Are You Suffering

October 13, 2017 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

Are you suffering? If you are like some of my clients, you’ve suffered from “it happened when . . .” syndrome. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this month I am talking about cancers and how they are destroying people’s lives in a lot of different ways every day. My own mother in law just recently passed away from brain cancer, and my wife Kim and her sibling were the primary caregivers of their mother. As Kim took care of her mom and her own family, she knew that she needed to be extra careful with herself due to the extra stress in her life. You can hear more of her story in The Feeling Good Podcast episode 85.

People can often trace their poor health back to traumatic or stressful events in their life. This is known as “it happened when . . .” syndrome. Are you suffering? Let me help! Many people go through traumatic experiences and hold their feelings inside and do not talk about it with others. Open communication is important when going through a difficult trial. I suggest talking about what is going on rather than holding it inside. When you hold things inside, it binds it up, and that binding can make you sick. Talking about it gives you freedom!

You might be thinking I don’t need to talk about my problems, symptoms or condition. I can deal with it on my own. Let me ask you a question? How is it working for you so far? Or maybe you are concerned that you can’t afford to work with me, but can you afford to suffer through life because you didn’t ask for help? I offer a FREE non-committal fifteen minute session to any prospective client to determine if there is a good fit for working together, so there’s no reason to suffer without seeking help.

Schedule a call with me today for a health consultation and find the right coaching package to get you feeling good again! You can choose to have your session in person, over the phone or with video conference software.

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

It’s Okay to Drink Tap Water, Right?

July 31, 2017 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

When someone tells me about an ailment they’re having, one of the first questions I ask is: “How much water are you drinking each day?” Most people even admit to me that they’re probably not drinking enough. But I hear this question a lot as well, “It’s Okay to drink tap water, right?”

The human body is the world’s most amazing machine. With more than 600 different muscles, more than 200 bones, and more than 70 organs all working in conjunction with one another each day, it’s fascinating to think about how the human body functions. And even though your body contains all of these muscles, bones, and organs, they still don’t even account for the majority of what’s inside you. The human body consists primarily of water. Drinking water throughout the day is essential for overall health. Water helps us to perform at high levels, and we need to make sure we replenish our supply each day. We literally can’t live without water.

A deficit of water in your body can cause immediate and serious health problems, and if not addressed quickly, it will eventually result in death. To keep your body feeling fluid and performing at optimal levels, you should be drinking no less than one half ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For those of you who think water tastes too plain, I recommend trying The Right Cup.

According to recent studies, about 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. The first signs of dehydration include headaches, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Severe dehydration leads to far more serious ailments such as chronic pain, organ failure, degenerative diseases, and death. If you’re reading this and are realizing you might be dehydrated, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about going to the kitchen sink and getting a glass of tap water. Don’t.

They type of water we drink is extremely important.

In my book How to Live Until You Die I stated “The truth is that tap water is the worst kind of water to drink because it’s full of chemicals.” There are hundreds of studies that will show you the dangerous chemicals that tap water contains, and many case histories done in the past few years that prove the deadliness of those chemicals. According to a report in Scientific American, “Traces of 18 unregulated chemicals were found in drinking water from more than one-third of U.S. water utilities in a nationwide sampling…”

Drinking tap water is simply not a safe way to sustain necessary levels of hydration in your body. The movie A Civil Action which dramatizes the true story of Erin Brockovich, profiles the inclusion of Chromium-6 in the tap water of more than 218 million Americans. Chromium-6 is known to be responsible for cancer, liver damage, reproductive problems, and developmental harm. You may also remember the crisis of 2014 in Flint, Michigan, when it was discovered that the tap water was contaminated with high levels of lead.

We need to drink water to stay hydrated, but drinking tap water will probably do us more harm than good. So what do we do? You have a few options. Bottled water is better than tap water, and so is filtering water through either a pitcher or a device attached directly to the tap. Water filtration will remove some of the chemicals, however, it is inconsistent and the lifespan of filters can weaken their effectiveness over time.

My favorite type of water is alkaline ionized water, which you can get through a Kangen machine. Alkaline water helps counteract any acidic things that we put in our bodies. It also contains electrolyte nutrients that help your body function the way it should. To learn more about proper hydration, safe and unsafe water sources, and my top recommendations for staying healthy by drinking the right kind of water, get a copy of my book How to Live Until You Die. (more blogs on water)

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

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Supplements: What They Are and Why You Need Them

July 14, 2017 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

As established in the recent blog post Are You Eating Real Food?, most foods offered in grocery stores today lack the necessary amount of key nutrients that your body needs in order to thrive. In fact, even most whole and raw foods have

significantly less nutrients and minerals than they did 50 years ago. With many contributing factors that include different farming techniques, soil that is less rich in mineral deposits, and genetically altered products, the bottom line is that today the optimal level of nutrients cannot be sustained by our diet alone. This leads to the question: How can we receive the necessary amount of nutrients to achieve and sustain a happy, healthy, and whole life?

The answer is to take supplements. However, not all supplements actually provide your body with the nutrients it needs, and some even contain harmful chemicals. This poses another question: How can we know which supplements will help us and which ones will hurt us? In the book How To Live Until You Die Dr. Phil Carson explains how to find the supplements your body needs and how to avoid the chemicals it doesn’t.

Dr. Phil tells his readers “You might be shocked to find artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other Big Seven Toxins in many of the multivitamins that you’ve been told are a one-pill-per-day solution. In reality, many of those vitamins are a waste of your time and money.” He then provides three simple guidelines for selecting supplements that won’t expose your body to harmful chemicals.

The tips that Dr. Phil provides about supplement selection include avoiding the same dangerous chemicals and ingredients (Big Seven Toxins, etc.) that you would avoid in food. Only take vitamins with ingredients that are organic or substances found in nature and avoid toxic coatings and unhealthy bindings. Instead, look for vitamins with plant based vitamins and be wary of supplements that list all of the vitamins and nutrients in milligrams, because that can be an indication that the product is synthetic and doesn’t contain food-sourced nutrients.

Avoid synthetic supplements at all costs

Several reports warn against the danger of taking synthetic vitamins that attempt to manufacture the nutrients with chemicals rather than extracting the nutrients from a natural source. Immediate dangers include impeding your body’s ability to absorb real nutrients from real food, possible birth defects, increased cancer risk, hypercalcemia, and blood clotting. The Organic Consumers Organization published a report that gives an in-depth look at the differences between natural and synthetic vitamins, explains why synthetic supplements are so harmful, and sheds light on how to tell if you’re putting your body at risk by taking a synthetic vitamin. The evidence-based articles at Authority Nutrition break down the way the body responds to synthetic vitamins, and encourage you to only take supplements that come from natural ingredients.

In How to Live Until You Die, Dr. Phil strongly advises readers to take only natural supplements, and recommends specific supplements that he currently takes himself. Among those recommendations are:

Multivitamin: Catalyn by Standard Process
Fish Oil: ProDHA by Nordic Naturals
Probiotic: Enterobiotic SBO by Natural Creations
CoQ10: Smart CoQ10 by Enzymatic Therapy

Although supplements can be greatly beneficial to your health, each of us has a unique body composition and could have a different reaction to certain supplements than another person. (The same is true with food and with medicine.) Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your daily regimen. Your doctor knows you and has charts, notes, and other details regarding your health history. Make sure you are getting the right supplements in the right amounts by discussing your plan with your regular doctor.

Taking the right supplements in addition to maintaining a healthy diet will do wonders for your body, but to truly live a full and rewarding life, there are a total of seven crucial elements you need to balance. To learn more about these seven keys to living happy, healthy, and whole, order your copy of How to Live Until You Die today.

The Most Important Part of Any Diet is Water

June 30, 2017 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever felt motivated to improve your health, you’ve probably realized that eating right is crucial to success. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or just feel more alive, having the right diet is critical. Most people cringe when they hear the word “diet” because their first thought is that they have to undertake an extreme regimen of eating far less, far more, or much different food than they are used to. However, the word “diet” in its simplest form is more accurately defined as the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.

Everybody has a diet. For some people, a diet can include fast food, sugary drinks, and daily desserts. Others may consider their diet to be Paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, or one of the other well-known, well-defined mainstream diets. Your diet is what you eat regularly. If you want to improve your overall quality of life, take a long look at your diet. Are you consuming too many harmful foods? Could you add more fruits and vegetables to your daily intake? What exactly is the ideal diet?

No two people are exactly the same, and no two diets need be exactly the same either. The best diet is what works best for your body. However, there is one thing that is essential across all diets, for all humans, regardless of shape, size, age, or any other variable: The number one most important thing to consume every day is water. Our bodies are made primarily of water. In fact, our composition is 60-70% water. The bottom line is: We can’t live without water. According to Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, an authority in the medical community, more than 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. This astounding statistic may very well explain the root cause of many ailments suffered by individuals across the country.

When a new patient comes to Dr. Phil Carson with a complaint about their health, he says, “Water is so important that no matter what ailment the person is asking about, one of the first questions I ask is how much water they’re drinking a day.” In his book, How to Live Until You Die, he asserts that “Water can be an important part of any plan to burn fat, lose weight, and speed up your metabolism.”

To truly live happy, healthy, and whole, you need to drink at least .5 ounces of water for each pound that you weigh, each day. Water plays a major part in flushing out deadly toxins and allowing us to feel fluid, flexible, and energized. Several scientific studies have found significant correlations between water intake and reduced risk of bladder cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer. The collective conclusion of the studies mentioned is that “Water is undoubtedly the most important nutrient and the only one whose absence will be lethal within days.” Dr. Phil gives an overview of these studies in How to Live Until You Die, along with recommendations on the best water sources and types of water, the best times to drink water, healthy ways to make water more flavorful, and warnings against drinking tap water.

Daily consumption of water is one of Dr. Phil’s seven keys to living right. As he says in How to Live Until You Die “Getting enough water is a critically important part of a balanced plan to be more happy, healthy, and whole.”

You have probably heard Dr. Phil say, “You may not be drinking enough water, but you need to be! Stay hydrated, my friends!” But there are so many options, how do you know what type of water to drink to make sure you’re getting the most benefits and great taste, while keeping it simple and consistent with your lifestyle? Dr. Phil recently shared a video on his Facebook page, where people have tested the Ph Balance levels on popular brands of bottled water. It’s shocking to see these results. Dr. Phil highly recommends drinking high quality bottled spring water or mineralized water for that reason.

Two of the most common reasons people give for not drinking enough water are that is tastes too plain or it’s too boring. Water doesn’t have to be boring or plain! Have you tried adding fresh squeezed lemons, limes or oranges? Adding fresh fruit to your water can taste even better than the chemical-infused elixirs marketed as sports drinks or enhanced waters. Experiment today with adding fruit to your water. Your kids and grandkids will love it too!

To learn more about the health benefits of water, how to get the right amount of water in your diet, and to discover the other six keys to living happy, healthy, and whole, order your copy of How to Live Until You Die today. You can also listen to a recent episode of the Feeling Good Podcast, where Dr. Phil discusses the importance of water in your diet on our website or in iTunes.

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

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Can Decaf Coffee Cause Rhuematoid Arthritis?

July 30, 2016 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

I’ve been asked multiple times recently about my opinion of drinking decaf coffee. I happen to have a very strong opinion about decaf coffee that I want share with you all and especially our female readers! First though a quick refresher on Rheumatoid Arthritis!

Taken from my previous blog, Rheumatoid vs Osteoarthritis, What are the Differences?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is much less common than the previously discussed Osteoarthritis. Statistics show that Rheumatoid Arthritis affects about 1/10th as many people as Osteo. The main difference between these two forms of arthritis is the cause behind the symptoms. Osteo is primarily caused by wear and tear on the joints whereas Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints, which is what causes the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unlike Osteo which usually begins later in life, Rheumatoid Arthritis can begin at any age. Many of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteo are similar, but Rheumatoid Arthritis can produce more swelling of the joints and often more pain in the joints. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis would be the lumps that can form underneath the skin called Rheumatoid Arthritis nodules, which can be very painful and affect the movement of the joints. Both forms of arthritis are often treated with the same anti-inflammatory medications mentioned in my previous blogs, however with Rheumatoid Arthritis there are also immuno-suppressant drugs used to try and suppress the immune system from attacking the joints. These drugs can have very dangerous side effects.

If you or someone you know has Rheumatoid Arthritis, I would encourage you to go back and read the entire blog and the rest of the blogs published in our Arthritis Month Series last year!

Back to the matter at hand though.

I was able to find three articles that I believe are helpful in addressing this issue of drinking decaf coffee and it’s connection to Rheumatoid. Check out these headlines and short excerpts:

Decaf May Increases Arthritis Risk – ABC News

“According to a study of more than 31,336 women aged 55-69, women who reported consuming four or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day were more than twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, compared to women who never drank decaf.”

Read the full article here!

Coffee Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis – PubMed Study

“In this large, prospective study, we find little evidence of an association between coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea consumption and the risk of RA among women.”

Full study here!

Effect of Decaffeinated Coffee on Health – 2005 Health Study

“Caffeine is often the primary focus when the negative health effects of coffee are discussed. But there are a number of significant chemical compounds present in coffee, other than caffeine, which also have strong effects on the body. Some of the more common active constituents include chlorogenic acid, caffeol and diterpenes. Many health conditions that are aggravated by coffee are still affected by decaffeinated coffee, despite the lowered level of caffeine, due to these other phytochemicals that remain in decaf coffee after the decaffeination process. Current studies suggest that, for people who are sensitive to coffee’s effects, decaffeinated brews may still exacerbate their health problems. Therefore, the healthiest option may be to eliminate both regular and decaffeinated coffee from the diet.”

Read the full study here!

As you can see there are some conflicting opinions on the link between decaf coffee and rheumatoid arthritis. There are numerous other studies they have been conducted to show a possible link between the consumption a decaf coffee and rheumatoid. Some say yes and some say no. This is the case with lots of health studies and you have to consider the sources when deciding what actions you want to take. However if you are at risk for rheumatoid arthritis then this information is certainly something to consider. My opinion is that you should try your best to keep any unnatural chemicals out of your body in the first place. The chemicals used in the decaffeination process is what some of these researchers believe to be the underlying problem. So what I have told the people that ask me is that if you’re going to drink decaffeinated coffee or tea then buy one of the brands that have been decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process. This is a process by which no chemicals are used. There are a variety of brands on the market that use this process but the one that I purchase most often is Kroger’s Simple Truth organic brand.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and if you haven’t listened to The Feeling Good Podcast yet, then there is no better time to start!

Click the logo to be directed to our latest episode and be sure to check out our Facebook page to keep up to date with our Feeling Good Friday video series!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

Nature’s Answer for Rheumatoid Arthritis

May 30, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

For years I have watched many people suffer from the pain and the crippling effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis. One thing I have observed is that the degree of suffering varies dramatically with many of these patients. I’ve seen several do very well on minimal medications, and I’ve seen others crippled and bed ridden while taking handfuls of medications. Why is this? Why do some people suffer much more severely than others? Why does this horrible disease effect people to different degrees? Well I cannot give you a definitive answer to those questions, but I will tell you what I think are the distinguishing factors as to why is there such a varying degree of pain, suffering, and complications among Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. This variance that I see in patients, I believe for the most part has to do with their total well-being. Those that have a strong spiritual life, a positive mindset and stay physically active as well as have healthy eating habits seem to fare much better with with this debilitating disease. Most people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis just want some quick relief, and there are many drugs on the market which can provide that, but I want to see people get more than just quick relief of their pain and suffering. I want to see the progression of this terrible disease halted, possibly even reversed, without the use of these harmful drugs.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Therefore I believe if you want to see optimal relief of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, you must start with balancing the immune system. 15 years ago a doctor from Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Carson Burgstiner, set out to find what he called a cure for his autoimmune condition. I don’t know if you can truly call it a cure, but he did find what he was looking for, supplements that actually did restore balance to his immune system. Not only did he help himself, but he helped many of his patients also suffering from autoimmune diseases. His story has been documented and you can read about it in this article profiling Dr. Burgstiner several years ago.

This disruption in the immune system that happens in the cases of autoimmune diseases, whether it Rheumatoid Arthritis or any of the other Rheumatic conditions can be caused by numerous environmental factors, as well as allergenic foods and substances consumed in our daily diets. Dr. Johnathan Wright from Tacoma, Washington, has written much about this, and you can find his suggestions and recommendations by following this link. As a sufferer of allergy problems myself, I believe Dr. Wright is spot on with what he suggests about the effects of certain allergenic foods on our immune system and how they can trigger and worsen the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

If you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis or you know someone that is, please share this information with them. It is my hope that you will find that nature can possibly have the answer you’ve been looking for. Rheumatoid Arthritis and all autoimmune diseases are very serious conditions. If you do decide you want an answer from nature, don’t go at it alone. Please consult with your healthcare provider and ask them to work with you as you work to take back your health and your life. If you have any further questions on Rheumatoid Arthritis or if you would be interested in learning more about the supplements that Dr. Burgstiner used with his patients, please fill out the contact form, or leave a voice message by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Phil” microphone on CarsonNatural.com

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

Rheumatoid vs Osteoarthritis, What are the Differences?

May 27, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

The difference in health and comfort is clear in a hand with and without Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Just as with Osteoarthritis, there are various natural products that can help with the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I believe anyone suffering Rheumatoid Arthritis can benefit from these natural products. The Wobenzym-N that I recommend for Osteo can help with the symptoms and even possibly help in regulating the body’s immune system, studies show. Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, the focus of the treatment needs to be on balancing the immune system. Keep in mind, the drugs being used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis do not balance the immune system but rather suppress it. This suppression provides temporary relief of symptoms, but it does not correct the underlying problem. I have seen numerous patients find tremendous relief using natural products that help balance the immune system. I believe with this debilitating disease, we as health professionals, should be focusing on finding something to treat the underlying immune imbalance rather than treating the symptoms and suppressing the immune system. There are some health professionals out there who are doing this today, and in our next blog, we will discuss what they are recommending and are often getting great results with.

To learn more facts about Rheumatoid Arthritis visit the Rheumatoid Arthritis foundation website, and if you have any questions please contact me by filling out the contact form or leaving a voice message by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Phil” microphone on CarsonNatural.com. I look forward forward to hearing from you and serving you!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

Is the Cure for Arthritis in Your Kitchen?

May 21, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

Open up the fridge, open up the pantry! The relief you’ve been in search of for your arthritis pain and prevention of arthritis all together may very well be in your kitchen! I know from my personal experience and my patients the pain and discomfort of arthritis is no joking matter. However I am not joking when I say relief may be in your kitchen. Just as there are many foods that can cause inflammation in the body there are many others that can possibly relieve or prevent that inflammation from occurring in our bodies and joints. I believe you can improve your arthritic condition dramatically, if you will incorporate these foods into your diet on a daily basis. There are various types of foods, but I want to recommend three of my favorites.

First is Fruit! There are several fruits that can help with inflammation, but the berries are the best! Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and acai berries to name a few. These berries are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties! Here is a great post detailing the healing properties of blueberries!

Second is the vegetable family! Broccoli, onions, and garlic are considered the best for anti-inflammatory purposes. Just as with the fruit, there are numerous studies that can validate these claims. Check out this post on broccoli!

Last, but not least, and found in your pantry, are the spices, such as turmeric, ginger, cinammon, oregano, and cayenne. For those of you who may not like to spice up your food, all of the forementioned spices can be purchased in capsule form for easy and convenient consumption. Again there is much scientific evidence verifying the anti-inflammatory properties of these wonderful spices. Here is a post detailing the specifics of many of the spices listed above!

As I mentioned previously, there are also many foods that cause inflammation. For optimal arthritic symptom control, here are three common types of foods that you need to limit or avoid all together.

1. Processed Dairy and Processed Sugar – The Froyo fad could be increasing inflammation in your body through the two main ingredients: sugar and milk, not to mention those cookies or candy you put on top.

2. Processed Grains – This category includes processed breads and pasta as well. These two foods are quickly broken down in your body into sugar, and if you haven’t been keeping up with current health trends, sugar is one of the most inflammatory ingredients out there.

3. Processed Meats – According to studies, the saturated fats found in most supermarket meat causes inflammation. They can also contain a compound called arachidonic acid which triggers a natural inflammatory response in the body.

If these are some of you favorite foods, don’t be discouraged! The key with consuming these inflammatory foods is to do so in moderation. It is when your body is in a constant state of inflammation, caused by exclusively consuming these ingredients and foods, that it begins to cause problems!

If you are interested in learning about more foods that are naturally anti-inflammatory, then you’re in luck because, I will cover those in my next blog. For information on specific anti-inflammatory supplements check out my last post! If you have any great recipes using any of these ingredients please share them in the comment section below, and if you have any questions about arthritis fill out the contact form or leave a message using the “Ask Dr. Phil” Microphone!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

Natures Answer for Osteoarthritis Pain

May 17, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

I am afraid of the side effects of the prescription arthritis medication. What natural medicines can I take to help with my arthritis pain?

This is a question that I received from patients quite often.

Osteoarthritis is most often treated medically with two types of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroidal and non-sterodial. The steroidal are commonly known as cortisone drugs, available by prescription only. There are a multitude of non-steroidal drugs on the market, but the most popular is probably the over-the-counter drug ibuprofen. Both of these types of medications do a good job of temporarily relieving joint pain. Unfortunately, at the same time they have a long list of potential adverse effects, one of which is the deterioration of joint tissue. I want people to know that there are some good safe natural alternatives to these drugs. These alternatives can often provide equal or better relief of the pain without the adverse effects caused by the medications. Unfortunately these natural products don’t work as fast as the drugs, but they can, most of the time, provide relief within two to three weeks.

I hate to see people suffering from the pain of arthritis and I also hate to see them suffering from the adverse effects of the drugs. I believe that most people can find the relief of pain they are searching for with these three natural products that I often recommend.

Baxyl is a new natural product that I have recently discovered. My patients have been getting tremendous results with this supplement. I have two patients with severe arthritis in their knees that tell me this product has changed their life.

Baxyl is an effective and convenient way to:

Promote healthy joint mobility and lubrication*
Enhance the maintenance of cartilage and joint tissues*
Support healthy bone formation*
Support vertebrae and spine health*
Enhance ocular health*

Natural Egg Shell Membrane is a new novel supplement that recent studies are showing to be very helpful in relieving pain and improving joint flexibility. Until recently, the majority of eggshells were immediately discarded once the shell was broken and the yolk and albumen were extracted. What we failed to realize was that the majority of the beneficial egg membrance surrounding the interior shell of the egg was discarded along with the shell. Scientific research has now confirmed that these egg membranes contain components such as Chondroitin Sulfate, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid which may help support healthy joints and flexibility.

Wobenzym N and Glucosamine/MSM complex, two products that I discussed in my previous blog for prevention have also been shown to be very effective in providing natural relief of pain over a period of time. Studies show that all of these products actually promote healing of the joint tissue.

If you think one of these products may be right for you but have further questions please contact me by filling out our contact form or leaving a voice message by clicking the “Ask Dr. Phil” microphone! I look forward to your questions!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

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National Arthritis Awareness Month

May 14, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

This whole month of May is National Arthritis Awareness month, so for the next two weeks I will be looking closely at two types of arthritis. We’ll look at why they occur, changes we can make to help prevent it, and supplements that delay and/or prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis and is most common in people over the age of 65. I believe that most people can prevent this degenerative disease by implementing the following protective and preventative measures into their daily lifestyle. First and foremost for would be proper hydration of the body. Each time a joint moves, your body releases a small amount of water to lubricate the joint. When you fail to adequately hydrate, your body will run out of lubricant, your bones and cartilage begin to wear down, and you’re on the path to arthritis. A simple Google search of arthritis and proper hydration (which I’ve done for you) will reveal just how many health professionals agree that proper hydration prevents all types of arthritis. Proper hydration is essential for our health in the first place, but I believe especially important in preventing Osteoarthritis. One of the causes of Osteoarthritis is known to be overuse of particular joints in our body. How many former baseball players, especially pitchers, do you know whose shoulders just don’t quite work anymore? In most cases that is simply from overuse and under-rest. Your body will let you know when you are overusing or abusing it in a specific area. By listening to our bodies and making sure that we stop and give it rest when it needs it, we can prevent Osteoarthritis. The body naturally begins to deteriorate as we age, but we can slow down this process with proper supplementation. There are a variety of good supplements on the market today to help prevent the deterioration of our joints, delaying or all together preventing Osteoarthritis. Below are three of my favorite supplements for the delay and/or prevention of Osteoarthritis are Glucosamine/MSM, ProOmega Fish Oil, and Wobenzym N.

Glucosamine/MSM

MSM is a naturally-occurring compound that is found in significant amounts of nerve tissue, skin, hair, and joints. Dietary supplementation of MSM can help support the creation of new cells and connective tissue and help produce healthy muscles and flexible joints.

ProOmega Fish Oil

My favorite brand of fish oil products are Nordic Naturals!

A large body of scientific evidence indicates that fish oil supports key compounds and internal repair systems that operate in response to physical stress. Studies show that EPA and DHA, the omega–3 essential fatty acids in fish oil, support the resolution of pain associated with physical stress to the back and joints.

The research-backed benefits of fish oil include:

Promotes back and joint health*
Promotes joint mobility and flexibility*
Supports internal repair systems that operate in response to stress and injury*
Is natural and safe for long-term use

Wobenzym N

Increases Flexibility and Mobility
Supports Joint and Tendon Health
Temporary Relief from Aches, Pains and Muscle Soreness due to Everyday Activity

Wobenzym N works holistically — throughout your entire body — to support joint and tendon health. Aches, pains and muscle soreness can keep you from living the active lifestyle you desire. Experiencing extraordinary health is all about helping the body achieve homeostasis — a dynamic state of balance.

I hope you see that Osteoarthritis is a disease that can easily be prevented if the proper steps are taken. If you or someone you know has Osteoarthritis, or is at risk for it, it’s not too late to do something about it. If you would like to learn more about or have any questions on Osteoarthritis please fill out our contact form on CarsonNatural.com. You can also click the “Ask Dr. Phil” microphone to leave a voice message or leave a comment below!

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil

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Get Fit, Don’t Sit! 4 Ways to Combat Your Sedentary Workplace

May 7, 2015 by Phil Carson Leave a Comment

May 6th, 2015 was the inaugural Get Fit Don’t Sit day sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

This is a cause that I can definitely get behind. Each year most Americans are living a more sedentary lifestyle than before. Check out these alarming statistics on the effects of a sedentary lifestyle from this infographic from the American Diabetes Association! Most of our jobs confine us to a desk and more days than not we’re so tired and stressed when we get home that sitting or sleeping is what we end up doing there as well. Our bodies are crying out for activity and we have to answer the call. I want to provide you with four low impact office exercises that you can perform to break up the 5-8 hours of sitting a day while at work. Research shows that it is best to get active every 90 minutes and that activity increases blood flow, concentration, and energy levels. So for your next day at the office try and follow this routine based on the typical 8 – 5 work-day.

Work Day Workout

8:00 – Arrive at work after a healthy breakfast, ready for the day!

9:30 – Time for first break, jump up and push your chair under your desk and do 2 or 3 sets of Air Sqauts. Place your feet shoulder width apart and your arms stretched out in front of you. Bend your knees, while keeping your back straight and your head up. Do 15 in a row and take a 1:00 minute rest between sets.

9:40 – Back to work and feeling good!

11:10 – Lunch may be coming soon, but before you go eat you chips and dip at your local Mexican place do 2 or 3 sets of Desk Dips. Place your chair to either side of you and face away from your desk. Put your palms on the desk and with your knees slightly bent dip down until your elbows form 90 degree angles and then push yourself back up. Do 10 in a row and take a 1:00 minute rest between sets. For added difficulty place your feet in your chair!

12:30 – Back from lunch and back on the grind!

2:00 – This next exercise is a core, hamstring, and leg exercise that you don’t have to leave your chair for, but you will need to turn it around to face away from the desk. It’s the Wooden Leg! Place your hands on the chair by your sides, keeping your back straight and one foot flat on the floor. Raise the other foot straight in front of you. Hold it there for 5 seconds, and then raise it as high as you can for 5 seconds. Exercise each leg 10 times!

2:10 – On the home stretch!

3:40 – Final exercise for the day is a twist on an oldie but a goodie, Desk Push-Ups. Move your chair aside and while facing the desk place your hands on it. Keep your back and legs straight and drop your body until your elbows are at 90 degrees and then push yourself up. Perform 2 or 3 sets of 10 taking a 1:00 break in between. For added difficulty, drop down on the floor for a traditional push-up.

3:50 – Only one hour left between you and the door. Finish strong with the extra energy you’ve given yourself from staying active!

There are plenty of other ways to stay active at work as well. Replacing your chair with an exercise ball increases core strength and improves posture, and another way that is becoming increasingly common is using a stand up desk. If you have any questions about additional ways of leading a healthier life, fill out the contact form on CarsonNatural.com or click the Ask Dr. Phil Microphone.

Healthy Blessings,

Dr. Phil