Tips to Strengthen your Immune System

Targeted Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can often be targeted to specific stress points, relieving stress that gets locked into our bodies.

Soft Tissue Massage

We cannot say enough about the numerous benefits of soft tissue massage, but most importantly for fighting immunity massage increases blood flow and the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight disease.  

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help to regulate the body's immune function by releasing blockages and disturbances to the body's energy flow.

Anti Viral Herbs 

90% of common colds are due to viral infections.  Though commonly prescribed, antibiotics are not effective against viruses (only bacteria).  Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine anti-viral herbs have been successfully utilized to treat viral infections.

 Contact Beach Cities Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to learn more

Although these tips may seem simple, diligent dedication to prevention can be all you need to stay healthy.  From chiropractic care and acupuncture to functional medicine, the Health and Wellness Center at BCO has a variety of tools and therapies to help keep you feeling healthy throughout the holiday season and beyond! Please follow us on Instagram for more helpful tips! @healthandwellnessbco and @beachcitiesorthopedics.    310-798-6496

Training Tips for the Catalina Classic

The Catalina Classic is the traditional and original paddleboard race from Catalina Island to the pier of Manhattan Beach, California. Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world, and, especially, a staple in the South Bay (catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.org) Naturally, this is no easy feat! Here are 5 tips training tips if you are looking to participate!

Warm up before you go out.

Warming up and stretching are essential for doing any type of physical activity, and this is definitely no exception! A warmup gradually revs up your cardiovascular system by raising your body temperature and increasing blood flow to your muscles. Warming up may also help reduce muscle soreness and lessen your risk of injury ( per Mayoclinic.org)

Wear a hat to keep your body warm.

While it may not be practical to bundle up for an intensive water workout, wearing a hat is a great way to slow down the rate of temperature loss.

Brave the cold of the winter water and commit to 2 paddles per week.

You know what they say, practice the way you play. Committing to 2 paddles per week in the winter will be a great way to prepare your body for the long haul in the summer. Winter paddles will work wonders to condition your body to the cold and make sure that you are well prepared come summer time!

Use your arms like a swimmer.

Think of paddling a paddle board like moving a racing scull. Keep the board quiet in the water and maintain momentum. For your stroke, use your arms like a swimmer! Make sure to enter long and finish your stroke.

Enjoy the pain!

This paddle isn’t going to be easy for anybody, so, not only should you expect a bit of muscle pain, but, try to enjoy it! Pain means progress, you can do this!

5 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

I’m sure you’ve heard that turmeric and curcumin are good for you. But, just why is it that they are good for you? To clarify, Curcumin is a naturally-occurring chemical compound found in the spice turmeric, so, it may seem as those these terms are used interchangeably. Here we’ll break down 5 proven health benefits of turmeric and cucumin, and why you should try to incorporate them into your diet. 

1. Turmeric Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of Your Body

Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the primary causes of expedited aging and many preventable diseases. Turmeric aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and more. It may also help in the management of inflammation from exercise and overall muscle-soreness and fatigue. 

2. Curcumin Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Studies show that curcumin and turmeric serve as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Since inflammation is a strong component in so many conditions, especially heart disease, these anti-inflammatory properties make them a great addition to any heart healthy diet.

3. Curcumin Can Help to Prevent Cancer

Curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment for some time, and has been proven to be beneficial in slowing overall cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level.

4. Turmeric Can Help to Improve Brain Function

Research has shown that turmeric contains a compound, aromatic-turmerone, that can increase stem cell growth in the human brain. This is believed to improve memory function as well as to support regeneration in neurologic disease.

5. Curcumin Can Help Mitigate Risk for Chronic Diseases Such as Alzheimer’s

Unfortunately, no effective permanent treatment is available for Alzheimer's yet. This means it is incredibly important to take preventative action. Studies have shown that curcumin can be used as a preventive treatment for many diseases, disorders, and other health issues, including Alzheimer’s.

With any health and wellness questions, or to schedule an appointment, please contact your friendly Torrance & Manhattan Beach Orthopedists!