Achieving pH balance in an acidic lifestyle- Chiropractor Coogee

People are living longer today. The reason isn't due to increased health, but more medical intervention. More than ever before, our bodies are under attack from a variety of cultural shifts, including highly processed foods, increased stress, fast-paced lifestyles, and pollutants.

These threats are creating highly acidic environments within our bodies and killing the cells we need to survive. The human body needs an oxygenated environment to remain healthy. The pH (potential of Hydrogen) measures the ratio of acidity or alkalinity in a solution. Balance occurs when the pH slightly favors the alkalis. Acid excess stresses the organs. Over-acidification, or acidosis, results when there is more acid than the body can neutralize and detoxify. The more acid we have, the harder the organs - like adrenals, thyroid, and liver - have to work, which stresses the systems. Chiropractor consider that health can be enhanced and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column.

Eating fast and processed foods - and eating them on the run - is a major contributor to excess acid. Diets that are heavy with red meats, caffeine, soda, snacks filled with carbohydrates and sugar, and artificial sweeteners and additives lead to acidosis.

The body is a healing machine by nature, so it fights back when high acidity occurs. To achieve balance, the blood takes alkaline minerals - calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium - from the tissues. When those reserves are depleted; alkalizes are taken from bones and muscles. Acid surplus is then directed into tissues and organs (heart, colon, liver, and/or pancreas) for storage and the overload is pumped back into the blood - creating a vicious cycle of "robbing Peter to pay Paul".

With high acidity, the oxygen level drops and vital cells die. Imagine fish trying to survive in an acidic pond. They can't breathe. The same happens to the cells in the human body, which are living in a liquid environment. As more cells die, the body becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, fungus, and virus. The immune system weakens and disease results. Relatively mild symptoms of phi balance include:

* Skin eruptions and acne * Headaches * Colds and flu * Allergies * Sinusitis * Joint pain and stiffness * Nasal drip *Hot flashes * Dizziness and weak spells * Weight gain or loss * Chronic fatigue

When the pH imbalance continues or worsens the severity of the disease increases. Osteoporosis, arthritis, heart attack, and even cancer have been shown to occur. While some cells die from the excess acidity, others survive but become abnormal. In "The Hidden Truth of Cancer", Dr. Keiishi Morishita explains, "These abnormal cells are called malignant cells. Malignant cells do not correspond with brain function nor with our own DNS memory code. Therefore, malignant cells grow indefinitely and without order. This is cancer." With a healthy pH balance, the malignant cells cannot survive, the immune system is strong, and we maintain optimum vitality.

Testing for pH balance

Since the human body is 70 percent water, we have pH levels in saliva, blood, and other fluids--and they're not necessarily the same. Because different parts of the body have different functions, the balance of acid and alkali will vary. Healthy skin, for example, is slightly acidic (approximately 5.5) to battle such environmental threats as bacteria and toxins, while blood is slightly alkaline (7.35-7.45). The pH of the digestive tract, for example, varies depending on the stage it is undergoing. Overall, it is acidic in order to process the foods we eat. There are various screening tools that can measure the body's pH:

pH Screening - Litmus strips test pH levels in urine and saliva, but need to be measured daily over a week or so to get an accurate reading.

Urinary Indican test - This simple test measures bacteria levels to identify potential gastrointestinal problems.

Live Blood Analysis - Looking at live blood cells in vitro provides evidence of nutritional deficiencies, organ dysfunction, and various biochemical imbalances, including pH. Screening for pH imbalance is an easy process and should be included in regular check-ups.

SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER BALANCE

Patients can avoid the distress of harboring an acidic environment by first identifying the problem and then making lifestyle adjustments to bring their biological terrain back into a healthy mode. A diet rich with leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, legumes, unprocessed foods, healthy grains (oats, quinoa, wild rice, amaranth), and natural sweeteners (stevia, raw honey) is a great start. Limit highly acidic animal proteins - particularly red meats and shellfish - and beverages such as coffee, black tea, soda, wine, and liquor. Choose fresh (not processed) juices. Snack on hazelnuts, almonds, raisins, grapes, and apples instead of cookies, candy, and crackers. Add a squirt of lemon or lime juice to beverages and vegetables for both flavor and the alkalizing effect of these citrus fruit (yes, even though they are acidic fruits, they process as alkali in the body). Use sea salt, which is richer in minerals than common table salt.

Nutritional supplements are also helpful for maintaining pH balance, but patients need to remember the key word here: "supplement". They are not substitutes to a healthy diet, nor are all vitamins created equal. Look for a natural supplement - without dyes, allergens, and artificial preservatives - that is bio-available, meaning that the contents are readily absorbed into the body.

PH imbalance presents an ongoing threat to the health of your patients. Educate them as to the importance of making the right lifestyle choices and give them the tools to manage their pH levels. It's easy to ignore pH levels, but the consequences can be harsh, if not deadly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Thomas is an accredited Nutritionist who recently completed over five years with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, a world leader in biomedical research. She joined Chirosports in Coogee in 2011. With particular interest in detoxification, weight loss, pre-conception care, and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, Michelle keeps up to date with current research, and uses the latest screening tools to bring bodies, back into balance.

Michelle Thomas is an accredited Nutritionist who recently completed over five years with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, a world leader in biomedical research. For more information and inquires, visit http://www.chirosports.com.au/clinics/coogee today.

Chirosports Cogee Stretching is the best prevention for cycling injuries

Cycling is a healthy activity that people can enjoy at any age, individually or in groups. However, avid cyclists are prone to many injuries and conditions as a result of long hours in the saddle that lead to tightened muscles and in order to prevent such injuries you must now of the appropriate Coogee chiropractic care. Back, neck, knee, and foot problems are the most common ailments, with the symptoms ranging from discomfort to extreme pain. The sport of cycling requires the rider to use muscles throughout the body: arms, shoulders, back, hips, legs, and feet. The rectus abdominis, obliques, hip flexors, and spinal erectors help the rider maintain balance and strength. The deltoids, biceps, and triceps support the leaning position. Muscles are never fully extended or retracted during cycling, so they tend to shorten and tighten. By correctly stretching these muscles, cyclists can enjoy their activity without risk of pain or injury, including many common ailments suffered by cycling enthusiasts: Lower back pain: Bending over to reach handlebars puts strain on the lower back. The muscles tighten after an extended time in this position. Muscle strain: Overuse without allowing time for muscles to rest can lead to strains or tears. Depending on the number of fibers that are torn, the pain can be severe. Patellar tendonitis: The pedaling motion can lead to patellar tendonitis through overuse or incorrect pedaling form. The tendon becomes inflamed from rubbing against the bone. Knee bursitis: The bursa that cushions the knee tendons and ligaments becomes inflamed, potentially from the repetitive pedaling motion. In minor cases, the knee becomes swollen and red. If the bursa ruptures, causing the fluid to leak, the vital cushioning is severely reduced. Illotibial band syndrome: This tendon-like band connects the outside of the thigh to the bottom of the knee. When the illotibial band tightens, it can pull the knee joint out of alignment, causing inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis: The plantar fascia runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the ball. Pedaling can strain this tendon, causing inflammation and pain and you might need sprained ankles treatment. The stretching solution Because comfortable cycling is dependent on health muscles, tendons, and ligaments, stretching is the ideal exercise to prevent injury with the aid of physiotherapy bondi junction. Stretching improves muscle flexibility, which enhances range of motion. A good stretch gets the blood pumping to the muscles. It's a simple solution yet frequently overlooked. This conditioning enhances performance and endurance since muscles can better withstand the strains of cycling. A stretching regime must be part of a regular cycling workout or you may also consult a Coogeesports doctor to learn more. Here are some stretching tips that will help to maintain flexibility and strength: 1. Don't stretch cold muscles. Warm up with a casual ride for five to ten minutes to loosen up. 2. Stretching after a workout is equally important to avoid tightening as the muscles relax. 3. Avoid bouncing stretches, which can lead to muscle tears. 4. Static stretching is best. Stretch slowly, working one muscle group at a time until feeling minor tension. Hold for ten seconds and then release. 5. Use slow, deep breathing to relax during stretching. 6. Start with neck 7. When feeling tight during a ride, stop and stretch to avoid injury. Cycling is an excellent exercise that allows riders to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether riding for leisure, cycling long distances, or competing, it is a great way to stay in shape. The right stretching program can help to prevent an injury from putting the brakes on the fun and through the ample knowledge about Coogee Chiropractic Care.

Greg Sher graduated with a Masters Degree in Chiropractic in 2002 and prior to relocating to Sydney, had a successful clinic in London and two successful practices around Johannesburg. An avid cyclist, swimmer, and rugby and squash player, Greg has a special interest in the Chiropractic approach to sporting injuries. To learn more of Coogee Chiropractic Care to prevent cycling injuries, feels free to visit http://www.chirosports.com.au/clinics/coogee.

Are Computers a Health Risk to Children?

Computers have become an integral part of a child's life, at home and at school. Research conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that children are spending as much time in front of a computer screen as they are outdoors. In addition, that number has tripled in the past decade. In 1999, children between the ages of 8 and 18 spent about 27 minutes a day on a computer. In 2009, the estimate soared to one hour and 29 minutes. Computer usage is not purely an academic endeavor. Social networking and video gaming represent the majority of time that children spend in front of a computer screen. Moreover, while they may be gaining some knowledge, they are putting themselves at risk for a variety of health conditions. Nervous system disturbance, repetitive stress injury (RSI), neck and upper cervical subluxation, and electromagnetic radiation present some of the greatest concerns. Poor ergonomics contribute to subluxation, as youngsters are hunched over a computer keyboard or leaning in toward the screen. Improper positioning affects the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and wrists. Positioning the screen to be angled slightly below eye level and elevating the keyboard and mouse so that hands are in straight alignment with the forearms (so the wrists do not bend) will vastly improve posture. The chair should provide support for the back, so that the child is seated in an upright position without slouching. Feet should be able to touch the floor easily, and the knees should be level with the hips.RSIs are a common ailment of video games, frequently affecting the extensor tendon in the thumb. Over-zealous players who hit the buttons too hard can exacerbate the problem. Children should also be encouraged to take frequent breaks so they can shake and flex their hands and arms. If you have ever spent hours in front of a computer and walked away feeling tired and bleary eyed, you were probably experiencing the effects of electromagnetic radiation. The computer and iscomparable to low-level x-rays emit EMR. Excessive exposure to EMR creates a potential hazard for cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages. Symptoms include such nervous system disturbances as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, dehydration, irritability, confusion, and fatigue. To reduce the risk of EMR, children should reduce the amount of time spent in front of the computer, sit farther from the screen, and use a computer ventilator or fan. In addition, a diet that is rich in vitamins A and C can reduce the risk of this harmful radiation. Advise computer lovers to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables, particularly carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, and oranges.WWW.CHIROSPORTS.COM.AU | TEL. 02 9398 3699 | 166 CARRINGTON ROAD, COOGEE NSW 2034 | © CHIROSPORTS COOGEE PTY LTD Our bodies might not be keeping pace with the rapid increase of computer and electronics usage but we can still take steps to prevent unnecessary health risks.

About the Author Felicity Young was inspired by chiropractic from an early age after her experience as a child suffering headaches. After her mother intuitively took her to a chiropractor who was able to treat and manage her symptoms, she recognized the power of chiropractic. Felicity has been an integral part of the Chirosports team for over four years in various capacities. In addition to six years of study at Macquarie University, she has completed extra studies in pediatrics and pregnancy care, acupuncture, neurology, extremities and sports injuries, and is a Registered Trigenics Practitioner ( Trigenics is a neurological treatment system which resets the way the brain communicateswith the body to relieve pain, increase movement and strengthen muscles).

Treating Headaches with Chiropractic Delivers Lasting Results

About 3.3 million Australians suffer from chronic headaches. Many people treat them with medication, which relieves the pain for a short period -- and then the headache returns. Rather than masking the symptoms with these meds, headache sufferers can enjoy lasting relief through chiropractic treatment. Research conducted in 2001 by the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center1 showed that spinal manipulation delivered almost instantaneous relief for headaches that stemmed from the neck. A1995 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that spinal manipulation provided sustained relief for tension headache sufferers even four weeks after discontinuing therapy. Primary headaches - those that are not the result of disease - include tension, cervi cogenic, and migraine, and this category accounts for 95 percent of headaches. While the head is the pain center, it is important to follow the route back to the source of the headaches. Each of these types of headache can is caused by stress on the spinal nerves and muscles. Misaligned vertebras, for example, irritate the nerves that lead to the brain. Gentle adjustments of these areas can correct the problems by relieving the pressure. Tension headaches are the most common type. They result from contracted or tense muscles, often in the neck, shoulders, and back. These muscles then put pressure on tissues and nerves. Chronic muscle tension can exert stress on the spine and cause subluxations. Chiropractic adjustment and massage therapy has been proven to relieve the problem and deliver almost immediate and lasting results. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine where abnormalities impair mobility. With acervicogenic headache, the pain is usually felt on one side of the head and neck. Dr. Niels Nilsson of Odense University in Denmark estimates that cervicogenic headaches represent 15 to 20 percent of all recurrent headaches. Together with Dr. Geoffrey Bove of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Nilsson studied the impact of chiropractic for treating chronic headaches. According to Dr.Nilsson, the 1997 study "showed that a group of cervicogenic headache patients who received spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy did significantly better than a similar group which received only soft tissue therapy. Spinal manipulation in itself has a significant effect on cervicogenic headaches." WWW.CHIROSPORTS.COM.AU | TEL. 02 9398 3699 | 166 CARRINGTON ROAD, COOGEE NSW 2034 | © CHIROSPORTS COOGEE PTY LTD Migraines are debilitating headaches that can be triggered by certain foods, hormones, weather shifts, stress, and other factors. These vascular headaches are the result of rapid dilation of blood vessels in the head. Vertebral subluxations put pressure on the nerves that lead to and from the brain, thereby constricting the blood flow. Chiropractic has been proven to prevent migraines by manipulating and adjusting the spine and neck. Through such adjustments, the irritated nerves that control the vascular system tension are relieved. With restored blood flow, the migraine is prevented. In his doctoral thesis research at Macquarie University, Dr. Peter Tuchin discovered that 60 percent of migraine sufferers experienced significant improvement through chiropractic. Chiropractic is a safe, effective, and drug-free method for treating chronic headaches. Improving spine alignment and reducing nerve irritation and muscle tension through manipulation and adjustment provides lasting results for chronic headache sufferers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Schlamp earned his Chiropractic Masters Degree in Sydney at Macquarie University. He now teaches anatomy at Macquarie University and the Macquarie University Hospital, as well as being on the staff of Chirosports in Coogee. Mike currently plays national level ice hockey in Australia after many years of top-level competition back in Canada. Having experienced elite sport at this level he has acquired first hand a unique appreciation for the benefits of just how well a finely tuned body can perform with the benefit of chiropractic adjustments and a knowledgeable health professional. “Evidence Report: Behavioral and Physical Treatments for Tension-type and Cervicogenic Headache”, Duke UniversityEvidence-based Practice Center, Center for Clinical Health Policy Research (March 2001) 111