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A friend has a stressful job with periods of increased stress when deadlines are imposed. He is currently going through such a period. He works late and is finding it difficult to sleep well. He has also developed itchy skin without any known allergies and no changes to his environment. Is there anything you could recommend to assist him during this period?
Stress of course affects many of the body's processes including sleep, energy, as well as allergies due to the fact that stress hormones are not only inflammatory but also affect the histamine-producing cells. I suggest that your friend takes Magnolia Rhodiola Complex, one capsule morning and evening. This supplement contains magnolia extracts which work to physically relax the body and reduce levels of stress hormones. Rhodiola extracts work to enhance serotonin uptake which improves mood and also improves sleep pattern. The amino acid, L-theanine in the formulation, works to enhance alpha waves which relax the mind and conversely improve focus and concentration. In studies, eight out of ten people also enjoyed a good night's sleep, and is safe to be taken for as long as is necessary.
At time of stress, the adrenals rely on huge amounts of B-vitamins which are often referred to as the stress vitamins. They are involved in many processes such as mood, brain function, energy production, and more, and deficiencies can be high at times of stress resulting in sub-optimal function of the whole body. I would suggest Bioactive Complete B-Complex which contains several bioactive forms of the eight B-vitamins.
I am suffering with urine infections and don’t want to keep using antibiotics. Can you help?
The majority of UTI's are caused by the bacteria, E. coli, which live in the digestive tract and then enter the bladder. There are several causes for urinary tract reinfections but primarily, for menopausal women and beyond, the cause is the change in the pH lining of the bladder walls encouraging the flourishing of this bacteria and a few others too.
We would recommend the use of D-Mannose. Mannose is a long chain carbohydrate molecule that attracts these pathogens onto its sites, and because mannose is insoluble in the body, these pathogens are excreted away helping to reduce infection times. Waterfall D-Mannose tablets are designed to help relieve the symptoms of UTI's and support overall urinary tract health. D-Mannose is also effective in preventing and treating urine infections, providing both immediate and long-term bladder support. Please take one tablet daily for preventative purpose and one tablet four times a day to treat an infection.
I have been diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis just over a year ago in my spine vertebrae, L4 and 5. I have had steroid injections with little improvement and physiotherapy which has helped somewhat. I struggle to walk far and feel exhausted most of the time. Can you suggest any supplements etc that could ease the pain?
As I am sure you are aware, spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward or backward over the bone directly to it, usually due to wear and tear as we age, but sometimes also associated with trauma or injury to the area as well as genetics. I would suggest that you take Superior Joints, two capsules once daily. Superior Joints contains Natural Eggshell Membrane which has been part of the review by the NIH concluding that it helps to alleviate joint and muscle pain rapidly. This eggshell membrane also contains hydroxyproline and other amino acids aimed to help stabilise cartilage when taken on a long-term basis.
In addition, Superior Joints contains hyaluronic acid to cushion the cartilage matrix in between bones, cherry extracts to neutralise acids that cause pain and stiffness, ginger and a small amount of turmeric for their circulatory benefits in removing acids, and other vitamins known for their role in joint health. This supplement aims to support not just for joints but also aims to support inflammation of the soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
You may also wish to consider spraying some Ancient Magnesium Oil Spray onto the back twice a day. This specific form of magnesium helps to relax muscles and nerves and when applied topically, works rapidly to provide relief from pain. The magnesium from the spray is also absorbed transdermally through the skin into the bloodstream where it also works from within the body. Additionally, MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory within the formulation works to further support pain relief.
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A friend has started to break out with hives on her legs including her thighs. She is in general good health, so can you recommend anything to help?
There are many possible causes of sudden hives, including allergic reactions, medication reactions, insect bites, heat, pressure, or infection. It would be a good idea to have your friend assessed by her GP, but in the interim period, some people find Nettle Leaf drops a useful traditional herbal option — nettle has long been used in herbal traditions for skin reactions. Take these two or more hours away from any medications. Nettle also has mild diuretic properties, so caution is advised if your friend is taking diuretic medication. Topically, Thyme Out is a cooling spray that some people find soothing on irritated skin, thanks to its antimicrobial properties from thyme.
My husband is in absolute agony with his left knee, it is twice the size of the other knee, hot and extremely painful. The doctor has said it's gout, he has had a cortisone injection which didn't help and put on tramadol, but he had side effects. He is waiting to have a scan, can you suggest anything that would help?
Whilst gout usually affects the big toe, it can also affect the larger joints due to the build-up of uric acid crystals. As far as pain relief is concerned for his knee, I would recommend that he takes Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex which contains three of the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in turmeric root. Since gout is a build-up of uric acid, I suggest that he also takes Uric Acid Control, a supplement aimed at inhibiting uric acid and one that may help in hopefully eliminating this build-up that is causing pain. Topically, he may consider using Capsicum and Ginger Warming Cream and gently massaging the area since this works to increased localised circulation to help remove any compounds that cause pain and also works to desensitise the nerves that send signals of pain.
What can you suggest for stopping diarrhoea 24-hours-a-day with acute diverticular disease?
The most important remedy to stop diarrhoea quickly is Enterosgel Sachets. This contains a unique form of hydrated silica which works to adsorb pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals that may be responsible for diarrhoea. I would also recommend taking Saccharomyces Boulardii. This is a probiotic strain that works to enhance the microbiome in the gut and also works to stop diarrhoea by calming any inflammation in the gut.
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I recently had a total knee replacement. I am due for a wound check, but I would like to support the wound recovery process and minimise scarring. What would you advise?
The two most important supplements for speeding up wound healing and recovery are Vitamin C and Zinc. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is well known for its immune supporting properties. Aside from supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of infection, Vitamin C plays a crucial role in post-surgery healing as it helps to reduce inflammation which disturbs the healing processes. One of the key functions of taking vitamin C during the recovery process is its ability to enhance collagen manufacture. Collagen is a protein which provides structure and strength to skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
During the recovery phase, the body needs much higher levels of collagen to repair surgical wounds and the trauma to damaged tissues. I suggest taking Liposomal Vitamin C, which is the most bioavailable form of vitamin C supplement. Unlike most acidic vitamin C supplements, which are ill-absorbed, Liposomal Vitamin C shields this important nutrient in a bubble-like particle which delivers vitamin C to all the tissues in the body. Zinc plays a critical role at every stage of the wound healing process including reducing inflammation, helping with collagen manufacture, and enhancing skin turnover and repair. Zinc glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc.
Finally, apply Sheald Recovery Balm which works locally to enhance cell renewal to help the healing process.
Please can you recommend something to reduce my belly fat. I am menopausal, I am very active, but I haven’t had this issue before.
Weight gain around the midriff is very common during menopause, even in people who are active and haven't struggled with it before. As estrogen declines, fat storage tends to shift from the hips and thighs toward the abdomen — this is a well-documented hormonal shift. Stress can compound this too: chronically high cortisol is linked with increased appetite and a tendency to store fat viscerally, around the organs and in the belly, so ongoing stress can make the picture worse on top of the hormonal changes already happening.
Some people also look at supplements like Magnolia Phellodendron Complex to help reduce excess cortisol that leads to copious production of insulin closely linked to weight gain and the accumulation of visceral fat around the midriff and there are a handful of small studies suggesting it may modestly lower cortisol and reduce stress-related eating.
Please note that whilst this supplement aims to reduce cortisol, a concerted approach to diet and exercise will help to shed the weight in addition to taking this supplement. The things with the best evidence behind them are strength and resistance training, which helps preserve muscle mass and metabolic rate that both decline during menopause even with regular cardio; adequate protein intake to support that muscle maintenance; and good sleep and stress management, since poor sleep and chronic stress both push cortisol up and can worsen abdominal fat storage. It's also worth having a conversation with your GP if this is a noticeable or fairly sudden change, to check thyroid function and general metabolic markers.
I started gargling with sesame oil since I read about its benefits in an ayurvedic blog, but it has upset my mouth microbiome as I cannot eat anything spicy. Can you please guide me on what to do?
Sesame is a common allergen and the proteins it contains may cause an immune response in the mouth. I would recommend that you gargle with Clinisept+ Mouthwash which contains hypochlorous, a compound aimed to help to calm inflammation in the mouth and heal tissues quickly. I would also suggest that you restore the microbiome in the mouth by taking Oraldiet Lozenges.
I am currently suffering from terrible constipation and I find Fybogel uncomfortable and I have severe bloating. I had my gallbladder removed in February, so do you think Complete Fibre Cleanse can help me?
Fibre is not always the answer to severe bloating and constipation for some people as it can too much bulk to the stool making the transit time even worse. Having said this, fibre is important for gut health and for overall wellbeing helping the bacteria in the gut to thrive, removing plaque that build up (from insoluble fibres such as psyllium), but adding more of it is not always a good idea as this can shock the system and of course one needs to drink a lot of water. I am going to suggest a regimen that you should take as below:
Digestive enzymes break down food in the gut ensuring it does not stagnate leading to constipation. Our production of these declines with age and we have half the amount by the time we reach our 30s, and of course stress and other factors further exacerbate the situation. Please take one DoSe Digestive Enzyme Complex with a main meal and this will help to also reduce bloating.
For a one week, or maybe two, please take Super Cleanse for Colon taking one tablet in the morning and one in the evening with water ensuring you hydrate during the day. Do not worry about increasing the dose as written on the label. This supplement clears the bowel gently, effectively, and is non-habit forming. After you have regularity, we need to focus on the most cause which is a lack of digestive enzymes
As I have mentioned, fibre intake is important but best to start with a lower dose of say one teaspoon daily with sufficient water. Complete Fibre Cleanse provides both soluble and insoluble fibres as well as probiotics involved in the last stage of digestion. Without a gallbladder, bile flow is altered leading to disruption of normal bowel movement. Please consider taking Milk Thistle Complex every day to ensure good bursts of bile rather than smaller amounts. Take with a main meal.
I have been suffering with excess saliva for the last two years and it seems to be getting worse. I’ve had Botox in my left saliva gland and it did help for a while. Is there a supplement I can take to help reduce the amount of saliva?
Antihistamines and anticholinergic medications can reduce saliva and cause a dry mouth, but if you want to try a supplement, there is limited evidence that Ginger may help with hypersalivation and so I would suggest taking Lamberts Ginger Capsules at a dose of one capsule daily as this is a high strength ginger supplement.
My husband had a heart attack two years ago and is doing well on heart medication. He is going to start Wegovy to help with weight loss and the online pharmacy application suggests taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. What would you recommend as there seems to be so many restrictions with heart medication.
Yes, a multivitamin is worth considering — GLP-1 medications like Wegovy often reduce appetite significantly, which over time can affect intake of essential vitamins and minerals. I suggest a food-grade multivitamin with low doses of the essential vitamins and minerals so that he is not taking mega doses of anything but just needs to keep the body nourished. I suggest Terranova Living Multinutrient Complex at one capsule daily when he does eat something to maximise the availability of these vitamins and minerals. Because he's on heart medication following his heart attack, it's really important to check this against his specific medications with his pharmacist or GP before starting. Some heart medications, particularly anticoagulants like warfarin, interact with Vitamin K.
The second consideration is protein. Reduced appetite on GLP-1 medications can lead the body to draw on muscle protein for energy, risking loss of muscle mass. Since 1.2g of protein per kg of body weight is hard to reach through food alone on a suppressed appetite, a daily scoop of Organic Whey Protein Powder can help maintain protein intake.
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I am suffering with back and neck osteoarthritis, can you recommend anything to help?
There are some excellent remedies that work both in the short term to alleviate pain and in the long term to stabilise the cartilage matrix. I would recommend that you take Superior Joints, two capsules ONCE daily. Superior Joints contains Natural Eggshell Membrane which has been part of the review by the NIH concluding that it helps to alleviate joint and muscle pain rapidly. This eggshell membrane also contains hydroxyproline and other amino acids that are known to help stabilise cartilage when taken on a long term basis. In addition, Superior Joints contains hyaluronic acid to cushion the cartilage matrix, cherry extracts to neutralise acids that cause pain and stiffness, ginger and a small amount of turmeric for their circulatory benefits in removing acids, as well as Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage and copper, which contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues and therefore can be beneficial to cartilage.
When joint tissues start to wear, acidic compounds are released that cause pain and stiffness. These acids, if not eliminated, cause more destruction of the cartilage and the bones which is why arthritis is degenerative in nature. Please take Uric Acid Control for one or two months to help in removing these acids from the bloodstream.
You may also wish to consider spraying some Ancient Magnesium Oil Spray onto the back and onto the back of the neck. This specific form of magnesium helps to relax muscles and nerves and when applied topically, works rapidly to provide relief from pain. The magnesium from the spray is also absorbed transdermally through the skin into the bloodstream where it also works from within the body. Additionally, MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory within the formulation works to further provide pain relief.
I have kefir most mornings with my breakfast and wondered if it is ok to also take a probiotic. I have been getting a lot of wind recently after eating, particularly after my evening meal and first thing in the morning. Would taking a probiotic help this or make it worse?
You can generally take a probiotic alongside kefir. Fermented foods like kefir do contain live bacteria, though how much survives stomach acid and reaches the gut can vary, so many people choose to add a supplement on top. If you do, look for a dairy-free, low allergen probiotic with acid-resistant strains, such as Mega Probio. Probiotics play a role in the later stages of digestion, so they may help with wind and other digestive discomfort for some people, though it can take a little time to settle in. Excess wind, particularly after meals, can also sometimes be linked to insufficient digestive enzymes, so a digestive enzyme complex taken with your last meal of the day is another option some people find helpful alongside a probiotic. If the wind is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, it would be worth mentioning to your GP to rule out anything else going on.
My daughter has just had her third 3rd C-Section and is doing very well but would like advice on supplements to aid her recovery if you could help please.
You have not mentioned if your daughter is breastfeeding, however she should be taking a post-natal multivitamin supplement, but if not then I would suggest taking Zita West Revital Essence which contains vitamins such as vitamin C, minerals such as zinc, all at the right strengths suitable for use if she is breastfeeding or otherwise, while also helping the body through the recovery stages of achieving hormonal balance.
If your daughter is not breastfeeding, then aside from the Revital Essence, I would suggest taking Liposomal Vitamin C which is the most bioavailable form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the structural protein needed to heal the abdominal tissues and the skin incision. It also helps support the immune system and any excess is usually excreted away as it is a water soluble vitamin. If your daughter's surgical team have confirmed that the wound is sufficiently closed, then topically there is nothing better than Sheald Recovery Balm to help during the remodelling phase.
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My son has suddenly developed alopecia. Can you please advise on the best treatment?
Assuming that your son is not going through excessive stress or has changed his diet considerably, then the hair loss may be attributable to the levels of androgens or male hormones. In women this occurs due to the gradual decline in female hormones with age, and in men it is due to an overabundance of these male hormones. Since the body works within very finite levels of all hormones, these excessive androgens are converted into DHT, a hormone that is known to cause underlying inflammation in the scalp leading to thinning hair and hair loss over time.
I suggest that your son takes Superior Hair capsules daily. This supplement contains herbal extracts that prevent DHT formation and so work to prevent thinning and hair loss. The supplement also contains a small amount of biotin to enhance keratin production, and zinc and copper for their multiple benefits for hair, skin, and nails. For some men, iron deficiency may be the cause of hair loss since an iron deficiency sends parts of the scalp into their resting phase. Since iron is also involved in energy production, it might be prudent to take Terranova Easy Iron Complex which provides a high absorption, non-constipating form of iron together with natural vitamin C to enhance its absorption. This should help energy and hair loss too.
I would also encourage the use of a range of topical hair products. These topicals contain the hero compound, Fulvic Acid, which binds with 65+ trace elements and minerals to nourish the follicles and crucially target underlying inflammation which leads to hair loss. The shampoo and conditioner do not leave a residue behind in the scalp follicles, such residue often clogs follicles which can lead to hair loss. The mist works to rejuvenate the scalp follicles and I recommend leaving the shampoo and conditioner on the scalp for a couple of minutes before rinsing, allowing the actives to work.
I have two prolapsed discs in my spine and foot drop from nerve damage. I also have osteoarthritis in the facet joints in my back. I am now finding that when I go up and down stairs, one of my knees always crunches. I'm guessing this is arthritis and will eventually cause pain. I have previously taken Superior Joints, however I wondered what the best option would be now, given my crunching knee.
Superior Joints is definitely our bestselling joint supplement and it may still be worth keeping in your routine. However, given the crunching you're noticing in your knee, it could really be worth adding in Hyaluronic Acid Capsules. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main lubricating components of joint fluid, and levels naturally decline with age, often by 50% by the age of 40. A shortfall can lead to less cushioning between joints, which is often linked to that crunching or grinding sensation, along with increased wear on the cartilage over time. Restoring hyaluronic acid levels helps cushion the joint, which may help alleviate discomfort and support flexibility.
I have purchased a bottle of Cleavers as my eczema has returned after fifteen years. Can I take Cleavers indefinitely, if it works?
Cleavers, aside from supporting the lymphatic and circulatory systems, is also considered a gentle daily tonic and many people take it on an ongoing basis, though it's sensible to take periodic breaks rather than using it continuously without pause. Cleavers does have mild diuretic effects, so if taken daily, please drink plenty of water — and preferably an electrolyte supplement to stay hydrated and replenish lost minerals, since dehydration can also contribute to inflammation — such as Electrolyte Fix Liquid. Please ensure Cleavers is taken a couple of hours or more away from any medication.
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Can you recommend something for Dupuytren nodules. Is CoQ10 effective for this?
The cause of Dupuytren's isn't fully understood, but it's known to become more common after age 50, often runs in families, and progresses slowly over time. The thickened cords that pull the fingers toward the palm are thought to involve inflammation and thickening of the connective tissue.
Treatment of Dupuytren's 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, aimed at supporting the inflammation itself. Hand exercises, deep tissue massage, and heat treatment might be valuable, such as using Hot and Cold Wrap.
As for CoQ10, there is a suggestion that isolated cases have been potentially successful taking CoQ10 because antioxidants are supposed to prevent inflammation, but the Turmeric Curcumin C3 provides three antioxidants and would be my first choice.
I have lichen sclerosus, which is managed by steroid cream, however every so often I get vaginal burning, discomfort and symptoms which mimic a UTI. GP advice is to apply steroid cream for one week. While this does give some relief, the burning usually recurs. What would your advice be?
Recurrent burning, despite the use of a steroid cream, suggests that there may be another cause, such as an idiopathic infection, skin irritation (which can occur with repeated use as steroids can thin the skin) and/or vaginal dryness due to lower levels of oestrogen. It might be a good idea to consider the use of Kolorex Vaginal Care Cream, which contains a powerful natural antimicrobial, Horopito, together with the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera and other herbal extracts and oils. This cream may be used indefinitely, if required, to try and perhaps help prevent recurring burning symptoms. Also consider taking colloidal oatmeal baths, which can soothe any irritated skin as well as provide comfort.
My 35-year-old son-in-law has had a painful big toe a couple of times in the past year and his uric acid levels are slightly raised. The GP thinks it’s probably gout but would like him to try to manage it without medication. His diet is good and he doesn’t drink very much. What would you suggest?
Gout happens when uric acid builds up in the blood and crystallises, often around the big toe joint, causing sudden, sharp pain and swelling. Since your son-in-law's GP is already managing this without medication, some people find Uric Acid Control by Life Extension a helpful addition alongside dietary measures, one capsule daily, as this is aimed at preventing the build-up of uric acid.
Tart cherry juice is also worth considering — some studies have linked it to fewer gout flare-ups, and cherries are rich in anthocyanidins, which have antioxidant properties. 30ml of CherryActive Concentrate diluted in water daily is a reasonable way to include this, alongside the other joint and antioxidant benefits cherries offer.
My son is suffering with gastritis and prescription medicines are not helping. What would you recommend to help with the tummy pain, nausea and acid reflux. I would be so grateful if you could help. He's only 21 and it has really been affecting his life for the past two years.
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which normally protects your stomach wall from the stomach acid that can otherwise erode the lining and cause inflammation, leading to acid reflux and other digestive concerns. A common cause of gastritis is infection with H. pylori, which is acid-resistant, so symptoms can persist for a long time if it isn't properly identified and treated. Other causes include alcohol use, severe stress, frequent use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, and bile reflux.
As this has been going on for two years and hasn't responded to prescribed treatment, it would be worth going back to your GP to ask about testing (or re-testing) for H. pylori and reviewing whether further investigation is needed. In the meantime, I would suggest that your son considers Biocare Slippery Elm Complex, Mastic Gum and Mega Probio. The Slippery Elm Complex is traditionally used to help coat and calm the stomach lining which helps to reduce the digestive symptoms considerably. Mastic Gum has a long history of use for digestive and stomach comfort. I suggest taking this for a few months. Probiotics can be a helpful addition if you son is suffering from this infection, and in any case, it is important for almost all digestive concerns, since they stop these bacteria from attaching to the stomach lining. Mega Probio provides acid resistant strains that can perform this role.
I'm 54 and find that by mid-afternoon my concentration really drops — I lose focus in meetings and feel a bit foggy. I saw Limitless Plus mentioned on your site. Would this help with everyday mental sharpness, or is it aimed at something else?
Limitless Plus is designed as a general brain-support supplement for everyday mental sharpness — things like focus, concentration, and mental clarity during busy or demanding periods — rather than anything to do with memory conditions, so it sounds well suited to what you're describing.
It contains Neumentix™, a spearmint extract studied for its role in supporting focus and mental clarity, alongside tomato fruit extract, Benfotiamine (a form of vitamin B1), and zinc, which contribute to normal nervous system function and help protect cells from oxidative stress. Many people find it useful during periods of mental demand, whether that's work, study, or simply keeping sharp through the day.
As with any supplement, it's not a substitute for the basics that most affect afternoon fog — sleep, hydration, and regular breaks — so it's worth thinking of it as one part of the picture rather than a fix on its own.
I am 56 and have been told that I have small deposits of drusen at the back of my eyes. Could you please recommend a supplement that I could take for my eye health?
Drusen are tiny deposits of protein and fatty material under the retina, and small ones like yours are quite common, especially from your mid-50s onwards — they're often just monitored rather than treated. It's worth keeping up with regular dilated eye exams so your optician or ophthalmologist can track whether they change over time. In terms of general eye health support, many people look to supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids, such as Nutrof Total, which are more usually associated with supporting macular health. If you'd like to add another carotenoid-rich option like MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron as this contains all the carotenoids and a patented flavonoid known to protect our vision cells and enhance night vision
