whatreallyworks.co.uk


March Online Newsletter – Issue 17
whatreallyworks.co.uk

Message from the What Really Works Team
Susan’s latest book, What Really Works in Natural Health: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need was launched on 1 April.

This book sifts the real science from the marketing hype and clarifies confusing and contradictory information prevalent in the booming natural health industry.

Victoria Health will be offering a very limited number of books signed and personally dedicated to you from Susan. The recommended retail price is £10.99, and we will be offering this book to you at £8.99. We are taking orders now, so if you wish to receive your own dedicated book, can you please tell us to whom you would wish it dedicated when placing your order.
To order, visit Victoria Health online or phone 0800 3898 195.

The beginning of March saw the What Really Works site featuring Prostate Health on the homepage in response to many requests from our male readers. With prostate cancer being the second most common cancer in British men, it makes sense for any man in his 40s to start taking steps to protect against it. Prostate problems currently affect 10% of all 40 year-olds and 80% of all 80 year-olds, so any man ignores this at his own peril. Click here to read our Prostate Health homepage features .

We are currently featuring Pregnancy as the homepage theme. Many people don't realise the importance for both women and men of preparing physically before attempting to conceive a child. Our Zone authors have written articles explaining why and how you should prepare yourselves physically, and recommending nutrition and supplements that are beneficial during this time. Our Links companies have also recommended products that are specifically tailored for pregnant women.

In keeping with the pregnancy theme, our Site Editor gave birth to her second child - a healthy 9lb 11oz baby boy - on the 5th of March! A big welcome to Angus and congratulations to Megan, Greg, and Isabella.

What’s new in our zones

Doctor Zone
Dr Sarah Brewer looks at which supplements are useful during pregnancy and explains why they are necessary in her latest article, Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy.
Natural Beauty Zone
Harriet Griffey investigates alternatives to antiperspirants in light of scientific studies linking parabens with breast tumours in her feature, Natural Deodorants.
Herb Zone
Nicki Woodward talks about using nutrition to help with common pregnancy complaints such as indigestion, leg cramps, and insomnia in her latest article, Look and feel great during pregnancy.
Ayurvedic Zone
Sebastian Pole discusses the Ayurvedic view on pregnancy and preparing the body for the months ahead, including a rejuvenating detox plan for those wanting to conceive in his article, Getting pregnant the Ayurvedic way.
Homeopathy Zone
Dr Neil Slade looks at the signs and symptoms of prostatic disease and discusses using homeopathy to treat prostate problems in his article, Homeopathy and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Parents & Kids Zone
Melissa Clark reveals why essential fatty acids are a must for parents and kids in her latest article, Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).

Body, Mind & Soul Zone
Yvonne Ferrell tells us about Dr Naidu's forthcoming lecture about Cancer and other ways of using Spagyric essences on the 16th May. To find out more about this event and the Spagyric essences visit Yvonne's homepage.

How to prevent problem veins

Many people think spider veins are tiny blood vessels that have burst, but this is not true. Nobody really knows what causes them, but there is probably a hormonal factor involved since they usually affect women, more than men, and often occur for the first time during pregnancy. Unlike arteries, veins are not muscular and rely on valves to keep blood moving forward.

If spider veins do cause pain or a burning sensation, they can be treated by the same injection therapy used for varicose veins. With this technique, the veins are effectively sealed so no blood can flow through them. A liquid solution is injected into the blood vessel to cause a thrombus (or clot) that will stick to the wall of the vein. As this heals, it causes scar tissue which then blocks the vein for good. Since this sounds pretty unpleasant, and since any problem with the veins will always get worse if you just ignore it, it makes sense to learn how to avoid problems in the first place.

Top 10 tips for preventing vein problems:

  • 1. Walking and lying down takes pressure off the veins in the legs. Both are better than standing or sitting for long hours
  • 2. Make sure you do some exercise, say 30 minutes, three times a week which helps keep blood vessels strong
  • 3. Watch your weight - it’s obvious that the heavier you are, the more pressure there will be on the veins in your legs
  • 4. If you can face it, alternate hot and cold showers in the morning. This stimulates the lymphatic system and your circulation. (Warning: Do not do this if you have a heart problem)
  • 5. When you rest, elevate the legs to help circulation. For example, lie on the floor and rest your heels on a chair for five minutes
  • 6. Deep breathing is fantastic for keeping all the body systems healthy and so is yoga. A good teacher will combine the two. Contact The British Wheel of Yoga on 01529-306851 for a list of qualified teachers
  • 7. Avoid overheating the legs, which will only make any underlying problems worse
  • 8. If you are suffering from cramps in your legs, you may have an imbalance in either magnesium or potassium. Check this with your doctor or with a qualified nutritionist.
  • 9. Keep your digestion healthy. Anything that puts more pressure on the pelvic area, including constipation, will exacerbate problems with the blood vessels in the legs. Constipation is easy to cure. Try taking psyllium seeds
  • 10. Take a herbal tincture of horse chestnut and/or use a gel which you can massage on to the affected area. The Bioforce Aesculus (horsechestnut) tincture costs £6.99 for 50ml and is on sale in most good health stores

Treating Childhood Depression

Childhood and teenage depression is an inescapable reality for some vulnerable young people. Alarmingly, there is a trend, which shows the condition is affecting younger and younger people in our society, yet it still remains a condition that is highly stigmatised and too often ‘brushed under the carpet’.

Suitable treatments for children suffering from depression have been difficult to identify with certain anti-depressants contra-indicated for those under 18. Two studies conducted in Germany examined the effectiveness of standardised extracts of the herbs St John’s Wort and Valerian in the treatment of depressive symptoms in children. The studies were organised on an outpatient basis by neurologists, general physicians and paediatricians throughout Germany. The participating children were no more than 12 years old.

Those suffering from symptoms of depressive disorder and anxiety were given St. John’s Wort (300mg Kira LI160 extract) while those who presented symptoms of restlessness and insomnia were given Valerian (300mg Sedonium LI156 extract). Of the 101 children who took St. John’s Wort, 77% were greatly improved after 4 – 6 weeks. 130 children were recruited to the Valerian study and in 94% of cases the efficacy was assessed as very good. The studies suggest therefore that alternative therapies can be of great benefit in the treatment of children and young people suffering from symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

The extracts used in the studies are available on prescription and over the counter from pharmacies as Kira St. John’s Wort (£14.95 for 30 One-A-Day tablets) and Sedonium (£5.99 for 30 tablets). Visit Lichtwer Pharma online for information and ordering.

Warning: Children should not begin any course of medication without proper medical advice and on-going supervision.

Are hormones playing havoc with your hair?

If your hormones are the cause of many a bad hair day, you’re not alone. Hormonal factors, such as post-pregnancy, the menopause , the Pill, anaemia and thyroid disorders can lead to a noticeable deterioration in the condition and appearance of hair leaving it looking and feeling, dry and lacklustre, and may even result in hair loss.

An imbalance between the ovarian hormones oestrogen and androgen can be the cause of temperamental tresses. A healthy diet, avoiding harsh chemicals and sunlight can help minimise the damage, but for hair that needs a little extra TLC, Pil-Food is a specially-formulated all-natural supplement, which has been scientifically tested to help enhance natural hair growth.

Pil-Food contains a unique combination of nutrients important for healthy hair - such as sulphurated amino acids, vitamins B, B6 and E, trace elements of iron, copper, zinc, manganese and iodine, and polyunsaturated fatty acids - and has been shown in over 10 clinical tests involving 2,400 people to prevent thinning, falling or brittle hair.

For best results, Pil-Food should be taken for at least three months. Results should be visible within six weeks. Pil-Food costs £24.95 for a month’s supply of 100 capsules. Visit Cedar Health online for information and ordering.

Brazilian Ginseng

Brazilian Ginseng is the popular term for the root Pfaffia Paniculata, also known as ‘Suma,’ and by the Brazilians as Para toda, ‘for everything.’ Although not a true Ginseng, this amazing root shares many of the same adaptogenic properties as the Panax family and other herbs that go by the title ‘Ginseng,’ such as Eleuthro (‘Siberian Ginseng’). In Brazil it is commonly used for its hormone balancing actions, and as a restorative, and is especially useful during times of emotional upset. The power of this root comes from its broad range of active phytochemicals.

Researchers at Suzuka University in Japan found that Brazilian Ginseng stimulated the production of sex hormones, which may be why it is so useful for menstrual irregularities. The vegetable ‘hormones’ sitoseterol and stigmasterol, along with Saponins found in the root, help to maintain good levels of sex hormones in the blood, and this can not only drastically improve flagging libido, but can also help, gradually, to bring other menopausal symptoms under control. Japanese research indicated what the Brazilians already knew, that it was safe to take over extended periods of time. This makes Brazilian Ginseng a superb alternative to HRT, but, like other Ginsengs, it can prove useful to anybody during times of stress.

Unlike the famous Asian Ginsengs, which have been cultivated over centuries, Brazilian Ginseng, like other rainforest medicines, has retained its ancient potency. Brazilian Ginseng costs £16.99 for 120 x 500mg vegecaps, £19.99 for 90 x 2500mg vegecaps, and £12.99 for 57ml Elixir. Phone 01273 570987 or Visit Rio Health online for information and ordering.

Manuka honey-based skincare

The world has known for many a century the beneficial properties derived from the by-products of New Zealand honeybees, whether that’s Manuka honey, Propolis or venom. New Zealand Natural Food Company’s Comvita brand is a forerunner in investigation, design and supply of health-giving consumer products that contain all the benefits that nature delivers through the honeybee.

Comvita’s Manuka Honey range includes Manuka Care 18+, harnessing the healing and restorative properties of the Manuka honey to help heal everyday cuts and grazes and even more severe lacerations and burns. The Comvita Skin Therapy range - which includes Skintensive Cream, Skincare Cream, Lipclear Cream, and Lipclear Tablets - is a natural extension of this inventive product that includes skin therapy products all with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) of 18+.

Check out our New Products Zone to read more about the ingredients and properties of the products in the Comvita Skin Therapy Range. Visit New Zealand Natural online for information and ordering.

Natural Digestion and Weight Loss Aid

Aztec Nopal promotes weight loss by absorbing water and providing a feeling of satiety. It has a positive effect on blood sugar, helping reduce the appetite and control carbohydrate cravings. It also helps reduce cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fats from the body and aids digestion by absorbing toxins from the bowel as well as increasing the rate at which food passes through the system.

The health-giving benefits of Nopal lie in the plant’s fibre content. Nopal is a rich source of insoluble and soluble fibre including lignin, cellulose, pectin, mucilage’s and gums and a good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C and the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. It also contains 18 different amino acids essential in supporting good health.

Nopal is a succulent cactus, native to Mexico and South-West USA, where its use as a food and medicine dates back to the ancient Aztecs. Today, the Nopal stems or pads, and cactus fruit, make up part of the staple diet of indigenous Mexicans who derive many benefits from daily consumption. The cactus used in Aztec Nopal is grown by a fruit-farming collective where crops are grown organically, without chemicals or fertilisers, irrigated with natural spring water and processed within hours of harvest.

Available in capsule form. Phone 08456 585858 or visit Xynergy online for information and ordering.

Complete food from the Australian Bush

Star Stuff is a combination of several nutrient dense whole foods, including rare Australian bush fruits and wildflowers, Australian super pollen and organic baby wheat grass sprouts. It is both a brain and body food. As a brain food, the ingredients in Star Stuff can help with alertness and mental clarity. Star Stuff is great for people who need to make snap decisions or who are required to concentrate for long periods of time. As a body food, the synergy of the naturally occurring amino acids contained in Star Stuff can help to stimulate the hypothalamus of the brain, thus allowing the body to secrete its own natural growth hormones used for repair of muscle tissue, reduction of fat and increase in lean muscle.

Star Stuff is convenient to use and contains one of the widest spectrums of vitamins, minerals and enzymes of any food on Earth, a feat only made possible by the special combination of rare ingredients found in the product. Star Stuff costs £39.00 for 250g powder (60 day supply). Visit The Health Corner online for information and ordering.

Healthy fats for wellbeing

Scientific evidence has shown that a diet rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids will help maintain a healthy brain, a healthy immune system, healthy skin and hair, healthy joints and a healthy heart. MorEPA is a marine oil capsule loaded with over 500mg of EPA supplemented with lipid stabilising anti-oxidants.

The purity and potency of this product is the reason why many cutting-edge medical institutions are using it for their research projects. This is the richest and purest source of Omega 3 EPA fish oil available. One 1000mg capsule contains 505mg EPA and 98mg of DHA, pure essential Omega 3 fatty acids.

MorEPA Smart Fats cost £18.99 for 60 Softgels. Take one softgel capsule per day, preferably at mealtimes. The content of the capsule can also be mixed with foods such as yoghurts, juices or smoothies. Visit Victoria Health online or Healthy and Essential online for information and ordering.

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* 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.