As a little Christmas gift to you, we’ve compiled some seasonal health tips from our expert therapists. If you’d like specific advice or treatment on anything mentioned here, please give us a ring on 020 8520 5268 to arrange an appointment,
We wish each and every one of our readers a happy and healthy Christmas.
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“With the cold weather now with us the risk of painful chilblains on the feet is ever increasing. You can prevent these by keeping your feet as warm as possible and by warming cold feet gradually. Try massaging a warming cream into your toes in the morning. If chilblains are already present ask your pharmacy about a weak iodine and friars balsam solution to treat and prevent infection.”
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“There is no doubt that it is at Christmas and the new year where we tend to eat the most food. This is the most testing time for our digestion and some people start to reach for heartburn and indigestion treatments such as Gaviscon. In fact the use of these types of antacid treatments increase the pH of the stomach making the stomach less acidic and interferes with many of the important functions of stomach acid.
Good levels of stomach acid are paramount for a healthy digestion. Pepsin is the digesting enzyme that breaks down proteins. If done improperly this can lead to sensitivity reactions and digestive discomfort further down the gastrointestinal tract. Low acid conditions also decrease the release of minerals from food and the production of a vitamin B12 carrier leading to potential nutritional deficiencies.
The symptoms of high and low stomach acid are very similar and in fact most people suffer from low not high levels of stomach acid so taking antacids compounds the problem.
There are many signs of stomach acid imbalance including bad breath, a red tongue with a crack down the middle not reaching the tip, a sense of fullness after eating, belching during or immediately after meals and multiple food sensitivities.
Lemons are one food which prepare the digestive environment and optimises enzyme function. Try half a squeezed lemon in warm water first thing in the morning 15 minutes prior to eating breakfast.
If you feel that you need help with this issue please contact Ashlins to make appointment with Lisa Mehlman. Free 15 minute consultations are available.”
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“In terms of Chinese medicine the kidneys are particularly vulnerable to cold and need to keep warm – easy to neglect when you go out in your skimpy/glamorous party wear. Under your coat try wrapping a scarf round your kidneys. It won’t show and when you arrive you can take if off with your coat and still look fantastic – and you won’t look like you are half frozen. It really makes a difference to keeping body temperature up with minimum bulk. Also great to wear in bed over your pyjamas if you are someone who feels tends cold at night”
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“It is easy to over do it when you’re rushing around at Christmas time and all to often your back takes the strain. Take a minute to think about what you need to do, and tools to make it easier.
For example, do you really need to carry a heavy turkey or case of wine home from the supermarket? Get it delivered or ask for a lift.
Likewise, be careful when unpacking your shopping and decorations. Don’t over stretch to reach something, get it as close to you as possible before you lift, and don’t lift heavy items over your head. You will hurt yourself! Always remember to lift with your legs and not your back – bend your knees.
Use a step ladder to help you put up decorations; stretching and over reaching is an easy way to hurt your back.
If you do over do it, we are open over the Christmas period so give us a call and get it treated.”