ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED Foods to Avoid With Arthritis
My arthritis seems to be getting worse even though I try to stay active. Are there any foods I should avoid? — Carol S., Rochester, N.Y.
Yes. Acidic foods are irritants that cause infl ammation and worsen arthritis. Stay away from tomatoes, citrus fruit (except lemon in water), onions, garlic, dairy, coff ee, soda, and alcohol. Increase your intake of dark, leafy green vegetables, and vegetable oils like olive, coconut, avocado, fl axseed, and omegas-3 and 6. Take supplements like turmeric, MSM, and green tea extract. Exercise and stretch every day. Don’t overdo it, just do it.
I’m happily married in my 50s but I constantly feel stressed. I find myself worrying about the smallest things and always imagining the worst will happen. Do I need an antidepressant? — Sam J., Redding, Conn.
Most likely you would benefi t from a shift in perspective rather than from an antidepressant. Make sure you exercise to get the stress down and increase feel-good hormones. Eat healthy foods rich in antioxidants and good fats that will calm you down and make you feel more content. Don’t drink too much; it’ll cause you stress. Meditate. Take fi ve minutes a couple of times a day for yourself. Focus on your breathing. Then say a prayer of gratitude for all the good in your life. Finally, spend
quality time with your family, have sex with your partner regularly — and enjoy every day.
My cousin has been diagnosed with heart cancer. I’m a little overweight and I used to smoke cigarettes. Should I be worried?
— Ralph W., Seattle, Wash.
Heart cancer is a very rare. It isn’t exactly known what causes it, but in any case, worrying about it won’t help you. Heart cancer isn’t contagious, so you aren’t at risk of catching it. I hope your cousin gets good care and recovers fast.
I’ve heard that yerba mate tea is good to boost energy. Does it work, and is it safe?
— Cecelia Z., Portland, Ore.
Yerba mate has been used in South America for hundreds of years with great success. While there is little or even no scientifi c data on its effi cacy from the traditional medical establishment, its track record is long and safe. Make sure you get it from a reputable source, and see how you feel after using it.
Both my parents lost their hearing in their later years. How can I prevent that from happening to me? — Basil J., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
You can undergo genetic testing to look at the risk for hearing loss,
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.
but more importantly, you can prevent hearing loss by not exposing yourself to loud noises, loud music, or high-pitched sounds. And keep those ear buds out of your ears as much as possible.
My wife says I should try hot yoga; a lot of our friends swear by it. I’m 52 and in pretty good shape, but working out in a hot room doesn’t sound healthy. — Alan A., El Paso, Texas
If you don’t fi nd it appealing, why do it? Stay in good shape by doing exercise regimens that appeal to you, so you can stay with them. Exercises like strength training, aerobics, and stretching are important, so focus on getting your body in optimum shape with the tried-and-true methods that work for you. Try various exercises and see which make you feel best. Stick with those.
I’ll be taking a cross-country flight to see my family in California next month. How can I avoid getting sick from other passengers coughing and sneezing around me? — Sharon D., Burlington, Vt.
Make sure you are well rested when you travel. You should wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible, and do not touch your face. Prepare several weeks in advance of your fl ight by taking a high-quality immune-boosting supplement, vitamin C, and probiotics.
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 | AUGUST 2023
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