Health & Wellness News

FEBRUARY 2014

This month at InnerMovement we are focusing on Wellness between Partners. It has become increasingly apparent over the years in my own relationships as well as in witnessing those of my patients, that the impact we have on one another can be powerfully uplifting OR simply draining. We would like to offer ways to be a positive influence on our partners wellness this month and always!

Start by getting your partner to participate with you on the 3 Week Detox. When done together, this can jumpstart weight loss and promote healthy eating for the whole family. Treat your partner and yourself to a Couples Massage (on special this month!) or register for our Couples Massage Workshop. Get your partner signed up for their first visit with our Chiropractor or Acupuncturist! The healing benefits of these techniques not only eliminate pain and stress but restore balance to the muscles, nerves and organ systems.

Health is our most precious commodity, don't wait for it to be lost before realizing the effect poor health can have on those you love. BE proactive and BE a powerfully uplifting influence for your Valentine's health this month & ongoing!

Until our next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

How Relationships Affect Our Health & Happiness:

Psychologists and sociologists have long-since known that having a close relationship improves one's health and happiness, hoewever the biological factors that influence these health effects has been obscure. Research is starting to uncover how relationships can provide protective health benefits ranging from stress reduction, pregnancy, cancer, and chronic disease.

Here is a list of 7 ways your relationship affects your health:

1. Weight gain/loss: Couples tend to mimic each other's behaviors so adopting healthy goals together is key.

2. Stress levels: Research has shown a direct connection between our cortisol levels (stress hormone) and the state of our primary relationship. Disputes and dissatisfaction can send stress levels soaring. The good news? Regular physical intimacy appears to reduce stress and boost well-being.

3. Anxiety: Marriage may help protect against anxiety. In a 2010 World Health Organization study of 35,000 people in 15 countries, those who were married-happily or otherwise (the study didn't specify)-were less likely to develop anxiety and other mental disorders.

4. Feel-good hormones: Hug your way to happiness? It's not as crazy as it sounds. Researchers found that both men and women had higher blood levels of oxytocin, a hormone believed to ease stress and improve mood-after hugging. The women also had lower blood pressure post-hug, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

5. Sleep problems: People were more likely to experience daytime fatigue and fitful sleep themselves if their partner was struggling with insomnia. But sleeping next to someone you love and trust can help you fully relax and embrace sleep.

6. Depression: The state of your relationship can affect the risk of clinical depression however studies have found that long-term relationships and marriage, can ease symptoms in people with a history of depression.

7. Alcohol use: Our romantic partners have a noticeable impact on how much alcohol we consume, and how often.

So take care of the health of your relationship to help enhance your own personal physical, mental and emotional health.

Want more information on enhancing your health through stress reduction? Ask Dr. Heidi about the benefits of using NET (Nuero-Emotional Technique) to address physical and behavioral stress-related conditions.

Nutrition Corner: Healthy Aphrodisiacs

1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and serotonin, natural feel-good substances believed to evoke the same reaction in the body as falling in love. (Pair with Vitamin C-rich strawberries!)

2. "Asparagus," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century, "stirs up lust in man and woman." Asparagus is high in potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, A and C, thiamin and folic acid. Nutrients in asparagus also boost histamine production, necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.

3. Chiles: The hot capsaicin in chiles and other spicy foods can also heat up your sex life. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raises the heart rate and triggers the release of endorphins to give you a natural high.

4. Oysters: Oysters are high in zinc and research has show that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.

5. Bananas: Bananas contain bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, and the fruit's potassium and Vitamin B elevates energy levels.

6. Honey: Honey contains boron which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone. Also provides a natural energy boost.

7. Watermelon: Full of lycopene, watermelon may have a "Viagra-like effect on the body as it improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels.

8. Oilve oil: Packed with anti-oxidants, olive oil is a good source of healthy fats, critical for a healthy heart and hormone production.

9. Pomegranate: Filled with antioxidants, a recent study showed that pomegranate juice had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.

10. Pumpkin seeds: High in magnesium which helps raise testosterone levels by making sure more enters the blood stream.

Recipe Of The Month

Arugula-Pomegranate Salad

(serves 2)

Not only a potent super-food, Arugula is a well-documented natural aphrodisiac!

INGREDIENTS

Salad:
3 cups handfuls of arugula, rinsed and spun dry
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (tip- available at Trader Joes)
1 Bosc pear, cored and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soft goat cheese (crumbled)

optional: slivered almonds or walnut pieces

Dressing:
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh squeezed orange juice
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
A splash of Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or Tamari/low sodium soy sauce)
1 teaspoon honey (or agave nectar)
3 shakes of hot sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place vinegar and orange juice in a small bowl. Add olive oil, honey, Bragg's and hot sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well.
2. In a large bowl, toss arugula with dressing, then divide evenly onto plates.
3. Arrange pear slices on mounds of arugula in a flower like formation.

4. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, nuts (if using) and goat cheese.

Serve with freshly grated black pepper.