Broken Heart Syndrome – Can it Really Happen?

Broken Heart Syndrome Tampa Cardio

Broken Heart Syndrome Tampa CardioAny of us who have experienced the death of a loved one who was very close to us know that the grief felt is very real and palpable. But can you really die from a broken heart?

Many of us have heard stories of couples who have been married for 40 or 50 years being so overwrought with grief upon their spouses’ death that they die soon after of a broken heart. This type of physical manifestation of emotion is what is known as broken heart syndrome. The question is, is it an old wives tale or medical possibility?

Broken heart syndrome is a medically recognized condition which can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Onset is usually within a few hours of experiencing a trauma, emotionally.

What does broken heart syndrome feel like?

It is a very odd sensation. It literally feels like your heart is breaking. The heart muscle itself feels weak, you may have palpitations you are unable to control no matter how much you breathe slowly and deeply trying to relax, you may experience sharp pains, tightness in the chest and even fainting. It is a scary and disarming feeling.

While this all may feel like and seem like a heart attack – there are subtle differences which can be distinguished through medical tests.

Blood Tests – will show no signs of heart damage.

EKG – The results will not look the same as they would for someone having an actual heart attack so this is a great way to tell the difference.

Recovery Time – is much quicker – generally a few days to a week whereas a heart attack can take well over a month to fully feel better again.

Is Broken Heart Syndrome Dangerous?

It can be life-threatening in some cases. It can lead to heart issues that are more serious such as heart failure, rhythm issues (beating slower or faster than usual), and even heart valve issues. Simply put stress is bad for your heart, and massive traumatic stress can do physical damage. With proper and prompt medical care those with broken heart syndrome can make a full recovery.

It is important any time you have severe chest pain not to try and self-diagnose. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate heart attack and Broken Heart Syndrome. If you experience chest pain please go to your local ER as soon as possible.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we would love to talk with you. Give us a call at 813-975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com.

Heart Murmur

heart murmur tampa

heart murmur tampaWhat is a heart murmur? Common conditions can make your heart beat faster and that can lead to the onset of a heart murmur. They can happen if you become anemic or pregnant, have an overactive thyroid, a high fever, or high blood pressure.

A heart murmur could also be caused by an issue with a valve in the heart.

  • Mitral valve prolapse means that part of the valve actually balloons out and won’t close properly. This can cause a clicking type sound.
  • Aortic stenosis – if your valve narrows the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to the rest of the body.
  • Aortic Sclerosis – scarring, stiffening, or thickening of the aortic valve. 1 in 3 of our elderly has this condition.
  • Regurgitation of the mitral or aortic valve – this means some of the blood flows back the wrong way and into your heart.
  • Congenital heart defects – this means you are born with the defect, it affects approximately 25,000 each year.

Most murmurs do not need or require treatment. They are not dangerous. But sometimes they are severe enough that it warrants medical intervention. They may require medicine, diuretics, or even in extreme cases, surgery to correct the problem.

What does a heart murmur feel like?

Usually, without the use of a stethoscope, you cannot detect a murmur. You may feel nothing at all. If you happen to have a bluish appearance on your lips or fingertips that is a tell-tale sign that often confuses people.

If you believe you may have a heart murmur its important to visit your cardiologist to get it checked out and make sure it’s innocuous. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please make an appointment to come see us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.  813-975-2800. or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com.

Facial Spider Veins

facial spider veins

facial spider veinsSpider veins are most often thought of as a leg only issue but broken capillaries (spider veins)can form nearly anywhere on a person’s body.

Spider veins are not easily treated. The damage they can cause is often not reversible. Spider veins will not fade with time.  The best course of action is to prevent them from ever forming.

AVOIDABLE CAUSES

Heavy Alcohol Intake

Heavy drinkers will often end up having visible facial spider veins. Overindulging on drinking over long periods of time can lend itself to high blood pressure. That dilates the veins throughout the body, most visibly in the face. Many years of alcohol use and abuse can cause this dilation to remain open permanently, damaging the fragile vascular network in the face.

While treatment for spider veins is available, most insurance policies are written to consider these techniques to be strictly cosmetic leaving you to pay out of pocket. Because of this, treating facial spider veins can be very expensive, and, because the complete removal of spider veins is nearly impossible, even after multiple treatments, patients are often disappointed with their results.

Trauma to the Face

Injury to the skin can cause the appearance of facial spider veins. The tiny capillaries in the face are so sensitive, that even scrubbing the face too hard during face washing can cause the capillaries to expand and break. That leads to the appearance of bruise-like spider veins which sometimes can mimic rosacea as well.

Unlike normal bruises other places on the body, these will not heal, at least not without medical treatment. Even washing your face with water that is too hot can have this result. It’s so important to be both gentle with your skin and protective of it as well.

Genetics & Age

Aging is inevitable and we have no control over a family with a history of genetic spider veins, but it’s important to be aware of how they may affect you as you, yourself get older. Chronic skin conditions are readily passed down. If your parents have them it is more likely that you may at some point in your life as well. The presence of such conditions will only become more visible as you age because your skin becomes thinner and more transparent over time. It’s important to know whether your family history makes you more prone to facial spider veins, as this knowledge can make you more careful in your day-to-day health.

Once you start to spot spider veins, the patient is more often than not left with irreversible damage that can affect both their comfort and their confidence. When it comes to spider veins, prevention is certainly key, and though some risk factors are unpreventable, make sure that you are taking steps today to preserve your vein health for tomorrow, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

If you already have these veins present please come to see us. For minor beginning issues, we may be able to halt them in their tracks. Visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com or give us a call at (727) 712-3233. Offices in Safety Harbor, Florida serving the greater Tampa, Florida area.

Natural Help for Women Going Through Menopause

menopause

menopauseThough generally thought of as an older woman’s plight, menopause can begin as early as 35.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when she when a woman stops being able to procreate. Menstruation stops. The average age begins around 45-50 but it can start as early as 35 in some. Night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, missed periods, emotional swings, irregular periods, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual response are all signs you are in menopause. These are all symptoms that can be alarming. Most women site that all they want is to feel like themselves again. All you want is to feel normal or back to your old self again. The question is how… The TV ads would have you believe that your only option will come through hormone replacement therapy. This is simply not the truth.

There are many natural things you can do. It is not reasonable to expect all of the symptoms in their entirety. But you can learn the triggers and take supplements that can dampen them and make them less troublesome.

Triggers can include a hot environment, hot hair dryers, hot food or drinks, stress, exercise, smoking, alcohol, sugary foods, spicy foods, and hormonal changes.

COMBAT HOT FLASHES

-Wear lightweight, absorbent cotton clothing, and pajamas at night.

-Grab a cold drink when you start to overheat, turn on a fan or go into a cooler room, try to relax with meditation or deep breathing if you feel nervous or anxious, dress in layers so you can remove them as you start to feel warm.

-Proper nutritional support is key as well and can actually do the most good toward keeping your body in balance.

HERBAL SUPPORT

Black Cohosh

Though beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Black Cohosh is an excellent herb for women. It supports relief from women related issues. Supports a healthy respiratory system. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy or in the presence of chronic illness.

Dong Quai

Don’t Quai is a good herb for women supporting their monthly health issues. It nourishes the reproductive organs and is great for the blood. It also supports relaxation. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be used by diabetics, or persons who are light-sensitive.

Kudzu

Kudzu is rich in isoflavones and supports increased bone strength.

Wild Yam

Contains progesterone-like substance that helps support women health issues. Also supports healthy joints. CAUTION: Should not be used during pregnancy.

Chaste Tree

An excellent herb for women, Chaste Tree supports healthy hormone levels and is beneficial for women’s health issues. CAUTION: Should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Red Clover

Red Clover supports healthy lungs. Helps strengthen the immune system. Phytoestrogens contained in Red Clover support healthy bones in women during menopause. It is also good for skin disorders.

Licorice

Wonderful for the stomach and digestive system. CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.

Damiana

Damiana supports the delivery and flow of oxygen to the genital area; this benefits both men and women. Also supports the overall energy level. CAUTION: Can interfere with Iron absorption when used internally.

These herbs may very well offer relief for many from menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, gallstones, ovarian cancer, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis the natural route has no known side effects.

Come in and work with Dr. Kaster, D.C. – He is not only a Chiropractor but a Nutritionist and overall Wellness Doctor. His goal is your health, naturally. www.drkasters.com 239-332-2555

Today’s Focus – Keeping Your Heart Healthy

heart health tampa cardio

heart health tampa cardioIn today’s day and age here in 2018, many of us lead a very sedentary lifestyle. Additionally adding to the stress on our bodies we, as Americans, are prone to a diet that lacks basic nutrition of processed or fast foods. We are a nation on the go and our bodies are paying the price. This is evident by the fact that heart disease remains one of the foremost reasons for death in the country.

We hope to help change this one patient and one reader at a time by arming you with the knowledge that will empower you to feel and be your very best at all ages.

Let’s take a look at some simple things you can implement in your daily life that can make your heart healthier and stronger.

  1. Diet changes – Up your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy natural fats, and legumes. Cut out hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, table salt, and processed or boxed foods. Fresh is always best.
  2. Watch the cholesterol (bad fats) intake. It can have a dramatic effect. It is much better controlled with diet than with medication after the fact.
  3. Eat regularly. Small meals 3-5 times a day is easier on the body than long stretches where nothing is consumed.
  4. If you are going to use salt use Pink Himalayan salt, with moderation.
  5. Hydrate. Drink water on a regular basis throughout the day.
  6. Stay Active – Cardiovascular exercise combined with weight training can keep your heart pumping and strengthen it over time.
  7. Reduce stress – who are you accepting all of that stress for anyway? If something or someone in your life is stressing you out to the point you feel it on a physical level… work to change the situation or remove yourself. It is a danger to your health.
  8. Alcohol, if you choose to drink, keep it to a minimum. Alcohol is not healthy for your heart.
  9. Quit smoking. Even if you smoked for years, quitting will help you tremendously. Your body can recover in most cases.

Here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa, Florida, we care about the health of our patients and that of the general public. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area we would love to see you in our office if you are in need of a heart specialist. Give us a call to schedule today (813) 975-2800 or find us online at www.tampacardio.com.

Doing Away with Varicose Vein Myths!

varicose veins

varicose veinsVaricose veins are an issue that most people never talk about.

Current estimates state that approximately 50% of the United States population o50 and over have varicose veins. That’s 40 million Americans. With so many people living with venous insufficiency, you may be surprised to learn how little is widely known about varicose veins.

Let’s look at some of the common misconceptions so we can sort out fact from fiction.

Myth #1 Men don’t develop varicose veins – Vein disorders are more common in women because of hormones, birth control, and pregnancy, but there are many other factors for developing vein disease that is not exclusive to women – age, heredity, obesity, activity level, and profession can also contribute to men developing varicose veins as well. It’s expected that 43% of men will have experienced vein disease in some form by the time they reach their 60’s, and varicose veins are often the first sign that it’s occurring.

While varicose veins are certainly more frequently seen in the female population, around 55% of current cases, men can also develop vein issues.

Myth #2 Varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem – Treating varicose veins in the early stages can be extremely beneficial and helpful in improving the long-term vein health of the patient. Varicose veins can cause pain and can be a sign of much more serious problems, such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that can lead to ulcers and blood clots, among other problems. 

Myth #3 Home Treatments – There are treatments that those with varicose veins can do at home. They may help to eliminate symptoms, but varicose veins cannot be cured once present by any at home trick.  Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, elevating the legs and feet when sitting or laying down, exercising, frequently and staying active, not smoking cigarettes, avoiding the use of high heels, and wearing compression stockings can all contribute to better overall vein health. While these actions can certainly help, if you have noticed any of the physical symptoms of vein disease, it’s always best to consult with your physician before taking any action.

Myth #5 Spider veins and Varicose veins are the same things – Both varicose veins and spider veins are caused by damaged or leaking valves, however, spider veins are typically seen as a strictly cosmetic issue, while varicose veins can signify deeper health issues. Spider veins are smaller and appear in sunburst patterns, and, unlike varicose veins, they are not elevated from the skin. Both conditions can cause physical embarrassment, and, fortunately, both are easily treated.

Myth #4 I can’t afford to treat my veins – Varicose veins are not a cosmetic condition, and because varicose veins present a valid medical condition with the potential for dangerous progression, most insurance companies will cover their treatment and removal. Spider vein treatments, while available, are considered a cosmetic treatment and thus will not always be covered. It’s always best if you speak with your insurance provider before making any decisions.

Educating yourself about varicose veins and venous disease is only the first step towards improving your vein health. For more information about vein disease, treatments, and prevention, please visit Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor and serving all of Tampa, FL. (727) 712-3233 www.westfloridaveincenter.com

The Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health

probiotic

probioticAre you getting enough probiotics in your diet?

Probiotics are the good bacteria that help to build your immune system and support digestive health. These stomach dwelling microorganisms create these benefits. They create a balance between the wanted and unwanted bacteria that reside in the gut. They are necessary for digestive health to exist as they help in moving food through the digestive tract by way of affecting the nerves in control movement.

Health benefits, along with a stronger immunity, can include:

 

Inflammatory bowel disease

Irritable bowel syndrome

Eczema

Diarrhea

Allergies

Get more probiotics in your daily diet

Yogurt

Eating grass fed organic Greek yogurt ensure that your yogurt is the best possible source of probiotics. If you happen to like the taste of sheep or goat milk yogurt, all the better as it has even more live cultures that are good for you.

Fermented Vegetables

Sauerkraut and kimchi are both up there in probiotics that support the flourishing of friendly bacteria. They also are high in digestive enzymes.

Kombucha

This fizzy Japanese drink with a weird name is gaining ground in popularity and is now sold in nearly every supermarket. Kombucha is fermented black tea containing good bacteria and yeast. It touts the benefits of increased energy levels, improved digestive health, and detoxification of the liver.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a mixture of diverse probiotics. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help to control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Use sparingly, a little goes a long way. 1 spoonful a day is enough. Mix with water and drink or use on foods and salads.

Miso

This Japanese spice is used in dishes such as the popular miso soup. It’s made of fermented soybeans, brown rice or barley and mixed with a fungus known as koji.

Supplementation

Probiotic supplements are available at any health food or grocery store. They can be a great addition to your daily regimen though getting what you need through real whole foods is always the best idea.

Looking for more great natural health advice to keep you feeling your best? Visit www.drkasters.com. 

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

What IS Fluoride? – A History Lesson

fluoride

fluorideWater fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to the general water supply under the guise of helping to prevent tooth decay.

What IS fluoride?


Fluoride is a salt of hydrofluoric acid compound containing fluorine, as methyl fluoride, CH 3 F.

For those of us that didn’t excel in science class that definition did not help on clarity. This just leads us to yet another question. What is Fluorine? It is the most highly reactive nonmetallic element on the chart. It is a pale yellow toxic gas that is corrosive. This leads me to the next logical question. Can a toxic gas really be good for us and where and what exactly does the fluoride we are adding to our water supply come from?


The idea of adding it to the water supply was proposed based on the idea that fluoridated water works on tooth surfaces: inside the mouth it creates low levels of fluoride in saliva, which reduces the rate at which tooth enamel de-mineralizes. It also increases the rate at which it remineralizes in the early stages of cavities leaving fewer cavities overall.  Sounds good right? Of course, it does. We bought it hook line and sinker up until recently.

According to the National Health Federation as well as the New York State Coalition, they are both highly opposed to Fluoridation. Though yes, Fluoride exists in nature and is found in rock it is also laced with an industrial waste product known as fluosilicic acid. Fluoride is a pollutant.

Fluoride is a by-product of copper, iron and aluminum manufacturing. The problem became how to legally dump fluoride. One of America’s largest aluminum companies founded a study and suddenly the problem was solved in the 1930’s. The outcome was found that fluoride helped prevent tooth decay.

Now the marketing began

A successful public relations effort along with government agencies resulted in the propaganda being spread far and wide: this miracle chemical, when added to water supplies, will give everyone healthy teeth.

The fertilizer industry may have solved their issue of what to do with their toxic waste product, but public health and safety took a hit. This claim that this fluoridated water was healthy for teeth is false. Evidence shows fluoridation does not reduce tooth decay. A tooth decay epidemic is rampant in the U.S. today, reports the Surgeon General and cavity crises are occurring in many, if not all, fluoridated cities and states in 2018. Many cities are now rethinking and removing fluoride from their water supplies.

The first experimental city to accept fluoridated water happened in 1945 in Newburgh, New York. The study was originally slated to last 10 years but ended at only 5, and was somehow falsely declared a success.

No adults were studied. Children sick two weeks before examination were excluded – eliminating the very children who might have been exhibiting fluoride’s adverse effects. In this study, they used sodium fluoride, which is not the fluoride chemical used by over 91% of U.S. fluoridating communities today – Silicofluorides.

According to www.fluorideinfo.org they state that  “While the opponents to community water fluoridation may be well-intentioned, there is no scientific basis on which anti-fluoridationists base their claims.” This is simply not the truth.

This missmatches findings by Dr. Barry Groves, Ph.D. who dedicated himself to exposing dietary misinformation, the very studies were done by the WHO (World Health Organization) were greatly exaggerated and even falsified. It has been shown in countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Sweden when fluoride was removed from the water, the incidence of cavities actually reduced.

Fluoride is a highly toxic substance, which before named a cavity fighter, was used in rat poison and insecticides. If all of these years we have been duped, what has all this fluoride we have been consuming really done to our bodies?

Ironically, when you consume too much fluoride your teeth can actually discolor and crumble.  In lab tests on animals, fluoride has been shown to enhance absorption of aluminum, which has been shown to cause Alzheimer’s. It has also been linked to osteoporosis, damage of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to limited joint mobility, ligament calcification, muscular degeneration and neurological deficits. But worst of all fluoride has been linked to as many as 10,000 cancer deaths per year (the majority in bone cancer, primarily in men).

Fluoride has also been shown to lower intelligence in children. In one study 907 children age 8-13 were measured in retrospect to the amounts of fluoride in their environment. The developmental intelligence appeared to be hampered severely the younger the child was when high doses were administered.

Fluoride has also been shown to calcify the pineal gland.  It regulates the production of melatonin, which regulates the onset of puberty as well as protecting us from damage on a cellular level from free radicals. In some cultures, the pineal gland is also believed to be what is thought of as the third eye, and our source of visualization and imagination.

We can only suggest limiting your continued exposure to fluoride as much as possible.

There are many good high-quality fluoride free toothpaste available, as well as opting to drink distilled or fluoride filtered water from a system that utilizes a special filter or reverse osmosis, is a huge boost for your health, no matter your age.

***Please read the information provided before purchasing any water filter. Most do not actually remove fluoride. Placing a filter on your showerhead is also a tremendous help as your skin when showering opens up its pores and allows fluoridated and chlorinated water to penetrate and absorb into your system.

There are also ways to remove fluoride from your body through internal cleanses, heavy metal detoxifications and chelation

It’s up to you to decide if you feel fluoride is ok for you to ingest, we suggest you do some research and make up your own minds.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Orthotics Maybe an Answer To Tired Achy Varicose Vein Prone Legs

orthotics

orthoticsIf you live in pain with venous insufficiency issues such as varicose veins you are likely willing to try just about anything to get relief.

While you primarily hear tips about elevating the legs, using ice compresses and wearing daily compression stockings, one of the most overlooked treatments that are noninvasive for the relief of pain from varicose veins is the creation and use of customized orthotics.

While there is no guarantee that having these inserts made and wearing them will clear up your vein deficiency or even lessen the visibility of varicose veins what they can provide is some relief while standing and walking making daily life far less painful and more comfortable.

What Do Orthotics Do?

Orthotics give the arches in your feet support. Your foot actually has three separate arches, not just one. These arches are how your body balances itself by keeping your weight evenly distributed. Orthotics can even help to straighten the way you walk. Proper body mechanics in movement can help to keep you in alignment preventing excess wear and the body.

Bad body mechanics start from the base. Being flat footed or off balance can put pressure on the legs. If these veins are already diseased being off balance can make the discomfort experienced worse.

Ok, I Am Convinced, Where Do I Have Them Made?

Professional-quality orthotics are not bought in Walgreens or CVS. Those machines give you a slightly customized choice between two or three different supports. That is not what is meant by custom in this sense.

Proper orthotics can be fitted and ordered by your podiatrist, family doctor, or chiropractor. Depending on the company from which they are ordered, the orthotics can be formed by using step in boxes that cast your feet in a sand-like substance that holds form or by use of foot scanner which will measure the pressure points and arches in your feet.

They can be specially made for specific use in running and walking shoes, dress shoes and even sandals and can be easily moved from one pair to the next. They simply slide in and out of each shoe.

It is recommended when you get your first pair to wear them for 1 hour at first to allow your feet and legs to get used to them. From there try 2-3 hours, and then you can move on to a full day. If you go to fast you may end up feeling like you did a massive leg day work out at the gym as it uses muscles you may not have activated in a while.

In order to correct the damage done and rid yourself of the damaged veins, a consultation with a Vein Specialist is needed. Orthotics, as well as compression stockings, ice, rest and elevation all, can help with varicose vein issues. They can help to regulate the blood flow and alleviate the pain. 

The West Florida Vein Center can help if you have vein issues and are in the Tampa, Florida area, give us a call at . (727) 712-3233 www.westlforidaveincenter.com.

Skincare, Naturally!

skincare

skincareYour skin is the largest organ in your body.

Just because it’s on the outside as wrapping doesn’t mean you don’t need to care for it just as you do the rest of you.

When we are young our skin is filled with collagen making it feel very elastic and well hydrated. That is what gives the youthful appearance. As we age, lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as genetics, begin to take a toll on our skin and in turn can age us visually.

60% water. That is the makeup of the human body. It only stands to reason that if you are dehydrated, much like a raisin – you start to shrivel or wrinkle. Your skin is filled with pores acting as a filter allowing you to rid your system of toxins and to sweat when necessary in order to cool down. Keeping your skin clean and moisturized play a vital role in caring for your body.

Directions to keep your skin its best, even as you age.

#1Hydration – Drinking water and staying away from sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners, as well as moderation in caffeinated beverages, is a great step.

#2 Eat a well-balanced diet.  Temporary supplementation of vitamins and minerals you are lacking can also prove to be very healing. Your skin is a reflection of how healthy you are on the inside.

#3 Cleansing the skin on a daily basis. There are a multitude of creams, soaps and cleansers on the market today and everyone has their own opinions on what works and what doesn’t. Choose a cleanser that is suited for your skin type whether it is oily, dry, combination or sensitive there are many quality products on the market. The more natural the better – many soaps and shampoos these days are made with the same ingredients as your floor cleaner so read the labels! A good rule of thumb is – if you trip over the words trying to pronounce them, chances are it’s not in your best interest to rub it on your body!

#4Toning – The purpose of a toner is to wash away any residual dirt or soap left from washing your face. A good toner, sometimes called an astringent, cleanses and shrinks your pours in a sense “toning” your skin.

#5 Exfoliating – Exfoliation helps your skin to shed the dead outer layer of cells through the use of scrubs, loofah sponges, bristle brushes and towards the more extreme – peels or laser.

#6 Moisturizing. Surface moisturizers are designed to add hydration from the outside of the body by applying a layer of viscous cream or lotion to be absorbed into the skin. Again, read your labels and see what it is you are rubbing on and soaking into your body. Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s good for you. This is a vital step.

#7 Sun protection.   It has been shown in recent studies that retinyl palmitate, an ingredient in most sunscreens, was shown to accelerate cancer in lab animals. The other problem with wearing a sunscreen all of the time you are outside is that exposure to the sun creates Vitamin D in our bodies which is vital for good health. Vitamin D plays a role in supporting healthy bones by proportioning the absorption of calcium, lowers your blood pressure, and is one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth! Additionally it helps to regulate your immune system so while sunburn is dangerous and repeated sunburns are extremely dangerous some sun on your skin is needed and very healthy for you. Use your best judgment. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time cover up with hats and clothing, and if you choose to use a sunscreen make sure it does not contain retinyl palmitate.

#8 Quit Smoking – Smoking makes your skin dull and contributes to wrinkles giving you the appearance of advanced age.

#9 Reduce Stress Stress is a huge contributing factor to skin condition and appearance. We know its easy for us to tell you to eliminate stress, and not always so easy to put into practice. Don’t worry, we will give you some amazing tips in an upcoming article – so keep an eye out!

Caring for your skin doesn’t need to be a time-consuming hassle. Once you get your skin care products and regiment together, it becomes like second nature. And after all… aren’t you worth it?

Come in for a nutrition appointment and get your diet on track – it could boost not only the look and feel of your skin but your overall health as well.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.