Beets protect the body

The health benefits of this vegetable are un-beetable!

Other than their amazing flavor, here are some reasons you may want to start including fresh beets or beet juice into your diet.

-Beets are low in calories, fat, and have zero cholesterol. -Beets contain glycine betaine, a phytochemical compound that lowers homocysteine levels in the blood.  High levels of homocysteines result in heart disease. -Beets are loaded with potassium.  Potassium counter acts sodium and lowers the heart rate. -The top greens of beets contain vitamin A, antioxidant flavanoids, and carotenoids.  Vitamin A helps to prmote eye health and skin while consuming flavanoids helps to prevent certain types of cancer. -Folates contained in beets are necessary for DNA synthesis in cells. -Beets contain minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, and iron. -Vitamin B complexes can be found in the roots of this plant.  Among them are pyridoxine (B-6), pantothenic acid (B-5), and niacin (B-3). -Beets contain vitamin C which is known as the detox vitamin because it removes harmful free radicals from the body which helps to prevent heart disease and cancer. Source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/beets.html

Why Eat Watermelon?

Here's another good recipe for a Holiday potluck or dinner with Thropay Chiropractic

At this "most wonderful time of the year," all of us wish you the very best of the season, and every blessing for the year to come. 

There's still time to purchase a gift card for someone on your list!  

Here's another good recipe for a Holiday potluck or dinner:

CITRUS SWEET POTATOES

6 medium organic sweet potatoes, baked in the skins, cooled and peeled

1/3 cup raw mild honey

1 tbsp. non-GM organic cornstarch OR organic tapioca starch

1 cup organic orange juice concentrate (Trader Joe's)

2 tsp. grated peel from an organic lemon

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cut baked sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch slices, and place evenly in a buttered 13x9 baking dish.

                          In a small saucepan, combine honey and cornstarch.  Whisk in the orange juice concentrate and lemon peel.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Pour evenly over sweet potatoes.  Sprinkle with pecans if desired.

                         Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and sauce is bubbly.  12 servings.

Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Natural Migraine Remedy

Here are 2 powerful migraine juice remedies -

"Best recipe"

Beechler Vitality

- Carrot Juice - 10 ounces

- Spinach Juice - 6 ounces

"Second choice"

- 7 ounces of Carrot

- 4 ounces of celery

- 2 ounces of parsley

- 3 ounces of spinach

Monday Motivation with Thropay Chiropractic!

9 Herbal Foods That Naturally Lower Cholesterol And Keep Your Heart Healthy

Image: wikimedia.org

Patricia Bratianu | Off The Grid News

Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy prevents many serious illnesses and enhances longevity. Many factors influence the heart and the circulation. Unfortunately, the stresses of modern life, coupled with poor nutrition and inactivity, put us at risk for several heart and blood vessel problems. As a result, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening cardiovascular conditions abound. Herbs may be used as a very important part of a wellness plan to enhance the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or bad cholesterol, begins as a sticky substance that builds inside the walls of blood vessels. It hardens over time, creating rough surfaces and inflexible blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels harden and contribute to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Blood flow throughout the entire body is impaired.

High density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as HDL or good cholesterol, protects the heart and blood vessels from damage due to LDL buildup and other factors.

Triglycerides are other kinds of fats in the blood. Many experts believe that elevated triglyceride levels are a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease than elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Several herbs which are used to reduce harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels are right in your own kitchen. Others may be grown easily or gathered from the wild.

Herbal Foods With Cardiovascular Benefits

1. Shiitake mushrooms reduce inflammation, and lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many large grocery stores sell fresh shiitakes. I keep dried ones on hand, too. Several companies offer kits which provide you with opportunities to grow your own. Shiitakes are one of the most valuable herbal foods available, in my opinion.

2. Flax seed binds with excess cholesterol and aids in its elimination from the body. Flax seed may be obtained in large grocery stores. It is very inexpensive. Flax also reduces inflammation, a major contributor to heart and blood vessel disease. Simply grind two tablespoons of flax seed each day. Add it to cereals, smoothies or yogurt. Do not purchase ground flax meal. Flax loses its healing benefits quickly when ground or heated. It is easy to grind in a coffee grinder reserved for herbs.

3. Garlic has been studied extensively for its many healing benefits. Garlic’s relatives — onions, shallots, leeks and chives — offer healing benefits as well; however, the active compounds in garlic are the most potent. Researchers have discovered that while garlic reduces LDL and triglyceride levels, the herbal food does much more to ensure cardiovascular health. Garlic lowers blood pressure and even relieves leg cramps which are due to poor circulation. Garlic tablets and capsules are available for purchase, but I recommend eating at least one clove daily for maximum benefits and economy. Either eat the garlic raw or lightly sautéed. This way you will retain all of the healing powers of this wonderful herbal food.

4. All peppers are beneficial for the cardiovascular system as they contain fiber and high amounts of vitamin C, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Cayenne pepper has been studied extensively. I believe that any other hot peppers likely offer similar benefits. Cayenne helps to increase the efficiency and strength of the heartbeat, without increasing the blood pressure. It prevents harmful blood clots from forming. Blood clots are responsible for several life threatening conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary emboli. Cayenne prevents hardening of the arteries and relaxes the blood vessels. This helps to decrease blood pressure and relieve leg pain due to poor circulation. Again, I believe that the best way to reap the healing benefits of this herbal food is to simply include cayenne in your diet. Be careful if you are preparing fresh peppers, as they can cause burns. Some people with digestive issues are unable to tolerate cayenne.

5. Did you realize that black pepper reduces cholesterol levels? It improves the circulation of the entire body and has been used to relieve hypertension, high blood pressure.  Like many other herbal remedies for cholesterol, black pepper is considered to be an herbal stimulant. It enhances the circulation of the entire body and improves blood pressure.

Wild Herbal Remedies for Heart Health

6. Hawthorn is an amazing herb. The berries may be gathered from the wild. Just be sure that you correctly identify the bush. I think of hawthorn as a kind of “miracle herb” If your blood pressure is too low and you consume a little bit of hawthorn, it will bring it up to a healthy range. On the other hand, if it is too high, you can lower high blood pressure by consuming a larger amount of the berries. Hawthorn reduces unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, too.

7. Motherwort is an easy to grow herb which can sometimes be found in the wild. It is a relaxing herb that offers health benefits for the circulatory system and the entire body.

8. Kudzu may be “the vine that ate the south,” but it has some redeeming qualities. Kudzu root extract lowers blood pressure, unhealthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Kudzu reduces the pain of angina by improving the circulation within the heart itself. Historically, kudzu was used to relieve irregular heartbeats and reduce rapid heart rates.

9. Dandelion leaf reduces edema, excess swelling in the body, which can stress the heart. Unlike pharmaceutical diuretic drugs which rid the body of needed potassium, dandelion leaf is a great source of potassium and other nutrients.

These are just a few of the many herbal remedies which we have available to use to improve heart and blood vessel health. Include a wide array of culinary herbs in your diet, as many of them offer health benefits to the heart, circulation and entire body. By incorporating herbs as part of your wellness plan, you will feel better and prevent serious illnesses from impacting the life of you and your loved ones.

Holiday tips and another recipe!

When you are working hard at a healthy lifestyle, and giving careful thought to everything you eat - how do you get through a holiday party without "blowing it"?

We have some suggestions for you.  We're also very interested in your ideas, so please write us and share your particular solutions.  We'll pass them on to others via next week's email.

1] Eat regular meals during the day of the party.  Don't arrive there "starving hungry," or you may be tempted to overload your plate.  Even if all the food were totally healthful (and you know it won't be), eating more than you actually need will work against you, at the very least causing weight gain - easier to put on than take off.

2] Rather than try "a little bit of everything," make up your mind ahead of time to be very selective - and again, limit your portions of even the best foods available.

 3] Before going to the party, drink a glass of water.  This will partially satisfy your hunger, and it will aid in the cleansing process that is part of good digestion.  Another idea is to eat a light snack, such as celery sticks filled with almond butter or peanut butter, just before leaving for the party.

4] Do not drink anything while eating. Do it either 30 minutes before or one hour after the meal.  Drinking water or other beverages while eating has a tendency to dilute the digestive juices, slowing or impairing proper digestion of the food.

5] TAKE SOMETHING WITH YOU to share that you can eat with a good conscience!  Here's a cookie recipe that guarantees you will be able to eat a dessert - as long as you get to it before the plate is empty!  These are very popular, besides being so quick and easy to prepare:

CAROB NO-BAKES

1/2 - 3/4 cup of raw honey

1/2 cup carob powder (Chatfield's available at health food stores or Whole Foods)

1/2 cup raw milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup butter (one stick)

3 cups organic oats

1 cup organic, unsweetened coconut

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, carob, milk, vanilla, and butter.  Bring to a boil, turn down heat slightly, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add oats and coconut, and mix well. 

Moving quickly, mound by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet, and allow to cool.  Chill in refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes.  Remove from the cookie sheet and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Makes about 3 dozen delicious confections, and NO ONE will believe they contain no chocolate or sugar! (unless you mention it first - don't!) 

Just a reminder about our gift cards - they are available in any denomination you choose.  Make somebody happy this Christmas with a gift card for a therapeutic massage!

Call us anytime at (562) 861-3896

Suffering From Heart Palpitations or Chest Pain? Thropay Chiropractic Can Help!

HEART PALPITATIONS l CHEST PAIN

When I first visited Dr. Thropay, I came for lower back pain and numbness in my left leg. After talking with him about the nutritional program, I decided to sign up. I had been suffering some other symptoms, like chest pains, fatigue, and heart palpitations, besides the lower back pain.

Now after two to three months of following his instructions and taking the supplements he gave me, I feel so much better! My chest pains and heart palpitations have been reduced to almost nothing. My back pain that had been about a 6 on a scale of 1-10, has come down to about a 2. In fact, at times I have no pain at all.

I am a firm believer in Dr. Thropay’s practice, and also in the care his staff provides. I have brought a number of family members here to experience similar health benefits for themselves.

Elpidio Rodriguez

DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR! CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND ALMONDS

CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND ALMONDS

 

4 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast

1 1/2 cups seedless organic red or green grapes, halved if desired

1 cup chopped organic celery

3/4 cup organic green onions, sliced

3 free-range eggs, hard cooked and chopped

2 tbsp. lemon juice

3/4 tsp. sea salt

 

Dressing:

1/2 cup Spectrum Naturals Organic Canola Mayo, or homemade mayo

2 tbsp. raw milk or cream, or 1 tbsp. water

1 tbsp. prepared organic mustard

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. celery seed

1/4 tsp. dry mustard (optional)

1/2 tsp. paprika (optional)

 

1/2 cup sliced almonds

 

In a flat container, spread out cubed chicken.  Sprinkle with salt, then sprinkle lemon juice over the salt to melt it.  Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

 

In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, onions, and eggs.  In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.  Stir until smooth.  Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently.  Stir in almonds and serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad (covered) and add the almonds just before serving.  About 8 servings.

Make an appointment with Dr. Lam for your school athlete, and consider getting regular chiropractic adjustments for him or her throughout the sports season...a body structure that is kept in balance may well give that needed edge over the competition!

 

Don't forget about Elvira, our amazing massage therapist!  The price is LOW, but the quality is HIGH - where else can you find a bargain like that? 

 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!  (562) 861-3896

Holiday Recipes With Thropay Chiropractic!

This season is so beautiful - sparkling lights, potluck parties, special concerts, exciting gifts, family time...

...but what about heavy traffic, crowded stores, decorating and wrapping to get done on time, extra cooking...those pressured things are not always quite so beautiful!

At Thropay Health Center, we're here to help you streamline.   Here's an easy one - gift decisions!  How about a gift card for a massage?  It's the perfect gift for Mom or Dad, friend or neighbor, gardener or mail carrier.   As they say at Staples - "That was easy!"  (Our gift cards may also be applied to chiropractic or nutrition services in our office.)

If you wonder what healthful food you could take to that potluck, here's a quick and simple way to get vegetable goodness into an attractive and delicious dish that is always enjoyed:

HOLIDAY ZUCCHINI

5 small organic zucchini, washed but not peeled

1 small organic onion, diced fine

1 15-oz. can of Trader Joe's organic tomato sauce (no sugar added)

about 2 tsp. Parsley Patch garlic and herb seasoning

about 2 oz. of grated or shaved raw milk Parmesan cheese (Trader Joe's)

Slice washed zucchini in half lengthwise.  Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.  Spread evenly.  Arrange zucchini cut side up, on top of sauce.  Sprinkle evenly with diced onion, then with garlic and herb seasoning, to cover each half.  Spoon remaining tomato sauce carefully over each half.  Sprinkle with the cheese. 

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.  Recipe can be doubled, of course.         

This week- breathe deeply, pace yourself, and enjoy the season! 

We love to hear from you anytime, and hope to see you soon.  Call us at (562) 861-3896.

Garlic Soup Recipe That Can Defeat Colds, Flu and Even Norovirus

garlic-1Forget the flu shot. A soup based on more than 50 cloves of garlic, onions, thyme and lemon will destroy almost any virus that enters its path including colds, flu and even norovirus.

As we sneeze and cough our way through these dark months of contagious nasties, garlic is being hailed for its powers to halt viruses in their tracks.

It has gained its reputation as a virus buster thanks to one of its chemical constituents, allicin.

A recent and significant finding from Washington State University shows that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness.

When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What’s more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.

‘This chemical has been known for a long time for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal powers,’ says Helen Bond, a Derbyshire-based consultant dietitian and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association.

‘Because of this, people assume it is going to boost their immune systems. Lots of people are simply mashing up garlic, mixing it with olive oil and spreading it on bread.

‘But how or whether it may actually work has still not been proven categorically.’

Indeed, scientists remain divided on garlic’s ability to combat colds and flu. Last March, a major investigation by the respected global research organization, the Cochrane Database, found that increasing your garlic intake during winter can cut the duration of cold symptoms — from five-and-a-half days to four-and-a-half.

But the report, which amalgamated all previous scientific studies on garlic, said it could not draw solid conclusions because there is a lack of large-scale, authoritative research.

The problem is that pharmaceutical companies are not interested in running huge, expensive trials — as they would with promising new drug compounds — because there is nothing in garlic that they can patent, package and sell at a profit.

Modified Garlic Soup Recipe
Serves 4
26 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) organic butter (grass fed)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 cup fresh ginger
2 1/4 cups sliced onions
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
26 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup coconut milk
3 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
4 lemon wedges

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, ginger and cayenne powder and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add roasted garlic and 26 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add vegetable broth; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add coconut milk and bring to simmer. Season with sea salt and pepper for flavor.

Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge into each bowl and serve.

garlic_cloves3efCan be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

If garlic were found to be a wonder drug, consumers could simply buy it in the supermarket for 30p a bulb or grow their own in the garden.

Nevertheless, garlic has a long and proud tradition as a medicine. The Ancient Egyptians recommended it for 22 ailments. In a papyrus dated 1500BC, the laborers who built the pyramids ate it to increase their stamina and keep them healthy.

The Ancient Greeks advocated garlic for everything from curing infections, and lung and blood disorders to healing insect bites and even treating leprosy.

The Romans fed it to soldiers and sailors to improve their endurance. Dioscorides, the personal physician to Emperor Nero, wrote a five-volume treatise extolling its virtues.

One of the most interesting of the recent findings is that garlic increases the overall antioxidant levels of the body. Scientifically known as Allium sativa, garlic has been famous throughout history for its ability to fight off viruses and bacteria. Louis Pasteur noted in 1858 that bacteria died when they were doused with garlic. From the Middle Ages on, garlic has been used to treat wounds, being ground or sliced and applied directly to wounds to inhibit the spread of infection. The Russians refer to garlic as Russian penicillin.

More recently, researchers have unearthed evidence to show garlic may help us to stay hale and hearty in a number of ways.

Last June, nutrition scientists at the University of Florida found eating garlic can boost the number of T-cells in the bloodstream. These play a vital role in strengthening our immune systems and fighting viruses.

And pharmacologists at the University of California found that allicin — the active ingredient in garlic that contributes to bad breath — is an infection-killer.

Allicin also makes our blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow and helping to tackle cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol.

An Australian study of 80 patients published last week in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that diets high in garlic may reduce high blood pressure.

In 2007, dentists in Brazil found that gargling with garlic water (made by steeping crushed garlic cloves in warm, but not boiling, water) can kill the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

But they hit a snag: the volunteers refused to continue the experiment, complaining that the garlic gargle made them feel sick. Looking at the garlic soup recipe certainly made me feel queasy. Still, it gave me an excuse to use up my ample supply of garlic.

Though last year’s awful weather caused crop failures on my allotment, I enjoyed a bumper harvest of garlic.

Among its many other virtues, garlic kills slugs and snails. Researchers from the University of Newcastle believe it contains oils that may cripple the nervous systems of these slimy creatures.

There are two schools of thought as to the best way of preparing garlic to make the most of its medicinal qualities.

Argentinian investigators found it releases its allicin-type compounds when you bake the cloves, while scientists at South Carolina Medical University believe peeling garlic and letting it sit uncovered for 15 minutes produces the highest levels of compounds to fight infection.

So you can simply peel half of the garlic cloves and roast the other half with the kitchen door tightly closed (to stop the pong permeating throughout the house).

The heady aroma certainly revs up the appetite and the first spoonful does not disappoint. Delicious as it is, however, one large bowl of home-made soup is a more than ample meal.

As for the soup’s cold-preventing powers, only time will tell. Regular bowlfuls may very well keep me free of winter ailments, thanks to the virus-killing compounds they contain.

Or it could just be that my nuclear-strength garlic breath will keep everyone who is infectious far out of sneezing range for months to come.

John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Source: Prevent Disease & realfarmacy.com

Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Cleanse Your Body And Kidney

Say hello to Apple Cider Vinegar to Cleanse your body and kidney.

This powerful natural healer is seemingly unknown. It's great for decalcifying your pineal gland - fight cronic fatigue - Allergies - Sinus infections - Headaches - Sore throats - Flu - Acne - Warts - Varicose veins - High cholesterol - Candida - Yeast infections - Fungus - Stiff joints - Arthritis - Heartburn - Aftershave - Teeth whitener - Gout - Facial toner - Age-spot lightener - Hair rinse - Sunburns and even Swelling!

How Long to Nap for the Best Brain Benefits

Taking a nap, we've seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain. But napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. Scientists offer recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.

The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.

Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.

In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. While you're planning your nap, don't forget to time it during the right time of day as well.

Source: LifeHacker

Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us At Thropay Chiropractic!

Most of All

Thanksgiving Day brings to mind
the blessings in our lives
that usually go unnoticed:
a home that surrounds us
with comfort and protection;
delicious food, for pleasure
in both eating and sharing;
clothes to snuggle up in,
books and good entertainment
to expand our minds;
and freedom to worship our God.
Most of all we are thankful
for our family and friends,
those treasured people
who make our lives extra special.
You are part of that cherished group.
On Thanksgiving, (and every day)
we appreciate you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Joanna Fuchs

Top 10 Most Effective Detox Tips

Image: healthybliss.net

Although our top detoxing organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines help remove toxins, they sometimes need a little help. With the increase in toxic agents polluting the earth (be it in our food, air, water, household products or personal products), our organs become overwhelmed and eventually fail to function at their most optimal level. Living without toxic buildup is pretty much impossible, and this is why our bodies have been so brilliantly blessed with these amazing detox organs!

When our detox organs are compromised, we may start to feel overly tired, get sick more often or develop diseases and illnesses that can’t be explained otherwise. Free radicals from toxins build up in the body over time and can physically affect both the structure and function of cells, leading to a myriad of health problems. Fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, premature aging, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, skin conditions, arthritis, cancer, food allergies/intolerances are all signs that your body is suffering from toxic buildup.

Here are some simple, easy ways to help your body with the detox process and prevent toxic buildup.

1. Drink 1 litre of lemon water upon waking
Lemon water in the morning is an incredibly efficient way to flush out toxins. Sleep is the time the body can undergo repair and detoxification. Upon waking, making sure you drink at least 1 litre of water (especially with added lemon) takes the buildup of these toxins and flushes them out. Why add lemon? The lemon acts as a natural diuretic, which means that is helps flush out unwanted materials by increasing the rate of urination in the body. It will also help boost your immune system, balance your pH, help with weight loss, aid in digestion and hydrate your lymphatic system.

2. Can’t read it? Don’t eat it!
Eating heavily processed foods with ingredients you can’t pronounce is a sure way to increase toxic build-up in the body. If you can’t read the ingredients on labels, then put it back on the shelf and don’t think about buying it! Staying away from anything packaged (bottled, canned, boxed) is an easy way to avoid this issue altogether.

3. Become a friend to mono-meals
Mono-meals (eating one food item at a time – for example, just eating watermelon in the morning, or just eating oranges for a meal) are a wonderful way to speed up digestion and prevent unnecessary processing of different food groups in our intestine. When we overload our digestive tract with a variety of different foods, we become slowed down and tired – this also puts more stress and work involved in our organs which could otherwise use a break every once in awhile by eating more simply.

4. Boost your health with herbs
Dandelion, black walnut, cilantro, worm wood, milk thistle – the list goes on! These helpful herbs have been used for centuries to cleanse the various detox organs and systems of the body. They are known across many cultures to help with various ailments and health issues. Dandelion, for example supports bile production. Bile helps transport toxins out of the body, and prevents toxic buildup.

5. Eliminate animal products
If you want to truly get deep down into the detox process, you should eliminate all animal-based food products from your diet (this includes meat (fish, red meat & white meat), eggs, and dairy). Animal products produce an acidic state in the body which leaves acid residues in the blood and tissues. Animal products also produce highly putrefactive protein waste in the bowels. Cancer cells thrive on animal products (due to their highly acidic state in the body), and can rapidly multiply in this pH level.

In addition, animal products require an incredible amount of energy and enzyme power to digest and assimilate (much more than fruit and vegetables). When the body is focused on processing and digesting food, it cannot spare extra energy to go toward cleansing and repairing itself. Dumping animal products altogether will give your body more energy to focus on detoxing and repairing instead of digesting all the time.

6. Get your blood pumping
It is very beneficial to get sufficient exercise every day to help your body sweat out toxins and to keep your lymphatic system flowing. Exercising also helps burn fat (especially when you hit the higher intensity forms of exercise like high intensity interval training), and fat tends to hold onto toxins the firmest – allowing your body to shed fat is also helping it expel and clean out toxic waste.

7. Get in tune with nature
Spending time in nature is crucial! Even if you get to make it out to the park with trees and grass (or snow) a couple times a week will help ground yourself so you feel more alive! I personally try to go into a nearby forest a couple times a week and since I have been doing this I have felt an overall sense of calmness and serenity. I feel incredibly at home when I am surrounded by nature. What does going into nature have to do with detox? When we are stressed, free radicals are formed, and free radicals can be viewed as a form of toxin. Nature is simply a way to de-stress, connect with mother earth, and feel at one with the beauty of the natural world.

8. Drink more water
Why is water important to detox? If we are not properly hydrated, then our cells will draw water from the bloodstream and thus can put major pressure on the heart and vasculature in the body. Even mild dehydration prevents the kidneys from properly purifying the blood. When the kidneys aren’t functioning, then the workload on other detox organs like the liver and gallbladder become stronger, and can caused them to become severely stressed. Then health problems begin to develop (constipation, skin conditions, nosebleeds, UTIs, sinus problems, headaches) and symptoms may be wrongly attributed to something non-related.

Drinking at least 3-4L of water daily will dramatically improve your health and overall state of mind. You will digest your food better, your joints will ache less, you will lose weight and have better immunity. Water stimulates the kidneys, liver and digestive system and will in turn accelerate toxin and fat elimination.

9. Focus on raw fruit and vegetables
This point is a given – eating more raw fruit and vegetables will make you shine! The fibre in plant matter helps push out built-up waste matter in the colon (which is filled with toxins, and constantly gets re-absorbed back into the blood stream if not eliminated). Not only that, but the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables help combat free radicals in the body and helps the elimination organs with their job. Consuming fruit and vegetables in their raw state also makes the enzymes and nutrients more bio-available in your body, helping you become vitamin or mineral deficient-free. Vegetables and fruit are very easily digestible too, meaning that your body can put more energy toward expelling toxins, and repairing our cells and tissues.

10. Practice slowing down & breathing
Slowing down and appreciating the small things in life are crucial to attain a calm state of mind and reduce stress levels. Deep diaphragmatic breathing is especially important when cleansing/detoxing. It is also simple to attain this every day – take 10-15 minutes a day to sit with yourself and breathe. Focus on your breaths, and clear the mind. Free radicals are formed when we are stressed, so slowing down, breathing, practicing to be present and meditating are great practices to help calm and nourish your body.

Source: http://livelovefruit.com/2013/10/top-10-detox-tips/

Tips To Relieve Your Back Pain Naturally with Yoga

In the United States lower back pain is one of most common complaints. The Mayo Clinic states that most people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Lower back pain is experienced by sedentary people as well as highly-trained athletes. If you look at a typical weekday of an average American who works a nine-to-five job, it is easy to see why lower back pain is an issue.

Upon awakening one may sit to have coffee or breakfast before sitting to drive to work. When arriving at work the corporate employee will often sit at a desk or in meetings until lunch. Lunch involves more sitting, before sitting at the desk to finish the workday. Then of course there is the commute home and another sit-down meal. Exhausted from a long day of sitting at the office one may choose to sit on the sofa to watch television to unwind. If we look at it from an anatomical standpoint we realize the hamstring muscles and the illiopsoas muscles are shortened from the many hours of sitting and this causes strain on the lower back.

Athletes on the other hand are not sedentary, so why the lower back pain? Any weight-bearing sport or exercise that involves running, jumping, or rapid dynamic movements produces tension on the lower back. When these activities are repeated over time without properly stretching and releasing these tight muscles overuse injuries may occur.

For the sedentary nine-to-five worker exercise is key for relieving lower back pain as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. However, I’m assuming you are not in that category. If you are, then add some cardiovascular exercises along with the stretches suggested below. If you have a slipped disk in the lower back or sciatica, please avoid all deep forward bends as these can make your condition worse.

Lower Back Pain Relief Yoga Sequence

For lower back relief please do the following poses daily or at least after your workout. Breathe deeply in and out of the nose while doing these poses.

1. Supine Hamstring Stretch

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backLying on your back, bend your right knee into your chest and place a strap or rolled-up towel around the ball of your foot. Straighten your leg toward the ceiling. Press out through both heels. If the lower back feels strained, bend the left knee and place the foot on the ground. Hold for 3-5 minutes and then switch to the left let for 3-5 minutes.

2. Two-Knee Twist

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backLying on your back, bend your knees into your chest and bring your arms out at a T. As you exhale lower your knees to ground on the right. Keep both shoulders pressing down firmly. If the left shoulder lifts, lower your knees further away from the right arm. Hold for 1-2 minutes each side

3. Sphinx

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backLying on your stomach, prop yourself up on your forearms. Align your elbows directly under your shoulders. Press firmly through your palms and the tops of your feet. Press your pubic bone forward. You will feel sensations in your lower back, but breathe through it. You are allowing blood flow into the lower back for healing. Hold for 1-3 minutes.

4A. Pigeon

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backFrom all-fours, bring your right knee behind your right wrist with your lower leg at a diagonal toward your left hip. Square off your hips toward the ground. Bend forward. Widen the elbows and place one hand on top of the other as a pillow for your forehead. Hold 2-3 minutes and then switch to the left side for 2-3 minutes.

If pigeon pose bothers your knees, then do Thread the Needle.

4B. Thread the Needle

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backLying on your back, bend both knees with the feet flat on the ground. Bend the right knee like a figure four, with the outer left ankle to the right thigh. Lift the left foot into the air, bringing the left calf parallel to the ground. Thread your right hand between the opening of the legs and interlace your hands behind your left thigh. Hold 2-3 minutes and then repeat on the other side.

5. Legs Up the Wall

back pain, low back pain, yoga for back pain, back pain relief, yoga for backScoot your buttocks all the way into the wall and swing your feet up the wall. This pose is excellent for relaxing the muscles of the lower back and drains stagnant fluid from the feet and ankles. Do this pose after a challenging workout and always after traveling by plane. Hold for 5-10 minutes.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.

Source: breakingmuscle.com

Disclaimer:

Before trying anything you find on the internet you should fully investigate your options and get further advice from professionals.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THROPAY CHIROPRACTOR TODAY!

21 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Wheatgrass

Image: livelovehealthy.com

Wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice are excellent ways to get dark greens in the diet. Pound for pound, wheatgrass is more than twenty times denser in nutrients than other choice vegetables. Nutritionally, wheatgrass is a complete food that contains 98 of the 102 earth elements.

Wheatgrass is available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid extracts and tinctures. Wheatgrass is often used for juicing or added to smoothies or tea. You can even buy wheatgrass seeds or kits to grow your own wheatgrass at home. Many food facilities offer the option of purchasing organic gluten-free wheatgrass either grown aeroponically (bacteria and fungus free) or grown organically outdoors.

21 Benefits of Eating Wheatgrass

1) Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris. Wheatgrass also stimulates metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways throughout the body.

2) Stimulates the thyroid gland, correcting obesity, indigestion, and a host of other complaints.

3) Restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice’s abundance of alkaline minerals helps reduce over-acidity in the blood. It can be used to relieve many internal pains, and has been used successfully to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract.

4) Is a powerful detoxifier, and liver and blood protector. The enzymes and amino acids found in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine. It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants.

5) Fights tumors and neutralizes toxins. Recent studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to fight tumors without the usual toxicity of drugs that also inhibit cell-destroying agents. The many active compounds found in grass juice cleanse the blood and neutralize and digest toxins in our cells.

6) Contains beneficial enzymes. Whether you have a cut finger you want to heal or you desire to lose five pounds...enzymes must do the actual work. The life and abilities of the enzymes found naturally in our bodies can be extended if we help them from the outside by adding exogenous enzymes, like the ones found in wheatgrass juice. Don’t cook it. We can only get the benefits of the many enzymes found in grass by eating it uncooked. Cooking destroys 100 percent of the enzymes in food. It also is very high in vitamins A, B-Complex, C, E and K and a natural source of laetrile (B-17).

7) Has remarkable similarity to our own blood. The second important nutritional aspect of chlorophyll is its remarkable similarity to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, president of the Hagiwara Institute of Health in Japan, is a leading advocate for the use of grass as food and medicine. He reasons that since chlorophyll is soluble in fat particles, and fat particles are absorbed directly into the blood via the lymphatic system, that chlorophyll can also be absorbed in this way. In other words, when the “blood” of plants is absorbed in humans it is transformed into human blood, which transports nutrients to every cell of the body.

8) When used as a rectal implant, reverses damage from inside the lower bowel. An implant is a small amount of juice held in the lower bowel for about 20 minutes. In the case of illness, wheatgrass implants stimulate a rapid cleansing of the lower bowel and draw out accumulations of debris.

9) Externally applied to the skin can help eliminate itching almost immediately.

10) Will soothe sunburned skin and act as a disinfectant. Rubbed into the scalp before a shampoo, it will help mend damaged hair and alleviate itchy, scaly, scalp conditions.

11) Is soothing and healing for cuts, burns, scrapes, rashes, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, insect bites, boils, sores, open ulcers, tumors, and so on. Use as a poultice and replace every two to four hours.

12) Works as a sleep aide. Merely place a tray of living wheatgrass near the head of your bed. It will enhance the oxygen in the air and generate healthful negative ions to help you sleep more soundly.

13) Enhances your bath. Add some to your bath water and settle in for a nice, long soak.

14) Sweetens the breath and firms up and tightens gums. Just gargle with the juice.

15) Neutralizes toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride.

16) Offers the benefits of a liquid oxygen transfusion since the juice contains liquid oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes: it stimulates digestion (the oxidation of food), promotes clearer thinking (the brain utilizes 25% of the body’s oxygen supply), and protects the blood against anaerobic bacteria. Cancer cells cannot exist in the presence of oxygen.

17) Turns gray hair to its natural color again and greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily.

18) Is a beauty treatment that slows down the aging process when the juice is consumed. Wheatgrass will cleanse your blood and help rejuvenate aging cells, slowing the aging process way down, making you feel more alive right away. It will help tighten loose and sagging skin.

19) Lessens the effects of radiation. One enzyme found in wheatgrass, SOD, lessens the effects of radiation and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound that may prevent cellular damage following heart attacks or exposure to irritants.

20) Restores fertility and promotes youthfulness.

21) Can double your red blood cell count just by soaking in it. Renowned nutritionist Dr. Bernard Jensen found that no other blood builders are superior to green juices and wheatgrass. In his book “Health Magic Through Chlorophyll” he mentions several cases where he was able to double the red blood cell count in a matter of days merely by having patients soak in a chlorophyll-water bath. Blood building results occur even more rapidly when patients drink green juices and wheatgrass regularly.

Sources: preventdisease.com
hippocratesinst.org
mayoclinic.com