Blog | Queen City Health Center

Breaking Up With Stress

Written on June 25, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Fitness, Nutrition, Workout.

What is Stress?

Typically, people hear stress and think of emotional stress that we all encounter in life. There are also two types of stress, chemical and physical, that play a part in our body’s stress response. Stress is a part of life, but the reality is we have the ability to lower the amount of stress our body endures on a daily basis.

Chemical stress can come from our environments outside and inside the home. Some examples are beauty products, food, cleaning products, and the biggest chemical stress being medications. Physical stress can be anywhere from car accidents to sitting at a desk all day. Sitting at a desk is the number one physical stress on our bodies and can easily be avoided with these practical steps to follow.

The Importance of Reducing Stress

Stress contributes to the top 50 diseases. Side effects to stress include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, headaches, chronic fatigue, back pain, Alzheimers, and much more. Most of the time these are a result of emotional, physical, and chemical stress combined.

When your body is stuck in a high stress response, you can experience high cortisol levels, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and also low immune system, low sex drive, and low function in the reproductive system. Luckily, we have the research to lower our stress levels so our body can function from a homeostasis state. While in homeostasis, our body will be able to heal, function, and perform at its best. Our body doesn’t need help healing, it just needs no interference.

3 Ways to Become More Resilient to Stress

1. Thoughts

Altering our perception through prayer, meditation, or simply choosing to shift our perspective. One way you can do this is viewing life as a journey opposed to results and expectations. Instead of thinking you have health issues or disease, think of it as a physiological RESPONSE. Our body isn’t created to be stuck in a state of stress. Our body is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14) and the sooner you think this way the sooner your body will be able to reduce stress. No more stinking thinking.

2. Proprioception

In other words, proprioception is the knowledge of the movement of your spine. 90% of stimulation to our brains comes from spinal movement and when the largest cause of physical stress is sitting at a desk, that creates an issue for a large population in the work force. To decrease this stress, stretch frequently and stand up as often as you can. Another great way to improve this is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care aligns areas in the spine unable to move (subluxation) which helps block stress responses. Research has proven long term care also improves immune system, reduces sick days, lowers pharmaceutical costs, and even more health benefits.

3. Adaptogens

Adaptogens are natural ways to help your body be more resilient to stress. The most common ones used are rhodiola, cordyceps, ashwagandha, CBD oil, Stress RX, turmeric, and more. Taking these will lower stress levels so your body doesn’t remain stuck in an emergency state.

When you control what you can control, it allows you to take responsibility to live up to your God given potential. We were not created to be stuck in an emergency state. We are not slaves to our bodies, we are the stewards of it..

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Let’s Talk About Constipation

Written on June 24, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Detox, Fitness, Nutrition.

Breaking the Ice

Constipation isn’t a typical dinner table conversation. However, the amount of people suffering with this issue would cause you to believe it should be talked about more. Not only do adults suffer with constipation, but also many kids today have bowel issues. Most people may think it is normal to go once every other day or even once a week, but the healthy amount is 1-2 times a day at least.

Shifting the Culture

Unfortunately, it has been engraved in us to consume a large sum of wheat and dairy. Most foods also contain sugar, which causes many people to stay sick. If you continue to eat how everyone else is eating, sickness will continue to rise. In order to shift your health, you have to be consuming healthy foods that the majority of the population may not be consuming. Shifting your nutrition will be the most important change for future generations in order to create a paradigm shift in American culture. Most doctors proscribe laxatives which are synthetically made to flush the body out. The negative impact these cause deplete the nutrients in your body. Rather than prescribing something for the symptoms, it is more important to deal with the cause.

5 Things to Eliminate

1. Gluten

Gluten is a natural protein in wheat, but it is hard for your body to fully digest.

2. Dairy

The majority of dairy is fed GMO food, given hormones and antibiotics which we then consume.

3. Sugar

Specifically eliminate refined sugar. This causes a lot of inflammation throughout the body.

4. Lectins

Foods with high amounts of lectin, such as tomatoes and peppers, can cause leaky gut issues.

5. Inactivity

Eliminate sedentary activities. Get active as possible and spend time with your kids outside.

5 Things to Add On

1. Water

Drinking clean filtered water is vital. Even adding sea salt can replenish minerals to your body.

2. Adjustments

Within a week to two weeks constipation can shift from consistent adjustments.

3. Exercise

Movement is what culture misses most. Be mindful of moving throughout your day. Increase the amount of times you walk, stress, and exercise daily.

4. Supplements

Magnesium, probiotics, and enzymes all assist with natural digestion within the body. These are also natural and safe for children to eliminate constipation.

5. Vegetables

Consuming vegetables as raw as possible will be the best way your body can break down food and receive the most nutrients. Try to only steam or saute them.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Crushing High Blood Pressure

Written on June 17, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Fitness, Nutrition, Workout.

Cause Over Symptoms

The trouble with the medical system today is to prescribe an artificial answer to treat symptoms. The goal should be to remove the cause. Medication is artificially lowering your blood pressure which blocks your body’s ability to heal itself. These cause other health issues over time, such as migraines or erectile dysfunction, and medication is added or increased. Once you’re taking many medications, it eventually leads your body to a heart attack.

Medication Cycle

Medications also deplete nutrients from your body. Diuretics may flush your body out, but they also flush out vital minerals such as magnesium and potassium.When you have low levels of magnesium and potassium, your blood pressure goes up. Low levels also increase heart risks which can easily lead to a heart attack over time. This will keep you in a vicious cycle of increasing your medication due to your body being dependent on something artificial to keep levels down. The following supplements, joined with good exercise and healthy eating habits, will drastically change the health of your heart.

5 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

1. Turmeric Root

Turmeric decreases inflammation throughout the body. Taking this 1-2x a day whether in a drink or capsule will lower blood pressure naturally.

2. Beets

Beet powder is incredible for your arteries and blood pressure. You can buy a powder form or juice beets on a regular basis.

3. Omega-3

Every cell in your body is surrounded by fat and when your fat ratios are off they can’t function properly. This will help balance those ratios.

4. Berberine

This herb is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure naturally. In addition to high blood pressure, it is known to help digestive issues and diabetes.

5. L-Arginine

High blood pressure can be paired with clogged or weakened vessels. Taking L-arginine is great to strengthen your those vessels so your body can naturally lower your rate.

Bonus Tip: Chiropractic Care

You may be thinking, “how does blood pressure link to chiropractic care?” The answer is found in your parasympathetic system. This system is in your upper neck which controls your hormones, heart beat, and blood pressure. When this system is shut down or blocked, it can increase your blood pressure. PubMed released a study showing one adjustment was stronger than two medications combined. An adjustment can eliminate irritation, correct bone movement, and relieve pressure. Adjustments, paired with exercises and retraining muscles, will drastically change your heart health. Ask our office today for additional chiropractic ways to decrease blood pressure.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Happy and Healthy Traveling

Written on June 10, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Health & Beauty, Kids Health, Nutrition.

Vacation Season

Whether you’re an avid traveler or go on a vacation once a year, there are many preventative ways to assure a healthy travel experience. Most vacations involve indulgence of food and drinks followed by a week of your body recovering. After eating certain foods, you may feel fatigued which disables you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Most vacations also cost tons of extra money solely due to going out to eat. Luckily, we have some tips to help you out!

Health Concerns Over Time

One of the main places that is impacted while traveling is your spine. Your spine is connected to your nervous system which controls the functioning and healing of your body. It is important to know how to prevent negative impact to your spine while also staying healthy during your travel experience.

3 Ways to Assure Healthy Traveling

1. Traveling Process

A healthy trip begins with the mindset going into it. Being aware of your posture while driving can prevent aches and pains during your travel experience. A posture tip for the car would look like arranging your rear view mirror high enough to where you can see, but also in a position to make you sit up straight. Having the seat leaned back, leaning to the side, or driving with one arm can cause misalignment over a long period of time.

2. Prolonged Sitting

Don’t go more than a couple hours sitting. At rest stops, make it priority to do some jumping jacks, squats, and stretches. Even during your drive, or ride on an airplane, you can wobble your body back and forth to keep your spine in movement. Other ways to take advantage of prolonged sitting is wiggling your toes and moving your legs.

3. What You Eat

Food for long road trips are typically purchased at a gas station along with caffeinated drinks. To avoid these options with high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars, go to your local grocery store to prepare in advance. Purchase organic whole foods that are convenient and healthy for your body to function such as bananas, blueberries, and coconut water. Even at your destination, instead of eating out purchase organic groceries like grass fed meat, free range eggs, and lots of fruits and vegetables. This saves money, time, and health.

Follow Up Trip

It is vital after traveling to visit your chiropractor. Getting back to your normal routine adjustments will keep your spine aligned and strong. Your chiropractor will be able to adjust specific areas effected by long distance driving, airplane rides, and more. Your body will thank you after traveling.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Severity of Text Neck

Written on June 2, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Kids Health, Teaching.

Medical Diagnosis

Text neck may sound made up; however, it has become an actual medical diagnosis in our technological day and age. Many people suffer from text neck if they are active in daily texting, social media, or gaming. When your neck is subluxated, or misaligned, many health issues can stem from your neck. The main thing the medical field shares on this topic is usually symptoms, but it is more important to talk about prevention. The missing link in health care is the definition of true health. Health is the optimal functioning and healing of our body, not merely the absence of disease. So although our daily lives evolve, we have the information to prevent these negative effects on our body from happening.

Importance of Spine and Nervous System

Any medical advice you receive should link back to the definition of health. Always ask, “Is this going to help me function and heal better or is it going to interfere with my body’s ability to function and heal?” The central nervous system controls these two aspects from the beating of your heart to the digestion in your stomach.

Correct Spinal Curve

Normal healthy necks have a nice 40-45 degree curve. When this curve is extended or lowered, the disks in your neck have uneven weight which cause nerve damage, pain, and irritation. Maintaining a healthy curve in your neck and overall spine is important given the fact you only get one spine. It is important to keep up with it. The typical response is when symptoms occur. Issues with the neck lead to numbness, tingling in your arms, sciatic nerve pain, leg pain, and more. We want to educate others to prevent these symptoms from happening. There is a misconception to wait until something is wrong to fix it, but following prevention will avoid these health issues completely. You hold the ability to be proactive in your health.

5 Ways to Focus on Prevention

1. Posture

Being aware of your posture while sitting, driving, and even standing will keep your body in alignment preventing unwanted curvature.

2. Sitting

Make it a point to stand every 15-20 minutes to deviate from prolonged sitting. Invest in a stand up desk or swap your chair for an exercise ball.

3. Screen Time

Limiting screen time, especially for children, will be extremely preventative. Screen time has additional health effects where limiting would be beneficial.

4. Backpack

Make sure kids are aware of posture when carrying a backpack. The extra weight can cause people to hunch over or slouch backward.

5. Sleeping

Avoid sleeping on your stomach. The best position to keep your neck in proper alignment is sleeping on your back.

The Fix

So what if you already have text neck? It is highly recommended to get x-rays from your chiropractor to know how misaligned your neck is. Primary doctors will be able to do this, but typically recommend exercise and medication. Visit a chiropractor to fix your current situation where you will receive adjustments, protocols for protection, and exercises specifically tailored to your neck.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Healthy Baby From the Start

Written on May 27, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Kids Health, Nutrition, Pregnancy.

A Whole New World

There are so many emotions bringing a child into the world just like there are also questions. Every parent wants to raise a healthy child, but with endless brands and news on what is best for your child can leave any parent confused. Instead of uncertainly tossing yourself into a new way of life, educate yourself on the natural way to improve your infant’s health.

Every Parent Needs to Know

As important as it is to keep up with your own health, there is another level of responsibility taking care of a child’s health. There are already enough chemicals and toxins in our world today to avoid. Most parents are unaware of choices that bring even more toxins into a child’s body. This ranges anywhere from baby cream to vaccinations. On top of these harmful substances, many doctors prescribe medications to infants without these prescriptions being tested on kids. This starts to harm children’s digestive and immune system.

Starting From Birth

The birthing process, in itself, can cause tons of trauma to a baby’s body including additional twisting and turning. Some labors may last up to 24 hours or even longer. Doctors tend to prescribe medication for health concerns, including acid reflux and constipation, instead of letting the body health itself from the inside out. Any chemical has a negative impact on your child’s health. Keeping your baby drug, medication free from the start is the ideal way to start raising your child.

3 Unique Ways to Raise a Healthy Infant

1. Chiropractic Care

It is not common to hear people adjust their newborn child after their born, even though it is one of the best actions you can take for your baby. The spine is connected to the nervous system which controls everything from your heart beating to your lungs breathing. Adjusting a newborn an bring a baby to be at their optimal function. Issues like digestion can be improved from adjusting the lower back, neck, or sacrum by opening up the spine to properly operate.

2. Magnesium

While breastfeeding, the mother can take a natural magnesium supplement to assure the baby receives this nutrient. Breastfeeding alone gives your baby all the proper enzymes, proteins, healthy fats, and so much more their body needs to develop healthily. Most formulas lead to digestive issues. Always ask your natural doctor, even chiropractor, for suggestions of formula with the most nutrient dense formulas.

3. Tea

To help with fussiness and lack of sleep, combining fennel, ginger, and chamomile tea together helps soothe babies. Giving them half a droplet will elevate gas and increase calmness.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Summer Body Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Written on May 24, 2019. Posted in Detox, Fitness, Health & Beauty, Nutrition, Workout.

The Modern American Diet

Western culture has evolved American’s health to plummet. More people are ingesting man made food, which contains high levels of toxins that disrupt our bodies ability to heal itself. Obesity, cancer, diabetes, and more health problems are on the rise due to the MAD diet. On top of depleting nutrients in our diet, many Americans try multiple diets throughout the year that can effect your gut and immune system as a whole.

Ending FADs Once and for All

When you try multiple different diets, your body is unable to keep up with the drastic changes. The truth is some diets work for specific people, but for others they are damaging. Instead of complicating your weight loss, eating the right foods with a few tips will allow you to sustain a healthy body. Doing these three things will get you in your summer shape in no time.

3 Fast Tips to Get in Shape for Summer

1. Exercise

Exercise means a lot of things to a lot of people. Keeping it short and simple will actually maximize your weight loss. The best workout is 10-20 minutes of high intensity. This decreases your appetite, does not increase cortisol levels, and increases your HGH which helps your body burn fat FAST. An example of a 15 minute workout is doing sprints, jumping jacks, or push ups for 1 minute and resting 30 seconds.

2. Water Intake

To be slim and more trim, you have to prioritize your water intake. It is vital to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weighed 150 pounds, you would drink 75 ounces of water each day. This will decrease cravings, increase hydration, and eliminate hunger pains.

3. Adaptogens

Due to our stress-filled environment, our stress levels are typically high. Along with our environment, traumas and exercise can also increase stress levels. Higher stress levels make your body carry more weight. Adaptogens allow our body to be more resilient to stress.

Bonus Tip: Chiropractic Care

Similar to adaptogens, chiropractic care relieves stress levels by aligning your spine in the correct posture. Adjustments put your bodies alignment in the best shape to allow your nervous system to function at its optimum ability. Doing these three simple steps and continuing with regular adjustments will have you in the best shape your body can be.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Boosting Testosterone Levels

Written on May 13, 2019. Posted in Fitness, Nutrition, Workout.

Importance of Testosterone

Not only is testosterone important for sex drive, but also for sleep, energy, and even pain response. When testosterone is imbalanced, stress responses increase and your immune system’s response decreases. Products are synthetically made and sold to boost testosterone, but typically cause many other health issues. Health effects can range any where from skin issues to heart disease.

Why it Matters to You

Our every day environment has caused majority of people to have imbalanced hormones. Many factors play a role such as having a sedentary lifestyle, eating grains, glyphosates (herbicides), and other chemicals that act as estrogen effecting men’s health. Along with eliminating these type of factors, you should also be educated on the right eating plan and workout plan to have normal testosterone levels.

5 Natural Ways to Shift Testosterone Levels

1. Food

Reduce, if not completely remove, all sugars and grains as much as possible. Sugar causes inflammation and chemicals within these products can act as estrogen, such as soy. Also, eliminate bad fats such as canola oil and vegetable oil. Check all ingredients.

2. Staples

Three staple foods include almonds, brazil nuts, and free-range organic eggs. When adding almonds, there are many creative recipes to implement more in your diet (smoothies, butters, etc.)

3. Exercise

The key to working out is doing high intensity workouts for a shorter duration. Longer workouts create high cortisol levels which restrict the production of testosterone. The best time to workout when your levels are high is in the morning.

4. Sleep

Many men have a go-go-go mentality and do not prioritize their sleep. While being driven is a great quality, sleep is necessary for your body to recover and preform better. This includes boosting testosterone levels.

5. Chiropractic Care & Adaptogens

Chiropractic adjustments allows the nervous system get back to normal which allows your body to properly produce the hormones it needs. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha or CBD oil lower stress levels and improve hormone balance.

Bonus Tip: Hormone Test Analysis

After changing your lifestyle and habits around, if you still notice issues then consult with one of the doctors to receive a hormone test evaluation. These tests will accurately show what your hormones are doing. If you aren’t a patient, call our office to schedule a consultation to set up a time to take a hormone test.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Anxiety and Depression

Written on May 6, 2019. Posted in Fitness, Health & Beauty, Mindset, Workout.

All Time High

Anxiety in the U.S. is so common that over 40 million adults have been diagnosed. Although anxiety and depression differentiate, they are commonly diagnosed together. The obvious causes of these disorders are linked to traumatic events, but there are many other factors that also play a role. Other causes can be hormone imbalances, diet, and stress . Your body can stay in a stress mode due to anything from a car accident to using a chemical household cleaner.

The Positive Side

The greatest part about recognizing or becoming diagnosed with either disorder is that you have the power to change it. After 30 years of practice, neurologist Dr. Caroline Leaf found our mind controls our brain. Up until this new research, majority of doctors believed our brains controlled our minds. This led to the belief in prescribing drugs if there is an imbalance, since the chemical make up was thought to be unchangeable. This belief has been proven false time and time again by many great doctors such as Dr. Caroline Leaf. Our body has the ability to heal itself, which positively includes healing anxiety and depression.

3 Ways to Improve Anxiety and Depression

1. Note Cards

As simple as it sounds, having a note card that says something uplifting to read anytime you’re anxious can really eliminate many symptoms. In order to renew your mind, you must speak life over yourself. Write a scripture down that holds onto truth. Clinging to these scriptures will allow yourself to think outside of the situation, ultimately leading to reduction of stress.

2. Exercise

Exercising has been proven to decrease both anxiety and depression. The common misconception is needing to workout 45-60 minutes a day. However, 10-15 minutes is just as effective. This will also allot time to be active throughout the day opposed to blocking off a time for exercise. Doing small things, such as air squats, will keep your blood flowing and mood increasing. Exercise is not based on a feeling; it is based off a choice.

3. Sleep

Sleep is vital to your health and recovery. If you are not getting enough sleep, make this a priority. Taking steps such as removing screen time an hour before bed will allow your body to naturally fall asleep quicker. The optimal window of sleep is 7-9 hours. One study showed athletes who increased their sleep by 2 hours, fitting into that optimal window, had an increase in performance. All they changed was their sleeping habits.

Additional Help

Chiropractic care helps immensely with issues involving stress to the body, specifically the spine. There are also tests you can take to specify which hormones are imbalanced. You can take natural adaptogens like Kava and Ashwagandha to lower your body from being in a stress state. To stay in a stable state, it is important to eliminate grains, bad fats, and sugar .

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!

Sciatic Nerve Damage

Written on April 29, 2019. Posted in Chiropractic, Health & Beauty, Teaching, Workout. Leave a Comment

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It stems from the lower end of your spine down to your feet. The damaged nerve is in the lower vertebrae in your spine where the most disk herniations take place. When the spine is misaligned, the lower spine holds more weight than an adjusted spine would. A proper spine would hold weight proportional, eliminating improper weight on your lower disks. You can misalign your spine doing small actions over time such as prolonged sitting and also for traumatic events such as a car accident. The second cause of nerve damage to the lower spine also includes pelvic issues. Athletes like soccer players and baseball players typically end up with pelvic issues due to their body adjusting to the range of motion they perform repetitively. When your pelvis rotates, you also effect the curve in your spine. Too much curve or not enough curve causes inflammation. Over time, this inflammation will cause irritation, eventually feeling that pain throughout your leg. Luckily, there are several ways to decrease nerve damage.

7 Natural Tips for Sciatica

1. Piriformis Stretch

There are many different stretches you can view online through videos and pictures. This muscle is located where the sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine, making it extremely important to stretch.

2. Hip Flexor Stretch

These stretches will also be found online. Your hip flexors help stabilize your spine and run through your pelvis. Doing these stretches will train your body to correct the muscles.

3. Strengthening the Abdomen

Your abdomen is important with stabilizing the spine as well. One of the best ways to do this is working your way up to doing a 2-3 minute plank each day. You can start off small by going however long you’re capable of, but reach for going 5 seconds longer each time.

4. Strengthening Hip Extensors

It is vital to not only stretch your hip muscles, but also strengthen them. There are many workouts you can do with no equipment at home and also many machines at a local gym to strengthen them.

5. Posture

Fixing your posture is key to a healthy spine. You can do simply adjustments in your every day life to assure your posture to be correct. You can simply adjust your screen at work so you aren’t slouching over and looking down. Just by being aware, you can slowly adjust your posture.

6. Stand Up, Get Moving

Even if you sit in an office every day, it is important to move your spine every 15-30 minutes. It can be as simple as stretching, wobble cushion, or walking around the office. Also, be aware of the way you sit in the car. Taking breaks on long road trips allow your spine to move freely.

7. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care comes in contact to the spine to adjust what is misplaced. In more severe cases, chiropractic care is able to help with specific adjustments, personalized stretches and workouts, and also performing decompression.

If you live in the Matthews/Charlotte area here in North Carolina, or would like a recommendation to other chiropractors in your area, contact us here. We would love to be in contact with you!