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Can you believe that spring is just around the corner already? Hard to imagine while those of us not fortunate enough to flee to a warmer climate are still in the throes of winter weather! Cold weather brings extra challenges for sufferers of Raynaud's and scleroderma. With the whole month of February being dedicated to bringing an awareness to these circulatory conditions, we thought it was appropriate to investigate some of the facts along with supplements that really work to boost circulation. |
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| Most of you will have noticed our brand new Nutrition Zone up and running. Vardit Kohn has been busy writing articles and recipes for What Really Works, and answering many nutritional email queries. Anyone who has not had the chance to visit the Nutrition Zone, or 'meet' Vardit - click here!. March sees us celebrating Mothers' Day on the 6th, Commonwealth Day on the 14th, and we focus on healthy bodies and minds in our children with both Brain and Obesity Awareness weeks in the middle of the month. |
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Raynaud's can affect anyone of any age and is known to strike women nine times more than men. It can be triggered by even a slight change in temperature, so the symptoms can happen in summer or winter. The majority of patients with scleroderma also have Raynaud's. Scleroderma is a disease of the blood vessels, immune system and connective tissue. In its mild form the skin becomes stiff, tight and shiny. Scleroderma in its more severe form, which has a high mortality rate, affects major organs such as the lungs, heart, bowel and kidneys. Additionally - the digestive system is often affected making it difficult for sufferers to swallow and eat. The cause of Raynaud's and scleroderma is still a mystery and there is no cure……. Facts provided by the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association. For a free information pack call 0800 917 2494 or visit www.raynauds.org.uk. Alternatively send an SAE to Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Association, 112 Crewe Road, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2JA. PRODUCTS
FOR CIRCULATION The active ingredients in Seredrin are the ginkgo flavone-glycosides and terpene lactones, used in oriental medicine for over 3,000 years and believed by the Chinese to prevent the effects of ageing. Modern medicine has now conceded that standardised Ginkgo biloba extract is beneficial in conditions where the circulation is thought to be impaired, and cerebral insufficiency. In the elderly, this particularly applies to the extremities - for example, cold legs, hands and feet. It is also interesting to note that Ginkgo biloba extract is one of the most widely prescribed herbal products in Europe. When initial studies undertaken by members of the Raynaud’s Association produced encouraging results in the relief of their condition, the University of Dundee decided to conduct a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, the results of which were published in Vascular Medicine last year. These showed that Raynaud’s sufferers taking Seredrin Ginkgo biloba Phytosome reduced their attacks by up to 70%. Seredrin is available direct from Health Perception (0845 330 5518) in boxes of 60 priced at £11.99. Each tablet provides 120mg standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba Phytosome which includes 9.6mg Ginkgo Flavonglycosides and 2.4mg Terpene lactones. A dosage of one tablet twice or three times a day is recommended.
Ginger, gingko biloba, horseradish, garlic and horse chestnut are well known for their warming properties and may help to maintain a healthy circulatory system. Vitaflavan® is a superior source of grapeseed extract which has potent antioxidant activity due to its high content of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s). Vitamin E is also an excellent natural antioxidant that may be helpful to the heart and circulation whilst vitamin B3 is involved in both circulatory and nervous system support. Ginger Forte costs £12.00 for 60 vegetarian capsules and is free from gluten, lactose, sweeteners and artificial colours and preservatives. For more information or to order call 0121 433 3727 or visit Biocare online.
Blood platelets are cells that are present in mammalian blood - gathering together or 'aggregating' to form a blockage should bleeding occur. However, this aggregation can be a real problem when the 'plug' created actually blocks the flow of blood causing Thrombosis - a common risk factor in long haul flights. Deep Vein Thrombosis - and especially the aggregation of blood platelets, has been linked to increased risk of strokes and embolisms. Aggregation can also effect circulation to the extremities and contribute to problems such as Raynaud's disease. Studies at the University of Cincinnati identified that Guarana not only helps to prevent blood platelet aggregation, but also actually deaggregates platelets that are already in aggregation. This ability to promote good circulation of blood around the body must relate to Guarana's historic use as an energiser for young and old, and also its ability to sharpen mental acuity. The brain requires a good blood supply to deliver nutrients and messages in the form of hormones. In Western medicine
- the common treatment for prevention of aggregation is Aspirin,
but most people are aware that long-term use can cause irritation
to the digestive tract and even lead to ulceration and bleeding
in the stomach. Aspirin is also unable to deaggregate the blood.
Guarana, on the other hand, as already stated, can reduce aggregation
and also reverse it. The seed also contains tannin's that can help
protect the digestive tract from bacterial infection, and Guarana's
uses among the indigenous people of the Amazon include diarrhoea
and other digestive problems. Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, Padma 28 is available from Holland & Barrett, health food stores and pharmacies, priced £24.95 for 120 tablets. For further information call (0161) 483 1235 or visit www.padma28.co.uk.
Following the mention of Zinopin by Susan Clark last September in her Sunday Times column, What's The Alternative - we had an avalanche of emails from interested readers who had difficulty tracking down this product at their local pharmacy. GOOD NEWS! Zinopin is now available from The Nutri Centre at £14.99 for ten capsules. To order call 0800 587 2290, or shop online. Developed by a Swiss company, it is one of the first products of its kind. Easy to swallow, Zinopin helps to safely reduce susceptibility to DVT and motion sickness from the prolonged immobility of long haul travel, by air, rail, or road. The formula contains high doses of Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) and ginger extract. Both agents give the anti-platelet activity of asprin - but without side effects like gastro-intestinal bleeding. They also have anti-inflammatory effects, in different key areas of the body. Ginger is widely and successfully used for motion sickness and to counteract tiredness. Antioxidant Pycnogenol has been clinically shown to lower LDL cholesterol. It also reduces platelet activity, relaxes artery constriction and improves circulation. The Nutri Centre recommends you take Zinopin a day before travel, on the day, and for two days after arrival.
Habitual sleeplessness is classified as insomnia. Failure to get an entire night’s sleep on most nights over a one-month period can be considered chronic insomnia. This condition affects approximately 30% of adults and can take the form of being unable to fall asleep when you first go to bed, or waking during the night and being unable to get back to sleep. Whilst one or two sleepless nights can cause irritability and daytime sleepiness with decreased ability to perform creative or repetitive tasks, most people can adapt to short periods of sleep deprivation. After more than three days, sleep deprivation begins to cause a more serious deterioration in overall performance and can even result in mild personality changes. Seditol is a new, all natural ingredient blend of a patented extract from Magnolia officinalis and a proprietary extract from Ziziphus spinosa. It was developed by Next Pharmaceuticals to uniquely address the need to improve nighttime sleep by helping to normalise nighttime stress hormone levels while providing a feeling of relaxation and less worry. Trials on Magnolia have clearly demonstrated its anti-stress and muscle relaxant properties. To complement the anti-stress, muscle relaxant properties of the patented Magnolia extract in Seditol, Next Pharmaceuticals developed a proprietary extract of Ziziphus spinosa. Ziziphus is a traditional plant used as a sedative in Traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. This unique combination of an extract to lower stress and induce relaxation along with an extract for mild sedation has resulted in a safe and effective natural ingredient for sleeplessness. Seditol is available from Victoria Health (0800 3898 195) and costs £12.95 for 30 Capsules (365 mg). Dosage: One Capsule One Hour Before Bedtime. For more information on Insomnia, check out Susan Clark's article, Insomnia.
* Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine. |
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Raynaud's
affects over 10 million people in Britain, a huge number compared
with around 85,000 multiple sclerosis victims and an estimated 3.5
million asthma sufferers. It interrupts the blood supply to the
fingers and toes. Early diagnosis is essential - in severe cases
Raynaud's may lead to ulceration, gangrene and amputation. This
however, is usually when it is secondary Raynaud’s and is
associated with scleroderma.
Seredrin
biloba,
horseradish, horse chestnut, garlic, Vitaflavan® grapeseed extract
and vitamins B3 and E. 
Guarana
and platelet aggregation
to help maintain healthy circulation. A clinical review has shown
Padma 28 significantly improved peripheral circulatory disorders
in 60% of participants. The herbs have been shown to provide natural
anti-inflammatory substances that reduce the effects of arterial
deposits and restricted blood flow.