Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This second part of the two-part series on adaptogens will continue listing seven powerful, commonly used adaptogens. Part one discussed what adaptogens are, how the effect the body, and went over the benefits of rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginkgo biloba. Part two will focus on the benefits of astragalus, licorice root, eleuthero root, and goji berries. Feel free to contact Back to Health Chiropractic for more information on nutrition in Vancouver WA.

Why Care About Adaptogens?

To recap, adaptogens are powerhouses in fighting the stress reaction in the body. Stress reactions can result from the traditional, emotional stress that may first come to mind when you think of stress. However, they also fight the effects of environmental stressors such as poor diet, pollution, and overexertion, as well as the internal negative effects of oxidation. Each adaptogen has its specific strengths and are, therefore, taken for specific results—but all of them have multiple positive health benefits and reduce the impact of stress on the body.

Astragalus

Serious research is just getting underway on astragalus and its ability to increase the production of telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme having to do with the replacement of DNA. The research being done suggests that the function of telomerase may have a lot to do with a cell’s response to viruses such as HIV as well as those in the case of cancer. Besides fighting bacterial and viral infections and cancer prevention, astragalus has also been used as a tonic to clean the liver. It is a good way to combat a cold, fight fatigue, fight high blood pressure, and strengthen the kidneys as well as the immune system. In Chinese medicine astragalus has long been used in increase vitality and improve energy.

Licorice Root

You may only think of black licorice candy when this root comes to mind. Besides flavoring foods, licorice root is helpful for soothing stomach and digestive conditions. Additionally, it is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and helps prevents autoimmune disorders. It has been used in Chinese medicine, in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the adrenal function—which in an important way to fight the effects of stress.

Eleuthero Root/Siberian Ginseng

Not strictly a ginseng, eleuthero root is more commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. Though the misnomer is common, it is not to be confused with Panax ginseng, which is commonly just called “ginseng.” People take this root for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidepressant effects. It is also thought to improve immune function, increased memory and cognitive function, as well as to fight against fatigue.

Gojo Berry

The goji berry, or wolfberry, originally comes from China. This adaptogen is packed full of nutrients, making it a “super food.” It has been used in Chinese medicine for heart health and protect eyes sight from age deterioration. Additionally, it has been used to combat fatigue, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Goji berries are being studied for their preventative effects from cancer. They are also a strong antioxidant, fighting against free radical damage in the body—a major cause of aging.
This list of adaptogen is a stepping off place to get started researching the benefits of these potent herbs. The benefits vary for each. What all adaptogens have in common is a wide range of health-boosting benefits. The long list of benefits makes them well worth looking into.

Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What exactly is an adaptogen? When the body is stressed it sets off a certain response. The type of stress—diet related, physical, emotional, or circumstantial—all create basically the same metabolic reaction. This reaction can be lessened when taking adapotgenic herbs. Additionally, each of these herbs creates a variety of positive effects. Different herbs work in different ways, so each one is taken to elicit specific results. They tend to be used for things such as minimizing aging, improving memory, increasing energy, improving immunity, and lessening fatigue.
In this two-part blog we will discuss the benefits of seven amazing adaptogens. For more specific information on nutrition in Vancouver WA you can give us a call.

What Is an Adaptogen?

So let’s start with a definition. What exactly is an adaptogen? Google defines it as: “(in herbal medicine) a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.” Herbal supplements categorized as adaptogen have been gaining popularity in the West, though ancient practices such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been using many of them for centuries as a way to improve health.
The idea of how adaptogens work is in its name. They help your body adapt to stressors in the environment. One way adaptogens help the body is through reducing the production of stress hormones. They also have an effect on DNA replication, producing proteins that the body uses to manage the effects of stress.

Which Adaptogens Do What?

Of course each person reacts differently, so it is important you consult a physician about any medical concerns you may have. This blog article is not meant to replace or offer medical advice. With that in mind, here are some common—but far from all-inclusive—uses for adaptogens:

Rhodiola

This little power house grows in colder climates and is well know throughout Central Asia. Rhodiola has been shown to reduce fatigue while increasing mental acuity and concentration. Additionally, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce mild to moderate depression.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is well known in Ayurvedic medicine. Its benefits are many and could have an article written on this one herb alone. Here are a few documented benefits of Ashwagandha: Improved immunity, reduces anxiety and depression, lowers cholesterol, works as an anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, inhibits the growth of tumors, reduces ADHD, imporves liver function, and combats signs of aging. With a list like this, the question is more: Why not take Ashwagandha?

Ginkgo Biloba

This herb has gained populatiry in the West over the last couple of decades for its ability to improve memory and cognitive function. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. This is especially of interest for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Additional studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may decrease the symptoms of PMS as well as help with vascular diseases and pain caused by blood clots.
Stay tuned for our second part of Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, where we will discuss the benefits of licorice root, eleuthero root, astragalus, and goji berries.

Massage: What Can it Do for You?

Everyone knows massage feels good and reduces stress. Even a back rub from a friend can do wonders in making us take a deep breath and relax. But did you know massage can have other benefits to your health? Massage in Vancouver, WA can improve immune function by moving lymph around. The loosening of muscles improves range of motion and flexibility which help the body better resist injury. Massage can speed up healing after and injury or surgery. It can also help reduce pain. Massage has so many health benefit it is a great idea for everyone to try.

Improved Immune Function

The lymphatic system moves fluid between the body’s organs and the blood system. As the lymph passes through the lymph nodes it is cleaned of pathogens and abnormal cells. The lymph is moved around the body by muscle contraction. Many people work in offices these days, where they do not get much exercise. This lack of muscles contraction means lymphatic fluid sits still. Not moving this fluid means the body’s tissue is not getting cleansed. Toxins can build up, making a person feel even more lethargic and allowing infection to grow. During a massage this fluid is moved toward the lymph nodes where can be cleaned.
A person’s blood circulation is aided during massage as well. A person relaxes and breathes deeply during a massage. Their blood and lymph are assisted in circulating through the body. This brings oxygen and nutrients to the organs where they are needed. Organ function is improved, which improves immunity and overall health.

Reduce Risk of Injury and Shorten Healing Time

Massage relaxes muscles. Areas where knots have formed are softened and smoothed out. When a muscle is relaxed the the joints and bones attached to it can move more freely and without restriction. Muscles that are too tight cause bones to be pulled out of place. That is often why a person goes to picks something up and suddenly gets a kink in his or her neck. Tight muscles can also get so tight they pinch nerves or cause certain motions to become painful to preform. Having a massage therapist keep muscles relaxed and limber makes it less likely for these kind of injuries to occur.
Massage can also help a person heal faster after an injury or surgery. Massage aids in moving fluid, or swelling, out of an area. Swelling makes healing take longer, so moving the fluid out of an injury site will speed up the body’s progress. Massage also breaks up the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is less flexible so not allowing it to form will improve range of motion. Often after an injury or surgery a person is less active. This inability to move the injured area often causes the muscle to shrink. Massage helps to prevent this. By applying circulation, movement, and stretching massage keeps the injured area active and supple.

Decreases Pain

There are several ways massage can help reduce pain. Muscle tension and spasms are often painful. Massage relaxes both muscle tension and spasms. It also causes the body to release endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, the improved circulation and relaxed muscles go a long way in aiding people who suffer migraines and back pain—both of which are frequently cause by muscle tension.

Why You Should Use A Chiropractor

If you have had an accident, suffered an injury, or are otherwise experiencing any sort of pain, an experienced chiropractor in Vancouver, WA could be exactly what you need. A chiropractor office will offer many different services that you can take advantage of, including sports injury recovery, accident injury recovery, and simple regular treatments to keep you fit. A good health clinic can even offer nutrition advice that you can take advantage of as well. If you are experiencing any sort of discomfort within your everyday life as you go about your daily routines, there are many reasons you should choose a chiropractor for treatment.
Recognized Field
Chiropractic care is a recognized field that is highly valued within alternative medicine. It is a highly effective treatment for millions of people all over the world, and can help you recover from your injuries much faster than traditional methods would. No matter the type of injury, be it a sprained ankle from sports or a muscle injury from some strenuous activity, a chiropractor will be able to design a treatment suited to your specific needs and help you through the recovery process.
Personal Treatment Plans
One thing that a chiropractic clinic can do far better than traditional treatments is design a treatment plan that is customized for you personal lifestyle. Many other clinics have treatment plans that are designed for the population in general and do not take into account personal needs and requirements. Because of this, you may not get the treatment you need to recover completely. At a chiropractic clinic, you and your chiropractor can work together to form a treatment plan that will work for you and your unique lifestyle.
Reduction in Stress
If you see a chiropractor, you will know that chiropractic care can help reduce stress in your daily life. This is because it helps your body achieve a balance that it would not normally have as you go through the daily stresses of your life. With regular chiropractic care, you can lower your average stress level and experience a much happier life overall. You will also be much healthier in the long run if you do not have stress to weigh you down.

Injury Services Offered By A Chiropractor

A chiropractor in Vancouver, WA will offer you many different options for injury recovery. Injury services are designed to help you bounce back and recover from a variety of different issues. You do not want to be out of service for too long, as you most likely have many professional and social responsibilities that need to be taken care of in a timely manner. Injury makes accomplishing these tasks more difficult. A chiropractor will offer injury services so you can get back to your daily routine without too much worry or concern. There are many injury services that cover a wide range of injury situations that you may be going through.
Work Related Injury
Injury on the job can be detrimental to your health, especially if your job depends on a lot of physical strength and activity. Work injuries, depending on the severity, can keep you out of action for a long time. This means you miss out on wages that you would otherwise have access to. The important thing with work injuries is to not rush back, as you risk more injury in the long run. A chiropractor who offers injury services will be able to get you back to work as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on wages.
Sports Injuries
If you live an active life and participate in numerous sports, your chances of injury are higher. Whether it be something common like a twisted ankle or something severe like a broken extremity, a chiropractor who offers injury services can help get you back to your sport as quickly as possible. Many times, muscle soreness and body adjustments can help you heal more quickly from sport-related injury. If you suffer an injury due to sports activity, a chiropractor who offers injury services can help get you the treatment you need.
Automobile Accidents
An automobile accident is a terrifying thing to go through. More often than not, you will sustain some form of injury from the accident, be it from whiplash or something even more serious. Auto accident injuries can take a while to recover from, as they come in many forms, but a trained chiropractor who offers injury services will be able to treat your injuries and help you through the recovery process as quickly as possible. The main thing is to take recovery slow and build your strength back. A chiropractor will be able to set a treatment plan that works for you and gets you back to your lifestyle before too long.

Tips For Finding A Chiropractor

 

When it comes to your health, there are a number of options and programs that are available to you to follow. Each will tell you of the benefits of using the program and how your lifestyle will change. Chiropractic care has been around for a long time and will continue to benefits millions of people in their quests to live a healthier lifestyle. It is not a fad that is doomed to fail. If you are in the market for a trusted chiropractor in Vancouver, WA, there are a few different things you can do to narrow your search. Finding a chiropractor you can trust can be complicated, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. However, there are methods you can use.
Recommendations
The first strategy you should use is to acquire recommendations from friends and family member who you can trust. Getting recommendations from people you know is a great way to find a good chiropractor who you can trust. There are so many offices out there that it can be difficult to narrow your list down. That is why getting recommendations is the best way to go. Friends and family can also tell you who to avoid if they had a bad experience with a chiropractor.
Talk With Candidates
Once you have formed a list of a few different chiropractor offices, you will want to talk to these choices and determine which one is the best fit. Make sure you communicate well with the doctor on hand. You will be forming a good relationship with the chiropractor you choose, so you want to be sure that you are choosing one that you can communicate with without any trouble. There is nothing worse than getting into an appointment and experiencing some form of miscommunication. Your chiropractor should be easy to talk to and develop a plan with.
Medical Details
You will want to make sure that your insurance covers the chiropractor you choose. Most offices will honor the majority of insurance options, meaning you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one that your insurance will back up. If you do not have insurance, you will want to work with an office that will work closely with you to set up a payment plan that fits for everyone involved.

The Best Vegetables To Eat For Weight Loss Results

 

Vegetables are a main part of the diets of millions of people around the world. They are very good for your body, boosting your immune system and giving you energy you may not otherwise have. Nutrition is very important to everyone in the world, and vegetables are a huge part of having good nutrition. Many weight loss in Vancouver professionals also say that vegetables can help you reach a body weight you are happy with. If you want to lose weight and be healthy while doing it, there are several vegetables that you can focus on introducing to your diet.
Cucumber
While one of the most common and, perhaps, boring vegetables, cucumbers can greatly help those who are interested in weight loss. The cucumber is extremely low in calories and contains a lot of water inside of it. Cucumber can be sliced and served by itself, or introduced in salads alongside other varieties of vegetables. If you like, you can even grill cucumbers before eating to give them even more flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another vegetable that is perfect for weight loss. Broccoli contains absolutely no fat at all, while including good carbohydrates that are slow to release, meaning you will have more energy overall once you have eaten a few. Broccoli can also be prepared in numerous ways, from boiling to steaming to grilling.
Spinach
Spinach is widely available and has significant health benefits for humans. You can include it with a sandwich or a salad, or even cook it in sauces that will give it a little flavor. Spinach contains many antioxidants that will give you energy and promote lower cholesterol and a healthy heart.
Carrots
Carrots contain a good amount of antioxidants that promote healthy vision and a healthy immune system. Carrots can be prepared in a wide variety of ways as well. You can put them in salads, eat them raw, or chop them up and mix them with other ingredients.
Celery
Celery is similar to cucumbers in that it contains a lot of water and hardly any calories. Celery makes a fantastic snack when you are on the go, as it can be eaten raw or cooked with other ingredients, and it contains a lot of antioxidants that fight cancer and promote a healthy immune system.