Healthcare Tips

During Cold and Flu Season, or anytime you find yourself or a loved one recovering from an illness where body fluids are lost to vomiting and diarrhea, you need to replace electrolytes. Electrolytes are electrically charged chemicals naturally occurring in the body (such as sodium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium) that help regulate fluid levels, acid-base (pH) balance, BP, support cardiac muscle contraction and cardiac rhythm, muscle and nerve function, bone health, etc. Replenish those electrolyte levels with electrolyte-infused water, or sports drinks, or electrolyte powder added to water. Intake 24 ounces or liquid containing electrolytes per day, sipped slowly throughout the day. In general, most people need more than 24 ounces of daily water intake: drink 24 ounces of electrolyte water and an additional amount of plain water according to your daily intake recommendations. In other words, do not exceed 24 ounces of electrolyte infused liquid in one day. This tip helps with recovery in terms of your endurance, muscle strength, and helping keep your heart rhythm steady. It is especially helpful for older individuals with cardiac conditions or frailty, during illness and to support recovery.

While not a salt like table salt: it is Magnesium Sulfate, discovered earlier in the town Epsom, in the Surrey, England region existing in a natural mineral spring. Sulfur and Magnesium are helpful minerals for nerve function, circulation, and muscle soreness. The two best ways to use Epsom salts are in a bathtub for full body immersion or in a small basin for soaking feet, ankles, or hands. When you soak in water containing Epsom salts, your skin absorbs magnesium and sulfates. The exact method is unknown, because it has never been studied using scientific methods. Why not? Probably because there is no money in such a study! But just because the scientific field lacks evidence, this doesn't mean there are no benefits! Science can't base recommendations on lack of evidence if it has failed to study and obtain evidence! The common theory is absorption through osmosis, with chemical concentrations of Epsom salt minerals 'pulling out' toxins, lactic acid, and fluid build-up from inflammation from the cells and into the bloodstream where it can be eliminated naturally. Muscle soreness can occur from intense exercising, an injury, rehabilitation activity after surgery or illness, etc.   If the cause of muscle soreness is easily identified and does not require a trip to the doctor, try an Epsom Salt bath: 2 cups of salts to a tub of warm water. For minor conditions to the hands, ankles or feet causing soreness and mild swelling: add 3/4 to one cup of Epsom salts to a basin or pail of lukewarm water. Soak using either method for 20 minutes. You will notice immediate improvement in the level of soreness and inflammation.  If you are not sure if your condition is appropriate for Epsom salts, contact your health care professional first.