HEALTHY LIVING
Tap Water Can Be Just As Healthy
My wife and I both drink a lot of water because we know it’s good for us. But she insists on drinking expensive bottled water. I just drink plain old tap water. Is one better than the other?
— James N., Minneapolis, Minn. It’s wonderful that you drink
water. Many towns across the United States have excellent drinking water with good purifi cation and mineral content, but the quality of tap water varies widely. Your local water department should be able to supply you with a water analysis report. If you have well water, you should have it analyzed by the health department or a private water evaluation lab. If your tap water is found to be of good quality and
contains no signifi cant levels of chemicals or other pollutants, then drink tap water to your heart’s content. Pricey bottled water isn’t going to be much better — if at all. Much of it is just sanitized tap water. It isn’t worth the money, and it may contain toxins from the plastic bottles, especially if stored in temperatures above 90 degrees. The most important thing to keep in mind is to continue to drink water!
I am a woman in my 40s, and my main form of exercise is running. I usually run about three miles every other day. But I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in one of my knees, which causes me moderate pain. I’d like to keep running because the pain is not so bad if I take ibuprofen. But do you think this will make the arthritis progress faster? — Julia N., Lubbock, Texas
About Dr. Schwartz: Erika Schwartz, M.D., is the leading national expert in wellness, disease prevention, and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Schwartz (
www.drerika.com) has written four best-selling books, testified before Congress, hosted her own PBS pledge special on bioidentical hormones, and is a frequent guest on network TV shows.
88 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | MARCH 2013
SCHWARTZ, M.D. MEDICAL HELP
Running is tough on joints. If
you like to run, you must accept that in time you may erode your joints and get arthritis. You can prevent some of the damage by stretching for 10 minutes before and after you run. Also, take omega- 3 fi sh oil in a dose of 4,000-5,000 mg per day and 1,000 mg of vitamin C. Try to stay away from NSAIDs like ibuprofen. They may take away the pain, but they can irritate your stomach and even lead to ulcers. They do not prevent or delay
arthritis. Eat more dark leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Eat less red meat. Stay away from soda. Consider yoga, Pilates, or other gentler exercises that do not push your joints to their limits.
It seems like I am tired all winter and early spring. I know it’s important to get a lot of sunshine, and I try to do that. But are there any other things I can do? I seem to perk up as soon as the weather turns warmer in April. — Lenore B., Waterville, Maine
You are not alone. Most of us humans are a little like
reptiles, we like the sun to warm our bodies. It improves our blood circulation and hormone production. I would suggest you make sure your diet is full of vegetables and fruit that are colorful and full of antioxidants and vitamins. In addition, these daily supplements can help: 5,000 IU of vitamin D, 200 mg of coenzyme Q10, 500 mg of L-carnitine, 100 mg of B complex, 3,000 mg of omega-3 fi sh oil, 500 mg of evening primrose oil, and 2,000 mg of vitamin C. Also, have your thyroid function tested.
Note: All information presented in “Medical Help” is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being.
Questions for Dr. Schwartz? Email
askschwartz@newsmax.com and write “Ask Dr. Schwartz” in the subject line.
ERIKA
COUPLE/IMAGE SOURCE/SUPERSTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92