Foods for Sun Protection

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anthocyanins, antioxidants, carotenoids, curcumin, Dr. Tijana DC, flavanols, healthy.BEing family wellness, lycopene, sun damage, sun protection

The SPF, sun protective factor, is a hot topic as the summer is upon us. There are a number of common foods that offer protection to skin from the sun’s potentially damaging effects with the presence of antioxidant compounds. The natural antioxidant provide the protection to the cells of the body from premature destruction, due to exposure to heat, light, air, moisture and time. Brightly-colored foods tend to help reduce damage to skin cells caused by UVA and UVB radiation.

Here are some sun protective foods to consider:

Colored peppers: Red, yellow and orange peppers contained natural pigments called carotenoids. These antioxidants convert to vitamin A  and aid in protecting skin cells by inhibiting the destruction of the thin lipid (fat) layer that surrounds skin cells in the body.

Yellow summer squash: Also contains protective carotenoids. It can used in dishes or eaten fresh.

Turmeric root: The yellow root contains a profoundly beneficial compound called curcumin that possesses superior anti-inflammatory activity, aids the immune system, enhances the brain, and protects your skin. It can be used in cooking or in supplements.

Ripe red tomatoes: The characteristic red color in tomatoes is from the natural antioxidant pigment and phytochemical lycopene. This antioxidant is well known for providing protection to the prostate gland. It also protects skin cells from exposure to the sun.

Watermelon: Also contains lycopene for its red pigment. Watermelon is also very refreshing keeping you and your skin cells cool and hydrated.

Blue and purple berries: Blueberries, black currants, acai, cranberries, blackberries and elderberries are rich in the potent purple pigments known as anthocyanins. These contain protective compounds, helping to reduce the risk of many chronic and degenerative diseases, and providing excellent SPF protection.

Green tea: Antioxidant compounds called polyphenol catechins provide super-powerful defenses that enhances cardiovascular function, demonstrates anti-cancer activity, supports the immune system, detoxifies the body, aids weight control, and also protects skin cells from exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

Cocoa: The ultimate super-food, containing 712 compounds, including potent antioxidant and skin-protective flavanols provide also profound protection for the heart and blood pressure. Eating the organic dark chocolate and whole cocoa is the best source.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Provides excellent protection for the heart as well as  protection to skin. These agents are essential to overall health and well being, and also help skin cells to stay healthy.

These foods offer have the protective activity of nature’s antioxidants that  protect the body from the inside out. Being in the sun safely should be responsibly observed with appropriate sunscreen protection year round.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Chiropractic for Healthy Children

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children, chiropractic, Dr. Tijana DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, nervous system, neurodevelopment, pediatric chiropractor, pediatrics, spinal health

“Why do healthy children get adjusted?” is not an uncommon question I am asked. The answer is simple: to keep their nervous system functioning at the optimum level without any interference or distress.

The nervous system is the master controller of our body and if its communication pathways become distorted, they may result in an ineffective neural input and output. These communication errors may be manifested as:

• Colic
• Irritability
• Inability to suckle and breastfeed
• Poor sleeping habits
• Developmental delays
• Digestion issues
• Asthma
• Behavioral problems
• Low energy
• Inability to concentrate
• Headaches
• And more…

Whatever the symptoms may be, it indicates that the nervous system does not have the  inability to self-regulate the bodyand function at a peak level. So whether you have a large spine or a tiny little spine, if that spine is creating nerve distress then the body is unable to operate smoothly. Chiropractors focus on ensuring the nervous system works efficiently and effectively by removing the physical, chemical, and emotional stressors.

These stressors insult the body’s ability to express its health and occur in form of vertebral subluxations. These lifestyle stressors may be:

• Bad posture
• Prolonged postures
• Tummy sleeping
• Falls and/or physical trauma
• Poor food choices
• Dehydration
• Exposure to chemicals and toxins
• Emotional stress and anxiety

In some cases, the insults may start early in development while in-utero from exposure to toxins and/or by being restricted within the uterus and unable to freely move about. Subluxations often occur with long labors, very fast labors, births where instruments may have been used (ex. forceps and vacuum), and is surprisingly frequently with Cesarean births.

Now that you have an appreciation for the importance of the nervous system and how it affects the whole body, it does make sense that all children, with or without any evident symptoms, deserve a well-adjusted nervous system and spine. Incorporating chiropractic care will become an important part of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.

Additional benefits of chiropractic care for children:

• Maximize the child’s brain plasticity and neural development
• Enhance the child’s overall health and well-being
• Strengthen the immune system for a reduction of incidence of colds, earaches and general illness
• Help with colic and irritability
• Help with breathing difficulties, asthma, and allergies
• Influence postural changes
• Improve the child’s ability to concentrate
• Reintegrate the nervous system to assist with behavioral disorders and emotional stress and anxiety
• Alleviate bed-wetting and digestive problems
• Assist with sleep issues

An optimally functioning nervous system is your child’s greatest health asset.

 

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Good Posture = Good Health

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chiropractic, Dr. Tijana DC, ergonomics, healthy.BEing family wellness, nervous system, postural abnormalities, posture, spinal health, spine

“Straighten up!” have been the words that echoed from my mother for most of my childhood. That is how I earned myself a spot in a ballet class in second grade. But she had a great point….POSTURE has a direct effect on the health and well-being of an individual.

Up to 90 percent of people suffer from poor posture, with the most common posture abnormalities being:

• Slouching
• Forward head position/translation
• Rounded shoulders
• Forward-tilted pelvis (sway back)
• Rotated hips

Each of these postures puts extra weight and pressure on the spine and can lead to a number of debilitating problems from tension and soreness to headaches, neck and back pain, and fatigue. What is becoming increasingly evident is that poor posture ultimately influences the spine and nervous system, and in turn, overall health.

Poor posture impacts the nervous system, which significantly alters how a person operates day to day. Poor posture may have adverse effects on the well-being, overall mood and ability to concentrate, study effectively or even work. Abnormal input and output from the body does not allow it to function at its full capacity.  Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the nervous system and in doing so they enhance all of our bodily functions.

Chiropractors have seen a growing trend in posture problems and spinal issues linked to the use of laptops, computer mouse devices, portable telephones cradled under the chin, and hours in front of the TV. Our bodies reflect what we do with them most. There is also a significant increase in problems triggered by handheld computer games, MP3 players and excessive mobile phone texting, especially in a younger population of children and teens. Moreover, when young children have poor posture, it may lead to a greater risk of poor neuromotor development that will affect their health later in life.

Chiropractors are experts in the care of the nervous system and spinal health. They will help to identify and address the lifestyle habits which may have initiated the postural issues. In most cases, postural problems can be corrected and sometimes even reversed. At the end of the day, a healthy spine and nervous system means a healthier life. Finding a recommended chiropractor in your area is a wise choice. If you need help with that, I can certainly be of assistance, so do not hesitate to ask.

Improving the ergonomics at home, at work, and in the car may have an additional benefit when seated. These changes will help decrease the pressure on the spine as well as decrease discomfort and fatigue.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen

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Dr. Tijana DC, environmental working group, healthy.BEing family wellness, organic food, organic vs. conventional, pesticides

The Environmental Working Group has published a list of the cleanest vegetables and the most pesticide-ridden ones. It is very important to make informed decisions around which foods you buy organic and which you buy conventional. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to eat all organic, so if you are looking for the best options check out this list:

Dirty Dozen –> BUY ORGANIC!

• Apples
• Celery
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Nectarines – imported
• Grapes – imported
• Sweet bell peppers
• Potatoes
• Blueberries – domestic
• Lettuce
• Kale/collard greens

Clean Fifteen –> CAN BUY CONVENTIONAL!

• Onion
• Sweet corn
• Pineapples
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Sweet peas
• Mangoes
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe – domestic
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Water melon
• Sweet Potatoes
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Chiropractic for ADHD

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ADHD, Dr. Tijana DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, lifestyle changes, natural alternatives, neurologic disorder, neurologic function, Ritalin

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination, and is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 – 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.

The diagnosis is typically divided into 3 groups:

• Lack of attention (inattentiveness)
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)

ADHD is considered a neurological disorder and many parents seek out a natural, non-drug solution for their child, chiropractic care can be helpful in reducing the nervous system disturbances.

The classic signs that parents and teachers notice:

• Inattention, hyperactivity and being easily distracted
• Difficulty concentrating and sitting still
• Inability to control impulsive thoughts and behaviors
• Easily distracted by noises and activities
• Always moving—fingers, hands, arms, feet or legs

Nutritional and lifestyle changes are instrumental to rule out environmental factors by reducing the child’s exposure to common substances:

• Remove food dyes, preservatives and additives from the diet.
• Focus on natural, organic foods grown without pesticides or herbicides.
• Determine if an allergy is involved such as dairy or gluten and eliminate.
• Eliminate all sugars and artificial sweeteners.
• Reduce the use of cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners and other chemicals.

Traditional Treatment

A medical approach to controlling symptoms of ADHD is to administer regular doses of methylphenidate. More commonly known as Ritalin®, a schedule II controlled substance related to, and producing similar effects as, amphetamines and cocaine. The side effects, including personality changes and permanent changes to the brain, cause many parents to look for alternatives.

Natural Treatment

In treating the various symptoms of ADHD, chiropractors look for disturbances in the child’s nervous system and spinal distortions. The link between the spine, brain stem dysfunction and ADHD is common. A thorough chiropractic examination can reveal noticeable spinal distortion. The  chiropractic adjustments are safe and natural to help reduce the accompanying nervous system tension.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Improve Your Fertility

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benefits of yoga, chiropractic for pregnancy, Dr. Tijana DC, fertility, healthy.BEing family wellness, pregnancy, prenatal yoga, stress management

About 10 percent of reproductive age couples have trouble getting pregnant. Many women are waiting to have children later in life due to building their own careers or taking more time before tying the knot. After the age of 35, the decline in fertility starts to accelerate, which largely depends on the stressful lifestyle. These types of lifestyles cause a woman’s body to shut down as a means of survival.

These stressors manifest as:

• Daily stress
• Work issues
• Busy social schedules
• Poor nutrition and malnourishment
  • Poor food choices
  • Too few calories
  • Too many of the “wrong” type of calories

Nutrition

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important and it varies from one person to the next. Reducing deficiencies through healthy diets may be by increasing the amount of essential fatty acids in the diets, more leafy greens and less caffeine. Consulting with your holistic physician and/or nutritionist is important to help manage your dietary habits.

Stress Reduction

Reducing the amount of physical, chemical and emotional stress is an important part of the puzzle when it comes to fertility. Women have a tendency to be hard on themselves, often overlooking that it is crucial to nurture and care for the body, mind and spirit, in order to care for another. The process of fertility treatments can be scary, overwhelming and stressful, especially if the body is not responding the way we anticipate.

Yoga

Yoga offer a complimentary alternative care method for connecting the body and the spirit. Finding a calm, centering place allows one to slow down, breathe and be kind to ourselves. It may be difficult to force the body to always do things biologically, but working on how to react to certain life circumstances and upsetting processes and experiences. Being gentle while approaching a yoga practice is important, especially for women going through treatments or trying to get pregnant strenuous exercise is usually not the best.

Benefits of yoga:

• Blood flowing to key areas in the body, such as the pelvis
• Opens up the lungs for more oxygen and energy flow
• Stretches the hips, waist, and back for better posture and stability
• Building strength, stamina, flexibility and security
• Deeply soothes and relaxes the whole system
• Aligning the energy from inside and out
• Create a community and relationship with others

Chiropractic

Chiropractic aids in correcting body’s imbalances, evident in misalignments and overcompensations in posture. The presence of these misalignments,  vertebral subluxation, will interfere with the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the body through distorted brain messages.

The spinal compensations resulting from the subluxation may result in distorted pelvic positioning, causing the baby to get into an unfavorable position for birth, possibly breech. The nerve pressure and tension caused by the spinal compensations in the spine may lead to improper signals to be sent to various organs and tissues, such as the heart and lungs in the mid-thoracic region; kidney and liver in lower-thoracic and lumbar regions; and unfavorable uterus in the lower-lumbar and sacral region. This tension or pressure will interfere with the brain stem’s ability to coordinate the messages being sent to the body by the brain and with proper distribution of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Allowing the nervous system to meet its challenges with less overall stress will be able to improve the chances of conception naturally. Improving health and well-being from inside out through nutrition, yoga, and chiropractic will help you make strides and prepare the body for the New Life.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Ear Infections

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allergies, craniosacral work, Dr. Tijana DC, ear infections, earaches, essential fatty acids, food sensitivities, healthy.BEing family wellness, immune system, pediatric chiropractor, probiotics, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc

One of the most common problems in the pediatric population are ear infection (otitis media). Middle ear inflammation is the accurate description as there is no actual infection present, in most cases.   Almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection during their first year, and by age three, over two-thirds of all children will have had at least one middle ear infection.

Symptoms include more obvious and some more subtle signs:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Irritability
• Dizziness, in older children
• Low appetite
• Less than normal activity
• Shaking the head
• Pulling on the ear
• Crying

Causes of ear infections can be complex and multifaceted, including allergy, infection, mechanical obstruction, and nutritional deficiency.

Allergy

Many cases of chronic ear infections are due to food or airborne allergies or hypersensitivity reactions. Allergies can cause significant pressure changes within the middle ear, as well as obstruction of the Eustachian tube. The most common allergens implicated in ear infection are cow’s milk and dairy products, wheat, eggs, chocolate, citrus, corn, soy, peanuts or other nuts, shellfish, sugar, and yeast. Dairy is the number one contributor to childhood ear problems. Proper allergy management, such as elimination and rotation diets, can produce dramatic recovery in allergic children with chronic ear infections.

Infection

If immune function is lowered for any reason, bacteria or viruses from the nose or throat can find their way into the middle ear and contribute to an ear infection. When these germs multiply, pus builds up behind the eardrum and increases the pressure, which leads to pain and swelling in the ear. Often a common cold with a stuffy, runny nose or a cough precedes the ear infection.

Mechanical Obstruction

The obstruction of the Eustachian tube can be due to a mechanical misalignment. This blockage is due to problems of the structural components around the ear and eustachian tube, including the bones of the jaw, skull and neck, which move gently in synchronization with one another. The movement of these bones allows for the proper movement of the fluids in the head, including the fluids connecting between the sinuses, Eustachian tubes and ears. Many things can change the proper movement of the bones in the head, including falls, recurrent infections, and the trauma of birth (especially if tools were used).

Since an ear infection contains fluid that accumulates behind the ear drum, gentle movement of the bones of the head to allow drainage of the fluid can prevent and cure such an infection. Craniosacral work is the gentle movement of the bones of a child’s head and sacrum. Using craniosacral work for treatment and prevention of ear infections is especially helpful. Seek out a pediatric chiropractor, like Dr. Tijana, who specialize in cranial work for your child.

Nutritional Deficiency

An organic, unprocessed, whole foods diet, low in sugar, is essential for creating good health with high immune function. Dietary fats, such as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), are essential to normal immune and nervous system function, while reducing the predisposition to recurrent infections and inflammatory conditions. Essential fatty acids are found in flax oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, krill oil, and fish oil. This should ideally be started by the mother while she is pregnant and during breast-feeding. One or two teaspoons per day of flax oil, depending on age, may be all the child needs.

Deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals can weaken a child’s immunity. It is valuable to give children a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc are essential to the immune system, protecting against ear infection, and the conversion of fatty acids, respectively.

Supplementation of the diet with intestinal bacteria is important to healthy immunity, especially if a child has been on antibiotics. L. acidophilus is recommended for children over age seven, and B. bifidus for children under seven.

Breastfeeding is important to ensure that a child has a healthy immune system. Mother’s milk contains all the immune protecting complexes the child needs. Also, the sucking action required to breastfeed also helps the Eustachian tubes open and close, which makes a difference in the frequency that a child is likely to get ear infections.

Antibiotics and Other Medications

Ear infections are rarely an emergency and usually will get better without antibiotic treatment, which is what is typically prescribed. A reasonable approach in treating a child with an ear infection, who is otherwise healthy, is to wait four days and see if the body will recover without antibiotics. If after four days, the infection has not gone away, antibiotics may make a difference. Keep in mind that if an allergic child continues to be exposed to an allergen, or if the main cause is not resolved, recurrent infections are likely.

From the perspective of the whole person, giving medications to block and suppress an illness can push the illness further into the body. Anti-inflammatory drugs block the formation of some chemicals that promote inflammation, while also blocking chemicals that naturally prevent inflammation, as well as trigger the release of substances that make inflammation worse.

Prevention Options

Lifestyle habits make a significant difference in recurrent ear infections:

• Allergens: Remove food allergies and hypersensitivities.
• Positioning: A child should not lie down on his or her back to drink a bottle or feed, to be less likely to push fluids into the Eustachian tube.
• Breastfeed as much as you can, even more during a symptomatic period of earaches.
• Utilize nutritional supplements: EFAs, vitamin C & A, zinc.
• Probiotics to promote healthy intestinal bioflora.
• Consult with your holistic physician about use of antibiotics.
• Consult your pediatric chiropractor about gentle craniosacral work.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing all the Moms out there a very special Mother’s Day! I am so grateful for my Mom who has set an example of what it means to be a woman and a mother. I have learned along the way that one does not have to give birth to a child in order to play a Motherly role in their life. I also want to express my gratitude and admiration to all the wonderful Women in my life, Moms or not, who have shaped me along the way into the woman I am becoming each day.

Working on my first steps with Mom at arms length on my 1st birthday

So let’s find out some of the benefits of breastfeeding for Moms!

Breastfeeding practices positively impact the mother’s health and health behaviors post-partum over the short- and long-term.

The short-term benefits are initiated following delivery as the breastfeeding begins with oxytocin release:

• Allows for a more rapid recovery from the stress of parturition
• Reduces blood flow, leading to anemia prevention as iron stores are less depleted
• Allows for lactation-induced ovulation suppression that offers a significant contraceptive benefit, a form of natural “birth control”

The long-term, breastfeeding benefits may include:

• Reduces the risk for diabetes, breast, and ovarian cancers
• Regaining of pre-pregnancy weight in a shorter time period
• Reduces risk of obesity and osteoporosis
• Increases diligence with prenatal, pediatric and the children’s health care
• Raises the awareness for the health care and social service systems, sometimes for the first time

Breastfeeding goes beyond the nutritional provision that is backed with adequate evidence for health benefits.

The act of suckling at the breast has an impact on both child and mother, as it is shown in a study in adopted children who suckled at the adoptive mother’s breast.  The non-nutritional aspects of breastfeeding allow for a calming and analgesic response during the suckling process in the form of a physical and social connection between the infant and the mother:

• The infant’s oropharyngeal tactile- and mechanoreceptors are stimulated, while the release of cholecystokinin activates an afferent vagal mechanism that induces relaxation and pain relief
• Maternal skin-to-skin contact that consequently stabilizes blood glucose levels, body temperature and respiration rates, aids neurobehavioral self-regulation, and reduces stress hormone release and blood pressure
• Intimate social interaction, which may result in the release of the anti-stress hormone oxytocin that allows a relaxing and analgesic experience for the mother as well

Breastfeeding practices play a role in community public health, since the significant benefits encompass the physical, psychological, social, economic, and environmental aspects of health and well-being for the infant and the mother, AND IT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY ALL!

The body of supported work is overwhelming on this topic, yet there is not enough understanding in the general community.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Fluoride & Its Dangers

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adverse health effects, bone disease, Dr. Tijana DC, environmental toxins, fluoride, healthy.BEing family wellness, kidney impairment, neurotoxicity, toothpaste, water fluoridation, water treatment

Most people are familiar with fluoride in relationship to dental care and water treatment. However, there are some disturbing facts about fluoride and its intake that need to be discussed in detail, as most people are unaware of the dangers of ingesting fluoride.

Fluoride is an acute toxin that surpasses ratings higher than lead. According to the handbook “Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products,” fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. Fluoride is an environmental pollutant and a byproduct from the phosphate fertilizer, insecticide, aluminum and other industries. It is also a known carcinogen, especially in relation to bone cancers.

 

Fluoride can be found in water, toothpaste, mouthwash, dentist’s treatment, fluoride pills, juice, soft drinks, canned food, commercial fruit and vegetables, Teflon and Tefal coated items, etc. Current fluoride intake is equally divided between drinking water (in fluoridated areas), food, other beverages, and dental products, which would indicate that even if you don’t live in a fluoridated area, fluoride is endangering your health.

Fluoride used in water fluoridation is a toxic waste product — which means it contains other heavy metals. It is a cumulative poison that accumulates in bone over the years, as it is the most bone seeking element. The US Public Health Service has stated that fluoride makes the bones more brittle and dental enamel more porous.

As little as 0.04 mg/kg of body weight per day has been proven to cause adverse health effects. Retention of 2 mg a day will produce crippling skeletal fluorosis in one’s lifetime. Healthy kidneys can eliminate only about 50% of daily fluorise intake, so approximately half of each day’s intake will be retained and stored in calcified tissues, like bones and teeth. This is what makes it so dangerous.

Be warned. The groups who are at high risk for fluoride poisoning and must be acutely aware of their fluoride intake are the children, the elderly, people with impaired kidney function (i.e. many AIDS patients), immunodeficiencies, diabetes, heart problems, vitamin C, calcium  and magnesium deficiencies.  Some of the symptoms of fluoride ingestion, especially in hypersensitive individuals, may cause skin eruptions (i.e. atopic dermatitis, eczema, and urticaria), gastric distress, headaches, weakness, neurological deficits, inhibition of enzyme systems, damage to the immune system, calcification of soft tissues, and worsening arthritis, and osteoporosis that may lead to hip fractures.

In toothpaste is an especially inviting place for ingestion of fluoride from a very young age, because children tend to have less swallowing control skills in conjunction to bubblegum-flavored toothpaste. Since April 1997 all toothpaste in the US must carry a warning label, advising parents what to do if their child swallows more than the pea-size brushing amount; some containers even carry the poison symbol of skull and crossbones. With children the neurotoxic component of fluoride can be significant concerning at it may result in learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and even developmental delays.

Protect yourself and your family. Here are some suggestions:

• Drink distilled or reverse osmosis water, which you can buy in stores or acquire a system for home use.
  • Filters do not remove fluoride, nor does boiling the water.
• Avoid fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses.
  • Read the labels to ensure there is no fluoride, even on some of the natural brands out there.
• Eliminate any Teflon and Tefal coated cooking ware, as they release toxic fluoride compounds.
• Avoid fluoridated vitamins and treatments at the dentist, especially for the children.
• Avoid juices and soups in cans due to aluminum and fluoride cross-reaction.
  • As always, read the labels for ingredients.
• Avoid non-organic products, especially grape, due to the number of fertilizer and pesticide applications that result in high fluoride content.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Why Yoga?

Tags

detox, Dr. Tijana DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, mental relaxation, namaste, physical exercise, stress relief, workout, yoga

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular across the board. It is accessible on home DVDs, classes at the local YMCA, gyms, yoga studios, corporate classes, and even online. While its popularity has grown immensely, there is also some negative press that has circulated. But just like with everything else, there are pros and cons, especially when it comes down to finding the right exercise for yourself. Give it a try and see how it works for you.

Here are a few reasons on why to try yoga:

A great stress reliever: Yoga encourages deep breathing, flow of physical postures, and positive affirmations that work on feeling calmer, more composed, and easing anxiety. Even a challenging class can bring about a sense of mental well-being.

A great workout: Yoga can be effective in improving flexibility and stamina, and strengthening and toning muscles. Breaking a sweat and getting  great workout should not be a challenge, especially in a vinyasa-style class with poses held longer.

Acute brain power: Yoga goes past the physical body and can improve memory, help increase focus, challenges the inner strength and increases the blood flow to the brain.

A great detox: Yoga offers a way to massages the internal organs through a number of twisting poses, which helps rid the toxins out of the body.

Some things to consider:

• Finding the right fit: Take the time to research different types of yoga you may be interested in and see where they are offered. There are also many local coupon deals available that offer affordable classes, which you can utilize to test out some of the different studios and teachers.
• Remember that there is no competition: “If you close your eyes, no one can see you!” is a great motto to remember, especially if you are trying a new class or feel intimidated. You are there for yourself, so show up to your mat wholeheartedly!
• Take the time for yourself: Busy schedules are unavoidable for most lifestyles, but consider that it as a workout and a relaxation session rolled in one. Schedule the appointment to fit into your lifestyle and keep the appointment.
• Give it a try: Try to keep an open mind and give it a chance. If it is not the right approach for you, find something that is better suited, but at least you gave it a try.

Personally, I first tried yoga almost 15 years ago on a home DVD, and I took a liking to it immediately. But my real journey with yoga began while in chiropractic school. I became friends with a girl at school named Robin, who was a yoga teacher and decided to give it a try. (Dr. Robin is an excellent practicing chiropractor in Northampton, MA, and one of my dearest friends!) My introduction was an intense one, especially physically. I had seen yoga magazines with super-lean yogis practicing gravity-defying poses in all-white that exuded calm and peace from every pore.

My experience was much different….I worked hard, held the poses to the best of my ability, sweated through all my layers, and would not even dare to work against gravity. But what started out as a very intense physical practice to tone my body, quickly turned into lessons that I was able to take off the mat each time. These were lessons on being patient, gentle, and kind to myself, not measuring myself against others in class, allowing myself to do as much or as little as I needed at any given time, allowing my breath to move me,  learning to trust that my body can support me, and many more that are still to be learned. I take my yoga practice with me everywhere and no mat is even required. As a matter of fact, I have started working on becoming a yoga teacher and share my love for it with others.

I encourage you to give it a try, test it out for yourself, whether you want to work on toning, flexibility, or agility; or to work on calming the chatter in your mind; or you just want some time to break a sweat.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

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