ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Dark Circles Around Eyes Make Me Look Old
I’ve gotten dark circles around my eyes that make me look old and tired (I’m 57). This happens even though I get plenty of sleep and feel fine. What can I do? — Priscilla J., Charlotte, N.C.
Dark circles under the eyes may be genetic, in which case they appear as early as the teen years, or they may be caused by dehydration, too much alcohol, subclinical infections, lack of suffi cient sleep, anemia, hormone loss, low thyroid, and menopause. The fi rst thing to do is to minimize these factors. Increase the amount of water you drink and increase the amount of sleep you get. A minimum of eight hours will aff ect your entire body positively. Take these supplements daily:
omega-3 fi sh oils, 2,000 mg; vitamin C, 1,000 mg; B complex, 100 mg; L-carnitine, 500 mg; coenzyme Q10, 100 mg; and milk thistle (a liver- detoxifying plant extract). If you still have dark circles after trying this new regimen for a month, have your thyroid checked and get bioidentical hormone supplementation from an experienced physician.
I have two dogs that sometimes get sick with colds. Can I catch this from them? — Philip B., San Diego, Calif.
The viruses that dogs get are diff erent from the ones we get. Having said that, it’s probably not a good idea to
let your pets kiss you on the mouth because they can spread germs. It’s also wise to keep pet areas and feeding dishes clean. In addition, make sure your house is well ventilated to lower levels of fur, dander, viruses, and other microbes. Also, don’t forget to take care of your
pooches when they get a cold, just as you would other family members, with lots of TLC — including plenty of fl uids.
I recently started working a night shift and it’s messing up my life. I can’t sleep well during daylight, and I’m gaining weight. What can I do? — Richard H., Westhampton, N.Y.
My fi rst recommendation would be to change jobs, but if that is not an option, there are some lifestyle changes you should make to help your body adjust. Getting used to night shifts is
tough on the body and mind. Make sure you adhere to as much of a normal schedule as possible. When you get home in the
morning have a light meal, take a shower, and go to sleep. Try to sleep seven to eight hours in a darkened room and then exercise, do your chores, and create a new healthy day/ night balance for your body. Avoid alcohol, starches, sugar, and
caff eine because they will destroy the balance, which will make you sick and cause more weight gain.
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.
I’m getting a lot of dental work done on my gums. Each time I undergo a procedure, I’m asked to take an antibiotic. Is this really necessary? — Charles R., San Bernardino, Calif.
That depends on why you’re getting the antibiotic. If you have a leaky heart valve or are at risk for bacterial endocarditis, you defi nitely need it. If your gums are in bad shape and they bleed a lot during the procedures, it may be wise to take the antibiotics as well. Ask your dentist why they are being prescribed every time and you may be able to fi gure out what’s best for you by consulting with your dentist and your primary care physician. If you must take antibiotics, make sure you also take probiotics with them to preserve a healthy intestinal tract and immune system, and prevent problems later.
I used to have beautiful nails when I was younger, but now that I’m in my mid- 60s they’ve become unsightly. They crack, peel, and look discolored. Is this a sign of a serious health problem? — Sally Y., Melbourne, Fla.
As we age, many factors can contribute to the loss of beautiful nails. The easiest to correct is the frequency and type of manicures. Use nail builder bases and omit colors for a few months. Make sure you don’t have a nail fungus, which may cause your nails to become brittle and ridged. If this is not the problem, have your doctor check your thyroid. With aging, the thyroid gland slows down and can cause brittle, thin nails.
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 | JULY 2023
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