Tannin is great for cold sores

July 23, 2011

Ever have a canker sore? Here are a few natural ways to reduce pain and help heal your canker sore without synthetic medication or surgery:

  • Tannin
    Tannin is found in Black tea
  • Mouth wash
    Mix together 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoonfuls of salt and 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and swirl it around your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit it out. Don’t swallow.
  • Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera juice a few times a day will help make the sore less painful
  • Onion
    Apply a raw onion to the canker sore
  • Papaya
    Suck on some papaya
  • Plum Juice
    2 table spoons of plum juice and soak a cotton ball in the fluid. Compress it over your sore for a few minutes
  • Soda
    A cupful of warm soda and a pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit Seed
    Extract of grapefruit seed is a disinfectant and after a few applications, it should be gone!

Cold Sore diet suggestions

Here is advice for a Cold Sore Diet:

Avoid: Acidic and salty foods. Chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, These are restricted. Avoid tea and coffee.

Do Eat: A vitamin enriched diet. Your diet must include vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, and iron.  Garlic is highly recommended in your diet. Eat fresh food with high antioxidants  and high complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed food. Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

- Dr. Amie B. Gregory, DC, CCEP

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Beets can help your liver!

July 23, 2011

This is a great article from Natural News regarding new information to help your liver:

The liver is an organ that removes toxins and other harmful substances from the body, allowing the body to function without experiencing the many illnesses and other harmful side effects that these toxins can cause. For this reason, it is crucial that individuals periodically detoxify their livers. One of the most common and effective natural liver detoxifiers is the beet. Beets have been used to fight liver toxins and to increase the overall level of health of individuals for many years, and they can be easily integrated into one`s diet to keep the liver working at an optimal level.

Beets are beneficial to one’s health for many reasons, as they are a high-antioxidant vegetable that contains a number of important substances, including: betaine, betalains, fiber, iron, betacyanin, folate, and betanin. Pectin, which is a fiber found in beets, can also help clean the toxins that have been removed from the liver, allowing them to be flushed out of the system instead of reabsorbed by the body.  Because of this property, many medical professionals encourage individuals to eat beets raw without juicing them, so that these fibers can be ingested as completely as possible. This is not difficult, as they can be baked, grated, or roasted as well as eaten alone or incorporated into other dishes.

However, beet juice can be highly beneficial, as it allows the betaine to stay intact. Betaine is the substance that encourages the liver cells to get rid of toxins. Additionally, betaine acts to defend the liver and bile ducts, which are important if the liver is to function properly. This particular substance is also said by some to decrease the risk of coronary and cerebral artery diseases, as it lowers inflammation in the body, allowing the many systems to work without interruption.

Additionally, beets have been linked to the healing of the liver, a decrease in homocysteine, an improvement in stomach acid production, prevention of the formation of free-radicals in LDL, and the prevention of lung, liver, skin, spleen, and colon cancer. Though these health benefits are not directly linked to the detoxification of the liver, they allow the body as a whole to work more efficiently. Because the systems of the body are all intertwined and rely upon one another to work properly, this indirectly affects the ability of the liver to rid itself of toxins and continue to work at an optimal level.

The recommended serving of beets varies depending upon the source, so the best way to go about integrating them into a diet is to start the day with beet juice instead of coffee, to add grated beets to salads and other dishes where appropriate, and to include a baked or roasted beet as a side dish with dinner as often as possible.

People who are looking for a natural way to improve the health of their liver and to enhance their overall vigor will quickly find that incorporating beets into their diet will allow them to function at a more efficient level. Because beets contain so many important substances, they will cause a marked improvement in both liver health and overall wellbeing.

Sources

http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/05/02/l…

http://vegpeace.org/beets.html

http://altmedangel.com/liver.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com/033025_beets_liver_function.html

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

NY Times says Teenagers prefer caffeine

July 19, 2011
Interesting News today in the New York Times.  It seems kids crave caffeine even when they don’t know it is in the beverage!

Super-caffeinated energy drinks with names like Red Bull and Monster are increasingly popular among teenagers. But is it savvy marketing or the caffeine that keeps teenagers coming back for more?

New research from the University at Buffalo suggests that adding caffeine to a beverage increases its appeal among young people — even when they don’t know the drink contains caffeine.

To study the effect of caffeine on taste preference, the researchers first set out to create new drink flavors that weren’t familiar to their test subjects. Using a combination of Kool-Aid and flavored carbonated water, the researchers concocted seven new drink flavors, including vanilla-orange and lime-pomegranate. Then they asked 100 young people, ages 12 to 17, to rank their favorites.

The scientists then picked each child’s fourth-ranked drink. Half the students were given the drink with caffeine added, while the other half, acting as a placebo group, were given the version of the drink without caffeine.

Over the next four days, the students came back to the lab to taste the drink and rank their preference for it on a scale of 0 to 100. Notably, among the placebo drinkers, there was no change in the students’ flavor ratings over the four-day tasting period. But among those students who were unknowingly drinking a caffeinated version of the drink, the flavor ratings improved each day, rising by 20 to 25 percent over the four days.

“Every day, the association with that flavor and the feeling it gave them increased their liking just a little bit,’’ said Jennifer Temple, an author of the study and assistant professor in the department of exercise and nutrition science. Dr. Temple and colleagues are presenting the study on Friday at the annual meeting of the Society for Study of Ingestive Behavior in Clearwater, Fla.

Dr. Temple said the study suggests that the presence of caffeine in a beverage influences a child’s taste preferences. That said, the study data weren’t conclusive. On the sixth day of testing, the students were given all seven drinks again and asked to rate them. Even though they had tasted their fourth-favorite flavor repeatedly over the past four days, it remained in fourth place.

In conducting the research, the researchers told the students they were part of a study testing a variety of drink additives, including flavors, artificial sweeteners, carbonation and caffeine. Follow-up testing at the study’s end showed that the students were no more likely to guess the beverage had caffeine in it than any of the other additives, showing that neither group was aware if they were drinking a placebo beverage or one with an additive.

Dr. Temple said flavor and packaging likely influence a child’s drink choice. But once they have made a choice, over time children appear to develop a stronger preference for drinks with caffeine.

“The pairing between the flavors and the way caffeine makes them feel reinforces their propensity for drinking these drinks,’’ she said. “The caffeine is what makes these drinks so reinforcing to children and so liked.’’

REFERENCES: Tara Parker-Pope, The New York Times

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Hypertension, health and the DASH Diet

July 18, 2011

Hypertension is defined as having blood pressure greater or equal to 140/90 on 3 or more visits to the doctor.

To combat this problem it is very important to exercise while keeping track of your heart rate as well as eating what is called the DASH diet.  This includes a diet high in fruits and vegetables with decreased dairy products and saturated fats.  If you follow this plan, you will see not only great results in our cholesterol level and blood pressure, but will probably lose some inches too!

Here is a list of what is recommended by DASHdiet.org:

Type of food Number of servings for 1600 – 3100 Calorie diets Servings on a 2000 Calorie diet
Grains and grain products
(include at least 3 whole grain foods each day)		 6 – 12 7 – 8
Fruits 4 – 6 4 – 5
Vegetables 4 – 6 4 – 5
Low fat or non fat dairy foods 2 – 4 2 – 3
Lean meats, fish, poultry 1.5 – 2.5 2 or less
Nuts, seeds, and legumes 3 – 6 per week 4 – 5 per week
Fats and sweets 2 – 4 limited
By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

July 17, 2011

Have you been told that you have Restless Leg Syndrome?

What is it anyway?
It is a restless urgency to move because of burning, tingling, tugging sensations in the legs.  People can not sleep with this urgency and loose sleep because of it.  It is becoming increasingly more popular and people really don’t know what to do about it.

How can it be eliminated?
I have found that simple pelvic adjusting has decreased the frequency of these sensations and most times keep them at bay for good.  Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco all exacerbate restless leg syndrome. So, like always, keep off the junk food, drink lots of water and take care of yourself!  If you still have problems with Restless Leg Syndrome, give us a call, we can help!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How to Prevent Tommy John Surgery

July 6, 2011

Tommy John surgery has become something that most big league pitchers and players have to consider when having elbow pain.  Throwing, especially at high speeds puts a lot of stress on the elbow.  Repetitive throwing can lead to swelling and tearing of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament in the arm. This ligament keeps the Humerus, Radius and Ulna in place and provides mobility of the elbow.

Compared to the larger muscles and ligaments in the body, this ligament is not as strong as knee ligaments (Anterior Cruciate Ligament).   Our body also wasn’t designed to perform high velocity throwing for years.  In time, if enough pressure is applied to the elbow, it will tear apart causing pain and effecting the velocity of throwing.

It is common for major league pitchers to have Tommy John Surgery.  Surgeons take some of the tendon of the players “good” forearm or hamstring and put it into the “bad” elbow.

They also drill holes in the ulna and humerus bones to sew it in.  Sounds easy huh?  Well, there are some concerns with this surgery.  In order to move the ulnar nerve away, surgeons have to cut or detach major muscles.  This can lead to infection, fractures, nerve irritation, numbness and inability for the muscle to function properly.  It is also pricey.  This surgery can run between $10,000 and $20,000.

Proper stretching, weight lifting can help pitchers stay away from this painful and expensive surgery.  Exercises with elbow pronation, supination and flexion are key to keeping the elbow in proper condition and ready to take the added stress of throwing a ball 100mph.

As chiropractors, we help keep prevent this surgery by keeping the joint in its proper position,  allowing the muscles and ligament to remain strong and work out any tissue damage that may have occurred.  We are a great option.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Thumb or Wrist pain can be a real pain!

June 26, 2011

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons near your thumb. This can be quite painful and you’re likely to feel pulling and pain every time you move your wrist or try to grip or make a fist.  Inflammation can occur around the thumb and make if uncomfortable to move.  If so, ice can be used to take the inflammation down.

This injury can happen because of repetitive work movements, sports, cooking.  Even musicians can start getting pain because of the repetitive movements while playing an instrument.

Treatment normally can take four to six weeks, but can sometimes be longer if your job requires you to continue to do repetitive movements of the wrist and hand.

If you have tried drugs, wrist braces and ice and it still hurts, you may want to call us for an appointment.  We can help.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Neck Pain

May 8, 2011

What are causes and risk factors for neck pain?

Neck pain is a common condition.  It can occur from a number of disorders and diseases of any tissues in the neck.

Common conditions that may cause neck pain are degenerative disc disease (decreased size of disc space) neck sprain or strain, whiplash, disc problems or nerves that are pulled, squished or stretched.

If you are involved in sports or have had a motor vehicle accident, you are at risk of having neck pain.  It is not only sport or car accident related.  Bad posture when sitting at the computer, office or even texting and watching television can put a strain on the neck.

Symptoms:

Neck pain is commonly associated with dull aching. It can keep you from sleeping if neck positions pull on the adjacent nerves.  Sometimes pain in the neck is worsened with movement of the neck. Other symptoms associated with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Problems with the neck can lead to headaches, pain in the jaw or face, shoulder pain.  Since the nerves of the neck go all the way to the fingers, it can cause pain all the way to the tips of the fingers.

What are the structures of the neck?

The neck has seven bones that protect the spinal cord.  Since the neck moves in every direction, there are several different angles of muscles and tissues.  Since we also have discs, skin, muscles, arteries, veins glands, the esophagus, trachea and larynx, any or all of these areas can be affected with dysfunction or stress on the neck.

How can chiropractic help neck pain?

Well, since your neck pain really stems from physical stress or nerve irritation, we specialize in keeping your nervous system and body functioning at its highest level.  We can easily diagnose and treat your condition safely and gently.  We also use physical therapy and massage to help you get better faster and keep you healthy!

Remember, any pain or sensation you feel is generated by a nerve.  So, if you have pain, a nerve is involved, we track the pattern of your nerve problem and find the area that needs care.  Then we show you how to keep good posture and give you exercises to stay healthy.  No drugs, no pain, just relief!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Foods and supplement tips to help back pain!

May 7, 2011

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

There is no special diet for back pain, but keeping your body in good shape by eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help.  Choose foods that are low in saturated fat and sugar. Drink plenty of water.  Also eating foods that are high in antioxidants (such as green leafy vegetables and berries) may help fight inflammation which will decrease pain.

As always, avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.

When we are in pain it is so easy to find over the counter medicine for pain.  In an emergency, this works great but over time, these drugs can cause a great strain on your kidneys, liver, pancreas and other organs.  Deciding to take natural supplements puts less strain on your body and allows your organs to filter it out more easily.

These supplements may help fight inflammation and pain:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed and fish oils, 1 – 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil daily, to help decrease inflammation.
  • Glucosamine/chondroitin, 500 – 1,500 mg daily. In some but not all studies, glucosamine and chondroitin have helped relieve arthritis pain. It has not been studied specifically for low back pain.
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), 3,000 mg twice a day, to help prevent joint and connective tissue breakdown. In some but not all studies, MSM has been shown to help relieve arthritis pain.
  • Bromelain, 250 mg twice a day. This enzyme that comes from pineapples reduces inflammation. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should not take bromelain without first talking to their doctor. People with peptic ulcers should avoid bromelain. Turmeric is sometimes combined with bromelain, because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger.
By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Low Back Pain is the 2nd most common reason for seeing a doctor!

May 7, 2011

Did you know that about 60 – 80% of adults in the U.S. have low back pain?   It is the second most common reason people visit their doctor. Low back problems can really debilitate you and it affects your spine’s movement, stability and strength.  All of this leads pain, discomfort, and stiffness.

When you think of low back pain, you may think of an older person, but back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old!  Every year about 13 million people go to the doctor because they are experiencing back pain.

This is a serious problem.  Back pain causes approximately 2.4 million Americans to be chronically disabled and another 2.4 million temporarily disabled.

Signs and Symptoms:
* Tenderness, pain, and stiffness in the lower back
* Pain that spreads into the buttocks or legs
* Having a hard time standing up or standing in one position for a long time
* Discomfort while sitting
* Weakness and tired legs while walking

Why does back pain happen?
Most people who come into my office with low back pain describe the injury occurring from a strain from lifting, twisting, or bending.  One thing that a lot of people may not know is that it may not be a one-time occurrence.  It is frequently caused by chronic bad posture and long hours of sitting.  There are rare cases of low back pain that can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, a rheumatic or arthritic condition, or a tumor.

Many people under the age of 40 can experience a ruptured or bulging disk.  This happens when the middle of the disk leaks out when there pressure or a tear of the disk that is between each vertebra.

Don’t ignore your body’s signals:
You may have had a twinge or a pull that went away and ignored it.  Well, that is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.  In time, your body will force you to take care of this problem by putting you in pain and interfering with your life.

What are the Risk factors?
*Age

*Smoking

*Becoming overweight

*Depression

*Sedentary lifestyle

*Physical labor (repetitive movements)

So what can help if you are experiencing Low Back Pain?  Chiropractic of course!
According to a comprehensive review conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, chiropractic care was determined to both relieve pain and restore function.  Chiropractic care is effective for acute and chronic low back pain. We are so successful because we guide your body to its proper position and the stress is taken off the problem area, allowing for inflammation to go away and your body heal naturally.

Chiropractic has great success with back and neck pain!  We understand body posture and movement.  You don’t need to suffer with back pain, we can help!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)