Month: September 2019

7 Tips To Get Rid Of Headaches Naturally

Headache is a common condition and one of the most prevalent forms of chronic pain. Anyone who’s suffered the acute pain of a headache, especially a cluster headache or a migraine, knows how challenging it can be to work, drive and even carry on a chat while your head is pounding.

However, there are several natural treatments that can relieve the pain without a trip to the drugstore. Read on to find seven effective tips to get rid of headaches naturally and feel better fast.

1. Try a Cold Pack

If you have a tension headache or migraine, place a cold pack (a bag of frozen peas, ice cubes wrapped in a towel) on your forehead. Even a cold shower may reduce pain. Keep the pack on your head for 10-15 minutes.

2. Ease Pressure

If you are continuously putting pressure on your head or scalp, e.g., a too-tight ponytail, it could cause a headache – known as external compression headache. Other factors that can bring on a compression headache include swimming goggles that are too tight and wearing a hat or headband for a long time. 

3. Dim the Lights

Bright or flickering light can cause migraine headaches. If you are prone to headaches, wear sunglasses outdoors and cover your windows with dark-colored curtains during the day. You should also consider adding an anti-glare screen to your computer or laptop. If you wear glasses or contacts, ask your optometrist about blue-light blocking lenses.

4. Try Massage

A few minutes massaging your scalp and neck can help relieve a tension headache. You can also use essential oil (like coconut oil) on your temples for better results.

5. Relax

Whether it’s meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation or stretches, learning how to relax when you are in the middle of a headache can help ease the pain.

6. Probiotics

A healthy gut means a healthy body and a healthy head. Start your day by eating a healthy diet as a strong base, and it should include probiotics daily.

7. Chiropractic Care

Research and clinical trials show that spinal manipulation – one of the main treatments provided by chiropractors – may be a safe and effective treatment option for several types of headaches. If you suffer from a headache, your chiropractic may do one or more of the following:

• Perform chiropractic adjustments like spinal manipulation to alleviate the stress on your system and improve spinal function.
• Offer relaxation techniques, advice on posture, ergonomics and exercises. 

These therapies help to relieve the recurring strain and tension in the muscles of the upper back and neck – providing instant relief from headache. For help with your headaches, consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent headaches with our focus on spinal health, nutrition and exercises. Call us today at 513-285-7482 or email info@livewellcc.com to schedule your consultation to learn more about the health benefits of our brand of chiropractic care.

3 Healthy and Delicious Fall Soups

When there’s a chill in the air, nothing’s better than a hot bowl of hearty soup for lunch or dinner. But as with salads, soups aren’t always healthy. Here are three recipes for healthy soups that are filling and taste great.

Lemon Chicken and Cauliflower Dill Avgolemono

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill

I large lemon, zested then juiced

1 large lemon, juiced

Black pepper to taste

12 ounces frozen cauliflower rice

4 teaspoons cornstarch

2 eggs, whisked (or equivalent Egg Beaters)

1 pound cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded with forks

Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add onion and sauté until tender. Add 2 tablespoons of dill, lemon zest and chicken broth. Season with pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add cauliflower rice and simmer until tender, about 6-8 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and lemon juice until the cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk eggs into the lemon juice mixture then slowly ladle in broth whisking the entire time so that the eggs don’t curdle. Once the mixture comes to temperature pour it back into the soup pot while stirring. Continue to stir until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and remaining tablespoon of chopped dill. Heat for 5 more minutes stirring occasionally. Serve topped with a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Spicy Carrot Soup

5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

3 cups cooked carrots

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Freshly ground pepper to taste

In a food processor or blender, purée broth and carrots until smooth. Transfer to a large pot, stir in spices and cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Thin soup with 1/4 cup water and continue to stir for 2 more minutes. Before serving, top each bowl with 1 tablespoon of yogurt and grind fresh pepper on top of yogurt. Add pumpkin seeds.

Roasted Garlic and Asparagus Soup

2 pounds asparagus, trimmed

6 garlic cloves, grated (or 6 tablespoons jarred, minced garlic)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup almond milk

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat oven to 450. In a large glass bowl, toss asparagus and garlic with olive oil and season with pepper. Arrange asparagus and garlic on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until tender. Remove from oven and transfer asparagus and garlic to a blender. Add 3 cups broth and 1 cup almond milk. Pulse until smooth, then pour into soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 minutes, thinning with remaining broth and stirring occasionally. Garnish with parsley.

Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert and the team at Live Well Chiropractic Center knows that nutrition is a huge part of your overall health and wellbeing. We are proud to offer a variety of supplements and support products, as well as a full suite of chiropractic care, orthotics and corrective exercise for your entire family. Give us a call at 513-285-7482 to find out how we can help improve your nutrition and overall health. And be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!