I heard wearing flip flops is bad for your feet and back. Is this true?
In 2010 Shroyer and Weimar conducted a study on this subject. Their findings were that flip flops increased the risk for developing plantar fasciitis and lower extremity pain which in turn caused low back pain. When wearing flip flops you contract your flexor digitorun longus and flexor hallucis longus in order to keep the flip flops on. This also causes you to shorten your stride. These all change your normal gait, which increases your risk of developing the above mentioned symptoms.
I don't like taking anti-inflammatory drugs. What other options do I have?
You could try Nettle Leaf extract. You make a tea out of the dried leaf. It works great for arthritis, urinary tract infections, and rhinitis. The leaves are also rich in the minerals calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, and absorbable silicon dioxide. Silica is great for bone maintenance.
Cinnamon is another option. It also enhances insulin and helps maintain glucose levels.
The Ginkgo Biloba leaf has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood flow enhancing properties. Ginkgo has a 33% remission rate in treating colitis.
Is my home really toxic?
We have all heard the slogan "Better living thru chemicals." No doubt it has made life easier, but not without some health hazards.
OFF-GASSING — This is the gas given off as a by-product. The top ten sources of off-gassing are mattresses, stains/varnishes, carpets, insulation, flooring materials (vinyl, glues, finishes, adhesives), countertops, cabinets, particle board, paint strippers, and cleaning supplies.
Mattresses use petroleum based chemicals. They are treated with fire retardant chemicals (toxic) which have not been tested on young children and the long term exposure has not been established for all humans. You need to ask for a fire retardant free mattress.
"GREEN" LIGHT BULBS — Are they really green? The bulbs contain mercury and must be disposed of at a toxic recycling site. They are very efficient but toxic to dispose. A German scientist found these bulbs actually off-gas an invisible toxic haze and should not be used close to your head or in an unventilated room. The gasses are carcinogenic toxins.
CLEANING SUPPLIES — Laundry detergents, dishwashing soaps, bleach, and cleaning supplies in general all contain toxic chemicals. Notice how they make you sneeze.
POINTS TO REMEMBER — Purchase organic or holistic cleaners. Be cautious when purchasing new products. Open your home routinely to air out off-gasses.
I don't mean to scare you, just make you aware of the dangers in our everyday lifestyles. If you have any questions of the above subjects, I can be reached by email or by phone. Remember, I make house calls for your convenience. Thank you and stay well. Dr. Bob
