Getting a Handle on Pain and Inflammation

People go to doctors most often for pain. Many times these pains become chronic and do not go away. Most people have used Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil), or pain meds like Tylenol.

NSAIDS may cause many different side effects. The most common side effects are ulcers and liver toxicity.

To avoid side effects many people search out for alternative answers. What you may not know is that your diet may be causing much of your inflammation. Many foods that you eat cause your body to produce inflammation.

So, before you take a drug or try alternative methods to reduce the pain and inflammation, you must alter your diets and cut down on the foods that increase your bodies production of these chemical.

Foods that cause increased inflammation in the body are: refined sugar (sweets), refined grains ( bread, pasta, bagels ect.)

An Anti-inflammatory diet includes vegetables, fruit, raw nuts, fish, chicken, omega 3, and eggs. The best oils are olive oil, coconut oil, butter, and fish oil.

Research has shown that ginger and white willow bark are natural alternatives for pain. White willow has been shown to be just as effective as celebrex when used for four weeks.

For acute sprain strains bromelain which is found in pineapples is a unique enzyme that helps break down certain proteins that are produced during trauma.

Change your diet and try some of these natural remedies during your next episode of pain and inflammation.

It's All About You

Your health will be determined by alot of things, but mostly by You. What you do or don't do everyday will have a major impact on your health today and in the future.

Super Heros!

Be prepared for the stress of life and seasonal challenges. It's time to work on strengthening your immune system to help fight off the common cold and the new flu viruses.

The Super Heros that will help you defend against immune invaders are:

Congaplex
Immuplex
Thymex

Ask a HealthFirst Doctor about these supplements and how you may benefit from them.

A Prayer Break

Are you feeling stressed and burned out? How about taking a prayer break? Set aside a few minutes everyday and give thanks for all the blessings that we seem to forget about. God has blessed each of us with many wonderful treasures and we need to connect with him to show our appreciation.

Go ahead and find some time today and pray.

Back to School

It's time for the children to go back to school. Getting them a posture check should be part of their yearly exam. Many spinal conditions begin at an early age only to show up later in life. Finding these imbalances and correcting them now can lead to better health. Chiropractors specialize in spinal detection and correction.

Go ahead, do your child a favor and get the spine tuned up.


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Avoiding Heat Stroke

Now that the weather is heating up, it's important to make sure that you avoid a heat stroke. Here are some tips to help you cope with the heat.

1. Drink plenty of water. While in the heat, drink at least 8 oz. of water per hour. Do not wait until you feel thirsty because it may be too late.

2. Pay attention to your medications. Some medications make you more sensitive to heat. Antihistamines, diuretics, laxatives, and many hyper tension drugs can make you more sensitive.

3. Limit the amount of time in the outdoors during the hottest times of the day between 11:00 and 3:00.

Symptoms of a heat stroke.

1. Headaches
2. Dizziness
3. Heavy sweating or lack of sweating
4. Skin that is hot and red.



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Go Ahead Nap!

A six year study found people who take midday naps at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes are 37% less likely to die from heart attacks or other heart problems.

Napping can boost your immune system. It also allows you to concentrate better and diminishes your stress.

Go ahead take that nap and improve your health.


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