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Should you be pro
probiotics?
You’ve probably heard
of probiotics, especially if you spend any time
in the yogurt aisles of supermarkets. But what are they exactly? Are they
good for your health? And should you join the millions of Americans
who already take them?
To answer those questions, here’s a primer. First, most probiotics
are live cultures of microorganisms. These bacteria are similar to or
just like those that are naturally found in your gut and help your body
function properly.
You can find probiotics not only in yogurt, but in other fermented
dairy products (such as kefir and aged cheeses), some nondairy
foods (including kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and tempeh) and
dietary supplements.
And what about their health benefits? There’s evidence that
some probiotics may help prevent diarrhea caused by infections
or antibiotics.
Some may also ease the symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome or lactose intolerance.
But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t
approved any health claims for probiotics. And more
research is needed to be certain of how they may—or
may not—boost health.
One caution: Be sure to check with your doctor
before taking any probiotic supplement. They have
a good safety record in generally healthy people. But
they may cause severe side effects in people with serious
health problems.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; National Institutes of Health
Let’s face it—arthritis pain can get in the
way some days, making it hard to do the
things you enjoy. But there are coping tips
and strategies that can help you manage
the pain. Give these a try:
»
»
Take your medications as directed.
They help ease pain and stiffness. Let
your doctor know if your meds trigger
any bothersome side effects.
»
»
Get at least seven hours of sleep at
night.
Feeling exhausted makes it
harder to handle pain.
»
»
Try heat or cold therapy.
Warm
showers or towel-wrapped heating
pads or ice packs can soothe a flare-up.
»
»
If you often feel overwhelmed or sad,
tell your doctor.
Stress or depression
may amplify perceptions of pain.
»
»
Move it.
Contrary to popular belief,
regular exercise can actually help you
manage your arthritis pain. Ask your
doctor what types and amounts are
right for your situation.
»
»
Know when to rest.
Learn to listen to
your body. When you get tired, take a
break. Plan your schedule so that you
have a balance between activity and
rest—even when you’re feeling OK.
»
»
Look into assistive devices.
From
buttoning aids to jar openers, many
arthritis-friendly gadgets can make
activities easier on your joints.
»
»
Find a positive distraction.
It may
sound like a cliché, but the more you
focus on positive things, the less
you may notice your pain.
When you hurt, try watching
your favorite movie or
working on a hobby.
»
»
Keep a healthy weight.
Too many pounds can
cause painful hips and
knees.
Sources: Arthritis Foundation; National
Institutes of Health
Living better with
arthritis pain
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APPOINTMENT
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WELLNESS