My Favorite Links: Psoas, Dynamic Stretching, Vagus Nerve and Nutrients

Here is a list of my favorite links. This is not a prescription nor is it a substitute for medical care. These are subjects that personally and professionally interest me and contain great content. If nothing else the topics create some great discussion and debate.

-PSOAS muscle. A tight/strained/weak psoas can cause everything from back/leg/groin/hip/abdominal pain to difficulty taking a deep breathe. I strongly believe everyone should learn as much as they can about the psoas and try connecting and releasing it in a relaxed/mindful state:
http://www.positivehealth.com/article/bodywork/the-psoas-within


-DYNAMIC STRETCHING: I'm a fan of dynamic stretching particularly of the hamstrings and adductors (inner thigh). Consult a personal trainer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWU9MH7zdJA


-VAGUS NERVE. Like the psoas the vagus nerve a critical and often overlooked culprit for pain, inflammation, digestive problems, etc.
http://mentalfloss.com/article/65710/9-nervy-facts-about-vagus-nerve


-NUTRIENTS NEEDED FOR PROPER MUSCLE FUNCTIONING: Symptoms like cramping, feeling stiff and fatigued and chronic pain can be an indication that the body is missing a critical nutrient for proper muscle functioning. For example, magnesium levels drop at night which can cause anxiety, cramping, interrupted sleep, and brain fog just to name a few. NOTE: this is not a prescription to buy nutrients. That is not in my scope of service. Moreover, many supplements can contain too little or alarming amounts of a nutrient. The FDA's website as a list of running supplements that are contaminated with heavy metals, antidepressants, steroids and many other hidden ingredients (this list is just a sample and not all inclusive). Many people also do not realize that their nutrients listed could be synthetic forms which have a whole other host of problems. A highly reputable dietician or specialist will be able to tell you what brands have a good reputation and what form of the nutrient is best absorbed. Even then, I always do my own research and ask my pharmacist if it is safe to supplement with my prescription medication. It can be dangerous to supplement in the presence of certain conditions and intolerances. This is a very basic link on electrolytes and there are many factors to proper absorption of other nutrients needed to make your nervous system respond normally to stress and movement:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/344358-what-nutrients-does-the-muscular-system-need/