Dr. Simmons Natural Health Page

How to combat winter sniffles

2009-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the cold temperatures in the winter can weaken your immune system? That means that you should take extra measures and be sure your immune system is functioning at maximum levels. There are several components to maintaining a healthy immune system.

Adequate rest and the proper management of stress are key components of a healthy immune system. Remember that rest is a recuperative process and not simply the time spent in bed. Chiropractic adjustments realign spinal segments allowing proper nerve flow of the nervous system. The nervous system is what controls the immune system. Adjustments also aid in the reduction of stress.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of natural vitamin C. On of our favorite supplements is immunoplus. Check at the front desk for further information about that product. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant plays a central role in the repair and regeneration of tissues, and helps protect cells throughout the body.

Good food sources of vitamin C that are abundant and can be enjoyed all year long include (raw not cooked): broccoli, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, peppers, pineapple, pink grapefruit, and strawberries.

Yours in Health!

Dr. Rob

Stop microwaving your food!

2008-10-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

Are you still microwaving your food? A recent study found that microwaving baby bottles releases BPA (cancer causing agent) into water.

Source: Journal of Food Additives & Contaminants,

Published online ahead of doi: 10.1080/02652030701867867

Title of Article: Migration of bisphenol A into water from polycarbonate baby bottles during microwave heating

Authors: Ehlert et al

When you nuke your food, you are zapping away the nutrients! The chemical structure of food is changed when it is microwaved. Carcinogenic and other toxins can be leached from the containers into the food. Most foods being microwaved are of low nutritional value anyway. Come on, like you were nuking organic carrots anyway??

A study published in the November 2003 issue of The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that broccoli "zapped" in the microwave with a little water lost up to 97 percent of the beneficial antioxidant chemicals it contains. By comparison, steamed broccoli lost 11 percent or fewer of its antioxidants.

A woman named Norma Levitt had hip surgery, only to be killed by a simple blood transfusion when a nurse "warmed the blood for the transfusion in a microwave oven."

So take some extra time and get the proper nutrition from your food by cooking it on the stove, in the oven, investing in a steamer or eating them raw.

Dr. Rob

Why Colds and Flu in the Winter

2008-10-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder why there are so many colds and flu in the winter? The viruses that cause them are also present in the summer. They do not just exist in cold weather! So, why do so many people have flu and cold symptoms in the winter? It goes back to the immune system.

Did you know that your body naturally creates fevers! This creates an environment in which it is difficult for both bacteria and viruses to survive. During the winter, many of us do not dress properly, which decreases our body temperatures. Additionally, many people eat less healthy during the winter months. This can make your immune system more susceptible to invasion by bacteria and viruses.

Chiropractic care helps to naturally boost your immune system. Cold and flu drugs decrease your body temperature which allows bacteria and viruses to thrive. Ask about natural alternatives at our office. We combine chiropractic care with nutritional supplements to give your body the fuel it needs to fight off the invaders!

We also spend more time inside in enclosed environments during the winter months. This means more recirculated air. So remember to clean up your environment by changing air filters at home. Use some plants to naturally filter the air and make sure you keep your scheduled chiropractic appointments to live well!

Dr. Rob

Chronic ear infections and obesity in children

2008-08-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

(HealthDay News) -- Damage caused by chronic ear infections in children may alter their sense of taste, making fatty and sweet foods more desirable and increasing the risk of obesity. That's the conclusion of four new studies presented Thursday at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting in Boston.

This is an interesting study, but let's just get to the point. Children don't buy groceries! When is the last time you saw an 8 year old pulling thru the mcdonald's drive thru? We can make a lot of excuses for childhood obesity. The solution is almost always lifestyle changes involving the parents.

The truth of the matter is that children mirror the eating habits of their parents. You are what you eat and you eat what you buy. If you open your pantry and see junk food, then your family is on a junk food diet.

Dr. Rob

Water bottles can be dangerous

2008-07-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that water bottles made of plastic can contain dangerous chemicals?

A substance called BPA (bisphenol A) is present in some of the plastic used to make the bottles.

Study:

Exposure within the womb to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastics, caused changes linked with diseases such as obesity, cancer and diabetes, according to studies by a team from Duke University Medical Centre, North Carolina.

It's probably best to use stainless steel or even better glass. Try klean kanteen or do a search for stainless steel water bottles.

Dr. Rob