HOLISTIC HEALTH NOTEBOOK

If you read this column regularly, you may remember my crazy stories of certain foods that trigger intense spasms or other types of pain in my body. No need to repeat this information, and your body is different anyway. If your body hurts, find out what is irritating it. Is it anatomical? Is it medical? You may be able to avoid powerful medications and solve the problem at the core just by doing some careful investigation and research.

Sometimes, the problem goes deeper than just cleaning up your diet. You may need extra help, and this is where I love natural remedies. They can be so powerful in helping the body heal itself. (Yes, we know that medications are sometimes essential. This is not intended to steer you away from your doctor's counsel. Consult your doctor if medical treatment is indicated - always.)

I am hearing more and more about restless leg syndrome. This is a baffling disorder that can literally ruin one's ability to get a good night's sleep. Delving into the literature, we find that huge doses of folic acid and moderate amounts of iron can be helpful. I am frankly leery of recommending the amount of folic they used in the studies, although there is little potential for real harm (other than your checkbook).

Homeopathy can be helpful in easing the symptoms and calming the muscles in the legs. A combination of the herbs passionflower, valerian root, hops, and lemon balm, combined with magnesium citrate, can likewise be helpful. These herbs are both calming and sedative. Not only does this combination help the muscles relax, it also promotes a feeling of calm and can help with insomnia.

I often recommend Epsom salts baths, a good source of the calming mineral magnesium.

If the problem is more typical of fibromyalgia, check out food or environmental allergies. If your cells do not produce enough energy, pain often results. How do you increase cellular energy production? Magnesium glycinate, with some vitamins and other nutrients thrown in to complete the Krebs energy cycle. The amino acids taurine, glutamine, and l-carnitine are particularly important in this cycle.

A holistic approach is always helpful. Diet. Lifestyle. Special nutrients. Blend them together, and you are on your way to taking responsibility for your own good health.

- Carol Simontacchi does lifestyle and nutrition coaching at the office of Dr. Alan Gruning in Ft. Myers. For more information or to set an appointment, call 239-939-3303.