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WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?

To submit a personal health, wellbeing or skincare concern please email solution@victoriahealth.com.
22.07.2025

I have a dry scalp and often experience small painful red bumps which, will often disappear after a couple of days, but some are persistent and remain under the skin. My doctor prescribed a scalp application called Betacap, a topical steroid containing betamethasone valerate, but this has not made much difference and I am uncomfortable using a steroid product.  I am wondering if I have folliculitis?

The most common causes for painful red bumps on the scalp may be folliculitis or dermatitis. Whether it is folliculitis or dermatitis, I would recommend that you use Fulvic Mist every night spraying it onto the scalp and massaging the liquid. This spray contains Fulvic Acid which works to nourish the scalp and calm inflammation associated with dermatitis. If it is folliculitis, then the Fulvic Acid will also be beneficial because it displays powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.  You may also use Fulvic Shampoo which is calming and does not leave residue which can clog the scalp follicles.  Please leave the shampoo on the scalp for a couple of minutes to allow the actives to work. 

My mother has recently had her gallbladder removed and has ongoing bowel and bladder issues. She also suffers from swollen ankles and feet, making walking very difficult. Is there anything you could recommend to alleviate the puffiness from her ankles, but because of the bladder issues she is reluctant to take water tablets.

The gallbladder and the urinary bladder are two totally different organs and if your mother is experiencing bladder issues such as frequent urination, urgency, incontinence or pain, these symptoms are not directly caused by the surgery for gallbladder removal and possible reasons include a post-surgery UTI, surgical stress or anaesthesia effect, because medications such as antibiotics post-surgery can cause retention.
 
The body has two circulatory systems, the venous (blood) and the lymphatic system which play multiple roles so swollen ankles may be indicative of poor lymphatic drainage leading to swellings in feet and ankles. I suggest that your mother takes a supplement called Cleavers which helps to drain the lymphatic system and will help alleviate her concerns.

My 50-year-old son has just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and has been given a low dose of Bisoprolol Fumarate, 1.25mg. He has always had good health and is not taking any other medication. Are there any supplements which would be beneficial to him?

Atrial fibrillation is characterised by irregular, often rapid heartbeats or rhythm which increases the risk for cardiovascular problems. I am glad that your son has seen a medical practitioner to manage the risk, and we can certainly support this with natural remedies which may help to reduce the frequency or severity of any episodes.
 
There are two supplements which I consider to be important in supporting this concern and they are Magnesium and CoQ10. Magnesium is known to relax muscles and nerves, and since the heart is a muscle tissue with the nerves triggering its beats, the use of magnesium might be of value in regulating heart rhythm and reduce palpitations. I would recommend a very specific magnesium compound, Magnesium L-threonate, which has been shown to enter the nervous system. The supplement is called Neuro-Mag and I suggest your son takes one capsule three times a day.
 
I would also recommend taking DoSe Liposomal CoQ10.  This enzyme helps to provide energy to all the cells in the body including those of the heart muscle, and enhances circulation which oxygenates the whole body. It has many other benefits such as gum health, antioxidant protection, brain, and skin health. The liposomal version contains ubiquinone which has been the subject of recent studies revealing its heart protective benefits. Taking one teaspoon daily, this bottle will last for 48 days.

15.07.2025

I have recently been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome and from advice online I can no longer take supplements with high doses of vitamin A.  Please can you advise if Collagen Tripeptide Complex will be suitable for me and can you recommend any other supplements? 

Collagen Tripeptide Complex contains 44% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A which was set some decades ago, so this is going to be safe for you to take. For Gilbert's syndrome, I would suggest a quality fish oil supplement which works to enhance blood flow to the liver and so lessen the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream such as Bare Biology Life and Soul Omega-3 Fish Oil Daily capsules.


I would also recommend taking a quality liver health, support, and detoxifying supplement such as N-Acetyl-Cysteine. This is an amino acid known to enhance liver detoxification by enhancing glutathione production which also works to protect the liver from inflammation. Alternatively, you can take Liposomal Glutathione, the most bioavailable form of this potent, protective antioxidant.

My mother is getting terribly confused and although she has seen her GP, we need something to keep her brain functioning. I was reading about plasmalogens, do you think these will help or can you recommend an alternative?

Low levels of plasmalogens are often seen in individuals with cognitive decline concerns, however supplementing with this has shown mixed to no benefits which is why I would prefer the use of Limitless Plus. As far as your mother is concerned, I would suggest taking Life Extension Mega Benfotiamine at a dose of just one tablet a day although one could potentially take up to four capsules a day. This is a specialised vitamin B1 supplement which was the subject of a placebo-controlled trial and was found to help a number of scores associated with poor memory and age-related cognitive problems.
 
Although the study used 300mg twice a day, and this supplement provides 250mg per tablet, patients with mild cognitive impairment or early onset of these cognitive concerns were assessed for several brain health scores and found to have marked improvement in these scores. In addition, glycation end products which ultimately may contribute to numerous age-related health concerns such as declining memory were lower in those taking this supplement than those in the placebo group. I am sure that even a single tablet may have some desirable benefits if two tablets cannot be taken daily. 
 
It might be prudent to consider the above supplement alongside Limitless Plus since this supplement contains two specific nootropic extracts that work through a variety of mechanisms such as trying to prevent plaque formation, protecting nerve health, and enhancing acetylcholine which is thought to be involved in memory processes. 

I have osteoarthritis and would be grateful if you could advise  which product would be more suitable, Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex or Superior Joints?

Arthritis is a degenerative concern meaning it has to be addressed as soon as possible because acids produced as a result of joint degradation can cause this to worsen quickly. I suggest you take Superior Joints as it contains Natural Eggshell Membrane which has been clinically studied and found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties which will help with any joint pain but also it will help in supporting joint health.
 
Natural Eggshell Membrane contains several amino acids including proline and hydroxyproline which are thought to encourage healthy cartilage production as well as being vital for tendons and ligaments. Superior Joints also contains tart cherries to remove acids which cause pain, degradation and stiffness as well as hyaluronic acid to cushion the cartilage matrix in between joint tissues. Turmeric is added in a small amount to enhance circulation and for its anti-inflammatory properties. The use of this supplement may also help to protect joints from further degradation and may even enhance stability of the joint tissues over a period of time. 
 
For those with chronic arthritic joints, Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex can be taken alongside Superior Joints, but I would wait for at least six weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Superior Joints before introducing this supplement.  

08.07.2025

I’ve just been diagnosed with mild PCOS with the main symptom being irregular periods. The blood tests showed my hormones were within normal range. Are there any supplements you would particularly recommend?

PCOS is one of the most complex hormonal concerns as it is the interplay and balance between male hormones and the two female sex hormones that affects all other hormonal glands as well as skin and hair. Whilst the hormonal levels were within the "normal" range, often it is finite imbalances that can result in side effects of this condition.
 
I would recommend starting with two remedies, Chasteberry Extract to enhance the body to manufacture its own progesterone which helps with achieving balance, and Saw Palmetto Extract which works to prevent the conversion of male hormones into DHT which can cause a variety of inflammatory skin concerns, hair loss, and numerous other effects.

My husband has high blood pressure and is on two different blood pressure medications (Ramipril 1.25mg and Bisoprolol Fumarate 1.25mg) plus 75mg aspirin each day. He has also been put on Atorvastatin 40mg, which he started taking recently. He has just received a date for coronary angioplasty and friends have advised him to take CoQ10 as he on statins, is this correct?

Taking the correct type of Co-Enzyme Q10 is absolutely imperative for both cardiovascular protection and for mitigating the muscle and joint pain that often accompanies statin use. Statins deplete this enzyme, which ironically is the very important for protecting the heart as it helps to enhance energy in all muscle tissues, and its blood thinning properties work to enhance circulation which lessens the burden on the heart. 
 
There are two forms of CoQ10, ubiquinone and ubiquinol which the body works in cycles to constantly keep both levels as high as possible as both these compounds are required by the body. Recent studies suggest that taking a CoQ10 supplement with ubiquinone offers far greater heart health benefits than ubiquinol which is the reversal of long-held beliefs. DoSe Liposomal CoQ10 provides a strong therapeutic strength of ubiquinone which is bioavailable to the body delivering this nutrient directly to the cells and of course also ensuring that the side effects of statins are not experienced. All supplements need to be stopped ideally a week before any surgery or procedure to be prudent.

I have recently been diagnosed with periodontal bone loss and am awaiting my dental treatment plan, but I would like to explore anything which might help recovery or at least prevent further deterioration. As such, I was looking at Clinisept+ Mouthwash, but also wondered whether Bone Restore might be appropriate.  Can you advise?

Taking bioavailable forms of calcium can definitely help to prevent periodontal bone loss, but on its own this is not sufficient. Periodontal bone loss is caused by chronic inflammation and infection from periodontal disease, not just a deficiency of calcium. Calcium supplements will not stop plaque and tartar build-up nor alleviate gum inflammation such as in gingivitis or periodontitis. I am sure your dental treatment plan will cover the cause or causes, but in the meantime please introduce Life Extension Bone Restore Calcium Supplement with Vitamin K2 which provides the best forms of calcium and other bone building nutrients. 
 
I concur with the use of Clinisept+ Mouthwash as this alcohol-free mouthwash works to reduce inflammation, as well as working to eradicate anaerobic bacteria that live in pockets of gum tissue that cause its destruction. 

01.07.2025

I have a possible tear in my meniscus on my left knee and an inflamed Achilles tendon.  Both are swollen and very painful, so I wondered whether Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex will help?

Inflammation at any site of injury hinders the healing process so it is best to reduce the inflammation. Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex contains three of the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in turmeric root and so it will certainly help the healing process and it will also help also alleviate pain. Using Capsicum and Ginger Warming Cream around any area of injury also helps to alleviate localised pain and inflammation.

My partner has a type of bruising on his arms which I understand can be called purpura. I did get him some Lamberts Rutin and Vitamin C which he took for three months, but as he wasn’t sure if they were helping he stopped taking them about three weeks ago, but now some small bruising has appeared which bleeds if knocked. Can you please advise if this supplement is correct for this condition, and also should he be getting vitamin K as well, which I understand helps with blood clotting.

Without doubt Lamberts Rutin and Vitamin C is the supplement of choice for blood vessels such as capillaries that haemorrhage with the slightest knock. This supplement needs to be taken for longer than three months to help strengthen capillaries in the body and my suggestion is usually for a year. Vitamin K supplements can be helpful in managing the appearance of purpura. This is not a cure and may only help if there is a vitamin K deficiency which is common in many people over the age of 60, so I would advise that you consult with your GP on this issue.

I suffer with constipation, especially when I travel, and I saw Travel Biotic and I wondered if Travel Biotic would be better to take than Daily Bowel Regularity?

Travel Biotic is a probiotic supplement aimed at preventing travellers’ diarrhoea and so would not be the supplement of choice. Life Extension’s Daily Bowel Regularity supplement provides short chain fatty acids which the cells use as energy to move food and is beneficial when taken over a few months rather than just during your travels. 

 

When you travel, it would be prudent to use Super Cleanse for Colon which works to eliminate stagnant matter in the gut gently and I would suggest taking this a few days before the journey and during your holiday, or as needed.

24.06.2025

My husband had a tick bite recently which developed the characteristic ‘bullseye’ rash of Lyme disease. He did not have any other symptoms and is taking a precautionary three-week course of Amoxicillin which he is tolerating well. How should he ensure that the possible Lyme infection is fully cleared up and how can he recover his body from the side effects of a long course of antibiotics, particularly on his gut?

In some cases, a three-line antibiotic course is given to ensure no long term effects arise as a result of the tick bite. Whilst Amoxicillin is definitely one of the antibiotics commonly prescribed for ten to fourteen days, I would also suggest taking a herbal antimicrobial alongside this, such as New Nordic Dida.
 
Dida contains extracts of cinnamon which studies have shown to display antimicrobial properties on both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Additionally, oregano extract within the formulation further supports this since oregano contains carvacrol and thymol which are potent antimicrobial agents. This supplement is used for digestive comfort so I do not see a problem using it for your husband. 
 
Whilst your husband in on antibiotics, he should still take a probiotic such as Mega Probio. I suggest two capsules twice a day preferably with food two hours away from the antibiotic to allow the bacteria to thrive until the next dose of antibiotic destroys some of these friendly bacteria and the subsequent probiotic dose repopulates some of them to continue to carry out their myriad of beneficial roles. Please continue to take this supplement for a minimum of one month after the course to achieve a healthy gut environment.

 

While this advice offers supportive measures, Lyme disease can have serious long-term effects if not fully treated. A bullseye rash is a strong sign of infection and usually warrants immediate medical attention. Testing may be appropriate during or after treatment to monitor for lingering infection. Always consult a doctor—especially if symptoms persist or worsen after antibiotics.

I am currently experiencing tonsil stones. They are uncomfortable and sometimes I am able to remove them with a tonsil stone remover, but is there anything I can do or take to stop the build-up of debris.  I have good oral hygiene.

Firstly, a tonsillar stone is basically a combination of calcium with debris and that they are not always the easiest thing to remove. I have no doubt about your oral hygiene but in this case, we need to understand why they are formed and if we can prevent this to any extent or simply consider symptomatic treatment. The simple fact is we do not fully understand why these are formed but some people may simply have more bacteria in the mouth that get caught up in the crevices, others may have larger crevices, and others simply not chewing correctly so larger particles get caught up in these crevices. 
 
I think that you should consider gargling with Clinisept+ Mouthwash, which at the very least will eradicate these bacteria at the point of contact. It’s a hypochlorous solution which is safe to use daily and whilst it smells like swimming pool water, gargling results in a solution like water with the hypochlorous adhering to the tissues and killing the odour causing bacteria, calming inflammation which may lead to deposition of calcium onto debris to create a stone. There are other causes too such as post nasal drip where the mucus can deposit onto the tonsils, dry mouth syndrome since saliva rinses away debris and a lack of it means greater deposition possibility. 
 
Some say that a magnesium deficiency results in calcium deposition, but this remains unproven, others gargling with chlorophyll liquid because chlorophyll adsorbs all vapours but again its anecdotal.  I would be inclined to also take Liposomal CoQ10 since high bacterial activity of certain strains (anaerobic strains) can thrive in the tonsils and contribute to stone formation as well as bad breath.  Liposomal CoQ10 helps oxygenate all tissues and so the bacteria are less likely to thrive. 

I have been told via a blood test that I am deficient in folic acid and told to take folic acid 800mcg once daily for the three months. Is there a specific folic acid you would recommend?

​There are a substantial number of people who carry a gene variant that cannot convert folic acid into its active form called methylfolate resulting in deficiencies.  I suggest that you take Viridian Methylfolate capsules at a dose of one capsule twice a day which will provide you with 800mcg of active folic acid that the body can utilise whether you have this gene variant or not.

17.06.2025

My daughter suffers from painful trapped gas in her tummy and feels like a balloon has been inflated inside. Any thoughts on how we can manage this other than large doses of Gaviscon?

Trapped gas and bloating is often associated with a lack of digestive enzymes for a variety of reasons which can include hormonal disturbances, stress, or perhaps a food intolerance. I think that your daughter should start with a gentle herbal tincture, preferably taken in water, which helps enhance the body's own digestive enzymes as well as herbs that support the digestive process. That supplement is Vogel's Yarrow Complex Drops. 
 
Activated Charcoal is known to adsorb gas to help relieve bloating and gas. It has small, low-volume pores that increase surface area for absorption and binds to gas-causing by-products in the gut, helping to reduce abdominal discomfort. 

I  suffer terribly with chilblains in the winter and this last winter was really bad, but I also have incredibly painful heels and the pain was increased when I developed a crack on my heel, and now my skin is peeling. Can you recommend anything to help?

Heel fissures, or painful cracked heels, are associated with dry, thickened skin which then cracks and splits leading to pain and discomfort. There are of course other reasons for this which include standing for long periods, the wrong footwear, use of harsh soaps, and medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid concerns. However, I would suggest that you take Omega-7 Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules since omega-7 is a rarer essential fatty acid that is used to alleviate all types of dry skin conditions. The reason for the skin still peeling is from the after effects of inflammation which aside from eliminating natural oils in skin, also disturbs numerous processes in the body including energy production.
 
Topically, you might find Gehwol's Med. Salve for Cracked Skin to be useful as it contains bisabolol and pantethenol to help moisturise and heal skin quickly.

After two years of tests and examinations suspecting ALS and Parkinson’s, my mother has been diagnosed with ‘vascular ageing’. She suffers from muscle weakness, leg twitches, restlessness and backache. She takes Mirtazapine which has helped her manage her symptoms, but is there anything else which might benefit her? 

Vascular ageing refers to changes in the walls of the arteries leading to stiffness of the arteries. This causes a number of possible concerns in that less blood flows around the body, tissues are starved of oxygen and vital nutrients, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Some natural supplements may support vascular health and perhaps slow down vascular ageing and I would suggest taking three supplements which provide a broad range of benefits.
 
Firstly, I would recommend taking Optimized Resveratrol Elite. This potent antioxidant normally found in grapes has been the subject of numerous studies and helps to slow down certain aspects of ageing by protecting the linings inside the arteries and reducing damaging oxidative stress to the arteries. I would also recommend taking Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex which provides three of the most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in turmeric root which will be of value in protecting arterial elasticity.
 
Finally, Kyolic Garlic Extract 600 mg daily because Garlic has been shown to modestly protect the cardiovascular system and also improve the elasticity of arteries.

10.06.2025

Which probiotics do you recommend for C. Difficile?

A wide variety of probiotics have been used to prevent or treat C. Difficile infections. The best studied probiotic species for CDI are Saccharomyces Boulardii and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. I would suggest Lactobacillus Rhamnosus since this is a well-studied strain which naturally exists in the body. It works to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, or treat an infection by colonising in the gut and eventually displacing the pathogens. 

My son has been diagnosed with mild blepharitis. He is only 24 and I am therefore concerned as all the information says it's a long-term condition. Before diagnosis, I bought the Eye Rescue Lidstick and this does seem to have helped a bit. Are there any other supplements or solutions you can suggest?

Blepharitis is normally a long-term condition which can be controlled by taking the appropriate measures of eyelid cleansing, although it is not always associated with this and may also be due to allergies and other factors.
 
I suggest that your son cleanses the eyelid area every day with Ocusoft Lid Scrub Plus, which are pre-moistened wipes to reduce the numbers of bacteria responsible for blepharitis, the most common cause, and then follow with Hypochlorous Eye Lid Spray which provides a non-irritating, skin calming compound that works to eradicate the bacteria associated with causing inflammation. He can then follow this with the Eye Rescue Lidstick if necessary.

Could you please recommend anything for hand tremors?

First and foremost, it's important to see your doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions that may be causing hand tremors. Once you've had appropriate medical evaluation and testing, it's worth considering nutritional factors. For some people, hand tremors may be associated with a magnesium deficiency, which is quite common. Please consider Neuro-Mag which is a specific magnesium compound that has been shown to enter the spinal cord and then into the nervous system since magnesium relaxes the nerves that are triggered in hand tremors.

03.06.2025

My 11-year-old granddaughter is approaching puberty, what can you recommend for her to take. I was thinking Evening Primrose?

A lot of hormonal changes take place during puberty. The balance between oestrogen and progesterone is required for healthy periods and mood regulation but this can take some time to establish the balance. With hormonal changes, there is often an excess and the body needs to detoxify through the liver and gut. The liver's detox pathways metabolise the hormones and then they move to the gut to be eliminated. A healthy balanced gut will eliminate them but an imbalance of good bacteria will result in these metabolites being absorbed back so it is best to take a quality probiotic such as Mega Probio. 
 
As magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, it does not come as a surprise that magnesium is of value in balancing hormones, in calming the nervous system, in promoting oestrogen clearance through the liver, and provides numerous other benefits. I suggest taking Floradix Magnesium Liquid Formula at a dose of two teaspoons daily. 

I had a keyhole operation on my knee to repair a tear in the anterior meniscus and clear some wear and tear from the kneecap. The operation was successful, but my knee is inflamed, swollen, stiff and painful. Would you recommend any of your products for water retention?

Inflammation causes the body to retain fluid in the area as a self-protective mechanism, so I would suggest that you take Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex which contains three of the most potent active compounds found in turmeric root. As the inflammation comes down, the swelling will subside. You may also wish to apply Capsicum & Ginger Warming Cream to enhance localised circulation, help pain and reduce inflammation

A few years ago I became allergic to SLS  in toothpaste which gave me very sore flaky lips. I switched to a leading sensitivity brand which has been fine until now, but the paste has gone from white to blue and the long list of chemical ingredients is slightly different and is playing havoc with my lips. Can you recommend an alternative that will effectively clean my teeth without triggering my skin?

Manufacturers certainly change the ingredients, supposedly for the better, but often this may not suit everyone.  Two of our most popular SLS-free toothpastes are Green People's Peppermint and Aloe Vera Toothpaste and Nature's Answer Periobrite Toothpaste. Both have minimal chemicals although the list in Periobrite is large because of the number of herbal and non-herbal extracts such as CoQ10 and Folic acid.  I do think that Periobrite is one of the best on the market for total oral health. 

27.05.2025

My issue is falling asleep and staying asleep. This is a huge issue for me and I need support because it is making me tired and lethargic throughout the day, so what do you recommend?

May I suggest that you take a supplement called Sleep Tight Plus. This supplement contains a blend of traditional herbs that work to induce sleep and relaxation such as Valerian, Hops and Passionflower, as well as containing extracts of cherries which are rich in melatonin to help sleep duration. By ensuring that you get a good night's sleep, you should find an increase in energy levels as well as the ability to focus and concentrate.

We are going abroad shortly, but my husband seems to regularly suffer with cold sores, particularly with exposure to long periods in the sun. Is there anything he could take to prevent this happening so regularly?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and can be triggered by sun exposure due to UV radiation that can weaken the immune system making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate. They can also be caused by skin damage due to sunburn or stressed skin due to mild sun damage which can again cause the virus to reactivate.
 
I would recommend that your husband takes Lamberts L-Lysine tablets ideally two or three weeks before the holiday at a dose of two tablets a day preferably an hour before any food or 1.5 hours after food. Lysine is an amino acid that blocks the 'food' for the virus to replicate and hence this supplement keeps it in check.
 
It would also be prudent to use Lysine Lip Balm which contains L-lysine and monolaurin from coconut both of which display potent anti-viral properties. Use three or four times a day and follow this with an SPF 30 lip balm such as the Coola Liplux Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 and apply this regularly during sun exposure or outdoor activity.

Is there anything I can take to help regulate body temperature at night? I’m 39, not perimenopausal and have suffered with this issue for many years.

Feeling hot due to poor regulation of body temperature may be associated due to numerous possible concerns including hormonal imbalances, dysfunction of the nervous system, dehydration, which is very common, or other environmental factors. However, the most common causes are female hormonal imbalances and dehydration, so I would recommend taking Sage Complex to gently address any possible hormonal imbalances as this remedy contains several plant oestrogens together with a herb called Chasteberry which allows the body to manufacture its own progesterone. 
 
I would also recommend Electrolyte Fix Liquid which helps to hydrate all the tissues in the body and also contains Magnesium which helps with the nervous system.

20.05.2025

My daughter will soon be starting her A Level exams but is feeling exhausted despite getting sleep and her blood tests seemed fine too.  She is taking 20 mg Fluoxetine and is also taking Methylphenidate when she needs to focus. I’m not sure if there’s something she can take to give her some energy without contraindicating with her medication.

When taking Methylphenidate, some people may experience fatigue or energy dips, possibly due to nutrient depletion, especially magnesium. I would suggest that your daughter take Magnesium Complex at a dose of one capsule daily with or immediately after a meal. Magnesium Complex contains several magnesium compounds that support relaxation, quality sleep, physical energy, and cognitive energy for focus and clarity of mind.  As always, this should be taken a couple of hours away from any medication just to be prudent.

I’m having a hysterectomy and I’ve been pre-warned by several friends who have had hysterectomies that UTI’s are very common after the operation. Should I take Cysticlean before and after the operation?

Cysticlean is a specific type of cranberry extract high is PAC's which are antioxidants that may not be wise to use prior to the day of surgery but would generally be regarded as safe perhaps up to three days before and then immediately after to try and prevent UTI's.
 
I would also recommend that you take a high strength probiotic supplement such as Healthaid Femprobio capsules, which contains numerous strains that may be of value in both prevention and treatment of UTIs and you can take this supplement up to the day before your surgery since these strains release lactic acid, helping to reduce the numbers of pathogens that reside in the urinary tract

Can Ergothioneine Serum be used after red light therapy?

As I am sure you are aware, after red light therapy your skin is more receptive to actives such as Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, as well as other actives. Ergothioneine is certainly an ingredient that displays over 40 recognised skin benefits, including hydration, protecting the collagen matrix, and improving skin tone and elasticity, to name a few and you can use this serum safely due to its skin calming properties too.

13.05.2025

Last year I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease. I am taking Levothyroxine to assist my thyroid and whilst this is helping, it is not tackling my potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I am taking Vitamin D as I already know I’m deficient in this, but what else should I be taking?

Nutrient deficiencies are very common and should be addressed in those with Hashimoto's. There are a number of nutrients known to be deficient such as the B-vitamins, minerals like zinc etc. It would be prudent to take an iodine-free multivitamin supplement such as Lamberts Multi-Guard Iron-Free supplement. This supplement is ideal for postmenopausal women who require less iron in their diet.
 
Turmeric, or rather curcumin (one of its active compounds) is known to help Hashimoto's because it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Over time, the thyroid's chronic inflammation can result in less production of thyroid hormone leading to a generalised slowing down of metabolism with the side effects of tiredness, weight gain and so on. Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex contains three of the most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective compounds and would be safe to take alongside the multivitamins.  Please ensure that both supplements are taken away from Levothyroxine by at least two hours.

I am going away and wanted to know if there is a natural diuretic I could take to help with fluid retention. I do wear surgical stockings during the flight to help with swollen ankles but the last couple of years my ankles have remained swollen when I go aboard for the duration and the swelling doesn’t come down until I return home.

I would recommend that you take Viridian Nutrition Cleavers, which is an excellent diuretic and also works on the lymphatic system and so helps to prevent and treat swollen ankles and feet. Take this supplement a few days before your travels and during your vacation.

My seven year-old-granddaughter recently developed really bad eczema on the front of her hands when outside playing sport on a very cold day and they remain dry and sore, so can you recommend a product which would help?

The skin is dry and sore because of the inflammation which causes the loss of lipids (natural oils), so I suggest that she uses Hope's Intensive Dry Skin Rescue Cream two or three times a day. This cream contains calming and healing benefits from Chamomile, Calendula and Aloe Vera, in a base blend of several oils to help moisturise and alleviate eczema and other dry skin concerns. 
 
Please also ensure that your granddaughter takes a quality fish oil to help maintain skin's natural oils as well as providing all the benefits that omega-3s provide including support the health of the brain and eyes. Bare Biology Action Heroes Omega-3 Fish Oil is a high strength, clean fish oil supplement with a lemony flavour which does not repeat with only 1ml being used as a daily dose. This makes it easy to take and easy to mix into food or cereals.

To submit a personal health, wellbeing or skincare concern please email solution@victoriahealth.com.

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