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WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?

To submit a personal health, wellbeing or skincare concern please email solution@victoriahealth.com.
17.12.2024

I have to go on a high fibre diet. Could you recommend products that will help me to get to higher fibre levels?

Fibre is important for the body to function and the recommendation is to consume 30 grams of fibre per day from sources that provide both soluble and insoluble fibres. The fibre supplement that I would recommend is Complete Fibre Cleanse. This supplement provides both soluble and insoluble fibres. Both are absolutely important to the body; soluble fibre may help to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels whilst insoluble fibres attract water into the stool making it easier to pass whilst cleansing the gut of plaque and harmful micro-organisms. Take one teaspoon twice a day to provide the body with approximately 8 grams of fibre. 

What could cause hair loss in a 14-year-old girl?

There are several factors involved in hair loss in young women which include hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, genetics, and in some cases underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders. Ideally, we should initially try and nourish the follicles with ionic minerals to calm down underlying inflammation that leads to disturbed signals for hair growth and sends parts of the scalp into their resting phase. The supplement providing these ionic minerals is Ionicell for Women and I suggest a dose of one capsule daily. 
 
Topically Fulvic Shampoo and Mist are both hero products working to calm down inflammation in the scalp whilst nourishing the follicles directly without leaving residues and the recommendation here is to leave the shampoo on the scalp for a couple of minutes before rinsing. 

I was advised not to take Ibuprofen due to inactive diverticulitis, however it is the only thing that really works on severe pain, what can I take instead?

The herb Boswelia serata has been the subject of a few studies showing that its anti-inflammatory benefits are on par with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, without the side effects of gastric disturbance.

10.12.2024

Can you recommend anything which might help with bursitis?

As I am sure you are aware, bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion our bones, tendons, and muscles. I would recommend that you take Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex which provides a patented extract derived from turmeric root that contains three of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories to help reduce the inflammation in these bursa.
 
Topically, Atrogel Arnica Gel contains therapeutic concentrations of arnica (not homeopathic concentrations) and this applied locally displays anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to be just as effective as some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory gels. 

My 12-year-old granddaughter has just come through a bout of pneumonia. How can we protect her lungs going forward as she has been having coughs on and off for nearly a year or more.

Firstly we need to protect the lungs using a salt pipe inhaler. Halotherapy, as in using a salt pipe inhaler, helps to calm inflammation in the respiratory tract as well as detoxifying the pulmonary and respiratory system. It is popular because salt is detoxifying (not table salt). I am a great advocate of halotherapy which is the breathing of salty air. It is considered an effective therapy for people with breathing difficulties because ultra-fine particles of salt tend to also heal inflamed linings in the whole of the respiratory tract and each salt pipe inhaler lasts approximately five years with regular use.  
 
I think that you should also consider a supplement to help support her immune system with Sambucol Immuno Forte which contains the multiple benefits of elderberries, zinc and vitamin C. This is soothing and safe to be taken on an ongoing basis and certainly until Spring.

I have an exam and I’m struggling to retain information and focus. I am currently on antidepressants so is there anything you could recommend?

I would suggest that you take Limitless Plus. This supplement contains two patented extracts created for immediate, medium, and long term memory. It contains extracts from the tomato plant and spearmint plant and is safe to take with antidepressants or other medications. May I also suggest that you consider taking Lamberts L-Glutamine, take three capsules daily preferably half hour before food or one and half hours after food. Glutamine is important in memory and learning and is converted into glutamic acid which is the fuel source of the brain.

03.12.2024

Are you able to offer any guidance on why I wake up with mucus/phlegm in my throat every morning. My GP thinks it’s allergies but this has been going on for years now. Which vitamins or remedies would you recommend to ease the problem?

There could be a number of reasons for this mucus build-up overnight including allergies (environmental), dietary sensitivities such as an acidic diet (milk, potatoes, tomatoes) or sinusitis, as well as dehydration that causes inflammation of the nasal passage leading to excess mucus production. I would recommend that you take Plantago Tincture. This herb displays soothing properties in the respiratory tract calming down inflammation and also helps to break down the bonds that form mucus easing its expulsion. Plantago Tincture is also very safe and can be taken on an ongoing basis without fear of side effects. 
 
It might also be prudent to take a zinc supplement for the next month or two. Several small studies show that zinc calms down inflammation in the respiratory tract and maintains healthy mucous membranes.​

I've been suffering with loose bowel movements for the past year, I’ve been for tests and bloods, stools etc and they have all come back clear. I have a healthy diet, but I used to suffer from IBS as a child and if I’m nervous my stomach will misbehave. Can you help?

The most common cause for loose bowel movements is inflammation in the gut whether due to IBS, stress or any other reason. I would suggest that you first try two products, one for one month at a dose of just one sachet daily diluted in 200ml water, called Enterosgel Sachets, and the other a very specific probiotic, called Travel Biotic containing sacharomyces boulardii that works to calm inflammation in the gut, therefore helping the other beneficial bacteria to thrive in the gut. It also works for treat diarrhoea effectively which is why it is often recommended to be taken when travelling. 
 
You can continue with the use of Travel Biotic on an ongoing basis and if the stools still need bulking then you can add Psyllium Husks but only after a month's usage of the above two recommendations.

Every winter my husband gets the same cracked sore skin around his fingers and nothing seems to make it better or go away. Is there anything you can recommend please?

For many people, cracked sore skin around the fingers worsens during the winter months due to the dry air causing dryness of skin. I would recommend that your husband uses two creams, one for the day and the other for night. Gloves In A Bottle is a shielding lotion that allows natural moisture to be locked in whilst protecting skin for about four hours from environmental aggressions. Use AM. 
 
Fulvic Nail Cream is a deeply nourishing and moisturising cream containing fulvic acid to provide ionic minerals that encourage healing of tissues. Also included are essential oils of tea tree and lemongrass for their skin healing benefits. Use PM. 
 
I am assuming that you husband does not suffer from dry skin anywhere else, but if so he might be deficient in omega-7 fatty acids and so these work to moisturise from within to alleviate all dry skin conditions.

12.11.2024

My grandchildren have hand, foot and mouth disease, can you suggest anything that can help them recover please. Also how can they prevent getting it in the future?

As I am sure you are aware, hand, foot and mouth disease, HFMD, is a contagious viral infection that generally affects children under the age of 5, although it can also affect older children, teens and adults too. You have not listed the ages of the grandchildren so I am assuming that they are under the age of five so we should support the immune system with a quality probiotic for children since a large percentage of our immune system arises from the gut, so here I recommend Synerbio Viridikid Powder together and a vitamin D3 supplement since this vitamin enhances what are termed killer cells which engulf bacteria and viruses.
 
If there is a rash on the knees, elbows and buttocks which then morph into blisters (which start to break open and contain the virus) then perhaps the application of Thyme Out spray to these areas might prove useful since thyme displays powerful antimicrobial and even antiviral properties. It is imperative to wash hands frequently and anything that is liable to come into contact with these blisters.

I am almost certain that I have athlete’s foot. I have an itchy slightly painful sensation between the toes and skin is a bit red and raw. I am 35 weeks pregnant, so is there any treatment that I can safely try?

At this point in time, I would recommend Fulvic Nail Cream to be used three times a day. This nail cream contains fulvic acid, a powerful natural anti-fungal agent combined with three other antifungals, coconut oil, lemongrass oil, and tea tree oil. It is totally safe to use during pregnancy and should be effective at getting rid of this fungal infection.

My mother has started to get incredibly swollen, angry eyelids that limit her vision and are uncomfortable. It lasted about three weeks and after a week’s respite it has now returned.  Can you recommend anything?

Since we do not know if the swelling is due to blepharitis or mild eczema, or diet related, I would use Hypochlorous Eyelid Spray which contains a solution of hypochlorous which calms down inflammation rapidly and also displays potent antimicrobial properties since this type of reaction is often due to surface bacteria or bacteria that may reside in the tear ducts. 

05.11.2024

I have recently left hospital after a really bad attack of cholecystitis/inflammation and slight perforation of the gall bladder. I am waiting for an appointment to discuss removal, but wonder if you have any suggestions as to what I could take to hopefully prevent a reoccurrence. I have changed my diet to much lower fats.

Cholecystitis is usually caused by the build-up of bile often due to gallstones that may block the flow. TUDCA is a natural remedy which was used in a study to encourage gallbladder emptying and was monitored by ultrasound. In just a few weeks, symptoms were significantly reduced in patients and their gallstones had shrunk significantly.  Aside from dietary changes, some people have reported benefits in the use of apple cider vinegar as a gallbladder cleanse.

I am having some issues with extremely dry ear lobes after what I think is a reaction to hair dye.  I am currently using Thyme Out, antihistamines and hydrocortisone, can you recommend anything else?

Dry skin on the ear lobes is usually associated to inflammation as a result in this case of excess histamine due to the allergic reaction. Please continue to take the antihistamines until the redness has disappeared and apply the hydrocortisone cream sparingly.  To address dry skin, please use DoSe Squalane Oil either after the application of the cream, or anytime during the day. Squalane oil is almost identical the natural oils produced within skin. When skin gets inflamed, these natural oils are lost often causing dryness. This light, non-greasy oil face oil can be used anywhere on the body should address the dry skin issue quickly.

I’ve had perioral dermatitis for some months now and have tried several OTC and antibacterial (prescribed) creams. The rash area moves around, but never completely clears up. I don’t really want to take antibiotics. Is there a natural solution please?

Perioral dermatitis may be caused by a number of factors such as allergies, dehydration in skin, repeated application of steroids to the face, hormonal changes and other possible factors. Although commonly confined to the mouth region, this can spread to the nasal area and eyes too. Triggers include the use of heavy moisturisers, cosmetics, certain kinds of toothpastes including fluoride in toothpastes, so please consider changing to Green People's toothpaste for the time being. 
 
I would recommend that you take Terranova Zinc Complex since zinc helps to heal skin tissues when inflamed and Oil of Oregano remains one of the strongest natural antimicrobials on the market if you wish to consider this instead of an antibiotic. (

29.10.2024

My son is very prone to migraines when he is under stress; is there anything you can recommend for him?

Stress certainly triggers headaches and migraines because the nerves constrict resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Magnesium is the crucial mineral for relaxing the nerves and for improving the stress response and it works quickly, so please consider the use of Neuro-Mag.  This magnesium contains a specific magnesium compound that has been shown to enter the spinal cord and thus work on the whole of the nervous system without causing drowsiness.

My six-year-old daughter has always struggled with going to the toilet. We’ve seen the doctor a few times and always been provided laxatives which help, but give her diarrhoea. Last year the doctor said to give her a multivitamin which she started taking and she has had no problems since this, going more regularly without the medication. However, the last two weeks she has been struggling again. Is there anything you can recommend to assist her, or as the multivitamin definitely worked is it best to stick with that and see if her body regulates itself again?

Certainly a multivitamin supplement can be useful in ensuring that your daughter gets sufficient nutrients during growth and development, especially sufficient folic acid which helps by stimulating digestive enzymes and acids. However, It might be an idea to consider the short term use of Caricol sachets which contain an extract of papaya fruit rich in enzymes to break down food efficiently, helping to prevent and treat constipation.  Please also ensure that your daughter takes a quality probiotic for the immune system and for digestion such as Optibac Strawberry Kids Gummies.

I am 67. Should I take calcium supplement since I suffer from bone spurs?

Bone spurs are tiny growths of bone that grow near joints and are often a result of inflammation or are a sign of joint destruction such as in osteoarthritis. I suggest that you take Superior Joints capsules. This supplement contains Natural Eggshell Membrane which displays powerful anti-inflammatory properties together with hyaluronic acid to cushion the cartilage, cherries to remove acids that cause pain, and a small amount of turmeric and ginger to enhance circulation around the joints and display mild anti-inflammatory properties. This supplement should help to curb inflammation and offer some repairing benefits hopefully preventing more bone spurs.

22.10.2024

I wonder if you can suggest anything that may help my husband. He has been diagnosed with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) having had numerous attacks of severe dizzy spells recently that literally take him off his feet.

BPPV is a concern associated with the inner ear sending false messages of spinning or some sort of movement to the brain. Very few herbs actually work for this concern but I have outlined two herbal supplements that work really well for vertigo, labyrinthitis, and other ear problems. Plantago Tincture works to unblock mucus, even in the inner ear, and is often used for glue ear. It has mild antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties which helps calm inflammation and this may be the cause of the signals being sent to the brain. It is also reported to work for tinnitus which is also to do with the nerves triggering the fine hairs in the ear canal.

 

Ginger tea helps to address nausea, vertigo, disorientation and so on. We do not fully understand how ginger works but it does tend to help quickly to address these symptoms. I have deliberately selected the tea and not the capsules because the capsules are of high strength and need to be used with caution with blood thinning medications, which he has been prescribed.

I have recently been diagnosed with sarcoidosis and I am confused about what supplements I can now take. I am feeling extremely tired all the time.

Sarcoidosis is an abnormal production and accumulation of cells often due to an over-reaction of the immune system.  You should avoid herbs such as echinacea that stimulate the immune system, vitamin D as an excess of this is produced in sarcoidosis, and avoid calcium supplements unless osteoporosis is present. Aside from these three, you can take mostly all other supplements but always best to check first. Since sarcoidosis has an environmental link as well as the immune system link, if the sarcoidosis is present in the lungs then I would highly recommend using the Cisca Salt Pipe because this provides the extensive benefits of halotherapy .

I currently take Mega Probio to help with IBS symptoms. I’ve seen that you also recommend DoSe Digestive Enzyme Complex, so is one better than the other for IBS symptoms?

For people with inflammatory bowel disorders such as IBS, both are equally important because probiotics work to neutralise acids and toxins that can cause inflammation whilst digestive enzymes are important because they work to calm down the sites of inflammation and to break down food efficiently. At the sites of inflammation in the gut, there is no vitamin or nutrient absorption which is why many people with inflammatory bowel disorders have vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

15.10.2024

I have suffered for years with facial spasms and have been diagnosed with Hemifacial spasms. Can you recommend anything to help ease the spasms?

There are many tips to help with facial spasms such as getting sufficient sleep, massaging the face and neck area in particular, and of course Magnesium and vitamin B12 supplements. Whilst magnesium is a good relaxant of both muscles and nerves, I would recommend that you try a more potent muscle relaxant in the form of a supplement called Magnolia Rhodiola Complex. Whilst Magnolia Rhodiola Complex is aimed at reducing stress hormones and elevating mood, it also displays more potent nerve relaxant properties than any vitamin or mineral and would be my first choice. 
 
Please also spray some Pure Magnesium Oil twice a day to the neck area since magnesium, though less active, does work when applied locally

Can you recommend anything for my 12-year-old who suffers from PMT.  She gets very tearful, emotional and down for the three days before her period.

symptoms by the secretion of various hormones, into an overdrive mode resulting in changes in mood. It is clear that this change is producing far greater amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and so I would suggest starting with a liquid magnesium supplement. Magnesium is known to relax muscles and nerves, reduce stress hormones and improve the stress response which is the body's ability to deal with stress. Additionally, low magnesium levels, often associated with female hormonal imbalance concerns, can increase stress symptoms which in turn can reduce magnesium levels. I suggest taking Floradix Magnesium Liquid Formula.

 
It might also be prudent to take a supplement containing L-theanine. This non-specific amino acid works to enhance alpha waves which relax the mind and conversely help focus and concentration. Elthea is a registered product that I think will also benefit and it is in a capsule format, but if your daughter cannot swallow this then the capsule may be opened and the contents put into juice or water. 

I am deficient in folic acid according to blood tests carried out by my GP.  Please can you advise what I should be taking.

Assuming that you have a balanced diet rich in greens and wholemeal foods, then the most common cause for a folic acid deficiency is the lack of specific enzymes that convert folate into its active form methylfolate.  I suggest that you take the bioavailable form Merhylfolate by Viridian Nutrition which should help to restore levels. 

08.10.2024

Please could suggest something for a kidney cleanse?

Dietary changes are important for kidney function, but you may wish to consider Solidago Drops, a supplement which acts as a kidney tonic and cleanser.  It is known to support healthy kidney function, which may be beneficial for targeting urea and creatinine levels which are the waste products carried to the kidneys and filtered into urine. Solidago is available as a tincture.

Please can you recommend a solution for a condition on my neck called Poikiloderma of Civatte?

Although the exact cause of PC remains not fully understood, it is thought that long term sun exposure is the main cause, although hormonal changes, perfumed skin products and possibly genetics may also be implicated. The best way of treating PC is to try and even out skin tone by the use of DoSe Alpha Arbutin & Kojic Acid Serum across the neck area both morning and evening and over time this will help to fade any darker areas which has an effect of achieving an even skin tone.

 

What is also important is to avoid excess sun exposure and when you are in the sun, please ensure that you use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection such as Ultrasun Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 which can be sprayed onto the neck area and provides almost three times more UVA protection than the EU standards stipulate.

My 17-year-old son is on medication for OCD and anxiety, which will be a short-term solution.  Can you please recommend a probiotic for extreme OCD and anxiety?

I would definitely be inclined to recommend the use of Florassist Mood Improve capsules at a dose of just one capsule daily. This specialised probiotic supplement contains two strains that are known to reduce stress markers in the gut.  The gut is in direct communication with the brain through the gut-brain axis, so Saffron extract is  Included in this formulation for its ability to enhance calming neuronutrients in the brain. Interestingly, Saffron was found to be as effective as a medication used to treat OCD.

01.10.2024

I have an outbreak of Pityriasis Versicolor on my back and my GP has prescribed Dandrazol Shampoo. Can you advise further?

As I am sure you are aware, Tinea Versicolor or Pityriasis Versicolor is a fungal infection that may in some cases cause skin discolouration, but not always. The natural treatment of this fungal infection involves the use of an antifungal supplement such as Viridian Clove & Oregano Complex which contains a number of powerful antifungal herbs such as Clove and Oregano to help gradually eradicate these fungi. This is not a quick fix and so please be patient as the fungi first need to be eradicated before the gradually achieving even pigment distribution. 
 
Topically, I would recommend the use of Thyme Out since thyme displays potent anti-inflammatory properties (since inflammation causes pigmentation problems) and additionally this herb also displays antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Use morning and evening onto the affected areas – it evaporates quickly. 

Every year in September and October my son suffers from extremely severe hay fever type symptoms. His nose never stops running and he consistently sneezes whether he's outside or inside the house. He says the only time it recedes is when he's asleep. I think it's caused by the dust from crop cutting and although he has tried nasal sprays and numerous antihistamines, they do not offer any relief.  Please can you help.

The supplement Aller-DMG works to inhibit histamine production, the cause of and a constant running nose.  It works across all allergies whether due to summer pollen or winter pollen, as well as pet dander and other airborne allergens. Aller-DMG does not cause drowsiness.

I have noticed that since getting older, I wake to go to the toilet once in the night, despite making sure I do that before getting into bed every night.  I often find it difficult to get back to sleep, so is there any way I can eliminate having to get up during the night?

Often, as one ages, the tone of the bladder walls is somewhat lost, resulting in the inefficient emptying of the bladder. This often results in having to wake up in the early hours of the morning, which then of course disturbs sleep pattern. I have found that women taking Water-Soluble Pumpkin Seed Extract often report healthy bladder function and tone even though the supplement is aimed at bladder urgency.  I would take this for three months to evaluate its effectiveness.

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

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