For a Sciatica Cure Consider Alternatives

You know, before you can cure something, you have to know what it is. So, lets find out just what sciatica is - and see if theres a sciatica cure. Sciatica is defined by the medical community as "nerve pain, radiating from the lower back area, into the buttocks, legs and feet." The cause may be a compression or "pinching" of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the pelvis down both legs and everyone who suffers from sciatica has different symptoms. This could mean that there is no universal cure. Many sufferers have sought unorthodox methods to deal with sciatica pain.

Many, including some medical doctors believe that the body can heal itself without the use of medical/surgical intervention. Are they speaking of natural treatments as a sciatica cure - and if so, which ones would be effective?

There is evidence that a lack of Vitamin D can result in musculo-skeletal disorders which could be corrected by taking a supplement or by absorbing more sunlight - a natural source of Vitamin D. Also, ensure that youre getting enough Vitamin B12; essential for brain and bone health. A lack of B12 results in reduced muscle control (muscles help to hold the bones in place) and pernicious anemia. And B12 is known to reduce the frequency and severity of back pain; another sciatica cure resulting in less medication. If you lack B12, eating more meat and poultry or taking a supplement will help your body assimilate it.

Does your body lack magnesium? Magnesium is critical for hundreds of chemical functions and is essential for healthy muscles and an efficient central nervous system. You can ensure youre getting it by eating more vegetables such as beets, broccoli, spinach, parsley and carrots; add them to your salads.

We mentioned earlier that strong musculature is important for the health of your bones - and we know that regular exercise is essential. But yoga? As a sciatica cure? Definitely. Doing yoga exercises works naturally with bones and muscles, helping to maintain flexibility and strength. And another of those studies shows that back pain can be greatly reduced and even eliminated by doing yoga exercises regularly.

A massage is a treat - but did you know that its also excellent as a sciatica cure? Its especially beneficial if you suffer from acute sciatica attacks - massage tends to soothe it which can form part of your sciatica cure. Try to avoid staying in bed despite your pain as moving around will prevent your muscles from tightening and causing spasms. Try resting in your armchair for short periods while applying a hot pack to your lower back - alternate it with a cold pack as this will ease most lower back pain - and if youre pregnant, theres no need for you to avoid enjoying your massage as long as its done gently on your lower back - very relaxing, particularly if youre having difficulty tolerating the weight gain.

Back pain of any kind is generally accompanied by some inflammation. Heres where diet can really help to resolve it - some foods we eat can actually aggravate chronic inflammation which leads to more back pain. Go online and seek out diets which are anti-inflammatory and ensure that they include nuts, olive oil, berries and fish - and plenty of fresh water.

If youre experiencing sciatica pain, see your doctor. Try to avoid pain medication; these unconventional and alternative methods do work. Just a few lifestyle changes may help you find an effective sciatica cure.

Martin Rose is an expert on sciatica. He has written a number of articles that can be found all over the internet. If you are suffering from sciatica and want to discover a sciatica cure, visit http://www.sciaticarelieftips.com.

Gluten Free Vegetarian Diet

Who needs it?

Gluten is a protein composite that can be found in wheat and related grains, like barley and rye. It doesn't dissolve when placed in water, adds texture to baked products and is used as a thickener, flavor enhancer and binder. Can be found in many staple foods. Gluten alone is not bad for your health. Nevertheless, there are people who have difficulties digesting gluten or develop gluten sensitivity so they must avoid it. For those that suffer from an inherited digestive disorder called celiac or for those with gluten intolerance, the available treatment at this time is a strict gluten-free vegetarian diet.

Nature offers help

In a gluten-free vegetarian diet you have to avoid wheat, oats, rye, barley, and all derived ingredients. Everything from pasta sauce to baked beans must be eliminated. Vegetarians who suffer from gluten sensitivity or from celiac disease have many difficulties when searching for food because most restaurants and stores don't prepare or keep gluten-free natural foods. It is good to know that there are many naturally gluten-free foods including:

 

• Amaranth


• Arrowroot


• Bean Flours


• Buckwheat


• Corn


• Mesquite flour


• Millet and Millet flour


• Nut flours (almond, hazelnut)


• Potato, potato flour, potato starch


• Pulse flours (beans, lentils, chickpeas)


• Quinoa


• Rice


• Sorghum


• Soy


• Tapioca


• Teff

 

This is a large variety of foods and definitely ensures that you get all the key nutrients even when you follow a gluten-free vegetarian diet: Calcium (spinach, kale, collard), Zinc (teff, quinoa, amaranth), Iron (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame), Vitamin B12 (non dairy beverages, soy milk), Vitamin D (almond milk, rice milk), protein (nuts, soybeans, tofu). There is a growing number of gluten-free products and flours, snack foods, hot and cold cereals, crackers, soups, sauces and pastas that can be found in health food stores and online, too. Apart from the above we must not forget pulses. It's an extremely important category.

The role of pulses in a gluten free vegetarian diet

Pulses are also known as legumes and contain very low amounts of fat. They include dry peas, dry beans, lentils and chickpeas. Peas or fresh green beans are not a part of this category because they have a much higher fat content. The benefits of legumes in a gluten-free vegetarian diet are many: rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, low in fat and sodium which is good for your heart, rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of plant protein, very high in soluble and also insoluble fiber, have a low glycemic index and are high in potassium. Pulses are free of trans-fats and cholesterol, rich in folate they prevent blood clots and heart attack, provide us with zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron. They also are good for the environment in the sense that they take less energy to grow than other crops and produce fewer greenhouse gases. Legumes are very versatile. We can include them in main dishes, salads, appetizers, baked products, desserts, soups. Another major advantage is the fact they are readily available and low-cost. Considering the above it is very important to incorporate pulses in our gluten-free vegetarian diet.

Legumes and strategy

A good idea is to eat pulses every day. If you don't eat them daily, add them gradually, slowly in order to control bloating and gas. When you incorporate legumes in a gluten-free vegetarian diet keep in mind some tips:

- make list of safe, gluten-free foods: beans, seeds, nuts, fruits, rice

- drink fluids, mainly water

- eat loads of protein with each meal

- try a vegetarian omega 3 supplement from algae

- ask your friends and family to support you

- Maintain a positive attitude

- Consult your physician to ensure that your gluten-free meals include enough nutrients.

Teo Joygiver is running a website, "Tips To Reduce Weight", where you can find more information about healthy eating and healthy weight loss. You may also find out on his blog interesting things about "gluten free vegetarian diet".

Vitamin B12: Does It Really Increase Energy and Help You Lose Weight?

The simple answer as far as increasing our energy, is yes, due mainly to the fact that more and more Americans are deficient in Vitamin B12. There is not a solid body of evidence supporting the idea B12 helps you lose weight, but research from the Mayo Clinic shows that it may, if you are deficient in B12. Deficiencies have been shown to cause fatigue as well as a reduced rate of metabolism.

Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, is the largest and most complex vitamin we've isolated and studied. Deficiencies may lead to pernicious anemia, poor appetite, growth failure in children, tiredness and reduced energy, nervousness, depression, sleep disorders, changes in mood, and more.

Here's a little background. Your body depends on vitamin B12 for a multitude of functions:

• It helps maintain normal energy levels


• It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats


• It supports alertness, and other neurological activity


• It works with homocysteine levels for healthy heart function


• It reduces stress and may promote sleep


• It is involved in optimum immune function

 

Vitamin B12 is necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, which is how it helps prevent anemia. B12 maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; and increases energy. Not available in plants, this vitamin is found in animal sources including beef, liver, blue cheese, eggs, fish, milk, and milk products.

Because Vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources, vegans are especially prone to B12 deficiency, as they depend on plants for all their nutrients. (I suggest foods fortified with B12 for my clients who are vegans: some breakfast cereals and plant milks.)

The natural process of aging, or getting older, causes there to be less available B12 in your blood. This is due to the lining of your stomach gradually losing its ability to produce hydrochloric acid, necessary to release vitamin B 12 from your food.

There are other contributing factors to our reduced B12 status. Popping antacids such as Tums, or taking anti-ulcer drugs that lower stomach acid secretion will reduce the ability to absorb vitamin B 12.

Another cause of reduced B12 levels in some people is "food-cobalamin malabsorption syndrome." This can happen when the stomach lining loses its ability to create intrinsic factor, which is a protein that binds to B12 so that it can be absorbed in the small intestine. Often, patients that undergo gastric bypass surgery lose their ability to make intrinsic factor as it is made in the lower part of the stomach, which is often removed in such surgeries.

Very low B12 intakes and or the inability to absorb B12 (such as seen in the two cases stated above), can cause anemia and nervous system damage.

So, I usually recommend vegans, anyone suspecting B12 deficiency, and all folks over 60, to take a supplement of B12. It is important to take at least 10 mcgs per day, (it is a water-soluble nutrient, so taking more has little downside risk). Also, at the same time, take a good Vitamin B-complex, as it is important to supplement all of the B vitamins together -they are integrative in their processes. An over-consumption of one B vitamin can counterbalance the others.

So, the bottom line is: While B12 may not be the universal magical energy-panacea I often see claimed, a deficiency of this nutrient certainly needs to be ruled out. And it may just be exactly what you need!

By now you know that we do not believe in the one-size-fits-all approach to anything. Try supplementing with B12 and see what difference(s), if any, you feel. After a month or so of taking the product, go off of it to see if you notice a difference in energy, overall well-being, etc. If you notice a marked difference, chances are you may have been one of the many who is deficient in this vitamin. If you notice no difference whatsoever, you may not need to supplement it.

© 2012 Lucho Crisalle, CEO, Exercise & Nutrition Works, Inc.
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