Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that our body needs to function.  Unfortunately, our bodies cannot make them ourselves so we have to get them from outside sources.  The benefits of omegas are numerous but they are most known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They also play a very crucial role in nervous system development and brain function. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.

While these fatty acids are so vital for our health, many Americans are deficient in them.  Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include poor memory, fatigue, dry skin, heart problems, and joint pain. The typical American diet is often high in omega 6 fatty acids and low in omega 3’s. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in things like grains, eggs, and grain-fed livestock. These fatty acids will actually promote inflammation within the body. Ideally, you want to have a 2:1 ratio of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids. Most Americans linger around a 20:1 ratio.

The great news is, there are tons of healthy and nutritious sources of omega 3’s. The following are just a few:

• Salmon
• Grass-fed beef
• Flaxseed
• Chia Seeds
• Walnuts
• Tuna
• Grass-fed dairy

Using supplementation to improve your omega 3 levels is always great as well! This way you know your body is absorbing the proper amounts it needs.

Dr. Meghan

Acupuncture has numerous benefits and it’s impossible to count all the conditions it can help with.  The following are just a few of them!

1. Insomnia

Regular acupuncture treatments have been shown to improve sleep quality and length up to 3+ more hours a night

2. Balanced Mood

Acupuncture will calm the sympathetic nervous system by releasing endorphins and neurotransmitters that control our stress levels. Our sympathetic nervous system is in charge of releasing our adrenaline and is our “fight or flight” nervous system.  There are about 40 million Americans suffering from anxiety and about 17.5 million suffering from depression. Many have found a significant reduction in symptoms with acupuncture treatments.

3. Improved Immune System

Certain acupuncture points will actually trigger your body to release immune cells. These cells are responsible for seeking out infections and foreign invaders. Studies have actually shown that acupuncture treatments improved cell counts in those with HIV/AIDS.

4.Chronic Pain Management

Many people suffer from chronic pain that they are just left to manage it. Acupuncture can actually double the chances of experiencing relief from this pain whether it be low back pain, neck pain, or migraines.

5.Reduced Stress

I’m sure most of you would say that you deal with quite a bit of stress from day to day. 1 in 5 Americans report that they experience “extreme” stress. These constant stressors have actually been liked to causing 60% of illnesses and disease. Treatments with acupuncture can help to relieve a lot of this stress and even lower stress-induced high blood pressure.

6.Hormone Balance

Hormone imbalance is becoming more prevalent. Women reaching menopause in particular can suffer from extreme symptoms. Specific acupuncture points will target the reproductive organs to regulate hormones and increase blood flow to them. Acupuncture is also very effective in supporting the process of IVF and conception.

7. Acid Reflux relief 

About 60% of adults suffer from some sort of gastric reflux disease. Regular sessions of acupuncture has been shown to reduce the reflux and relieve patients of its symptoms.

8. Allergy Reduction

Studies have shown that 2 acupuncture sessions a week for 6 weeks will help to reduce and manage allergy symptoms.

9. Weight Management

Many don’t know that acupuncture can actually help with cravings. By treating certain points, these cravings can be reduced and help you lose weight and keep it off.

10. Back Pain Relief

33% of people with low back pain saw an improvement with regular acupuncture treatments. Many cases of low back pain are related to tight and spasming muscles. Acupuncture can help to reduce that tension and relax the muscles.

If you suffer from any of these things or are just curious about acupuncture, give our office a call! (515)278-9678

Dr. Meghan

It’s that time of year when everyone’s allergies are hitting them in full force.  I have seen many people with terrible congestion, sinus pressure, and sinus headaches. Often we will get calls from patients saying that they’re not feeling well and want to cancel their appointment. What many people don’t know is that it is actually VERY beneficial for you to get adjusted when you don’t feel well!

All of the nerves that help supply and regulate your immune system come from your upper neck. Misalignments and subluxations in your neck will interfere with the message your brain is trying to send to your immune system. An adjustment will remove that interference between the two and get your brain talking to your immune system again! Research has shown that an adjustment will release 200-400x more immune cells!!

If you’re suffering from allergies or a cold, vitamin D is a fantastic supplement to help boost your immune system as well. Being proactive now by taking or increasing your vitamin D can help protect yourself this winter and help you avoid colds and the flu.

Next time you’re not feeling well or your allergies are flared up, make sure you get adjusted ASAP to boost that immune system!

Dr. Meghan