ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Low Thyroid May Be Giving You Body Aches
I have hypothyroidism and have been experiencing severe pain in my hips and shoulders. Could there be a link? — Sandy L., Albuquerque, N.M.
Yes, there is a link between low thyroid and joint aches. Have your thyroid checked and treated properly with a correct combination of T3, T4, iodine, potassium iodide, and L-tyrosine (the amino acid thyroid hormones are made of) and see how quickly the aches and pains go away. Also make sure your adrenals are supported when taking thyroid medication. A supplement that contains a high-quality combination of herbs and adrenal extracts can work wonders to help provide much- needed support.
The water coming out of the faucet in my kitchen tastes metallic so I’ve switched to bottled water. Are there any health diff erences between brands?
— David Z., Carmel, Calif.
Yes, some bottled waters contain minerals and some are more alkaline than others. You want those with high pH (more than 9) — alkaline — and those with minerals. Also, remember it’s better to drink water at room temperature since our bodies can process fl uids better that way than if they are cold. And best to drink out of glass bottles, not plastic.
There are about 100 calories in a light beer, the same as in a handful of nuts. Is there any diff erence in the way our body metabolizes these calories? — Frank F., Yonkers, N.Y.
Just because they have the same caloric value doesn’t mean they have the same nutritional value or that your body processes them the same way. It takes a lot more work for the body to detoxify beer than nuts. Your liver is the main detoxifi er and to clean up the beer is a major hassle, while the nuts provide good nutrition and support for the rest of your body.
I started a vegetarian diet this summer. How can I be sure I’m getting the right protein?
— Cicerly B., Kansas City, Mo.
Make sure you eat nuts, beans, and tofu. There is enough protein in vegetables as long as you eat these ingredients at every meal and you eat regular meals and healthy portions. Make sure you eat root vegetables (parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.) daily, and eat fermented veggies like pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi — they help keep your gut in good shape and make digestion more effi cient. Protein powders from peas or other vegetables also help increase your protein intake. Just make sure the label tells you
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.
there are no chemicals involved like maltodextrin, guar gum or any other substances you can’t pronounce. They invalidate all the good you can get from the powders.
Please help me settle a diff erence of opinion with my wife: Does a one- hour afternoon nap help or hurt your chances of a good night’s sleep? — Steve A., Billings, Mont.
It depends. Everyone is diff erent. A one-hour nap may be too long for many people. More like 20-30 minutes could provide refreshing energy if you are a napper. If you aren’t a napper, no nap will help give you energy or improve your night’s sleep. Focus on getting seven to eight hours of sleep at night and try to follow circadian rhythms, meaning go to sleep when it gets dark outside and get up when it gets light. Your body and mind will thank you.
Are high doses of vitamin C eff ective as a cancer treatment? — Sherry P., Carlsbad, Calif.
The debate will probably last forever. There are schools of thought that believe fi rmly in the anti-cancer eff ects of high doses of vitamin C, and then there are schools of thought that believe high doses of vitamin C do nothing and are the stuff of snake oil. The answer that works for you is the correct answer. Combining conventional methods (chemo, radiation, surgery) with alternative therapies is often the best way to help your body fi ght off cancers.
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 | SEPTEMBER 2023
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