Oregano – Nature’s Super Healer

oregano

oreganoOregano is a member of the mint family. It has often been nicknamed nature’s most potent antiseptic and described as one of the strongest known anti-inflammatory substances. Oregano oil has powerful anti-viral properties. In terms of reversing pain and inflammation; it has nearly the same power of morphine. Yet it remains relatively unknown. 

Oregano oil has been certified by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe); however, it is a very “hot” oil, so dilution is a carrier oil is recommended, especially for ingestion. You can purchase Oregano Oil capsules over the counter at any grocery or drugstore.

Numerous studies have shown it to be highly destructive to a multitude of viruses including Staph, E-Coli, Listeria and even MRSA. It has been demonstrated to be 99% effective at reducing airborne bacteria as well and is an excellent lymphatic stimulator even fighting off fungal infections. A recent medical journal study compared the anti-candida effect of oregano oil to that caprylic acid.  The results indicated that oregano oil is over 100 times more potent than caprylic acid against candida.

Oregano is a must have for every first aid kit and not a bad idea to keep in your medicine cabinet either.

What is oregano good for?

-Fungus and athlete’s foot infections (pop open a soft-gel and apply 2x daily)

-Respiratory ailments

-Colds

-Flu

-A sore throat

-Asthma

-Bronchitis. 

-Congestion, loosen phlegm and quiet coughs.  Either applying it topically (diluted, unless applied to the bottom of the feet) or diffused, it offers you excellent benefits.

-Intestinal infection

-Digestive issues

Diffused into the air for its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, to clear the air of pathogens (for this method oregano oil must be pure – not mixed with a carrier oil)

How to use oregano medicinally:

As with any antibiotic if you are choosing to use a natural antibiotic for an infection make sure that you do a full course. In other words… don’t just use it until you feel better. Keep going for a minimum of 5-10 days. As with all antibiotics, if you quit taking them just when you begin to feel better, the bacteria that remain may actually rally and come back stronger giving you less of a chance to be able to fight them off should you choose to start again.

Interested in homeopathy, chiropractic, natural wellness, nutrition and overall health? Contact the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. of Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555.

Moringa – The Miracle Supplement

moringa

moringaHave you tried moringa yet? It comes as both a capsule or a powder or if you are very lucky, fresh.

The leaves, flowers, bark, fruit, and root, and seeds can all be used medicinally.

 Moringa contains 4 times the Vitamin A of carrots, 7 times the Vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the calcium of milk,  and two times the protein of yogurt and 3 times the potassium of bananas.

Moringa is an important food source in many parts of the world as it can be grown inexpensively, and the leaves retain vitamins and minerals when dried, moringa is used in Africa and India to fight malnutrition.

The immature green pods are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a supplement and condiment. It will, however, only grow in tropical and subtropical climates.

The oil from moringa seeds can be used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction can even be used as a fertilizer and also to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.

Moringa’s Many Benefits:

WHEN TAKEN ORALLY 

    Anemia.

    Arthritis.

    Asthma.

    Cancer.

    Constipation.

    Birth control. (please do further research on dosage and timing)

    Diabetes.

    Diarrhea.

    Epilepsy.

    Stomach pain (gastritis).

    Stomach and intestinal ulcers.

    A headache.

    Heart problems.

    High blood pressure.

    Kidney stones.

    Swelling (inflammation).

    Thyroid disorders.

    Infections.

    Increasing breast milk production.

    As a nutritional supplement.

    Stimulating immunity.

    Increasing sex drive.

TOPICALLY

    Athlete’s foot.

    Dandruff.

    Warts.

    Skin infections.

    Snakebites.

    Gum disease (gingivitis).

    Astringent.

    Wounds

Directions: Follow the directions on the label. BUT I will add this – Please start slowly with Moringa. Everyone’s body is different. If it says 2 spoonfuls daily, trust me – start with ½ of a spoonful and work your way up. Moringa in too high of a dose can cause nausea, vomiting and even explosive diarrhea.

With the right dose, you should feel good, have more energy and notice a daily improvement.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It’s UNSAFE to use moringa if you are pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage.

It’s also best to avoid moringa if you are breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to know whether it is safe for a nursing infant.

Because of our tropical climate here in SW Florida, you can actually grow your own Moringa tree right in your yard. Make sure to plant it somewhere you do not mind a large tree growing because they do grow rather fast. To use it fresh you can pick branches right off the tree and eat the leaves.

For more amazing health information you may not know about by visiting the blog of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. Chiropractor and Nutritionist in Fort Myers, Florida www.drkasters.com | 239.332.2555

How to Support Blood Pressure, Naturally

high blood pressure fort myers

high blood pressure fort myersIt is scary to think that in this day and age one-third of all adults live with higher than desired blood pressure.  Life has become a go go go society. it’s a high-pressure world and our health is reflecting that. 

It can be tempting to simply ignore high blood pressure readings, but it isn’t in the overall best interest of your health. It can result over time in damage to the arteries, heart failure, ruptured blood vessels, kidney issues, vision problems, drop in cognitive function, metabolic syndrome and even life-threatening aneurysm.

The medical community seeks out pharmaceutical remedies to treat the symptom while those of us in the natural health world would rather find options that help to heal and treat the root cause.

Before reaching for the phone to get a prescription for high blood pressure medication, consider some of the more natural approaches which have been shown to work on many who experience higher than desired blood pressure readings.

Take a look at possible reasons for hypertension

Emotional taxation

Alcohol

Caffeine (soda, coffee, teas)

Smoking 

Being overweight or obese 

Lack of activity

Birth control pills are taken for lengthy amounts of time

Excess table salt

Heavy metal toxicity

What you can do 

Boost your diet – the foods you eat energize and run your body. Adding in items like olives and flax seeds, lots of fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 and healthy fats like coconut and olive oils. Reduce grains.

Take Magnesium – helps to relax blood vessels. It can immediately impact blood pressure. 500 mg a day is a great starting place for most people.

Take Potassium – coconut water, bananas, melons, and avocados are just a few of the potassium-packed foods that can help with hypertension.

Take CoQ10 – This antioxidant helps to support heart health. 200-300mg a day is great for blood pressure support.

Take Fish Oil – 1,000-2,000mg daily. Inflammation of the arteries is a prime cause of high blood pressure. Fish oil is high in EPA, DHA, and Omega’s. It helps control and reduce the inflammatory response and can, in turn, help to reduce how hard your heart is having to work.

Get Chiropractic Adjustments & Massage – When your body is in proper alignment your nervous system works at top speed. This gives your body the best chance at regulating itself, which after all is the ultimate goal in health. Massage is not only relaxing, which can help bring down hypertension, it is therapeutic and helps the body release toxins and stress as well as tension.

Before reaching for that medicine bottle – consider some of these tips. They may just change your life.

If you are in the SW Florida area visit www.drkasters.com Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. of the office of Dr. Jason Kaster. or call 239-332-2555 and make an appointment today. 

Is it Menopause?

menopause

menopauseIf you are in the age range of 35-50 you may start to experience symptoms of menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time at which menstruation stops for a woman and she is no longer able to reproduce. It can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, emotional swings,irregular or missed periods, hair thinning, and even changes in sexual appetite. These are all very jarring symptoms that can interrupt your daily life. All you want is to feel back to your old self again. But how do you get there? Television advertisements would have you believe that your only salvation is through hormone replacement therapy. That just isn’t the case.

Tips and Tricks to help alleviate symptoms

While its not reasonable to expect to avoid hot flashes there are triggers that can bring them on more frequently or cause them to be more severe.

Triggers can include:

  • An overly warm environment
  • Hot hair dryers
  • Hot food or drinks
  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Sugary foods
  • Eating spicy foods  
  • Hormonal changes

A few ways to 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.

While all of these tips will help, the key is proper nutritional support. Eating will can keep your body in balance.

There are certain natural herbs and plants that can ease the transitional symptoms.

Black Cohosh

Beneficial for both men and women in supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 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.

Wild Yam

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

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 supports bone strength and is rich in isoflavones.

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

Great for digestive problems.  CAUTION: SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WITH DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, SEVERE MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS OR HISTORY OF STROKE.

Chaste Tree

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

Damiana

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

When taken in combination they can offer relief for menopausal symptoms. While the list of side effects/risks from pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies range from stroke, blood clots, ovarian cancer, fluid retention,breast cancer, gallstones, dementia, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, weight gain, breast tenderness, spotting on your skin, and even in rare cases, uterine fibroids or endometriosis – These natural alternatives are safe and in many cases effective.

For more information on nutrition and supplementation visit the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida.

Chiropractor in Ft 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 it as soon as possible?

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

Essential Oil Diffusers for Health

diffuser

diffuserWhat Is an Essential oil Diffuser?

An essential oil diffuser is a container that holds a mixture of water and essential oil.  When turned on the diffusion lamp creates a vapor out of the water and oil which mists itself into the air diffusing the oil particles so that the fragrance fills the air and in turn your lungs.

Why Essential Oils?

Essential oils can be essential in healing the body. Every oil has its own set of properties –antitumorigenic, antibacterial, antiviral, and much more. Oils can be breathed in, applied topically, or taken internally (please check each company and each oil, not every oil can be ingested due to impurities in processing and or the plant source itself).

These amazing oils have been shown to help with everything from the common cold to asthma, headache relief, pain relief, skin issues, cancer, blood disorders, and much much more. By diffusing them into the air everyone in the area derives the benefits. Essential oils can also benefit your pets. 

Used as aromatherapy they can lift and brighten your mood and make you feel better overall. So toss away the chemical laden Renuzit and Febreeze sprays and make way for a cleaner more natural way to cleanse the air in your home while healing your body.

On a molecular level, essential oils are small enough that they can get inside human cells and detoxify. Certain oils, such as Frankincense are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier (the goal of many medications) and help heal even traumatic brain injuries. Frankincense has even shown promise in cancer patients as well as those who are in comas.

If you are looking for more out of the box alternative health advice, follow Dr. Jason Kaster on FB or TWITTER or visit his site at www.drkasters.com.

Are You Working Out Correctly?

working out

working outIf you look around in any gym you will see a great bunch of well-meaning motivated people working out to get in shape. The problem is that many of them are simply doing it all wrong.

What do I mean?
They, by the standards of proper body mechanics, have very bad. Bad form not only will not produce the results you are looking for, it also can very easily lead to injury. It can also cause additional wear and tear on other body parts.

When starting any exercise program it is a good idea to first visit your chiropractor. Allow them to get you in proper alignment. They can make sure you have no limitations that should be looked out for. This is very much along the lines of the same train of thought that says you should go get an alignment on your car before taking a long road trip so you don’t wear your tires or other mechanical parts unevenly.)

Additional to spinal alignment we can also get you set up on a nutritional plan to make sure you get the maximum results from your workouts.

Many gyms do offer an introductory personal training session. It is a good idea to take this one session at the very minimum. You can talk with them about your goals and ask questions about machines and weight-bearing exercise. If it is in your budget, schedule a few more sessions until you feel you have the hang of it.

Once you feel the way to do an exercise properly you will realize the difference from an incorrect movement. The right way will allow you to focus on the muscle or muscle group being worked. When done incorrectly you are overcompensating with other body parts to complete the movement.

A great thought to go by is – when in doubt? Ask. It will save you time, frustration, wasted effort and even possibly save you from an injury.

If you are in the Southwest Florida area we invite you to visit the offices of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. before starting your exercise program. 239-332-2555. www.drkasters.com.

As Within So Without – Beauty is not just skin deep

beauty

Outer beauty is a direct result of inner health and wellness.

If you feel like you are starting to look run down or just lackluster, here are a few tips that can boost your health and in turn change that reflection in the mirror for the better. We are a product of our own choices and lifestyles.

  1. Drink lots of fresh clean water. Try to consume one gallon of water per day. It may seem like a lot at first, but you do quickly get used to it. Water is the universal solvent, it cleans and purifies the body on a cellular level. Proper hydration helps all of your organs including your skin. For a more radiant glow – drink water.
  1. Dry Skin – While hydration and water are a part of that, good fats are also a very likely culprit. Your body needs fat to run properly. Without enough your skin will be dry, you may experience brain fog, and if long-term you may run into other health issues. Good fats to eat regularly include coconut oil, nuts, avocados, and oily fish.
  2. Dull not so white eyes? – if you aren’t sleeping well, you work too much staring at a computer screen, smoke, drink, or even have nutritional deficiencies they can be reflected in the eye. Destress, get rest, stop smoking, cut back on the drinking, and take outdoor breaks away from the screen as well as your portable devices. Additionally, the old wives tale about sliced cucumbers over your eyes is actually based in science. Placing chilled cucumber slices on your eyes for 15 minutes a day reduces puffiness and redness. Rosewater works as well. dab on cotton balls and place over the eyes the same way you would with the cucumber slices.
  3. Great hair can be yours – Your hair requires protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, selenium, and zinc. Folic acid also helps strengthen hair growth. Making sure you have a well rounded healthy diet can boost the look and feel of hair as well as its ability to grow without splitting or breaking off.
  4. Muscle tone – Exercise is key to feeling and looking better. Muscle mass doesn’t just help us lift and move things, it helps to support your entire skeletal body frame. It all works in conjunction to support our organs and hold us together.

As within, so without. When you feel good, health becomes radiant. If you are feeling dull and lifeless or have targeted health issues you want to work on improving call the offices of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. he can work with you through the use of chiropractic, massage therapy, alternative complementary therapies as well as nutrition to get you on the road to being the very best healthiest possible version of you that you can be.

Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL, and Naples, 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 it as soon as possible?

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

Chiropractic – Getting to the Truth

chiropractic

chiropracticFor those familiar with chiropractors already, they know from their own personal experience that chiropractic simply works. As for those who haves yet to experience chiropractic there seem to be a few rumors floating around out there. Today we would like to try and clear the air as to fact vs. myth.

Misconception #1– Chiropractors are not real doctors.

False. The biggest difference between medical doctors and chiropractors is not their level of education but in their method of treating patients.

Let’s look at both forms of treatment

Chiropractors – For soft tissue damage and misalignments, there is no miracle chemical compound that can correct this. It requires a physical solution. This is where chiropractic adjustment comes in as well as recommended exercises, stretching, and muscle therapy. Chiropractors are able to help your body to work and function correctly in order to be able to heal itself.

Medical doctors – Medical doctors are, as they are accurately named, trained in the use of medicine as well as surgery. If you have a chemically treatable problem, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a bacterial infection, medical treatment can be an answer.

Schooling for a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) and schooling for a Medical Degree, in curricula, are virtually identical. The Chiropractic degree actually requires more hours of classroom learning than the medical degree. Chiropractic students are required to complete a supervised residency just as medical doctors are. Upon graduation, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams where they intend to practice.

Chiropractors are subject to the same type of licensing, testing procedures, and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state programs, such as Workers’ Compensations programs, Medicare, and Medicaid cover chiropractic. Federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by D.C.’s.

Their doctorate is in every way equal to that of a medical doctor.

Misconception #2 – Medical doctors don’t believe in chiropractors.

Untrue. While it may have been the case way back in the 1940s and even as recently as the 1970s in the years following the overall opinion of the vast majority of the medical community has changed. There have been studies conducted showing that chiropractic does indeed help patients with a wide range of conditions and can work very well in conjunction with more traditional medical care. Hospitals across the country staff chiropractors as do many medical offices.

Misconception #3 – If you get adjusted once, you must go for the rest of your life. It’s better to just leave things be.

Though of course recommended is a lifetime of preventative wellness care, that is totally up to the individual. You can receive just a single adjustment in a life time or regular care. There is no mandate, and being adjusted and in alignment simply makes you feel better. The likely reason this idea got started was that once you feel what your body feels like in alignment and working properly, you will not want to accept a lesser version of your health.

Chiropractic is very much akin to going to the dentist. Can you get your teeth cleaned only once? Sure. But you may not experience full dental health if you don’t continue to go on a regular basis for preventive maintenance.

This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. It is only partially true. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits.

We hope this has cleared up some common misnomers about chiropractic. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you in our office sometime soon for an adjustment. If you would like to schedule an appointment in either our Fort Myers or Naples offices please give us a call at 239-332-2555 or visit www.drkasters.com.