Category: Bladder/Urologic

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Revitalize’s Podcast Blast!

Dr. Laura Brayton’s Weekly Podcast- Available on iTunes
 

On September 10, 2105, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Dr. Laura Brayton of Hoboken Chiropractic + Wellness.  Dr. Brayton is a maternity and pediatric chiropractor who hosts “Well-Adjusted Mama,” an audio podcast on health and wellness regarding conception, pregnancy, and birth.  Each week, Dr. Brayton interviews a different holistic health-care expert to educate her listeners about various topics.

When Dr. Brayton invited me to speak on her show, I naturally jumped on the opportunity to share information about pelvic floor dysfunction.  Dr. Brayton asked excellent questions which allowed me to discuss a wide variety of pelvic floor disorders.  Some of the topics included vaginismus, interstitial cystitis, constipation, and history of abuse or trauma.  I then had the opportunity to discuss how pelvic floor physical therapy can benefit women who are pregnant or postpartum, and I discussed the general components of a plan of care for this population.  Finally, Dr. Brayton and I talked about my additional specialties.  Ever wonder what the letters “BCB-PMD” and “CLT” stand for?  Well, they mean that I am Board Certified in Biofeedback for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction as well as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.  For more information on what that means, as well as for more information about craniosacral therapy (an additional specialty of mine), please tune in to the podcast and enjoy (http://traffic.libsyn.com/welladjustedmama/WAM055.mp3).

I am so grateful to Dr. Brayton for inviting me to participate in her podcast- it is one of the top ranking podcasts on iTunes!  After listening to our show, I encourage you to rate and review “Well Adjusted Mama” to help promote Dr. Brayton’s wonderful work.  Please follow the easy instructions below on how to subscribe to the podcast and to leave an iTunes rating and review:

 

  1. In your browser copy and paste this in the address bar https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/well-adjusted-mama-educating/id913961457?mt=8&ls=1
  2. When prompted click “Launch Application”
  3. First click the subscribe button
  4. Then go to the Ratings and Reviews tab to the right side of the image
  5. Click on the Write a Review button
  6. Fill in a title and review and be sure to click the stars to give a rating. A 5 star is appreciated if you believe we’re worthy!
  7. Click submit

I look forward to hearing feedback from you about the show, and please inform me if there are any specific topics you would like me to blog about in greater detail.

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Water, Water Everywhere…But Perhaps Too Much to Drink?

Drop of water
How Much Water is Too Much Water?
Everyone knows from Phys Ed 101 that it’s important to drink water while exercising to offset the fluid loss that occurs while sweating.  But, how much water is the appropriate amount?  Is there such a thing as hydrating TOO MUCH?

Traditionally, most athletes and personal trainers promote the concept of more is better.  Drink before, during, and after workouts, regardless of what thirst dictates.  However, in a recent article in The Washington Post, author Ariana Eunjung Cha (July 1, 2015, refer to link) encourages readers to challenge their previous assumptions in light of important recent research.

Exercise-associated hyponatremia is a dangerous condition that may develop up to 24 hours after a heavy workout.  It is characterized by decreased sodium ion concentration in the blood due to hyperhydration.  Sodium is an electrolyte which helps maintain the proper amount of water in the blood and cells.  Excessive water intake can shift the delicate fluid balance and create an environment where, relatively speaking, there are fewer (“hypo-“) sodium ions (“natremia”).  If the kidneys are unable to restore homeostasis through healthy mechanisms (such as urinating or sweating) the excess water can result in swelling throughout the body, including the brain (which in turn can result in seizures, coma, or death).

Too much of ANYTHING is not good- In fact, studies have shown that hyponatremia can occur even if one’s beverage of choice is a sports drink (as opposed to water)[i].  Drinking any fluid simply for the sake of “playing it safe” puts an individual at risk of developing exercise associated hyponatremia (EAH).  In a 2013 study that analyzed ultramarathoners in Northern California, researchers discovered that 15.1% of participants demonstrated EAH and 18.5% of marathon finishers were dehydrated at the finish line compared to 34.9% who were overhydrated[ii].

For those of you who recall from chemistry class that the formula for salt is NaCl (sodium chloride), you may be thinking that an appropriate solution to combat hyponatremia would be to ingest large amounts of salty food prior to a marathon.  While I applaud your creativity and knowledge, research has shown that this, unfortunately, is not an appropriate preventative measure against EAH.  However, “early recognition and field management with oral hypertonic saline (salt water) in combination with fluid restriction can be effective treatment for mild EAH[iii].”  Therefore, the best advice I could offer you, dear reader, is advice that I find myself telling patients regularly.  TRUST YOUR BODY.  Follow your internal regulatory drives.  When your hypothalamus is telling you that you are thirsty, THAT is the appropriate time to drink.  By respecting your innate needs and listening to the messages that your body is sending you, you can help maintain fluid balance which will enable you to exercise in health.

 

[i] Almond CS, Shin AY, Fortescue EB et al. (April 2005). Hyponatremia among runners in the Boston Marathon. N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (15): 1550–6.

[ii] Hoffman MD, Hew-Butler T, Stuempfle KJ. Exercise-associated hyponatremia and hydration status in 161-km ultramarathoners. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 45 (4): 784-91.

[iii] Hoffman MD, Myers TM. Symptomatic exercise-associated hyponatremia in an endurance runner despite sodium supplementation. Int J Sports Nutr Exerc Metab. June 9, 2015.