Diabetes: Tips For Daily Foot Care
If you have diabetes, it's essential to make foot care part of your daily self-care routine. That's because "people can develop complications before they realize they even have a problem," says Bresta Miranda-Palma, MD, a professor with the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School. "I've seen people walk on a nail for weeks until infection has developed." When feet and legs have nerve damage, a small cut or wound can go unnoticed. That's why it's critical to check for problems before they get infected and lead to serious complications -- like gangrene or amputation. "Daily foot care is the most important thing," says Miranda-Palma. "About 85% of amputations can be prevented if the patient gets a wound treated in time." That means checking your feet daily and seeing a foot doctor (podiatrist) every two or three months in order to catch problems early. Daily Care you might like Wash and dry your feet with mild soap and warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, an area more prone to fungal infections. Use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking, but don't put the lotion between your toes. Do not soak feet, or you'll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can't feel that the water is too hot. Weekly Care Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. You can prevent ingrown toenails if you don't round the corners of the nails or cut down the sides. Smooth the nails with an emery board. Check the tops and bottoms of your feet, using a mirror if you need it; you can also ask someone else to check your feet for you. Also, be sure to get your feet examined at every doctor's visit. When examining your feet, look for Continue reading >>
If I Have Diabetes, Can I Take Epsom Salt Baths?
While Epsom salt baths can be relaxing, they are not recommended for people with diabetes. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate. Why does that matter? When Epsom salts are added to a warm bath, some magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, causing an increased release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). What about just soaking your feet? This is still not recommended. People with diabetes tend to have poor circulation to their feet and toes, making it hard for sores and wounds to heal. Soaks can cause dryness and irritation to the feet and can lead to cracking and infection. These are perfect sources for bacteria to invade, causing infection. Always try to avoid products that may dry out your skin or cause irritation, and always talk to your doctor before trying new products. Continue reading >>
People With Diabetes Urged To Stay Away From This Common Health Product
If you have diabetes or have knowledge about it, you will know that one common complication of diabetes is foot problems. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow which can result in serious foot problems. Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning, or stinging of the feet and it is important that people with diabetes take good care of their feet and are gentle with them because products that people use on their feet can significantly affect the overall health of their feet. This is especially true if they have nerve damage or the blood flow to their feet is greatly reduced. Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate has become a common home remedy for various problems and has several claimed health and beauty benefits. For many years, people have recommended soaking the feet or taking a bath in Epsom salt for various reasons including to soothe muscle aches and pain, to provide relief from itches caused by sunburn and poison ivy, to help remove splinters and to decrease swelling in the body as well as boost the body’s levels of magnesium and sulfate. Many people commonly soak their feet in Epsom salt to soothe aches however, for people with diabetes, experts have revealed soaking feet in Epsom salt is not ideal, reports MNT. What happens when you do it? Soaking the feet can dry out the skin, which can further irritate foot issues for people with diabetes as they tend to have dry feet and the Epsom salt bath may only make the condition worse. Soaking for a long time can also open small cracks that may be present in the skin, allowing germs to enter. While an Epsom salt foot soak may sound good, no type of foot soak is recommended for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, you should look out for the signs of an infection in your f Continue reading >>
Epsom Salt — The Magnesium-rich, Detoxifying Pain Reliever
Athletes commonly use it for sore muscles while gardeners sprinkle it on plants to increase their growth. Epsom salt has a long history of diversified use and benefits for health, beauty, household cleaning and outdoor gardening. It was originally prepared from mineral water while today it’s obtained mainly from mining operations. Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant and anti-inflammatory remedy that can be used to treat muscle aches and sore muscles, dry skin, and even to fight various internal health issues. Simply add Epsom salt to your next detox bath recipe or foot soak to create a luxurious and therapeutic at-home spa experience. Epsom salt derives its name from a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England, where the compound was first distilled from water. It’s different from traditional salts in that it is actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. The chemical formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO4, which shows that Epsom salt can actually be broken down into magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Epsom salt is composed of small, colorless crystals and does look similar to table salt — however, table salt is completely different from Epsom salt since it consists of sodium chloride. 7 Benefits of Epsom Salt There is a laundry list of ways to use Epsom salt in your daily life. Here are some of the top benefits of Epsom salt: 1. Boosts Magnesium Levels Appropriate levels of magnesium are absolutely key to good health, and it is very common to have a magnesium deficiency. Known as hypomagnesemia, low magnesium levels can be caused by alcoholism, severe diarrhea, malnutrition or high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). By simply soaking your feet or entire body in a bath containing Epsom salt, internal levels of magnesium can be increased naturally wi Continue reading >>
15 Ways You Can Use Epsom Salt That Will Change Your Life
This article is shared with permission from our friends at Paleo Hacks. People have turned to Epsom salt for hundreds of years to treat health ailments, to use as a beauty product, and even to take care of tasks around the home. While this remedy is both affordable and natural, most people aren’t aware of all the ways Epsom salt can improve your life. Read on to discover it’s amazing uses and benefits. What Is Epsom Salt? What we know as “Epsom salt” isn’t like the salt we use to season our foods. While that kind of salt consists of sodium chloride, Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, a pure mineral compound. You might be wondering why Epsom salt is called a “salt” at all. That’s because it’s composed of small, colorless crystals. It resembles table salt, but its effects on the body are much different. People have been using Epsom salt for hundreds of years, ever since the compound was discovered in Epsom, Surrey, England, at a bitter saline spring. The water was then boiled down to produce the salt. A plant anatomist named Nehemiah Grew patented the name all the way back in 1695 (1). Epsom salt has a long history – and incredible variety – of uses ranging from treating health ailments to aesthetic benefits and even household and gardening applications. You might hear this compound referred to as “Epsom salts.” But the plural form is actually a misnomer. While there are a huge variety of brands to choose from, they all come from the same compound. The Dangers of Magnesium and Sulfate Deficiency The biggest boon from Epsom salt comes from its chemical composition. Both magnesium and sulfate are critical for our health. Taking an Epsom salt bath increases levels of both in our blood, making it useful in avoiding dangerous deficiencies. Magnesium, wh Continue reading >>
Should People With Diabetes Soak Their Feet In Epsom Salt?
People with diabetes need to be aware that a potential complication is foot damage. Often this is caused by nerve damage and poor circulation. Over time both conditions might be caused by high blood glucose levels. In order to lower the risk of foot damage, you need to take good care of your feet. Some prefer to soak their feet in Epsom salt. But people with diabetes should not do this. Soaking the feet if you have diabetes might raise the risk of foot issues. Before you decide to soak the feet in Epsom salts, make sure to consult your doctor. Epsom salt scientifically is known as magnesium sulfate. It is actually a mineral compound which comes with different uses. Epsom salt is a common home remedy for different problems and has beauty and health benefits. Boosts the levels of sulfate and magnesium in the body Provides relief from itches caused by poison ivy and sunburn In order to understand why individuals with diabetes should not soak their feet in Epsom salt, it is vital to understand how the condition itself might affect the feet. High blood glucose levels can lead to damage to the nerves in the body. This is known as neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is actually the most common type of neuropathy for individuals with diabetes. It is a damage of the nerves which serve the arms and legs. As a consequence, individuals with diabetes might lose feeling in their feet. As a matter of fact, it is common for individuals with diabetes not to feel cold, pain or heat in their feet or legs. Some people cannot even notice when they have a blister or sore on their feet. In fact, open sores might easily become infected. Increased blood glucose levels aid to feed the infection in open wounds which makes it worse. Due to poor circulation, the healing of the sores might be difficu Continue reading >>
Epsom Salt For Diabetics
The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes increases every year. There may be several benefits to using Epsom salt foot soaks as part of your daily routine. These may help to relieve foot pain, swelling and tension, as well as aiding in the regulation of insulin when used under a doctor's supervision. Video of the Day Epsom salt is essentially magnesium sulfate, which can be very beneficial to your body. You need magnesium to help ensure you have proper muscle and nerve growth, as well as enzyme function. Though little research has been done on the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate on helping with the symptoms of diabetes, there may be some link to it helping with some of its side effects. When Epsom salt is absorbed into the body through a foot soak or bath, it may help increase the effectiveness of insulin production. This could help your body regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar regulation is essential to reduce the risk of further health issues associated with diabetes. An Epsom salt foot bath may also help relieve tension, pain and swelling in the feet as well, which is often a symptom of diabetes. Administering an Epsom salt foot soak is thought to be effective in aiding in the relief of some of the symptoms associated with diabetes. Add 1/2 cup Epsom salt to two gallons warm water. Using this soak daily may help reduce the severity of the problems with your feet, as well as aiding in insulin production issues associated with diabetes. Consult your physician before using Epsom salt to relieve symptoms. Side effects are rare, but stop using Epsom salt if you start to develop an allergic reaction. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, throat closing or swelling of your tongue, lips or face Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Use Epsom Salt Or Not?
The people who suffer from the diabetes disease have to be careful about what they use and what they do not use when they are diabetic. Because diabetes is a complicated condition leading to a host of complications in the body and one such condition is diabetic foot problems. In this article, we shall analyze and understand whether or not a diabetics should use Epsom salt which is generally put in water and used for soaking of the feet in that water. So, come and join in for the article “Can Diabetics Use Epsom Salt?” What is Epsom Salt? The other name for the Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate and the same is sometimes used by people to get rid of sore muscles, bruises, as well as other problems. The most common way of using Epsom salt is to soak the same in your baths. Reasons for Use of Epsom Salt Most of the people use the salt for the following multiple reasons: To get rid of swelling and sore muscles To remove the splinters The salt is also known to provide relief from sunburn The body absorbs the magnesium from the Epsom salt through the skin. Hence, the salt is sometimes used as a replacement for the mineral Benefits of Epsom Salt for Diabetes Patients The following are some of the benefits that Epsom salt can have on those who suffer from diabetes: The effectiveness of the hormone Insulin improves in the body when Epsom salt reaches the body The same also helps in regulating the desired levels of blood sugar or glucose When you soak your feet in Epsom salt, you tend to feel fresh and stress-free. These are important for effectively managing diabetes Finally, if you are deficient in magnesium, soaking water in Epsom salt is an effective way through which the element can reach your body Thus, the salt does have some benefits for those who suffer from diabetes. Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Epsom Salt – To Soak Or Not To Soak?
Epsom salt foot soaks are often encouraged for people with achy, tired feet. It is frequently used as a method to soothe aching muscles as well and may be added to a bath for pain relief. Some men and women even use Epsom salt as a source of magnesium supplementation. All of these uses are wonderful in their application, so why is Epsom salt not recommended for diabetes patients? This is due, in large part, to neuropathy and a lack of substantive proof that Epsom provides enough magnesium. What is Epsom salt? Epsom salt is a mineral compound whose scientific name is magnesium sulfate. Although it would seem that this alone is enough to warrant using it as a magnesium supplement, this particular format of magnesium is not easily absorbed. The “salt” is not actually salt, but a mineral with a texture similar to that of table salt. Epsom and Diabetes Epsom salt itself, while not an effective supplementation protocol, is not the greatest concern; instead, regular foot soaks are the real problem. For individuals without diabetes, a foot soak is a simple treat at the end of a long day. When diabetes is involved, however, a foot bath could lead to severe infection. A foot soak poses several problems, including the risk of drying feet out, compounding circulatory issues, and causing burns. Because diabetes increases the risk of developing neuropathy, the nerves in your feet and legs may not be functioning well enough to register dangerous temperatures which can cause burns. Neuropathy can also lead to an increased risk of dry, cracked feet and heels. Although this may seem to be a simple comfort or aesthetic problem, cracked feet can lead to serious infection. Because diabetes is often accompanied by poor circulation, your body cannot fight infection as effectively as those Continue reading >>
Epsom Salts & Diabetes
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community bangkokdiabetic Type 2 Well-Known Member the following is a quote from an email I received extolling the virtues of Epsom Salts experience the (primary laxative) benefits of the salt. Crucially, Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, and with its pain-relieving, blood sugar regulating, stress-reducing benefits Now my Father sung the praises of this product as a Laxative, But a regulator for Blood Sugar is something I find hard to believe Does anyone no of any evidence/research which might justify this claim or indeed personal experience the following is a quote from an email I received extolling the virtues of Epsom Salts experience the (primary laxative) benefits of the salt. Crucially, Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate, and with its pain-relieving, blood sugar regulating, stress-reducing benefits Now my Father sung the praises of this product as a Laxative, But a regulator for Blood Sugar is something I find hard to believe Does anyone no of any evidence/research which might justify this claim or indeed personal experience I use them for a foot bath as a way of getting magnesium and relaxation they work that way definitely and would recommend, know others who bath in them. I do find stress puts my bgs up and relaxing after a foot bath puts them down ! So in my personal experience yes and they are cheaper than magnesium supplements. While Epsom salt baths can be relaxing, they are not recommended for people with diabetes. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate. Why does that matter? When Epsom salts are added to a warm bath, some magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, causing an increased release o Continue reading >>
Can People With Diabetes Use Epsom Salts?
One common complication of diabetes is foot problems. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow which can result in serious foot problems. Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning, or stinging of the feet. It is important that people with diabetes take good care of their feet and are gentle with them. The tools and products that people use on their feet can significantly affect the overall health of their feet. This is especially true if they have nerve damage or the blood flow to their feet is greatly reduced. Many people commonly soak their feet in Epsom salt to soothe aches. For people with diabetes, however, soaking feet in Epsom salt is not ideal. What is Epsom salt? The scientific name for Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It is a mineral compound that has many different uses. Epsom salt has become a common home remedy for various problems and has several claimed health and beauty benefits. For many years, people have recommended soaking the feet or taking a bath in Epsom salt for various reasons. Potential reasons for doing so include: To soothe muscle aches and pain To help remove splinters To decrease swelling in the body To boost the body's levels of magnesium and sulfate The theory behind this product is that the body absorbs the magnesium from the Epsom salt through the skin. However, there are no studies that support this claim. While there is no evidence to support the benefits of Epsom salt, simply soaking in warm water can help with many of the issues listed above. Diabetes and foot complications To understand why people with diabetes should not soak in Epsom salt, it is important to know how diabetes can affect the feet. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves of the body. This is commonly refer Continue reading >>
Epsom Salts And Diabetes
The connection between Epsom salts and diabetes is not a well known one. Usually when people think about Epsom salts, they think of bath. However, these salts are beneficial in the treatment of those conditions that are caused due to magnesium deficiency, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, joint pain, strokes, arthritis, chronic fatigue and stress related illnesses. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate and it is one of the most effective and easy ways of fulfilling the magnesium requirement of the body. The human body needs magnesium to hold together serotonin, which is a mood-elevating chemical released by the brain to relax us. However, when our bodies are stressed or excess adrenalin is produced, the magnesium is drained from our bodies. Magnesium also performs many other functions in our bodies. It helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes. It also contributes in the proper usage of calcium by cells. Furthermore, it is an electrolyte and ensures proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Epsom salts are also useful for curing back pain and ordinary colds and congestion. It also heals cuts and wounds and removes dead skin cells from the body. Having adequate levels of magnesium can give the following advantages to the body: 1. Improve blood circulation and working of the heart 2. Reduce the risk of blood clots 3. Reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin usage of the body 4. Lower blood pressure 5. Prevent hardening of arteries 6. Give relief from pain and sore muscles and fibromyalgia 7. Reduce migraine headaches 8. Save from bronchial asthma The best way to give your body Epsom salts is by adding them to your bath. These salts are much better absorbed through skin and rather than by eating. A salt bath will cleanse your body of toxins, soothe and Continue reading >>
Can You Use Epsom Salts If You Have Diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you should be aware of foot damage as a potential complication. Foot damage is often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage. Both of these conditions can be caused by high blood sugar levels over time. Taking good care of your feet can help lower your risk of foot damage. Although some people soak their feet in Epsom salt baths, this home remedy isn’t recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking your feet may raise your risk of foot problems. Talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in Epsom salts. Epsom salt is also called magnesium sulphate. It’s a mineral compound that’s sometimes used as a home remedy for sore muscles, bruises, and splinters. In some cases, people add Epsom salt to baths or tubs to soak in. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath. Soaking your feet may actually increase your risk of foot problems. It’s recommended that you wash your feet every day, but you shouldn’t soak them. Soaking can dry out your skin. This can cause cracks to form and lead to infections. Some people may recommend Epsom salts as a magnesium supplement. Instead, you should look for magnesium supplements designed for oral use. Check the vitamin and supplement aisle at your local pharmacy. People with diabetes often have low levels of magnesium, a mineral that plays an important role in your body. Research suggests that oral magnesium supplements may help improve blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in some people with diabetes. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, avoid using Epsom salt footbaths. If you’re interested in oral magnesium supplements, ask your doctor for more information. They can help you assess the potential benefits and risks of taking them. They can also recommend a Continue reading >>
Foot Care
Drugstore Do’s and Don’t’s Even with diabetes, your feet can last a lifetime, and they stand a better chance of doing so if you treat them with tender, loving care. That includes giving them a daily inspection for cuts and abrasions as well as asking your doctor to examine them periodically for any signs of nerve damage, such as loss of sensation, or reduced blood flow, such as coldness or hair loss on the feet and legs. The tools or products you use on your feet at home can have profound effects on their health, particularly if you have any degree of nerve damage or reduced blood flow in your feet. Using the right products can help to keep your skin – and feet – intact, while using the wrong ones can lead to breaks in the skin, which can allow bacteria to enter and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to foot ulcers. Here, then, is your guide to over-the-counter foot products, including some that are safe to use and some to avoid. Soap Washing your feet with warm or tepid water and soap every day keeps them clean and gives you a good chance to do that daily inspection. (If it’s hard to see your feet, run your fingers over them to feel for calluses or sore spots. The backs of your hands are sensitive to heat and can be run over your feet to find hot spots, which can indicate infection.) There must be at least 50 varieties of soap on the shelves of most drugstores – liquid soaps, solid bar soaps, scented soaps, unscented soaps, etc. Which to choose? In general, bar soaps are a better choice than liquid soaps, and soaps that have moisturizing lotion in them are the best choice of all. The compound in soap that gives it its lather is a fatty acid called lanolin, and the more lather, the softer the soap. In most cases, bar soaps have more lather than liquid. The Continue reading >>
Living Well With Type 1 Diabetes | Nutritional Medicine
I treat many type 1 diabetic patients in my practice. It’s a tough disease that takes an emotional and physical toll on patients and their families. Diabetes requires constant diligence and frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels. What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that most often affects children and young adults. It accounts for only 5% of all diabetes cases. With type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is necessary to process the sugar from foods so the cells can use it for energy. To survive, a type 1 diabetic must have supplementation with synthetic insulin, either by multiple daily injections or insulin pump devices. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include: Rapid weight loss, despite increased hunger Extreme thirst Increased urination Severe fatigue Blurred vision Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Researching a type 1 diabetes cure Currently there’s a great deal of money and research being invested into the search for a “cure” for diabetes. Two avenues of research are listed below. 1) Islet cell transportation — With this technique, insulin producing cells are harvested from a deceased donor. Traditionally, these cells are then implanted into the diabetic patient’s liver. Generally the procedure is done twice, using local anesthetic. It is believed this procedure could help patients who have more that one hypo (hypoglycemia) each year. Islet cell transplantation can improve blood glucose control, improve sensitivity to hypoglycemia symptoms, and reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections. H Continue reading >>
