Dealing with Depression

We have all more than likely experienced some form of depression in our lives. According to the CDC, 1 in 20 Americans are depressed. The symptoms often include depressed mood, excessive sadness, loss of energy, fatigue, excessive guilt, loss of interest, increased or decreased appetite, lack of concentration, insomnia and/or too much sleep, and often thoughts of suicide. It is becoming more and more common to use dangerous anti-depressants to deal with the symptoms of this common illness. In fact, 230 million prescriptions for antidepressants are filled each year. There have been several studies done recently on the effect these drugs have on depression. In most cases, the antidepressants didn’t work much if any better than the placebo.

Not only are these drugs barely working, they also have harmful side effects such as, diabetes, more suicidal thoughts, stillbirth, brittle bones, strokes, violent behavior, and even death. It is estimated that 42,000 people a year die because of psychiatric drugs.

There are other ways to deal with the symptoms of depression. One of the most important things you can do is exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins which is the body’s natural way of relieving pain and increasing feelings of happiness. Even 20 minutes a day can help.

Avoiding refined sugars and grains and increasing the amount of vegetables and fruits you eat can also help elevate your mood. Taking Omega 3– fatty acids has been shown to help maintain optimal brain function which can prevent depression.

We carry several products that are a great way to get the essential omega 3’s you need. Low levels of vitamin D have been shown to cause depression. Getting out and soaking up the sun without getting a sunburn can make a big difference. If sunbathing is not easy for you, we also carry several vitamin D supplements.

Most of all take time for yourself. Reduce the amount of stress in your life. It is important to deal with negative issues in your life and eliminate as many as possible. Meditation, journaling, yoga, and talking through your problems with family and friends are all great ways to relive the added stress and symptoms of depression.

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Start Your New Year Off the Natural Way

It is hard to believe, but another year has come and gone. By now you have probably made your New Year's resolutions, and have maybe even implemented a few. Most people like to try new diets they read about in a magazine or the latest weight loss drug this time of year. Why not make this year different? Why not focus this year on a healthier you by adding a few natural, long term changes to your personal goals. For example, try a detox program as opposed to those popular diets and pills. Toxins are a huge and often overlooked problem that all of us are exposed to on a daily basis. Our bodies are made to handle a certain amount of toxins, but with all the exposure we have in the products we use, the food we eat, air we breath and the water we drink, our bodies are overwhelmed. The toxins are then stored in our body and we experience symptoms such as depression, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, joint pain, irritability, and a weakened immune system. We offer a variety of detox programs that can help you get rid of these daily toxins. Standard Process has three supplements they recommend using for detox plus daily shakes. There are two different programs to choose from. The 10 day program consists of cutting your food portions in half, drinking the shakes, and taking their recommended supplements. The 30 day program is broken down into three sets of 10 day periods, beginning as a continuation of the 10 day program. The second 10 day period allows you to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables with a palm size portion of meat, take the supplements, and drink the shakes. The third and final 10 days is eating only a variety of fruits and vegetables with no meat, taking the supplements and drinking the shakes. By using our computerized Stress Assessment, we can customize your detox plan and get a better idea of the exact supplements and foods which can help you detox properly. For more information on these detox programs feel free to call us or send us an email. While it is impossible to completely avoid all toxins, there are several things we can do to lower our exposure. Pay attention to the labels on the products you buy. Lotions, cleaning supplies, deodorants, hair care products all contain harmful chemicals that can be very dangerous. Try to avoid parabens, alcohols, artificial fragrances, laurel/laureth sulphates, etc when buying these products. Switch to organic foods when all possible and look for ingredients you know to be natural. Items labeled natural can be misleading so be careful. Start your new year off right and make the new year a healthy year.

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Protect Your Vision

How important is your vision and what are you doing to protect it? Although most Americans think their vision is important for the quality of life, most people do not know there are diseases such as Macular Degeneration that cause blindness. Macular Degeneration or MD affects over 15 million Americans and is the leading cause of vision loss. This degenerative disease affects the part of the retina responsible for central vision needed for everyday things such as reading, driving or identifying faces. Because there is no cure for this disease, preventable measures are imperative. Proper nutrition is the most important preventative measure. Studies show that Omega 3s and Lutein (found in dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale, as well as corn and egg yolk. It is also found in Standard Process's Green Food® and OPC Synergy®) are critical for eye health. Along with the tools for proper nutrition our office now has a series of exercises that can increase vision and help with prevention of disease. Dr. William Bates was known for his educational measures to prevent blindness. His series of books show how to retrain the eyes and relearn correct vision. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our nutrition program and what you can do to protect your eyes the natural way.

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Insomnia

If you religiously channel surf at 2AM you may have insomnia. This common problem affects 40% of all Americans at some point in their lives and for many it is a chronic problem. Insomnia is a symptom not a disease. It can be defined in many ways ranging from trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early or any combination of these plus the feeling of fatigue and irritability the next day. Insomnia can be broken down into four different categories. Primary would not be directly associated with any other health conditions. Secondary is usually caused by an illness such as arthritis, depression, heart disease etc. Chronic insomnia, which affects 20% of Americans that have reported this problem, lingers on for months and months. Temporary insomnia will last for only days or weeks, but will often reappear.

What many people do not know is that nutrition can play a huge role in Insomnia. There are several nutritional deficiencies that can sleep disorders. When the body is not completely nourished, the nervous system becomes easily distressed and even the slightest disturbance will cause you to wake up. Mineral, hormone, and vitamin imbalances are just a few of the nutritional problems that can cause Insomnia. The designed clinical nutrition program we offer in our office can help you identify and correct any deficiency or imbalance to help you get a better night sleep.

Not all cases of insomnia are caused by nutrition. Physical problems such as sleep apnea, asthma, arthritis, heart failure, or nerve disorders just to name a few can be the underlying cause. Prescription medications used for things such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight loss, hormone therapy, and cancer can also cause insomnia. In addition to these possible causes, overwork, physical and mental stress, anxiety, depression and the overall speed of life can add to the problem.

While insomnia is a problem many people will suffer at some point in their life, there is hope. There are several things you can do to help with insomnia. Try eating fewer carbohydrates with dinner and avoiding a late night snack of carbohydrates. Eat solid proteins and fresh veggies. Set a schedule and stick to it for bedtime. Set time aside for relaxation. Taking a warm bath before bed can help lower your body temperature once you get out signaling time for bed. Avoid eating or drinking stimulants such as caffeine before bed. Chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture are also ways to decrease insomnia.

Another very important factor to a good night sleep is the mattress you sleep on. Click here for more information.

Because there are so many causes of insomnia, it is imperative to look at all aspects of this common problem and do everything we can to solve it. Don't let this problem control your life any longer!

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The Importance of a Good Night Sleep

Between work, families, your extra curricular activities and just daily life, it can seem almost impossible to find the time to get the sleep you need. Sleep is just as important to our daily lives as food, water and air. Lack of sleep causes problems concentrating and focusing, difficulty making decisions or completing a task, weakened immune system, etc. We have all heard that we should get eight hours of sleep a night. But what most people do not realize is the amount of sleep needed varies per age group. Infants 0-2 months old need 10-18 hours per day, babies 2-12 months need 14-15 hours per day, toddlers 12 months-3 years need 13-15 hours per day, children 3-5 need 11-13 hours per day, ages 5-12 need 9-11 hours per day, teenagers need 8.5- 9.5 hours per day, and adults need 7-9 hours per day.

Insomnia is one of the most common reported sleep disorders. It can be defined as the inability to fall or stay asleep, waking up feeling un-refreshed or daytime fatigue. 30-40% of all adults report some form of insomnia. Our bodies are adapted to sleep in soft blue light like that of the moon. Any other light, even light from an electric clock can disrupt our sleep patterns. Other causes for insomnia can range from inadequate sleeping conditions such as loud noises, excessive temperatures to mineral, hormone, or vitamin imbalances especially from exhausted adrenals. We now offer a quick check for sleep that can help with any imbalances you may have.

There are some things you can do to help get a good night sleep. Make sure the mattress you are sleeping on is the right firmness for you. If you are interested in investing in a Sleep Number, Tempurpedic, or Sleep Matterzz mattress we can offer you a discount if it is ordered through us. Set and stick to a regular bed time routine. This will help your body know it is time to sleep. Try to avoid caffeine or a lot of carbohydrates before bed. Eating a well balanced dinner with a variety of veggies is important. Regular exercise can also improve sleep. Call and schedule your appointment for a quick check and let us help you get a back to sleeping right.

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The Importance of a Good Mattress

When it comes to shopping for a mattress, it's okay to sleep around. In fact, many consumers liken the purchasing experience to buying a car, which normally occurs after several "test drives." Americans spend one-third of their lives in bed. Yet, selecting the right mattress is more often a nightmare than a dream. One in three respondents indicated they have had confusing bed-buying experiences. Much like selecting the right car, it is advisable to do your homework beforehand. In a recent pole, nearly 50% of people didn't know what to look for in a mattress before entering the store. More than two-thirds of respondents consider their mattress to be a very important investment, though, ironically, they don't credit it with ensuring a good night's sleep. Perhaps that explains why 36% of mattress shoppers claim to have had some difficulty deciding which one is right for them.

Often people search for a "firm" mattress, assuming it will provide the most support. In reality, that's a mattress myth. It is important to test many mattresses and select the one that evenly supports your body and feels comfortable. You don't need to sleep on concrete for proper support. The right mattress will support your body at all pressure points, which is different for each person. Knowing when to buy a new bed may be as important as what to look for in a mattress. It is recommended that consumers should replace their mattress every eight to 10 years. Nevertheless, many people may be sleeping on the bed their parents slept on. These "tired" beds may contribute to the fact that 75% of those polled said they have some difficulty sleeping at night. What may be worn out, though, is the foundation, not the mattress. While bodies never touch the covered "box" beneath the mattress, this element is vital to the over-all performance. So, when setting out to make a purchase, consumers should plan to replace both the mattress and the foundation.

Here are some helpful tips to think about when you go mattress shopping.

1. Even if you want a pillow-top mattress, try the non-pillow-top type until you find one with the correct amount of support.

2. After you have found the right non-pillow top, find a pillow-top with the same ratings (i.e. # of springs).

3. Then shop for price at different stores. Only the names will change - not the ratings. Each manufacturer makes several labels/names for the same mattress for different stores.

4. Get a prescription as this will definitely save you sales tax and is deductible if you have enough other medical expenses for the year (rare).

5. Be sure that you get at least a 30 night comfort guarantee and use it if necessary. You are making a long term investment.

To better help you with your mattress selection, here are some of the mattresses we recommend. Simmons Beauty Rest Mattress is good for side sleepers. This mattress is known for its layers and layers of cushioning foam with just the right amount of firmness. Sealy Posturepedic is good for back sleepers. Made with the help of orthopedists, this mattress relives the pressure points and redistributes pressure from your body. Everyone has probably heard of the Sleep Number bed. With technology based on height, weight, body shape, sleep position, and sleep surface preference, you can choose the amount of firmness and support needed.

The Tempur-Pedic mattress was designed using a unique substance that forms to every curve of your body for pressure relief and support. This mattress wil react to the temperature of the room and become soft in warm areas where the body has the most contact and firm in cool areas where there is less body contact. Sleepmatterzzz uses interconnected air cells that evenly distribute your weight and move throughout the night to relieve the pressure points. This mattress allows you to set the firmness for the head, midsection and feet as opposed to just one firm setting on the Sleep Number Bed.

Call our office at 817-394-2000 for details on discounts available on the Sleep Number, Sleepmaterzzz and Tempurpedic Mattresses.

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How Healthy Are Your Feet?

Have you ever stopped to think about the health of your feet? If you are like most people, probably not. What most of us do not realize is that problems with our feet can cause serious problems with the rest of the body. The feet have three main functions which are to support your body, help you move, and protect the bones and tissues from shock stress that can be damaging. Most common foot problems include dropped arches or flat feet, heel spurs, and plantar fascitis which is a irritation to the elastic tissue in the foot. Once there is a problem with the feet, your body's foundation is compromised and is no longer supporting your joints and bones properly. In most cases the knees and hips begin to shift and become uneven. This can cause pain in the knees, hips, low back and even the neck. Custom made shoes or insoles can help maintain balance in the structure and function of the feet. Come in today for a quick analysis to see if orthotics would benefit you.

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Dealing With Stress

It is 6:30 PM. The phone is ringing, the kids are screaming, you are thinking about the deadline at work, dinner is about to burn and there is always that worry in the back of your mind that the bills might not get paid on time this month. Life is stressful. What most people do not realize is the damaging effect everyday stress has on our bodies. In any type of stressful situation, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and halts the non- priority systems like the digestive and immune system to resolve the problem at hand. These stresses that we deal with on a daily basis are constantly causing our bodies to compensate, which will eventually cause a loss of digestion and a weakened immune system. This is your body's way of telling you to reduce these stressors. With our new stress assessment technology, we can tell you exactly what is stressing the body and what to do to balance those stressors. Let me explain. Every living organism has an electrical field with a unique signature. By simply measuring this signature through the skin we can see what balancers are needed to counteract the effects of your specific stressors. Our computer has over 30,000 stressors and balancers programmed. Based on your specific needs, we can run a program to find the best option for you. This revolutionary, painless exam can help you unleash your body's innate ability to heal itself. Schedule an appointment for your free assessment today.

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A Little Humidity Can Go a Long Way

Have you ever wondered why we get dry itchy skin in the winter? It actually has to do with the humidity in the air. Humidity is simply the amount of moisture in the air. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture, so the humidity levels are low in the winter, usually around 20-30% (45% is ideal). These levels not only make us feel colder, they also cause dry itchy skin, sore throats, aggravated allergy and asthma symptoms, and static shocks. Low humidity dramatically speeds the spread of colds and the flu. By using a humidifier in your home you can avoid these side effects. Humidifiers will raise the humidity levels and make it feel warmer in the house. This can also help cut back on the heating bill.

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The Power of a Good Laugh

Have you ever thought of laughing as a medicine? It sounds crazy right? Well it's not. Studies show that laughing will:
Increase blood flow
Decrease blood pressure
Reduce stress hormones
Increase muscle relaxation
Boost the immune system
Release endorphins which are the body's natural pain killer
So make some time everyday to laugh! Watch a funny movie, or just spend some quality time with your family. They tend to be pretty funny.

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