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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.
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I’ve recently been diagnosed with an osteophyte in my finger joint which is a result of osteoarthritis. What supplements can you recommend for me to take to help with pain management and movement to help reduce the possibility of it occurring elsewhere.
An osteophyte or bone spur is a side effect of osteoarthritis, ageing or tissue injury. Joint damage is the most common cause so I suggest that you take Superior Joints, two capsules once daily. Superior Joints 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 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 all the joints from further degradation and may even enhance stability of the joint tissues over a period of time.
I've been taking anti-histamines for four months due to a flare-up of urticaria on my scalp. I've read that Nettle extract can help, can you recommend anything?
Nettle extract helps to inhibit the production of histamine, but equally it inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, an inflammatory metabolite that sends some of the follicles into their resting phase. I would suggest taking the Solgar Nettle Leaf Extract, and it might also be prudent to consider using a topical spray, Fulvic Mist, which is a deeply nourishing, rejuvenating hair mist containing fulvic acid which calms underlying inflammation in the scalp.
Can you recommend a supplement for post-menopausal weight gain around the midriff and back?
Midriff weight gain is often associated with very low female hormones because this has a direct impact on the adrenals (stress and energy) and these glands are also in communication with the pancreas which produces greater amounts of insulin. Insulin is a fat depositing hormone and so this results in weight gain especially around the midriff region as more fat cells are located there. Please take Magnolia Phellodendron Complex which works to reduce stress hormones and insulin indirectly. Some gentle exercise alongside this supplement should be of value.
Is there a supplement that can help ease episodes of vertigo?
Ginger displays powerful anti-emetic, anti-nausea, and anti-inflammatory properties and so can help with vertigo and related symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Studies indicate its effectiveness for vertigo when compared to a placebo. Ginger Capsules by Lamberts provides a strong and therapeutic dose of Ginger and Ginger is also available as a tea for further support.
I suffer from Atelectasis and Bronchiectasis and am troubled with catarrh and cough (I take Symbicort and Ventolin inhaler) and my breathing is not that good. Is there anything else you could recommend?
Coughs and catarrh are a common occurrence often due to the medication's localised irritant effect. I am an advocate of halotherapy which is the breathing of salty air. It is considered a great therapy for people with breathing difficulties because very ultra-fine particles of salt tend to help breathing and also heal inflamed linings which can cause coughs and catarrh. Halotherapy is available these days in salt pipes, and each salt pipe inhaler lasts approximately five years with regular use.
I had an open shoulder operation recently, it is still sore and I have an 8 cm scar. Please can advise me what I should take to get stronger.
The operation on the shoulder invariably will involve trauma to the soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons which are predominantly made of collagen fibres. I suggest that you consider taking Collagen Tripeptide Complex which contains a highly bioavailable form of collagen, together with vitamin C, which aside from helping to manufacture collagen, also displays anti-inflammatory benefits.
Topically, if the pain is still lingering, please spray on Ancient Magnesium Oil Ultra which provides magnesium chloride to work locally to relax the nerves and muscles and hence alleviate pain. Please ensure this is applied around the area and not directly on the open wound or scar.
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I have been taking iron supplements for six months due to low iron levels. My recent blood tests show that despite this, my serum iron, serum c reactive protein and transferrin levels are all very low. I'm waiting to see if this could be due to rheumatoid arthritis. Is there anything you can recommend to help my body absorb iron more successfully?
As I am sure you are aware, high C-reactive protein levels indicate inflammation somewhere in the body whilst high transferrin levels indicate that there may be an iron deficiency since this protein carries iron in the blood. This coupled with low iron suggests reduced iron availability. Whilst there are many synthetic iron supplements, and natural ones too, the one that I prefer in these cases is Ionic Iron. Ionic Iron provides iron in exactly the state that the body needs to utilise it - in its ionic form. Taking this supplement provides 22mg of highly bioavailable iron which is far greater than synthetic iron supplements providing 300mg of iron bonded to other compounds.
I would also take Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex since this is one of the best supplements to combat inflammation in the body and so reduce C-reactive protein levels.
I have a runny nose and eyes in the morning usually when I am walking in the fresh air, can you please recommend something to help?
It is clear that airborne allergens are responsible for the runny nose and eyes which can arise from pollen, fungal spores in the air, as well as pollutants. I would recommend that you take Aller-DMG tablets. This supplement contains extracts of nettle to inhibit excess histamine responsible for your symptoms, bromelain which acts as an anti-inflammatory to calm down the sinuses and other supporting nutrients.
My hygiene is fastidious and yet since February I have been seriously upset at being unable to get rid of a most intense itch in the pubic triangle. Regardless of what I wear, trousers or dresses, the problem persists and my GP seems at a loss. Can you offer any advice?
I’m so sorry to hear how much discomfort and distress this has been causing you, and I completely understand how upsetting and frustrating it must feel to deal with persistent itching and skin changes. Based on your description, it is possible that the condition could be lichen sclerosis (LS). LS is a chronic skin condition that most commonly affects the genital and anal areas, causing intense itching, white patches, and sometimes tight, fragile skin. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve autoimmune factors.
I would suggest that initially you try using the Topida Intimate Hygiene Spray which is a soothing spray used to control itching and discomfort associated with vaginal infections but equally I do not see why this cannot be used for LS. If the itching still remains unbearable, then consider also using Coconut Oil which may help further with the tightness, itching, and sometimes burning skin. Finally, you might wish to consider taking Nettle Leaf drops daily. Nettle leaf works to inhibit histamine and its diuretic properties also help to eliminate inflammatory chemicals and toxins from the body which is why it is recommended for skin allergies as well as respiratory allergies.
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My mum is 91 and has recently had a Doppler test at her GPs. They said her APBI readings were low at 0.5 and 0.6. She also had an injury to one of her legs several weeks ago which has caused an ulcer. The ulcer is slowly healing with regular visits to the nurse to have it dressed, however she does occasionally get pain in the surrounding skin. She is now on a 12-week waitlist to have treatment with the NHS for the low APBI Doppler readings. Is there anything she can take in the meantime to help with this?
The ABPI Doppler test indicates that the arteries in the legs are blocked or narrowed. This is currently borderline, but damage is there because readings lower than 0.5 indicate severe disease or even ischemia. Assuming that she is not on blood thinners, she should take Diosmin Plus capsules at a dose of one capsule twice a day. This supplement helps to slightly thin the blood allowing flow everywhere and on a long-term basis, the increased circulation will also be beneficial for her leg ulcer.
I am suffering from sinusitis, I have had antibiotics, a nasal cream, and I am now on a sea water inhaler and a steroid inhaler, but I am not feeling any better. I have a headache, but what is really concerning me is the awful brain fog. Please can you advise?
The side effects of headaches and dizziness, and possibly brain fog, are very likely associated with the sinus infection and blockage, as in sinusitis. I would suggest the use of Viridian Horseradish and Garlic Complex as a first step. The volatile oils in horseradish help to break down any bonds that form and so ease its breakdown, so the sinuses do not get infected, but in case they do, the garlic in the formulation helps to reduce the number of infection causing bacteria that can lead to sinusitis.
The side effects of headaches and dizziness, and possibly brain fog, are very likely associated with the sinus infection and blockage, as in sinusitis. I would suggest the use of Viridian Horseradish and Garlic Complex as a first step. The volatile oils in horseradish help to break down any bonds that form and so ease its breakdown, so the sinuses do not get infected, but in case they do, the garlic in the formulation helps to reduce the number of infection causing bacteria that can lead to sinusitis.
I would also recommend that you use Sinol-D which is a decongestant spray containing sea salt, aloe vera eucalyptus. Sea salt and aloe vera should be of value in calming the inflammation locally that leads to sinus congestion and inflammation
I’ve recently been diagnosed with FND. I’ve weakness on my right hand side in my arm and leg. Also I suffer from vertigo and headaches together with lots of other symptoms. Is there anything you would recommend?
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where the network of signals in the nervous system don’t work correctly, which can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, some of which you have mentioned. Since magnesium is a key mineral for the nervous system, and a deficiency of magnesium can be linked to vertigo and headaches, I would recommend that you try a supplement containing magnesium L-threonate, a form that has been shown to enter the nervous system through the spinal cord and into the brain. Please take Neuro-Mag at a dose of one capsule three times a day.
