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DW-TV EUROPA

18.03.10 | 00:30 UTC

in good shape

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for strong bones, healthy eyes and a robust immune system. A proper and balanced diet is a good source of vitamins. Are nutritional supplements necessary? When are they useful? Our studio guest is nutritional medical specialist Professor Tilman Grune. We'll also be looking at nerve ablation to treat chronic back pain.

Program topics

When are nutritional supplements useful?

The best source of vitamins and minerals is a varied diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, and plenty of whole-grain fiber. Mineral and vitamin supplements are an easy alternative but not necessarily the healthier choice.

Studies have shown that large quantities of supplements can actually be harmful to health. But sometimes supplements can be helpful, for example in elderly and sick patients who aren’t able to eat a balanced diet, or for people with digestive disorders who don’t absorb nutrients properly. Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need additional vitamins and minerals. And people with severe iron and vitamin B-12 deficiencies can be treated with supplements and injections.

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How an innovative surgical procedure helps chronic back pain

Radiofrequency ablation can treat chronic back pain in cases where the pain originates in the facet joints of the spine.

The method is also being used to treat pain in cancer patients. During the procedure, a pulse of electricity is sent to the painful nerve through a probe inserted in the joint. The heat then destroys the nerve end, which blocks the pain signals to the brain. The procedure can provide up to two years relief from pain. When the pain returns after the nerve regenerates, the radiofrequency ablation can be repeated.

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How to wake up rested and refreshed

Proper sleep slows the aging process and makes you look younger. And a lack of sleep can make you ill.

Too little sleep can lead to obesity, high blood pressure and weaken the immune system. Our tips to get a good night's sleep: avoid noise, and sleep enough to be well-rested through the day. If insomnia strikes, a hot water bottle can help you fall sleep. And bedtime rituals such as meditation help signal the body it's time to sleep.

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