Is Mineral Water Bad For Us?

Myths

• Leaches calcium out of bones: it was originally thought that the bubbles would leach out calcium as soft drinks in large quantities have been shown to do this.  The good news is that no research shows that carbonated water leaches calcium out of bones.1 The confusion arose as originally it was thought to have something to do with the bubbles.
• Bad for teeth: studies done by immersing teeth in still and mineral water showed very little difference in the erosion of the teeth.2  
• Salt: the amount in it is negligible - avoid chips, biscuits and adding salt to food.  For people that are required to have a salt reduced diet it is a good idea to avoid it but for otherwise healthy people - drink up!

Avoid mineral waters with sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Benefits: 

• It is great for hydration, contains calcium and magnesium which is great for bone and muscle health

1.    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/carbonated-water/bgp-20056174
2.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11556958

Why Treat The Whole Spine?

Why do chiropractors adjust (treat) the whole spine even though you may have pain in only one area of your spine?

We see the spine as an integrated whole.  What happens in one area affects another which can cause compensation reactions to occur quite commonly.  For example, someone complaining of low back pain can often have an even more advanced problem in their upper neck.  However it may not be producing symptoms yet.  An absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is fine.  A head misalignment may produce a problem in one's lower back.  By addressing the neck issue despite it having a lack of symptoms, the back pain may resolve and result in a healthier spine.

Whilst chiropractic adjustments are specific and targeted, our focus is on the spine as a whole, not just the area which is causing discomfort.

Let's Get 'Snow Fit'!

The snow season has arrived and good preparation can help you to reduce the risk of injury and get the most out of your holiday.

4 areas to focus on for getting 'snow fit':

1. Boost cardiovascular fitness for improved stamina
2. Strengthen muscles to reduce muscle fatigue and pain
3. Balance training to help prevent falls
4. Injury prevention ie making sure that your joints are aligned properly

A programme should be individually tailored to your fitness level and skill set, our chiros at Riverside Chiropractic can help with this.

Make sure to include interval training in your cardio work outs e.g. walking or running upstairs or up a hill for 30-60 seconds, alternate with a rest period and repeat as many times as you can manage.  Core exercises are a must as they help you to stay balanced and to change direction. 

Always stretch after a work out to reduce pain the following day and to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water whilst you are on the slopes and to pop on some sun screen as well.

Enjoy your time at the snow and if you'd like to make an appointment to become more 'snow fit' please phone 8096 6781 or email us.