Skip to main content

Tag: health

Do You Have Any Food Sensitivities?  

For most, food allergies are something very familiar.  Many people don’t have any allergies at all, so they just assume they are safe to eat any foods they want. But what if you actually have food sensitivities? Some people, or even most people, may be eating foods every day that their body is sensitive to. These foods could unknowingly increase inflammatory responses that are causes a whole slew of side effects!  

What is a Food Sensitivity?  

Unlike a food allergy, a food sensitivity is not life-threatening and does not elicit an immediate, serious reaction. Food sensitivity reactions typically appear within 48-72 hours of eating the food(s) that caused the reaction. These are foods that your body is sensitive to and has trouble processing, which then triggers an inflammatory response and causes a variety of side effects that you may have been struggling with for years without knowing the true cause.  

How to Tell If You Have a Food Sensitivity 

food sensitivities

Identifying a food sensitivity can be challenging due to the delayed onset of symptoms. However, there are signs that may indicate the presence of a food sensitivity. Here’s how to recognize if you have a food sensitivity: 

  • Digestive Distress: Frequent bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming certain foods could be indicative of a food sensitivity. 
  • Skin Issues: Persistent skin problems like eczema, rashes, acne, or hives that don’t respond well to traditional treatments might be linked to food sensitivities. 
  • Chronic Fatigue: Feeling consistently tired or experiencing energy crashes after eating specific foods may point to an underlying food sensitivity. 
  • Headaches and Migraines: Frequent headaches or migraines after consuming certain foods could be a sign of food sensitivity. 
  • Joint Pain: Unexplained joint pain or stiffness may be linked to inflammatory responses triggered by food sensitivities. 
  • Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression could be connected to certain foods that your body is sensitive to. 
  • Respiratory Issues: Persistent congestion, sinus problems, or difficulty breathing might be associated with food sensitivities. 
  • Weight Management Difficulties: Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight fluctuations could be influenced by food sensitivities affecting metabolism and inflammation. 

How to Overcome a Food Sensitivity 

Overcoming a food sensitivity, or multiple food sensitivities, can be very complicated and nearly impossible without professional help. A professional nutritionist can help guide you through an MRT (Mediator Release Test) test. An MRT test is a comprehensive test that will identify any food sensitivities your body has… even if you have not eaten that food! Testing is always the most effective and efficient way to know exactly what is going on in your body. Until you are able to seek professional help, here are some steps you can take to get the process started:  

  • Food Diary: Maintain a food diary to track your meals, snacks, and symptoms. This can help identify patterns between certain foods and your body’s reactions. 
  • Focus on Whole Foods: Shift your diet to emphasize whole, unprocessed foods. This can help reduce exposure to potential triggers and support overall health. 
  • Rotate Foods: If you identify mild sensitivities, try rotating your diet to reduce constant exposure to specific foods. 
  • Read Labels: Be vigilant about reading food labels, as certain ingredients may be hidden sources of trigger foods. 
  • Mindful Eating: Pay attention to how you feel after meals. Mindful eating can help you notice subtle reactions and adjust your diet accordingly. 
  • Holistic Approaches: Consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep, as stress can exacerbate inflammatory responses. 
  • Gradual Reintroduction: If you’ve eliminated a food, consider reintroducing it in small quantities to observe your body’s response. Following reintroduction, this can help determine your tolerance level. 

Nutrition Services at The Oxford Center

At The Oxford Center, our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP) can help you discover all the possibilities nutrition and our program holds for improving your life and your health. We offer both individual and group classes tailored to what you need in your nutritional journey. Typically, our program will start with gut (GI) testing and food sensitivity testing. Following your tests, our nutritionist will sit down with you to discuss the results and cultivate a specific personalized plan that will work best for you and your body. Clients will find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.   

Embracing Holistic Fitness: A Pilates Workout Works for Everyone

The perception of workouts has experienced a significant shift in the last decade or two. The days when exercise solely revolve around achieving a certain physical appearance through high-intensity activities are gone. Today, the fitness landscape has evolved to prioritize overall health and well-being, offering a diverse array of workout methods tailored to individual needs. Among these, Pilates has emerged as a rapidly growing phenomenon, captivating fitness enthusiasts with its comprehensive approach to exercise. With a focus on enhancing both physical and mental wellness, Pilates has gained immense popularity as an excellent all-around workout choice. 

What is Pilates?  

Pilates is a holistic exercise approach that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this fitness method emphasizes controlled movements, precise alignment, and proper breathing techniques. Pilates exercises target the core muscles, including the abdomen, lower back, hips, and glutes, while also engaging the entire body for a balanced workout. 

History of Pilates 

The roots of Pilates can be traced back to Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness enthusiast who developed the method during World War I. Pilates, originally known as “Contrology,” was initially used as a rehabilitation technique for wounded soldiers. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were interconnected, and he designed a series of exercises that focused on building core strength and flexibility. 

Over time, Pilates gained popularity and began attracting attention from dancers and athletes due to its transformative benefits. Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara opened a studio in New York City, where they trained students and instructors in the Pilates method. Since then, Pilates has evolved and diversified, with various schools of thought and styles of practice emerging worldwide. 

Benefits of a Pilates Workout

Pilates offers a multitude of benefits as a workout for both the body and mind. Through regular practice, individuals can improve core strength as the workout targets and strengthen deep abdominal and back muscles. Pilates also increases flexibility, with Pilates exercises promoting a full range of motion and increased muscle elasticity. Alongside improved strength and flexibility, Pilates helps enhance posture by emphasizing proper alignment and body awareness, reducing strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The exercises work to tone muscles throughout the body, resulting in a more sculpted appearance and increased body awareness.

Moreover, Pilates contributes to stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing coordination. It serves as a valuable tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation, aiding in the recovery process by strengthening weakened muscles and improving flexibility. Pilates incorporates breathing techniques and encourages mindfulness, reducing stress and fostering a deeper mind-body connection. The practice can also boost energy levels, leaving individuals feeling invigorated and revitalized. Overall, Pilates provides a holistic approach to fitness and well-being, promoting physical strength, mental clarity, and an overall sense of vitality. 

What is the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?  

While Pilates and yoga share some similarities, they are distinct practices with different origins and objectives. Here are the key differences between the two: 

  • Focus: Pilates emphasizes physical conditioning, strength, and core stability, with an emphasis on controlled movement and alignment. Yoga, on the other hand, combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall well-being and spiritual growth. 
  • Breathing Techniques: Pilates utilizes specific breathing patterns, such as lateral thoracic breathing and deep diaphragmatic breathing, to facilitate movement and engage the core muscles. In yoga, breath is a tool to connect the body and mind, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. 
  • Spirituality: While yoga often incorporates spiritual elements and philosophical teachings, Pilates is primarily a physical exercise system with a focus on anatomical alignment and functional movement. Pilates is a more secular and fitness-oriented practice. 
  • Equipment: Pilates exercises often use specialized equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair, which use springs and resistance mechanisms to challenge the body. Yoga typically requires minimal equipment, with practitioners relying on yoga mats and props for support. 

Pilates at The Oxford Center 

At The Oxford Center, we want to support you in every way we can as you embark on your health and wellness journey. For that reason, we are now offering Pilates at unbeatable prices, with an exceptional instructor, and state-of-the-art equipment. Discover the benefits of Pilates for yourself – increased muscular strength, improved posture, enhanced body awareness, and a renewed sense of vitality. Take the first step towards a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle today. 

TOC Talks Episode 2: “What is Your Poop Saying?”

Andrew Kistner is back this week with part 2 of our podcast episode with Nicole Cunningham, the Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP) at The Oxford Center. In this episode, they chat about the ways your body communicates with you through your poop. They discuss how food and gut health can impact your body and explore some surprising ways that these interactions can manifest. Tune in to discover how paying attention to your stool can give you valuable insights into your health!

Check It Out!

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages!  If you would like to make an appointment with Nicole or want to learn more, visit our Nutritional Services webpage.If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – What is your poop saying? TOC Talks EP:2 | RSS.com