Alison Odey

The term ‘angina’ refers to pain or heavy pressure in the chest that is caused by insufficient oxygen to the tissues of the heart.  It is typically brought on by physical exertion and is relieved by rest.  Angina is often the first sign of atherosclerosis – where the artery walls are becoming thickened and hardened by the build-up of fatty deposits and calcium.  Any natural treatments need to be aimed at attempting to remove the fatty deposits from the artery wall, improving the ability of the blood to flow more easily and also at improving metabolism within the heart muscle.

Lecithin is often used to help remove fatty deposits. 1-3 tbsp daily to increase the solubility of cholesterol.
Mucilaginous fibres – oat bran, psyllium, flaxseed etc. should be taken daily to carry excess cholesterol from the bowel out of the body.

It has been found that supplementing the diet with Flaxseed Oil
can improve blood flow by reducing blood viscosity, take 1-2 tbsp daily.
The use of Fish oils will have the same effect.
Also use Garlic and Cayenne on a daily basis as they will also help improve blood flow.

If attempting to combine orthodox medications with natural treatments be sure to let your G.P. know what you are doing as some medications may require altering. Do not stop medications without consulting you G.P.

This is just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood against the artery walls as it circulates around the body. A blood pressure reading is the measurement of this pressure. It is the measure of how hard your heart as to work to pump blood arund your body.

The reading consists of two parts, both of which are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
The higher number is the ‘systolic’ reading and this reflects the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts (beats) to force the blood around the body.
The lower number is the ‘diastolic’ reading and this reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed after a beat.

It is normal for blood pressure to vary throughout the day in response to factors in daily life (work, stress, exercise etc) however it should quickly return to normal.
Hypertension is diagnosed if a person has a blood pressure consistently higher than140/90 mm Hg.
Ideally blood pressure should be less than 130/80.
However average blood pressure tends to increase with age as the arteries become less efficient in allowing blood to flow, so whereas at 20 years of age 140/90 would be classified as high, by 50 years of age 150/95 would be high.

The exact etiology of human essential hypertension remains unknown but several factors are known to influence it.
– Kidney disorders can contribute to high blood pressure.
– Also the over production of Angiotensin, (an enzyme that affects constriction of blood vessels and also has an effect on water and blood volume).
– Various hormones influence blood pressure. For example, insulin can affect blood pressure by influencing sodium balance and blood glucose levels.
– Magnesium has significant effects on cardiac excitability and vascular tone.
– It is also thought that low grade, chronic inflammation may play a significant role in the development of hypertension by impairing the capacity of the endothelium to generate vasodilatory factors (particularly nitric oxide). Also, I have often noticed that blood pressure can increase when the body is fighting viral infection.
– Stooped posture can greatly influence blood pressure by the sternum putting pressure on the heart muscle.
– Other contributing factors can be genetics, stress, food sensitivities, high sodium intake, toxic chemical exposure, smoking and low fibre intake.

Many people don’t realise that they suffer from hypertension as symptoms can be mild and/or intermittent. Common symptoms include swollen ankles, breathlessness, blurred vision, mild but persistent headache, a feeling of a band around the head or ringing in the ears.
All of these can also occur for other reasons so it is important to have the blood pressure checked over a period of time before coming to any conclusions.

Long standing hypertension puts significant demands on the left ventricle, which eventually becomes enlarged. This hypertrophy may be indicated by a forceful and sustained atypical impulse.

The complications of hypertension principally involve the central nervous system, the retina, the circulatory system and the kidneys. When the CNS is involved the complications can lead to cerebral ischaemia or cerebral haemorrhage. The retina also can be affected by haemorrhages or poor circulation, both of which can affect vision.

The key to treating hypertension is to find and treat the causative factors. It is seldom a disease arising from a single cause and may arise from a multitude of factors.
Orthodox treatment for hypertension, depends on the supposed cause of the hypertension.

Commonly used drugs are:
-Diuretics, which act by inhibiting the absorption of some electrolytes, mainly sodium and chloride and increasing the absorption of calcium and uric acid. They usually increase the excretion of magnesium and potassium.
-Calcium channel blockers, reduce smooth muscle tone by blocking calcium uptake by the cells. This reduces peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
-ACE inhibitors. Angiotensin II is the active hormone that raises blood pressure by causing blood vessel restriction, and stimulating the hypothalamic thirst centre to increase water consumption. Angiotensin II also stimulates the production of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone increases sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney, to further increase blood volume. Angiotensin is formed from angiotensin I by the enzyme angintenosin converting enzyme (ACE). By inhibiting the action of ACE blood pressure can be reduced.
-B-adrenergic receptor blockers. Adrenalin and noradrenalin stimulate heart rate, cardiac output and blood pressure. By blocking the receptors for these hormones cardiac demand and oxygen consumption can be reduced.

Therefore there is seldom a single ‘good natural remedy’. Any natural treatment always includes holistic look at the problem.
Natural methods of treating blood pressure obviously have to include lifestyle changes such as carefully watching the diet and eliminating all hard fats and excess sugars and increasing exercise regimes. The amount of stress creeping into the life style also needs to be looked at, and in cases where the blood pressure is not exceedingly high and only tends to rise during busy times, this is the area I would be looking at.

Herbal remedies are great for helping reduce stress on the body and also the effects of stress.
Such herbs would be Passiflora, Valerian, Hops, Kava, Chamomile and Californian Poppy. These can be used in conjunction with ‘heart herbs’ such as Hawthorn, Ginkgo Biloba, Mistletoe, Yarrow and Garlic.

You need to check with a herbalist as which of these herbs apply to you, as some such as Yarrow (and Dang Shen) will help thin the blood, others such as Garlic and Hawthorn act as natural Angiotensin inhibitors others improve the function or rhythm of the heart.
‘Contact us’ if you would like me to make you a specific herbal blend.

To improve the metabolism of the heart you need to make sure all minerals are adequate. Use Colloidal minerals, 1 tbsp daily, but extra magnesium and potassium may be indicated.

Magnesium is especially important as it helps prevent spasms of the coronary arteries and can also help prevent irregular heart rhythm as well as high blood pressure. It is important to maintain the correct balance between calcium and magnesium. In some cases of hypertension it has been found that intracellular free calcium is elevated and intracellular free magnesium is deficient. Increasing potassium levels, especially in conjunction with lowering sodium (salt) levels has also been associated with a lower blood pressure

Colloidal minerals already contain zinc and selenium but you may also need to supplement with vitamins A, C and E to add to anti-oxidant levels.

Coenzyme Q10 improves many aspects of heart function. It needs to be taken at the correct dose (at least 90-120mg daily), so can initially be quite expensive but once the blood pressure has reduced the dose can be reduced as well, usually to around 60mg, as a maintenance dose. Its effect is probably based on a diminution of peripheral resistances.
Coenzyme Q10 should always be used if taking statin type preparations.
See page on ‘ Coenzyme Q10’.

Flaxseed oil also, taken at around 1-3tbsp a day, will very effectively improve blood flow through the arteries (as it makes platelets less sticky) and can help generate the electrical currents that make the heart beat correctly. If poor blood flow is the cause of your problem then it works well, but will not affect angiotensin levels.

Another factor involved in the possible causes for high blood pressure is folic acid. Folic acid along with vitamin B6 and B12 lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been found to be a heart disease risk factor. Folic acid occurs naturally in many plant foods, including beans and green leafy vegetables and is also included in many B vitamin supplements.

I have also found that magnetic necklaces of at least 1500-2000 gauss rating are useful and in some cases of very mild blood pressure problems can be all that is needed.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a lipid soluble benzoquinone, which is an essential component of the mitochondrial membrane, and an intermediate between NADH or succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome B in the human mitochrondrial respiratory chain.

It is involved in the manufacture of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic energy molecule of the cell. It is found in the largest concentrations in the organs of the body that require the largest supply of energy such as the heart, the liver and the cells of the immune system.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant. Studies have shown that the level of Co-enzyme Q10 in the tissues declines as we age, which can lead to reduced energy in the body.

There is evidence to suggest that Co-enzyme Q10 may play an important role in the maintenance of normal heart function by regulating the energy metabolism of the myocardium. It is excellent for oxygenating heart tissue, resulting in more efficient energy production and reduced cardiac stress.

It is a safe and effective treatment for angina and for many other heart conditions.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure, although effect is not generally seen until after 2-3 months of usage. Dosage needs to be 90-100 mg daily for it to be effective.
See pages on ‘Angina’ and page on ‘Hypertension’

Co-enzyme Q10 is needed where people are taking statin type drugs as these cause a deficiency of Co-enzyme Q10. Other drugs such as beta-blockers, hypoglycaemics and anti-depressants can also inhibit the synthesis of Co-enzyme Q10.
Co-enzymesQ10 is also advised when using the natural alternatives to these drugs. Research has used levels of 100-300mg daily.

Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 is a common finding in patients with hyperlipidaemia and this is believed to be a factor in oxidative damage found in tissues such as the arterial walls.
CoQ10 has been shown also to help reduce cholesterol levels and to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

In some cases Co-enzyme Q10 has been useful in reducing the side effects such as fatigue and general malaise that beta-blockers can cause.

In cases of severe periodontal disease improved healing has been reported when Co Q10 has been used at a daily dosage of 50mg.

There is also some evidence that high doses of Co-enzyme Q10 can have positive effects on Parkinson’s disease. (Studies have used doses up to 1200mg daily)

Co-enzyme Q10 has also been reported to be helpful in many other situations where energy production is low.
Diabetics have been seen to benefit from its use and in some cases it is thought to help over-weight people to loose weight more effectively.

Over many years practising as a Naturopath I have treated many people worried about raised Cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is an essential structural and metabolic component of all body cells and forms the basis of most human hormones. It is a fatty waxy sbstance that is synthesised in the liver and is also a constituent of bile.

Hypercholesterolaemia, defined as a serum cholesterol value above 5.5.mmol/L,
is widely recognised as a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular
disease.
The risk is intensified where the relative level of low density lipoprotein (LDL), is increased in comparison to high density lipoprotein (HDL).

To explain the reason for this: LDL consists mostly of cholesterol and delivers cholesterol to cells where it is needed. LDL is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholersterol as it will deposit excess cholesterol into the artery walls, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL consists mostly of protein and removes cholesterol from tissues in the body and
transports it back to the liver for further metabolism. HDL is often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol.

Factors that can increase LDL are diet, tendency to or poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, ‘ageing’, some steroid and hypertensive drugs and reduced oestrogen levels.
High cholesterol is NOT a disease in itself. It would be better described as a symptom of something else that has gone wrong. The diet may be too high in sugars and/or refined foods, there may be too much stress in ones life or lack of adequate exercise. In some cases the liver may not be metabolising adequately.

To explain your cholesterol blood test:
Total cholesterol should be between 1.2 and 6.5mmol/l, (pref <4.0mmol/l)
LDL <4.0mmol/l, (preferably < 2.5mmol/l)
HDL <0.9 – 2.2 mmol/l, (preferably >1.0mmol/l)
TG (triglycerides) <2.3mmol/l, (preferably <2.0mmol/l)

To reduce high blood cholesterol firstly look at the diet, although in some cases the diet will not be at fault and it may be the liver that needs attention. However, to be sure, avoid organ meats, all saturated and hard fats, heated fats and processed oils, sugars and refined foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread/flour etc) and coffee.
Excess coffee (4-6 cups or more daily) and alcohol, as both have been shown to elevate serum cholesterol levels.

Add to the diet more fish (at least 3-4 times weekly), yoghurt and fresh fruit an vegetables. Foods which are known to help lower cholesterol levels are apples, bananas, dried beans, garlic, onions, grapefruit, olive oil and any cold-water/oily fish-salmon, sardines, herrings, cod etc.

The water-soluble dietary fibre found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is important as they bind cholesterol in the intestines and promote its excretion. They also help increase HDL levels while decreasing LDL levels.  Barley, beans, oats, brown rice and most fruits as well as psyllium and slippery elm powder contain water-soluble fibre.
Drink more fresh juices – especially carrot, celery and green juices.

Use more cold pressed oils: these are oils that have not been heated during processing, and are liquid at room temperature. Flaxseed, Primrose, Black currant and Olive oils are recommended.
Do not consume rancid fats, oils, nuts or seeds. All should be kept in the fridge.

Lecithin can be easily obtained and is an inexpensive supplement that can help reduce cholesterol levels.  Use 1 tablespoon daily.

Herbs that have been found to reduce serum lipid levels include St Mary’s Thistle, Globe Artichoke, both of which help support liver function.
See page on ‘Liver – the facts’.

Also Hawthorn can be effective in helping keep cholesterol levels balanced.
Vitamin E acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant and can help to reduce cholesterol levels, use 400 IU daily.
Vitamin C has also been found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 is a common finding in patients with hyperlipidaemia and this is believed to be a factor in oxidative damage to the tissues such as the arterial walls.
Supplementation with 100mg of CoQ10 daily has been shown to prevent the development of deficiencies in patients taking ‘statin’ type drugs, which are known to induce deficiency.

CoQ10 has been shown also to reduce cholesterol levels and to prevent oxidation of LDL
cholesterol. Research has used levels of 100-300mg daily.
See page on ‘Coenzyme Q10’.

More recently plant sterols have been shown to have a great effect on reducing cholesterol levels and reducing LDL levels. Plant sterols have a similar composition to human cholesterol and compete with human cholesterol for uptake into the blood stream.
Those derived from sugar cane appear to be reasonably effective.

Red yeast rice is also proving to be very effective. Red yeast rice is the fermented product of rice on which red yeast (monascus purpureus) has been grown. It has been used in China for hundreds of years, characterised as ‘being useful for blood circulation’. It has been used as a food preservative, food colourant, spice and ingredient in rice wine.

The major active componant in red yeast rice is monacolin K, this is identical to  Lovastatin , however evidence shows that fermented red yeast rice lowers cholesterol moderately compared to statin drugs and causes less adverse side effects.
As far as safety goes, scientists conducting studies generally believe that red yeast rice is safe in the long term as it has been a staple food for thousands of years in Asian countries without reports of toxicity.
This is most likely due to the fact that preparation does not involve the isolation
and concentration of a single ingredient.

Because products made with red yeast rice are not purified and concentrated they also contain unsaturated fatty acids and certain anti-oxidants which may work together favourably with lovastatin to enhance its cholesterol lowering effects, as well as its ability
to lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol.
I have heard that red yeast rice may  however cause Co-enzyme Q10 levels to decrease slightly so extra supplementation may still be recommended.
See page on ‘Statins’ – alternatives to.

Alternative cholesterol reducing products are  available via the On-line shop.

Soy protein is effective in reducing total cholesterol and LDL. Soy will also help balance hormonal levels in post menopausal women and this could possibly be a help in reducing
cholesterols.

Niacin or Vitamin B3 is also an old and effective remedy, but requires careful usage. Always start by using a very small dose and slowly increasing in
proportion to the amount of ‘flush’ obtained. The ‘flush’ should be mild and
last 10-15 minutes. Dose can slowly be increased over a number of months to 600-
800mg, then take a break and start again after 4-6 weeks. Alternatively once the
correct cholesterol level is reached maintain the dose at a lower level.
See page on Niacin – the use of B3

B3 is otherwise known as Niacin or Nicotinomide. As well as being effective
in lowering cholesterol levels it is necessary for maintaining healthy
circulation and skin. It also aids the functioning of the nervous
system, and has a role in the production of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system and in the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids.

It is also known to be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia and other metal illnesses. (I have also heard that it is useful in reducing the effects of radiation on the
skin, However, I have been able to find no specific data on this, but suspect
that it is possibly correct as the associated flush always affects only the
parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun).

The symptoms of Niacin deficiency are many and varied but generally but can
generally be expected to affect the mucous membranes, causing redness and
irritation, the digestive system, causing bad breath or mild indigestion or the
central nervous system causing possibly headaches, confusion, memory impairment
etc. A severe deficiency is known as pellagra but this usually only occurs in
parts of the world where maize makes up a large part of the diet.

When using niacin for any reason, start with very small doses as it will cause a flushing, tingling, itching sensation of the skin and a throbbing of the head due to the dilation of the blood vessels which can be quite unpleasant or even frightening if not expecting it. Indeed it can be dangerous if a person were to have heart irregularity problems.
The dilation of the blood vessels is apparently promoted by the release of histamine from the skin cells. the tingling and flushing reduces as histamine stores are reduced.(Personally I feel that a mild flush lasting 5-10 minutes is beneficial, as it increases circulation to the skin and this will in turn will help remove toxins and  increase mineral  and oxygen levels in areas that otherwise can be depleted).

Other side effects if used in large doses can be skin discolouration and
dryness, abnormal liver function tests, decreased glucose tolerance tests and
aggravation of stomach ulcers. However these are generally avoided if niacin is
taken in small doses and on a full stomach.

To obtain a cholesterol lowering effect (hypolipidemic), usually 300-500mg
daily is all that is needed, but be sure to build up to this amount slowly
(start with 25mg -50mg only) and always take in conjunction with a B Complex tablet.

Also it is not advisable to simply stop any cholesterol lowering medications.
Rather slowly reduce their use while at the same time using niacin and checking
the cholesterol levels with regular blood tests.

If unsure about the use of niacin in this regard there are now available
plant sterol or red rice bran based formulations that are also very effective in reducing cholesterol levels and don’t give any unwelcome side effects.
See page on ‘Cholesterol’.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can include Naprogesic, Synflex, Celebrex, Brufen and Voltaren.
Most of these types of drugs are relatively quick acting and can be used as short-term remedies. However, they all invariably cause some side-effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, sometimes skin rashes or renal dysfunction in the long-term and do not do anything to improve the original condition that is causing the pain.

In comparison, any Glucosamine/Chondroitin product is slower acting and needs
to be used long-term, but is however, safe to use and free of side-effects.
If used consistently over a long period they will greatly reduce inflammation and
improve the condition of cartilaginous and ligamental tissues. Therefore, symptoms such as joint tenderness, swelling, pain and restriction in movement improve greatly.

Glucosamine is a constituent of Glycoaminoglycans, which play an important role in joint structure and joint cartilage. They act as lubricating agents that aid optimum joint mobilty. There is a reduction in Glycoaminoglycans as a person ages. Glucosamine is therefore thought to play a part in helping maintain cartilage and repair.

There are two main forms of Glucosamine used in supplements:
Glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Both have been found to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis and both are absorbed via similar mechanisms. Although many supplements contain up to 1500mg I have found that in general half that amount is effective.

Chrondroitin sulphate is also a component of the cartilaginous matrix and can also be effective in reducing joint pain. Like Glucosamine is extracted from the cartilage of either shark, shellfish or bovine origin.

Glucosamine HCL is generally NOT extracted from shell fish or other sea-foods and can be safer for those people who have a high uric acid level or who are prone to attacks of gout.

For many people Green Lipped mussel extract can be more effective. It contains naturally derived glucosamine in its natural base of natural proteins, minerals, mucopolysaccarharides and omega 3 fatty acids.
I have used green lipped mussel extract in its original form (Seatone TM)for many years and found it works extremely well and is less expensive that other Glucosamine products.
These products are on the on-line shop.

Also, when dealing with any type of joint damage it is very important that the circulation to the joint is improved (use at least 1tbsp of flaxseed oil or eat oily fish daily).

Adequate mineral levels are also vital in order to allow the body to heal.
One tablespoon of colloidal minerals daily is usually sufficient.
See page on ‘Minerals – facts’ and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

Up-dated August 2013

Anxiety disorders or panic attacks are far more common than realised. Many people affected by these types of disorders have often been coping with some form of stressful condition for some time but have not always been aware of it (i.e. prolonged periods in a stressful job or relationship, with no adequate respite to allow the body to recuperate).
This is not always the case, as many women will experience anxiety to some degree premenstrually.
Whatever the situation, the effect is usually one of increased adrenaline, which causes symptoms such as increased heartbeat, respiration and muscle tension. There can also be dizziness, sweating, hot/cold sensations, trembling etc.

During the premenstrual phase of the cycle increased adrenaline can be
associated with excessive oestrogen and deficient progesterone levels.
This can be helped by taking Vitamin B complex plus an extra 100 mg of
Vitamin B6 daily, plus Magnesium and at times Evening Primrose oil and/or hormone balancing herbs in the latter half of the cycle.

Evening Primrose Oil used in 3000mg doses can also be a great help and
can be used all the time or just as needed. I often recommend the use of Evening Primrose Oil firstly and then if necessary other herbs or blends that I find particularly useful at night to aid sleep and relaxation.

This is just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

Heart burn, otherwise known as reflux, refers to the rise of the stomach acids into the oesophagus, which irritates and burns its lining. It would be more apt to happen if you bent down after a meal, especially a large meal. If there is large amounts of gas formed in the stomach during and/or after a meal it is more likely to cause this rise in stomach acids.

Whenever there is ‘wind’ or gas/bloating in the stomach (upper abdominal
area) you must improve the ability of the stomach to digest foods properly.

Digestion starts in the mouth, with the production while you are chewing of salivary amylase which breaks down starch. Therefore the very first improvement you can make is to thoroughly chew your food.

The second stage of digestion is in the stomach where the cells of the stomach lining produce Hydrochloric acid which provide the right conditions for the enzyme pepsin to start the breakdown of proteins.

The food in the stomach must also be adequately acidified prior to it moving on into the
duodenum as with out this acidity the further output of enzymes from the pancreas will not occur.
This is why the use of anti-acid preparations are not going to improve your condition in the long term, in fact they will most probably worsen it as they prevent the adequate production of hydrochloric acid and in turn the adequate production of digestive
enzymes.

Where digestive enzyme levels are already inadequate, a better method of treatment is to try and increase the amount of digestive enzymes your body is receiving and producing, naturally.

To do this it is necessary to greatly increase the amount of raw foods in your
diet. (Enzymes are found in all raw foods but are destroyed by heat, therefore all cooked and processed foods are devoid of enzymes). Ideally enzyme levels need to be increased prior to meals, so salads are best eaten prior to the main meal. Another idea is to have 2-3 kiwifruit (which are very high in protease) or a piece of paw paw or pineapple prior to meals.
See page on ‘Enzymes – facts’.

Alternatively, take digestive enzymes in capsulated or tableted form, with every meal. These will immediately provide all the enzymes necessary for better digestion.
I usually recommend a product which is entirely plant derived, contains an effective doseage of digestive enzymes and are extremely well tolerated.
Go to the on-line shop to order enzymes.

If after meals there is still discomfort try using slippery elm powder, ½ tsp after each meal or Nat Phos celloids or cell salts.

Ginger or Peppermint tea will also calm mild indigestion.

Make sure you take time to eat. Don’t eat ‘on the run’. Don’t skip meals.

If these efforts are made in the long term the ability to digest adequately
will naturally gradually improve and the feeling of ‘heartburn’ will diminish.
(The exception to this, can be in the situation where reflux has been present
and untreated for many years allowing the hiatus sphincter to become irreparably
scared or otherwise damaged).

Vitamin B12 is a cobalt-containing porphyrin called cobalamin.
The bacteria in our gut synthesise B12 otherwise the majority of B12 is sourced from animal foods including red meats and dairy products.
Food sources of Vitamin B12 include: organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), egg yolk, salmon, sardines, oysters, clams and miso.

For this reason some people with vegetarian/vegan diets may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency although it is now known that B12 co-enzymes are widely available in plant foods, particularly nuts, green veges and seeds.

When a deficiency occurs it is suspected that the reason is often poor digestion and absorption of foods rather than a primary deficiency of the vitamin itself, although this is quite likely to be the case where the entire diet is deficient in fresh foods.

There are a number of reasons why poor digestion/absorption occurs, the most common reason being poor secretion of intrinsic factor (IF). Intrinsic factor is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach mucosa, and is required for the absorption of the vitamin in the small intestine. Poor secretion of intrinsic factor can be brought about by a low acid level (hypochlorydia) in the stomach. Hypochlorydia can be brought about by the prolonged use of Proton Pump Inhibitors such as omeprazole.
For these reasons elderly people in whom the production of HCL, pepsin and the intrinsic factor are declining may also need supplementation.

Alcohol can reduce the absorption of dietary cobalamin and can also interfer with the storage of vitamin B12.

Smoking tobacco is also said to reduce storage of B12.

Vitamin B12 is stored in our liver and kidneys and is necessary for several metabolic pathways in the central nervous system.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a risk of depression (especially in older women), with risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cardiovascular disease, high homocysteine levels and diabetic complications and also with memory loss, mood swings, excessive tiredness and lack of enthusiasm.
There is also reason to think that vitamin B12 deficiency may affect the auditory pathways and lead to increased incidence of tinnitus.

It is also vital for maintaining methylation reactions that repair DNA.

Myelin, a protein which constitutes the myelin sheath around nerve cells is created and maintained by methylation reactions that depend on vitamin B12. Degeneration of this protein causes serious neurological problems as in Multiple Sclerosis.

Neuropathies are strange and sometimes very painful sensations caused by the degeneration of nerves. Vitamin B12 can be very effective in easing this condition. It is also my own observation that people with vitamin B12 deficiency tend to have a lower than usual pain threshold (often complaining of back ache or other aches and pains) and
at times very scratchy/itchy eyes.

Vitamin B12 and Folate also have an important role in reducing homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are implicated in the occurrence of heart attack and stroke.

It has also been used to treat conditions such as tennis elbow and shingles.

Pernicious anaemia is a specific type of megloblastic anaemia (associated with vitamin B12
deficiency)which occurs as a result of vitamin B12 malabsorption due to
intrinsic factor deficiency.

As healthy bowel flora also add to the body’s vitamin B12 production, if bowel flora is
compromised in any way then B12 levels can be also compromised.

B12 levels in the blood do not always accurately specify the need for supplementation and many people will benefit from B12 supplementation even if a blood test shows their B12 levels to be so-called ‘normal’.

Vitamin B12 is not well-absorbed from a B complex or a multivitamin tablet and ideally needs to be given by injection. However, capsulated or tableted sublingual forms and appear to work reasonably well if taken on an empty stomach to aid absorption.

In this clinic I often prescribe a formula which is a combination of B12 and Potassium Iodide (Tracel – TM). This formula was originally made for persons with joint pain and reduced mobility but I have found over the years that it works extremely well for many conditions, is well absorbed and well tolerated. I have noticed that while using this preparation most people will experience a huge improvement in energy,
enthusiasm for life, general well being and a lessening of anxiety.
Go to On-line shop for Tracel

Up-dated Jan 2017

Sad isn’t it? Suffering from air-borne allergies is one thing, at least you can say that that is an act of nature, but suffering from an allergy to a man made additive is another.
However most are avoidable if you know what to look for and one of the most common additive groups that cause people problems is Sulphites and an amazing number of people do not even recognize the fact that it causing a problem.

Sulphites are added to processed foods to stop them spoiling and to keep them from browning or changing colour. (Bright orange dried apricots are a good example).

The symptoms can vary from a stuffy/ runny nose, a mildly flushed face or a mild headache to abdominal pain, aching muscles, breathing difficulties, severe headache, irritability or anger and usually occur with in half an hour or so of consuming a sulphite additive. (Does this sound familiar?)

Because one of the major food groups that this additive appears in is wines and beers many people interpret these feelings as their being mildly (or majorly!) intoxicated and yet it is often not the alcohol causing the problem but the sulphite added.

Sulphites can also be the cause behind many asthma attacks.

Sulphites can be checked for in food products by simply checking the labels for the additive number code. Sulphur Dioxide (220) is in most wines, beers, many fruit juices and dried fruits as well as many other food products.

Look also for Sodium Sulphite (221), Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite (222), Sodium Metabisulphite (223) and Potassium Metabisulphite (224).
As a rule sulphites are found in higher levels in cask wines than bottled wine and at much higher concentrations in white wine than in red, where natural tannins help preserve the wine.

In some cases wine makers will state that they do not add sulphites to their wines but there will still be very low concentrations present due to the wine making process itself.
If you enjoy wines but find that you cannot drink them for this reason, try some of the European wines. Often the Sulphite level is less and your tolerance may be better, but be careful as not all the labels are accurate.

If you think you have been affected by a sulphite additive, often the symptoms can be alleviated by using a product containing Quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine. The effective dose will depend on the amount of sulphite consumed.
Available from on-line shop.

I have also seen a report some where that pointed to a deficiency of vitamin B12
being one of the reasons that some people can react worse than others to the ingestion of sulphites. This is because B12 has a part to play in the break down of sulphites into sulphates and excretion from the body. I tend to agree with this as I have seen an improvement in the tolerance of people taking B12 supplements.

I have also seen improvement where a good probiotic supplement is taken, preferably a very specific one made for inflammatory conditions of the gut.

Up-dated August 2014.

Questions I often get asked are:
What exactly do ‘antioxidants’ do?
Should we take an antioxidant product?
Which Antioxidant to use?
What would I recommend as being a good product?’

Quoting ‘Wikipedia’, ‘an antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidising agent’. Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also produce ‘free radicals’ which can be damaging, hence plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants. However environmental pollution, smoking, radiation, poor food choices and high stress levels will all demand that antioxidant intake often needs to be increased as the overall level of antioxidants has to be kept adequate to prevent oxidative stress which may damage or kill cells.

Many types of disease have been blamed on inadequate antioxidant levels. The brain in particular is vulnerable to oxidative injury.
Cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases and macular degeneration are all known to be of lower risk in people who have a higher intake of antioxidants. It is thought that antioxidants may be protective against a number of types of cancer.

Many products are marketed as having antioxidant properties and this is quite correct, they have. Examples would be any product containing: Quercetin, vitamins A, C or E, Glutathione, Lipoic acid, Co-enzymeQ10 or antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dimutase (SOD) and catalases or other antioxidant chemicals such as resveratrol and proanthocyanins, or herbs that contain antioxidants such as green tea.

Quercetin is a flavonoid (which as a rule are antioxidants) and is found naturally in many common foods such as apples, onions, tea, berries, brassicas and many other nuts, seeds and flowers.
Vitamin A or Carotene is a powerful antioxidant and is essential for growth, bone development, night vision, reproduction and skin health.
Vitamin E is another naturally occuring antioxidant that may decrease the risk of heart disease by helping prevent the oxidation LDL cholesterol.
Lipoic acid helps recycle antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, CoQ10  and Glutathione and is considered a greatly useful antioxidant as it can exert action in both water soluble and fat soluble domains.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is also considered to be one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. However oral supplementation of SOD does not increase tissue SOD activity unless it is combined with the carrier bioploymer gliadin which then increases its ability to be absorbed and gives it greater efficacy.
Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are some of the most abundant polyphenolic substances in the plant kingdom. They are found in apple, pear and grapes and also in chocolate, wine and tea. They have potent antioxidant properties and appear to have an affinity for vascular tissue.
Green tea, unlike Black and Oolong tea is produced by steaming fresh young leaves at high temperatures , which has the effect of inactivating the oxidising enzymes and leaving the polyphenol content intact.

Minerals such as Zinc and Selenium are commonly referred to as ‘antioxidant nutrients’ as they are required for the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, but have no direct antioxidant action themselves.

The problem is simply stating that a product contains antioxidants does not mean that it is necessarily going to make a huge difference to a person’s antioxidant levels, most will just contribute, eating lots more fruit and veges will do the same thing.

Also in my experience it can also be quite difficult to determine how effective an antioxidant product is as everyone has a different set of health ailments and therefore a different set of improvements noticable to them.
Some people will report definite improvements in inflammatory symtoms, others will report that their eye sight has become clearer, others that their memory has got better. With some products the skin takes on a noticeable more healthy glow.

Which Antioxidant to use???
I often determine which antioxidant is best for a person by looking at the prevailing symptoms.
For example if  poor sleep caused by pain or inflammation is an issue then Tart Cherry could be my choice.
On the other hand if the presenting symptoms were more related to brain /cognitive function then I would recommend trying ENADA which can have a very beneficial effect on brain activity.
If the problem is related to toxins or there has been a history of toxin exposure, then I would maybe look at using Glutathione combined with a high mineral dose.

So to sum up there are many antioxidants and even more products proclaiming to be antioxidants but in my experience the use can be quite specific.

Some antioxidant products are expensive so it is always best to increase fresh fruit and vegetable intake plus mineral intake first, then if you can afford it track down a good antioxidant product and watch carefully for further improvement in your health.
Note that some antioxidant products will state an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity)rating, which is a measurement of antioxidant content of a food/juice. This goes some way to determining a good product from a not so good one.

Remember that these articles were written in a general sense, often a personal consultation can be of more benefit.

Up-dated September 2020.

Wow, what a good question to ask and what a difficult one to answer.

Colour – well, medium brown, I guess. If it is too dark then bowel is probably moving too slowly; very black and sticky indicates the possibility of blood in the stools; yellowish and smelling bad, you have an intestinal bug or imbalance of bacteria; very yellow indicates a liver problem; purplish/red, you have been eating beetroot, (note that bright red blood is
usually caused by a bleeding haemorrhoid.)

Shape – evenly formed and holds its shape. If hard and pebbly you are constipated; if it falls apart and is watery you may have an intestinal bacteria or virus, have been taking too much oil, using too many laxatives or anti-acid or too much magnesium (as in Epsom salts/Magnesium Sulphate. (Incidentally, too much sorbitol or mannitol, used as sugar
substitutes can also cause this problem).
In some cases gluten intolerance can alsocause a loose/urgent motion.
If the overall intake of sugar is too high, then the motion can often be bubbly as well as a little loose.

How many motions? Opinion varies on this one. I have heard
the opinion that ideally the bowel should move after every meal, as eating
activates the entire digestive system not just the stomach.
I tend to agree with this, but realise that in our society of fast living and fast foods with  rarely sufficient time allowed for eating or digestion, let alone sitting on the loo,
that this is often not the norm and we tend to accept one good, complete
properly formed motion daily as ‘normal’.
Many things can affect this habit the most common being stress (not enough time!) changes in regime (going away on holiday!) medications (tranquillisers, pain relievers etc) or illness.

As for floating bowel motion, commonly known as floaters,
too much fibre can cause this as well as malabsorption of fats.

1. Enzymes are responsible for nearly every facet of life and health and far outweigh the importance of every other nutrient.

2. Enzymes are needed to help control all mental and physical functions.
Each body cell has in excess of 100,000 enzyme particles necessary for metabolic
processes.

3. Enzymes cannot function properly without the presence of other substances.  Which are known as coenzymes. Coenzymes are minerals, vitamins and proteins.

4. Once enzymes have completed their appointed task they are destroyed.  For life to continue you must have a constant enzyme supply which requires continual replacement of enzymes.

5. Enzymes are found in all living cells including raw foods or those that cooked at a temperature lower than 116 degrees Fahrenheit.
Enzymes begin to perish when the temperature increases beyond 116 degrees,
therefore cooking destroys enzymes that are required to aid in the digestive
process forcing enzymes secreted by the body to do the work.
We need to eat as much RAW food as possible to prevent over taxing our bodys.
Foods especially high in enzymes are papaya, kiwifruit and pineapple.

6. Enzymes aid in transforming proteins into amino acids.
Protein does not perform its function unless broken down into amino acids.
Amino acids can be considered as enzyme carriers whose function is to transport enzymes to various functions in the body.

7. Hormones are primarily proteins which require interaction with enzymes to
regulate body processes.

8. Enzymes help to extract chelated minerals from food.
Enzymes transform chelated minerals into an alkaline detoxifying agent which combines with acid cellular wastes and toxic settlements within the body.
Thus neutralising them and preparing them for elimination.

9. Enzymes use minerals to create an even balance of dissolved solids both inside and outside the cells. Thus equalising both internal and external pressures, which we call osmotic equilibrium.

10. Vitamins are required as coenzymes to work with enzymes in every chemical reaction in every cell of the body.
Without minerals extracted from food by enzymes, vitamins would be unable to perform their function.

11. An enzyme deficiency must be carefully considered as a possible precursor of bodily imbalance and consequent disease symptoms.

Often where there is poor health & particularly if digestive health is poor I recommend the use of specific plant enzyme products as they contain effective dosages of digestive enzymes and are extremely well tolerated.

These can be ordered via the on-line shop.

Chemotherapy kills or damages all rapidly dividing cells in the body.
Make sure that you are well informed before undergoing this type of therapy.
Ask will it change and/or improve your long term prognosis and what will be the
benefits? Will they outweigh the risks involved?

Know that approximately 80% of cancer deaths are due to metastasis rather
than the primary tumour. The cancer cell can be influenced by certain conditions
that allow this to happen. Conditions such as inflammation, infection,
immune-suppression, impaired tissue oxygenation, trauma, stress and nutritional
deficiencies.

If you choose chemotherapy the following gives some guidelines as to
how you can help your body during this process.

Support your immune system:
-Avoid all added sugars.
-Take extra minerals. (i.e.) Colloidal minerals 10-15ml daily plus 1-2 drops of extra Selenium
– Take extra vitamins B.
-Take extra vitamins A, C and E – all are anti-oxidants & can reduce the risk of radiation or chemically induced cancers.
-Take Quercetin – anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, aids lymphatic drainage, anti -viral.
– Take extra Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils).
– Use herbs such as Turmeric, Echinacea, Garlic, Astragalus, Andrographis, and Shitake and Reishi Mushroom.
– Siberian Ginseng – good herb for strengthening the body
– Be positive and laugh more.
– Buy as much organic produce as you can find – you do not want any extra poisons entering the body.
-Use organic juices.
-Use natural, chemical free body products.

Support your liver:
– Avoid all alcohol
-Take herbs such as St. Mary’s Thistle, Schisandra, Dandelion Root, and Globe Artichoke.
(St. Mary’s Thistle is a wonderful protector &  regenerator of liver tissue).

Support your gastrointestinal system:
– Eat heaps of yoghurt!
– Use Colostrum powder – helps improve the immunoglobulin status of the gut
– Take slippery elm powder – ½ tsp in yoghurt 3 times daily.

For nausea and vomiting:
– Yoghurt
– Ginger tea
– Homeobotanical remedy ‘Emeta’.

For Thrush:
– Yoghurt
– Use herbs such as Pau D’arco and Horopito internally and as a wash. These can work extremely well if used on a tampon (3-4 drops) and inserted vaginally.
– Use Kolorex intimate cream (contains Horopito herb).

For Sores:
– Comfrey, Calendula or Hypericum ointments .
– Golden Seal, Propolis and/or Iodine applied externally.

For Hair Loss:
– Keep mineral levels as high as possible.
– Always take Colloidal minerals daily.
See page on ‘Minerals – the facts’ and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.
– Nettle is often recommended as it contains high mineral levels.

If using Tamoxifen:
This drug works as an anti-oestrogen.
It is known to increase the rates of uterine cancer, uterine cysts, liver cancer
and blood clots.
If choosing to use this drug be sure to support the liver. See page on ‘Liver – the facts’

Many people have problems with irregular or incomplete bowel motions. When
attempting to keep the bowel moving regularly and freely there are three
mechanisms that need to be understood and put into practise.

Firstly, there has to be adequate ‘bulk‘ in the intestine. This can come from the diet in the way of fruit and vegetables or it can come by the way of supplementation with such things as psyllium, slippery elm powder, oat bran or Flaxseed fibre. This type of fibre will swell up on contact with water and form a slippery mucilage which helps the
bowel move more easily.

Secondly in order for the ‘bulk’ to work properly there needs to be adequate water in the bowel. If this isn’t the case the bowel motions will be hard, dry and lumpy or ‘pebbly’. Oils, included in, or added to the diet will reduce the absorption of water from the bowel and allow the bulking action of fibre to work more effectively. Therefore it is important
to use cold-pressed oils daily in the diet or lots of foods containing oils such as avocados, olives or oily fish. Alternatively you could supplement with flaxseed oil, about a tablespoon daily is good.

Magnesium also reduces the absorption of water from the bowel and often it is
a deficiency of this element that causes many people to be constipated, as many
areas of NZ are deficient in Magnesium. Colloidal minerals usually contain good
amounts of Magnesium but this can vary with the brand and some people may need
to consider using extra Magnesium a as tablet, capsule or powder.

Thirdly the bowel is a muscle that works by peristalsis or ‘pushing’ the faecal matter along. In some cases the muscle can become weakened, either by an accident (possibly to spinal nerves), by lack of exercise or by years of ineffective ‘pushing’! In this case
it is necessary to stimulate the bowel muscle into ‘pushing’ more effectively.

Some foods will help do this. For example; kiwi-fruit, prunes, aloe vera
juice or raw beetroot juice. Lactalose is a synthetic disaccharide that also has
this effect. Some herbs that have this effect are Senna and Cascara which will
often be found in herbal bowel remedies for this reason.

All these mechanisms need to be kept in mind when treating the bowel, because
the secret to being successful is to use all three and keep them in balance. For
example if you happen to take too much oil and have a real ‘clean-out’, then the
next day, rather than not taking any oil at all, continue taking oil but simply
lower the dose. This enables the bowel to keep moving with out causing it to
‘back-log’ and again become sluggish.
Also, if you happen to have a stressful episode in your life then remember to put a little more effort into keeping the bowel ‘ticking over’ as it is usually at these times that the bowel will not work as effectively.

It is also important to make sure that bowel flora is kept up to scratch. This can be difficult when you consider that any time we eat a food item that contains a preservative (not that we should!), we are upsetting that precious balance in the gut. Eating more yoghurt can help but it can be very useful to supplement with a probiotic capsule. These are now
available in very specific strains that can be used for quite specific conditions.
See page on Probiotics

Finally, it is important to try and get a little more exercise as soon as you are able and it is also important to take time to go to the loo!!

The liver is the largest chemical factory in the body and its role is to make
sure that the body absorbs everything it needs – and to remove anything it
doesn’t need. Most if the biochemical activity of detoxification takes place in
the liver and gastrointestinal tract. The liver is our largest single organ,
performing 500 distinct primary functions and over 2000 minor functions all
essential for life itself. Any weakness or debility of the liver, affects every
other organ system.

The liver carries out the following functions:
– acts as a storehouse for vitamins A, B12 and D and Iron.
– converts ammonia to urea (this is its most urgent life saving task) for removal from the body via the kidneys in the urine.
– breaks down fats for use in metabolic activities.
– manufactures triglycerides, lipoproteins and cholesterol.
– supplies the gallbladder with bile.
– enables you to digest, absorb and assimilate the fats in your diet.
– packages all the fats so they can move safely through the blood stream.
– disposes of unwanted cholesterol.
– removes harmful bacteria, viruses, toxins, yeast and other foreign substances from the blood stream.
– forms products needed for blood coagulation.
– regulates the immune system, forming products needed for immunity to infection.
– breaks down oestrogens.
– maintains body temperature.

Standard medical procedure carried out by medical laboratories is to use a
group of blood tests to look for liver damage in cases of infectious and
alcoholic liver disease. There are specialised laboratory tests that measure the
liver’s detoxifying and dismantling activities. This is coupled with a thorough
medical history and a complete physical exam to reveal if the liver is working
at full and normal capacity, and whether or not it is able to handle the burden
of the numerous chemicals, both natural and synthetic, that lifestyles impose on it.

However, these tests are not effective in showing the liver’s functional capability. It is not safe to assume that your liver is perfectly healthy just because it is not acutely diseased.

Signs of poor liver function
Include sluggishness – especially in the morning, frustration, fits of anger,
emotional instability, irritability and bad temperedness, depression, apathy, a
general feeling of tiredness, sallow skin colour and poor skin tone, dark
circles under the eyes, a yellow coated tongue, a bitter taste in the mouth,
migraine, bilious headache, constipation, skin disorders, food intolerance,
blood sugar problems, blurred vision, wind and congestion or bloating – even
after eating only small amounts of food, premenstrual tension, arthritis and an
inability to digest fats (recognisable by indigestion after eating high fat meals).

Other signs of poor liver function are split finger nails, nails that are
thin, break off, won’t grow or are spoon shape, or your hair is falling out,
splits on the ends and dandruff.

A compromised sluggish liver is also considered to be a major contributor to
the body storing excessive weight especially around the abdomen.

Jaundice, when the whites of the eyes go yellow, is also a sign that all is not well with the liver.
If these symptoms go unnoticed, they may lead to more serious consequences

An inflamed liver can swell, then turn into cirrhosis and possibly cancer.
Cirrhosis causes physical damage to the cells of the liver.

Things that can affect the liver:

Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. These substances are consumed on a daily
basis and if you are consuming all three, you’ll be placing a strain on this
vital organ. For example, the liver can breakdown alcohol when consumed
moderately. When alcohol is consumed excessively, it severely damages the liver.

The use of the contraceptive pill (synthetic hormones) is thought to affect the liver.

Viral hepatitis is another nasty complaint which can also cause permanent damage to the liver.

A sluggish liver may also be due to inherited genetic weakness in the detoxification system, as well as the accumulation of toxins.

To help protect your liver from the onslaught, there are a number of
preventative measures that can be done to protect this amazing organ and help you to live long and happy life.

Vitamins
The B complex vitamins are of paramount importance to the liver and are crucial for the detoxification process. B vitamins are necessary for the ultimate conversion of ammonia to urea and for almost all functions the liver performs.

Vitamin C is needed by the liver for the conversion of cholesterol to bile, to increase the flow of bile from the liver and to assist the excretion of bile from the intestinal tract.

Vitamin E helps to prevent scaring.

Minerals
The liver likes a high intake of calcium and a low intake of phosphate which means that it does not appreciate soft drinks, especially fizzy ones. It needs magnesium as a coenzyme for many of its functions and it needs trace elements including iron, copper, selenium,
manganese and zinc.

Taurine
Taurine is the major amino-acid required by the liver for the detoxification and removal of toxic chemicals and metabolites from the body via the excretory routes of the bowels and kidneys. It is an essential part of cell membranes, is a key component of bile acids produces in the liver and plays a major role in providing good liver function.

Other beneficial nutrients
Lemon juice and water are good cleansers .
Beetroot, celery and carrot juice are particularly good tonics for the liver .
Lecithin helps to keep the membranes of the liver cells strong and healthy.

Herbal Tonics
Milk Thistle has also been found to reduce toxic fatty degeneration of the liver. Milk Thistle can be used in the following conditions: chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis liver damage, bile stagnation (gallbladder), alcohol and chemical induced fatty liver.

Dandelion has been used extensively for centuries as a blood purifier and a tonic for liver congestion. It is especially useful where theliver has been damaged or exposed to toxic  chemicals.

Globe Artichoke is another bitter tonic with liver protective and liver restoration actions, for use as a liver restoration in cases of liver insufficiency and damage, liver diseases, poor digestion, gallstones and chronic constipation.

Bupleurum has a long history of use in Chinese medicine, its major indication being gall bladder and liver dysfunction.