Of the three K vitamins, vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is the one we get from plant foods, and is the most important one for proper coagulation of the blood (or “Koagulation” in German, which is the origin of vitamin “K”). Without vitamin K we would eventually bleed to death from any small wound or bruise. It may also help prevent both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.  It plays a role in reducing inflammation and regulating cell growth.

Consumption of vitamin K may also reduce your risk of contracting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that those who had the highest intake of Vitamin K1 had the lowest risk of contracting the disease, slashing their risk by 45 percent.

Vitamin K1 is associated with higher bone mineral density, and thus is helpful in preventing osteoporosis and reducing the rate of bone fractures. It also reduces calcium buildup in the arteries, protecting against atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

Though deficiency in vitamin k is uncommon, newborn infants, people who are malnourished or those who suffer from alcoholism are at the greatest risk of deficiency. Also, as absorption of vitamin K (and all other fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and D) depends on bile, those who have had their gallbladder removed may be at risk of developing a vitamin K deficiency. Some signs of deficiency are easy bruising, increased menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and blood in the urine.

It is a fat-soluble vitamin, and the best sources of it can be found in such green leafy vegetables as kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, lettuce and parsley. It can also be found in vegetable oils, potatoes, tomatoes, oats and asparagus.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment option for people with long-term back pain, sciatica, leg pain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, numbness and other conditions that have not responded to initial treatments such as manipulation and physical therapy. All of these conditions may be the result of compressive forces on your vertebrae, which can cause spinal misalignment and compressed discs.

Compressed discs can lead to herniation or bulging of the discs, thus pressure on the nerves. In addition to the pressure and compression, the nerve itself may not be able to receive the nutrients it needs to heal and work properly.  Often, surgery is used to decompress the spine, which is invasive, painful, and carries significant risks. Medications to reduce pain are also often used, but they do not treat the source of the pain and only mask it.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative that offers gentle spinal decompression through the use of specially designed, FDA-approved equipment. Prior to treatment, patients are thoroughly examined both manually and through the use of imaging technology in order to determine which spinal discs are compressed, and if the treatment is suitable and has a high likelihood of success.

Patients are placed on a decompression table in a comfortable posture that depends on which area of the back needs treatment.  The treatment applies a specific force to the compressed discs, and a computer alternates the decompression force with relaxation periods. Usually, there is a series of 15 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles, for an individual treatment time of 30 minutes. This process serves to gently elongate the spine and to create a vacuum that pulls the disc back into its proper location and shape within the vertebrae. Realigning the discs in this manner can reduce pain and promote healing. However, it may take up to 20 treatments for complete relief.

Not everyone is a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Research has shown it to be very effective for some patients but not for others, and it is not entirely clear which people it will work best on. Therefore, it is important to work carefully with your chiropractor to be sure you have a good chance of successful treatment. Your chiropractor may precede each treatment with soft tissue muscle work to reduce the body’s natural reflex reaction and prepare the muscles for the traction forces. He or she will also work with other health professionals as needed to determine the precise nature of your back pain and the type of treatments that are most likely to resolve your pain at its source.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Cold laser therapy (also called Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) involves the use of light (a specific wavelength and frequency of coherent light, generated from a low-wattage therapeutic laser) to stimulate the body’s cells and cause them to accelerate the healing process. The therapeutic use of lasers (LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is not a new idea; they have been used to stimulate healing since 1967.

The term “cold laser” refers to the specific wavelength of light used, which is usually in the 630 nm to 980 nm ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. This wavelength allows for the least energy to be absorbed by surface tissue (meaning that the patient does not experience any sensation of heat or warming), while allowing the healing properties of the light to facilitate wound and tissue healing. Low-level laser therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and accelerate the body’s own healing mechanisms. When cells are exposed to laser light, cell functions are stimulated, improving immune system function, increasing collagen synthesis and enhancing tissue regeneration.

In chiropractic practice, cold laser therapy has been show to be effective in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. The use of laser therapy also accelerates the healing of connective tissue disorders such as sprains, strains and tendonitis, and has proven effective in reducing or managing chronic or acute pain in the neck, thoracic regions or lower back. Lasers have also been used to effectively treat muscle injuries or bruises, and neurological injuries such as herniated or ruptured discs. Chiropractors also commonly use laser therapy to increase the patient’s range of motion, and to build or increase the strength of damaged muscle tissue. In many cases the use of cold laser therapy has cut rehabilitation time following an injury in half.

Obvious benefits of cold laser therapy over drugs or surgery are that it is safe, pain- and drug- free, non-invasive, and has no known side effects. The results are quickly perceived by patients, and laser therapy can be used immediately after an injury. Cold laser therapy has also been studied in over 3000 clinical trials, with proven clinical results. If you are interested in finding out whether it could be of benefit to treat your conditions, consult with your chiropractor.

Resources:

• http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4124
• http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=41529

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

We all want to look young and beautiful, no matter what our age, and keeping your skin in good condition goes a long way toward that goal. There are a number of things you can do to keep your skin looking supple and glowing that don’t involve expensive treatments or surgery!

1) Drink more water­– This may be the number one tip in achieving healthy-looking skin. Controlled climates such as homes and offices with heat and air conditioning tend to be very drying to the skin. Most people are actually chronically dehydrated, and this leads to an increased in lines and wrinkles, much as a grape becomes a raisin! Optimally, you should drink between 2 and 3 liters of water every day, which will make your tissues more plump and resilient, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. If you can’t stomach that much water, other beverages are fine, but beware of any that contain lots of sugar or caffeine, as an excess of these substances is not good for your health.

2) Cleanse and exfoliate – At the end of the day, after being subjected to the elements, including sun, wind, climate, etc. (not to mention makeup), you need to give your skin a good cleanse. Dead cells can accumulate on the skin’s surface, making it look dull and lifeless. Start by removing all makeup with a gentle cleanser, such as a little plain yogurt on a cotton ball, which removes makeup without the use of harsh chemicals. Then treat it to a light apricot kernel scrub, which can remove those dead cells and expose the fresh ones underneath.

3) Eat healthy – A diet high in fruits and vegetables, particularly the ones with high amounts of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, and low in sugar, unhealthy fats and processed foods, has been shown to promote younger looking skin. Red peppers, strawberries and avocados are among the foods highest in antioxidants and healthy fats.

4) Wear protective clothing – We all know that too much sun exposure is bad, exposing our skin to damage from free radicals. Chemicals in some commercial sunscreens can be almost as bad for you as too much sun and keep you from getting an adequate amount of vitamin D to boot! The best option is to wear protective clothing as much as possible. This includes long-sleeved shirts and hats with wide brims.

5) Moisturize – One way to keep your skin from drying out is to apply a good moisturizer once in the morning and again before bed, after your cleansing routine. Look for a moisturizer that does not contain any SLS (sodium lauryl/lauryth sulfate) or parabens, neither of which are good for you. The best are those containing olive oil, aloe or vitamin E.

6) Quit Smoking – The increased number of wrinkles that appear on the faces of smokers is yet another reason to quit. Smoking constricts the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and important nutrients that nourish the skin. It also damages the collagen and elastin that keep skin strong and elastic.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Spinal pelvic stabilizers are specially designed orthotics that help stabilize and balance your feet. They can have a significant effect on your entire body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

How can something made just for your feet accomplish all this?

Our feet form the foundation of our entire body. They provide support for walking, standing, running, jumping, and reaching. In addition, your feet help protect your bones, spine and tissues from stress while moving around. It seems quite logical that your feet can perform these tasks better when their bones, muscles, and arches are in their proper, stable positions. For example, neck pain could be the result of a spinal misalignment that is caused by an imbalance in your feet. Your body’s joints and muscles work most efficiently when they are in balance, and balanced feet provide the foundational balance needed to support many of our daily activities.

Your feet contain three arches that support the weight of your entire body. If one arch is compromised, the other arches try to compensate. This results in additional stress, leading to pain, discomfort, and further compromise. Another common foot problem is flattening of the arches, which is known as pronation, which leads to rotation of the legs.

Spinal pelvic stabilizers balance the foundation of the pelvis and spine and help address structural problems of the feet. If they are properly fitted they can control pronation and supination. In this way they reduce unnatural stress and abnormal forces, and promote healthy functional and structural relationships between your feet and the rest of your body.

These devices also provide improved shock absorption. This reduces repetitive stress on your muscles and joints, allows better function, and reduces arthritic symptoms as well.

Pelvic stabilizers are a cost effective and long-term intervention for many kinds of foot and posture problems. They are worn inside your shoes, and they guide your feet into a more normal pattern as they are used for moving around.

Your chiropractor will use impression images of your feet to create custom-made flexible spinal pelvic stabilizers for your feet and your feet alone. You may wish to ask your chiropractor about the flexibility of the stabilizers that will be created for you. Some technologies use more rigid materials to force the foot into a supposedly ideal position, while most people prefer some flexibility for comfort, controlled support, and better movement from the feet on up through the body.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Women’s fitness is often overlooked and undervalued today.  Most women don’t feel as if they have the time to commit to fitness in their daily lives.  They often want to have it all – a successful career, happy family, clean home, and many friends.  OK, we all know that it’s fairly impossible unless you have unlimited financial resources and can hire a housekeeper, a cook and your boss lets you work only when the kids are in school.

Women who work outside the home often feel the guilt of taking time for a fitness program the most.  They stress over the issues of 30 minutes for themselves vs. helping the kids with homework or leaving them at daycare for 45 more minutes each day.

BUT, everyone and everything benefits when mom is in shape, has more energy and is healthy.  And there are ways to involve the children, the spouse and even your boss to work a fitness program into your day.

Fitness programs for women become even more important as we age.  Exercise will help women to stand taller, be stronger, trimmer, decrease cholesterol and body fat content, regulate periods, decrease risk of stroke, cancer and heart attacks as well as improve their overall sense of well-being.

Before undertaking any fitness program, no matter how benign, you should consult with your primary care provider to be sure that your plans do not interfere with any current medical conditions, medications and your plans match your current level of conditioning.

There are a huge number of women’s fitness programs that can include a fitness walking program, yoga, aerobics, and even weight lifting.  Each of these have their benefits and problems.  However, if you value your health and wellness then you will be able to find a solution to the problems.

A women’s walking program, for instance, is simple, cost effective, physically challenging when increasing intensity and walk on hills, and can be done with other moms and the kids in strollers.  Pushing a stroller for 30 minutes a day up hills is physically taxing and definitely considered exercise.  On bad weather days you can also walk through most malls in America for the hour before the stores actually open.  Be careful not to treat yourself to that hot pretzel when the stand opens though, since you might be defeating your intended purpose of weight loss.

Another fitness program of yoga and aerobics have other pro’s that make them popular exercises for women.  They can be done in the privacy of your own home, while the kids are asleep, using DVDs.  You can schedule the time in your day that is most convenient for you; using DVDs you are not bound to the schedule of a yoga class  – although most gyms also offer classes and have childcare available.  Gyms offer motivation from other women and a time that can be set-aside just for you.  Don’t be afraid to ask your friend to join the gym or workout in your home with you.  It might be just the motivation she was waiting for!

A fitness program should also include weight lifting.  Although many women are afraid of ‘bulking up’ the potential for this is slim since they don’t normally have enough testosterone to build that kind of muscle.  Weight lifting can help to avoid osteoporosis or advanced bone loss leading to fractures.  The risk of osteoporosis decreases with weight bearing exercises such as running and weight lifting but not swimming or rowing.

Including weight lifting in your program will help you to build lean muscle, gain strength, trim down and become more toned. You should use the amount of weight that is comfortable doing 10 repetitions for 3 sets each.

Women who are fit have learned to put their health first recognizing that with better health they are also better able to work, advance their careers, take care of their children and the dozen or so other things they do each day.

Women’s programs are becoming more popular across the country as fitness experts are realizing that most women desire to get in to the gym, workout and get out without the added stress of working out in front of the opposite sex.  Where some gyms continue to be arenas that encourage men and women to socialize more only women’s fitness programs are developing to answer the needs of the on-the-go fast paced women who has time only to work out and get out.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that patients present with to both primary care physicians and chiropractic practitioners. There are several underlying conditions that may cause discomfort in this area, many of which may be assisted by chiropractic treatment and manipulation. A proper diagnosis is important in order to determine what kind of treatment is indicated in each case.

Commonly observed causes of shoulder pain include:

• Bursitis or tendinitis of the rotator cuff (inflammation of the shoulder joint, also called impingement syndrome, since the inflammation impinges on the ability of the shoulder to move fully)
• Frozen shoulder (restriction of joint movement by the shoulder capsule, also known as adhesive capsulitis)
• Rotator cuff tear (tearing of the shoulder tendons away from the bone). The rotator cuff refers to the group of four muscles and tendons that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint
• Shoulder dislocation and shoulder instability (repeated dislocation, which may follow the initial occurrence as a result of the weakening and tearing of shoulder ligaments)
• Synovitis (inflammation of the synovium that protects joint bones from rubbing together)
• Calcific tendinitis (calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons)
• Referred pain from the neck or elsewhere in the body
• Arthritis (wearing away of shoulder cartilage)
• Fractures

The precise nature of chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain depends on which of the above diagnoses is made by your practitioner, but will likely include some degree of manipulation to ensure correct spinal alignment (especially in the neck) and improved shoulder mobility and function. Additional measures such as heat and ice packs, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, rest and cortisone injections may also be discussed. Furthermore, your chiropractor will want to look at your overall health, diet and lifestyle to see if any improvements can be made to assist with your healing process.  Chiropractors are specialist health care professionals who deal with shoulder pain on a daily basis.

Signs that you should your chiropractor about your shoulder include the following:

• Pain when carrying objects
• Shoulder pain at night and when resting
• Being unable to raise your arm
• Pain that persists beyond a few days and is unimproved by rest and painkillers
• Warmth, redness and/or swelling of the shoulder and/or fever, which may indicate infection
• Bruising around the shoulder area

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Obesity and the diseases associated with it cost a staggering percentage of health care dollars. It is estimated that $168 billion is spent each year in the U.S. alone to treat obesity-related diseases. These diseases include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high cholesterol, gallstones, osteoarthritis and more.

• Type 2 diabetes is a disease most commonly caused by obesity. Though it used to develop primarily in adults, it is now quite common in children as well, with the recent increase in the rate of childhood obesity. Blood sugar levels become elevated due to the insulin resistance caused by obesity and greatly increase the risk of developing diabetes.
• Heart disease can develop as a result of fatty deposits building up in the arteries, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is 10 times more common among the obese than in the population with normal body weight. Fat tissue also requires blood to survive, so more blood vessels are created, putting greater strain on the circulatory system, increasing blood pressure and making the heart work harder to circulate that extra blood.
• Those who are obese have an increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the colon, breast, prostate, gallbladder and uterus.
• Obesity adversely affects both the metabolism and endocrine system, often resulting in metabolic syndrome, the fastest-growing obesity-related health problem. This refers to a group of risk factors that increase your risk of more serious diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Symptoms include excess weight particularly located around the middle of the body, insulin resistance, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high triglycerides.
• Women who are obese can suffer from a number of reproductive health problems, including infertility, uterine cancer and PCOS. Because obesity causes disruption in the menstrual cycle and the endocrine system that is responsible for the delicate balance of hormones necessary for successful ovulation, studies have found that even a modest reduction in body fat of between 5 and 10 percent is often enough to restore ovulation and fertility.
• Osteoarthritis has grown increasingly common as the rate of obesity has increased. The excess weight adds to increased wear and tear on the joints, particularly on the knees and hips. Obese women are nine times more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, often leading to the need for a total joint replacement. However, researchers have found that losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by half.

The increased risks of these six diseases alone are good reasons to lose weight if you are obese. Even losing a little has been shown to have a positive effect on your health, and it can significantly reduce the amount you spend on health care every year.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

TMJ stands for Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. It is a common condition in which there is limited range of motion within the jaw. The jaw is a hinge joint that is connected to the skull through 68 muscle pairs located in front of the ears. These muscle pairs are important to speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning, and are among the most commonly used in our body.

There is a disk in the jaw known as the articular disk, which separates the skull from the condyle head of the mandible. Misalignment of this disk can cause TMJ. This misalignment may be caused by stress, which causes clenching and grinding of the teeth, sometimes during sleep. TMJ can also be caused by missing or crowded teeth, or trauma including whiplash. Up to 35% of Americans suffer some form of TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ include pain and stiffness upon opening or closing the mouth, or a cracking, grinding or popping sound when using the joint. The condition creates significant wear on the joint and can have serious consequences for normal daily use of your jaw.

As chiropractors are experts in joint misalignment, they are well suited to treat TMJ. Your chiropractor will look at all aspects of your lifestyle and will ask you for a complete medical history. X-rays are useful to locate the condyle head of the mandible and check the positioning of the articular disk. Palpating the area also helps to establish the severity of the condition.

Treatment focuses on relieving tension in the many muscles of the jaw and possibly the neck and upper back. It will exclude surgery and medication, and may include adjustments and manipulation of trigger points by hand to achieve relaxation. If stress is one of the causes of your TMJ, certain exercises and relaxation techniques can be very useful to relieving the symptoms. These techniques might include meditation, massage, counseling and biofeedback. Heat and ice can also be soothing. You may also be asked to do some exercises at home.

The result of these treatments is usually greater range of motion in the jaw joint, which not only relieves jaw pain but the locking and popping, headaches, and neck pain. However, chiropractic care goes beyond pain relief and is often able to prevent TMJ from returning. The combination of effective treatment options and the avoidance of medications or surgery make chiropractic care an excellent choice for treatment of TMJ.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in the world, contributing to an increased risk of other diseases and putting a strain on national health budgets. Following are some interesting facts and figures related to obesity:

• About 17% of medical costs in the US are due to obesity and its related diseases, totaling an estimated $168 billion per year.
• Obesity adds about $2,800 to a person’s medical bills annually.
• An estimated 300,000 premature deaths in the US each year are caused by obesity.
• One third of US adults are obese, indicating a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
• If an 18-year-old remains obese throughout their adulthood, it will cost them $550,000.
• 80% of cases of Type 2 diabetes are related to obesity. The rate of diabetes has doubled in eight states since 1995.
• 70% of heart disease is obesity-related.
• Low-income women are more likely to become obese than high-income women. Over 33% of people earning less than $15,000 annually are obese, as opposed to a 24.6% rate of obesity in those earning $50,000 or more.
• The highest rates of obesity are found among non-Hispanic African Americans (44.1%), followed by Mexican-Americans (39.3%), Hispanics (37.9%) and non-Hispanic whites (32.6%). Asians have the lowest rate of obesity at 16.7%.
• In the last 30 years childhood obesity has tripled, from 6.5% in children aged 6 to 11 years to 19.6% today. The obesity rate in teenagers aged 12 to 19 years has increased from 5% to 18.1%.
• Of children who are overweight at age 10-15, 80% will be obese as adults.
• As a percentage of the population, the US has the highest number of obese people (33.9%), followed by Mexico (24%), the UK (23%), Slovakia (22.4) and Greece (22%).
• College graduates have an obesity rate of 20.8%, which is lower than the 29.5% rate of those who have only graduated high school.
• Obesity begins to decline after age 60. The population of those over age 69 has an obesity rate of 20.5%.
• The rate of obesity is increasing in the US. In 2007 only one state had an overall obesity rate of over 30%. In 2011, 12 states had a greater than 30% obesity rate.
• 40% of obese Americans aged 50 to 84 have osteoarthritis of the knee, caused by the wear and tear to the joints from excess weight stress. One extra pound of weight is equivalent to four pounds of stress on the knee.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

You knew it would happen one day. Your children grow up and leave the nest. But, it always seemed to be a lifetime away. When the lifetime is whittled away to a few months or years, begin to prepare yourself for the next stage in both your lives.

Life is about change. It is a new stage when our children grow up and leave to attend college or to move out on their own. Gone are the days when all of our plans centered on them.

But, just because they are eager to leave doesn’t mean that we are eager to see them go. For parents, it means that a journey that began eighteen years ago is coming to an end. So what do we do now?

This is the question that faces many empty-nesters. For so long the purpose of their lives has been tied to their children and they are not prepared for what comes next. Here are some ideas to help you get prepared mentally for this day.

• Teach your children to be independent – The last thing any parent wants to do is cripple their children. Always being there to rescue them keeps them dependent on you and not on themselves. Let them find a summer job, balance a checkbook and take responsibility for chores around the house. When they are out on their own, they will be able to take pride in their accomplishments now.
• Grieve the loss of this chapter of your life – There are many things that happen in life that can feel much like a death. This is one of those things. It is okay to be sad because your babies are all grown up and living their own lives. Take the time to get used to the changes that will come in your life.
• Develop a support system – Talk to friends who are already empty-nesters or who are going through the same transition. Discuss your feelings and what may be over the horizon for both of you.
• Talk to your kids – They may notice that you are feeling down. Let them know how you feel. You may be surprised how your teen will react. What a surprise it will be to hear “thank you” fall from their lips when they refer to all that you have done for them! Believing that you have done well as a parent can aid in feeling good about making this transition in your life.
• Revisit your attitude on life – Now that your teen is leaving, what do you want from life? Redefining your purpose can give you new hope and a fresh outlook on the future.

Don’t despair when your teens leave the nest. Embrace the change in their life and yours.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

The beneficial bacteria that make up the bulk of your gut flora are called “probiotics.” These tiny symbiotic organisms provide a wide range of benefits to your health, including keeping your digestive system healthy, aiding in nutrient absorption, boosting your immune system and even helping guard against cancer.

The benefits of probiotics were first discovered by Dr. Eli Metchnikoff, who studied the lifestyle of Russian peasants found to be living unusually long life spans. He noticed that their diet consisted of large amounts of fermented milk, which carry high levels of probiotics, and linked their longevity to this diet.

The two most common types of probiotics are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which can be taken either in food or as a supplement to help balance our gut microflora after an illness or course of medications such as antibiotics. The excessive use of antibiotics can lead to a proliferation of problems, as they not only wipe out the bad bacteria, but take out the good as well. This allows for opportunistic organisms to gain a foothold, such as candida, a naturally occurring yeast that lives harmlessly in the digestive tract. If it is able to grow unchecked by good bacteria, it may transform into fungal form and cause all manner of health issues, such as tiredness, fuzzy thinking, leaky gut, etc. Probiotics ensure that harmful microbes are kept in check in your digestive system.

The body normally carries over 400 different strains of these microorganisms in its digestive tract, amounting to 10 trillion in total. This is 10 times more than all the cells in your body. Though the greatest concentrations of probiotics live in the colon, they reside in many other parts of the body as well, helping to support the immune system.

Up to 80% of our immune response is dependent on probiotics, which stimulate the production of macrophages, T-cells and cytokines. They also produce natural antibiotics that are able to fight many pathogens that have developed a resistance to standard antibiotics. And if a pathogen develops resistance to one of the antibiotic chemicals produced by the probiotic, it has the ability to adapt that chemical to one that is more effective in fighting the pathogen, which standard antibiotics are unable to do.

Studies have found probiotics to be antagonistic to many types of cancer, stimulating the production of cancer-fighting chemicals in the body, leading to the shrinkage of tumors and encouraging cancer cell death.

Probiotics also help fight against viruses, including colds, flus, herpes, rotavirus and ulcers. In a study done on 2- to 5-year-old children in India who were given either probiotics or placebo for 6 months, those taking the probiotics had fewer cases of cold, flu, fever and diarrhea than those taking placebo.

Probiotics can naturally be found in different fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchee, kefir, miso, kombucha and sauerkraut. Look for labeling that states “live active cultures” on the package to ensure you are getting useful probiotics in your food.

The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic 6921 Pistol Range Road, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33635 (813) 818-7373 Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic