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Simple, cheap tools for health
In the time that I have been a practicing physician, the cost of healthcare in this country has increased by 1 trillion dollars. We unfortunately have not seen an exponential improvement in the outcomes of our healthcare, particularly in chronic disease. I say this while being a physician myself, and knowing many great physicians, nurses and staff in my home town alone. Nonetheless, as a country, we have to do better.
Part of doing better is covering the basics of health and knowing some simple options to help your health stay strong. Engaging in more natural health options can be intimidating due to 1. Cost, 2. Where to find the right natural health products, and also 3. Cost.
But don’t forget simple tools to help
Allow enough time for sleep. Don’t cut your sleep. It is too important, use a sleep mask to help get deeper sleep. Move your ipad or phone away from the head of the bed. Much more on sleep in other articles
Simple and cheap. I have patients start with 1 cup of salts in a bathtub or just soak your feet. Epson salts give us magnesium and sulfate. Sulfate is incredibly important for detoxification. Getting it through the skin helps us bypass potential hiccups in the digestive tract.
Perhaps one of the easiest. This literally means ground yourself, your electric charge, to the earth, balancing with the Earth’s electrical charge. For some, this seems a little off course, but many people talk about how much better they feel when they ground themselves. See the book Earthing, by the great integrative cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra for more on this
There is a tremendous amount of importance given to vitamin D in many areas of health: immunity, inflammation, bone health, brain health, hormones and others. The best part is that vitamin D is free - at least in the summer. I tell patients to never burn, but if they can get some sun exposure without burning, that is great. Some patients may have rules to follow with certain medications or conditions and that is important, don’t hurt your skin. But vitamin D is important too. Work with your physician on the best way to get vitamin D, and how much you need - vitamin D levels can be checked through a blood test
Especially high fructose corn syrup. Yes, I too love the taste of sugar. It is tough to avoid. But we all get too much sugar. Americans are starting to export this idea around the world as other countries start to battle obesity and blood sugar issues. High fructose corn syrup is one I do try to avoid as much as I possibly can, because of its effects on metabolism and the liver. Any decrease is a plus.
Try to make a daily habit of giving gratitude. Done even some what routinely can have a very positive efffect on mood. I try to do this in the morning as I wake up, but really it can be done any time. Find time to reflect on what you are thankful for, and make time to make it a daily routine.
I know this is not available to everyone, so take advantage of the other 6 if walking is not an option. I honestly gave walking little attention early in my career as I thought exercise needed to be faster/higher intensity to really accomplish any noticeable effect. But regular walking can be very helpful. It can be toning, help with stamina/ endurance, good for the bones, and just help with mood. I encourage patients to try to make this a regular part of the week if they are just starting and exercise program
I can’t stress this enough! I don’t need to know what your political party is, it does not matter to me. Just turn the news off. Media companies have a lot of power, especially if we watch them all the time. Free up your time and brain to read or do something you enjoy. The news is bad news, stressful, fearful - why bother - your friend will fill you in anyway. I want patients to focus their time and energy on things they enjoy not topics that put them in a bad mood and stress them out. The world will keep spinning.
