Smith Chiropractic and Nutrition

Dr. Llana Call Smith Sleep…. Wonderful when it’s good and massively disruptive when it’s not!   Sleep is one of those necessities in life.   You must have it to have good health but many people have a problem with sleep. Sleep issues can be grouped into four main categories. 1.       Problems with falling asleep and staying asleep, also called insomnia.   Common causes are physical illness, stress, anxiety, depression, drugs/medications, and poor sleep environment. 2.       Problems staying awake, also called hypersomnia.   Examples include narcolepsy, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.   All of these can result in daytime fatigue. 3.       Problems with sticking to a regular sleep schedule.   Traveling and shift work make this a big issue. 4.       Unusual behaviors during sleep such as sleep terrors and sleep walking. Even though more than 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified, there are several things that can be done to he

By Dr. Llana Call Smith Most of us have heard of the “check-engine” light in our vehicles.  Some of us have seen it!  When it comes on in your vehicle, it is telling you that a problem is occurring and it needs to be addressed.  We always pray it is nothing, but the way to find out is to take it to a mechanic and have them use a code reader to find out what might be going on.  The “check-engine” light itself does not tell you what the problem is, just that there is a problem.  The code reader is a diagnostic tool that allows the mechanic to help determine what is wrong with your engine.  If you have a problem in the engine that causes the “check-engine” light to come on and it is not addressed, it WILL get worse. Just like the “check-engine” light in your car, the body has many symptoms that signal that something is out of balance and needs to be addressed.  If the problem is not addressed it WILL get worse.  Just as a car will break down eventually without proper maintena

Your health is important.   You know you need to change but where do you start?   Here are some suggestions for the top four food sensitivities to help make changing your diet an easier transition for you. Sugar —while all sugar can cause problems, white sugar is usually the most commonly not tolerated sugar.   Brown sugar is just as bad as it is usually just white sugar with some molasses mixed back in. Instead , try using honey, maple syrup, palm sugar, coconut nectar, or Stevia.   Just remember to use these in moderation.   When you have that sugar craving—stick with these and leave the other sugar alone.   Most recipes can be altered fairly easily but may take some trial and error to find what you like best.   Avoid using artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Equal, Sweet n low) as they are chemicals and put loads of unneeded stress on the body. Wheat —it seems like it’s everywhere!   It’s in many processed foods—read all labels!   Most breads and breading, crackers, cook

Be careful with all the ‘diet’ foods on the grocery shelves.   Many are sweetened with chemicals—aspartame (Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and saccharine to name the common ones.   They are toxic to the body and nerves, can cause headaches, prevent weight loss, and even mimic Multiple Sclerosis!   Stevia is a better option for no calories.   Honey is also a great sweetener to use with a lower glycemic index.