WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?
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.
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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.
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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.
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Can you recommend anything to clear mucus from lungs and also anything for sinus problems? I suffer from primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
With PCD, firstly you want to ensure a healthy immune system in order to prevent respiratory tract infections and to this end, please take 2000iu of vitamin D3 every day and a quality probiotic such as Mega Probio because these beneficial bacteria work to produce immunoglobulins, which support the immune system. A lack of vitamin D3, which is very common in the adult population, means that white blood cells are less likely to engulf bacteria and viruses, allowing them to infect the body.
To keep the lungs clear, Nature's Answer Mullein Leaf would be a good remedy. Mullein is an expectorant working to keep the lungs clear of mucus and congestion. Sinus problems are also associated with PCD and I would recommend taking Viridian Horseradish and Garlic Complex since the volatile oils in horseradish keep the sinuses clear whilst garlic may help prevent sinus infections.
Can you recommend a Magnesium to help with sleep for my husband, who also has IBS? He takes Magnesium Citrate, but I don’t feel it does anything for him.
Magnesium Citrate is an acidic form of magnesium that can cause gastric distress for some as well as working as a mild gut cleanser due to its laxative properties. I would recommend that your husband take Neuro-Mag, two capsules at night. This contains a specialised magnesium compound, Magnesium L-Threonate, that has been shown to enter the spinal cord from where it can spread to the nervous system, providing multiple benefits such as relaxing the body and so helping to promote better sleep.
My 86-year-old mother has venous cellulitis on her leg which is now infected. She is taking antibiotics and a topical cream. Is there anything you can recommend to try and accelerate the healing process. She takes BP tablets and aspirin.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection often caused by a break in skin such as a bruise, cut or graze. I would recommend the use of Hydrosol Silver Spray to be sprayed onto the area in the AM and PM. This spray contains silver, which displays powerful anti-inflammatory properties that ensure a quicker healing of the inflamed tissues since inflammation hinders the healing processes. Additionally, silver displays powerful broad spectrum antibacterial properties. This could potentially be used in between the application of the cream provided, which is probably antimicrobial in action.
I would also recommend Liposomal Vitamin C. Since she is already taking antibiotics to eradicate the infection, all we need to do is to accelerate the healing processes, and vitamin C is an excellent choice as it displays potent anti-inflammatory properties and is required in skin for all the healing processes. Take one teaspoon daily and this is safe to take alongside her current medications.
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Are there any recommendations/data for interventions for Idiopathic oedema - more prominent during luteal phase menstrual cycle (gravity, heat, humidity causes exacerbation), difficulty losing weight and the optimisation of mitochondrial health/metabolic health?
The luteal phase, one of four phases in the menstrual cycle, is well known to cause fluid retention due to the increase in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It is not that simple in that there is a fine balance between the two that can be the cause. I would simply consider taking Nature's Answer Dandelion Root because this herb acts as a diuretic but at the same time, it is rich in minerals and so it replenishes the lost minerals through water loss.
As far as weight loss is concerned, there are many remedies but certainly a customer favourite is Healthaid CoffeeSlim capsules which contain ingredients to enhance calorie burning, curb appetite, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels and as far as mitochondrial health is concerned, I would recommend DoSe Liposomal CoQ10 since this enzyme is an antioxidant that helps protect the mitochondria and plays a crucial role is the process of oxidative phosphorylation, a process that enhances ATP which is the powerhouse molecule of the body.
I have been diagnosed with erosive gastritis and was prescribed two weeks of two omeprazole per day and although it improved, it hasn’t healed it. I have been eating bland foods and eradicated alcohol and fizzy drinks, but it’s persisting, do you have any advice please?
Alongside taking omeprazole to reduce acid production for a short period, I would suggest also taking Gastro-Ease. Gastro-Ease targets the damage done to the upper digestive tract. This supplement provides a unique approach in that it contains a specialised form of zinc which works to enhance mucus production which protects the stomach and the upper gut from further damage caused by any acid seeping through upwards or downwards. Additionally, this bioavailable form of zinc helps heal inflamed and damaged tissues. Gastro-Ease also contains a specialised probiotic strain to protect the stomach and the upper linings of the GI tract, which is why it is often recommended for erosion due to H.pylori.
It might also be prudent to consider a probiotic supplement such as Microbz Revive Probiotic Liquid. This is a specialised probiotic supplement aimed at the healing of the gut caused by inflammatory bowel disorders such as diverticulitis, IBS, colitis, and other digestive concerns. Aside from containing 15 species of soil-based probiotics which are part of our normal microbiome. This probiotic drink also contains Slippery Elm to soothe and protect damage and the amino acid, L-Glutamine, which is the most abundant amino acid in the gut, to repair damage to the intestinal cells.
I’m currently experiencing an outbreak of shingles. I’m not in too much discomfort; however, I do feel very tired and I wondered could you recommend anything to help boost my immune system?
A shingles episode usually occurs when the immune system is compromised so you are right in wanting to support the immune system. I would suggest that you take Daily Immunity at a dose of one capsule twice a day. Daily Immunity contains a comprehensive blend of nutrients and herbal extracts as well as probiotics, which all work in synergy to help support and bolster the immune system.
You can take Daily Immunity with Daily Energy, which is a gentle but effective supplement containing a blend of adaptogenic herbs to boost both physical and mental energy.
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After years of a mild but progressive skin discolouration, a skin biopsy had shown the rash is mild superficial extragenital lichen sclerosis. Do you have any recommendations?
As I am sure you are aware, LS is an autoimmune concern possibly caused by hormonal changes or genetics. Assuming that you do not have any vulval disease, and that this is affecting the common sites such as the inner thigh, buttocks, lower back, abdomen, and other areas, then I would simply use Thyme Out spray twice a day onto the affected areas. Thyme Out contains thyme extract which displays potent anti-inflammatory, soothing, cooling, calming and antimicrobial properties as clearly the skin biopsy has not picked up anything detrimental. Thyme Out also features a bath and shower gel with minimal ingredients for added support instead of using traditional bathing products.
I have recently been diagnosed with very high lipoprotein (a) levels. Is there anything you can suggest to improve the health of my arteries/circulation.
Lipoprotein a is a type of low density lipid that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is usually an inherited disorder, although increasing some types of fats in one's diet can also be a contributory factor. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the first step to reducing the risk for cardiovascular concerns. Although statins do not reduce Lipoprotein (a) levels, they are widely used for those at risk of heart attack and stroke. A natural approach to statins would be to consider taking Cholestsafe capsules which contain red yeast rice and policosanol known to lower all cholesterol types.
It might also be prudent for you to take a niacin supplement which has been shown in studies to lower this by approximately 40%. The nicotinamide supplement I have chosen is the amide of niacin with fewer side effects.
Could you please advise me on what I could take for indigestion/heartburn. I have had bouts of this for many years, it doesn’t affect my tummy too much although I do have a lot of air.
As far as heartburn is concerned, this may be due to a protein rich diet, a lack of digestive enzymes, and perhaps the loss of elasticity of the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus. I would recommend taking Centaurium Tincture. This herbal remedy works to enhance your own digestive enzymes to break down food since improper breakdown, especially of proteins, results in the symptoms of acid reflux. This tincture also works to enhance gastrin, a hormone that controls the tight band of muscles between the stomach and the oesophagus helping to prevent heartburn and any other symptoms of acid reflux.
My husband is a very healthy 80-year-old but we are moving house this year and I am anxious he avoids any stress on his heart. He walks every day, plays golf and has no problems at the moment but I was wondering if there was any supplement he should be taking to help prevent heart problems?
There are two supplements which are very important for heart health, CoQ10 and Hawthorn Berry extract. CoQ10 is used as a primary source by each and every cell in the body including those of the heart muscle tissue. By enhancing energy production by the heart muscle cells, CoQ10 can support overall heart health and may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and complications over time if taken on a daily basis. It also displays powerful antioxidant properties and oxygenating all tissues of the body which is why it is also recommended for energy production, protection against gum disease, and for numerous other concerns. Liposomal CoQ10 provides the most bioavailable form of CoQ10 with a therapeutic strength in a dose of only one teaspoon a day.
Also, Hawthorn berry extracts have been shown in numerous studies to enhance general circulation as well as coronary artery blood flow which is why it is used to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Viridian Hawthorn Berry provides a good strength without any synthetic fillers.
My husband is struggling with sleep and is considering a magnesium supplement. However, he does struggle with a sensitive stomach. Do you have a recommendation?
It would be advisable for your husband to take Viridian Magnesium Bisglycinate if he has a sensitive stomach since this magnesium compound is obtained by binding magnesium to an amino acid, glycine, which is readily absorbed into the body through the intestine without having a laxative effect or causing any stomach distress.
For nearly 15 years my left eye has been running almost constantly. It runs non-stop for maybe six weeks and stops for a few weeks then starts again. For a while I thought that Piriton tablets I was taking for hay fever had cured my eye problem but it didn't last. It's only my left eye. I've asked my GP and optician, but neither could offer any advice. Can you help?
There are any number of reasons for watery eyes on one eye which may be due to a blocked tear duct, allergy build-up to a product being used, an eye infection that has never been eradicated, crocodile tear syndrome when one eye waters a lot when eating or drinking, or the narrowing of the tear duct drainage system. I think that you should apply some hypochlorous spray to the eyes since this displays potent antimicrobial properties, is calming on inflammation, and may even help blocked tear ducts especially when used with a warm compress.
I will be visiting Egypt next month and am worried about getting ill. I have a very sensitive tummy, so please can you recommend a probiotic/prebiotic that would help me. I have read that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in a strain of at least 30 million is recommended.
Many people travelling to Egypt complain of digestive discomfort and this is going to be even more important if you already have a sensitive stomach. Viridian’s Synerbio Rhamnosus GG provides 10 billion microbes per capsule and whilst the recommended dose is one capsule twice a day, you may wish to begin taking this at least a couple of weeks before your travels and then increase the dosage to one capsule three times a day whilst on holiday.
I would also suggest taking Viridian Travel Biotic which contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of yeast that is termed a probiotic because it helps with reducing inflammation in the gut and helps the other probiotics to flourish which is why it is often used to treat diarrhoea and other GI concerns.
I’ve recently been to see an optician as I’d been experiencing some distortion in my left eye. I found out that I have torn the macular in my left eye and I’m waiting to hear from the macular clinic at the moment. However, I wondered if there is anything I can do to help speed the repair?
A macular tear or hole can be repaired by an operation called virectomy and the sooner the surgery is carried out, the greater the chances of successful closure. I am unaware of any supplement that closes the tear or holes but it might be a good idea to consider taking Astaxanthin with Phospholipids. This powerful carotenoid antioxidant supplement provides multiple benefits for the eyes in that it is readily absorbed into the eye area supporting concerns such as macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, retinopathy and oxidative damage whilst reducing inflammation in the eyes.
I am currently on HRT and have also been on Omeprazole for acid reflux and I have been told that it’s useful to take magnesium alongside Omeprazole to protect bones from being weakened. I’ve tried to research it but I’m not sure which type of magnesium is best, so can you please advise.
PPI's are known not just to cause magnesium deficiencies but a spectrum of both vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is therefore better to take a food state multivitamin supplement such as DoSe Daily Multivitamins which supplies these nutrients in their most natural form for the body to utilise. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, then please consider adding a quality bone health supplement such as Bone Restore Calcium Supplement.
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My granddaughter, who is nine, is currently taking Rennie to help with reflux as she has an immature gut. She has been assessed by a consultant for any other problems connected to reflux but nothing has been found. I have a hiatus hernia myself with reflux and have been using the Esophacool and Esophaguard to much success. I wondered if I could recommend this product for my granddaughter?
The main causal factor for the acid reflux in children beyond infancy is usually because of the immature sphincter which is the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to keep the contents of the stomach in place. I suggest that your granddaughter takes Centaurium Tincture at a dose of nine drops three times a day. This tincture works to enhance digestive enzymes to break down food, especially protein-rich foods known to be hard to digest, efficiently and additionally it influences the production of gastrin, a compound that governs this muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus. Centaurium is safe for long-term use if required.
Probiotics may be useful in helping with acid reflux since they work by helping to promote a balanced microbiome meaning a healthy balance of bacteria. They may help to reduce the frequency, recurrences, and severity of acid reflux. I suggest Mega Probio at a dose of one capsule daily
I’m in my 60s and am having problems sleeping at nights. I have seen your articles about magnesium would this be the best thing to take? I do take Omeprazole and because I am unable to take HRT, I wondered if you could recommend something to help with night sweats?
Taking proton pump inhibitors like oOmeprazole can result in deficiencies of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals since suppressing acid production results in improper breakdown of food and so less availability of nutrients to the body. Magnesium deficiency is widespread in the adult population and in your case may be further exacerbated by the use of this PPI. Please take DoSe Magnesium Complex and start with just one capsule at night.
Medically, when women cannot take HRT, antidepressant medications are often prescribed due to their nerve relaxing properties, so here I would recommend a herbal supplement, such as Magnolia Rhodiola Complex, which contains magnolia extracts to relax the nervous system. In very small studies, vitamin E at a strength of 400iu has been shown to help some women with alleviating night sweats and may be worth adding to your regimen.
I am suffering with puffy lower legs which stops at the ankle. I don't think it's water retention as taking electrolytes and other remedies has not made any difference. It's not painful just unsightly and slightly tender if pressed hard. Do you have any suggestions?
Leg swelling in the absence of water retention may be caused by inflammation to the joints, certain medications such as some BP, hormonal and antidepressants, or may simply be a circulatory issue, perhaps poor valve function within veins. It might prudent to consider taking a circulation enhancing supplement such as Diosmin Plus which contains a blend of herbs as well as a specific bioflavonoid which works to try and restore elasticity of the valves over a long period of time.
