How to prevent bruising

February 22, 2010

In a recent article in Bottom Line Health, there are 2 main causes of bruising.

1. Aging: Getting older our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable for injuries.

2. Medications: Aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin (Coumadin) cause thinning of the skin. This allows bruising easily if you bump or scrape yourself.

Here are some suggestions that can help you stop bruising so easily.

Eat a flavonoid-rich diet: Citrus fruits, blueberries, blackberries, green tea, and onions are full of antioxidants which help you to fight off disease and illness as well as strengthen your cell membranes. Even if you are a “chocaholic”! Flavonoids exist naturally in cacao. Though cacao is not as sweet as chocolate, it can stop the urge to eat another sweet and help your metabolism at the same time!

Grape skins contain high amounts of flavonoids as well as polyphenols. Red and white wine contain flavonoids but red wine has been observed to contain higher levels of flavonoids.

Get enough Vitamin C: Elderberry or bilberry are great sources of vitamin C. They are high in flavonoids as well! Studies have shown them improve circulation, eye health and reduce viruses.

Finally, as with everything else… Exercise: Poor circulation contributes to bruising, exercising helps get your circulation pumping! You can walk, skip, jump, run or do anything that gets your heart pumping faster.

This is a message from Dr. Amie B. Gregory at Precise Moves Chiropractic in San Carlos, CA

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

Facts about bunions

February 12, 2010

Bunions are a malformed bony bump on the outside portion of the big toe.  It becomes enlarged and angles toward the second toe putting pressure on the foot.  This can be very painful.

Symptoms of a bunion:

  • Bump or angulation on the outside of the first toe
  • Swelling, redness and tenderness of the big toe
  • Thickening of the skin on the bottom of your foot under the big toe
  • Corns or calluses
  • Pain of the first toe
  • Restricted movement

Women are more likely to get bunions because of wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit properly. Improper shoes can cause foot problems because the big toe begins to push on other toes and tissues.  Improper shoes cause improper movement which may not be a problem now but will increase in the future if not managed.

Practioners that do not specialize in the management and function of extremities may not know that bunion formation can be caused by several dysfunctions of the foot.  Bad body mechanics may go unnoticed.  Improper walking or standing puts added stress on the foot and prevents toes from moving and gliding the way they should.  Bones that are stuck prevent the toes from functioning normally and the foot, ankle, knees and hips begin to pay the price.   Many people have been told there is nothing that can be done to change or manage this problem except tape the toe, put a divider between the big toe and second toe or have surgery where part of the toe is shaved off.  This is just a short term solution and will result in further destruction of the foot.

At Precise Moves Chiropractic we specialize in extremities and can help you relieve foot problems and help you walk and stand better resulting in less pain and stress on your foot.

Give our San Carlos Chiropractic office a call today to start your journey to long term health!

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

Hypertension and the DASH diet

December 18, 2009

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)