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Boosting Your Immune System with Chiropractic Care

Boosting Your Immune System with Chiropractic Care

Though Spring often brings milder temperatures, it also brings with it a host of allergies, colds, and other illnesses. These can make us question whether our immune system is working the way it should. Our lifestyles can play a large role in how healthy we feel through the the year. Staying on top of annual physicals and incorporating regular chiropractic visits can be the key to feeling your best.

And, to do this will require you to pay particular attention to your immune system.

What is the role of the immune system?

To stay in great health, your immune system must work quickly to eliminate any foreign particles or viruses that may get into your body. Its main role is to fight off infections and keep them from wreaking havoc on our other body systems. To do this, you want to be sure your immune cells are as strong as they can be. Because when they are not, your risk of getting (and staying) sick increases exponentially.

How can I naturally boost my immune system?

Your diet plays a large role in the health of your immune system. Getting ample rest and staying active through regular exercise are also ways that you can give your immune system a boost. recent Research points to chiropractic adjustments as being an additional way to ensure your immune cells are ready to protect you.

Although many people associate chiropractic treatments as only needed to alleviate back or neck pain, these treatments can actually help improve a host of conditions, including seasonal allergies, ear infections, even bedwetting. That is because chiropractic treatments adjust the spine to ensure that it is not misaligned. When the spine is misaligned, it disrupts the connections traveling between the nervous system to all of the other body systems. When this is corrected using soothing chiropractic sessions, the nervous system is able to restore these critical connections. And, when your nervous system is functioning properly, you are able to increase the number of immune cells and their response rate to ensure you are able to fight off any infection, bacteria, or virus you may encounter.

It is recommended to visit your chiropractor, once every three months. During these sessions, they will be able to assess your spinal alignment and recommend a course of treatment to keep your spine and posture in perfect alignment.

If you have not seen a chiropractor this year, then now is the time to make an appointment. With 7 convenient Atlanta-area locations, Corrective Chiropractic is able to offer its patients the highest level of quality care to keep them healthy all year round. Click here to schedule a free back evaluation session.

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Strategies to Be Proactive for Seasonal Allergies

Strategies to Be Proactive for Seasonal Allergies

With beautiful Spring flowers comes the dread of seasonal allergies. With the pollen count always going up, getting your spring allergies under control will be important. Here are some tips to help you  enjoy your outdoor adventures.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Allergies and the symptoms that come with it of sneezing, runny nose, coughing, watery/itchy eyes, etc. are a part of your immune system response. When you’re exposed to an allergen your body is triggered to release a chemical called histamine. When histamine enters your bloodstream, it makes your blood vessels leaky, especially those that run through your nose and eyes. This is why the most common seasonal allergies reaction is a runny nose or watery eyes.

How can you treat Seasonal allergies?

Depending on the area you live in, your allergies may fluctuate from season to season. The key is to take proactive measures to prepare your body or the pollen onslaught common during the Spring months. To do this, it often helps to start an anti-allergy regime in the Winter or very early in the Spring, like in April, so you are able to enjoy the great outdoors without feeling miserable.

The doctors at Corrective Chiropractic recommend using Allerplex. As an all-natural blend of Vitamins A and C, you’re able to get the healthy dose of nutrients your body needs to overcome and reduce the symptoms related to seasonal allergies. Also, including a unique combination of organic minerals, peptides, and enzymes, Allerpex is able to:

  • Reduce the production of mucus often associated with allergies
  • Boost your liver function
  • Enhance the synergistic relationship between your lung and heart

To ensure your allergies stay in check, taking Allerpex in conjunction with regular chiropractic visits can be the one-two punch you need to knock allergies out for good.

Can chiropractic care help with allergies?

The short answer is yes! The exact mechanism of how allergies wreak havoc on the body is not completely understood, however, research has proved that when your body is under stress, being able to manage your allergies becomes a challenge. Your nervous system is intimately linked with your immune system. Which means, when your nervous system is misaligned (particularly with spinal misalignments in your neck), your immune system will inevitably compromised. And, when your immune system is weakened, allergens can have an even greater effect on your body, leaving you with allergy symptoms that will quickly make your life miserable.

When you receive chiropractic treatments, doctors are able to gently manipulate the joints and soft tissue of your spine back into alignment, restoring the healthy connection and communication between your nervous system and immune systems.

Are you ready to kick your seasonal allergies to the curb? Consider making a comprehensive back evaluation appointment with Corrective Chiropractic. We will assess your current medical profile, perform a spinal assessment and answer any questions you may have. It’s time to start living your best life, regardless of the season. Give us a call today at 404-355-5499.

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The Need for Probiotics When Taking Antibiotics

When we feel those sinus-like symptoms start to kick in, our society tends to turn
very quickly to antibiotics. These antibiotics eliminate the harmful bacteria
that are intruding on our systematic physiological flow (“anti”- against, “biotic”- living organisms).
Unfortunately, they also destroy the thriving bacteria that keep our guts strong.
We have so much concern with bacteria in and on our bodies that we go to extreme
lengths to eradicate them- all of them (which means destroying the destructive
and beneficial little buggers alike).

Here is a run-down of what happens when antibiotics are introduced to the body:

 

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Now, please do not misunderstand me- I believe antibiotics can have their place in our lives (i.e. in emergency situations). However, when we take them, we have to be so intentional about also giving our bodies plenty of probiotics to help support our gut’s natural ability to rid itself of harmful illnesses. In Joyce Killian’s article “The Overlooked Role of Probiotics in Human Health” in Life Extension Magazine, April 2012, she explains the impact that probiotics have on a person’s overall health. Our bodies depend on these organisms for healthy immune functioning (as the gut is host to more than 70% of the immune system), decreased inflammation, and gut flora balance. Probiotics also group together to line the intestinal walls, hence acting as a shield against the determined and harmful bacteria that want to escape into the body. Protecting the gut is foundational to a healthy and thriving body.

 

 

Food sources of probiotics

Sauerkraut
Kombucha (fermented tea)
Fermented vegetables
Organic Keifer (from grass-fed animals)
Organic Whole Fat Plain Yogurt (from grass-fed animals)

 

For personalized health plans and nutritional advising, contact us! We would love to chat with you about ways to help improve your health, so you can live a thriving life!

404-355-5499

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Why do you need PROBIOTICS when using Antibiotics?

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THE INSIDE INFO ON YOUR INSIDES

When we feel those sinus-like symptoms start to kick in, our society tends to turn to antibiotics like amoxicillin. The antibiotics then eliminate both the thriving and harmful bacteria that is intruding on our systematic physiological flow (“anti”- against, “biotic”- living organisms). We have so much concern with bacteria in and on our bodies that we go to extreme lengths to eradicate them- all of them (which means destroying the destructive and beneficial little buggers alike).

Here is a run-down of what happens when antibiotics are introduced to the body:

Antibiotics wipe out all bacteria, good & bad –> No good bacteria left to  fight off remnants of virus/disease –> Bad bacteria strengthens & becomes resilient to antibiotics –>

SCORE:

Bacteria- 1

Body- 0

Now, please do not misunderstand me- I believe antibiotics have their place in our lives (i.e. In emergency situations). However, when we take them, we have to be so intentional about also giving our bodies plenty of probiotics to help support their natural ability to rid themselves of harmful illnesses. In Joyce Killian’s article “The Overlooked Role of Probiotics in Human Health” in Life Extension Magazine, April 2012, she explains the impact that probiotics have on a person’s overall health. Our bodies depend on these organisms for healthy immune functioning (as the gut is host to more than 70% of the immune system), decreased inflammation, and gut flora balance. Probiotics also group together to line the intestinal walls, hence acting as a shield against the determined and harmful bacteria that want to escape into the body. Protecting the gut is foundational to a healthy and thriving body.


Food sources of probiotics

Sauerkraut – Kombucha (fermented tea) – Fermented vegetables

Organic fermented dairy (from grass-fed animals)

 

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How to beat the winter flu
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How Can I Beat The Winter Flu? My Top 3 Tricks

How to beat the winter flu

Today’s article is centered around a hot question in the office over the past few weeks,”How Can I Beat The Winter Flu?” Before I provide insight on the topic I’d like to first start by sharing a quote.

“The pathogen is nothing; the terrain is everything.” — Louis Pasteur’s deathbed words. These were Louis Pasteur’s, father of the germ theory, final words before his death in 1895.

I love his concepts and philosophy because in today’s germophobic world, people are scared of everything related to germs. Everywhere I turn I see people bathing themselves in Purell or some other toxic cleaner to remove bacteria. If germs were so evil, then nobody would be alive, and we would all be constantly sick.

Instead of always focusing on ways to improve the external environments such as our hands, skin, face, etc, it is more important to concentrate on our internal environments. I have not had the flu in 13 years, and it is not because I live in a bubble but because I focus on building a titanium internal environment. The stronger I build my internal environment, the less likely the external environment will affect me.

Because of the nature of our practice, I am surrounded by “germs” and “bacteria” all day. Nevertheless, how can someone like myself stay healthy and never get sick, while people who lather in hand sanitizers and shower five times a day get sick often?

I want to share 3 extra secrets beyond chiropractic that can help you beat the flu and create a titanium internal environment this holiday season.

1. Increase Happiness

Instead of using the term “manage stress” we want to be proactive and excel in life so I used the term “increase happiness”. The goal of each day should not be to keep stress at bay. Rather, we should focus on increasing our happiness, so stress begins to go away.

This is similar to never wanting to manage a disease but increase health within the body to eliminate it. Language is everything, and thoughts become things, so this first step is critical.

As the holiday season begins to unfold many people with fall under increased stress with deadlines, travel plans, financial burdens, family coming in town, holiday parties, and other life events.

Anytime the body is under a state of stress the immune system shuts down, and disease prevails.

My favorite way to increase happiness in my life is by looking at my value system and implementing it into my life. One of my highest values is health, so when I workout, get adjusted or get acupuncture, for instance, I am happier. Family is another top value for me, so when I am going on date nights with my wife, spending time with family, or playing with my nieces, my happiness increases.

Figure out the top 3 values in your life, and let us look at steps you can take to increase your levels of happiness. Most of the time happiness costs nothing!

2. Maximize Vitamin D

Have you noticed that most people do not get sick in the summer? During these months people are outside much more and absorbing massive amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a key role in our heath when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system and decreasing risk of disease. Affecting 2,000 of the 30,000 genes in our bodies, increased vitamin D levels can truly build up our internal environment. Spend 10 – 20 minutes in the sun on a daily basis to get optimal vitamin D levels, as your body stops producing after 20 minutes.

3. Go Paleo!

When it comes to de-inflaming the body and increasing your internal health the best way to eat is like our hunter-gather ancestors or paleo (lithic). Paleo eating stays away from grains, dairy, legumes, and white sugar to decrease internal inflammation. I have been eating paleo for the past 4 years and am in the best shape of my life with great numbers from my most recent bloodwork. Great resources are the NomNom app for your iPad or smartphone, or as well as the website PaleoPlan.Com, which has great recipes. The key is making sure you are eating a lot of good fats and good sugars, which will ultimately keep your hormones and cells functioning optimally.

Conclusion

I hope you find my 3 tricks to beat the winter flu helpful this season. Please leave a message below if you have any questions or comments!

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Best Vitamin Supplements For Winter Months
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What Are The Best Supplements To Take During Winter: Atlanta Edition

Needless to say, the amount of rainfall this summer has been higher than normal, and because of this there will be a lot of repercussions. (At the office we’ve already noticed more patients coming in with cold and flu like symptoms, many have been asking us “What are the best supplements to take during the winter months?”. This is a great question! In this article we will dive into the question and offer advice on the topic.

Rain, rain go away! This seems to have been the jingle this summer as the amount of precipitation in Atlanta has been hitting record highs. In June, we had 9.57 inches of rain compared to the average of 3.95 inches, and in July, we had 8.48 inches compared to the 5.27 inches. Needless to say, the amount of rainfall this summer has been higher than normal, and because of this there will be a lot of repercussions.

Sun

Summertime is our opportunity to be outside, work out and store up vitamin D to protect us from the fall/winter months (aka flu season). Unfortunately, due to all the rain this summer, most people are deficient in vitamin D and have not been outside as much loading up vitamin D for the fall. I have a bad feeling that if people do not build up their vitamin D levels soon then this fall could be a very bad flu season. It will not be a bad season because the flu is bad, but because people’s bodies are not strong enough to fight off bacteria with suppressed immune systems.

Once September begins, people tend to drink more and cook out more with football season then, October brings Halloween, which includes massive amounts of sugar; November has thanksgiving, which is a gluten bomb to the body, and then the holidays hit us in December with emotional stress. All of this to say, the next 3 months make or break whether you give bacteria a chance to thrive and develop into the flu. Your goal should be to build a titanium immune system over the next 3 months, so you are not laid out and miserable from the flu or other problems going around this time of year.

A 2010 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed dramatic improvement on the immune system with the use of vitamin D and its effect on preventing the flu. Children who were taking 1200 IU (see back label) daily showed a 42% reduction in contracting the flu. There was no correlation to how much a person was taking a day, but the key was making sure her/his serum levels were between 50 – 70 ng/ml. The average adult would need to take 8000 IUs daily to achieve levels greater than 40 ng/ml, which is why the sun is the best and easiest way to get vitamin D, as we absorb it much faster and do not need as much time. Testing your vitamin D levels can be done through your medical doctor and would be a great action step to complete before October starts.

Choosing a vitamin brand that is whole food based is essential; taking vitamins made of synthetic or artificial materials is damaging to your health. We do not want a healthy action turning into a destructive one, so we have made the process easier for you. Come into the office this week and pick up your bottle of a whole food based source of vitamins D for only $10.

We thank you for taking the time to read our article about the best supplements for the winter months. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or call our office at 404-382-9280.

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I am sick…Now what???

sick-with-flu

If you have not turned on the TV or listened to the radio recently then you may not be aware but the media is non-stop talking about the flu. They are talking about how important it is to get vaccinated and it seems they are almost using scare tactics by showing us those bold red graphs.

Everyone has a choice on whether or not to get the vaccine but whether you get it or not you are still susceptible to getting sick. Unfortunately on Thursday night following work my body started to develop symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, night sweats, and  headaches. I woke up Saturday morning literally only 36 hours later and felt like a million dollars without have taking any medicine or vaccines. I thought about what I did to help myself while I was sick compared to what most people do and wanted to share this.

I notice when most people get sick they stay indoors, take medicine, drink water, and tend to live more of a mechanistic life. Here is what my 36 hours looked like:

Thursday @ 6:30 PM – Left the office and filled up 2 gallons of alkaline water at pH of 9.5
Thursday @ 7:00 PM – Power Shot from Whole Foods that was ginger, lemon, cayenne, and wheatgrass
Thursday @ 7:30 PM – Ate dinner which was a Kale-Avocado Salad (kale, red onion, red bell pepper, and avocado). Kale has an ANDI score of 1,000 on a scale of 1 – 1,000. ANDI = Aggregate Nutrient Dense Index score (How dense food is with nutrients)
Thursday @ 8:30 PM – Took my Standard Process vitamin pack. (If you are not taking this then you need to get a box. Amazing product)
Friday @ 7:30 AM – Took my Standard Process vitamin pack.
Friday @ 8:00 AM – Went to R Thomas for a Big Bang Drink (lemon, ginger, apple), shot of ginger, and eggs with seaweed.
Friday @ 9:00 AM – Got my weekly chiropractic adjustment from a good friend (When you are sick this is the MOST important time to be adjusted. Your nervous system controls your immune system so you want that functioning at its highest level)
Friday @ 10:00 AM  – 60-minute massage with Monica Miller
Friday @ 11:30 AM – Soaked in a bath with oils for 30 minutes
Friday @ 12:00 PM – Laid in bed for a few hours to rest and drank tons of water
Friday @ 12:30 PM – Ate the rest of the kale avocado salad
Friday @ 2:00 PM  – Drank a cup of Monkey Picked Oolong tea from Teavana
Friday @ 5:30 PM – Went to Pho Dai Loi #2 for some Vietnamese soup. (Anecdotal trick towards kicking the flu)
Friday @ 7:00 PM – Took my Standard Process vitamin pack.
Friday @ 8:30 PM – Took a shot of probiotics before bed
Friday @ 9:00 PM  – Went to bed

Saturday @ 6:00 AM – Woke up feeling great and had our busiest Saturday ever!

I share this day with you so many of you because when you begin noticing symptoms it is ESSENTIAL to do the things necessary to build your immune system. Yes, you should always be building your immune system through whole food nutrition, functional exercise, and a optimally functioning nervous system but you can still get sick.

If you find yourself developing symptoms then instead of diagnosing yourself and becoming a victim of that 4 letter word (SICK) start to take action. Here is the USA’s ranking in healthcare so either follow what everyone else does when they get sick and become this statistic or do something different and what the true healthy people are doing.

 

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