Here's a very interesting bit of information that may keep you out of pain one of these days. Every summer in my acupuncture clinic I see a great increase in the number of people suffering from muscle spasms and pain. It may occur in any muscle group -- neck, shoulders, back, legs, calves -- or all over the body.
Here's why. In summer the weather is hotter. Whether you feel like you're your sweating or not, you are losing fluids through sweat as you go through your day. As this happens, you also lose necessary electrolytes.
Among the main electrolytes in the body are calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are vital to muscle function (among other things). If they are depleted, the muscles tend to spasm more. It's a simple as that.
If, on top of the heat, you are also enjoying the warm weather by playing sports -- tennis, golf, running -- you're even more prone to these kinds of muscles spasms.
To remedy the loss of minerals, take a good calcium/magnesium supplement daily. Not only will it help your muscles stay out of spasm, but it will give you more energy, because loss of electrolytes also gives you that wiped out feeling of fatigue. Restoring electrolytes that are depleted also helps improve sleep and overall well-being.
Most supplements contain twice as much calcium as magnesium, as they are needed by the body in a 2:1 ratio. When choosing a supplement, check the label for quantities. Some people think they are getting these nutrients through their multivitamin. Though most multivitamins contain these minerals, your multivitamin does not have enough to help depleted muscles. Minerals are bulky. A daily dose of 400 mg. calcium and 200 mg magnesium usually requires 3 large tablets for these nutrients alone. The supplement is best taken away from meals because calcium can steal the iron from your food and keep you from absorbing it, leading to anemia over time. Often people take them before bed because it is not near a meal, it's an easy time to remember, and it helps with sleep and avoiding muscle spasms at night.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Preparing for the upcoming flu season
There is increased attention this year to the possibility of a more severe flu pandemic. Based on science's understanding of the H1N1 virus, there is an expectation that it is likely to mutate into a more virulent strain as the next flu season approaches.
Efforts are underway to produce effective vaccines, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has posted information and precautions at www.flu.gov. There you can find answers about what to look for, how to practice good hygiene, and other preventive measures.
In addition to good hygiene and vaccines, holistic medicine has a lot to offer in preventing and fighting flu, and these can all be combined to give you maximum protection and support.
While we're all familiar with vaccines, most people are not aware that you can actually strengthen your body's immune system in advance, by using natural tools such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. The time to get started on this is several months in advance. Here are some of the holistic methods that you can add to your "tool kit" to stay healthy through the next flu season:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by improving the body's ability to do its job well. Many different factors can contribute to a weak or susceptible immune system. We all know that when we've been under more stress, or have missed a night's sleep, that's when we tend to catch more colds and flu.
2. Herbs
As flu season approaches, there are time-tested herbal formulas that strengthen immunity and fight infection. Many of the herbs in these formulas have been shown in laboratory research to have anti-viral properties. Even though lab testing is relatively recent, the Chinese have known for thousands of years that these herbs fight infection.
Giving Nature's Colds & Flu Formula is based on the ancient Chinese formula known as Yin Qiao San, and it is excellent for warding off both colds and flu. It can be taken if flu breaks out around you or if you yourself begin to feel the symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you actually do come down with the flu, this formula can ease its course and get you through it with milder symptoms and a shorter time course. It's best to have it on hand in your herbal medicine cabinet, just in case you need it. If you do feel flu-ish, you need to take the herbs immediately to have the greatest impact.
3. Homeopathy
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy sold over the counter in many outlets. Homeopathy is relatively unknown in the U.S. It's different from herbal medicine and based on different principles. Yet it is made from natural substances and in fact they are made so dilute that there is virtually none of the original substance remaining in the final remedy.
Because of this, homeopathy is compatible with both herbal medicine and pharmaceutical medicine, and many people take them in tandem. It's usually best not to take homeopathy at the same time as your herbs, but you can take them 30 minutes apart to optimize the performance of both remedies.
Not only in health food stores, Oscillococcinum is sold in many conventional pharmacies as well. It's taken at first sign of flu and you take several vials over the course of a day. This again is best to have on hand. During flu season, it's best to have it in your pocket or purse. Its ability to ward off flu is excellent but you must catch it early. If you feel a scratchy throat at work in the morning, you must take this remedy immediately or within 1-2 hours. If you wait for the day to pass and then go home to take it, it's probably too late.
Why not take some simple steps to build your immunity and keep yourself healthy through the coming year. It's a good precaution against a potentially virulent flu strain, and it's good for you in any case, so you win either way.
Efforts are underway to produce effective vaccines, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has posted information and precautions at www.flu.gov. There you can find answers about what to look for, how to practice good hygiene, and other preventive measures.
In addition to good hygiene and vaccines, holistic medicine has a lot to offer in preventing and fighting flu, and these can all be combined to give you maximum protection and support.
While we're all familiar with vaccines, most people are not aware that you can actually strengthen your body's immune system in advance, by using natural tools such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. The time to get started on this is several months in advance. Here are some of the holistic methods that you can add to your "tool kit" to stay healthy through the next flu season:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by improving the body's ability to do its job well. Many different factors can contribute to a weak or susceptible immune system. We all know that when we've been under more stress, or have missed a night's sleep, that's when we tend to catch more colds and flu.
2. Herbs
As flu season approaches, there are time-tested herbal formulas that strengthen immunity and fight infection. Many of the herbs in these formulas have been shown in laboratory research to have anti-viral properties. Even though lab testing is relatively recent, the Chinese have known for thousands of years that these herbs fight infection.
Giving Nature's Colds & Flu Formula is based on the ancient Chinese formula known as Yin Qiao San, and it is excellent for warding off both colds and flu. It can be taken if flu breaks out around you or if you yourself begin to feel the symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you actually do come down with the flu, this formula can ease its course and get you through it with milder symptoms and a shorter time course. It's best to have it on hand in your herbal medicine cabinet, just in case you need it. If you do feel flu-ish, you need to take the herbs immediately to have the greatest impact.
3. Homeopathy
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy sold over the counter in many outlets. Homeopathy is relatively unknown in the U.S. It's different from herbal medicine and based on different principles. Yet it is made from natural substances and in fact they are made so dilute that there is virtually none of the original substance remaining in the final remedy.
Because of this, homeopathy is compatible with both herbal medicine and pharmaceutical medicine, and many people take them in tandem. It's usually best not to take homeopathy at the same time as your herbs, but you can take them 30 minutes apart to optimize the performance of both remedies.
Not only in health food stores, Oscillococcinum is sold in many conventional pharmacies as well. It's taken at first sign of flu and you take several vials over the course of a day. This again is best to have on hand. During flu season, it's best to have it in your pocket or purse. Its ability to ward off flu is excellent but you must catch it early. If you feel a scratchy throat at work in the morning, you must take this remedy immediately or within 1-2 hours. If you wait for the day to pass and then go home to take it, it's probably too late.
Why not take some simple steps to build your immunity and keep yourself healthy through the coming year. It's a good precaution against a potentially virulent flu strain, and it's good for you in any case, so you win either way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)