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!

What This Simple Genetic Test Can Do For Your Health

POST UPDATE: (To view a sample report, click here: Premium Health & Wellness Genetic Test)

 

It is no secret that diet and exercise are key to healthy living. Eating the right type of food, in the correct sized portions, and a regular exercise regimen can help you live a longer and healthier life.   

 

It is also not a secret that this is easier said than done. Fads in diet and exercise kick up once in a while claiming to be the final answer to achieving the perfect weight and body. There has not been a single fad that has worked for every single person. Where Keto diet works for some, Vegan diet works for others and Raw Food diet works for still others

 

Exercise is no different. Some respond better to endurance training while others respond better to strength training.

 

Why this difference? Why isn’t there one set of rules which work for everyone?

 

The answer lies in your genes.


I don’t use genetics as an excuse. But think of diet and fitness as somewhat as fingerprints. What works differs from person to person. However, this begs the question; how exactly do you figure out what will work for you? Is there a way to look into your DNA and find out whether you are a Keto diet person or a Raw Food person, whether you should do endurance training or strength training?

The Premium AGS Health & Wellness Genetic Test has the answer.

We have partnered with Advanced Genomics Services (AGS) and have designed the Health & Wellness Genetic Test which profiles the various genes that are key to your health and athletic performance. This test provides you with specific information which will help you make lifestyle choices in terms of diet, exercise, nutrition and weight management.  Brilliant, right?! Best part of it all, we are able to provide discounts for people we order the test for. (The test is usually $499, so with our discount it makes it easier!)

 

What exactly does the AGS Health & Wellness Genetic Test tell?

The Premium AGS Health & Wellness Genetic test gives you a plethora of information about what your genetic makeup says about what you should eat and how you should exercise. The test analyzes 23 to 51 unique genes. These genes determine how you metabolize your food and other related functions.

 

Based on this analysis, the test will give you detailed, actionable data to use when creating your optimal diet and exercise regimen.

 

Macronutrient requirement: The test will tell you exactly how much protein, carbohydrates, and fat should be in your ideal diet. For example, you may find that your diet should contain 15% protein, 65% carbohydrates, and 20% fats. No wonder the Keto diet did not work for you!

 

Fat Metabolism: The test will tell you how your body processes the fat that you ingest. You will understand whether it is the Monounsaturated fats that make you gain weight or Polyunsaturated fats. Nuts are a great source of nutrition and you should have a handful of nuts every day. However, the AGS Health & Wellness Genetic test will tell you whether you should eat Almonds (monounsaturated fats) rather than Walnuts (polyunsaturated fats).

 

Beverages: The test tells you how you metabolize components of beverages like those containing milk, caffeine, and alcohol. This makes it easy for you to determine whether or not it is the after-dinner coffee that is affecting your sleep or the evening wine.    

Supplements: The AGS Health & Wellness Genetic test will help you understand your vitamin supplement requirements. For instance, you may understand that your body is very good at absorbing plant-based Vitamin A, but not Vitamin B6. Thus, you are better informed about which supplements to opt for.

Behavior: The results of the test will help you understand your behavioral diets like food cravings, emotional eating or addictions.

Exercise: The genetic analysis will help you plan your exercise regimen. It will tell you how to distribute your exercise time between weight and endurance training to get the best results for your body.

AND MORE!…

To view a sample report, click here: Premium Health & Wellness Genetic Test

 

Translate the findings into a diet and exercise plan.

Most of us have heard of the different types of fats, the various vitamins etc. However, we are not very well aware of which foods contain exactly what. How can we translate the findings of the test into an actual diet plan? The results of all our Health & Wellness Genetic tests come with a suggested grocery list based on your genetic analysis. The grocery list gives a sample of the types of foods you need to include in your diet. Importantly, it will tell you which foods to avoid. The results also include suggested vitamin supplements.

Finally, the test results include an action plan to help you tailor an exercise routine.

 

The premium test also includes a report on the genetic predisposition for conditions like obesity, increased BMI, addictive behavior etc.

What is the testing procedure?

Genetic testing is a specialized area. However, the specialization is required for the analysts, not the test takers. Taking the test involves a few simple tests.

Order the test: AGS performs an array of genetic tests. Based on your specific needs and the depth of analysis required, you can choose any one of the tests and buy it. It is a simple online transaction which can be completed securely on our website.

Complete the form: Our test kit includes a simple form which essentially gives us the permission to test your DNA. We take privacy very seriously. You can rest assured that what happens at AGS stays between you and AGS. We do not share your genetic information with anyone.

Swab: The test includes cotton buds and secure bags along with instructions on how to collect a sample. It is as simple as swiping the cotton bud on the inside of the cheek. That’s it. Secure the bud in the sample bag provided and you are ready to ship it back to us.

Report: You will receive the analysis report two to three weeks after we receive the sample.

Schedule Consult: Once you have your results with you, you can schedule your one-on-one session with an AGS expert to review and understand the test results better. 

 

The Premium AGS Health & Wellness Genetic test is the one that I recommend.  It provides all of the insight mentioned above into your own body. It puts you in control of your own diet. It equips you with knowledge so that you can make confident and informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and a healthy and long life.  And that is a HUGE win in my book. You’ll notice that on this website they are around $499 for the test. But when you order through our office, you can save $150 immediately. Contact us today to get your test ordered. You can email us: [email protected] or use this contact form and just mention Genetic Test in the Message form. 

 

To view a sample report, click here: Premium Health & Wellness Genetic Test

Did Someone Spot The GRINCH!?

We had such a great turn out on December 1st for our Annual Chirstmas Movie Event! We watched the new Grinch movie and it was a HIT! You NEED to see the amazing costumes that the team worked up for this event.

 

Click on the video below now to check out how awesome this event was!

From all of us here at Highland Chiropractic, Merry Chirstmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of the HC Tribe – you are what makes Highland amazing.

 

And if you weren’t able to make it out this year, this is something that we do every year, so join the HC Tribe and come see us today to make sure you can secure your future invite to our free HC Tribe Events in the future!

 

If you haven’t joined the Highland Tribe yet and would like to then get ahold of us here.

Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals!

Oh my SANTA! What an amazing weekend of fun we had with all of you! Thank you so much for coming to watch Home Alone on the big screen with us here at Highland Chiropractic. We had a great time bringing you back to the days where you watched that movie at home on your tube TV on VHS. 🙂

We have a highlight video that you need to watch below:

These pictures with Santa turned out great and we want to share them with you!

Ladies Night Out 2017

Ladies Night Out 2017 was great! We had such an amazing time and appreciate all the awesome support from our wonderful practice members. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll fill you in a bit. Ladies Night Out is one of our annual event that we hold to give back to those who have made Highland Chiropractic what it is today. (We seriously wouldn’t be here without, what I call, our Highland Tribe.)

This year we hosted the event at Twig’s Martini Bar & Bistro in the Village. It’s such a great restaurant and has an amazing atmosphere – especially when you combine those things with chair massages, fun giveaways and B.I.N.G.O.!

I had David with voodshoots do some filming and compile this video of the evening. Check it out!

 

Want to join us for our events?

We hike Table Rock every year.

We host an amazing Movie Event every year.

And we host Ladies Night Out every year.

We’re gearing up for more fun, so stay tuned.

If you haven’t joined the Highland Tribe yet and would like to then get ahold of us here.

The Best Non-Toxic Multipurpose Cleaner Yet!

I’ll be the first to admit. I’m kind of a sucker for nerdy science stuff. So when I heard about this new cleaner that you make at home and watch it “activate” I bought it immediately. On top of that, this new cleaner promised that there would be absolutely NO toxic chemicals like 99% of other cleaners out there.

If you’re wanting to check it out go check it out here —-> Force of Nature Cleaner     …And no, I don’t own this company. I just really like the product.

So when it came to the house my kids opened the box and said, “what the heck is this for?” I told my son to get water in a the bottle that came in the package. My daughter poured a little tube of the “ingredients”, which is a salt and vinegar solution, into the water.

 

 

 

 

Then comes the fun part…if you’re a nerd like me. You press a button and voila – the solution starts to fizz and bubble as you watch  your cleaner activate!

 

 

 

 

 

Why am I so nerdy for this cleaner? For one thing, there are no allergens, irritants or disgusting smells that leave an area smelling like it was kiiiinddda cleaned. My wife said that it seemed like an expensive science trick until she saw that this stuff actually worked.  Some of us like to have that deodorizing and sanitizing effect that bleach has, no doubt. This has it. I haven’t added essential oils into the cleaner, but I’m sure that would be even more amazing.

It’s not just another cleaner, it’s the cleaner that is replacing my Honest brand cleaners for sure!

To get $30 off click on this link and join their email list —-> Force of Nature Cleaner

Just wanted to share this with you in hopes that it might help you in your search for a cleaner that is, well, clean itself!

RECAP: Highland Hikes 2017

Another successful Highland Hikes event in the books folks! We had an awesome turnout – more than doubled our Highland Hikes 2016 – thank you all for coming out!  We conquered Table Rock again and it was a beautiful day to do it! The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, and the Highland Shades and Highland Hydration Bottles did not disappoint.

Highland Hikes is about getting outside, and getting some fun exercise with family and friends!  Don’t miss next year – check out the Highland Hikes Highlight Reel and pics below!

Christmas Miracles

There are a couple things that I was reminded of after my family and I took the journey out towards Idaho City on that snowy Friday last week. I had planned on having our entire office travel out to deliver the gifts, but with the snow storm hitting earlier that day, I decided it would be better for them to stay back home with their families. So I took my family, and off we went.

Now, I’d never been to this persons house before, so we just went with the directions we had hoping that we would end up where we needed to be.  Well, we traveled too far up into the mountains just before Idaho City. Finally after being told by Reagan (my wife)  a few times to stop and ask for help, I pulled up to a man who was plowing the roads and his driveway with his tractor. I asked where this specific house was, and he looked at our car (family mini van) and just laughed.

He said, “Do you have all-wheel-drive in this thing?!”  I said, “Of course not.” And he was surprised we had continued up the mountain for so long. He shook his head and laughed. He told us to go back down the mountain about 8 miles…yeah, I should have stopped earlier…but hey, I’m a guy and that’s how I do things sometimes.

So we get back down to where he told us to go, which is actually where we initially thought that we should be…of course.  I pulled in to an area where there were a bunch of mail boxes for the community and there was a guy putting chains on his truck tires…and here I am, rollin’ in a minivan like an idiot, with my entire family on board.

I asked him if he knew the specific address, and he pointed up the hill and said that he thought it was up there somewhere. Initially he said that he would follow us up the hill, but luckily then decided that he would take the trek up the hillside in his truck and scope it out for us. So he and his wife made their way up the hill…

OK – have you seen those Ford, Chevy or Dodge commercials where they drive the trucks in the craziest conditions just to show how awesome the trucks are? Yeah, that was him. He plowed through the snow, tires throwing up so much snow I felt like I was re-living one of those truck commercials….I should have filmed it. But after seeing that, I was thinking, “OK, there’s no way we’re getting up there in this van. We’re going to hike with all these presents up to the house and deliver this Christmas no matter what!”

He came back down and reported that he found the house, but that nobody was home.

Ok. So I had no cell service. I was only 72% sure that the address was completely accurate and wasn’t sure what to do.

So our new found friend, Jason, offered to help us no matter what. He and his wife wanted to make sure that everything was delivered. I decided that I had to call our contact to see when we could get these gifts inside and under the tree, so I jumped in Jason’s truck and went up the other side of the mountain to their house to use a land line to call and get everything arranged.

 

jason
Jason works for Iron Horse Excavation in Boise and absolutely loves the company. He wanted me to make sure I got the Iron Horse decal in the picture…so for all those reading this who need some excavation work done – this is your man to go to!

This was a bit more involved than I care to even recount, but I had to call person A to get to person B to see if Giving Tree family was home, who then had to call back over to me…it was a crazy web of calls, just to figure out if we could get these delivered immediately or if I needed to dig a snow cave and stay the night.

It was all sorted out, and within 30 minutes we were back down the hill, loaded up all the gifts in Jason’s truck and up the hill we went!

tree
Snow-braving crew delivering Christmas. We’re not sure how Santa does it, but this gave us a whole new appreciation for his magic!

Quincy (my youngest) looks thrilled, I know. But we got everything delivered and were so happy to be part of the whole thing to make this Christmas amazing for this family.

Though all of this I was reminded that:

Miracles Happen – even if they are just small miracles. Jason and his wife didn’t need to help us. They didn’t need to take take out of their lives to help us or this family, but they did. And I don’t think that it was “just by chance” that everything happened the way it did.

Giving is far better than receiving – all of us have so much. We take it for granted. Myself included. But I was reminded that the best thing that we can do in our lives is to give of ourselves, our time, and resources to help those who need help. 

I hope that all of you who helped donate this year know how truly truly grateful I am for you and your generosity in giving of your time, and your resources to help us this year.

From our tree to theirs.

ourstotheirs

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!

 

Schedule an Appointment


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