Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

Hate Exercising?

Two recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
found that those who engaged in LIFESTYLE physical activity like raking leaves,
climbing stairs or taking a brisk walk reaped the same benefits in terms of
cardiovascular and respiratory fitness as those who participated in a structured,
rigorous exercise program.

Watching your Back
Dr Barb

Friday, June 24, 2011

Vitamin B-12

Did you know that one of the most common nutrient deficiencies involves vitamin B-12, a crucial nutrient for nerve health and the construction of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body?!

This deficiency is common in both vegetarians/vegans and meat eaters! Are you surprised?! This is because vitamin B-12 can only be absorbed in the small intestine! New studies show that up to 40% of the population may be deficient in vitamin B-12!

Some of the most common symptoms of this deficiency are: chest pain or shortness of breath, fatigue or unexplained weakness, dizziness, trouble with balance and fainting, confusion, memory loss, coldness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, slow reflexes or diminished nervous system function, pale or yellowing skin, and a sore mouth and tongue.

The three best ways to absorb vitamin B-12 are: injections, sublingual absorption and skin absorption. Injections are the most effective because they bypass the digestive tract and go right into the bloodstream! This method is less popular because most people do not like shots, so they go to the next best option, which is a supplement.

This is where most people go wrong! The most commonly available form of B-12 is the cheap synthetic form, cyanocobalamin, that is bound to a cyanide molecule (yes, cyanide, the poison!). If you have vitamin B-12 supplements at home, look at the ingredients and throw away any vitamins that contain cyanocobalamin!

The better choice and proper form of vitamin B-12 to supplement is called methylcobalamin! This form exists in nature and is ready for your body's biochemistry to put to immediate use! Methylcobalamin has several key advantages over the cheap stuff: increased absorption, supports the production of the body's most important methyl, contains no cyanide and has a much better retention in the body's tissues!

For more information on vitamin B-12 deficiency or if you are experiencing any of the deficiency symptoms, visit the website, www.doctorbarb.com and make an appointment!!

With respect and appreciation,
Dr. Barb

Friday, June 10, 2011

Healing Teas

You might think all teas are the same, but there not and differences in quality can be huge
Many tea companies use precut teabag herbs which may be up to six months or a year old.
As a result their potency and flavour may be compromised. Tea is the original method of capturing and partaking of the healing powers of herbal medicines - as practiced by the ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, Tibetan and First Nations who all used teas to nurture their vital energy and health. Plus, if you really think about it, teas are the most economical way today of utilizing herbal remedies.

Healing is a choice and can be very simply as part of a healthy lifestyle.
What choices are you making day to day and how is it affecting your health today, and in your future.

Make every choice count!!

May your life be blessed with love!


Yours in good health

Dr Barb

Monday, June 6, 2011

Strawberries: A Superfood!

Strawberries are more than just a delicious treat, they're a superfood powerhouse!

Each cup contains 3 grams of soluble fiber, important for regulating blood sugar and controlling cholesterol. Strawberries are also rich in potassium, a mineral linked to a reduced risk of hypertension and stroke. Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in strawberries which protects the body from inflammation. Inflammation is always a component in back and neck pain due to stress. Antioxidant-rich foods like strawberries may neutralize the ill effects of chronic inflammation by preventing the formation of free radicals.

Whenever possible, choose organic fruits, especially strawberries, as they may contain as many as 13 pesticides. A balanced diet of whole foods is a critical component of the chiropractic lifestyle. Sign up for our monday morning health tips and learn more about making healthy choices for you and your whole family. Helping you make healthly choices!

Dr. Barbara Smith

http://www.doctorbarb.com/

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Love is All There Is !

The universe is in love with you no matter how many mistakes you've made.
It doesn't matter where you are in your life, or what you think of you.
The Universe loves you for all eternity.
Therefore who you really are is...
I am whole
I am perfect
I am strong
I am powerful
I am loving
I am harmonious
I AM Happy!!!
Got any work to do?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Chiropractic as Effective as Surgery for Sciatica

It has been a while since I've been able to blog due to an eye issue I had which limited my vision and therefore time I could spend on a computer.

But I'm back and ready to make a weekly contribution to my blog.

If you're reading this and the subject applies to someone you know please pass it on! Thanks in advance!

Ok today's topic is Sciatica. There are many misconceptions on what sciatica actually is.
It is very rare to have compression on the sciatic nerve as it is buried deep in the gluteal region.
Therefore the referral of pain down the back of your leg is usually the result of nerve compression at the L5-SI region at the bottom of your spine. Many times there is disc
degeneration at this level making it possible to strain the area easily. As the joint gets sprained or pulled out of position the nerve root is compressed creating this referral of pain often referred to as Sciatica.

Chiropractic care is as effective as surgery for sciatica without the hazards.
Oct, 2010;33:576-84, http://www.jmptonline.org/.
A literature review concludes that chiropractic adjustments is more effective than other
interventions for acute low-back pain. October, 2010:10:918-40. http://www.spine.org/

Chiropractic adjustments often produce a "popping" sound. Technically, this sound is called "cavitation". However, cavitation does not always occur. And, it is not necessary for chiropractic adjustments to be effective. February,2010;33:117-24. http://www.jmptonline.org/

As a chiropractor I have long encouraged patients with low-back pain to avoid bed rest whenever possible.
Researcher Joel Press, MD, adds that "we're almost always better moving than not moving.
Structures in your back get their nutrition from movement; they have no real vascular system and are supplied with blood by motion, soaking it up like little sponges".

Hopefully you find this information helpful, and watch for future posts on health and wellness topics!