- Integrated Body Therapies
Christine A. Ruppert, LMT5712 Stillwell Road
Rockville, MD 20851301-231-8695
Wellness
4 Powerful Foods To Improve Your Heart Health
Taking the lives of nearly 385,000 people each year, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Smoking, high LDL cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure are the biggest contributing factors of this hidden killer. While eating the wrong foods will increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, eating the right foods will actually reduce your chances. Keep reading to learn 4 of the best “heart-healthy” foods to ward off cardiovascular disease. continue reading
The Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods
Over the past 30 years, the amount of processed foods we consume as a society has doubled (source). Many today are stuck in the mindset of picking up fast food burger instead of preparing their meals. While opting for fast food might save you some time, it’s a poor decision that will ultimately take a toll on your physical and mental health.
It’s no secret that processed foods such as those purchased from fast food burger joints are bad for your health. However, most people don’t realize just how bad it truly is. For a closer look at the hidden dangers of processed foods, keep reading. continue reading
Do You Suffer From Insomnia? Read This.
Do you lie in bed staring at the alarm clock for hours on end? Insomnia – the inability to fall asleep when desired – is a common disorder that affects nearly half of the adult population (48%). Both men and women, young and old, can experience this disorder. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, keep reading to learn more about insomnia and how to treat it.
Insomnia is unique in the sense that it’s both a medical condition and side effect. Certain types of medications, such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants, may trigger insomnia. Consuming large amounts of the stimulant caffeine can also increase a person’s risk of developing insomnia. continue reading
Top 3 Inflammatory-Fighting Herbs
Do you suffer from chronic inflammation? According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic inflammation contributes to seven of the top ten leading causes of death. It’s commonly associated with heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and nephritis. Thankfully, there are several all-natural herbs that can counteract the effects of inflammation, offering relief to its potentially life-threatening effects. continue reading
Do You Suffer From Sciatica? Try Massage Therapy
Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a painful condition in which one or both sides of the sciatic nerve is compressed. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, stretching from the lower back and splitting into two at the pelvis, with one nerve going down each leg. It is responsible for sending and receiving electrical impulses from the brain, essentially telling the muscles in the legs and feet when to contract.
There are several different factors known to play a role in the formation of sciatica, including weight gain, spinal disc herniation, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, and trauma to the spine or surrounding tissue. Normally, the sciatic nerve remains unconstrained, but there are certain conditions, diseases and injuries that will compress the nerve, resulting in sciatica. continue reading
5 Powerful Health Effects of Olive Oil
Photo: Daniella Segura
Derived from the fatty liquid of pressed olives, olive oil is a versatile substance that’s loaded in nutritional value. Just a single tablespoon has 10 grams of monounsaturated fat, 1.4 grams of polyunsaturated fat, vitamin E, and other other key nutrients. While most people consume it for its delicious flavor and smooth characteristics, olive oil has surprising health benefits when consumed on a regular basis.
#1) Protects Against Heart Disease
Consumption of olive oil on a regular basis may lower your risk of heart disease. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 600,000 people die each year from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death among men and women. Olive oil, however, can reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering levels of LDL (the bad kind) cholesterol while raising levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind). continue reading
Apple Cider Vinegar as Health Potion?
I know what you’re probably thinking: why on earth would I want to drink vinegar? After all, its strong odor can turn your stomach before you even place the stuff to your mouth. Well, apple cider vinegar is a powerful ingredient with some surprising benefits. So if you’re willing to get past the smell, you’ll find this beverage to be a powerful health drink.
#1) Prescribed By Hippocrates
Hippocrates, who many consider to be one of the leading pioneers of western medicine, often prescribed apple cider vinegar to his patients to treat a broad range of ailments including fever, nausea, insomnia and vomiting. Patients were amazed to discover the healing and rejuvenating effects this natural substance offered. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” said Hippocrates. continue reading
Beat Work Stress: 6 Tips To Feel Better and Work Better
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The workplace is one of the top sources of stress in the average person’s life. According to a 2009 study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), a staggering 69% of employees in the U.S. say work is a “significant source of stress,” and 41% say they are tense throughout the workday. If you constantly feel stressed at work, try some of the following tips to create a more tranquil and relaxing work environment.
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Juicing vs Blending: The Great Health Debate
Adults who need 2,000 daily calories to maintain a healthy weight should eat 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day (a total of nine servings). According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, only 14% of adults consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables (source). That’s a shockingly low number that should serve as a wake-up call to people everywhere.
If you struggle to consume the recommended amount of vegetables and fruit, you should consider investing in a blender or juicer. Juicing and blending are both excellent ways to include more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Now for the million dollar question: which method is better for your health? continue reading
Massage Therapy Promotes Health and Longevity In Seniors
Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. According to the government-run organization-Administration On Aging (AOA), there were 39.6 million Americans 65 years of age or older in 2009 (source). This number is expected to double by 2030 to 72.1 million. With such a large percentage of the population entering their “golden years,” it’s important for the general public to take a proactive approach towards seniors’ health and well-being. continue reading