ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Can Acupuncture Cure My Back Pain?
I suff er from lower back pain and get regular adjustments from a chiropractor. He says acupuncture may help me, but I hate needles. Should I try it?
— Reuben G., Topeka, Kan.
Acupuncture is pretty innocuous, and the needles are very thin; they don’t look or feel like any conventionally used needles. I would try acupuncture to see if it alleviates your pain before you try any other invasive procedure. Make sure you use an experienced and seriously trained acupuncturist recommended by your chiropractor or a friend who has sought acupuncture and is satisfi ed with the results.
Grocery prices have gone through the roof, but my wife still insists on buying organic produce at the supermarket, which is even more expensive. I think it’s a rip-off . Do you agree?
— Curtis B., Peoria, Ill.
Organic food is more expensive because it takes more eff ort and time to grow without chemical or hormone additives, allowing for vitamins and minerals to remain. However, I do believe that organic is occasionally used as an opportunity to hike prices. Look for produce from small, local
farms in your area and try to eat food that is in season.
I’m 47 and suff ering flare-ups of acne, something I hadn’t experienced since high school. Is this connected to menopause? — Theresa P., Bakersfield, Calif.
Menopause is defi nitely a possible explanation. The loss of hormones that occurs with menopause represents a major change that will impact the rest of your life. So how you handle it will aff ect your quality of life forever. Menopause is the perfect time to improve your diet, get more exercise, sleep better, and get rid of toxic relationships. You should be sure to take bioidentical hormones, as well as the right vitamins and supplements to keep your energy levels up, boost your immune system, and fi nd balance. Milk thistle is a great supplement to help cleanse your liver, and it will also help get rid of your acne.
My best friend died last year from a heart attack at age 55. He had nothing wrong with him and had no family history. How can I make sure this doesn’t happen to me? — Steven Z., Billings, Mont.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart
ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D., is the leading national expert in wellness, disease prevention, and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Schwartz (
drerika@eshealth.com) has written four bestselling books, testified before Congress, hosted her own PBS special on bioidentical hormones and is the author of a new bestseller, Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You.
disease and the leading cause of death in the U.S., develops silently and worsens over time. The good news is that CAD can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Exercise three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time; eliminate processed foods and sugars; and eat lean proteins, whole grains, and dark, leafy green vegetables. Drink lots of water and little or no alcohol. If you are still concerned, see a cardiologist and have a calcium score or CT angiogram.
I’m in my late 40s, and my main exercise is jogging about five miles every other day. But I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my left knee, which is causing me moderate pain. I take ibuprofen and it eases the discomfort. I’d like to keep running, but will it make the arthritis worse? — Sheila A., Hempstead, N.Y.
Running is tough on joints. You can prevent some of the damage by stretching for 20-30 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 and curcumin. Try to avoid ibuprofen. It will not prevent or delay arthritis and may irritate your stomach and even lead to ulcers. Eat more dark, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Increase your protein intake, and drink lots of water. Consider yoga, Pilates, or other gentler exercises that do not punish your joints.
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.
96 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | APRIL 2023
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