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What Is Social Distancing?

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Social Distancing

You’ve probably heard the advice by now that to slow down the spread of coronavirus (or the Covid19 pandemic); we need to practice social distancing. But what is social distancing? Well, the concept is meant to curb the spread of the virus by avoiding close contact with people in public spaces, where the virus is easily transmitted through viral particles when sneezing or coughing and touching contaminated services.

Click here to read, What Is Coronavirus?

What Is Social Distancing?

It’s disappointing to hear that social gatherings are being cancelled such as:

  • Sports events
  • Festivals
  • Weddings
  • Visits with friends and family
  • Birthdays
  • Playdates

However, there is a significant health benefit to following these measures. These cancellations help to slow or even stop the spread of disease. Thus preventing overcrowding of the health care system and allowing proper care for patients more readily over time.

Canceling social gatherings is just one example of social distancing. Currently, the recommendation is to stay at least 6 feet away from other people in any environment outside your home. Experts agree that this is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19.

What is social distancing? This is the clearest explanation you'll hear

Why Is Social Distancing So Important?

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic as the numbers of new cases continues to grow worldwide. Therefore, it is essential for you to understand how the virus is spread from person-to-person to reduce your risk of getting sick and infecting others. COVID-19 is most likely spread through:

  • Direct contact with a person who has been recently infected; 24 hours before the surfacing of their symptoms.
  • Close contact with a person who’s already confirmed with infection and coughs or sneezes close to you.
  • Touching surfaces or objects (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a sneeze or cough from an infectious person and then touching your mouth or face.

It’s for this reason that you’re urged to allow more space between you and others in order to make it harder for the virus to spread.

Click here to read, How To Prepare For The Coronavirus.

What To Do When You're Stuck At Home | Activities While Social Distancing

Social Distancing At Home

Here’s what you can do at home to curb the spread of the virus.

  • Stay home if you can
  • Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer
  • Practice good hand, sneeze and cough hygiene
  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Increase ventilation in homes or adjust your air conditioning
  • Visit shops sparingly better yet start buying goods and services online

 If a family member is sick, here is how you can care for him/her:

  • If possible, care for the sick person from a single room
  • Keep the number of caregivers to a minimum
  • Close the door to the sick person’s room and open the windows
  • Both the caregiver and the sick person should wear a surgical mask when in the same room
  • Give extra caution and closely monitor vulnerable family members, including people over 65 years and those with chronic illness.

Click here to read, How To Get Tested For The Coronavirus.

work from home

Social Distancing In The Workplace

Here is what can be done at the workplace:

  • Stay at home if you’re sick
  • Keep your distance and avoid handshaking
  • Hold meetings through video conferencing
  • Defer large meetings
  • Hold mandatory meetings in the open air
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve rather than your hand
  • Use hand sanitizers throughout the day and regularly disinfect high touch surfaces
  • Adjust AC and improve ventilation
  • Avoid non-essential business travel

 

How Do I Get A Coronavirus Test?

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How Is The Coronavirus Tested

Do you find yourself asking, “How is the Coronavirus tested?” Furthermore, “where do I get tested?” Well, here is my first hand experience about how and why I got tested for COVID-19.

It’s certainly bad timing for anyone getting sick. Especially with symptoms that may represent COVID-19 as fear is in the air! Any cough, sniffle, temperature change or sense of a sore throat has everyone on edge asking, “could this be the Coronavirus?”

Knowing the answers to these questions is important. Particularly if you have had or may have had contact with many others. The time is now and responsibility ours in order to protect our community.

why get tested for cornavirus

Why I Got Tested For COVID-19

Monday March 16th I lost my voice within a couple of hours. However, I was convinced it was because I had inhaled the fumes of disinfectant wipes all day. But the next day I woke up with no voice in addition to a sore throat and coughing. ALL RED FLAGS during these times!

Add to that, my contact with many people and I fall into the category of people who should contact a health practitioner. So, I decided to consult my friend who is a nurse. She informed me that fever is often the last symptom and to get tested regardless of missing this common symptom. But, where do I go? Furthermore, how is the Coronavirus tested?

Click here to read more about, What Is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus Self-Assessment Test

So, How is the coronavirus tested? Better yet, should you be tested? Well, the Ontario Government’s ‘self-assessment’ is the first place I would recommend to those curious to go. 

The questions outlined in the self assessment are the same questions you will be asked if you arrive at a COVID-19 Testing / Assessment center. 

Did you answer yes to the questions asked in the self-assessment? If so, you should seek clinical assessment for COVID-19 over the phone or call your healthcare provider. I tried calling mine only to get an answering machine message redirecting me to this exact assessment. Also suggesting I call Telehealth if the assessment indicates the need for further testing.  

Click here to read, How To Prepare For The Coronavirus.

Key things to know about coronavirus testing

COVID-19 Assessment Centre Protocol

My next move was to call Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 in hopes of receiving a referral from a nurse to receive an appointment for testing. I preferred an appointment then to wait in a long walk-in line up where I feared to be exposed to the virus.

While I waited on the line for over two hours, I realized the wait may be longer than driving around the city and finding an assessment center. While waiting on the phone, I searched for an assessment center online that would accept patients without an appointment or referral. I found the closest assessment center to me and decided to take a chance that they were accepting walk-ins. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital was the closest COVID-19 assessment center.  When I arrived, I drove around the building slowly looking at all of the temporary signage they had placed up. All to direct people on where to go. At every patient entrance, there was one to two employees at the door dressed in full protective gear.

How Doctors Stay Safe Battling Coronavirus

Protective Gear For Medical Staff Exposed To COVID-19
  • Gowns over their clothes
  • Face masks
  • Hospital hats
  • Gloves
  • Helmets with shields over their faces

Finally we found the entrance off of Sunny Side Drive, close to the Queensway. I decided to leave my spouse in the car to ensure limited contact for her and avoid clogging up the already busy healthcare system.

As I walked in, a hospital employee opened the door for me to avoid contact with the door handle. There was a check-in desk with separation glass around it and two employees on the other side. First, they asked me the same questions found on the Ontario self-assessment.

Once I answered yes to two of the questions they asked me to disinfect my hands and put on a mask. Next, I waited in a line of less than 5 minutes to register. Everyone stood as spaced apart as space would allow. When I was called up to the registration desk, I was asked to hold my health card up to show her.  Decreasing unnecessary contact in order to lower risk to the healthcare providers.

With no voice, check-in at registration was a bit of a struggle.  Once registered, I hung up the phone with Telehealth Ontario. Which, by the way, I was still on hold waiting to speak with someone.

covid-19 test

How Is The Coronavirus Tested

I was asked to wait in the waiting room until a nurse and test room opened up. There were about 20 seats in the room and 5 people waiting.  Only two of us sat down (I had planned to wash my clothes as soon as I got back home). 

My name was called within 5 minutes of waiting. I was brought into a room where a nurse asked me more detailed questions about:

  • My symptoms
  • Contact with others
  • Travel history

Next, he checked my blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. When I asked, “how is the Coronavirus tested?” He explained that the swab would be “a different feeling” and wouldn’t be painful but would most likely cause my eyes to water.

I tilted my head back where he proceeded to push the swab to the very top of my nasal cavity. Next, he twisted the swab for an uncomfortable 10 seconds. So much so, my nose and eyes watered for the following 10 minutes. 

Time For The Results Of The Coronavirus Test

The doctor came into the room briefly after testing and explained to me that it’s important to act as if I have the COVID-19 virus. At least until I received my test results which would come in 24-72 hours after testing. The system is backlogged with negative results, so the results may be received in the mail later than 72 hours.

If there are positive results, I was to expect a phone call. I was reminded that even if my test is negative, to not leave my home until my symptoms have resolved. 

I was instructed to disinfect my hands as I left the hospital. Once home, I washed my hands again. Removed my clothes, put them in the wash and showered. Overall, I was impressed with the flow at the hospital.

From the time I walked into and out of St. Joseph’s Hospital COVID-19 Assessment center, I clocked 35 minutes. Their set up, process and procedures were well thought out and working smoothly. Thank you to the front line!

Ready to go to your nearest COVID-19 Assessment Center?  Click here for the list of centers I used in order to find where to go

What Is Coronavirus?

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what is coronavirus

It seems like no matter what channel you watch or radio station you listen to, word of the Coronavirus is everywhere! But what is Coronavirus exactly?

Well, the first case of Coronavirus (recently changed to Covid-19), was traced back to Wuhan, China where patient X is believed to have been infected from an animal source at a “wet market”.

It is believed that the lack of hygienic standards may partly be to blame since animals such as live birds and fish were being kept and butchered in close proximity. Since that first report, the virus has spread rapidly infecting entire communities, in different countries, all across the globe.

As of now, the outbreak has yet to be tied to a specific source of animal. However, the original host is believed to be bats whom incidentally are host to a variety of zoonotic viruses including:

  • HIV
  • Ebola
  • Rabies
coronavirus pandemic

What Is Coronavirus?

Typically, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause diseases. This includes the common cold to more severe illnesses like:

  • The Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV)
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)

First discovered in 2019, Coronavirus is a new strain that hasn’t been identified in humans before. Recently, scientists in China have reported that the Coronavirus has mutated into two strains. One of which is so aggressive that it makes developing a vaccine more complicated.

So far, about 15-20% of hospital cases reported across the globe have been classified as “severe”. Furthermore, the death rate has been calculated as 0.7% to 3.4% depending on patients location and access to good medical care.

Answering Kids’ Questions About The Coronavirus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSsKQPqpS7A

How Is COVID-19 Spread?

Animals appear to be the origin of the virus. However, recent studies indicate that COVID-19 is rapidly passed from one person to the other. The disease is caused by an infection with SARS-CoV-2. This only affects those who have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed to be infected. Everyone is therefore advised to exercise standard caution to prevent the spread of the infection.

Recommended Precautionary Measures For Coronavirus 
  • Covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • Regular hand washing
  • Cooking meat and eggs thoroughly
  • Avoid close contact with people

Especially with those showing any symptoms of respiratory illness like coughing and sneezing. Social distancing is one of the most important steps in containing the spread of this virus.

Click here to read, How To Prepare For The Coronavirus.

Why fighting the coronavirus depends on you

What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19?

Symptoms of Coronavirus can appear within 14 days of being exposed to the virus. Diagnosed similarly to any other conditions caused by viral infections, doctors can either take samples of saliva, blood, or tissue to test you for the virus.

Common Signs Of The Coronavirus Infection Include:
  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breathing difficulties

In more severe cases, Covid-19 can cause:

  • Acute respiratory syndrome
  • Pneumonia
  • Kidney failure
  • Death

Therefore, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Tell them about your symptoms over the phone before making the official visit to the doctor’s office. Your doctor will advise you accordingly and make appropriate recommendations. 

Click here to read, How Do I Get A Coronavirus Test?

What Treatments Are Available?

Currently, there’s no treatment particularly approved for COVID-19. Nor has a cure been found. However, treatments are currently under study. So, there is no need to panic.

Also, there are medications and supplementation that focus on managing symptoms. Therefore your doctor can recommend an appropriate regimen or treatment based on what your symptoms include or any complications you are suffering with.

Sources

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#symptoms

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200127-sitrep-7-2019–ncov.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19

Stressed And Depressed? 4 Types Of Stress And How To Avoid Them

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Stressed And Depressed

Are you feeling stressed and depressed? In today’s world, the word “stress” gets thrown around a lot, and with good reason. Stress has been scientifically proven to be at the root cause of chronic diseases we suffer with today.

Did you know, 9/10 people in westernized nations die from chronic disease, which CAN BE PREVENTED?

Sadly most people only think, or know about one type of stress – mental stress. However, there are 4 main subcategories.

Types Of Stress

The Breakdown Of Stress

Causes Of Chemical Stress

Causes Of Physical Stress

  • Poor posture
  • Desk jobs
  • Manual labor jobs
  • Repetitive strain
  • Old traumas
  • Accidents
  • Injuries
  • Sedentary living

Causes Of Mental Stress

  • An internal perception of your environment that surrounds you
  • Either work or home life, can be mentally or emotionally stressful

These stressors act on our body, and our body reacts/responds to them all the same – it puts us into fight or flight mode, otherwise known as the stress response. For short term stressors, this is intelligent adaptation. This allows us to survive these stressors. However, we are not under short term stress but rather chronic stress.

When stress goes above and beyond what we can handle, our body responds via the nervous system. The nervous system detects the stress, and puts itself into protection.  The only thing that can physically protect the central nervous system is the spine.

Causes Of Spine And Nervous System Stress

The spine splints for protection, resulting in either a spine that loses its normal motion and/or position.  Intelligent adaptation.  But if that does not self correct, this is where the problems happen.

stress

Feeling Stressed and Depressed ? What Can You Do About It?

QUALITY NUTRITION is your best tool to beat the chemical stress. Eat less processed foods, focus on whole foods, and foods found in nature (fruit and vegetables!). Use natural skin care products with as few chemicals as possible.

OPTIMAL FITNESS can combat sedentary living. Consistency, and variety is the ticket here.

Take your pick. Even just walking 30 minutes a day, 5x a week, has been shown to drastically reduce risk of chronic disease.

How Stress Affects Your Health

PERSONAL POWER – it’s all in your head! Your outlook can be positive or negative – the choice is yours.

These have all been shown to help decrease mental stress.

It’s hard, if not impossible, to self correct spinal misalignment. This is where a visit to your local chiropractor may pay huge dividends. Chiropractic helps to clear nervous system stress and get a BALANCED SPINE.  In addition, chiropractic care has been shown to;

Honestly, who can’t benefit from all those things?

Here’s to a healthier, happier, longer life!

How To Prepare For The Coronavirus

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How To Prepare For The Coronavirus

Are you wondering how to prepare for the Coronavirus? Well, if you are in line for toilet paper, you’re in the wrong lineup! Instead try these Vitamins for the Immune System and follow these important tips !

Sensational reports and headlines about the coronavirus are unavoidable.  The stock markets are crashing. Employees are being asked to work from home. Concerts and conventions are being cancelled. Furthermore there is a massive lineup for toilet paper at Costco!

The truth is, experts cannot come to a consensus as to if we have a major problem or small problem on our hands. However, they do agree on one thing! Those individuals who are immunocompromised may get sicker than most people if they come in contact with the coronavirus. Just as they would with the common flu. But what about the effects on the average healthy person? Those who choose to live healthy lifestyles? Well, almost all experts agree that there is not a large threat from the coronavirus especially if you follow the following tips.

Cause And Effect Of Covid19

Similar to the common flu, most people who get the coronavirus may or may not present with symptoms. However, if they do, they recover. People who are expressing symptoms of the coronavirus appear with symptoms such as:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Respiratory issues

Coronavirus can’t be treated with antibiotics as it is a virus. Therefore, the best line of defense against the flu, coronavirus and other viruses is to proactively wash your hands. Furthermore, take vitamins for the immune system to be strong enough to fight back. 

Click here to read, How Do I Get A Coronavirus Test?

How does COVID-19 spread?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPBT2oLQv3k

Questions About The Coronavirus

A patient asked me this morning “Now that there is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in our city, are you taking any measures to minimize the risks of contraction? Furthermore, “How To Prepare For The Coronavirus?”.

My short answer: I am focused on keeping my immune system in top shape!

How so you ask? Well, I am more consistent than ever in:

  • Washing my hands properly
  • Taking my daily supplements and vitamins for my immune system
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Drinking water
  • Exercising regularly

I believe it’s time we all take personal responsibility and commit to doing our own part in minimizing the impact of the coronavirus. 

Frequently Asked Questions - What You Need To Know About Handwashing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d914EnpU4Fo

How To Wash Your Hands Properly

With this virus becoming a global pandemic people are rushing to the nearest store with the hopes of loading up on hand sanitizers. However this is not necessary.  In fact using soap and taking the time to ensure you’re washing your hands correctly has been said to be the most effective way to protect yourself from the coronavirus.

Coronavirus | How to wash your hands

Vitamins For The Immune System

Did you know that Vitamin C and Vitamin D are major immune boosters? Vitamin D is a common undiagnosed deficiency in Canada.  Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, improves your immune function and dramatically stimulates the production of potent antimicrobial peptides.

Also, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps increase immunity. Eating quality foods that contain Vitamin C and other essential vitamins is a good place to start. Examples include citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Vitamin C supplementation can also help you get the antioxidant support you need to have your immune system in full gear. 

Good Night Sleep

Don’t wait until you are sick to catch up on sleep. Getting enough sleep regularly is essential to having a strong immune system. Inadequate sleep depletes immunity. Remember, most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to heal and function at their best.

Click here to read, Ten Tricks To Get The Best Sleep EVER!

healthy lifestyle

Drink Water

Substitute water for any sugary drinks. Sugar lowers immune function. Water helps in removing toxins from the body. It also helps in the production of lymph which helps white blood cells travel through the body.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is known to keep our bodies fit and strong. But, did you know that it also maintains a strong immune system? Lymphatic flow increases with exercise and provides significant immune benefits. 

Sadly some of the world seems to be in a fear driven state. However, it is important to remind yourself that worry is a useless emotion. Nothing positive comes from it. Recently, the United States Surgeon General released the message to be cautious but not afraid. So, How To Prepare For The Coronavirus? In the simplest terms, wash your hands and get to work boosting your immune system. Click here to learn even more about how to prepare for the Coronavirus.

The health of your immune system rests in your own hands!

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

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Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Before I dive into my discussion on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, let’s recap.  In my last 2 articles you discovered;

  • How prevalent the risk of Alzheimer’s is to everyone
  • What a deadly disease Alzheimer’s is
  • How completely ineffective medicine is at dealing with it

As such, it is essential that you take a new and completely different approach. Today, you’ll discover the role of genetics in this dreaded disease and how important it is to act now regardless of your age. Especially if you’re concerned about early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  

Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease

There are two main classifications of Alzheimer’s: Early Onset and Late Onset.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Early Onset Alzheimer’s can occur as early as your 30s. Also, it can have a genetic component of gene mutation. So, it is important to understand two key factors with respect to Early Onset Alzheimer’s.

  1.  Early Onset accounts for less than 10% of Alzheimer’s cases
  2. Even if you have this gene mutation, it is not inevitable that this gene will be expressed. Provided of course you take the necessary lifestyle steps that control whether this gene will be expressed or not.

This is the field of epigenetics where science now understands that simply having a genetic predisposition does not mean it has to happen. The bigger determining factor is whether or not that gene is turned on or off. This is greatly influenced by living a healthy lifestyle and taking all of the necessary steps. This is outlined in my book “The Science of Brain Health – The Simple 7 Step Solution to Prevent the Nightmare of Alzheimer’s”. 

Late Onset Alzheimer’s

Late Onset Alzheimer’s accounts for 90% of Alzheimer’s cases and is greatly linked to dietary and lifestyle factors. While there is no specific gene that causes Late Onset Alzheimer’s, there is a genetic risk factor known as the apolipoprotein E-4 (ApoE4 gene).

However, once again it is important to note that there are many with this genetic risk factor that never develop Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, others that do who don’t have this genetic risk factor.

Early Onset Alzheimer's and genetics

The Role of Genetics in Alzheimer’s

Does genetics play a big role in Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease? The correct answer is a big yes AND a big no as you’ve gathered by now.

Of your 23 pairs of chromosomes, there is a percentage of the population that have a gene variant on chromosome 19 known as ApoE4. Apo is an abbreviation for apolipoprotein, which is a protein that carries fat. If you have zero copies of this variant passed down from your parents, then you have a 9% chance of ending up with Alzheimer’s.

However, if you have one copy of this variant passed on from either parent (known as heterozygous), your odds now jump to 30% that Alzheimer’s will be your fate. It is estimated that 25% of white Americans and 33% of African Americans carry one copy. If you have two copies (one from each parent known as homozygous) your lifetime odds jump to 50 to 90%.

However, the good news is that science now realizes that epigenetics plays a far larger role in your health.

The Genetics of Alzheimer's

The Role Of Epigenetics

Firstly, what is epigenetics? Well, it’s the field of science that deals with the factors that influence whether the particular genes you have are actually expressed or not. You should understand that just because you have genes that may not be great, that doesn’t mean that it has to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Secondly, what determines if a particular gene is expressed? Your lifestyle. That’s right; all the factors that I discuss in my book can help you prevent Alzheimer’s, not to mention keep you healthier overall. This regardless of your genetics. Contrary to medical dogma, epigenetics is always more important than genetics.

Get Tested For Alzheimer’s!

What does all this mean? Furthermore what should you do? Well, many doctors recommend that you don’t get genetic testing for Alzheimer’s.  All due to the belief that the stress is too great should you find out that you carry the variant and your fate is inevitable. Many people actually refuse to be tested for the same reason. Again based on the belief that there is no hope. But now that you know that the nightmare of Alzheimer’s is in fact preventable, would it not make sense that you should know?

It comes as no surprise to any of my patients or coaching clients that I am of the firm belief that it is your body, your mind and your health. Health professionals claim that we want people to make informed decisions but rarely do we properly inform them. So, I recommend two things:

  1. Get Tested – You should always know your status and then take the appropriate steps.
  2. Take Action – Even if you have 2 copies of this variant, it does not make it inevitable that you will contract Alzheimer’s. Rather it’s all the more reason you should follow my Simple 7-step Solution to Prevent the Nightmare of Alzheimer’s beginning today.

Remember Epigenetics is always more important than genetics.

Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease whats next

So What’s Next?

In my next article I’ll talk about the link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore why this affects almost everyone. Visit my website if you’d like to skip ahead and read my book “The Science of Brain Health – The Simple 7 Step Solution to Prevent the Nightmare of Alzheimer’s”. Or watch my masterclass “Brain Health for Life – The New Science-based Approach to Maintain Razor Sharp Memory, Laser Focused Learning and Prevent Brain Decline without Drugs Even if Your Genetics and Age Say Otherwise”. 

For further information click here to read, 5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy.

The Keto Approach To Fibromyalgia

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Fact Checked
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Suffering with Fibromyalgia or symptoms of Fibromyalgia? This article will concentrate on what may be the hidden cause of your Fibromyalgia diagnosis and how to heal. So, first off, do you know what fibromyalgia is?

Well, The Mayo Clinic describes it as: “A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.” 1

Because its symptoms can be attributed to other diseases or illnesses, it has been difficult to pin down root causes.

“Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant
psychological stress.  In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.” 1

When You Receive A Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

There are medications that have been shown to help.  Also the usual prescription of;

  • Exercise
  • Relaxation
  • Stress reduction

All of which are part of the standard of care for pretty much everything, actually.
Saying a disease or condition is caused by;

  • Genetics
  • Infections
  • Physical trauma
  • Emotional trauma

Thus, this leaves the person dealing with the disease/illness with no concrete way of preventing it.  So, getting into the causes here would be counterproductive.   ALso, it would appear that being alive is the source of 99.9% of the problem.

So consider this. First, what do we know about a fibromyalgia diagnosis that can help us if we do get it?  Furthermore, what if we want to prevent it?  Lastly, what means do we have at our disposal?

We start with our lifestyle and food choices.

fibromyalgia diet

Managing Fibromyalgia With Lifestyle & Diet

What if our choice to eat highly processed refined sugars and processed foods was a trigger for fibromyalgia?  Or if insulin resistance (caused by years of too much refined sugars/sugar intake) was the cause of fibromyalgia?

“… it did show a high association between fibromyalgia and co-existent insulin. The study then went on to show those treated with metformin, a drug that can improve insulin sensitivity, had improved fibromyalgia symptoms.”
Dr. Bret Scher 2, 3

If you bump your toe and it swells, it hurts.  Acute inflammation from your bumped toe is accompanied by pain.  Sugar causes inflammation.  If you have areas of your body that are in repair mode and sugar increases the normally expected inflammation around those areas, that can lead to pain.

Our muscles are always in a state of breakdown and repair.  If you work out, you know that you are tearing your muscles and they are getting rebuilt (hopefully bigger and stronger, or why work out, right?).

What Foods Can Trigger Chronic Pain, Fatigue, And Depression?

Sugar The Bitter Truth

If the regular inflammation accompanied by regular muscle repair is supercharged due to the inflammatory response from sugar, is it no wonder that we have muscle pain all over?
This is me conclusion based on my knowledge of the effects of a highly refined sugar diet.  But I am not out in left field especially when it comes to your Fibromyalgia diagnosis .

I consulted my friend Dr. Adam Nally, a board-certified family physician and obesity
medicine specialist.  He uses keto extensively in his practice and our 100% naturally fermented drinkable ketones. 4  He is also the author of, ‘The Keto Cure’.

“What I see clinically is at least a 50% improvement in overall general pain in fibromyalgia when a person is using a ketogenic lifestyle because of the inflammatory improvement that occurs.” 
Dr. Adam Nally, Keto Talk episode 61

There are many diseases and illnesses that have until recently been considered rare or of little interest to the medical field.  All because they occur so infrequently.  Even diabetes was rare!  So. we must begin to look at all the recent increases of illnesses and ask why they are now so prevalent.

A growing body of evidence has linked our excessive intake of refined sugars and processed foods (full of refined sugars) as the culprit.  This leads to hormone imbalances in the body, specifically insulin and the toll it is taking on our general health.

“Only a few decades ago, fibromyalgia (and its predecessor fibrositis) was of little interest or concern to either physicians or the general public.” 6

How to Improve Your Diet for Fibromyalgia Relief

Keto Diet And Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Research on how a ketogenic lifestyle, low-carb and strict keto is ongoing by mainstream science as well as by Pruvit (the maker of the ketones I drink every day).

Through scientific study and anecdotal evidence, it is clear that getting our bodies back to the lower sugar intake of our grandparents generation in addition to eating a whole foods diet rich in vital nutrients is the way for us to reverse the trend toward being fat, sick and tired.

As Dr. Wolfe says in his book Healthy to 100;

“Fibromyalgia: Fibro mean fiber, My means muscle, Algia means pain.  This is a pain that moves throughout the body due to inflammation created by a toxic lifestyle”

So let’s get rid of our toxic lifestyle.  Drink ketones or create ketones.  Eat healthy fats, doing the keto diet or intermittent fasting.  All in order to take care of the inflammation that we can’t control.

Are Chiropractors Doctors?

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Are Chiropractors Doctors

Many people often ask the question “are chiropractors doctors?”. Well, they are healthcare practitioners in a regulated profession, and so, the common assumption is that they are doctors. However many people wonder what the difference is between chiropractors and medical doctors.

Let’s look at what chiropractor’s do and what the practice of chiropractic includes. Therefore, you can be better prepared and more confident about your next visit to see a chiropractor!

What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal. Chiropractic care most commonly centers on manual therapy. More specifically the chiropractic adjustment, with an emphasis on the health of the spine and nervous system. Physical exercises and lifestyle advice are also frequently included as part of a patients care.

What Is A Doctor Of Chiropractic?

A chiropractor is a health professional that provides care for disorders related to;

But, they aren’t medical doctors. Therefore do not prescribe medication. However, they undergo extensive training and are highly qualified in their field, practicing as doctors of chiropractic.

Click here to read, If I go to the Chiropractor, do I have to go forever?

doctor of chiropractic

Education For Doctors Of Chiropractic

Chiropractic education is very similar to that of medicine. However, compared to their medical counterparts, chiropractors spend more hours studying;

  • Anatomy
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology
  • Nutrition

A chiropractor usually attains their undergraduate degree with a strong emphasis on sciences such as;

  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry

All before attending a 4-year chiropractic graduate course. All this totaling close to 4,700 instructional hours.

what is chiropractic

What Does A Doctor Of Chiropractic Do?

Similar to medical doctors, chiropractors will firstly have a consultation with their patient. Next, they will perform a patient history and examination. This often includes specialized tests, before providing a report of findings.

After providing a diagnosis, they will recommend a management plan. Once a patient begins care, their progress will be closely monitored to maintain optimal health. Chiropractors most commonly provide care for health conditions that involve the neuromusculoskeletal system.

Standard chiropractic care includes joint manipulation. Also referred to as chiropractic adjustments performed by the hand through a combination of quick and gentle thrusts. The main objective of the chiropractic adjustment is to improve the alignment and functions of spinal joints. Reducing stress on the nervous system. Many chiropractors will provide joint manipulation to the extremities as well.

Click here to read, Cracking Open The Biggest Myths About Chiropractic.

what is chiropractic

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractor’s care can help solve several health problems. It can help resolve issues and conditions relating to:

  • The nervous system
  • Bones, ligaments, and cartilage
  • Tendons and muscles

Frequent problems that can resolve under chiropractic care are;

  • Pelvic pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Leg and hip pain
  • Neck pain
  • Arm and shoulder pain
  • Headaches
  • Numbness and tingling

Click here to read, Chiropractic Heals Nothing!

So, Are Chiropractors Doctors?

On the whole, chiropractors are holistic healthcare practitioners. Providing care to help their patients achieve optimal overall health. They are highly skilled and will offer excellent solutions to a number of healthcare issues. Click here to find a chiropractor near you.

For further reading click here to read, Antioxidants – Can They Be Boosted With Chiropractic Care and What The Keto Diet And Chiropractic Have In Common .

What The Keto Diet And Chiropractic Have In Common

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Keto Diet and Chiropractic

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet aka the Keto Diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet for which research is showing to have many health benefits.  Over 20 studies demonstrate that this diet can help drop fat and improve your health.  Furthermore, Ketogenic diets may do more than help you shed a few pounds by offering other health benefits preventing diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17332207
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633336
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11581442
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1819381
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367001

Keto and Chiropractic?

It may be difficult to see the connection between the Keto Diet and chiropractic however, as your chiropractor will tell you, a well-adjusted spine allows your brain’s signals to easily and effortlessly get to all parts of your body through your central nervous system.

I learned this when I was 26 and first started to see a chiropractor. Since then, I’ve been going to a chiropractor regularly for almost 24 years now.  Remember, if the brain isn’t functioning properly, one of the things it cannot do is send the proper signals down that central nervous system to your organs and your other body parts.  This is where ketones can help in addition to your chiropractic adjustments.

how to improve brain health

“When Your Brain Works Right, You Work Right”

 Dr. Daniel Amen, #1 New York Times bestselling author, double board-certified psychiatrist, professor and brain health expert.

What Is Fueling Your Brain?

Despite the fact that your brain is only 2% of the weight of your body, it uses up 20% to 30% of the total energy your body uses every day. So, how are most people giving their brain the energy it needs to keep it running efficiently? Well, most people’s diets consist primarily of carbohydrates and some proteins.

Unfortunately, not enough of those carbohydrates are coming from fibrous good carbohydrate vegetables and people are not eating enough healthy fats. Infact, many calories that are used to fuel the body are coming from processed foods and refined carbohydrates (sugar). This wreaks havoc on your body’s ability to manage your energy needs and thus the energy needs of your brain.Eventually your body resists the onslaught of all these refined sugars. But how does this affect your brain?

We have all heard of type 2 diabetes and how it wreaks havoc on our bodies. However Type 2 diabetes is not only a disease of the obese. Click here to read, Why Children Living With Type 2 Diabetes Is Drastically Increasing .

“Normal-weight people are getting diabetes at the same rate as the obese …”

– Dr. Robert Lustig

Mayo Clinic Minute: Is Alzheimer's Type 3 diabetes?

Have You Heard Of Type 3 Diabetes?

Now being referred to by doctors and researchers as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain diseases, type 2 diabetes is your body’s inability to get enough energy from carbohydrates due to insulin resistance (carbohydrates cannot be used for energy unless they are escorted into each cell by insulin).

Insulin resistance also affects your brain’s ability to get energy from carbohydrates. So, if your brain is not getting enough energy to function properly you can suffer from brain fog, forgetfulness and tiredness, to name a few of the more obvious symptoms. Also, if your brain is not functioning properly, it won’t send proper signals down your nervous system to your organs and other body parts which can affect you mentally and physically.

ketogenic diet

Ketones And The Keto Diet

You may have heard a lot lately about ketones and the keto diet. How ketones fuel your brain better than carbohydrates. But what exactly is this magical ketone? Well it’s what your body creates when it burns your fat and what your body uses for energy when it’s not using carbohydrates.

What ketones have been shown to do is to fuel your body better than glucose (carbohydrates/sugar) and to create much less waste in the process (making them more efficient). Put simply, your body just runs better on ketones. Ketones have a neuroprotective effect and they reduced inflammation. Neurons are found in your brain, spinal cord and in your nerves. Chiropractic is all about your nervous system.

antioxidants

Antioxidants And Their Effect On Your Brain

We have all heard of the many benefits of antioxidants. How important they are to reduce the damage done by our food choices and the environment on our bodies. But what about our brains?

“Ketones preserve brain metabolism in the face of an oxidative challenge”

– Dr. Domenic D’Agostino

Most people’s bodies never run on ketones because the food industry provides us with an abundance of low-quality processed sugars (simple carbohydrates) either directly or hidden in processed foods and we don’t have enough of the right fats in our diets.

The keto diet is fast becoming mainstream news. However there are few who can maintain the lifestyle longer term. This is because many find it difficult to eat so few carbohydrates (we are not referring to vegetables) with today’s carbohydrate-rich grocery stores and fast-food outlets.

But with the help of a grant from the U.S. Military Navy Seals, smart researchers at the University of South Florida found a way to make a ketone supplement that is identical to what the body makes when it’s burning fat.

For the average person, this is a much easier way to get ketones into their bodies rather than to try to reduce their carbohydrates low enough to allow their bodies to switch to burning their own fat. Why is this important? Because if your brain can run on ketones, you get heightened brain function and your brain just runs better.  Even your brain volume increases.

“Brain mapping shows that the volume of the brain increases with a ketogenic diet.  When you eat the right fat, your brain gets bigger.”

– How Ketogenic Diets Improve Memory and Brain Health, Dr. Venter, MD

healthy nervous system

Final Thoughts

A more efficient brain can send better signals through your central nervous system, which makes your whole body run better. Ultimately that’s the goal of chiropractic and hopefully of everybody in the medical field.

I resisted the urge to put a lot of the relevant science on ketones in this article. So, if you have any questions or would like more information about ketones or healthy eating, feel free to send me an email or follow me on Facebook.

Do You Really Need Prenatal Vitamins?

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prenatal vitamins

The first thing you hear when you mention wanting to get pregnant is, “start taking prenatal vitamins.” But how do you choose the right one? Furthermore, do you really need one?

When pregnant, the only nutrient needs that significantly increase are for iron and folate. You also want to ensure plenty of the omega-3 fat DHA to support proper brain development in the baby. Beyond that, nutrient needs aren’t much different from non-pregnancy.

Do You Need A Prenatal Vitamin?

No, because you can find regular multivitamins that contain iron and folate. There are even some that contain DHA. However, you might need more iron than is found in a regular multi so you can take that separate if you want. Here are some guidelines on what to look for in a supplement, whether acting as a prenatal or for everyday.

best prenatal supplements

What To Look For In A Supplement

Vitamin A

If you have a low functioning thyroid, diabetes, or autoimmune disease, you might need up to 5000 IU of preformed vitamin A. Most supplements contain beta carotene which can be converted to vitamin A. However, that conversion is impaired in people with health issues so I prefer the source be fish liver oil.

Vitamin D

A recent study found that 4000 IU of vitamin D supported a healthy pregnancy and reduced the risk of preterm labor. You most likely won’t find that amount in prenatal vitamins or a regular multivitamin so will need to get an additional source. Getting in the sun daily without sunscreen is also a good idea. Look for D3 or cholecalciferol as D2 or ergocalciferol is more likely to cause toxicity. It is a good idea to also take vitamin K2 if you take vitamin D. This is because K2 helps you utilize the vitamin D and get calcium into bones.

Vitamin C

High doses of vitamin C might be harmful during pregnancy. Therefore it’s best to stay at 500 mg daily or less. Instead, focus on eating vitamin C rich foods like citrus, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Vitamin E

Make sure it is natural vitamin E. If it says dl-alpha tocopherol, it’s not natural. Look for d-alpha tocopherol and put it back if there is an l by itself or with the d.

Folate vs Folic Acid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90J_a4qpySA

Folate

You want 600-800 mcg of folate and the methyl form (not folic acid) is probably preferable. This amount can be found in a regular multivitamin. But in both prenatal and regular vitamins, it can be difficult to find it in methyl form. So if you can’t find one than don’t worry so much about the form.

Iron

Most prenatals have around 27 mg of iron and most women’s multivitamins that contain iron have 15-18 mg. If you don’t have anemia, you really don’t need 27 mg of iron. Infact, studies haven’t found iron supplements (whether anemia exists or not) to prevent preterm birth, low birth weight, or infections during pregnancy.

Furthermore, excess iron can cause problems. So I think it’s best to stick with a regular multivitamin prior to pregnancy if you do not have anemia. Also, try to avoid ferrous sulfate as the source of iron. 

Iodine

Supplements will usually contain 150 to 225 mcg. I think the higher amount is preferable as iodine is essential for the healthy development of the fetus, but you can also use kelp flakes on food for an iodine boost.

Riboflavin

Getting adequate riboflavin is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, helps you utilize and absorb iron, can reduce the likelihood of pre-eclampsia, helps with blood pressure control, supports methylation – a process that is essential for good health, and it gives you energy. You need at least 2 mg daily and I recommend taking some with each meal. 

food for kids, food pyramid for kids, healthy food for kids, high fiber foods for kids

Final Thoughts On Prenatal Vitamins

Having said all that, finding a multivitamin, whether regular or prenatal, is quite a challenge. I found three prenatals that can be found in stores;

If you opt for a regular multivitamin, keep in mind the amount of folate you need and add extra folate if the multivitamin does not have the recommended amount. You can also add additional iron if needed and either DHA or cod liver oil depending on the form of vitamin A.

If the form of vitamin A is beta carotene, opt for the cod liver oil. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Women’s formula is a good option here, but it is low in iodine. Therefore, you would need kelp flakes, cod liver oil and possibly an additional iron supplement as it only contains 8 mg of iron. 

For both a regular multivitamin and prenatal, you can also add extra vitamin D with K2. If you need an energy boost, you might try getting some riboflavin with each meal with a low dose B-complex.

A good multi can help fill in the gaps and ensure adequate amounts of important nutrients, but it doesn’t replace a poor diet. So make sure you are eating real food and plenty of leafy greens. For more information click here to read, Get Your Body Ready For A Baby .