Foot Doctor Offers Tips For How Your Feet Can Look, Feel and Smell Better

 As the weather warms, Epsom salt can help your feet feel better, look better, even smell better, according to Dr. Jeffrey Bowman, an award-winning foot doctor who serves on several committees with the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Soaking in Epsom salt can help with a range of foot issues – from athletes who have been exercising aggressively to people with injuries, infections, inflammation or arthritis, said Bowman, who last year received the 1st Chairman’s Award from the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management for helping other doctors with their practices.

Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – can be absorbed through the skin, Bowman said. That helps ease muscle and joint pain, swollen and inflamed feet, foot and toe fungal infections, and odor and skin problems.

"Epsom salt helps reduce swelling and increase circulation," said Bowman, past president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and an avid runner who soaks in Epsom salt while training.

"There are days when I might do a 14-mile run, and my knees, ankles and feet are pretty sore," Bowman said. "I’ll soak for a good 15 to 20 minutes, and when I come out, my joints are looser and they don’t hurt as much."

Bowman recommends the same soak for his patients at Houston Foot Specialists as they battle foot issues. He said Epsom salt can help in several ways, including:

• Easing muscle and joint pain, either from overuse after exercise or from arthritis
• Decreasing swelling and inflammation from trauma or fractures
• Soothing dry skin, which often stems from a lack of magnesium
• Reducing foot odor
• Helping draw out infections from foot and ingrown nails of the toes

Excessive moisture provides a breeding ground for fungus, Bowman said. To prevent that, he recommended three things: wearing acrylic socks that let feet breathe more than cotton socks, getting a second pair of running shoes so the sweat in sneakers has a full 24 hours to dry and soaking your feet in Epsom salt.

Epsom salt acts as a wicking mechanism to help draw out infections from the superficial surface area, the way a cotton tip would remove pus, Bowman said.

"Epsom salt doesn’t kill infections, but it helps with the wicking," Bowman said. "It gets down into the cellular level, forcing out the infection that would otherwise grow larger."

People should consult their doctors for serious or persisting conditions, and diabetics should check with their physicians before soaking in Epsom salt, Bowman said.

About Dr. Jeffrey Bowman

Jeffrey N. Bowman is an award-winning foot and ankle physician and leader in the podiatric industry. He serves on the American Podiatric Medical Association's House of Delegates, he’s a past president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and he’s won a 1st Chairman’s Award from the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management for helping other doctors with their practices. Dr. Bowman works at Houston Foot Specialists, where H Magazine has named him one of Houston's top 100 doctors for the past six years. For more information, please visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call 713.467.8886.

Source:- http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/news/articles/foot-doctor-offers-tips-for-how-your-feet-can-look-feel-and-smell-better.php

Medical Expert: Half of Americans Need More Magnesium

Risks Include Arterial Disease, Blood Pressure, Heart Attacks, Strokes

One of the World’s Leading Magnesium Researchers Suggests Diet Changes, Supplements, Soaking in Epsom Salt

 Most Americans do not get enough magnesium from their diets, a problem that causes a range of health risks, according to a 50-year veteran widely considered one of the world’s leading magnesium researchers.

“It’s startling, we’re in pretty bad shape,” says Burton M. Altura, Ph.D., a professor of physiology and pharmacology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“We have a gigantic deficit.”

Altura has helped lead peer-reviewed research that has resulted in more than 1,000 publications in prestigious scientific and medical journals, including five articles in the journal Science. He’s also been interviewed by national and international publications, as well as radio and TV stations, and he’s helping launch a new group of scientists and physicians called the Magnesium for Health Foundation. Altura and his wife, Dr. Bella T. Altura (a research professor of physiology and pharmacology), have been named honorary co-presidents.

Altura says the lack of magnesium — which is even more severe among the elderly — could cause health issues, such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (where plaque builds up inside your arteries), high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, inflammatory conditions and nervous disorders.

“Magnesium is like a gatekeeper and without it, you upset the energy cycle within your body,” Altura says. “We used to say magnesium regulates more than 300 enzymes in the body. We’ve realized it’s more like 600 or more.”

Among Altura’s recommendations:

• Improving your diet by drinking bottled water rich in magnesium, consuming less alcohol, which depletes magnesium, and eating foods that contain a lot of the mineral. Examples include kelp, dark chocolate, unprocessed wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds and other nuts, molasses, tofu, brown rice, soybeans and seafood, such as oysters, sardines and scallops.
• Taking magnesium supplements.
• Soaking in Epsom salt, which is actually magnesium sulfate. Recommendations vary on how much Epsom salt to use and how often to soak; here’s what Dr. Carolyn Dean, another member of the Magnesium for Health Foundation, has suggested:http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/news/articles/the-doctor-of-the-future-says-many-americans-need-more-magnesium.php.
  “Everyone knows if you soak in Epsom salt, it soothes your body if you’re bruised or have pain,” Altura says. “That’s because the magnesium is being absorbed through your skin.”

About Burton M. Altura, Ph.D

Burton M. Altura is considered one of the world’s premier magnesium researchers. During his more than 50-year career, he has helped lead peer-reviewed research that has resulted in more than 1,000 publications, including five articles in the journal Science. He’s also been interviewed by national publications, and he’s helping launch a new group of scientists called the Magnesium for Health Foundation. Altura and his wife, Dr. Bella T. Altura (a research professor of physiology and pharmacology), have been named honorary co-presidents. To learn more, please visit  www.ResearchGate.com and search for "Burton Altura" to review almost 600 of his peer-reviewed publications.

re on facebook

About Epsom salt

Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing achy muscles to helping start or improve gardens. It’s been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it’s gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee. For more information, please visit either www.epsomsaltcouncil.org, www.facebook.com/epsomsalt, or contact Peter Smolowitz, (704) 916-6163, psmolowitz@mower.com.

source:- http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/news/articles/half-of-americans-need-more-magnesium.php

Magnesium Can Help Treat The Flu, Boost Your Energy, Improve Sleep

There's a nutrient that experts say helps your body produce its main source of energy and impacts at least 300 enzyme systems. It can also help treat the flu by regulating your temperature, helping you sleep, relaxing your muscles and giving you more energy.

It's magnesium. And compared to a century ago, the amount we consume in our diets has dropped by about 60 percent.

That's according to Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D. N.D., one of the nation's top natural physicians and a member of the nonprofit Nutritional Magnesium Association's medical advisory board. Known as "The Doctor of the Future" because she focuses on preventing problems rather than using medicine to fix them, Dean has written or coauthored over 30 books and she's frequently interviewed by the news media.

"Doctors are not taught enough about magnesium, and the best magnesium blood test is done in only about 3 percent of the nation's laboratories," Dean said. "All the current medical research is driven by drug companies. You don't have 'mineral reps.' going to doctors, so we're ignoring an unpatented, well-proven solution."

Dean said 100 years ago, people consumed an average of 500 mg of magnesium daily, but that number has dropped to about 200 mg because the magnesium in soil has been depleted over time and it's not a component of most fertilizers. A lack of magnesium can contribute to dozens of health issues, Dean said, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, fatigue, muscle cramping and inflammation.

To increase your body's magnesium levels, Dean recommends:

• Eating more dark greens, such as kale and collard greens, as well as nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and seaweed.
• Soaking in Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) because magnesium is well absorbed through the skin. Dr. Dean said people can soak daily using 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt per bath, but they can use more if they are working on especially tight muscles or a muscular injury.
• Asking your medical doctor or naturopathic doctor if you should take oral magnesium supplements.

Magnesium is especially helpful this time of year, Dean said, when the cold weather and the holidays can heighten stress levels and people crowding together can spread germs

"Magnesium is the anti-stress mineral," Dean said. "It helps you sleep, relaxes your muscles, improves your digestion, balances your blood pressure and gives you more energy. And Epsom salt is a safe and easy way for people of all ages - including babies and pregnant women - to increase the body's magnesium levels."

Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D. N.D.

Dr. Carolyn Dean is not only a medical doctor, but also a naturopath, herbalist, acupuncturist, nutritionist, lecturer, consultant and author. Dr. Dean has been in the forefront of health issues for over 30 years. She has authored or coauthored over thirty books, including The Magnesium Miracle, How To Change Your Life With Magnesium, Future Health Now! Encyclopedia, Death by Modern Medicine: Seeking Safe Solutions, The Yeast Connection and Women's Health, IBS for DUMMIES, IBS Cookbook for DUMMIES and Hormone Balance.

Source:- http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/news/articles/the-doctor-of-the-future-says-many-americans-need-more-magnesium.php

               

My Liver Cleanse

Image courtesy of cooldesign from Free Digital Photos

Yesterday I followed this liver cleanse:- http://livingwaterhealthsolutions.com/Articles/liverCleanse.php

I didn't do anything except the basic epsom salts and olive oil/grapefruit bit.

I haver NEVER, in my life, not eaten for a day!

I did my shopping and bought all the things I needed.   I had no idea what to have for breakfast that didn't contain fat and I couldn't bear the thought of having plain salad or vegetables with salt so I had plain porridge for breakfast then 2 pears for lunch.

The epsom salts in water were absolutely foul but being a stalwart I just shut my mind down and drunk it!
By 8 o'clock in the evening I was starving - I could have eaten a scabby horse!  Plus from about 4.30 onwards I started to snivel and sneeze.  Now I have no idea whether this is linked to the liver cleanse or whether I am just poorly but I wasn't going to give up what I had started and never thought I could achieve.  So there!

Having had nothing to eat all day the grapefruit and olive oil tasted fantastic (I don't like grapefruit).  So I went to bed immediately, lay very still for 20 minutes and fell asleep

I slept fine until 3 o'clock, then I went to the loo and things started to evacuate!  I noticed for the first time in a long time my fingers were not swollen.  I have suffered from sausage fingers for a long time.

From 3 o'clock until 6 o'clock I was too hot, restless, full up in the sinuses, had a bad headache and was sneezing.  I soldiered on until 6 o'clock and got up and had my epsom salts number 3.
From 6 o'clock onwards I saw what I presumed to be gall stones but I couldn't be sure.  They were tiny, about the size one of those small chocolate chips, and very definitely different colours.

I made a mental note about how my stomach was now soft and flat and it hasn't been that for a long, long time.  Note to self:- stop eating for England.

I couldn't wait until 10 o'clock when I was going to have some breakfast but wasn't sure what I would be able to eat as I felt a little queasy.

10 o'clock came and I had two eggs, scrambled on brown toast and coffee.  Heaven........................

It is now 15.30hrs and I am still snivelling and sneezing but my head has lightened up and I feel calm and refreshed so I may actually try another one of these in a month or two.

Foot Doctor Offers Tips

for How Your Feet Can Look, Feel and Smell Better

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 15, 2013 – As the weather warms, Epsom salt can help your feet feel better, look better, even smell better, according to Dr. Jeffrey Bowman, an award-winning foot doctor who serves on several committees with the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Soaking in Epsom salt can help with a range of foot issues – from athletes who have been exercising aggressively to people with injuries, infections, inflammation or arthritis, said Bowman, who last year received the 1st Chairman’s Award from the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management for helping other doctors with their practices.

Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – can be absorbed through the skin, Bowman said. That helps ease muscle and joint pain, swollen and inflamed feet, foot and toe fungal infections, and odor and skin problems.

"Epsom salt helps reduce swelling and increase circulation," said Bowman, past president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and an avid runner who soaks in Epsom salt while training.

"There are days when I might do a 14-mile run, and my knees, ankles and feet are pretty sore," Bowman said. "I’ll soak for a good 15 to 20 minutes, and when I come out, my joints are looser and they don’t hurt as much."

Bowman recommends the same soak for his patients at Houston Foot Specialists as they battle foot issues. He said Epsom salt can help in several ways, including:

• Easing muscle and joint pain, either from overuse after exercise or from arthritis
• Decreasing swelling and inflammation from trauma or fractures
• Soothing dry skin, which often stems from a lack of magnesium
• Reducing foot odor
• Helping draw out infections from foot and ingrown nails of the toes

Excessive moisture provides a breeding ground for fungus, Bowman said. To prevent that, he recommended three things: wearing acrylic socks that let feet breathe more than cotton socks, getting a second pair of running shoes so the sweat in sneakers has a full 24 hours to dry and soaking your feet in Epsom salt.

Epsom salt acts as a wicking mechanism to help draw out infections from the superficial surface area, the way a cotton tip would remove pus, Bowman said.

"Epsom salt doesn’t kill infections, but it helps with the wicking," Bowman said. "It gets down into the cellular level, forcing out the infection that would otherwise grow larger."

People should consult their doctors for serious or persisting conditions, and diabetics should check with their physicians before soaking in Epsom salt, Bowman said.

About Dr. Jeffrey Bowman

Jeffrey N. Bowman is an award-winning foot and ankle physician and leader in the podiatric industry. He serves on the American Podiatric Medical Association's House of Delegates, he’s a past president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and he’s won a 1st Chairman’s Award from the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management for helping other doctors with their practices. Dr. Bowman works at Houston Foot Specialists, where H Magazine has named him one of Houston's top 100 doctors for the past six years. For more information, please visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call 713.467.8886.

This article is from the Epsom Salt Council and a real eye-opener!  That Dr Bowman sure sounds as though he knows his stuff!  Have you got some Epsom Salts in your cupboard then?