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Category: Health Tips

Why Am I Sore After Chiropractic Adjustment?

Everyone who sees a chiropractor expects to feel relieved and better than they were after having chiropractic adjustments. But what if you leave there feeling sore? It’s normal to panic or even doubt the effectiveness of the treatment as such a side effect isn’t something that should be accompanying a highly-certified technique like chiropractic. Contrary to what most patients think, soreness is normal after chiropractic adjustments. So, there’s no reason to be alarmed whatsoever. What’s more, it only lasts for 24 hours or less.

Reasons behind Post-Adjustment Soreness

As mentioned earlier, soreness is a normal side effect following a chiropractic adjustment. More often than not, it’s due to the following reasons:

1. Retracing

After having a chiropractic adjustment, your body goes through a natural healing process that’s outlined by temporary soreness and fatigue. We call this reaction retracing and it’s a direct response to subluxations (spinal blockages and misalignments).

Remember, the reason you were feeling pain and discomfort before having an adjustment is that the spinal path was either blocked or crooked. As a result, communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body was hampered.

To restore the communication, a chiropractor resorted to t spinal adjustments which eventually cleared the subluxations. In response, your body becomes temporarily sore, what we are identifying as retracing. Retracing may appear as an unnatural occurrence because it’s characterized by so many events that happen at once.

They include:

  • Nerve function is restored throughout the body
  • Toxins are eliminated from the body
  • Body fluids freely flow across the body cells

Usually, the occurrence of the above events puts your body in a temporary panic mode and the eventual effect is soreness.

2. Muscle Discomfort

Muscles are generally sensitive to physical manipulations. After tensed and tight muscles are released following chiropractic adjustments, it’s normal for them to elicit a response. Unfortunately, one of the major responses is soreness. They become tender because they are stretched beyond their natural position.

Sometimes, the pulling of the muscles has to be firm. This may mean extra pressure on the muscles which may make them susceptible to soreness. But you should note that the force applied is calculated. So, it’s safe for your body.

Furthermore, there’s an association between joint manipulation and muscle discomfort. When the joints are manipulated, they send signals to the muscles. The muscles respond by tightening, resulting in tenderness and pain.

3. Muscle Reflexes

Chiropractic adjustments can trigger different reflexes that are mostly felt by the muscles. Since your muscles are moved in an unfamiliar manner, reflexes are triggered to reset muscle tone. Unfortunately, the reaction is often characterized by soreness. But still, most adjustments trigger calm reflexes and so you may not experience soreness, pain or any other negative effect.

Ways to Deal with Post-Adjustment Soreness

Generally, soreness is not expected to last long. So, if you are a little patient, the negative feeling may fade away. Otherwise, you can deal with soreness in the following ways:

Having adjustments more regularly – Most patients experience soreness on their first chiropractic adjustment. This is understandable considering that their muscles are not used to this kind of manipulation. If you do the adjustments more regularly, your muscles become used to them and so you may not be bothered by soreness.

Heat or Ice – Heat is very effective in opening up blood vessels to encourage better circulation. To achieve this, you need to apply heating pads to the sore part. The tip will help to reduce tenderness significantly. Alternatively, you can apply ice packs to freeze the affected area and reduce soreness. It also reduced inflammation and aching. According to a 2015 study, you can alternate the two (ice and heat) for maximum effect.

Cold bath – A cold bath has the same effect as ice packs. It helps to reduce inflammation and aching. For this strategy to work, however, you need to soak your body in cold water for about 5 minutes. This may be hard if you are used to taking warm baths but will do the magic in the long run. After all, it’s only a one-time thing and so it’s worth the sacrifice.

Self-massage – If you can massage the sore part on your own, do it. Self-massage helps to improve blood flow to the affected area and this is critical for faster recovery following soreness. You just need to gently rub the area with your hands for a few seconds. Remember, if you apply too much pressure, the discomfort may intensify.

Stretching exercises – Stretching exercises can help immensely in alleviating soreness. They improve circulation and this, in the long run, promotes maximum healing. You can walk around, swing the affected body part or do any other exercise that your chiropractor recommends.

Rest – Sometimes, all that your muscles need after a chiropractic adjustment is enough rest. You need to take some time to sleep comfortably. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep can boost inflammation and this eventually causes soreness. So, learn to rest your muscles after chiropractic adjustments to avoid this from happening.

Hydration – Hydration is not just important after chiropractic adjustment but also before them when it comes to managing soreness. Taking enough water cushions your muscles against ache and discomfort. Generally, your body self-heals at its best when the fluid level is optimum. So, you need to drink water more regularly to ensure this is the case.

Take coffee – According to research by the University of Georgia, taking two cups of coffee can help you find soreness relief following physical body manipulation and workout. Since chiropractic adjustments are considered physical manipulations, coffee can help. It contains caffeine that blocks adenosine, the chemical the body releases in response to strenuous activity.

Speak to your chiropractor – If you have tried all the above approaches but the soreness persists, then it is logical to speak to your chiropractor. This should be done after 24 hours have passed and soreness is only intensifying. The expert will assess you to determine if the soreness is still a natural reaction or you require further treatment. They can also advise you on other ways to deal with the effect.

Closing Thought:

The next time you are sore after a chiropractic adjustment, you shouldn’t panic. Not only is the side effect short-lived but there are also ways to manage it as seen above. So, this small setback shouldn’t obscure you from seeing the amazing benefits of chiropractic adjustment.

What Is a Healthy Diet?

Just like we know we have to sleep for 8 hours and brush our teeth every day, we also know that we need to eat healthily. So, the term healthy dieting is not new. Unfortunately, not all of us follow a healthy diet plan. Some are hesitant to do it because they are scared of the budget. They have the notion that healthy foods are expensive.

Others just can’t drop high sugars, bad fats, and other junks they are addicted to. There are also a few others who think that healthy dieting is too complicated. What they don’t understand is that it is the key to living a disease-free and happy life. We are going to emphasize the elements, keys, and importance of a healthy diet.

Elements of a Healthy Diet

To help you determine if you are observing a healthy diet or not, here are the basic elements you need to include in your meal plan:

1. Whole Grains

Unlike processed grains, whole grains have their nutrients intact. They are packed with iron, Vitamin B, and fiber. So, you can count on the food option to give your body maximum protection against diseases. They are also a basic source of energy. If you are looking to consume whole grain, you need to start shopping for:

  • Whole wheat
  • Brown rice
  • Whole oat
  • Millet
  • Whole barley

2. Proteins

Your body is like a car. It needs to be fueled daily to work at its optimum. The source of fuel is protein and you need enough of it to go through a physically-demanding day. Proteins also promote tissue repair and healing following an injury or a disease. Healthy protein options include:

  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Lean meat

3. Fats and Oils

Fats and oils are beneficial to the body but not all options are healthy. Saturated fats and oils that are present in fried foods and fatty meats, for example, are a risk for stroke and heart attack. You need to take unsaturated options instead. They are rich in omega 3, which is not just good for your heart but also for your brain. Unsaturated oils are found in

  • Oily fish
  • Avocado
  • Nuts
  • Peanut

4. Vitamins

The major sources of vitamins are vegetables and fruits. According to research, they help immensely in protecting the body against heart diseases, among other functions. Vitamin C, for example, which is predominant in fruits, is good for the bones and teeth. Vitamin E, on the other hand, which is present in peanuts and greens, is important in boosting your immunity and hastening recovery.

5. Minerals

Your diet should be rich in essential vitamins like iron, calcium, and magnesium. While iron is needed for blood production, calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. The same can be said about magnesium. You can find calcium and magnesium in dairy products whereas iron is present in dark chocolate and greens.

6. Dietary Fiber

Fiber is important in protecting you against diabetes and heart diseases. It can also help you lose weight, have youthful skin, and enjoy better digestion. You can find fiber in foods like:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes

7. Plenty of Water

Water is life and you need it for several body functions. The major ones are:

  • Energizes the body
  • Facilitates better digestion
  • Detoxifies the body
  • Prevents headaches
  • Softens the skin

Experts recommend taking at least 8 glasses a day. Of course, you can take more, especially during the summer when you sweat more.

Importance of a Healthy Diet

You probably are asking: After eating healthy, then what? Well, a healthy diet comes with some amazing returns. Here are the notable ones:

Healthy Weight

More often than not, obesity and uncontrolled weight gain are linked to poor feeding. Taking foods rich in fats and sugars is never healthy if you are hoping to lose weight. You need healthy components like fibers and lean proteins to manage your weight.

Disease Prevention

Major organs of the body like the heart and the brain depend on a healthy diet to function well. Failure to taking healthy meals may result in serious health issues. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, we can prevent 80% of cardiovascular diseases with healthy dieting. Another study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology shows that the risk for cancer can be reduced by eating healthy.

Sleep Quality

Do you know that you can sleep much comfortably if you eat healthily? Your body needs to be supplied with the right nutrients to avoid sleep disruptions. When observing a healthy diet, you are expected to limit caffeine intake and alcohol consumption as they are known to interfere with your sleep quality.

Physical Health

Different components of a healthy diet play different functions in your physical health. Proteins, for example, build your muscles and repair damaged cells. They also promote better immunity, which is important in putting your body in the right shape. Minerals, on the other hand, make your bones stronger while whole grains fuel your muscles. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a better-looking body because of healthy dieting.

Cognitive Health

A healthy diet is beneficial to your brain and you need it to boost memory and prevent brain slowness. One study shows that nutrients like omega 3, Vitamin C, and flavonoids which are part of a healthy diet can help fight dementia and other brain decline conditions. If you are also looking to boost your brain sharpness, you need to always eat healthily.

Keys to Healthy Dieting

According to WHO, the keys to healthy dieting include:

  • Food variety – WHO suggests that taking different foods in moderation is the simplest way to observe a healthy diet. You should include legumes, lean proteins, whole wheat, and vitamins in your daily meal plan.
  • More fruits and vegetables – According to the American Heart Association, you need at least 8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The two are a rich source of antioxidants, proteins, and minerals.
  • Unsaturated oils – Since saturated oils are not good for you, WHO insists on unsaturated options. They don’t pose a health risk and contain balanced energy.
  • Low sugar – Sugars are a leading cause of diabetes and weight gain. To manage your weight and avoid elevated blood sugar, you need to keep your blood sugar intake at a minimum. This means putting limitations on sodas and juices.
  • Low salt – Similarly to sugars, WHO recommends low levels of salt. This is another way to prevent hypertension and stroke.

Closing Thought:

There are no two ways to it – you can only live healthy if you eat healthily. It may not be simple and you may have to spend more but it’s all worth it in the long run. If you are not sure how to go about it or you want to find low-cost healthy foods, talk to a nutritionist about it but don’t do away with the idea of healthy dieting.

What Does a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?

Your body is aching like never before. It could be the joints, the back, the hip, or the neck. After talking to family members and colleagues about it, they recommend you see a pain specialist. While considering their suggestions, the term Doctor of Chiropractic comes into the picture and you are momentarily astounded. You ask: Who is a Doctor of Chiropractic? Are they real doctors?

A Doctor of Chiropractic or a chiropractor is a trained professional who specializes in alleviating body pains and discomfort through spinal adjustments, physical body manipulation, and lifestyle modification advice. They are not medical doctors simply because they don’t possess medical degrees. However, like medical doctors, they go through extensive college training and graduate with a degree in chiropractic.

Chiropractors are also licensed before they can practice. In the United States, these experts obtain their undergraduate degrees from institutions accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE) and their practicing license from the American Chiropractic Association. Now that you know who a Doctor of Chiropractic is, the next question to answer is: What do they do? Generally, Doctors of Chiropractic do the following:

1. Consultant Services

Like your traditional medical doctor, a Doctor of Chiropractic offers consultation services. It’s the first step before a diagnosis is arrived at and a treatment plan is decided on. Here, the expert looks at the following factors:

  • Body parts that are paining
  • Frequency of the symptoms
  • Duration of the symptoms
  • Things that aggravate or alleviate the symptoms

So, expect a question-and-answer session during your chiropractic consultation. It’s all meant to establish your underlying problem and treat it.

2. Physical Examinations

Geared towards helping with the diagnosis, physical exams are a crucial part of chiropractic care. During physical checkups, a Doctor of Chiropractic may:

  • Determine areas on your spine that needs to be adjusted
  • Study your x-ray images to locate troubled areas on the spine
  • Observe how you behave when the paining part is touched or when you sit or walk
  • Perform neurological physical tests to assess your coordination and reflexes

3. Diagnosis Services

A Doctor of Chiropractic evaluates your problem depending on its severity. Normally, there are three categories of diagnosis offered by these experts:

  • Non-specific diagnosis – This happens when the exact route cause can’t be established but the problem is linked to the spine.
  • Nerve-related diagnosis – If the nerve is affected and it’s the reason why your body is aching, the diagnosis will be nerve-related.
  • Potentially-serious diagnosis – Here, a Doctor of Chiropractic foresees an issue that’s likely to be so serious in the future unless it’s managed early.

4. Treats Spinal Interference

The core goal of any Doctor of Chiropractic is to treat interferences on the spine called subluxations. They happen when the spine is compressed or misaligned and they are the main reason why you experience debilitating pain and discomfort on your body.

Chiropractors are trained to adjust the spine to get rid of the interferences. The experts know how to do it gently and safely without causing any structural damage to your spine or back. When the spinal interferences are gone, nerve coordination is restored and the immunity improved. Your spinal health is boosted to a greater degree.

5. Manages Pain

Ordinarily, Doctors of Chiropractic are identified as pain specialists. This is because they specialize in calming the nerves and alleviating pain. In general, they can help you manage the following types of body pains:

  • Headaches
  • Sciatica
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Arthritic pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Labor pains
  • Colic pain

By adjusting the spine and decompressing the affected nerve, a chiropractor restores calmness and manages pain. The adjustments are target-specific, thus effective in restoring natural body calmness.

6. Prevents Musculoskeletal Issues

Doctors of Chiropractic do not just alleviate pain and other symptoms related to musculoskeletal issues. They also offer spinal adjustments to prevent the symptoms from manifesting and the condition from becoming complicated.

The expert can also offer preventive tips that you can use at home to avoid posture complications and pains. They include:

  • How to position your body when sitting or sleeping
  • How to lift heavy things without straining your back

7. Massage and Alternative Therapies

Doctors of Chiropractic don’t just offer spinal adjustments. They also offer soft tissue massages and alternative therapies like heat and ice therapy and ultrasounds. Soft tissue massage is meant to lessen swelling and boost circulation to the affected part.

Heat ice therapy, on the other hand, is specifically meant to manage pain, swelling, and numbness. It’s designed to help you heal faster and more comfortably. As for ultrasounds, sound waves are administered to facilitate improved circulation and to lessen joint stiffness and pain.

8. Dietary Counseling

Doctors of Chiropractic may not be licensed dietitians or nutritionists, but they have the background training, more so when it touches on spinal health. So, you can talk to these experts about the dos and don’ts about foods. They’ll suggest the best foods to try out, those to limit, and options to avoid entirely. They will also recommend supplements you can use to better your spinal health.

9 Home Exercise Advice

Yes, a Doctor of Chiropractic is not a fitness expert and neither is he or she a physiotherapist. However, they have the background training to help you improve your spinal health. They can suggest simple, precise, and effective physical routines that you can do at home on your own to keep the spine well-aligned. These exercises can help prevent subluxations and poor body postures. They can also help to strengthen your back, hip, and other parts. Lots of time, they recommend stretching exercises.

10 Ergonomics Assistance

Since chiropractors are all about better spinal health, they understand what you need to do not to overstretch or overwork your spine and back. They can offer you ergonomic assistance about the following:

  • Job modifications that are good for your spinal health such as investing in better seats and observing safer sitting positions. They also advise on better office stretching exercises.
  • Home modifications like better sleeping positions and how to pick a better mattress.

Closing Thought:

Generally, Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to offer you holistic treatment. They are not just there to treat pains and other musculoskeletal-related issues but to also offer advice on lifestyle modifications. If you are interested in starting your chiropractic journey, contact Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic today!

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

Food can be expensive. There’s no doubt about that. However, it doesn’t mean that only healthy food is expensive. Surprisingly, junk foods are costlier at most times than healthy options. You may not agree with this if you’ve never taken time to consider healthy options that you can take on a budget. It all boils down to two key things; preparation and decision-making.

You have to prepare to only buy healthy options. You also need to be decisive on what you plan to buy on a budget. This not only saves you money but your health too. The primary source of defense for your body is the food you eat. So, the healthier your options are, the healthier your body is likely to be. Having said that; here are 10 steps to eating healthy on a budget:

Step 1 – Create and Stick to a Healthy Meal Plan

We’ve already mentioned planning as a critical point. To get you started, you need to establish your budget. Out of it, make a grocery list that features healthy food items. Ensure that it’s indicated how much you are willing to spend on every item on your grocery list. You should never visit a store on a budget if you are not decided on what to get.

Though it’s tempting to buy fancy foodstuffs when you visit a store, it’s paramount that you stick to your meal plan. In case you are left with some money after you’ve bought everything on your grocery list, you can buy the fancy stuff. But make sure they are not unhealthy.

Step 2 – Buy what’s Seasonal

Healthy foods, more so fruits, have seasons in which they are abundant in the market. This forces their prices to go down and thus affordable for someone on a budget. For example, berries, apples, and apples are normally in season during the summer. So, they are likely to be cheaper than in any other season.

On other seasons, fruits like oranges and bananas may be a cheaper option. It’s argued that foods bought in season tend to contain optimum nutrients and their flavor is desirable. This might be true considering that they are not transported or stored a lot as they are available locally.

Step 3 – Prepare Your Healthy Meals

Ordering a healthy meal from a restaurant or a meal service may be expensive. However, preparing the same meal at home may be cheaper. You are allowed to shop around for ingredients on a discount. If some ingredients are left after preparing your healthy meal, you can keep them for future use. Moreover, you can economize on expensive options like meat, butter, and spices.

Step 4 – Look for Sales and Discounts

In most stores, there are occasional sales for healthy foods. You just have to keep your eyes open when you visit them. You can also ask for the offers to save yourself some time. Often, sales are offered around holiday seasons. So, it’s a nice time to do your shopping. You should also look for discounts. Some come in the form of vouchers and others in the form of coupons. Both options will guarantee you considerable discounts. You can inquire about them at the stores that you visit.

Step 5 – Grow Your Vegetables

If you have a kitchen garden at home, it’s time you make the most out of it. Start by planting your vegetables to consume at home. This will help to cut cost on the grocery. You can plant spinach, kales, onions, and any other vegetable you prefer. The advantage is that you can decide on what seeds varieties to use and what pest control methods to apply. Simply, you are in control of your yields.

Step 6 – Buy Economical Healthy Foods

Some greens and fruits are more economical than others. Therefore, you should focus on them as they also promise beneficial nutrients similar to what you find in costly options. For example, buying cabbage and kales may be more economical than buying lettuce and broccoli. Similarly, buying bananas and oranges may be more economical than buying grapes and apples. If you are on a budget, you have to do comparisons whenever you shop.

Step 7 – Substitute Meat with Cheaper but Healthy Alternatives

You don’t have to eat meat all the time just because you want some proteins on your plate. Meat is expensive and thus may mess up your budget. Instead, you should go for plant-based alternatives like legumes. Options to consider include beans and peas. They are rich in essential amino acids that you need for muscle boost and bodybuilding. You can also consider animal-based alternatives like canned fish and eggs. Like legumes, these options are also amino acid-rich and very economical.

Step 8 – Shop in Bulk

Generally, shopping in bulk saves you money. You just have to ensure that you don’t waste your money on foods that would go bad easily. Some of the best options to consider are frozen vegetables, cereals, and legumes. If you have the money to buy them in bulk, don’t hesitate to do it right away. It’s a great strategy for saving on your monthly grocery expenditure. Most stores offer you a discount when you shop in bulk. Others allow you to earn points that you can redeem for free foods.

Step 9 –Put Your Freezer into Use

A lot of times, we ignore the freezer without realizing how much it can save us financially. When you shop in bulk, especially healthy food items on sale or those in season, you should learn to store them in the freezer for future use. This is what a freezer is meant for. You don’t have to keep your healthy foods for a month but you can do it for days or a week. This ensures that they don’t go bad, translating to financial loss. The nutrients are also locked and preserved.

Step 10 – Shop Store Brands

Lastly, you should check out healthy food items that have store labels. Most stores usually put items that have their labels next to other brands. The difference is that theirs is mostly cheap. So, make sure you keep watch. You can also inquire from the store attendants.

Closing Thought:

From now onwards, you don’t have to waste money on unhealthy diets. You don’t even to struggle to buy some mouthwatering options that you know are not healthy. Just resolve to eat healthily and make it customary in the family. This will save you money and improve your general wellbeing.

The Best Cup of Coffee in Franklin

We all have different tastes for coffee. Some of us like it black while others want it creamy. Some prefer to take with sugar and others like it without sugar. Whatever your preference is, coffee just makes your day better. Whether you want to stimulate your mind in readiness for a hectic day ahead or you just want to relax after a stressful day, a cup of hot coffee can offer you the escape.

Speaking of a cup of hot coffee; there’s no better place to have it than in Franklin. They have some of the best and budget-friendly coffeehouses that Tennessee has to offer. You can take your coffee there or on the go. Some coffeehouses even have delivery services when you book online or when you ring them. Wondering what spots we are talking about? Well, here are our top 10 recommendations:

  1. The Coffee House at Second and Bridge

When thinking about a local coffee shop that’s locally inspired, this coffeehouse has to top the list. Having launched in 2012, the Coffee House has expanded its menu to become the most desired breakfast joint on 144 2nd Avenue. They are open from 7 am to 5 pm and so you can have your coffee any time of the day. They also offer take-out services if you want to have your coffee on the go. Additionally, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi on site, outdoor sitting area, and ample parking. You can visit their Website to check the spot out.

  1. Franklin Coffee House

Franklin Coffee House is one of the recent entrants into the Franklin coffee market. The coffee house was launched in 2018. So, they are just a year old. But despite being young, the spot has the best coffee on Sparta, WI. They also offer a wide selection of bakery options to go with their coffee. The advantage is that you can make an online through their Website and have your cup of coffee delivered where you are.

  1. The Well Coffeehouse

Standing strategically on 1725 Galleria Blvd is the Well Coffeehouse. Many locals know the spot as an internet café since customers are allowed to enjoy fast free Wi-Fi as they sip their coffee. It’s open from nine to nine (am to pm) and you can have your coffee plain or with bread. The coffeehouse has a glamorous interior to inspire you. So, it’s great for special dates. You can visit their Website to familiarize yourself with their coffee specialties.

  1. Biscuit Love

Having launched in 2012, Biscuit Love is one of the most visited coffee spots in Franklin. It’s a family-owned business that’s known for the best local breakfast servings. Located at 132 3rd Avenue Street, Biscuit Love is open from 7 am to 3 pm. It has a casual but classy appeal and it’s quite spacious for group meetings. Additionally, the spot is wheelchair-accessible and kid-friendly. You can check them out here.

  1. The Good Cup

Just from the sound of the name, you can tell that coffee in this spot is good. A peculiar coffee spot on 2181 Hillsboro Road, the Good Cup is generally an amazing coffee shop. They open from six to six (am to pm) and they allow you to have coffee on a budget. They have free Wi-Fi and you can have your coffee outside if you prefer. So, if you work online, you can continue working as you sip your coffee. You can check what they have here.

  1. Starbucks

Whether you want the best cup of tea or coffee, you can get it at Starbucks. They are a popular spot on 5050 Carothers Pkwy. They are known to open early in the morning at around 5 am and close late at night. So, you are guaranteed the best cup of coffee any time you visit the joint. In fact, they have specially-branded takeaway coffee cups that are great for someone on the go. You can also ring them to make a booking. The coffee joint has an exciting modern style for anyone who cares about trends. You can see everything clearly on their Website.

  1. Café Latte

When walking on 1800 Galleria Blvd, it’s hard to miss this coffee joint. Known to have a simple design, Café Latte is quite popular for coffee lovers on a budget. They allow you to have an inexpensive take-out. The only problem is that it often gets noisy inside since space is small and they don’t have parking space for both cars and bikes. The spot is just great for someone who wants to grab their best cup of coffee and sip it on the way.

  1. Java Dreams II

Like Café Latte, Java Dreams II is generally a simple and inexpensive coffee joint. However, this doesn’t mean that their coffee isn’t good. On the contrary, they probably have the best coffee on 730 Cool Springs Blvd. So, you are guaranteed the best serving when you visit the café. They are open from 7 am to 2 pm every weekday. So, it can be your regular spot if you go to work from Monday to Friday. Space may not be that large, but their coffee is unquestionable. It’s that good.

  1. Tiny Little Donuts

Originally started as a donut joint, Tiny Little Donuts has grown to become an amazing joint for coffee lovers. Actually, most customers prefer to have donuts with coffee. They have an amazing outdoor sitting area for consumers. You can visit the spot any morning hour on any day to have your cup of coffee. They are located at 328 5th Avenue. Alternatively, you can make your order online by visiting their Website.

  1. Perch Westhaven

Known as a classy restaurant by many, Perch Westhaven always serves the best local coffee. Though the price at the joint is a little higher than what you pay in most coffee joints, you are guaranteed the best perks. For example, they have an amazing outdoor space where you can sit alone or in a group as you enjoy free Wi-Fi. They also offer coffee take-out through branded coffee cups. You can check out their Website for more information.

Closing Thought:

Historically speaking, Franklin is generally a coffee drinking city. So, it doesn’t surprise that there are coffeehouses on almost all streets. With the above spots topping the list, you are always guaranteed a good time when you sip your preferred caffeine drink. Each spot has its’ own fair share of advantages. So, you just have to go to the one that matches your expectation.

8 Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

Most people can tell eucalyptus from a distance because of its distinctive scent. It’s a pleasant one. Thus, it’s widely identified with home fragrances, deodorants, and scented soaps. But you should know that there is more to eucalyptus than a beautiful scent. The tree is therapeutic in all its forms. You can find it in forms like eucalyptus oil (popularly known as eucalyptol), eucalyptus ointment, eucalyptus leaves (either fresh or dry), eucalyptus spray, and eucalyptus ointment.

You probably know eucalyptus dry leaves as an ingredient for herbal tea. Their fresh form can be used as a natural fragrance. The same role applies to eucalyptus spray. For eucalyptus ointment, it’s applied on the skin to promote antibacterial functions. Eucalyptus oil can also be used the same way. Additionally, it can be taken orally or inhaled. Actually, eucalyptol is the most used form of eucalyptus. You’ll find it in over-the-counter products like cough syrups, mouthwashes, anti-rash creams, hair care products, and body rubs.

You can know that a product has eucalyptus oil just by smelling it. Its scent is generally aromatic. The oil is obtained from the leaves of a mature eucalyptus tree. This evergreen tree originated from Australia but its popularity runs globally. In fact, it’s the most recognized medicinal tree around the world today and exists in more than 400 species. The most popular species in most countries is Blue Gum. It’s the primary source of eucalyptol. From a health perspective, research shows that eucalyptus is quite therapeutic. Here are 8 benefits that the evergreen tree species brings:

  1. Powerful Antiseptic/Disinfectant

Eucalyptus is generally a powerful antimicrobial agent. It’s able to get rid of microbes from the skin surface and inanimate objects. This explains why eucalyptus oil is a sought-after wound cleanser. It’s able to eliminate bacteria and fungi around an open wound. In the end, it’s able to help a wound heal much faster.

Moreover, it offers protection to an open wound against irritation from air exposure. Because of this benefit, Turkish Researchers support the use of Eucalyptus oil when you want to fasten the wound healing process. With respect to inanimate surface cleaning, you can use eucalyptus spray to clean kitchen countertops, bathroom floors, and other surfaces.

  1. Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation

When eucalyptus oil is applied to the body, it’s known to ease joint pain and redness, muscle soreness, and general body swelling. There are also suggestions that eucalyptus oil can be inhaled to promote pain relief. So, you don’t just need to apply it topically to enjoy this benefit. This is more important if you have sustained a physical injury that’s characterized by joint or muscle pain and inflammation.

  1. Relieves Headaches

A headache occurs when pressure is placed on the sinus. This is actually the part that eucalyptus targets. It’s able to invigorate this part to release its tension. In the end, this helps immensely in alleviating head pain. According to a random survey, patients who inhale and apply eucalyptus oil on their head when they have a headache tends to experience fast relief even without using pain relievers.

  1. Encourages Hair Health

If you observe most hair products keenly, you’ll identify eucalyptus as one of the main ingredients. It’s known to exert powerful antimicrobial effects on the hair follicles. This is according to a 2012 report. The report shows that eucalyptus oil is able to prevent the buildup of pathogens around the hair follicles.

By doing so, you are able to avoid head lice, dandruff, and scalp irritation. Actually, you can apply eucalyptus oil directly to your scalp to promote this. The report concludes by suggesting that you could boost hair growth if you apply eucalyptus oil regularly.

  1. Stimulate Brain Activity

Sometimes, the brain’s activity can be slowed down by stress, fatigue, or a mental condition. In all these cases, eucalyptus oil can help. For example, it can help to calm your nerves and to increase blood supply to the brain when you are feeling mental sluggishness. This will stimulate your brain and you become more alert.

You also have to note that improved brain supply means greater brain power. In this case, the performance of your brain becomes much improved. This is why eucalyptus oil is employed in aromatherapy (mood enhancement). In such a practice, it helps to boost your concentration and attitude. For a student, the overall class performance improves as a result of eucalyptus-induced aromatherapy.

  1. Manages Respiratory Conditions

Over the years, people around the globe have used eucalyptus oil to manage different respiratory conditions. Research shows that eucalyptus oil makes it easy for you to breathe when your nose is congested and when you have a bad cough or common cold. For this reason, eucalyptus can be used as a natural expectorant and nasal decongestant.

According to a 2014 study, eucalyptus oil can also be used to reduce symptoms associated with bronchitis. Though the oil may not treat bronchitis, it can mask its symptoms. Basically, bronchitis is brought down to a manageable level. Other conditions that can be managed with eucalyptol include sinusitis and asthma.

  1. Promotes Oral Health

Are you aware that you can have better breath by consuming eucalyptus oil? According to a recent publication, this is quite possible if you use eucalyptus as a mouthwash. Since eucalyptol has a natural scent that’s very pleasant, you can use it to get rid of bad breath. This explains why it’s a popular ingredient in most toothpaste and mouthwash products. In addition to getting rid of bad breath, eucalyptus has amazing therapeutic effects against dental cavities, tooth decay, and plaque. Due to its antimicrobial effects, eucalyptus is able to get rid of bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

  1. Reduces Fever

Eucalyptus is an effective vasodilator. Simply, it helps to open up blood vessels to facilitate maximum blood circulation. This is very important when you have a fever. Because of this property, a lot of time s eucalyptus is referred to as ‘fever oil’. So, you can use it on your body or forehead each time your body temperature rises. There are actually two ways to do it:

  • You can rub it on your body and forehead
  • You can mix it with tepid water and soak a towel in the mixture to use as a compress.

Closing Thought:

Speaking matters health, eucalyptus is one of the most powerful health products out there. Whether you decide to consume it, inhale it or apply it topically, there are some amazing health benefits that it brings. And now that it exists in different forms, it’s even easier to inculcate it in your day-to-day routine.

Health Benefits of Sunshine

Studies show that Mother Earth has been exposed to the sun for at least 3 billion whole years. This confirms that all life forms depend on it. Sunshine is not just important for plants but also for us humans. However, our relationship with the sun is not as simple as of that between it and plants. Plants need sunshine to make food and grow. For us, we need it for other things, mostly health needs. We’ll look at these benefits later.

But for now, it’s important to know that we need sunshine in moderation. Too much of it is a risk of sunburn or worse, skin cancer. Of course, the level of damage by the sun depends on skin type and duration of exposure. For example, individuals with pale skins are more prone to damaging effects of the sun than those with tan skin. With this information in mind, here are the top 12 health benefits of sunshine you should be aware of:

  1. Bone Health

You probably know that sunshine is a good source of vitamin D. What you probably don’t know is the benefits that vitamin D brings about. Well, this vitamin has so many benefits of which bone health is one of them. According to research, vitamin D helps to build strong bones. In doing so, it helps to prevent rickets in kids and osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and other bone-wasting conditions in adults.

  1. Dental Health

The way that vitamin D from the sun strengthens the bones is the way that it strengthens the teeth. Studies show that people in sunny regions are not much affected with teeth cavities as people in locations that are not prone to much sunshine. The bottom line is that you need vitamin D for strong teeth. This is more important for the little ones as they like taking sugary stuff.

  1. Sleep Quality

When you are exposed to moderate sunshine during the day, your brain produces the hormone melatonin. This hormone is very important in helping you sleep soundly later in the evening. Your body is designed in such a way that it can tell when the time is right for sleeping. So, you don’t have to wear sunglasses or sunblock immediately when you go out to the sun. You should wait for some time to boost melatonin production.

  1. Promotes Immunity

A recent finding by Georgetown University indicates that sunshine helps to boost the activation of T-cell. They are immune cells that you need to fight invading microbes. Another finding shows that the reason why a person with diabetes struggle with insulin resistance is that of low vitamin D. The study concludes that you need vitamin D from the sun to reduce insulin resistance and to manage diabetes.

  1. Cancer Prevention

Even though excessive sunbath is a risk of skin cancers, moderate sunshine does the opposite. It helps to prevent skin cancers among other types of cancer. Researchers argue that having more daylight hours improves protection against ovarian and prostate cancer in women and men respectively. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer, cancer of the colon, and pancreatic cancer in both genders. This explains why most supplements meant for cancer patients are rich in vitamin D.

  1. Better Brain Function

One study shows that low sunshine exposure often causes cognitive impairment. In this case, your ability to think better and to stay alert is adversely affected. This is all related to not getting enough vitamin D. The brain has receptors that are very sensitive to sunshine. The energy from the sun stimulates them so that they can help your brain plan and process things.

  1. Brain Health

Sunshine not only enhances brain functions but also helps to protect against its disorders. For example, a certain study shows that moderate sunshine protects against schizophrenia later in life. Another study shows that sunshine helps to not only manage but also prevent Alzheimer. There are also suggestions that that sunshine exposure can be used to delay Parkinson’s disease. It also makes Parkinson’s less severe by improving the mood and motor functions of the patient.

  1. Enhanced Mood

Are you aware that bathing under moderate sunshine can make you happy? Well, it does. According to research, sunshine necessitates the release of hormone serotonin by your brain. The hormone naturally enhances your mood. It helps you to become calmer and more focused. Without enough sunshine, your serotonin levels reduce drastically and this affects your mood. You are likely to experience depression symptoms such as extreme sadness and mood swings.

  1. Stress Relief

Stress occurs when cortisol levels rise unexpectedly. This is mostly because of a sad or anxious moment. For you to achieve stress relief, your cortisol levels have to be managed. This is where moderate sunshine comes in. A recent report shows that moderate sunshine can reduce cortisol production by about 25%. So, spending a few hours outside on a routine basis is advisable.

  1. Heart Health

Medical studies show that the rate of cardiovascular morbidity, as well as that of cardiovascular mortality, can be reduced by 30-50% with sufficient vitamin D intake. This show that vitamin D is important in improving your heart health. It’s necessary for reducing heart attack and other relatable conditions.

  1. Reduced Blood Pressure

Sunshine is also important in lowering your blood pressure just as it’s important in boosting your heart health. Experts say that vitamin D from the sun helps to restore both your diastolic and systolic rhythms. This ensures that your blood pressure is normalized. Additionally, sunshine helps your body to secrete nitric oxide which regulates blood pressure.

  1. Skin Health

Contrary to expectations, the WHO actually recommends sunshine exposure for general skin health. This is widely supported by top dermatologist around the globe. They argue that UV exposure is great for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and skin acne. But still, it should be insisted that the exposure should be moderate. You should consult your dermatologist nonetheless.

Closing Thought

Enjoy the sun wisely this summer and reap the many health benefits it can offer!

9 Indoor House Plants for Better Health

It’s estimated that the average person spends about 92% of their time indoors. The remaining percentage is occupied by the outdoors and time in transit. The Environmental Protection Agency is, however, disturbed by this statistic. They actually advocate for more outdoor time. They argue that most air pollutants are highly concentrated indoors than outdoors. So, you are more likely to experience health complications from indoor pollution than outdoor contamination. The conditions include bronchitis, asthma, heart attack, and lung cancer.

So, what do you have to do to be safe indoors? You probably are aware of artificial means of improving indoor air quality like the use of HVAC and fans. These options can be expensive to install and maintain. What if there was a cheap and eco-friendly option? Wouldn’t you want it? Actually, there are. They come in the form of houseplants. Basically, the indoor plants will not just beautify your home but will purify air to improve its quality. In the long run, these plants are able to improve your health. Here are 9 top considerations:

  1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

If you are the forgetful type of person, then your ideal household plant is Spider Plant. This plant grows at a high pace and does not demand so much light. Additionally, it grows in a variety of soil types and does not need so much watering. The soil is able to hold water for long and so you don’t have to irrigate it regularly. So, if you are looking for an option that won’t take much of your time, then you should go for Spider Plant. It’s great at removing xylene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other serious air pollutants.

  1. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Barberton Daisy is a plant species that originates from East Africa. It’s known for its colorful and lively flowers. Though it’s popular in the outdoors, it’s also an incredible option for the indoors. The plant purifies indoor air much faster than most plants. It’s able to get rid of powerful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene at a fast pace. To get the plant to flower and looking beautiful, you just have to keep the soil moist and give it maximum light. The advantage is that Barberton Daisy can withstand varying temperature. So, there’s no need trying to regulate it.

  1. European Ivy (Hedera helix)

Also known as English Ivy, the European Ivy is a great household plant that effectively filters indoor air to get rid of stubborn toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene. Additionally, the plant can be used to get rid of mold. So, it’s a great option for individuals who are prone to respiratory complications like asthma and bronchitis. It’s an equally popular option for the outdoors. The plant is evergreen all year round and is naturally a climbing type. So, you can expect it to reach the roof over time if its growth is not controlled.

  1. Aloe Plant (Aloe Vera)

You must be aware of the amazing benefits of Aloe Vera on your skin and hair as most cosmetic products contain it. What you probably don’t know is the fact that Aloe Vera is a great absorbent of indoor air toxins. You can use it to purify your indoor air. Besides, you can always use a part of the plant to treat wounds and burns as it’s a powerful antiseptic. To get the best out of Aloe Vera, you have to moisten the soil regularly and provide plenty of sunlight.

  1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Sometimes known as the Mother-in-Law Tongue, the Snake Plant is an evergreen plant that you would want to grow indoors. It’s actually one of the best absorbers of airborne pollutants and toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and nitrogen oxide. The plant originates from West Africa but now enjoys global popularity because of its ability to purify indoor air. It’s able to tolerate low-light conditions, even though it prefers bright light. Provided that you don’t overwater it, Snake Plant will grow amazingly.

  1. Lavender Plant (Lavendula species)

Very few plants are as beautiful and aromatic as lavender. The flowers are pretty and emit a pleasant smell that creates an inviting aura at home. But this is not the only benefit attached to this decorative plant. Putting the plant in your bedroom allows you to sleep better. It provides relief from insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. You just have to give it enough water and sunlight for it to thrive.

  1. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum)

Sometimes referred to as Laceleaf, Flamingo Lily is one of the most gorgeous evergreen plants on the planet. The flowers are beautiful and are bound to inspire any indoor space. The plant is quite effective in eliminating pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia. The problem is that it’s too demanding. You have to provide it with enough indirect light and relative humidity. For example, if the relative humidity drops below 50%, the plant may easily die. Moreover, the plant is toxic and thus shouldn’t be ingested.

  1. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Often referred to as Golden Pothos, the Devil’s Ivy is a popular household plant around the world. It features beautiful heart-shaped leaves and evergreen vines. Its display is just magical. You’ll find this plant sold as decorations in most places. It’s not just beautiful but also purposeful in refining indoor air. It can comfortably eliminate benzene, formaldehyde, and other powerful toxins. You just have to ensure that it’s placed closed to the window for it to achieve optimal growth. Like Flamingo Lily, Devil’s Ivy is toxic when ingested, more so by pets.

  1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species)

Drawing suggestions from its name, Peace Lily is considered a peaceful indoor plant. It’s one of the easiest houseplants to care for and has a simple evergreen appearance. It does not need so much water and light. In fact, you shouldn’t direct so much light to its direction as the leaves may be scorched. Peace Lily is quite effective in getting rid of volatile toxins like Trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. The main concern, however, is that the plant is mildly poisonous when ingested.

Closing Thought:

Plants are generally important for your health. They are the closest thing you can have to Mother Nature when they are established indoors. In addition to improving indoor air quality and getting rid of airborne toxins, they are a great home décor. You are likely to draw motivation from them when you are at home relaxing.

Chiropractic Care for Seasonal Allergies

For some people, the arrival of spring means that they have to deal with seasonal allergies. Actually, the CDC reports that over 25 million people in the US suffer from different forms of seasonal allergies. Some are mild and others are severe. Of this population, at least 19 million are adults and 6 million are children. The problem is that not everyone knows that what they have are seasonal allergies and even those who do don’t understand the benefit of seeking professional intervention. So, what exactly are seasonal allergies and what’s the treatment?

Seasonal allergies are a collective term that refers to disorders that result when the immune system reacts to foreign substances (allergens) such as pollen, mold, grass, dust, specific foods, heat, cold, air pollutants, and weeds. In this case, it happens seasonally after contact with the allergen. So, it’s not just a condition of the spring season. The response from your immune system may present in the form of a running nose, cough, rashes, and skin itchiness. In some severe cases, it can lead to breathing complications, asthma attacks or sometimes death.

What’s the Solution?

A majority of people handle seasonal allergies by using medications. The medications (popularly known as antihistamines) tend to neutralize the natural immune response chemical (known as histamine) that is released by your immune system when a seasonal allergen is detected. The over secretion of histamine is what causes the negative responses mentioned in the opening remarks.

While antihistamines are very effective in countering the effects of excessive histamines, they are prone to side effects like drowsiness. However, this is not the main concern. The issue is that they do not treat the root cause but just the symptoms. If you are looking for a more practical alternative, then you may find it necessary to consider chiropractic care. It’ll help you significantly.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic care is a general term that includes spinal manipulation and other physical techniques meant to boost communication between the spine and the brain. The specialist (a chiropractor) applies hands-on techniques to treat spinal misalignments (what we call subluxations). This brings enormous benefits to your body. You are able to fight the allergen in a practical way without fearing for adverse effects associated with anti-histamines.

While there are no permanent treatments for seasonal allergies, a Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic may help you manage, alleviate or prevent the symptoms. Regular treatments help to equip and to balance your natural defense so as to neutralize the effects of seasonal allergens. Remember, when you suffer subluxation, it’s not just your immune system that’s affected but the nervous and respiratory systems too. Chiropractic care ensures that all these systems work to their full potential in fighting seasonal allergies.

Generally, chiropractic care helps in dealing with seasonal allergies in the following ways:

  1. Strengthens Natural Immunity

When there’s a subluxation along your spine, your immune system is severely compromised and can’t fight allergens naturally. Chiropractic care is meant to realign the spinal path so as communication to the brain is necessitated and your body gets to fight the allergen effortlessly. When the spine and the brain are able to communicate freely, clearance of the symptoms comes naturally. So, you are able to manage them completely as long as you continue with your chiropractic session. Besides, no medications or surgery is involved. The techniques are purely manual.

  1. Supports Respiratory Functions

Just like the immune system, the respiratory system highly depends on communication between it and the brain. A subluxation is likely to hamper the flow of information and the effects are symptoms like sneezing, running nose, and coughing. By treating subluxation, the communication paths between the respiratory system and the brain are cleared. They stay open, free of obstruction. This means that the body is able to fight off an allergen naturally as there’s nothing that interferes with the signals that flow between the two systems.

  1. Distressing Effects

Are you aware that the immune system can be stressed? Well, the reason why your immune system reacts in a negative way to allergens is that they (the allergens) stress it. Considering that the nervous system is closely linked to the immune system, psychological stress interferes with their association. Research shows that stress wears down the adrenal glands. The glands are responsible for secreting the anti-inflammation hormone called cortisol.

Without sufficient cortisol levels, allergic responses are bound to get severe. A chiropractor will help you control cortisol production during high-allergy seasons. The specialist will basically control inflammation responses related to a specific allergen. One major distressing effect is the suppression of overproduction of histamine. When the levels are controlled, it’s easier to manage stress and allergy attack in the long run.

  1. Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice

A chiropractor doesn’t just treat subluxations but may also recommend a few changes in your nutrition plan and lifestyle. Such changes are meant to either prevent allergic attacks or lessen the symptoms. For example, nutrition-wise, a chiropractor may ask you to avoid some foods. They include:

  • Fermented foods
  • Spiced foods
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

However, it doesn’t mean that all seasonal allergies related to foods have the same response in all people. Different people show different responses to food triggers. For example, some people may develop itchy skin because of taking some foods and others may develop rashes for taking the same foods.

Additionally, a chiropractor may recommend the following nutritional adjustments:

  • Take more fiber-rich foods
  • Choose more organic foods over non-organic
  • Stay hydrated most times

In the case of lifestyle adjustments, a chiropractor may recommend the following:

  • Avoid certain environmental things which are known to promote an allergic attack, for example, strong wind.
  • Look for comfortable things to do to avoid allergic attack or to make the symptoms less severe.
  • Find the best sleeping position and sleeping habits to combat back pain.
  • Do at-home stretching exercises that are good for your spine.
  • Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Practice mindfulness (meditation or yoga)

Closing Thought:

It takes proper communication between the brain and the immune system or the respiratory system to combat seasonal allergies. A chiropractor is able to facilitate this. Treatments from Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic may be your solution to avoiding the attacks or reducing the symptoms. Unlike the use of anti-histamines, chiropractic care addresses the underlying issue. Contact Cool Springs Chiropractic today!

10 Hikes in Middle TN to Conquer This Spring

With Spring fast approaching, it’s time you consider doing something fun and challenging at the same time. Choose one weekend to spend time in the outdoors and get to enjoy the beauty of mother nature. Speaking of mother nature, there’s no better way to interact with her loveliness than to go hiking. Look for a place that has safe walking trails which leads to a wonderful mountain, falls or forests. Actually, this is the kind of adventure that Middle Tennessee promises. From Nashville to Clarksville, there are so many hiking spots to visit and conquer. They are the ideal fun spots for the spring holiday. Here are the best 10:

  1. Clarksville Greenway

Are you crazy about nature? Then you should head to Clarksville Greenway this spring. From the name, you should expect green walking trails and lush vegetation on the sides leading to a raised point. This hiking spot is great for someone who is interested in a long-distance hiking adventure. The trail is about 4 miles and it gives you a closer feel of nature. You’ll hear birds singing and the rives running as you walk. You may also get the chance to take photographs of wild animals as they feed. It’s a very inspiring hiking spot.

  1. Harpeth River

The Harpeth River is historically known to be a safe haven for hikers. The overall hiking distance is about 1.5 miles but there’s so much to conquer within this short distance. For one, the paths are narrow and you have to tread carefully lest you find yourself in the river. Two, there is a 300-ft handmade tunnel that you are expected to pass through. The challenges aside, Harpeth River is generally an exciting hiking spot with spectacular views.

  1. Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake is well known as Nashville’s best conservation spot. The plant life here is rich and versatile while the wildlife is plentiful and unique. The hiking trails are in lovely shapes and safe for individuals and group hikers. The spot is popular with weekend group hikes but you can still do it on a weekend. The most popular trails here are Garnier Ridge Trails that takes you to the ridges. The trails are characterized by rocky climbs.

  1. Billy Dunlop Park

Though small in size, Billy Dunlop Park never disappoints in Spring. It’s one of the best in Clarksville. It’s characterized by a beautiful river that gives you the option of taking a quick swim or kayaking. The spot is also popular with picnic adventures. However, the height of the adventure is the walking trails. They are normally crowded with leaves that fall from the beautiful trees. Stepping on the dry leaves as you ascend the trail is just an amazing experience.

  1. Beaman Park

Tucked in a rocky neighborhood, the driving experience to Beaman Park is just as exciting as the hiking adventure. It’s considered by many as a peaceful park because it’s usually less crowded. It stretches over 1,700 acres. If you prefer a ridge walk, you can take the ridge top trail and you’ll find yourself at the height of the park. On your way to the top, you’ll see some amazing nature. The trail also leads to the beautiful Marrowbone Creek. So, you have the chance to conquer it too.

  1. Cummins Falls

If you are not afraid of getting wet, the Cummins falls is the right place to visit. The overall hike is about 2.5 miles and you are guaranteed amazing stops if you go on a guided tour. The most notable one is the ancient Cummins House. Here, you are able to have a panoramic view of the falls and the neighboring Blackburn Fork State River. Those who have conquered the hike say that it’s an adventure characterized by slippery rocks, tough elevations, and knee-deep water. So, carry the right gears to overcome these challenges.

  1. Rotary Park

When looking for a family-friendly park in Clarksville, very few are as interesting as the Rotary Park. Other than having the finest picnic spots, the park has amazing trails that are used by hikers. The trails led to the top of the creek. On your way up, you’ll have a great view of beautiful streams and wildlife. You can take a stop at any of the streams to wash your face or just to listen to the singing birds. The most interesting thing is that you can come back to the park to have a bath or a meal with your family. Your kids will also have the opportunity to play there.

  1. Fall Creek Falls

Do you marvel at waterfalls? Then you should visit Fall Creek Falls this spring. You’ll get the opportunity to go on a guided hike. The fall is just a 90-minute drive from Nashville and is characterized by a series of small cascades which direct their waters into swimming pools. So, if you are not scared of taking a dive in natural waters, then you’ll have the chance here. Just remember to bring your swimming gear to avoid any inconveniences.

  1. Natchez Trace

The most popular hiking trail here is the Highland Rim Trail. It’s not just popular with hikers but horseback riders too. It stretches roughly 20 miles and features amazing stops such as the Tennessee Valley Divide and the War of 1812 Memorial. So, you not only have outdoor challenges to conquer but history too. Sometimes, the hiking spot can be unkempt but this does not dispute its amazing adventure features. it has some of the finest views, thus great for sightseeing.

  1. South Cumberland

Lastly, you can join environmentalist Randy Hedgepath on his spring exploits of the Collins Gulf wildflower Pilgrimage. The 5-mile hiking trail takes you deep into the wild as you get the opportunity to see amazing flowers that are not found anywhere else in Tennessee. You’ll also get the chance to climb through attractive sceneries and waterfalls. The most interesting aspect of the hike is a 60-foot climb out. Not many are able to conquer the climb out but it’s very interesting for group hiking since you can compete with each other to see who reaches the furthest.

Closing Thought:

With Middle Tennessee promising so much outdoor fun this spring, you cant’s miss something to do. Pack your hiking gear and walk into any of these hiking spots. You’ll love every bit of the exploit. This article can barely cover everything. You just have to experience it yourself.