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Garlic Tea Health Benefits

Garlic Tea Health Benefits

Garlic tea is an herbal tonic made from garlic, lemon, and honey. What medicinal uses and benefits can garlic provide that is supported by scientific research?

Garlic Tea Health Benefits

Garlic Tea

Garlic tea:

  • Garlic – Allium sativum – is a perennial plant from Central Asia.
  • The plant produces a bulb that is used in cooking and in health remedies all over the world.
  • Garlic powder, oil, and supplements are available.
  • Supplements can be made from garlic oil or from fresh, dried, or aged garlic.
  • Each form may have a different effect on the body. (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020)
  • The tea is commonly made with garlic, lemon, and honey, but can be made with a variety of different ingredients.
  • It is used for cold symptoms like congestion and cough.

Health Benefits

Some, but not all benefits are supported by scientific evidence. It is important to keep in mind that these studies are analyzing garlic, and not necessarily garlic tea. The dose of garlic in tea may not be the same as a more concentrated dose that is used in the studies. Also, cooking or boiling garlic can change its therapeutic effects.

Potential Benefits

However, some of these are not backed up by research: (Leyla Bayan, Peir Hossain Koulivand, Ali Gorji. 2014)

  • Improves immune health
  • Prevents and treats cancer
  • Helps with Weight loss
  • Helps fight infections
  • Helps reduce cholesterol
  • Helps to disinfect wounds
  • Helps treat vaginal yeast infections
  • Relief from mouth ulcers
  • Improves exercise performance
  • Treatment for atherosclerosis
  • Helps to ward off mosquitos

Research-Backed Benefits of Garlic

  • The scientific evidence about garlic’s benefits. Garlic is a healthy source of organosulfur compounds, including alliinase, which is released when it is crushed or chopped. (Leyla Bayan, Peir Hossain Koulivand, Ali Gorji. 2014)
  • Organosulfur compounds are believed to provide health benefits.
  • An overview of garlic studies found that there are promising health benefits, however, the researchers caution that larger studies are needed to confirm the results and verify the right dosage to get the results. (Johura Ansary, et al., 2020)

The current studies show the following possible benefits:

Honey and Lemon

Honey and lemon provide their own health benefits.

  • Lemon is a healthy source of vitamin C.
  • Research has found that lemons may help reduce blood pressure when combined with walking. (Yoji Kato, et al., 2014)
  • Honey can help soothe cold and flu symptoms, including cough and congestion.
  • It is also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. (Saeed Samarghandian, et al., 2017)

Side Effects

According to the NIH, garlic is safe for most individuals in moderate amounts. ((National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020)

  • Common side effects of garlic consumption include bad breath, upset stomach, and body odor.
  • Garlic can also cause bloating, gas, and heartburn for some.
  • There are allergies to garlic and individuals with an allergy can experience more severe symptoms.
  • The NIH also advises that taking garlic may increase your risk of bleeding.
  • Individuals taking a blood thinner like warfarin or about to undergo surgery should discuss taking supplements or drinking garlic tea with their healthcare provider.
  • Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs that are used to treat HIV infection.
  • Lemon can cause tooth erosion so it is recommended to rinse teeth after drinking.
  • Honey has sugar content so it is recommended to use it in small quantities.

Healthy Diet and Chiropractic


References

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Garlic.

Bayan, L., Koulivand, P. H., & Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: A review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 4(1), 1–14.

Ansary, J., Forbes-Hernández, T. Y., Gil, E., Cianciosi, D., Zhang, J., Elexpuru-Zabaleta, M., Simal-Gandara, J., Giampieri, F., & Battino, M. (2020). Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(7), 619. doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070619

Zhang, S., Liu, M., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., Liu, L., Meng, G., Yao, Z., Wu, H., Xia, Y., Bao, X., Gu, Y., Wang, H., Shi, H., Sun, S., Wang, X., Zhou, M., Jia, Q., Song, K., & Niu, K. (2020). Raw garlic consumption is inversely associated with prehypertension in a large-scale adult population. Journal of human hypertension, 34(1), 59–67. doi.org/10.1038/s41371-019-0257-0

Zhou, X., Qian, H., Zhang, D., & Zeng, L. (2020). Garlic intake and the risk of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(1), e18575. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000018575

Avci, A., Atli, T., Ergüder, I. B., Varli, M., Devrim, E., Aras, S., & Durak, I. (2008). Effects of garlic consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects. Gerontology, 54(3), 173–176. doi.org/10.1159/000130426

Burian, J. P., Sacramento, L. V. S., & Carlos, I. Z. (2017). Fungal infection control by garlic extracts (Allium sativum L.) and modulation of peritoneal macrophage activity in a murine model of sporotrichosis. Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia, 77(4), 848–855. doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.03716

Kato, Y., Domoto, T., Hiramitsu, M., Katagiri, T., Sato, K., Miyake, Y., Aoi, S., Ishihara, K., Ikeda, H., Umei, N., Takigawa, A., & Harada, T. (2014). Effect on blood pressure of daily lemon ingestion and walking. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2014, 912684. doi.org/10.1155/2014/912684

Samarghandian, S., Farkhondeh, T., & Samini, F. (2017). Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research. Pharmacognosy Research, 9(2), 121–127. doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.204647

Ease Stress and Anxiety With Natural Medicine

Ease Stress and Anxiety With Natural Medicine

Natural medicine for dealing with stress and taking initial steps can also help prevent and alleviate stress pain. With age, the body becomes more vulnerable to emotional and physical stress. The spine endures the effects of stress and can lead to back and/or neck pain. Chronic stress can also lead to chemical imbalances in the brain and overreaction/s. This produces a Hyperarousal or anxious state of mind. If frequent bouts of anxiety or stress are occurring the body is signaling that balance needs to be restored.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Ease Stress and Anxiety With Natural Medicine
 

Steps to Control Stress

 

Take frequent physical and mental breaks

Throughout a day, there can be several and various stressful situations. Not letting the stress build-up is a skill that needs to be practiced. Every 50 minutes of work, take a 10-minute break to reduce any stress. This will increase productivity. In the middle or last break, practice deep breathing.

  • Inhale slowly until the air reaches the bottom of the stomach.
  • Exhale slowly like a balloon slowly releasing the air.
  • To achieve the full potential of deep breathing, every exhalation should last twice as long as each inhalation.
 

Caffeine reduction

Caffeine can be medicinal in small doses. It increases bile flow. This stimulates the gall bladder and reduces cholesterol. However, too much can interfere with the body’s systems that are responsible for stress response. Try to limit to one to two caffeinated drinks a week.

 

Regular physical activity

Physical activity is what helps remove waste products, specifically lactic and uric acids, from the muscles and nervous system. An excess of these acids makes the body edgy. Moderate activity prevents and reduces anxiety. Try to get in at least 10 to 15 minutes of activity in the morning and afternoon. A quick walk combined with deep breathing is perfect.

 

Plenty of sleep

Hard work and playing hard help the body to sleep to the fullest. An irregular sleep pattern or poor-quality sleep confuses the body. The body reacts abnormally. Examples like confusion, tension, an adrenaline rush kicks in when it is not needed. Chronic poor sleep makes the body more vulnerable to disease and chronic conditions.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Ease Stress and Anxiety With Natural Medicine
 

Natural Medicine Supplements

Natural medicine supplements have been shown to reduce mild to moderate stress and anxiety.

  • Before trying any vitamins, minerals, or herbal therapies check with a doctor. This is to ensure safety with any medical conditions like pregnancy, that could prevent an individual from taking certain supplements.
  • Also, make sure if taking any medications that could cause natural medicine supplements ineffective or create a dangerous situation.
  • The reason for this is if an individual takes several supplements and develops side effects, it becomes a challenge to figure out which is responsible.
  • Quality herbs and supplements can be purchased from a licensed naturopath physician, nutritionist, health coach, or from a health store.

Herbal supplements listed below can be taken for three months and then a two-week break should be implemented. This minimizes the potential for negative effects.

 

Vitamin B

The B vitamins, especially B6 and B12 help regulate the body’s response to stress and keeps the nervous system healthy.

  • Vitamin B complex formula that has at least 25 mg of B6 and also 1 mg of B12 can be taken twice a day.
  • These vitamins are optimized when used in combination with other nutrients like a multivitamin-mineral supplement also twice a day.
  • B12 in the form of hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin is better absorbed than the more common cyanocobalamin.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Ease Stress and Anxiety With Natural Medicine
 

Kava

This is herbal supplement helps with anxiety and insomnia. It can help relieve acute and chronic anxiety without causing drowsiness or brain fog. Kava is effective for settling anxiety with no dependence potential. Kava should be avoided if there is regular alcohol consumption or if taking Valium, Xanax, sleeping pills, like Seconal or Halcion, or anti-depressants, like Prozac or Zoloft.

 

Valerian

This is a natural sedative. It is used for relieving anxiety because it helps with sleep. The ingredients are similar to Valium. It is not addictive and does not cause grogginess the next day like sleeping pills. Recommended intake is one 150mg capsule twice a day. However, low doses can cause drowsiness. Therefore it is best used for sleep, one 300mg capsule one hour before sleeping is recommended. Do not use if taking sedatives, like phenobarbital or benzodiazepines.  


 

The Body’s Composition

 


Stress Can Throw Off Diet and Sleep

Achieving healthy body composition is more than just building muscle and losing fat. Proper diet and getting enough sleep are necessary to make meaningful progress. With chronic stress or poor sleep, this cannot be achieved. Depressive symptoms can be associated with obesity, and anxiety and depression can trigger emotional eating and weight gain. Proper stress management means making sure there are positive strategies, techniques that can be turned to in time of need. Without a plan, stress will cause health problems and will be a significant barrier when trying to achieve fitness and health goals.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Boyle, Neil Bernard et al. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review.Nutrients vol. 9,5 429. 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9050429

Dietary and Herbal Supplements for Back Pain El Paso

Dietary and Herbal Supplements for Back Pain El Paso

Be sure to talk with your provider before taking or combining dietary and herbal supplements with prescription meds or over the counter medications. Individuals with chronic back/neck pain but want to get away from medication/s, and pain relievers, dietary and herbal supplements could be an option. There are dietary supplements as well as, herbal supplements that although used in nutrition, also have added benefits for pain and inflammation relief.

Individuals have found herbs and supplements to be helpful in reducing and alleviating their pain. It is important to understand that these are not a cure-all that will take the pain away or the depression that accompanies chronic spine-related conditions. These are made to help to manage back pain symptoms.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Dietary and Herbal Supplements for Back Pain El Paso, Texas

Nutrition and Dietary

A healthy diet includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains which keeps the body in top form. Antioxidant foods like green leafy vegetables and berries help in fighting inflammation. Dietary and herbal supplements that research has found helpful in reducing inflammation and pain are listed. However, we must point out that several of these supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore have a discussion with your health care provider before taking any type of supplement.

Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids

  • Flaxseed and Fish Oils
  • Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding and conflict with blood-thinning medications like warfarin coumadin and aspirin.

 

Glucosamine/Chondroitin

  • Studies show these supplements can help relieve arthritis pain but have not been studied as a treatment for back pain.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin can interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin coumadin and aspirin.

 

Methylsulfonylmethane MSM

  • MSM can help relieve arthritis pain.

Bromelain

  • This is an enzyme that can reduce inflammation
  • It can increase the risk of bleeding, so do not take this without consulting a health care provider
  • It can interact/interfere with antibiotic meds
  • Do not take if have a peptic ulcer

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements have been used by many cultures for health and dietary benefits for a very long time. These supplements are literally made from herbs/plants valued for their flavor, scent, and medicinal qualities. Examples of herbal supplements for pain include:

  • Cayenne reduces pain signal intensity
  • Devil’s claw relieves inflammation
  • Eucalyptus clears chest congestion

 

 

Benefits of Herbs

People prefer dietary and herbal supplements instead of standard/traditional drugs and medications for a variety of reasons.

  • Some because they provide pain relief without the side effects associated with medications. An example is white willow bark, that has been used for years for its anti-inflammatory benefits. And it doesn’t upset the stomach the way medications the way aspirin does.
  • Some prefer herbal supplements because they are natural.

Herbs come in pill, capsule, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts.

Turmeric

  • Reduces inflammation and pain
  • Turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for those taking blood-thinning medication

Devil’s claw

  • Reduces pain
  • Can increase the risk of bleeding and interact with diabetes meds
  • Can affect the heart and can cause issues for those with gallstones

 

Willow bark

  • Relieves pain
  • Do not take if taking aspirin or blood-thinning meds
  • Do not take if are allergic to aspirin or salicylates
  • Do not give to children under eighteen

Capsaicin cream

  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • It is one of the main components in chili peppers

Things to Remember

  • Dietary and herbal supplements do not have to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before they are sold.
  • Herbs can have medication-like effects on the body
  • Products sold as dietary supplements and promoted as a treatment, prevention, and/or cure for a disease or condition is considered an unapproved and illegal drug

While dietary supplements and herbal supplements are primarily used to help nutritional needs, these supplements can serve medicinal purposes. Explore alternatives from conventional medications with herbal supplements, as this could be an option. Check with your health care provider before taking supplements if you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.


 

The FASTING MIMICKING DIET & STRESS HORMONES


 

NCBI Resources

Dietary Supplements & Botanicals El Paso, Texas

Dietary Supplements & Botanicals El Paso, Texas

Supplements 101

Supplements can become overwhelming with everything that’s out there. This will touch on key categories of supplements and the best way on how to use them.

Supplements are divided into categories:

Nutrients

(Nutraceuticals or Orthomolecular Medicine)

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Dietary Supplements & Botanicals El Paso, Texas

 

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Dietary Supplements & Botanicals El Paso, Texas

 

Hormones

Hormone Replacement Therapy or Restorative Medicine

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Dietary Supplements & Botanicals El Paso, Texas

 

Each category is meant to support underlying excesses or deficiencies, with the ultimate goal of bringing the body back into balance.

Where it becomes complicated is understanding the different uses and dosing of specific:

  • Extracts
  • Chelates (a chemical compound that dissolves more easily and is easily absorbed compared to other types of molecules and compounds)
  • Prepared Compounds

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

Botanicals?

  • Records of humanity using botanical extracts therapeutically date back to the beginning of first recorded history.
  • Today, botanical medicine serves as an inspiration for pharmaceutical inventions and continues�via modern research.
  • Botanical medicine is essential in integrative medicine and normally elicits fewer and less significant adverse side effects than pharmaceutical interventions.
  • Growing research shows that when used correctly, botanical extracts are more effective than pharmaceutical equivalents, and more cost-effective as well.

Botanical Work?

  • Given their capacity to interact with virtually every system and tissue in the body, there are thousands of therapeutic uses.
  • There is a great deal of literature on traditional botanical medicine, however, there is a very little amount of modern research relative to modern medicine.
  • As a result, it becomes somewhat challenging to compare botanicals with pharmaceuticals regarding
    clinical outcomes.

Botanical Ingredients

Botanical medicine provides very helpful effective therapeutics and allows everyone, from professional practitioners to common laypeople apply these treatments.

Common examples:

  • Garlic (Allium sativum) – immune function, cardiovascular function
  • Berberine – lowering blood sugar, decreasing triglycerides, antimicrobial
  • Reishi – immune function, potential anti-cancer properties

 


Lifestyle Change vs. Diet

Bottom line, diets are temporary. There are some serious consequences that can come from dieting, especially fad or crash diets. The effects of these types of diets can also seriously impact your chiropractic care, hindering your progress.

Also, because diets are temporary, once you return to your regular eating habits the weight usually comes back.

A lifestyle change is a far better choice. It involves making smart, healthy eating choices � choices that you maintain for the rest of your life. This also impacts your chiropractic care by strengthening your body and keeping it healthy so that it is in an optimal state for healing and responds well to treatment.

Diet Type

There are all sorts of diets out there. Some are blatantly unhealthy but others are sneaky. They come with claims of being healthy, of being created or endorsed by doctors, or include tons of vitamin supplements but very limited food intake. It is important to be able to spot these destructive fad diets so you don�t get suckered into their hype.

Some of the most common�types of fad diets include high protein, low or no-carb, liquid, cabbage, grapefruit, broth or juice, and food combining. Some of these can cause serious health problems including vital organ damage. Others can cause vitamin deficiencies and dehydration. None of them can (or should) be maintained over a long period of time, much less the rest of your life.

Healthy Eating/Lifestyle

When you make the life-changing commitment to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle you open yourself up to a world of better health, more energy, and better focus. Your body will heal faster and you will feel better.

A diet of fresh�fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, and whole grains, along with lots of water should become a way of life. It is far healthier than the temporary diets that are out there and more effective too.

If you or a loved one need additional dietary guidance, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!


 

Get Rid of *FOOT PRONATION PAIN* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)

 

 

Foot pronation is the natural movement which occurs during foot landing while walking or running. Foot pronation also occurs while standing, and in this instance, it is the amount in which the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Foot pronation is normal, however, excessive foot pronation can cause a variety of health issues, including bad posture. The following video describes the 5 red flags of excessive foot pronation, which can ultimately affect a person’s overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help diagnose and treat excessive foot pronation. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for excessive foot pronation health issues.


 

What’s Afoot

The feet are complex structures which function to provide protection and support to the body in relation to the spine and head posture. The feet are essential towards balancing the body�s entire weight, allowing it to walk, run, stand, and, jump. Consequently, foot complications may cause severe issues throughout the spine, hips, knees, and ankles if left untreated. Chiropractic care can be effective for treating injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains, among others. Foot health is essential towards establishing the body�s proper support and balance, together with a proper spinal posture. In the presence of foot complications, chiropractic treatment can be used to achieve long-lasting health.

 


 

NCBI Resources

While most of us know that proper nutrition is vital in assisting us to reach our optimum health and feel our best; finding time to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis seems a formidable job in this fast-paced, affluent society. Though your life may be frantic, there are still many good tasting, healthful alternatives which can assist you to lose weight and enhance your health.