Most of you have heard of athletes foot. Athletes foot basically encompasses two conditions; fungal infection of the skin and of the toenails (onychomycosis). Both of these conditions are actually quite common, and no, you do not have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot! Many become exposed to the infection easily by walking barefoot through communal areas i.e. locker rooms, swimming pools, public showers and steam rooms. I have also had many patients who have caught the infection at nail salons. The most common symptoms are cracking or peeling skin, skin itchiness or irritation, discolored, thickened, crumbling and or painful toenails. For patients who are Diabetic or immune-compromised, it is important to address these infections as soon as possible. If these patients are left untreated, the infection may cause skin to breakdown and lead to foot ulcerations and cellulitis. If you believe that you have foot fungus seek medical attention. Your doctor will evaluate you and come up with an appropriate treatment plan given your medical history. Common treatment options are topical anti fungals for toenails and skin, oral medication and laser therapy. Once you have followed up with your doctor you may want to integrate these complementary treatments. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar: You want to make a soak with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. You should look for pure 100% organic apple cider vinegar for the most effectiveness. Take about 5 cups of apple cider vinegar and pour into about 5 cups of water in a large bowl or basin. The water will prevent burns and irritation from the vinegar. Soak infected feet for 15-30 minutes 2-3 times per day for one week. After the first week soak 1-2 times per day for about 3-4 more days. Pat feet dry after you remove from soak. 2. Fresh Air and Sunlight: A key element in fighting off foot fungus is keeping your feet clean and dry. Try wearing sandals when you can such as after you finish exercising or upon returning home from a long day of work remove your socks and put on sandals to keep feet exposed and dry 3. Tea Tree Oil: Apply a thin coating to the affected area two or three times a day. Apply to the area for about two weeks after signs of the infection have disappeared. Be sure to select brands that are 100% tea tree oil only. 4. Moisture Wicking Socks: Fungus thrives in warm, dark and moist environments like the inside of your shoes. Wear socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of keeping it in. One natural fiber blend is merino wool. Some synthetic blends are designed to wick moisture away from the skin and work best to keep the feet dry such as Drymax socks. Most people are surprised to hear that 100% cotton socks absorb moisture but do not wick it away from the skin. This leaves your skin, socks and shoes wet and a breeding ground for fungus. |
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It is New Year's Day and you find yourself waking up with a massive headache, bloated and fatigued. The champagne was flowing last night and the past two weeks of gorging on anything in site has caught up to you. Here are some helpful tips to get through the morning after.
Water Water is the best cure for hangovers. Alternating a glass of water with an alcoholic drink can prevent a hangover. Drink a glass or two of water before going to bed to prevent dehydration. However, if you forgot to do this, it isn't too late to replenish. Bananas Eating a banana will replenish lost potassium after drinking too much alcohol. Eating a banana in the morning will also help soothe your stomach by providing something solid to digest. Organic bananas of course contain more beneficial potassium and other minerals. Ginger Ginger has been known for centuries to help with nausea and stomach upset. The easiest and most convenient way to consume ginger is by drinking ginger ale; however, it must contain real ginger and sugar, not artificial chemicals and sweeteners. The sugar may also help to settle the stomach. Ginger tea can be made at home by cutting a dozen slices of fresh ginger root and boiling them in 4 cups of water for about ten minutes. Remove the ginger and add the juice of half a fresh lemon and organic raw honey to taste. If you are too hungover to make the tea from scratch, make sure you have organic ginger tea bags or loose tea in your cupboard. Drink as much of the tea as needed. Lemon or Lime Lemon or Lime juice helps balance the body, stabilizing blood sugar and altering the pH. First thing in the morning after drinking, add 2 tsp. of fresh lime or lemon juice to 8 oz. warm water. Stir in a teaspoonful or two of raw honey and sip slowly. The Incredible Edible EGG Eggs are an easily digested food. They are also high in protein and an amino acid called L-Cysteine. L-Cysteine has been shown to help break down acetaldehyde relatively quickly. Acetaldehyde is a toxic by product of alcohol that is metabolized in the liver. Consuming eggs will reduce the time you spend feeling hungover. Whip up some eggs when you return from a late night out or upon waking up in the morning. Coconut Water This is my favorite hangover helper. Standard water is often difficult to swallow and having a flavor makes it easier to consume. Raw Coconut water combines intense hydration while replenishing electrolytes like potassium. One serving of raw coconut water usually contains more potassium than a banana. |
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Dr. Suzanne Fuchs has a passion for nutrition, health and fitness. She aims to connect the dots between our overall health and the substances that go into our bodies on a daily basis by using only evidence based medicine, science and expert advice. Dr. Suzanne Fuchs currently practices concierge foot and ankle medicine and surgery in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at LuxePodiatry™ Disclaimer:
If you have health concerns you should contact your physician for professional advice. Dr. Suz Heals.com has provided sources for information that is not directly provided by our own sources. Dr. Suz Heals.com is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only. Dr. Suz Heals.com and its Editors do not advocate nutritional supplementation over proper medical advice or treatment and this sentiment will never be expressed through pages hosted under Dr. Suz Heals .com. If using any pharmaceuticals or drugs given to you by a doctor or received with a prescription, you must consult with the doctor in question or an equally qualified Health Care Professional prior to using any nutritional supplementation. If undergoing medical therapies, then consult with your respective Therapist or Health Care Professional about possible interactions between your Treatment, any Pharmaceuticals or Drugs being given, and possible nutritional supplements or practices hosted on Dr. Suz Heals.com. Dr. Suz Heals.com does not assume liability for any actions undertaken after visiting these pages, and does not assume liability if one misuses supplements. Dr. Suz Heals.com and its Editors do not ensure that unforeseen side effects will not occur even at the proper dosages, and thereby does not assume liability for any side effects from supplements or practices hosted under the domain of Dr. Suz Heals.com. Archives
February 2020
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