running shoes benefits

How To Choose The Right Type Of Running Shoe

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Feet are important. By the time the typical American reaches the age of 50, they will have walked 75,000 miles. Runners put even more miles on their feet, and stress. Your feet are your foundation. A problem with your feet can throw your entire body out of balance. That is why when it comes to running shoes, it is important to find the right type. This guide will help you find the running shoes that are right for you.

Before you Shop

Know the type of runner you are. Different types of running require different features in shoes. Some questions to consider:

  • Do you run or jog?
  • What surface do you run on – asphalt, treadmill, or trails?
  • How far do you run each week?
  • Are you training for a marathon?
  • Are you a competitive sprinter?

Know your body type. A larger person will not move and run the same way a thin, wiry person does. An overweight person will put more stress on their feet – and shoes.

Know your running style. The way you run, the motion of your stride and how your foot strikes the ground has great bearing on the type of running shoe you need. When your foot comes in contact with the ground, what hits first? Does the inside of your forefoot hit first? The center of your heel? The outside of your heel? Where your foot first hits is where you really want the cushion.

Know what injuries you may have sustained from running. Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, and blisters are a few common injuries can be reversed or improved when you wear running shoes that fit properly.

Know the type of arch you have. Whether you supinate (foot rolls to the outside) or pronate (foot rolls to the inside) is determined, at least in part, by the shape of your arch. While supinators are rare, quite a few people overpronate. This can be the source of injuries due to overuse.

When you Shop

<Give it the 360-degree test. When people try on shoes they typically check for fit in the toe box, but look no further than that. When you try on running shoes, you do need to make sure you have adequate space in the toe box, but you also need to check that your entire foot fits on the shoe’s platform.

Give your foot enough space. The upper should have enough room but should not be loose. It shouldn’t squeeze your foot either though. It should fit well with no pinching or binding.

Shop later in the day. Throughout the day your feet swell. When you run they also swell so when you shop for shoes, going when your feet are the largest will help ensure that you get the most accurate and more comfortable fit possible.

Bring your old running shoes along when you shop. Having your old shoes with you when you shop will help the sales person determine what kind of running shoe you need. They can look at the wear on the shoe to see your running patterns and help you find a shoe that works best for you.

Get your foot measured. As you age your feet actually change; they can expand or flatten. Don’t every assume your shoe size, get your foot measured every time. A comfortable fit is dependent upon wearing the right size shoe. You also need to keep in mind that shoe sizes may differ from brand to brand.

Dress for the run. When you are shopping for a new pair of running shoes, dress as you would when you run. Don’t show up wearing flip flops or when you are dressed for the office. Definitely don’t show up without socks.

Forget the latest trend or what’s fashionable; think functionality. There are plenty of sharp looking shoes, but that doesn’t mean they are the right running shoe for you. Go for fit and functionality first and fashion second.

Take them for a test drive. Once you have settled on a pair or two, try them both on and try them out. Many stores that specialize in running shoes have a treadmill or area where runners can try their shoes. That is the only way you can tell for shoe if the shoe is right for you.

For more helpful tips like this visit www.ocwc.ca .

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Best Massages From Around the World

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Frequent travelers know how hard it can be hopping on one plane to another. With the constant rush of getting everything packed on time to catching the flight can lead to great physical and mental stress. Therefore, it is important to opt for a safe escapade when these travelling individuals land in their destinations. Here is a breakdown of the best massages around the world.

Swedish Massages

Contrary to popular belief, the Swedish massage did not originate in Sweden. Moreover, it was not even invented by a Swede. A Dutch practitioner incorporated basic strokes with French names to create this massage.

This massage is best known for its ability to soothe frictions using stokes, rubs, and kneads and strikes on the human body with different levels of pressure. Moreover, it is ideal for those that exercise regularly or even athletes, as it can loosen the lactic acids in the body and promote blood circulation.

African Rungu

This massage was first introduced in South Africa, but it is rapidly spreading across the region. The Rungu stick is a symbol of the warriors, which is why it is special.

This massage is done with the help of the Rungu stick so pressure can penetrate deeper into the muscles for better and more effective pain relief. The stick is then moved in circular fashion over the problem areas, which releases tension from within the tissues. Moreover, it promotes blood circulation.

Japanese Shiatsu

Although, acupuncture and herbalism is a form of ancient China, the Japanese brought this into their nation, incorporated their own techniques, and created this massage method.

The meaning of Shiatsu is “finger pressure” which means this massage is all about applying the right amount of pressures to the painful areas. There are many variations of this massage (like cupping and acupuncture). However, the goal is to create a balance in the body.

Hot or Cold Stone Massages

There are different variations of this massage available, but its roots come from Arizona.

The thing to remember when opting for this massage is that the temperature of the stone must be chemically connected with the body temperature. Every therapist has their own way of performing this massage, and sometimes it is even incorporated with others for best results.

Thai Massages

This massage has been around for many generations, but has been modified as time has gone on.

For this, there is movement required from the therapist and receiver. It includes high-pressure rubbing and kneading, but in some cases, the therapist has to move on the body to give the best results. Sometimes the sound of bones cracking is also audible!

Ayurveda

Created with intense Indian influence, this head massage has been around for many generations.

In this massage, the therapist uses oils on the head and begins kneading the head, applying pressure on the temples. They slowly move towards the shoulders, neck, and hands. This allows the body to restore its energy and release tensions.

 

Next time you land, make sure you opt for one of these recommended massages to experience the best time in your destination and so you can stay relaxed.

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6 Synthetic Foods That Can Destroy Bone Health (And How to Undo the Damage)

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Synthetic or artificially made foods used as additives are far more toxic than we can imagine. Some of them don’t even qualify as foods and barely provide any nutritional value. Heavy metals, food dyes, and pesticides in our foods are not only harmful to our colon health but suck nutrients away from our bones. Most commonly found in beverages, trans-fat foods, and breakfast syrups, there are plenty of synthetic foods hidden in your snacks and drinks that may be slowly killing your bones.

Watch out for the following list of man-made additives, sugars, and oils that can possibly deprive your bones of nutritional health if consumed abundantly.

1. Synthetic Sulfites

Sulfites include sulfur dioxide, calcium sulfites, and sodium disulfite. They are mainly used as preservatives and artificial colors. Although banned from being used over vegetables and fruits, sulfites are still freely used in many foods we eat like processed juices and tea, canned foods, and alcohol.
The main reason why they are deadly for bone health is that they take away Thiamin or Vitamin B1. Sulfites tend to hinder growth and development in bones and contribute to inflammation.

2. Phosphoric Acid

Coke is your enemy. In fact, all carbonated beverages with high amounts of refined sugars can eat away bone matter and deplete your bones of calcium, if taken excessively. Cola-based sodas are proven to significantly decrease bone mineral density, according to researchers at Tufts University.

3. Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA is a food additive that is used for flavor and color preservation, mostly found in canned foods and pickles. Primarily used to stop foods from decaying, this substance can deprive your bones of essential nutrients by pulling minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, and manganese away from the digestive tract and out for excretion.

4. Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenation can destroy all the Vitamin K in oils, which is an essential nutrient for strong bones. Found in cookies, pastries, donuts and junk food, hydrogenated oils typically used in commercial baking can even block the arteries.

5. Aspartame

An artificial sweetener, commonly found in sodas, aspartame can trigger anxiety, nausea, depression, muscle spasms, and wreck bone health.

6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Although widely avoided, MSG is still used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods. MSG has the potential to excessively stimulate our nerve cells, which can lead to dangerous seizures, migraines, and even depression. With so many health menaces, it can possibly reduce bone density as well.
Sadly, even when the glutamate industry knows it’s a toxic substance, they still sell it.

How to Undo the Damage

Luckily, weak bones can easily be strengthened. The first step is of course to ditch all the above-mentioned toxic foods from your diet.
You should ideally eat a bowl of rich greens like broccoli and okra, with lunch or dinner and consume a rich source of calcium in your diet. Dairy foods like milk and cheese are a good source. Spend 30 minutes daily in the sun to allow the body to soak up some Vitamin D.

Doing these simple steps consistently can help your bones regain their lost strength. For more nutritional tips visit www.ocwc.ca .

acidity alkalinity ph balance

What Chiropractic Patients Need To Know About Acidity vs. Alkalinity In The Body

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There has been a lot in the media lately about alkalinity and acidity in the body, but finding solid, straightforward information isn’t always easy. In short, acidity can cause a number of health issues. There are many benefits of bringing your body into balance.

What is high acidity?

The term acidity describes a condition where the body is affected by the excess production of gastric acids. Under normal conditions, hydrochloric acid is secreted by the stomach, aiding in the digestion and breakdown of food.

However, when this normal process is triggered in such a way that it causes overproduction of the acid, it can result in health problems. Acidity can be caused by irregular eating patterns, fad diets, alcohol consumption, stress, smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms can include:

  • Indigestion
  • Burning in the stomach
  • Belching
  • Sour taste
  • Burning in the throat
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness

What are the dangers of high acidity in the body?

When the body is acidic, it can affect everything from immunity to neurological function to bone health. The Japanese have linked acidity to degenerative diseases like arthritis, cancer, and osteoporosis.

An acidic body is also a very hospitable environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive meaning the person will often get sick more often. When the body is out of balance it becomes susceptible to conditions as simple as dandruff and as complex as diabetes. Interestingly, many people have reversed or gone into remission by simply bringing their body into balance.

What is alkalinity?

In order to understand alkalinity, you need to understand pH levels. This is the measure used to determine how alkaline or acid something is. A pH of 0 is at the acidic end of the scale and means the thing being measured is completely acidic. At the other end of the scale, a pH of 14 is totally alkaline. The neutral point is a pH of 7.

Different parts of the body have different pH levels, meaning that some parts are more acidic while others are more alkaline. For instance, blood typically has a pH that is between 7.35 and 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. The stomach, on the other hand, is highly acidic, registering a pH of 3.5 or lower. Making the body more alkaline is not about making it completely alkaline – you need some acidity, it is necessary for digestion and other processes – it is more about bringing the body into balance.

What are the benefits of alkalinity?

When the body has increased alkalinity, bringing it into better pH balance, it is healthier and has a decreased risk of chronic illness. There is also less likelihood of illness. When the body is in a better pH balance it can result in many benefits including:

  • More energy
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Slowed aging process
  • Weight loss
  • Lower cancer risk
  • Decreased risk of chronic illness
  • Increased immunity

How can you bring your body into balance?

The best way to bring your body into better pH balance is by modifying your diet. As a rule of thumb, animal based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy tend to be more acidic. A vegetarian diet rich in plant-based foods like vegetables and fruits tend to be more alkaline. While the body does need a diet that includes both acidic and alkaline foods, a diet of processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar can cause too much acidity. By adjusting the diet, eliminating processed foods, and maintaining a healthier, more vegetarian based diet, you can bring your body into balance and enjoy better health as a result.

Visit www.ocwc.ca for more tips on how to get your body feeling and looking better!