Ten tips for a better life, according to doctors

Experts answer questions about drinking alcohol, marijuana, drinking too much water and vitamin D supplements

every week, the The Washington Post asks a doctor to answer readers’ questions. Here are the ten most popular questions, with a summary of the health advice shared by doctors.

1. How much vitamin D do I need?

By Joann E. Manson

Large randomized clinical trials in recent years have proved this vitamin D it is not the panacea that some believed it to be. Bottom line: The vast majority of Americans get all the vitamin D they need through diet and Sun.

Is it necessary to spend money on supplements? For most healthy adults, the answer is no. We only need small to moderate amounts of the vitamin, and more isn’t necessarily better.

4. Why do I feel sleepy in the afternoon after lunch?

By Lydia Kang

Feeling sluggish after lunch is very common. The “afternoon dip,” as it’s sometimes called, refers to those groggy hours between 2pm and 5pm, when your eyelids droop and your concentration becomes as sharp as vanilla pudding.

There could be a myriad of reasons for this to happen, including very few sleep during the night or medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, anemia and thyroid disorders. If you feel exhausted, see your doctor to make sure all is well.

Pack a lunch full of vegetables, which are high in fiber and can help regulate blood sugar. Avoid consuming a large portion of animal protein and fat. Try to eat complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, and avoid simple carbohydrates, including sugary drinks and white pasta. Even a brisk walk, preferably outdoors, can give you a boost.

5. Why do I pee so much at night?

By Petar Bajic

Nighttime urination, also known as nocturia, can affect men and women of any age. The most common causes are entirely benign, although nocturia can also be triggered by certain health conditions and medications.

In my practice, patients are often shocked to learn that sleep apnea could be the underlying cause of nocturia. It can also be a warning sign of other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, urinary tract infections and an overactive bladder, as well as a reaction to some medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure and kidney problems. It is sometimes related to other sleep problems such as insomnia.

6. Is marijuana as bad as alcohol?

By Salome Keyhani

We have decades of research into the health effects of drinking. But the search on cannabis it is evolving and it will take years to understand the public health consequences of its marketed use – in new products and doses.

7. Why do I feel my muscles contract before falling asleep?

By Mark Wu

Most people think of sleeping and waking as two different states of being, but there are times when the lines between them blur. During this transition, as you fall asleep, you may feel a twitch that suddenly wakes you up.

These spasms — known as hypnotic spasms or sleep onset — involve brief contractions of one or more muscles and may be accompanied by other sensations, such as a feeling of falling. Humans aren’t the only ones to experience them: Dogs also have muscle twitches when they fall asleep.

These experiences are quite common and are rarely a cause for concern. They can be brought on or intensified by stress, sleep deprivation, and excessive drug use. caffeine.

8. Is animal protein more digestible than plant protein?

By Walter Willet

Protein from animal-based foods such as meat, milk and eggs tend to be absorbed more easily than from plant-based foods such as nuts, beans and grains. This is partly due to the fibrous coverings that help protect plants from insects and disease, and this shield can also reduce the rate of digestion.

But that’s no reason to choose animal protein over plant protein. The difference in absorption is minor, typically about 10% to 20% less with plants than with animals, and would only be a concern if our diets barely had enough protein to meet our needs. For adults in the United States and other affluent countries, protein intake is generally higher than we need, averaging about 15% of daily calories, hence the difference in absorption between animal proteins and plants is largely harmless.

9. What’s the best way to get rid of blackheads?

By Jenna C. Lester

While it’s tempting, squeezing blackheads with your fingers isn’t a good idea. This can damage the skin and lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.

You can try topical treatments, which take longer to work but are more convenient and will do the most for you in the long run as they can prevent future blackheads from forming. They are also readily available in most pharmacies and at a range of prices.

10. What happens if I drink too much water?

By Joseph G. Verbalis

The most likely result is just that you urinate more often to get rid of excess water.

However, normal kidneys can release up to a liter of fluid every hour. If you drink more, you will keep excess water in your body, which causes a condition known as hyponatremia and can be bad for your health.

Hyponatremia was the cause of death of a contestant in a California radio contest in 2007, in which the prize went to the one who drank the most before urinating. Excessive water intake has also led to the deaths of students during the fraternity’s hazing rituals.

But it’s important to remember that most people would never experience these situations. Bottom line: If you’re not thirsty, chances are you’re adequately hydrated. But if you are thirsty, drink as much as you need until your thirst is quenched.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.