ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Restless Leg Keeps Me Awake at Night
I have restless leg syndrome and it keeps me from sleeping. — Alex G., Trenton, N.J.
Restless leg syndrome causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, and most often occurs in the evening. You can alleviate it by drinking two liters of water daily, stretching and massaging your legs before bed, exercising regularly, and changing your sleep position to your side with a pillow between your knees. You can also add a magnesium supplement to your diet. This will help you get more restful sleep while simultaneously relaxing your muscles. If these modifi cations don’t help, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
My doctor told me that my triglycerides and total cholesterol were high and wrote me a prescription for a rosuvastatin. Will I have to take this for the rest of my life? — Andrew T., El Paso, Texas
Contrary to popular belief in our over-prescribing culture, many prescription medications are either unnecessary or for short-term use only. Elevated cholesterol is likely caused by poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco use and/or alcohol use. If the root problem is reversed, then the need for medication is obsolete. You can lower your cholesterol without medications like
rosuvastatin by avoiding animal fats like red meat, pork, and eggs; eating lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fi sh; avoiding processed foods; focusing on fruits and vegetables; staying hydrated; and avoiding alcohol. Other lifestyle measures that will lower your cholesterol include regular exercise, tobacco cessation, weight loss, and stress management with meditation.
I sweat a lot, even in cooler weather. It’s embarrassing and I need a solution. — Tony R., Dallas, Texas
First, your doctor should perform a physical exam, go over your medical history, and obtain urine and blood samples to rule out hypoglycemia or any hormonal imbalances. The most common treatment for chronic sweating is to use a topical aluminum chloride-based antiperspirant. If this fails, your doctor may off er Botox injections. They work by blocking the nerve signals that communicate with sweat glands.
I recently had an STD panel test. Everything was negative except for herpes type-1 IgG antibodies. What does this mean?
— Nathan D., Palm Beach, Fla.
A positive herpes type-1 antibody test does not mean you have an active infection but that your body was
ERIKA SCHWARTZ MD is the leading national expert in wellness, disease prevention, and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Schwartz (www.drerika@
eshealth.com) has written four best-selling 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.
exposed to the virus and recognizes it. This means that you had an exposure or infection in the past that your body fought off , whether you had symptoms or not.
I have heard that Vitamin D is good for the immune system. Should I be taking it?
— Stan G., Nashville, Tenn.
Vitamin D plays an important role in our immune health as it promotes an immune response by communicating with immune cells (T cells and macrophages) and decreases our body’s infl ammatory response. A Vitamin D defi ciency can make you more susceptible to infections or autoimmune diseases. Check with your doctor about your Vitamin D levels, and depending on the result, supplementing with up to 5,000IU daily is benefi cial for immune health. Since Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, always take it with a fatty meal or an omega-3 supplement.
I have been experiencing dizziness when I stand up from squatting in my garden or bending down to pick something up. It usually resolves within a few seconds. — Theodore S., Charlotte. N.C.
You are likely experiencing orthostatic hypotension which is a sudden drop in blood pressure followed by a change in posture or position. Preventive measures include getting up slowly from sitting/squatting, avoiding strenuous activity in hot weather, sleeping with your head elevated, and staying hydrated.
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 | OCTOBER 2021
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