Highland Hydrates: Awaken Your Natural Thirst

Highalnd Hydrates is a FREE 10-day Natural Thirst Challenge that you can sign up for below. The challenge is meant to help you feel more alive than you have ever felt before!

See, when people ask me “How can I improve my lifestyle? Should I exercise more? Should I exercise less?

Rarely do I hear someone asking if they should drink more water.

Most of us don’t drink nearly enough water.

Think about the last time you were thirsty. Can you even remember that scratchy feeling between your throat and your stomach, and the joy when you saw a bottle of water?

The truth is, we’ve stopped listening to the signals that our body sends us. When we feel thirsty, we reach for juice instead of water. Sometimes, if we’re tired, we reach for coffee instead.

Water feels like something to mix with flavors to be more pleasing to our senses, and yet, no matter how much soda we drink, it’s not nearly enough to quench our thirst.

Why? Because our bodies need water.

Our bodies are 60% water. And by removing it from our diet and our lifestyle, we risk illnesses and overall bad feelings of lethargy and fatigue.

So when people come to me asking how they can improve their lifestyle, it doesn’t feel fair for me to just dish out advice without leading by example.

That’s why I’ve started the Highland Hydrates thirst challenge, and I’m inviting you to join me in purifying our bodies and giving them the nutrients they need.

After all, water is key to a healthy lifestyle.

What Happens If We Don’t Hydrate?

There are two ways of looking at our bodies.

The first is viewing our bodies as machines that help us go places. If we don’t keep our bodies in shape and take good care of them, we’ll be like a broken car. Sputtering and coughing, making the owner inside somewhat miserable.

So, what does the car need?

A checkup, yes, but it needs maintenance. It needs oil and fuel.

For our bodies, water is the fuel that runs our engines. 

The second way of viewing our bodies is by how they impact our welfare. Without water, we’re like that comic where there’s a dark cloud perpetually hanging over a person.

Now, you can be the most optimistic pea in the pod, but if there’s a dark cloud looming over you 24/7, you’re bound to feel a little blue. The same goes for bodies with water deficit that’s affecting their homeostasis (equilibrium).

In order for the dark clouds to leave, we have to drink the most common medium for chemical reactions in our body: water.

Otherwise, not only do we risk developing illnesses such as kidney stones, adrenal fatigue, and more… but dehydration will produce more negative effects:

  • Poor mental performance (for example, lack of focus)
  • Poor physical performance
  • Weakened immunity

See, you are probably dehydrated right now and you don’t even know it. Our bodies have a significant ability to continue on, even when dehydrated.

We have our ancestors to blame for that.

Unfortunately, they didn’t live in abundance as we do today. They lived in uncertainty. They couldn’t be sure they would eat every day or that there would be suffient water for them to feel completely satisfied.

That’s why our bodies evolved to monitor the signals we send them with nutrient intake.

So if we regularly drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods, our bodies will say: “Okay, I can spend these resources. Obviously, they’re going to come in an hour, three hours… and  tomorrow too, so I don’t need to save anything for the rainy days. I don’t need to supress this desire for fuel.”  Does that make sense?

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated

When it comes to substances we need for our bodies to function properly, water is the most important nutrient.

We can do plenty just by adding more of it to our regular diet and lifestyle.

Why?

Well, because nothing in our bodies happens without water.

It transports oxygen, nutrients and waste. It contains electrolytes like calcium and magnesium that we need for our bones, muscles, and other chemical reactions fueling our happy lives.

If we’re cars, water is our oil, too – not just fuel. It lubricates our joints, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, meaning that we’ll have better digestion, metabolism, and even breathing!

Talking about calories: we need them.

But not in a way that comes from fast food.

These foods lack nutrients and they dehydrate our bodies. There’s not water or nutrients in 99% of all fast food, and even though water isn’t caloric, it helps the body process calories properly so we become energized and don’t put on extra weight.

We can up the amount of water we consume to make sure our bodies are processing whatever we eat properly. 

So, what’s the problem with hydration?

Our main problem is that we don’t hydrate nearly enough. Our body has to shout at us to get some water, instead of us making it a part of our routine to supply it with the water it needs.

Once this goes on for long enough, our body will start thinking that we don’t have enough resources for it to function to the best of our interests.

Instead, it’ll conserve resources, leaving us prone to sickness.

And since I understand that today there’s very little time to stop and observe what our bodies are doing, and adjust them to their natural rhythms, I’ve prepared the Highland Hydrates challenge.

Despite our differences, we all share a common goal: we want to feel better, and make sure that we and our bodies are getting everything we need. Highland Hydrates is a simple way to do it.

So let’s become healthy together!

Join me in the Highland Hydrates Challenge.

Highland Hydrates is a 10-day thirst challenge that’s going to help you rehydrate your body.

Because we live in a busy world, we’ll train ourselves to provide enough water for our bodies to function at their optimum levels in just 10 days.

Since our bodies already have the instincts they need, all we have to do is help them along the way to understanding that they don’t have to conserve resources. And by doing that with Highland Hydrates, we’ll set the right foundations for future physical wellbeing.

Highland Hydrates is a low-risk program that will stimulate our bodies to properly hydrate our organism by modifying our water intake.

Or, to use my comparison from a little while earlier, we’ll show our body how to say goodbye to the dark cloud of dehydration, and step into the sun of hydration. 🙂

Sign up for the Challenge Here!

The Rules of the Hyland Hydrates 10-Day Hydration Challenge

The main thing we will be doing is increasing our water intake to adjust the way our body perceives resources around it. We live in abundance, and it’s time we showed the benefits of it to our bodies, and ourselves.

That’s why we’ll use the three main rules to change our hydration habits:

Rule 1. Hyperhydrate

Rule 2. Proximity to Water

Rule 3. If You Think, Drink!

Read below for more details on each rule!

Rule 1. Hyperhydrate

The first thing we’ll do is increase the amount of water we consume.

And as all best things, it starts in the morning. If you’re feeling tired and groggy, don’t reach for coffee.

Instead, when you wake up, rinse your mouth with clean water to remove the bacteria and “prep the area” for awesome benefits of staying hydrated.

Drink at least 16oz (500ml) of water after you get up.

I know that drinking coffee first thing is a powerful habit, but just think about all the incredible benefits you’ll get if you drink water first. Soon enough, you may not even need coffee – your body will naturally supply energy.

And to stimulate our bodies even more, we can even add a drop of lemon juice or two shakes of sea salt to get the nurturing minerals that tell our bodies that it’s safe to use resources to power us throughout the day.

Not only will this give us enough energy to go on, but water is also going to help our metabolism store less fat.

How?

If our body isn’t aware we have enough resources, it stores fat and slows down our metabolism. And when we drink water, it knows we’re safe, so it uses the fat to give us energy, instead of adding on the weight without benefits. 

Keep your body well-hydrated by drinking at least 16oz of water every two hours throughout the day.

With time, you can build up to 40oz quantities in the morning and every two hours after.

However, 16oz is the best amount to start with to see how much water your body is craving, and help guide it to its natural thirst patterns. The amount depends on your body size, and it shouldn’t be an uncomfortable sensation. If it is, it’s consult your GP.

Continuous hydration of this type is comfortable both to the body and your habits. You’ll be feeling more refreshed in no time, and your body will get all the signals it needs to understand that it has an abundance of nutrients.

Rule 2. Proximity to Water

The second very important signal that we unconsciously send to our bodies is: “There’s no water nearby, so you have to conserve resources.”

Think about all the times we feel thirsty during the day, but water is just too far away (usually, a room or a supermarket away).

Every time we do that, our body gets the hint and suppresses our need for water, disrupting its natural patterns and conserving nutrients instead of using them so we can function properly.

That’s why rule two is all about proximity to water:

Carry water with you everywhere.

If we keep water within our arms’ reach at all times, we won’t be sending the wrong signals to our bodies.

Plus, it’ll help us stay hydrated throughout the day.

After 10 days, consuming water and staying hydrated will become normal to our bodies, and we’ll have developed our natural thirst again.

Rule 3. If You Think, Drink!

This is a phrase coined by a mentor of mine, Alex Charfen and it’s so simple! Rule 3 is a great way of training to return our bodies back to their natural thirst patterns.

If you think, drink: If we look at our water bottles, water fountains, lakes, we have to drink some water.

In the beginning, we’ll have to keep making the conscious decision to stay hydrated in order for our bodies to understand there’s plenty of resources.

Fortunately, with time, our body will start sending the right signals again.

Extra Highland Hydrates Tips

During these 10 days, we should be careful to protect our bodies’ natural thirst.

We should avoid drinking other beverages, such as: coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages that aren’t 100% water.

However, if we cheat a little by drinking other beverages, we can follow up with a 16oz pure water flush after.

In addition to helping our body stay hydrated, this’ll also help it regain our natural palate. Yes, that’s what’s going to make our food taste even more delicious!

Speaking of appealing, pretty water bottles help, too. Water containers can be powerful motivators, especially if we like our bottles. That’ll create hydration positivity from the get go.

Minimum containers should be 32oz (1L) to make sure we have enough water at our arm’s reach.

And remember: if we see a body of water in vicinity, it’s a reminder to drink. Making conscious decisions to stay hydrated will help our body in the long run.

It just takes 10 days to change our lives.

Let’s get started with Highland Hydrates! Starting May 22nd. To participate make sure to email us at [email protected]. You will get an email every day to remind you and share with you a benefit of water and experiences along the way!

Sign up for the Challenge Here!

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Many changes occur to the body during pregnancy including: protruding abdomen, increased back curve, pelvic changes, postural adaptations, etc. There are four stages (pregnancy, labor, following delivery, pediatric care) in which having an optimally working nervous system can help both mother and child. This can be achieved through chiropractic care.

Pregnancy
Changes such as protruding abdomen and increased back curve can cause alterations in spinal alignment and nerve function. Regular chiropractic visits will reduce and minimize the pain associated with the alterations of the body.

Labor
If you were to try to put a circle through an oval you would undoubtedly have trouble doing so, just as a baby’s head would have increased difficulty fitting through an altered pelvis. Chiropractic allows proper spinal and pelvis alignment in order to improve your labor and delivery experience.

Following Delivery
Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine. Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side. Relax, and come see us.  We use a special approach to make our adjustments safe and comfortable.

Pediatric Care
The most common conditions that we treat are colic, ear infections, torticollis, constipation or diarrhea and nursing difficulty.

Before, during and after pregnancy you can avoid the need for medication, reduce low back pain and make carrying a baby a more pleasing experience. We can help! Come see us.

To view Callie’s experience during pregnancy, click the video below.  

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Adjusting to Back to School

Adjusting to Back to School

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2016 has come to a close, can you believe another summer is in the books? Now that summer is over it is time to get back into the swing of things.

Most of us are gearing up for school, busy schedules, homework, after school activities and the hectic pace of the non-stop lifestyles that come along with school.

Everything from contact sports, playing an instrument, sitting, studying, paying attention in class, carrying a backpack affects the spine and nervous system.  

Keeping your child’s spine and nervous system aligned and balanced is crucial for them to be able to enjoy a healthy and successful year. Posture and spinal alignment during childhood determines the function and health as an adult so it is important to ensure that they have a healthy spine while they are young.

Chiropractic care can keep your child’s spine and nervous system healthy and ensure the best school year yet. Get them scheduled for an appointment today!

Here’s to a healthy school year!

 

That’s a Wrap!

After many weeks of planning and preparation Mom’s Night Out 2016 is officially over. Our hope is that from here MNO will only grow. This event is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to all the women in our practice. With each event that we offer to our patients our goal is to add valuable experiences that make a difference in people’s lives. We hope that we accomplished that for all of the women in attendance last night.

Mom's Night Out - Gerbera DaisiesMassage

Mom's Night Out - Gift Bags

Let's be Social

Gift TableMom's Night Out

Mom’s Night Out would not have been possible without the amazing businesses that donated prizes for our raffle and gift bags. We were able to giveaway seventeen raffle prizes (HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?) and everyone went home with a gift bag full of goodies.

THANK YOU
Brenda Nelson with Boutique De Fleur
Becky Miller with Crunchy Mom Life
Ashley Cates with Native Ally
Christen Schneider with Damsel in Defense
Matt Schneider with Forward Movement Training
Eagle Yoga House
Lulu Lemon
Lisa Johnson with Nerium International
Dutch Bros.
Scents – Jennie Buckner
Exhale Salon and Med Spa
Northwest Laser Institute
Shari Fernandez with Fitmania

We also want to thank A Lively Chef Catering and The Owhyee. We could not have asked for a better catering service and venue.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We are looking forward to next year!

Mark your Calendars

Chiro in Meridian_Mom's Night Out

We are so excited to announce that we will be hosting an event for all of the women in our practice, Thursday, August 25th at 6 p.m. at The Owyhee. Mark your calendars and prepare for a lovely night full of delicious food and awesome gifts. The only requirement is to bring your friend(s). The more the merrier. To register click HERE. We are looking forward to seeing you!

Follow us on social media for all the latest on Mom’s Night Out.

How to Wake Up Pain Free

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Do you experience neck or back pain when you wake up? If you do, it’s time to revamp your sleeping habits. Here’s how to position yourself for a better night’s sleep.

The best posture for avoiding soreness and waking up refreshed is lying on your side. The worst position is sleeping on your stomach. Turning your head to the side and twisting your neck can lead to long term dysfunction.

To get even more comfy on your side, grab a body pillow. Pull it to your chest and hug the cushion so that your upper arm and leg wrap over the top. This stops you from partially rolling over and twisting your lower back.

It is key to properly align the pillow under your ear. Go for a soft cushion that keeps your neck straight. Schedule your appointment today and we can get you matched with the proper pillow that will have you waking up saying “ahh” not “ouch.”

Relieving Headache and Migraine Pain Naturally

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If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, you know just how painful they can be. Often times the nerves in your neck become irritated and headaches/migraines can result. Chiropractic treatment can relieve and prevent the pain by gently adjusting the spine back to its normal position.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, avoid the things that cause your head pain. If sunlight is a trigger, make sure you wear a ball cap and polarized sunglasses. If you get tension headaches, make sure you get up frequently from the computer and have the screen and keyboard height set to minimize neck and upper back strain.

During summer, no one wants to spend three days a week in bed due to a headache or migraine. If the dark room treatment isn’t helping try getting back to activities that you enjoy. Get out of bed and enjoy a bike ride. It is not easy to motivate yourself when you are in pain but lying around doesn’t usually help.

We have seen first hand how helpful chiropractic care can be when it comes to relieving the pain. At Highland Chiropractic we improve the function of the spine so that you find relief from headaches and migraines. Call our office today and schedule an appointment. There is no use wasting a beautiful summer day suffering from a headache or migraine.

Recap: Highland Hikes 2016

Highland Hikes 2016_Blog Graphic

We hosted our first ever Highland Hikes event last Saturday and we are so pleased with the turn out! The group of people who joined us had such great energy and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. We came to conquer Table Rock and left with wonderful memories that will last forever. Our hope is that from here Highland Hikes will only grow. It truly is a great way to get outdoors and get moving. With each event that we offer to our patients our goal is to add valuable experiences that make a difference in people’s lives. We look forward to seeing you next year at Highland Hikes 2017. Be on the lookout for our next event!

Moved By_TopHikeKids

What Are the Benefits of Hiking?

Blog_HikeHighland Hikes is only a few short days away! Before we gear up to hike to Table Rock on the twenty-fifth of June we wanted to give you a brief overview of the physical and mental benefits that are associated with hiking.  

Increases fitness: Hiking works out the body just as much as it does the brain. Research has shown one hour of hiking can burn up to 500 calories, depending on the level of incline.

Prevents and controls diabetes: Hiking helps prevent and even control diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Hiking gives the muscles a workout, which moves glucose from the bloodstream for energy.

Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol: Hiking on a regular basis decreases blood pressure and cholesterol, which then reduces the danger of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. In fact, hiking downhill is more effective at removing blood sugars and improving glucose tolerance.

Increases creativity: The authors of a study point out that the results of spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem-solving skills.  This may have something to do with unplugging from technology.

Social activity: Hiking with your friends and family will encourage you to engage with your workout lifestyle which will make you more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

Increases happiness: “Being out in nature, away from the business of our daily lives and technology, can allow people to connect with themselves and nature in a way that brings about peace and a sense of well-being,” Leigh Jackson-Magennis, REI Outdoor Programs and Outreach New England Market Manager.

Say goodbye to the treadmill and join us for a hike to Table Rock Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. To register, click HERE.

Highland Hikes Registration

Highland Hikes Registration

It’s already June 8th, can you believe it? Highland Hikes is only a few weeks away. If you haven’t registered yet, click HERE.

Bring your family and friends, everyone is welcome! FREE gifts will be given away at the event.

Highland Hikes

For all the latest on Highland Hikes, follow us on social media. Don’t forget to like and share the above photo.

We look forward to seeing you June 25th!

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