Does Fasting Have Health Benefits?

Many folks are trying fasting to see if it comes along with the health benefits that health gurus say it does. Fasting has been a practice in place for thousands of years and is often done by religious groups during certain times of the year or for certain specific reasons. Some health experts are saying that fasting can increase energy, improve focus, and give the digestive system a reset.

Most people who are healthy can fast for 1-3 days — this means only taking in water or black coffee. Many folks go on cleanses where they only give their body the minimal amount of nutrition it requires for the duration of the cleanse. Some of these cleanses can last days or weeks.

Some people say to fast once a week; some say once a month. It doesn’t hurt to get experimental with your diet, as long as you’re not hurting yourself.

Fasting has been shown to improve mental cognition and help out the digestive system, not to mention detoxify the body. 

You can also experience those sorts of benefits by limiting the time you eat in each day — say, noon to 8 pm. That way your body can spend the lion’s share of the day digesting and replenishing the body. It will also ensure a good night’s sleep.

You can also limit fast food and try to eat only clean, whole foods to improve your digestive system as well. Eating smaller portions will ensure your body doesn’t get bogged down trying to digest processed foods.

Whether you decide to fast or not, that’s up to you. We’re here to help with any advice or supplemental treatment along the way. Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn how our treatments go hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle.

Your Remote Nutrition Coach Check-In

Even though everyone’s routines are out of whack due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still important to check in with ourselves to make sure that we’re getting the care and nutrition we need to live a healthy life. When it comes down to it, it’s April already, and you likely set some health and wellness goals for this year — and it’s important to continue to see those goals through, even though times of self-quarantine might make it tempting to bail on any promises you’ve made to yourself.

The truth is, eating healthy and staying on top of your wellness will make this time not only more bearable but also enjoyable!

First, make sure you’re eating plenty of clean, whole foods. When you hit up the grocery store for your one visit per week (since you’re responsibly practicing shelter in place regulations), make sure to get plenty of greens, like kale, spinach, avocado, red bell pepper, and make sure to get fruits high in antioxidants, like berries.

Whatever your source of protein is, make sure to get plenty of that, and from clean and ethical sources if you’re able.

Of course, get some comfort food while you’re at it. Dark chocolate and organic peanut butter is a healthy alternative to candy and such.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our treatments, contact Holmes Chiropractic today. We’ll get through these trying times together.

Tightening Down on Your Self-Quarantine Restrictions

As the situation progresses with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remain vigilant in our practice of social distancing. Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few ways to practice social distancing and sheltering in place successfully. We all have to do our part to save the lives of those who are vulnerable to this terrible virus.

First, it’s important to realize that we should all only be going outside out of absolute necessity. No, this doesn’t mean going to the grocery store every day. Save your trips to low traffic times, and save your grocery run for once a week, that way you limit your contact with others.

Only go out for fresh air when you must. Keep your windows open and allow fresh air to come into your home. Only venture outside if you absolutely must get out — a good rule of thumb is go out for one walk in the morning and for one in the evening. Otherwise, STAY INDOORS.

Lastly, stay away from other people, even your neighbors. Stay connected to family members over the phone. If you’re fortunate to have people in your household, only come into contact with them… and still try to keep your social distancing practices in place.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn more about how we’re doing everything in our power to continue to safely and effectively provide our treatments to those who need it. We’re here to help in any way possible during these times.

Getting Outdoors During Self-Quarantine

As COVID-19 sweeps through the country millions of Americans are closing themselves indoors in an effort to reduce the spread of this serious virus and save as many lives of those who could possibly be impacted as possible.

However, it’s still vital to get outside when you can, while remembering to practice safe social distancing. Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few ways to get outdoors without abandoning your civic duty.

Take an Early Morning Walk

Get up early and go for a walk or a nature hike — the earlier the better, that way you don’t come into contact with many people, which will ensure you practice safe social distancing.

Retreat to Nature

If you have the gas and means, go to a secluded nature spot to go for a hike or practice meditation, that way you’re off the beaten path and don’t come into contact with others.

Running Outdoors

Remember that COVID-19 in an airborne virus. It’s important that you reduce your exposure, especially if you’re susceptible to the virus. Stay updated on conditions and where the virus is spreading. Try to run in secluded nature spots to reduce your exposure. Run early in the morning to avoid run-ins with other people during this time.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn more about how we’re offering treatments in a safe and clean environment for patients who still need drug-free pain relief. Chiropractic is considered an essential provision and we’ll continue to help our patients as long as we’re able, while also incorporating all regulations passed down to us. 

How to Stay Active at Home

As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe, millions of Americans are sheltering in place, or at the very least staying at home as often as possible and only going out for essential functions. This means we have to dial in our at-home routines to ensure that we’re still getting the daily exercise we need to stay healthy and well.

First, it’s important to invest in some home-friendly workout equipment, if you have the capital to do so. Kettlebells are a great investment and will diversify your at-home routine.

A pull-up bar is also a great investment and won’t set you back too much money. It’s a great way to get supreme upper body workouts while maximizing time and space.

A yoga mat is another key investment during this time. You can stretch your body out after a workout and even engage in a vicious ab routine.

As we take our workouts to our homefronts, remember that chiropractic adjustments are still considered an essential offering. Our doors are still open to you if you’d like to come in and get an adjustment. Contact us today to learn about how our treatments help get the best out of our patients.

What is Social Distancing?

During these times of Coronavirus outbreak, you may have heard the term “Social Distancing” and maybe you’re wondering about what it is and what you can do to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

That’s exactly what Social Distancing sets out to do — people are encouraged to stay at home more and to avoid large gatherings.

Many employers are letting workers telecommute, which entails working from home. Many freelancers already work from home, so it presents an easy adjustment for some.

For those of us who still have to go into work, it’s important to avoid touching coworkers and patrons you come into contact with. Avoid touching your face, mouth, and nose, especially after touching contaminated surfaces.

Instead of meeting with friends and family during these times of sickness, do face chats over the phone or have Skype dates instead, which will limit your own exposure and help those who you know who may be more susceptible to Coronavirus limit their exposure as well.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic today to learn more about how our treatments can help boost your immune system and help your body more effectively ward off inflammation and infection. Contact us today and let’s talk.

Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System

During times of the Coronavirus, it’s important to do what we can to boost our immune system, especially those of us who may be more susceptible to getting sick.

The truth is, there is a lot you can do when it comes to diet, getting a good night of sleep consistently, and making sure to exercise your body and give yourself the space you need to effectively recover that will set you up to live a healthy life 365 days a year. Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few ways to boost your immune system the simple way.

Fruits and Veggies

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will ensure your body is getting the crucial vitamins and minerals it needs to get through the day successfully, not to mention help stave off inflammation and infection.

Limit Your Exposure

One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to avoid excessive contact with germs. Stop touching your face and mouth and be sure to wash your hands after coming into contact with commonly-touched surfaces, like handrails, for instance.

Supplement Your Nutrition

Take vitamin C supplements and make sure that you’re getting all your vitamins and minerals. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel on a daily basis when you take the sorts of dietary supplements that work for you.

Chiropractic adjustments have also been shown to help boost your immune system, calibrating your body to run smoothly and effectively in the process. Contact Holmes Chiropractic today to learn more.

Spring Exercise Tips

The Spring months are a great avenue to get outdoors and boost your workout routines to achieve more positive and noticeable results. Whether you’re planning on running a 10k, taking up outdoor rock climbing, or investing in a paddleboard, Spring is a great time to work those new muscles and hold yourself to a higher standard.

Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few exercise tips that will help you during the Spring season.

Tip#1: Outdoor Yoga

Yoga is a great way to decompress, whether you have a demanding job or exercise routine. Taking your yoga practice outdoors will help you connect with nature, not to mention get a little fresh air. Try to choose a scenic setting, perhaps one that you have to hike to for additional health and wellness benefits.

Tip #2: Join a Community

Take a class of some sort that has you showing up a few times a week, whether it’s a martial arts class or for a kickball team. You’ll be getting much-needed socialization while also getting your exercise in.

Tip #3: Schedule a Spring Consultation with Holmes Chiropractic

A nice chiropractic adjustment will help calibrate your body and brain to achieve more positive results when it comes to your health and wellness. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to help conditions like arthritis, insomnia, even sciatica. Call today to learn more about who we are and the all-natural treatments we provide. 

3 Easy, Breezy Nutrition Hacks for Daily Wellness

It’s important to start thinking of the foods we eat and the beverages we drink in terms of what they offer nutritionally. We are what we eat and drink, when it all comes down to it.

Holmes Chiropractic would like to go over a few easy nutrition hacks that you can practice daily for improved health and wellness. You’ll start to feel a daily energy boost as a result!

1.) Drink More Water

You can basically always drink more water. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day, which will help you reduce headaches and migraines, improve your body’s functionality, and more. Your blood and the water in your body should be thought of as gasoline and engine oil. Stay satiated out there!

2.) Eat More Greens

Always opt for greens when you can, whether that means getting a big old salad at that restaurant you frequent with your friends instead of a burger or choosing a green smoothie instead of your normal fruit smoothie. Making these often more difficult decisions will pay off handsomely when it comes to our health and wellness.

3.) Find Clean Protein Sources

Whether you’re a vegan or a meat-eater, it’s important to find clean sources of protein. It’s always worth it to purchase higher quality ingredients (which are often locally and ethically-sourced) when you cook at home.

Chiropractic treatment is a great supplement once you’d like to start doing more to optimize your body and its internal systems. Contact Holmes Chiropractic today to find out more about how our treatments are the perfect complement to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Supplementing Your Nutrition the Smart Way

When it comes to nutritional supplements, not all are created equal. Before you decide which nutritional supplements to invest in and make part of your health and wellness protocol, it’s important to analyze your diet, your body type, as well as your body chemistry to make sure that you take the right supplements — the ones that are going to get the best results for you.

When supplementing protein, it’s a good idea to use high-quality products. There are protein powders made from vegetables or soy as alternatives to whey proteins offered.

Taking things like B vitamins, calcium, turmeric, fish oil, and vitamin C will help you stay healthy year-round, not to mention energize your day.

Nutrition supplements can get quite expensive, but it’s important not to resign yourself to cheap alternatives. Remember that you’re investing in your day-to-day health.

At Holmes Chiropractic, we provide nutritional supplements that help you get the best out of yourself. We also provide nutritional counseling that will help optimize your wellness and boost your daily energy and productivity. Contact Holmes Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation in order to learn about how our treatments and products can benefit your health and wellness.