"Foods That May Help With Muscle Cramps"

 

EAT TO BEAT THEM: Muscle cramps happen when your muscles tense up and you can’t relax them. While painful, usually you can treat them yourself. Exercise, dehydration, and menstruation are common causes. One way to stop cramps is to stretch or massage your muscles and to eat enough of these key nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. They’re called electrolytes, and you can find them in the following foods.

BANANAS, A TIME TESTED TREATMENT: You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they’ll also give you magnesium and calcium. That’s three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief. 

SWEET RELIEF FROM SWEET POTATOES: Like bananas, sweet potatoes give you potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sweet potatoes get the win because they have about six times as much calcium as bananas. And it’s not just sweet potatoes: Regular potatoes and even pumpkins are good sources of all three nutrients. Plus, potatoes and pumpkins naturally have a lot of water in them, so they can help keep you hydrated, too.

AVOCADOS, A POTASSIUM POWERHOUSE: One creamy, green berry (yes, it's really a berry!) has about 975 milligrams of potassium, twice as much as a sweet potato or banana. Potassium is important because it helps your muscles work and keeps your heart healthy. So swap out mayo on a sandwich with mashed avocado, or slice one onto your salad to help keep muscle cramps away. They have a lot of fat and calories, so keep that in mind.

BEANS AND LENTILS: Legumes like beans and lentils are packed with magnesium. One cup of cooked lentils has about 71 milligrams of magnesium, and a cup of cooked black beans has almost double that with 120 milligrams. Plus, they’re high in fiber, and studies show that high-fiber foods can help ease menstrual cramps as well as help control your blood sugar and lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

MELONS ARE THE TOTAL PACKAGE: These fruits have it all: loads of potassium, a good amount of magnesium and calcium, a little sodium, and a lot of water. Sodium and water are key because as you exercise, your body flushes sodium out with your sweat. If you lose too much water, you’ll get dehydrated, and muscle cramps may happen. Eating a cup of cubed cantaloupe after a workout can help.

WATERMELON FOR HYDRATION: They’re about 90% water, so when you need foods that hydrate, a cup of watermelon will do it. Since it’s a melon, it’s also high in potassium, but not quite as high as others.

MILK: It’s a natural source of electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and sodium. It’s good for hydration. And it’s packed with protein, which helps repair muscle tissue after workouts. All of the above can help protect against muscle cramps.

PICKLE JUICE: Some athletes swear by pickle juice as a fast way to stop a muscle cramp. They believe it’s effective because of the high water and sodium content. But that might not be the case. While pickle juice may help relieve muscle cramps quickly, it isn’t because you’re dehydrated or low on sodium. It is more likely because the pickle juice sets off a reaction in your nervous system that stops the cramp, according to recent research.

DARK, LEAFY GREENS: They’re rich in calcium and magnesium. So adding kale, spinach, or broccoli to your plate may help prevent muscle cramps. Eating leafy greens also may help with menstruation cramps, as studies show eating foods high in calcium can help relieve pain from periods.

ORANGE JUICE: One cup of refreshing OJ has plenty of water for hydration. It’s also a potassium star with nearly 500 milligrams per cup. Orange juice has 27 milligrams of calcium and magnesium. Choose a calcium-fortified brand for an extra boost. 

SNACK SMART WITH NUTS AND SEEDS: Like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds are a great source of magnesium. For example, 1 ounce of toasted sunflower seeds has about 37 milligrams of magnesium. And 1 ounce of roasted, salted almonds has double that. Many types of nuts and seeds have calcium and magnesium as well.

SALMON FOR CIRCULATION: Sometimes muscle cramps are the result of poor blood flow. Eating oily fish like salmon can help improve it. Plus, a 3-ounce portion of cooked salmon has about 326 milligrams of potassium and 52 milligrams of sodium to help with muscle cramps. Not a salmon fan? You also could try trout or sardines.

TAP INTO TOMATOES JUICE AND ALL: Tomatoes are high in potassium and water content. So if you gulp down 1 cup of tomato juice, you’ll get about 15%  of your daily value of potassium. You’ll also give your body hydration to prevent muscle cramps from starting.

DRINK WATER FOR MAX HYDRATION: Generally, women need about 11.5 cups of water a day, and men 15.5 cups. But this doesn’t mean you should chug water. The water you get from other beverages, plus fruits and vegetables, counts, too. Before you reach for a sports drink, know this: You only need these sugary electrolyte beverages if you’re doing high-intensity exercise for an hour or more. For electrolytes without the sugar, drink coconut water instead.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Poonam Sachdev on March 06, 2022,

Written by Angela Nelson

SOURCES:

Mayo Clinic: “Muscle cramp,” “Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?”

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: “Using Foods Against Menstrual Pain.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Don’t Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down.”

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: "Magnesium Rich Foods."

Columbia University: “Foods that minimize menstrual cramps?”

The Cooper Institute: “Does Pickle Juice Relieve Muscle Cramps?”

American Heart Association: “Hyperkalemia (High Potassium).”

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Associations of Menstrual Pain with Intakes of Soy, Fat and Dietary Fiber in Japanese Women.”

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: “Reflex Inhibition of Electrically Induced Muscle Cramps in Hypohydrated Humans.”

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Magnesium.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Basic Report: 09040, Bananas, Raw," "Basic Report: 11507, Sweet Potato, Raw, Unprepared," "Full Report (All Nutrients):  11353, Potatoes, Russet, Flesh and Skin, Raw," "Basic Report:  11422, Pumpkin, Raw," "Basic Report:  09037, Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties," "Basic Report:  16070, Lentils, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report: 16015, Beans, Black, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report:  09181, Melons, Cantaloupe, Raw," "Basic Report: 09326, Watermelon, Raw," "Basic Report: 01079, Milk, Reduced Fat, Fluid, 2% Milkfat, with Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D," "Basic Report:  11457, Spinach, Raw,” "Basic Report:  11233, Kale, Raw,” "Basic Report:  09206, Orange Juice, Raw,” "Basic Report:  12539, Seeds, Sunflower Seed Kernels, Toasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 12563, Nuts, Almonds, Dry Roasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 15237, Fish, Salmon, Atlantic, Farmed, Cooked, Dry Heat,” "Basic Report:  11886, Tomato Juice, Canned, Without Salt Added."

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Hydrate Right During Physical Activity,” “Coconut Water: Is It What It's Cracked Up to Be?” “Kidney Disease: High- and Moderate-Potassium Foods,” “4 Keys to Strength Building and Muscle Mass.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“13 Dehydration Symptoms Everyone Should Know”

Dehydration does more than just make you thirsty—it can actually be quite dangerous to your health. Here's how to know when your body is telling you to drink more water, so that you don't let it get to the later stages of dehydration.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DEHYDRATED? In general, dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid, or more fluid than it's taking in, according to the US National Library of Medicine's resource MedlinePlus. You can become dehydrated for a number of reasons, but the main culprits include: diarrhea, vomiting, sweating too much, urinating too much, having a fever, or (simply) not drinking enough. And it doesn't take much to become dehydrated: if you lose just 1.5% of the water in your body, you've reached the tipping point of dehydration. While dehydration often shows up as the standard thirsty feeling, the later stages of the condition can actually lead to a loss of consciousness, Jazmine Sutton-Oliver, MD, who works in hospital medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, tells Health. Here's what to know about common dehydration symptoms, including feeling thirsty and passing out—and all the signs in between.

BAD BREATH: Notice your breath smelling the opposite of minty fresh? It could be because you haven't drank enough water lately, Marshall Young, DDS, a dentist in Newport Beach, California, tells Health. "Saliva has important antibacterial properties," he says. "When dehydrated, the decreased saliva in the mouth allows bacteria to thrive, resulting in bad breath." Also, while we're talking about your mouth, dehydration can cause it to feel dry, for obvious reasons. So drink up for your own sake—and for the people around you, too.

SUGAR CRAVINGS: Dehydration can mask itself as hunger, or more specifically as sugar cravings. This is more likely to happen if you've been exercising, Amy Goodson, RD, a sports dietitian, tells Health. "When you exercise in a dehydrated state, you use glycogen, or stored carbohydrates, at a faster rate, thus diminishing your stores more quickly." So once you finish exercising, you will likely crave carbs (aka sugar) to help you replenish those glycogen levels. Pro tip: Before reaching for a chocolate bar, drink a tall glass of water and wait five minutes. You might not be as hungry as you think. (After that, if you're still craving something sweet, go ahead and have it.)

DRY SKIN: Your skin will let you know if you haven't been drinking enough water, Anne Marie Tremaine, MD, a dermatologist at Skin Wellness Physicians in Naples and Marco Island, Florida, tells Health. Dehydrated skin will feel tight and appear dull when you look in the mirror. You may even notice more exaggerated wrinkles or darker-than-usual under eye circles. A quick test if you're feeling less than hydrated: Pinch your cheek; if it wrinkles with gentle pressure instead of holding its shape, it's begging you for water. For smooth, moisture-rich skin, Dr. Tremaine also suggests keeping showers short (less than five minutes) and using only lukewarm water, as hot water can dry your skin out even more.

TIREDNESS: That mid-afternoon slump may have more to do with dehydration than you think. A number of the symptoms of dehydration can make you feel sleepy, Luga Podesta, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Bluetail Medical Group in Naples, Florida, tells Health. Physical tasks may also feel more difficult and tiring because your muscles are lacking H2O, which is necessary for them to function properly.

IRRITABILITY: If you're feeling cranky, drink a glass of water and your mood may change. "Neurological effects of dehydration can cause irritability," Dr. Podesta says. A small 2011 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, tested mood and concentration in 25 young women who were either given enough fluids to remain properly hydrated, or who became mildly dehydrated by taking diuretics and exercising. The dehydrated women—who were at a hydration level that was just 1% lower than optimal—reported headaches, loss of focus, and irritability.

CHILLS: It may seem counterintuitive, but dehydration can bring on chills. "This occurs because your body starts to limit blood flow to the skin," Dr. Podesta says. In addition, water holds heat, so if you become hydrated it can be more difficult to regulate your body temperature, which can make you get chilly faster, even when you're not in a cold environment.

MUSCLE CRAMPS: When your body isn't getting enough water, it slows down blood circulation, which can make your muscles cramp up, Ray Casciari, MD, a pulmonologist in Orange, California, tells Health. "The body will protect its vital organs, so it shifts fluid away from muscles and anything that's not vital," he says. Changes in sodium and potassium through sweat loss can also contribute to cramping. Cramps can be extremely painful and make muscles feel harder to the touch.

LIGHTHEADEDNESS AND CONFUSION: Along with your muscles, your brain also gets less blood circulation when you're low on water, which can make you dizzy, Dr. Casciari says—and this can constitute a situation when dehydration can warrant medical attention. When a person becomes so dehydrated that they're taken to the emergency room, doctors usually try to get water back into their body very quickly, Dr. Sutton-Oliver explains. "We would give them a liter over an hour" via an IV, she says.

HEADACHE: Dehydration can cause headaches in a couple of different ways. "Lack of water affects your body's serotonin levels, which can give you headaches," Dr. Casciari says. In addition, small blood vessels in the brain respond quickly to hydration levels (which is also the culprit behind those nasty hangover headaches), leading to dull aches and even full-blown migraines. Try downing a glass or two of water the next time you have a headache and you may find it disappears. You could also eat fruit, which contains a lot of water, Dr. Casciari suggests.

CONSTIPATION: Your body needs water to keep things moving through your colon. When you're not getting enough H2O, your body compensates by withdrawing more fluid from stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass. That said, it's worth noting that drinking more water when you're already properly hydrated won't necessarily relieve constipation caused by other factors, like the medications you're taking, medical conditions, or a lack of fiber in your diet.

DARK-COLORED URINE: One telltale sign of dehydration is dark yellow urine. "A lot of people will notice their urine starts to get concentrated or dark in color," Dr. Sutton-Oliver says. When you're dehydrated, your kidneys, which filter waste, tell your body to retain water. That means you'll have less water in your urine, causing it to become more concentrated with waste products and, therefore, darker. If you notice your urine is darker than usual, reach for your water bottle.

EXCESSIVE THIRST: It might seem obvious, but being thirsty is a big hint that you're not as hydrated as you should be, Dr. Sutton-Oliver says. When you get dehydrated, you'll naturally be thirsty, so listen to your body's signals and rehydrate until you've quenched your thirst.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE: While not drinking enough water can cause a plethora of symptoms, one in particular, low blood pressure, can be especially dangerous, Eric Goldberg, MD, an internal medicine physician at NYU Langone tells Health. But low blood pressure can manifest in a few different ways, including nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision, so it's important to be aware of those, as many of us don't have blood pressure cuffs at home. Low blood pressure can be especially dangerous, as it means your blood isn't getting properly sent to critical organs, including your brain, Dr. Goldberg adds. Certain blood pressure medications act as diuretics, which make the body urinate fluid out of it much faster. People who take these medications are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated, per Dr. Goldberg. The good news? "Most people can fix that simply by drinking water," he explains.

BY: Maggie O’Neill and Linda Melone, Updated June 17, 2020, Health Magazine

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by Health Magazine, Health Magazine employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Health Magazine, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

“Foods That Help With Muscle Cramps”

EAT TO BEAT THEM: Muscle cramps happen when your muscles tense up and you can’t relax them. While painful, usually you can treat them yourself. Exercise, dehydration, and menstruation are common causes. One way to stop cramps is to stretch or massage your muscles and to eat enough of these key nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. They’re called electrolytes, and you can find them in the following foods.

BANANAS: A TIME-TESTED TREATMENT - You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they’ll also give you magnesium and calcium. That’s three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief. 

SWEET RELIEF FROM SWEET POTATOES: Like bananas, sweet potatoes give you potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sweet potatoes get the win because they have about six times as much calcium as bananas. And it’s not just sweet potatoes: Regular potatoes and even pumpkins are good sources of all three nutrients. Plus, potatoes and pumpkins naturally have a lot of water in them, so they can help keep you hydrated, too.

THE AVOCADO: A POTASSIUM POWERHOUSE - One creamy, green berry (yes, it's really a berry!) has about 975 milligrams of potassium, twice as much as a sweet potato or banana. Potassium is important because it helps your muscles work and keeps your heart healthy. So, swap out mayo on a sandwich with mashed avocado, or slice one onto your salad to help keep muscle cramps away. They have a lot of fat and calories, so keep that in mind.

BEANS AND LENTILS: Legumes like beans and lentils are packed with magnesium. One cup of cooked lentils has about 71 milligrams of magnesium, and a cup of cooked black beans has almost double that with 120 milligrams. Plus, they’re high in fiber, and studies show that high-fiber foods can help ease menstrual cramps as well as help control your blood sugar and lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

MELONS ARE THE TOTAL PACKAGE: These fruits have it all: loads of potassium, a good amount of magnesium and calcium, a little sodium, and a lot of water. Sodium and water are key because as you exercise, your body flushes sodium out with your sweat. If you lose too much water, you’ll get dehydrated, and muscle cramps may happen. Eating a cup of cubed cantaloupe after a workout can help.

WATERMELON FOR HYDRATION: They’re about 90% water, so when you need foods that hydrate, a cup of watermelon will do it. Since it’s a melon, it’s also high in potassium, but not quite as high as others.

MILK: It’s a natural source of electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and sodium. It’s good for hydration. And it’s packed with protein, which helps repair muscle tissue after workouts. All of the above can help protect against 
muscle cramps.

PICKLE JUICE: Some athletes swear by pickle juice as a fast way to stop a muscle cramp. They believe it’s effective because of the high water and sodium content. But that might not be the case. While pickle juice may help relieve muscle cramps quickly, it isn’t because you’re dehydrated or low on sodium. It is more likely because the pickle juice sets off a reaction in your nervous system that stops the cramp, according to recent research.

DARK, LEAFY GREENS: They’re rich in calcium and magnesium. So, adding kale, spinach, or broccoli to your plate may help prevent muscle cramps. Eating leafy greens also may help with menstruation cramps, as studies show eating foods high in calcium can help relieve pain from periods.   

ORANGE JUICE: One cup of refreshing OJ has plenty of water for hydration. It’s also a potassium star with nearly 500 milligrams per cup. Orange juice has 27 milligrams of calcium and magnesium. Choose a calcium-fortified brand for an extra boost.

SNACK SMART WITH NUTS AND SEEDS: Like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds are a great source of magnesium. For example, 1 ounce of toasted sunflower seeds has about 37 milligrams of magnesium. And 1 ounce of roasted, salted almonds has double that. Many types of nuts and seeds have calcium and magnesium as well.   

SALMON FOR CIRCULATION: Sometimes muscle cramps are the result of poor blood flow. Eating oily fish like salmon can help improve it. Plus, a 3-ounce portion of cooked salmon has about 326 milligrams of potassium and 52 milligrams of sodium to help with muscle cramps. Not a salmon fan? You also could try trout or sardines.

TAP INTO TOMATOES, JUICE AND ALL: Tomatoes are high in potassium and water content. So if you gulp down 1 cup of tomato juice, you’ll get about 15% of your daily value of potassium. You’ll also give your body hydration to prevent muscle cramps from starting.

DRINK WATER FOR MAX HYDRATION: Generally, women need about 11.5 cups of water a day, and men 15.5 cups. But this doesn’t mean you should chug water. The water you get from other beverages, plus fruits and vegetables, counts, too. Before you reach for a sports drink, know this: You only need these sugary electrolyte beverages if you’re doing high-intensity exercise for an hour or more. For electrolytes without the sugar, drink coconut water instead.

REVIEWED BY: Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on March 16, 2020, WebMD

REFERENCES:

Mayo Clinic: “Muscle cramp,” “Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?”
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: “Using Foods Against Menstrual Pain.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Don’t Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down.”
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: "Magnesium Rich Foods."
Columbia University: “Foods that minimize menstrual cramps?”
The Cooper Institute: “Does Pickle Juice Relieve Muscle Cramps?”
American Heart Association: “Hyperkalemia (High Potassium).”
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Associations of Menstrual Pain with Intakes of Soy, Fat and Dietary Fiber in Japanese Women.”
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: “Reflex Inhibition of Electrically Induced Muscle Cramps in Hypohydrated Humans.”
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Magnesium.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Basic Report: 09040, Bananas, Raw," "Basic Report: 11507, Sweet Potato, Raw, Unprepared," "Full Report (All Nutrients):  11353, Potatoes, Russet, Flesh and Skin, Raw," "Basic Report:  11422, Pumpkin, Raw," "Basic Report:  09037, Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties," "Basic Report:  16070, Lentils, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report: 16015, Beans, Black, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report:  09181, Melons, Cantaloupe, Raw," "Basic Report: 09326, Watermelon, Raw," "Basic Report: 01079, Milk, Reduced Fat, Fluid, 2% Milkfat, with Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D," "Basic Report:  11457, Spinach, Raw,” "Basic Report:  11233, Kale, Raw,” "Basic Report:  09206, Orange Juice, Raw,” "Basic Report:  12539, Seeds, Sunflower Seed Kernels, Toasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 12563, Nuts, Almonds, Dry Roasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 15237, Fish, Salmon, Atlantic, Farmed, Cooked, Dry Heat,” "Basic Report:  11886, Tomato Juice, Canned, Without Salt Added."
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Hydrate Right During Physical Activity,” “Coconut Water: Is It What It's Cracked Up to Be?” “Kidney Disease: High- and Moderate-Potassium Foods,” “4 Keys to Strength Building and Muscle Mass.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.