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I was wondering whether you have any products containing Mitoquinol/Mitoquinone or if not whether you know anything about them. I’m interested from the perspective of having two parents (one now deceased) with different forms of dementia. To say I am a little anxious about my future is an understatement. I know nothing can actually prevent the onset of this group of diseases but I’m looking for something with a protective effect or at least the possibility of keeping my brain as active as I can for as long as possible?
Mitoquinol is an antioxidant, rather like ubiquinol, both of which are involved in the production of energy at a cellular level. Although some manufacturers sell this in supplement form, most manufacturers of this compound state clearly that this is for research and not human or veterinary use, so I tend to stay clear of this, as there are other options which are, and have been, the subject of studies indicating their benefits for brain health.
I would suggest firstly taking Life Extension Mega Benfotiamine at a dose of just one capsule twice 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 300 mg twice a day, and this supplement provides 250 mg per capsule, 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.
It may also be prudent to consider the above supplement alongside Limitless Plus since this supplement contains two specific nootropic extracts from tomatoes and spearmint that work through a variety of mechanisms, such as trying to prevent plaque formation, protecting neuron health, and enhancing acetylcholine, which is thought to be involved in memory processes. Both of these supplements are generally regarded as safe for use with most medications.
My niece, aged 13, is feeling extremely tired after contracting Glandular Fever. I notice you suggest Lysine, but do you have any more suggestions apart from two weeks in the sun!
Lysine is recommended for glandular fever as an immune supporting nutrient and of course it displays anti-viral properties helping to eradicate many viral infections by "starving" the virus of the food, arginine, it requires to multiply. The tiredness is due to the fact that the virus also uses the enzyme, Coq10, which is the primary enzyme in the body for energy production. For a 13-year-old, it would be prudent to take Lamberts Co-Enzyme Q10 at a dose of one capsule daily to gradually restore energy levels.
I am assuming that your niece is getting all the nutrients from food but it might also be prudent to take a food state multivitamin liquid such as Source of Life Gold Multivitamin Liquid as often nutrient deficiencies can compromise the immune system leaving the body susceptible to infection.
I have been suffering with chronic pruritis for nine months and although it has gradually improved could you recommend any supplements to help with the itching and is it a problem with my liver? Although I’ve had a scan for fatty liver disease and it was negative, I did have my gallbladder removed two years ago and have been prescribed Questran to control my bowels. I would be grateful for any help.
There could be a variety of causes for the itching which could be bile acid malabsorption which is why Questran has been prescribed due to excess circulation bile acids in circulation causing itching and diarrhoea. The dose may need to be adjusted by your GP but there are other factors such as thyroid issues, dry skin, reduced bile flow, liver enzyme abnormalities (which would have been picked up in the test I assume), or systemic issues.
Initially, please take Nettle Leaf by Nature's Answer as nettles inhibit histamine that causes itching, and also have mild diuretic properties to eliminate a variety of toxins which is why they are often recommended for all types of allergies. It might be prudent to also increase bile flow using three of the most known herbal extracts including milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root. These are all found in the DoSe Milk Thistle Complex which should be taken away from any medication by two or more hours.
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I have evaporative dry eye. According to the consultant, my tears evaporate in three seconds rather than ten, which makes them feel uncomfortable and sore most of the time. The persistent redness makes me very self-conscious. I’ve tried so many different drops over the years, is there anything that could make a difference?
You should consider an inside-outside approach as evaporative dry eyes is associated with poor tear film quality. I suggest that you take Life Extension Tear Support capsules as these work to support healthy and quality tear production which helps promote eye lubrication.
I would also recommend taking Sibu Omega-7 Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules. This omega-7 supplement, used for a wide variety of dry skin conditions such as dry eyes, vaginal dryness and dry skin. works to provide this specific essential fat that enhances the quality of the tears making them less likely to evaporate quickly.
I am unsure if you have tried The Eye Doctor Advanced Triple Action Eye Drops since this drops have a lipid base that helps to provide longer term support for evaporative dry eyes, chronic dry eyes, and other eye concerns as the lipids slow down the evaporation of tears whilst also calming down inflammation that leads to redness.
Which supplement is better, Ashwagandha or Magnolia Rhodiola Complex?
Magnolia Rhodiola Complex is my supplement of choice because this scientifically studied supplement contains magnolia to reduce stress hormones, whilst l-theanine relaxes the mind and conversely helps focus and concentration. This supplement also works quickly in comparison to Ashwagandha.
Can you suggest a natural solution for oral thrush? My GP has diagnosed this from a photograph and prescribed a gel. The side effects look alarming and I have not started the treatment.
As a first step, I would recommend using Peri Gum Mouthwash Concentrate because this contains herbal actives that work to combat any bacterial or fungal infections, enhance localised circulation, which helps oxygenate gums and the tongue, and calm underlying inflammation in the oral cavity, which is associated with numerous concerns.
In addition, it would be prudent to eradicate this from within the body using natural herbs such as black garlic, cinnamon, and clove, all of which are in a supplement called Candipure. Please take a dose of one capsule twice a day.
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I have very poor sleep and although I don’t have a problem falling to sleep, I wake up at 3 am and get up at 6 am, so by lunch time I am really tired. Can you help?
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle helping to improve sleep induction, sleep duration, and quality of sleep. Whilst there is not a problem with you getting off to sleep, it is clear that you do not have sufficient levels of melatonin to keep you asleep suggesting lower melatonin levels. However, sleep is also influenced by magnesium which is important for sleep quality and deficiency exists in large numbers of adults.
Viridian Nutrition’s Cherry Night is a powder containing extracts from morello cherries which naturally contain melatonin, and this supplement also contains magnesium to relax muscles and nerves, and improve sleep pattern. This supplement gently helps to restore melatonin and promote healthy sleep over a period of a few weeks. (Viridian Nutrition, Cherry Night, £31.65)
DoSe Sleep Tight Plus is a more potent supplement for sleep and contains a blend of the herbal hypnotics and sedatives such as valerian, passion flower, oat extracts, as well as cherry extracts, magnesium, L-theanine and more. You may wish to take both supplements or perhaps start with the Sleep Tight Plus since sleep deprivation leads to inflammation in the body, and is responsible for a number of concerns.
My friend suffers from trigeminal neuralgia in her face and has done for years, is there a product that can help her?
Sinol-M contains capsaicin which works to desensitise the trigeminal nerve and so helps alleviate pain and other associated symptoms.
I have side effects from using Mounjaro, what can you recommend for constipation and also I drink lots of water but still feel dehydrated.
Mounjaro can cause constipation in some people since it slows down the digestive process. To keep you regular, please take Effervescent Vitamin C Magnesium Crystals three or four times a week. Both of these nutrients act as natural laxatives whilst also being therapeutic in nature. Mounjaro also affects the way body fluids are absorbed and electrolyte balance, so here I would recommend Viridian’s Electrolyte Fix Liquid daily.
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I’ve recently been diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagitis and have been prescribed Omeprazole. Is there any supplement that I can take that would help with symptoms?
With Barrett's Oesophagitis, it is important to reduce the amount of acid produced in order to prevent further damage to the cells lining the oesophagus, but of course by shutting down acid production nutrient deficiencies are very widespread so it is important to take a quality food state multivitamin supplement, and ideally in a liquid or capsule form because tablets are much harder to break down, especially because the amount of acid has been reduced. Here I recommend Living Multinutrient capsules, starting with one capsule daily away from the PPI medication, and then increasing after a few weeks to two capsules daily.
Esophacool lozenges are very good at protecting the lining of the oesophagus, helping to encourage healing by forming a raft and you can take them daily without fear of side effects.
What would you recommend for the eczema that has broken out on my daughter's hands after washing up without gloves?
I would suggest that your daughter uses Basix Skin Defence Cream which has been specially formulated for inflammatory skin concerns such as eczema and psoriasis working to calm down inflammation, nourish skin, and restores moisture in skin to combat dry skin. The eczema can be markedly improved by taking a zinc supplement since zinc heals skin quickly, which is why it is often found in creams.
A couple of months ago I noticed that a tendon was showing on my left hand and I’ve been finding the ring finger difficult to bend fully into the palm. I work for a podiatrist and she said this is the start of Dupuytren’s contracture and I wondered if there is any specific supplement or massage oil or cream that I could use?
The cause of Dupuytren's disease does not remain fully understood however we know that the condition occurs most likely after the age of 50 and runs in families. It gets progressively worse but at a slow rate. What we do believe is that these thick bands that restrict movement and pull the fingers towards the palm of the hand arise possibly due to inflammation of the tissues that cause these tissues to thicken.
Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture involves needling to puncture and break the cords of tissue that are pulling the finger towards the palm, steroid injections to calm down inflammation and/or an enzyme called Collagenase injected locally to break down the collagen fibres that form part of this thickened band of tissue. I suggest that you consider taking Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex to ensure that inflammation is kept to a minimum in order to slow down any progression.
I would also recommend spraying some magnesium oil every day, twice daily, on both hands since magnesium relaxes tendons and ligaments and its daily use should make your hand easier to bend and use.
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We are doing a lot of travelling in the near future and I wondered what you might suggest to help with jet lag?
There are three remedies which I tend to recommend for alleviating the multiple symptoms of jet lag. Firstly, I would suggest the most important supplement called NAD+ Generator, take one tablet every day, a week before flying and continue during and after your flight. NAD+ plays a vital role in cellular energy production and regulates the circadian rhythm. By supporting these functions, NAD+ helps to reset the body’s internal clock, boost energy, improve sleep quality, and reduce fatigue associated with crossing time-zones.
You may also wish to take a flower essence aptly named Travel Well by Flower Essences of Australia. This natural remedy helps to bring balance to the body so that you can have a normal and satisfactory circadian rhythm. Use twice a day for a few days before travelling and every three hours during the flight if you are awake.
I would also suggest a good vitamin B complex if you think that your diet does not provide sufficient amounts. B vitamins are gentle energisers of the body also working in hundreds of other processes. They help you to alleviate many symptoms of jet lag including fatigue, irritability, inability to focus etc. Terranova Vitamin B Complex with Vitamin C is a food grade supplement efficiently utilised by the body.
My daughter is pregnant and has suffered fairly chronic constipation despite having a healthy diet. I also have this tendency but have been helped by using Coloclear and Lepicol from time to time as well as Psyllium. I'm aware that these products could be contraindicated during pregnancy, so do you have any suggestions?
Although Lepicol may be suitable for use during pregnancy, I would prefer a gentler, safe supplement for constipation such as FOS or Caricol Sachets. FOS is a soluble fibre that retains water becoming like a gel that acts as a stool softener helping to relieve constipation. Caricol contains papaya fruit which has enzymes that break down food including stagnant food in the gut, again to provide relief but is easier to use.
I am sensitive to drops in oestrogen just before my period where I get menstrual migraines and hot flushes. I currently take 100 mg sertraline and wondered if there was anything you would recommend?
As you rightly point out, menstrual migraines are often tied to a drop in oestrogen before a period and natural remedies can be of great help, such as Sage Complex on an ongoing basis. This supplement contains plant oestrogens that mimic oestrogen but are not identical and hence generally without side effects. Sage Complex can be used roughly from the age of 35 when hormone levels begin to decline, and of course during perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Magnesium deficiency may be implicated, and often is as our diet cannot provide the amount of this mineral on a daily basis. Please take Neuro-Mag, taking one capsule three times a day for at least two months and then reduce to two capsules daily if necessary to maintain magnesium levels in the body. Ginger Capsules can be taken from a couple of days before your period and during as they have found to be helpful in stopping a migraine when taken at the onset. In fact some studies indicate better results than many medications.
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I had serious brain surgery three years ago and I was put on high dose steroids for two weeks before the operation to reduce the inflammation around the brain. The operation was successful but I now seem to bruise rather a lot. My blood tests are normal, so are there any vitamins or minerals I could take to try and improve this concern?
Purpura is a condition when small blood vessels leak blood under the skin due to physical impact of the area or due to vitamin deficiencies. 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 strengthen capillaries in the body and my suggestion is usually for a year.
A vitamin K deficiency may be implicated since this vitamin is essential for producing blood clotting factors. Assuming that you are not taking any blood thinning medications, then it might be worth considering taking this supplement for a couple of months to restore normal levels.
My daughter was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and accompanying hypothyroidism fifteen years ago. She is prescribed levothyroxine and her blood tests show that her thyroid function is within normal ranges although her antibodies are still sky high. She is still suffering with many of the symptoms predominantly weight gain and has been using Mounjaro for nine months with resulting reduced appetite, but no corresponding reduction in weight. Is there any supplement that may be able to help?
Nutrient deficiencies are very common and should be addressed for those with Hashimoto's. There are several nutrients known to be deficient, such as the B-vitamins, minerals like zinc, so it would be prudent to take an iodine-free multivitamin supplement such as Multi-Guard Iron-Free supplement. Certainly, the B-vitamins are known to yield energy boosting metabolism, so this should be of value for your daughter.
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 the thyroid hormone, leading to a generalised slowing down of metabolism with the side effects of tiredness and weight gain. Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex contains three of the most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective compounds and would be taken alongside the multivitamins.
Whilst the turmeric supplement will reduce inflammation and help with this concern, your daughter may wish to consider Green Tea capsules. This supplement contains strong levels of actives that work to encourage weight loss by boosting metabolism and fat oxidation. Obviously green tea works alongside calorie intake and exercise, and taking a supplement is going to be more effective than drinking green tea in tea form. Please ensure that all supplements are taken away from levothyroxine by at least two hours to be prudent.
My husband had a kidney removed six months ago following the detection of a growth. He has recently been experiencing slight numbness and tingling in his arms and fingers during the night. This dissipates during the day and our GP has recommended buying and wearing an arm/hand support for six weeks before further investigation. Heart and circulatory issues have been ruled out by the GP and his blood pressure is fine. Any additional advice would be helpful.
If circulatory issues have been ruled out, then it is possible that this may be associated with a lack of some B-vitamins especially Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerve function helping to maintain the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves, and other benefits associated with nerve regeneration and so on. A deficiency of vitamin B12 is high in adults over the age of 50, and more so with people in their 60s as we do not have a protein that transports this vitamin from the gut into the bloodstream. It is therefore important to take sublingual version of this vitamin that is transported from the mouth directly into the bloodstream. B12 Elite provides this important vitamin in this form and is easily excreted without putting a burden on the body.
After a nephrectomy, the body adjusts with one kidney and low electrolyte levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium can cause tingling. Your husband should speak to his GP and ask if he can take electrolyte drinks such as Electrolyte Fix Liquid.
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My eighteen-year-old daughter has R-CPD (Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction) which at times is very uncomfortable, even painful. The GP has never heard of it so she was unable to help. My research showed that the only solution is Botox injection in the cricopharyngeal muscle but even then it could be only a temporary relief. My daughter doesn't want to hear of it as she prefers natural treatments. I don't know how to help her. Have you got any advice?
As I am sure you are aware, R-CPD is a rare condition where the tight band of muscles at the top of the oesophagus fail to relax, preventing the release of trapped air and this also results in bloating, gurgling noises and flatulence aside from pain. It might be prudent for your daughter to take a specific magnesium supplement called Neuro-Mag. This magnesium compound has been shown to enter the spinal cord and then dissipate into the nervous system around the body.
Magnesium helps to relax both muscles and nerves, and with magnesium deficiencies being very high in the adult population, this supplement may be of great benefit when taken daily. May I also suggest improving her digestion by enhancing digestive enzyme production, taking Centaurium Tincture. Add 20 drops of this liquid into water and drink three times a day to enhance the whole digestive process from saliva production to breaking down food.
I’m scheduled to have two dental implants and was wondering if there were any supplements that might be appropriate to take before/after the procedure. I currently use Clinisept+ Mouthwash twice a day. I’m not sure if I’m going to be prescribed antibiotics yet.
It is important to prepare the body with nutrients and to support the immune system before the procedure and of course after as this can make a big difference in healing. Assuming that you have a good and healthy diet varied with oily fish, vegetables and fruit which provide nutrients, then please take Daily Immunity which contains herbal extracts, probiotics, zinc, and vitamin C to help support the immune system, immune function, and tissue repair. Please stop taking this supplement a couple of days before the procedure.
After the procedure, please continue to take Daily Immunity until you finish the contents and also take Liposomal Vitamin C. This form of highly bioavailable vitamin C provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties encouraging the healing of the gum tissues whilst also boosting collagen which is required in soft tissue healing. If you are prescribed antibiotics, then taking Daily Immunity will also help.
I'm hoping you might be able to offer some advice for the treatment of Molluscum for my four-year-old granddaughter.
Fulvic Acid Nail cream has worked wonders for so many people with varying ailments and it would not surprise me if this cream helped with Molluscum. Fulvic acid certainly displays anti-viral properties and so I would use this first before trying anything else such as Molludab which is widely available from chemists.
Molluscum is often thought to be caused when the body's immune system is not at its peak so perhaps support her immune system with a vitamin D3 supplement to enhance white blood cells.
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Can I ask if Bamboo Extract would be good to take ahead of a hip resurface operation and tear repair?
Whilst silica in Bamboo Extract helps to take all the nutrients to the sites that need it most, I would personally consider taking Superior Joints on a daily basis. Superior Joints contains Natural Eggshell Membrane which has been clinically studied and found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties helping to alleviate pain but also encouraging the healing of joint tissues. 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 all the joints from further degradation and may even enhance stability of the joint tissues over a period.
If you can, it might also be a good idea to take a collagen supplement such as Collagen Tripeptide Complex. Collagen's role in hip dysplasia is to provide mechanical strength and support to the joint tissues. Whilst the hip joint is primarily composed of Collagen Type I, there is justification in the use of collagen tripeptides as these are the smallest unit of collagen and are able to help because they are absorbed more efficiently than collagen peptides.
I’m looking for a good multivitamin for my 13-year-old daughter that gives her what she needs. I’m struggling to find a good all-round vitamin, and it is worth mentioning that she is vegetarian.
Virikid Multivitamin supplement contains twenty-six essential vitamins and minerals suitable for children between the ages of two and fourteen. This premium multivitamin supplement, suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provides all the nutrients at very good strengths to help support growth, immunity, and general health. Your daughter should take two capsules a day preferably one with breakfast and one capsule with the evening meal.
I have been diagnosed with a rare condition, Brachial Neuritis/Parsonage-Turner syndrome with phrenic nerve palsy. Can you please advise if there are any supplements that can help.
In the majority of cases this rare condition is idiopathic, meaning we do not know the causal factor although genetics, immune related, and other causes may be involved. It is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the shoulders, arms, and hands. Firstly, I would suggest that you take DIRTEA Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder. This mushroom extract has been the subject of ongoing studies for nearly two decades since it has been found that this extract enhances Nerve Growth Factors which are tiny proteins that are involved in nerve repair.
A vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and is a very common deficiency in adults past their 50s since we lose a protein that transports this vitamin from the intestine into the bloodstream. Hence vitamin B12 tablets will also now work which is why I would recommend B12 Elite which are lozenges containing this vitamin that is absorbed from the mouth directly into the bloodstream.
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I have a very sensitive digestive system with gastritis and IBS flare ups. With the help of your recommended supplements it is better and manageable, however I still suffer from constipation and taking extra fibre makes the bloating and discomfort worse. Can you recommend anything that could help?
Fibre is certainly not suitable for many sufferers of inflammatory bowel disorders and it can actually make matters worse causing bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort. I have often recommended taking Effervescent Vitamin C Magnesium Crystals twice a week to keep the intestine clear of matter because this stagnant matter causes toxin build-up leading often to the cycle of constipation, relief, and the return of symptoms. This supplement contains acidic vitamin C and Magnesium Citrate which have a gentle, but effective colon cleansing effect.
I would also emphasise the need for the right probiotic, such as Florassist Daily Bowel Regularity. This supplement contains very specific strains of beneficial bacteria that fuel the production of butyrate, a compound used by the cells lining the intestine to move matter through the gut. It is safe for daily use.
Is there anything that can help remove/prevent or reduce seborrheic keratosis? I have hundreds of very small ones all over my body, but mainly on my torso.
We do not fully understand the causes of seborrheic keratosis but it tends to run in families, it is certainly linked to age and there are numerous other theories. What remains clear is that there has to be some sort of inflammation that leads to the abnormal behaviour of cells. Taking Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex supplement may be of value as it helps to reduce any underlying inflammation that leads to these growths. Turmeric, or rather the actives in turmeric, also help to support the liver's detoxification cycles helping to remove chemicals that might cause inflammation.
I am sure you have read about apple cider vinegar being a used topically to treat seborrheic keratosis but equally lemon myrtle oil diluted down to 1 part to 10 parts of olive oil may be beneficial too.
I would be grateful for any advice you have on recurrent aphthous stomatitis. My daughter is 17-years-old and has suffered with mouth ulcers since she was young, but in the last couple of years she has had several bouts of very painful ulcers on her throat. She has used steroid mouthwashes and has taken vitamin B50 and zinc for some time. She recently had blood tests, but these were all fine, yet she is feeling under the weather. Can you offer any help?
I would recommend that your daughter continues with taking a vitamin B50 supplement since many B-vitamins are linked to mouth ulcers, however equally iron deficiency is linked and since your daughter is feeling under the weather, this may be more of a reason than just low immunity. I suggest taking Easy Iron Complex which contains iron bisglycinate, a gentle and non-constipating form of iron.
Whilst your daughter has used steroid mouthwashes, I would suggest that she gargles with Clinisept+ Mouthwash. This contains hypochlorous, a powerful antimicrobial agent but crucially displays anti-inflammatory properties to keep the oral tissues healthy.
