiropractic care and migraine headaches
Once again I have another patient who has tried every other doctor for her migraine headaches. I see cases like hers almost daily. Some need nutritional restrictions and advices, and some need a few adjustments. I have cure enough of them that at times makes me want to be a Migraine Doctor only! Daily, severe, and debilitating migraine headaches and the last place that a lot of doctors look at is the structure of the neck. To me it’s a no brainer. If there is no pathology in the brain, and they’ve been tested for food allergies, and it all shows negative. The structure of the neck is extremely important specially up at the top vertebra where the brain and the rest of the spine (nervous system) comes together. A handful of chiropractors can actually look at an x-ray of the cervical spine (neck) measure the abnormality. Those who are trained in corrective care can check the nervous system and it’s flowing into and from the brain and spinal cord. If the nerves are being stretched more than normal than likely to have migraine headaches, general fatigue, insomnia, and a list of other things.
If you are in beautiful Orange County and would like to see if you’re a candidate for corrective care here, give us a call @ 949.387.1333
Stress management
Being in the middle of one of the worse economic crisis’ of all times, stress management is important as stress creates free radicals, accelerates aging process, creates pain and inflammation and those stress hormones can make you gain weight. To beat stress here is what I do and recommend to my patients more and more these days:
-Take a yoga class/ dance/ kickboxing (whichever you like best)
- Meditate, or sit still and quiet your mind
- Go for a walk- there are numerous places to go for a hike in Orange County and the weather is beatiful these days
- Drink a ton of water and stay away from sugar
- Go to your chiropractor for an adjustment or an acupuncture treatment! They help.
They are common sense and simple but trust me they work! I know first hand.
To find out if you are a candidate for care at our office call us at 949.387.1333 or visit our website for more information.
Heart of a woman
Heart disease now has a new face – it’s young, fit and female. Journal of American College of Cardiology reports that deaths caused by heart disease in women under 45 years old have been increasing by 1.3 percent each year since 1997.
The typical cardiac patient has historically been a middle-aged or older male; females have been left out of heart disease research studies, which have led to the perception that it does not pertain to women. Female-oriented vascular conditions such as microvascular disease and pregnancy-related heart troubles are less understood than coronary-artery disease which triggers heart attacks in men. Meanwhile 4 in 10 women do not recognize heart disease’s most life threatening sign until it is too late – a heart attack!
The number of young women (under 45) who die from coronary heart disease each year is roughly comparable to the number of women who die of breast cancer, yet there are numerous breast cancer awareness organizations and little in the way of heart disease education. Thus this month’s article will investigate and educate women on risk factors and screening steps.
Doctors are not making the connection between suspicious symptoms and a significant cardiac event in female patients. A recent study presented 800 physicians with patient profiles in which the heart risk levels were identical, but the genders differed. Even when a woman’s risk was the same as a man’s, doctors were more likely to classify her case as low risk.
Women develop different type of heart disease than men and the symptoms and complexity is yet to be researched. Heart disease in women strikes multiple smaller arteries while men more commonly develop a single large plaque that clearly blocks a single artery.
Another reason women with heart disease are being inadequately examined and tested may have to do with the under-recognized connection between the reproductive organs and heart health. Irregular menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances play a role in coronary vessels tightening and thus making you more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks.
Pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and gestational diabetes can trigger heart disease by increasing blood clotting and risks of high blood pressure. New moms are often told that these conditions are pregnancy-specific and are resolved after birth of their child. New research now shows that they can have an impact years after the pregnancy.
3 steps to prevention:
1. Know your numbers
By age 30 get your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels checked annually.
2. Know your risks
Abnormal cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Drug or tobacco use
Diabetes
Family history
Obesity
Pregnancy
Birth control pills
Poor diet and lack of exercise
3. Get Checked
Based on your numbers, many doctors will use online tools to assess your risk level and determine what tests you need. Ask your doctor about female-focused Reynalds Risk Score (reynoldsriskscore.org) which accounts for all the risks as well as factors that can be particularly troubling in women, such as certain cholesterol types and inflammatory markers specific to females.
Signs, symptoms, and risk factors for heart disease can be subtle or seemingly harmless and prevention is extremely valuable. Educate yourself on risks, take care of your body, and ask your doctor for a checkup. Call us for a free consultation or to check your blood pressure at 949.387.1333
Cure High Blood Pressure Naturally
High Blood Pressure…
American Heart Association reports one out of three adults in the United States is suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ and you may be suffering from it without experiencing major symptoms. High blood pressure pushes against the walls of arteries and veins and can cause stroke, heart attack, aortic aneurysm and death. Call us at 949.387.1333 to get checked and find out if you are at risk for hypertension.
The answer to the question of how to cure high blood pressure naturally and without medication is most commonly a low salt intake, exercise and a healthy diet. Most people don’t realize that there are various other treatment options that are natural and can help lower your blood pressure so that you can become medication free.
Truth about high blood pressure medication:
It is important to understand that hypertension medications will NOT change, modify, or address the underlying cause of high blood pressure. They synthetically lower your blood pressure by either causing the heart to beat slower or making your blood less thick so your blood pressure numbers are looking good, but not exactly healthy. You may be able to lower your blood pressure on paper but this ‘silent killer’ has not been treated- not to mention the deadly side-effects. New research is now showing some natural remedies are just as effective as their medication counterpart.
3 secrets to beat the ‘silent killer’ naturally and effectively:
Get Chiropractic Care:
Many of us consider chiropractic care a vital path to good health, but did you know that it has also been shown to significantly improve high blood pressure? New and exciting research was done by medical doctors in 2007 shows that chiropractic care can be as effective as high blood pressure medications with no side effects. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TTzKwvNbP0
Correct positioning of your neck vertebra is vital in optimal functioning of not only your neck but your entire body. A misaligned neck puts pressure on your nerve and contribute to accelerated aging, migraine headaches, aches, fatigue and last but not least hypertension. You may be a candidate for less medication and lower side effects! For a one-on-one complimentary consultation contact our office for an appointment 949.387.1333
Evaluate your Nutrition:
You already know about a low-salt diet now how about adding Garlic, Green Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Olive Leaf Extracts to your list. Three Miracle Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, and potassium as well as Fish oil and CoQ10 should also be added to your supplement list. There are multiple other herbal and nutritional supplements that can regulate your blood flow. For a detailed assessment of your diet or supplemental intake give us a call at 949.387.1333
Watch Your Weight:
It’s been shown that a 10% weight loss can normalize your blood pressure. A regular and effective exercise program specifically to regulate your weight, insulin levels, and high blood pressure is the way to go. The only side effect to this one is a fit and healthy body!
3 reasons why you’re not losing weight
Can’t lose weight? Jump start 2009 with a detoxification program!
If you are having trouble losing weight and it’s become more and more difficult to lose weight, you are not alone. Many people try few days or weeks of dieting without being able to keep the weight off, and or speeding up their metabolism. Each year by not taking the right steps, you gain a few pounds, and each year it becomes more difficult to lose the pounds; thus your body stays in a toxic-overload state. Here are 3 most common reasons why you are having trouble losing weight or keeping it off.
1. Eating Habits:
Obesity in America is no longer surprising news. Most of the food we buy and even fruits and vegetables that we consume are extremely overloaded with chemical toxins, dangerous artificial sweeteners, cancer-causing preservatives, and lots of unhealthy substances. If you’re not getting rid of this waste in your body, your cravings won’t go away; you will not be able to lose this extra weight. When you have a toxic system, you are fatigued day after day, can’t sleep properly, you have a low metabolism and therefore you can’t motivate yourself to exercise, all of which contributes to excess weight year after year. A toxic system is your worst enemy and cleansing yourself of the toxins can be the only solution to optimal health. Call 949.387.1333 to schedule a free consultation and see if a detoxification program can help you get your optimal health back.
2. Your Workouts:
If you eat super healthy, do a detoxification once a year, workout somewhat regularly and still difficult for you to lose weight, it is likely that you have hit a plateau. It’s not about going to the gym every day it is about the right kinds of cardio and strength training for your body and specific to your goals. Try www.WorkingYourBody.com
3. A Misaligned Spine:
Is your neck tight and does your upper back carry tension and stress most of the time? What you may not know is that not only your back muscles but also your nerves in that area are affected. The nerves in your neck control metabolism, immune system, thyroid, sleeping patterns, and a healthy brain. If you feel that you are not at your optimal health, it may have to do with a stretched spinal cord. Insomnia, stress, thyroid malfunction, and low metabolism all lead to over eating, lack of motivation for exercise, and thus weight gain and an accelerated aging process. Call us at 949.387.1333 for a consultation to check your nervous system for any interference.
It is my goal to make 2009 the healthiest year for all of my patients and the individuals I come across with.
Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays
Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays…
Holidays can be a heavy burden on anyone’s body. Average individuals can gain anywhere from 2-6 pounds and they begin to feel the effects of large consumption of food, alcohol, rich sweets, lack of exercise, and dehydration. The good news is you’re not alone in the overindulgence during the holidays.
A detoxification or cleansing program can not only be a great start to the New Year, but also help you rid yourself of all the toxins you have collected throughout the year and during the holidays. To keep all of your organs functioning at their best, an annual internal cleansing is beneficial. The food we consume contains a range of harmful toxin substances that can cause fatigue, headaches, indigestion, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, skin breakouts, bloating and last but definitely not least weight gain. Are you suffering from these symptoms? Are you at your 100% optimal health? Could you use a little push? Are you feeling sluggish, irritable, or unable to focus? Have you gained a few pounds over the holidays and would like to get healthy again?
If you are ready to make the commitment for better health and optimal wellness…
Your body is overwhelmed with all the toxins, having to unload the toxins, and boost your immune system at the same time; it can get weak and tired. Personally I have gone through multiple cleanses within the past few years and have had amazing results. Just recently through my research I came across a company that offers cleansing of all 8 major organ systems in the same 21 day purification program. Many of my patients have started cleansing beginning of 2009 and more are joining. If you are interested in the program, have questions or more importantly want your optimal health back, give us a call at 949.387.1333 or visit my website.
In the mean time…
Hydrate:
Drink a ton of water, and non-caffeinated herbal teas.
The recommended amount is no longer eight glasses a day. It is your body weight divided by 2 in oz. of water. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs/2=50 oz of water.
To make it a fun experience, add a slice of cucumber or strawberry to your water.
Exercise:
There is no substitution for an active life style. Make it your goal in 2009 to get fit, lose weight, become healthy and strong. Learn to love moving your body. Play outside. Need help? Visit www.workingyourbody.com
Fiber, Fruits and Veggies:
Eat plenty of fiber found in brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat foods that are naturally detoxifying such as beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, and seaweed.
Keep it simple:
Lower your intake of dairy products, red meat, sugar, complex carbohydrates, processed food, and diet drinks. Going for smaller portions is a great start to a healthy purification without starvation.
Relax:
Enjoy a nice walk outside, take a long bath, try a yoga pose, and breathe!
Good luck with your New Year Resolutions, and Detoxification Programs and Happy 2009!
Chiropractic care gives hope to patients with migraine headaches…
Headaches are a very familiar problem in today’s society most commonly seen in women. A severe episode can interfere with daily living activities, work, or even relationships. Three most common types are headaches are tension, cluster, and migraine. A tension headache is caused by muscle spasm at the base of the head and neck area. Cluster headaches are caused or exacerbated by caffeine or alcohol, and are frequent and severe. Migraine headache can occur either from dilated blood vessels or interference with the nerves going into the skull.
This month I would like to focus on migraine headaches because more than 29 million people suffer from this debilitating condition. Scientific evidence supporting chiropractic care and its benefits for migraine headaches is proliferating each year. In a recent research study I read, from a group of 127 patients with severe migraine headaches, 22% who were under chiropractic care reported a reduction in frequency of their episodes by more than 90%. Additionally 49% of these individuals reported a significant decline in the intensity of each episode.
The most recent theory claims that migraine is a disorder of the Central Nervous System.
The brain and spinal cord form the Central Nervous System and everything in the human body is mediated by it. Tension in muscles of the neck (cervical spine) can cause segmental misalignments in the neck. These misalignments will cause interference with the nervous system which then leads to dilation of the blood vessels in the brain and thus causes a migraine headache.
It is extremely important to understand that migraine headaches are just a symptom, a way for your body to tell you something in your nervous system is severely malfunctioning. If there is nerve interference in your spine or Central Nervous System that is causing the migraine headaches, you should be very aware and concerned about other visceral signs and symptoms. Conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, insomnia, general fatigue, low metabolism, visual disturbances, auditory problems, as well as weak immune system can be associated with lack of nerve flow to the head and neck.
A symptom is a warning sign for a serious condition or series of conditions that your body has been fighting against for some time, and numbing a symptom with over-the-counter pills is NOT the answer. Getting to the root of the problem and finding out what is causing it is the first step to better health.
I have treated hundreds of cases of patients with migraine headaches and achieved extraordinary results after the traditional medical approach had failed. If you are suffering from migraine headaches, give me a call at 949.387.1333 and schedule an appointment to get your nervous system checked. If you know someone who is suffering from this condition, share this information with them and give them hope. You can also visit and share the information on my website.
