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Drink water

By Brent Garcia | Published March 2, 2024

Dr. Brent Garcia, DACM, L.Ac., LMT  •  March 2, 2024

 

My parents did a lot of good things for me as I was growing up. Too many to mention, really.

One that stands out is the habit of drinking water.

If I was thirsty, if I needed something to drink, or out at a restaurant,  their consistent response was “Drink water.” 

No, water will not solve every health problem

But if your challenge is due to dehydration, no other treatment will be effective unless you are drinking water.

Here’s a list of some conditions that potentially are due to chronic dehydration:

  • Chronic pain
  • Joint pain
  • Gastric discomfort
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol

Try to drink filtered water or distilled water and limit plastic containers whenever you can.

I invite you to create this habit for yourself: drink water. 

How much should you drink?

I believe the “eight glasses per day” thing has been overplayed.

Here’s what I tell patients: drink enough water so your urine is pale yellow. If you end up having to drink 10-15 glasses per day to achieve this, let a medical professional know.

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Best hack for sleep

By Brent Garcia | Published January 22, 2021

woman sleeping

 

Dr. Brent Garcia, DACM, L.Ac., LMT  •  January 22, 2021  •  Last updated: March 15, 2024

 

Brother Strikes Again

I was turned on to mouth taping by my brother, and separately by a mentor, both of whom had been taping their mouth shut for years while sleeping.

My brother told me about James Nestor’s book “Breath.”

I am a pretty avid reader, but I still haven’t read the actual book.

However, I have listened to podcasts where Nestor has been interviewed.

The index card summary is: we are supposed to breath through our nose, not our mouth. And, many modern day health problems can be attributed to mouth breathing.

Turns out Eleven in “Stranger Things” was right.

We should breath as much as possible through our noses – like all animals on earth do.

This includes while we sleep.

Hence, mouth taping.

How To

I use blue painter’s tape. I started with a postage-sized piece on the front of my mouth at first.

I now tape my entire mouth shut, and it’s a game-changer.

Benefits

Here’s what I’ve noticed after years of consistent mouth-taping:

  1. I sleep more deeply through the night
  2. I dream more and recall dreams better
  3. I, paradoxically, experience less congestion in the morning, even though I am breathing through my nose
  4. I wake up way more rested
  5. I do not wake up with a dry, sore throat

Consistently the best sleep I’ve had in years.

Do you have something that makes a huge difference for you regarding sleep?

 

Posted in Lifestyle, News You Can Use | Comments Off on Best hack for sleep

Not all fish oil is the same

By Brent Garcia | Published December 18, 2023

 

Dr. Brent Garcia, DACM, L.Ac., LMT  •  December 18, 2023  •  Last updated: March 2, 2024

 

Why is fish oil so important?

Research shows that fish oils support balanced lipids and are heart healthy. Orthomega 820® from Ortho Molecular Products is a fish oil without the fishy taste or “fish” burp, guaranteed by the company.

Are all fish oils the same?

Orthomega 820® fish oil is in a natural form, making it over 70% more absorbable than most fish oils on the market. It also contains the fatty acid DPA, which acts as a fish oil reserve in your body and increases the great effects of fish oil.

Ready to buy?

You can either click on the photo, or if you have more questions, feel free to email or call me.

 

#functionalmedicine #fish oil #natural #nutrition #holistic #OrthoMolecularProducts #cardiovascular #lipids #Orthomega

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4-7-8 Breathing Revisited

By Brent Garcia | Published November 4, 2023

Dr. Brent Garcia, DACM, L.Ac., LMT  •  November 4, 2023  •  Last updated: March 2, 2024

 

A patient just told me something profound.

I had recommended 4-7-8 breathing to him a few months ago. I was not even sure he heard me, or if he had any intention of actually doing the technique.

Turns out he had.

And he next brought it up, he surprised me.

First, a review…

What is the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique?

Dr. Andrew Weil (https://www.drweil.com/) is an integrative medicine physician and author who is known for his advocacy of natural and holistic approaches to health and well-being.

One of his most popular breathing techniques is the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and promote overall relaxation.

The 4-7-8 breathing involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven, and exhaling for a count of eight.

This breathing pattern is thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response.

How to Practice the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

  1. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down
  2. Place the tip of your tongue on the ridge of tissue behind your upper front teeth
  3. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound
  4. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four
  5. Hold your breath for a count of seven
  6. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound for a count of eight
  7. Repeat steps 4-6 for three more cycles
  8. You can practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique at any time of day, but it is especially helpful to practice when you are feeling stressed or anxious

Improvements

Which brings us back to my patient. He told me that after practicing this for a few months, he now can just do one cycle.

He notices that his body and mind has been conditioned so that he can easily fall into a relaxive state in about 19 seconds.

Just like anything else, a practice can become easier and more effective over time.

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Need supplements? Fullscript soon to be online

By Brent Garcia | Published July 28, 2023

Here’s why I made the move:

I’m excited to let you know that Wellevate is now part of Fullscript, and I’ve made the switch.

Similar to Wellevate, Fullscript offers you quick, easy access to my recommendations, even more of healthcare’s best supplements, and helpful wellness resources.

Stay connected to my practice and make the move with me. It’s simple to connect your Wellevate account to Fullscript. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Initiate the process through your Wellevate account or emails you receive from Wellevate
  • Fullscript will move all your information over. After that, you can order supplements and other wellness products from my dispensary and have them shipped directly to your door
  • Have Auto-Refill orders? No problem. They’ll still arrive, but you’ll need to set up future orders through Fullscript’s Autoship program
  • There’s no rush. You have until September 7th at which point your Wellevate account will become read-only.

If you have questions, check out these resources to help you with the migration. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Fullscript’s patient support center.

Posted in Herbal Medicine, Lifestyle | Comments Off on Need supplements? Fullscript soon to be online
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