[View the story "Multiple Sclerosis, Kidney Health, and Sleep Tips" on Storify ]Multiple Sclerosis, Kidney Health, and Sleep Tips We teamed up with the Drugless Doctor to get the best tips for having better kidney health, sleeping with ease, and supporting those you know with Multiple Sclerosis. What are your best tips for these health issues? Share using the hashtag #HERchat. Storified by #HERchat · Fri, Mar 20 2015 18:20:15
March is filled with fun, like "March Madness" and St. Patty's Day, but did you know it's also a month to talk about Multiple Sclerosis, Kidney Health, and Sleep?
Q1. Let’s start with #kidneyhealth! What are some ways to keep kidneys healthy? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Q1: A1 Your kidneys need fluid & water is the best source. I would avoid distilled and alkaline. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q1: A2 Distilled is literally dead H2O & alkaline H2O alters phosphorous in the body & is directly placed in the blood. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q1: A3 Blood becomes thick like pudding when one drinks alkaline H2O. The real issue w/ alkaline is… #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q1: A4 People drink it all day long, which also disrupts your digestion. #HERchat Hope these help!Dr. Bob DeMaria
A1. Kidney disease often has no symptoms, it can go undetected until it is very advanced. #HERchatEmpowHER
A1: Great poses for kidney health: crane, crescent lunge, low plank (aka chaturanga), side plank, warrior 2! #kidneyhealth #HERchat #yogaBikram Yoga Agoura
A1. Cut back on salt for healthy kidneys! #HERchatErin Kennedy
A1. I'll also put my money on treating UTIs early for kidney health #HERchatAnnZ
Fast Fact: The kidneys regulate the body’s fluids, and control its levels of salt, potassium and other chemicals.
Q2. What are the types of issues that can happen related to our kidneys? Why do those occur? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Q2:A1 The most common issue I see is a kidney stone, with soda consumption a top culprit. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
A2. Here’s a little bit about how kidneys are affected by alcohol: http://t.co/eDzTjeZVZI #HERchatEmpowHER
A2. I imagine kidney failure, which is not ideal. #HERchatAnnZ
Love fresh lemon in my warm water! RT @TeamNutriGenius: Water with lemon juice helps to stimulate digestive enzymes! #herchatSusan Vernicek
@EmpowHER Q2:A3 The ingredients of soda are one of the main reasons there are kidney stones. (sugar, phosphoric acid) #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
2. Fact: Everyday, 12 people die waiting for a #kidney. #HERchatEmpowHER
Fast Fact: In 2010, 20 million people aged 20 and older in the U.S. had chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q3. Now for #MultipleSclerosis! Can you explain what it is? Do you know anyone that’s been affected? #HERchatEmpowHER
A3. Read more about #MultipleSclerosis, here: http://t.co/V4rwy3enLW #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER A3: You lose control of your body over time, and there's no cure. #HERchatLiz Furl
Yoga helps people w/ MS in 2 ways: improves mind/body & helps w/ fatigue! (article by @ElaineGavalas here: http://t.co/cH65qLQmJn) #HERchatBikram Yoga Agoura
@EmpowHER Q3:A1 I have been able to help multiple patients with MS, after #HERchat, here is one video testimonial: https://t.co/KeyXgfHPXBDr. Bob DeMaria
A3. Here’s one to bookmark! Myths and Facts About Multiple Sclerosis: http://t.co/LChhD4zBue #HERchatEmpowHER
Fact Fact: Two to three times more women than men have been diagnosed with MS.
Q4. What are some ways to treat #MS? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Q4:A1 The best way to treat MS, is to avoid severe stress, & all processed foods (fake sugars & fats) #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q4:A2 I would have the MS patient test their vitamin D3 levels (40 is best) & supplement accordingly. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
A4. Did you know there is no cure for #MS. Best treatment is managing symptoms. #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Q4: A3 I also suggest a saliva assessment of progesterone. I notice low prog. levels in certain MS cases. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q4:A4 Essential fats (oils) are important to help MS. Your body sends msgs on the Myelin sheath (fat layer) #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
Lots of anti-inflammatory foods for people with MS! We love fermented cod liver oil :) @EmpowHER #herchatNutrition Geniuses
A4: Here are 7 ways to prevent relapses for #MS: http://t.co/InFgujCpD6 #HERchatEmpowHER
Fast Fact: There are an estimated 2.3 million people living with MS worldwide.
Q5: Is #multiplesclerosis preventable? What are some ways we can support those with MS? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER A5: We can support those affected by being there, being helpful in whatever way is needed, and by being informed! #HERchatLiz Furl
A5: Can connect or volunteer via @mssociety: http://t.co/uLIgMDayuZ #MS #health #HERchat #support #volunteeringBikram Yoga Agoura
A5. If you know someone with #MS, be their support system! It’s scary when diagnosed with a chronic illness. #HERchatEmpowHER
A5. Oops! Here's the #infographic for Vitamin D and #MS! http://t.co/YilghsjlGy #herchatEmpowHER
Fact Fact: We spend about a third of our life sleeping. That's about 25 years.
Q6. We hope no one is asleep, yet! Let’s talk sleep! What are common sleep disturbances? Do you suffer from them? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Q6:A1 I find the most common sleep disturbance is not being able to drift off to sleep (technology stimulation) #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q6:A2 I personally have at least an hour of quiet time before bed & avoid thinking. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER when depressed, you sleep more. when manic, you find it difficult (or impossible) to sleep. but it's unpredictable #HERchatLiz Furl
A6: Bright light from electronics close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Orange glasses or free apps like f.lux can help #HERchatLily Nichols, RDN
A6. An estimated 30% to 50% of the American population experience #insomnia. http://t.co/8IEyMU8uim #HERchat http://t.co/yo0Axvc1TsEmpowHER
A6) I've heard that use of electronics before bed can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, because the brain misinterprets the light. #herchatSharon Taylor
Fast Fact: Parents of new babies miss out on about 6 months worth of sleep in the first 2 years of their child's life.
Q7. What are the best sleeping positions and routines to get a good night’s rest? #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER A7: Also doing yoga specifically for bedtime can accomplish the same thing #HERchatLiz Furl
@EmpowHER Q7:A1 The best physiologic position for heart health is to lay on your right side. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
@EmpowHER Q7:A2 This position creates a flow of blood back into your heart, compared to your left side. #HERchatDr. Bob DeMaria
Fast Fact: Most people can survive for up to 2 months without eating, but people can only live up to 11 days without sleeping.
Q8. Do any foods or drinks affect sleep? What should we stay away from? What should we be eating/drinking? #HERchatEmpowHER
A8. Definitely avoid caffeine before sleep! In fact, avoid it in the afternoon if you’re especially sensitive. #HERchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER Also, eating too much before bed can cause heartburn and disturb sleep, too. #HERchatElizabeth Ward
A8: Chamomile or tulsi tea before bed is calming and free of caffeine. #HERchat #sleepLily Nichols, RDN
Nutrition is important for overall wellness and preventing diseases, including kidney disease and multiple sclerosis! Let's talk about it!
#HERchat @EmpowHER #jamieoliver http://t.co/Puga6udXqANatanya Bertin
