Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Body Language: 7 Symptoms speak louder than words...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Body Language: 7 Symptoms speak louder than words...: From aches and pains, to forgetfulness and exhilaration, the body is constantly “talking” to us. Most of the time, we listen. But, somet...

Body Language: 7 Symptoms speak louder than words!

From aches and pains, to forgetfulness and exhilaration, the body is constantly “talking” to us. Most of the time, we listen. But, sometimes we don’t. Learning to listen to what our body is telling us may just change our wellness for a lifetime.

Below are the top seven symptoms commonly experienced by most of us when our body's trying to tell us something inside of us may need further attention:

Body aches – The body responds to illness and injury through many signs/symptoms including “body aches”. When the body is rebuilding/repairing itself, body aches can be a normal part of the process. When illness and disease are the culprit behind the symptoms, the body is trying to tell us something is wrong and is in need of our attention. If you begin experiencing body aches unrelated to an injury or muscle fatigue, consult with a doctor immediately. Write down the location, when they began and any other symptoms you are experiencing. Unless the doctor recommends medication, self medicating could “mask” the problem. Everything from muscle exertion to meningitis, ticks and cancer could be at the root of your aches. Medication may “mask” the pain confusing the diagnosis of your condition.

Fatigue/exhaustion – The body naturally “replenishes, renews and restores” itself within a 24 hour cycle, resupplying the serotonin and melatonin levels from the middle of the night to early morning. When we lack sleep, we endanger the body from fulfilling this process. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can initiate the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion. The body needs to be “refueled” and naturally fatigued (through healthy amounts of exercise/activity). Illness can begin as “fatigue”, alerting us to a deeper-rooted problem. If you are getting a good night’s sleep, but your are not waking refreshed, that could be the sign that something else is out of alignment inside of you.

Thirst – Every “body” needs one primary liquid throughout the day; water. Without water, the body begins to dehydrate, causing us to become thirsty (amongst other things). However, thirst isn’t always a lack of water. It can be a pre-cursor and warning to us that something more might be going on inside of our body. For example, Diabetes can be associated with thirst. Medicine can often cause an increase in thirst. Heart, kidney, and liver disease can signal there’s an imbalance, causing excessive thirst. Dehydration through activity/exercise is usually what we experience the most when thirsty, but can usually be satisfied through drinking water. If your thirst cannot be satisfied, see a doctor immediately.

Cravings – Something salty; something sweet. Believe it or not, consumption of one can cause the desire for another. However, if you are experiencing salt cravings there could be something more to your condition. A lack of sodium, Addison’s disease (decrease production of hormones by the adrenal glands), and electrolyte imbalance could be at the root of your problem. A craving for sugar usually comes from an internal response (aka “crash”) resulting from a drop in glucose/blood sugar levels. Refined sugar (i.e. Candy) is the worse culprit behind these cravings. Complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates (fruit) can help balance cravings. If you are “craving” something salty, something sweet every day (or more often than not), write down what you’re eating, when the cravings occur and see a doctor for further advice. While it could be dietary, it may be medically related to a condition that shouldn’t be ignored.

Inflammation – Our body has a natural way of protecting us through the release of white blood cells and body chemicals, slowly released into our blood stream/cells. These natural properties help our body prevent disease and inflammation. When we’re sick, our white blood cell count is usually “high”, signally to us that our body is in defense mode. However, there are times when the body releases these cells/chemicals without cause, resulting in a greater problem (auto-immune diseases) damaging internal tissue. Inflammation can take on several (and sometimes confusing) symptoms, such as aching, redness, swelling, joint pain, muscle stiffness, chills, loss of joint function. If your condition lingers and does not appear related to something else (i.e. Illness or injury/fatigue) see a doctor immediately.

Bloating – A build up of gas in the stomach and intestines is usually the culprit behind bloating. Stress, smoking, poor diet, can all cause bloating. Diseases related to bloating include celiac disease or lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal infection, blockage, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and even some foods (i.e. Broccoli, baked beans, and Brussels sprouts). Chewing gum, carbonated drinks and candy also have an adverse affect on digestion and can cause bloating, as well. Changes in your diet and/or lifestyle affect the body’s more than we realize (for the good or bad), so pay attention to anything that appears to happen within a twenty four hour period after consumption or a life changing event.

Itching/rash – External (environment) and internal (disease/infection) can cause our skin to itch or present a rash (redness/bumps/skin irritation). If we suddenly start itching or see a rash appear, then we should take this as a serious sign something is going on and our body is trying to warn us. From eczema to chicken pox, itching/swell/redness can occur typically affecting a specific area on our body. On the other hand, itching/swelling/redness occurring throughout the body reflects a greater problem (i.e. Kidney failure, iron deficiency/anemia, leukemia, thyroid problems, etc.). The body’s reaction to food, drug and/or the environment, are typically the culprits behind itching/rash related responses.

However, no matter what you “think” might be behind your condition, never self medicate as you could be confusing the symptoms with the treatment making it more difficult for a doctor to accurately diagnose your condition. See a doctor immediately.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Learn to listen to your body and take action when it signals something is wrong.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: The fight against “inflammation” – Omega 6 vs Omeg...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: The fight against “inflammation” – Omega 6 vs Omeg...: The body’s self-protection mechanisms respond in several ways. Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling that there are damaged cells a...

The fight against “inflammation” – Omega 6 vs Omega 3’s

The body’s self-protection mechanisms respond in several ways. Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling that there are damaged cells and unwanted pathogens inside of us. Diets high in trans-fats (fried, fast food) contain higher levels of Omega 6 fatty acids (see below examples), often associated with inflammation. While the body needs “certain” Omega 6 fatty acids to stay in balance, the overconsumption of food products containing them promote toxic inflammation.

Omega 6 foods high in fatty acids (pro-inflammatory):
*Corn, safflower, soy, peanut and sunflower oils
*Refined food (flour, sugar and high GI (Glycemic Index) elevates glucose while raising insulin, promoting pro-inflammatory responses within the body
*Wheat and dairy products can also contribute to a cascading effect on the body’s response to digesting these types of food
*Fried foods
*Fast foods

Omega 3 (polyunsaturated fats) foods are the “healthy” fatty acids. Most are in whole, fresh and unprocessed food, along with oily fish, (certain) nuts and oils.

Omega 3 foods (anti-inflammatory):
*Extra Virgin, flax, avocado, hempseed and walnut oil
*Oily fish (Sardines, Wild Salmon, Herring, Anchovies)
*Walnuts
*Organic pasteurized eggs
*Grass fed (versus grain feed) food products

Other food products like dark green leafy vegetables, onions, garlic and high antioxidant fruits and vegetables are also a must for a healthy, balanced diet.

Food allergies can be associated with inflammatory responses in the body, due to the body’s intolerance to certain proteins found in food like wheat and dairy products. Once consumed, the “gut” has a difficult time breaking down those proteins resulting in inflammation. It can be difficult to detect a food allergy. It is often easier to remove what the obvious while monitoring your body’s reaction.

The easiest way to live a nutritionally healthy, balanced life is to ask this question before consuming anything: Is it whole, fresh and/or organic? This principle applies to each food group (carbs, protein and fat). Memorizing the foods that fall within each food group can be essential in balancing your overall wellness.

One way to recall which foods you want to consume is to make a mental list of the food(s) you enjoy and how to consume them in a healthier version. Another method is to remove the obviously poor choices while finding a healthier replacement for them. Help your body help itself by eliminating fried, processed and refined food from your daily nutrition.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Whole, fresh, organic: Three simple words to help you live a healthier life.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Ticking time-bombs: Know the signs that could sav...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Ticking time-bombs: Know the signs that could sav...: What does one out of every four adults in America have in common? High blood pressure and most have no idea that they do. If left untrea...

Ticking time-bombs: Know the signs that could save your life!

What does one out of every four adults in America have in common? High blood pressure and most have no idea that they do. If left untreated the results can be deadly, or at the very least damaging to vital organs in the body (i.e. Kidney’s, eyesight and the brain). High sodium intake slowly deteriorates our bones through excessive calcium excretion.

No respecter of age, hypertension can affect anyone of any age. As we grow older our isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) changes with us. Blood pressure is determined by using two figures: Systolic pressure (blood pressure when the heart contracts) and Diastolic pressure (pressure when the heart relaxes between beats).

In patients over 70, more recent studies now reveal that the “lower” systolic number is a better indicator of hypertension. After age 55, diastolic pressure begins to decline while systolic pressure increases with age. Keeping an eye on the systolic number is becoming a greater indicator of possible, future health concerns, especially if it rises above 140/90. Research is now reporting that 65% of aging adults over 60 are diagnosed with ISH.

The implications of high blood pressure affects many apparent, present health conditions in patients with diabetes and high cholesterol and can lead to the onset of a stroke or heart attack. Diabetics should strive to keep their blood pressure level at no more than 130/80. Other organ illnesses, like kidney disease and heart conditions, should be mindful of their blood pressure especially as they age.

“The recommended goal for systolic pressure is less than 140 mm Hg. For people who are 80 or older, the target systolic pressure ranges from 140 to 145 mmHg. In people with isolated systolic hypertension, treatment may lower diastolic pressure too much, potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. So if you have isolated systolic hypertension, your doctor may recommend that your diastolic pressure not be reduced to less than 70 mm Hg in trying to reach your target systolic pressure.” (Mayo Clinic’s Emeritus Hypertension Specialist, Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.)

Currently, the average American consumes 4000mg/day of sodium. After age 50, sodium intake should be kept to a maximum of 1500mg a day, reduced to 1200mg a day over age 70, unless otherwise directed by a physician.

Eating fresh whole food and avoiding preservatives, fast food and other hidden sources of sodium is a must when keeping your blood pressure in check. Even something as simple as grilled chicken at a fast food restaurant contains enormous amounts of sodium. Salad bars contain hidden sodium. From beans to pasta, and cheese, sodium is everywhere. Never take for granted that something is “healthy” just because it appears to be the better choice.

Even someone who appears to be healthy, appropriately distributed in weight and body composition, can unexpectedly suffer a heart attack as a result of their nutritional habits. The body can only handle so much before it starts to deteriorate from overload. Don’t take for granted that you are healthy just because the number on the scale looks acceptable or your activity level seems reasonable. What’s going on inside of you might not seem obvious before it is too late.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Place a high priority on your nutrition before the damage is irreversible.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2013, All Rights Reserved

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Is it the flu or the “Norovirus” (aka Cruise Ship ...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Is it the flu or the “Norovirus” (aka Cruise Ship ...: “Influenza” takes on a variety of symptoms that may seem obvious but can also look similar to the common cold. The current H3N2 strain ci...

Is it the flu or the “Norovirus” (aka Cruise Ship virus)? Know the signs

“Influenza” takes on a variety of symptoms that may seem obvious but can also look similar to the common cold. The current H3N2 strain circulating the U.S. seems to welcome more severe symptoms than commonly seen with the flu. Knowing how to identify the flu and/or Norovirus is vital to getting the help medically need.

Of course, the best defense against the flu is the flu shot. Although the flu shot is not a guarantee to prevent the flu, it will help your body fight the flu should you come in contact with someone who is contagious. Washing hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoiding contact with someone who is ill, maintaining a clean environment (wipe down keyboard, door knobs, countertops, and any common area around you) help to minimize your exposure.

The typical characteristics of the flu are:
Coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and body chills.

The typical characteristics of the “Norovirus” are:
Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

It is not unusual to have a combination of the two. Both are highly contagious and can lead to dehydration if you are not consuming enough fluids.
The elderly, people who have weakened immune systems and those in contact with the general public are even more vulnerable to succumbing to the flu. Prevention is wisdom. The flu shot assist in avoiding the flu, or at the least building a defense against it.

If stricken by the flu, make sure to consume fluids containing “electrolytes” (i.e. Sport drinks, juice, soup), get plenty of rest and avoid contact with other people. Wipe down any contact with surfaces, etc., helping to limit the spread of the flu, as well.

Be aware of your intake of “Tylenol” (Acetaminophen), limiting it to under 3,000 milligrams per day, according Dr. Richard Besser (ABC News medical correspondent). He also recommends that if you have the flu and appear to be coping well with it but may need your doctor’s advice, avoid going into public places like the emergency room, patient centers where other people may be suffering from more severe symptoms.
For more information and how to locate where the vaccine is available in your area, visit www.flu.gov.

Click on this link to learn more (http://youtu.be/uxNGm8-yAbs)

Quick Tips for Wellness: Prevention is the key to avoiding the flu!

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