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Arthritis

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There are two types of arthritis (rheumatoid and osteo) and about eight million sufferers of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation in the lining of the joints and is a chronic progressive disease that causes swelling in the joints, resulting in deformity and immobility especially in the fingers, wrists, feet and ankles.

Osteoarthritisis affects the cartilage and bone, causing pain and stiffness. It usually occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, spine, back and neck, but can also affect finger joints, toe joints and the spine.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis an early warning blood test may help sufferers in the future. Doctors have discovered a link in the blood of those likely to develop the disease – two kinds of anti-bodies – one to a substance called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and another called rheumatoid factors.

There is a drug which is able to block a chemical called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) which causes the swelling and tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis. It is available on the NHS but expensive it costs about £10,000 a year but helps those who do not respond to any other treatment. – about ten per cent of people with the disease. Another is Enbrel is a twice-weekly injection for rheumatoid arthritis.

Recent discoveries that may help are:

New joints

Surgeons in Finland have managed to create new joints using tissue-engineering techniques and a specially designed mould or scaffold. In the operation, a small round scaffold full of tiny holes is fitted in the gap between the two pieces of bone at either side of what was the joint. Once in place, the job of the scaffold is to create and maintain a space between the bone ends.

The idea is that the surrounding tissue invades the mould through the tiny pores of the scaffold and fills the empty space, effectively creating a living, working joint. The Finnish surgeons who carried out the operations on 80 individual joints at the Medical University of Tampere said they found that during the first ten days, when the hand is in a splint, the cells migrated into the mould and almost filled it. As the cells grow, the mould itself starts to degenerate.

Almost two years after the first joint was implanted, doctors found that all patients had less pain and had a wider range of movements in their hands. The surgeons say that although this group of patients had very poor joints because of previous repeated operations, the results were at least as good as those reported for the best conventional implants.

More information on the treatment options available and advice can be obtained from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Helpline, Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, 01628 670606. www.rheumatoid.org.uk

In cases of osteoporosis one of the most common treatments is the painkiller Inbrufen. Doctors have also discovered that some antibiotics may help to slow down the effects of osteoarthritis of the knee. Doctors who gave the antibiotic doxycycline to patients with the disease found it significantly reduced the loss of cartilage by 33% , as well as cutting pain levels. It is thought that the antibiotic works to relieve arthritic pain by inhibiting chemicals or enzymes that break down joint cartilage. It is thought that doxycycline can slow the progression of structural damage and help reduce pain.

There is a growing list of alternative therapies such as frankincense and myrrh made from the gum of two different trees – boswellia serrata (frankincense) and commiphora molmol (myrrh) has been found to be as successful at reducing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis as conventional painkillers.

Fruity cure

An exotic fruit called Noni, a member of the citrus family from the south sea Pacific islands is attributed with relieving arthritis pain. The juice from the fruit found on the islands of Tahiti and Hawaii has anti-inflammatory chemicals and antibacterial compounds that work to block the causes of joint pain.

Fish Oil

Cod liver oil has long reputed easing aching joints. Now scientists say it is so effective it should be hailed as a natural ‘wonder drug’. In the first clinical study of its kind, cod liver oil was found to be highly effective in slowing the destruction of joint cartilage – the ‘cushion’ between bones – in patients with arthritis. A daily capsule of fish oil could help delay arthritis from developing and people as young as 20 should start taking it to protect their joints. Fish oil cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes by helping to thin the blood, and contains essential fatty acids – omega- 3s – which are crucial for maintaining brain power and may protect against Alzheimer’s.

Collagen

A laboratory study has also shown that collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, can stimulate the growth of new cartilage tissue. Present in bones, joints, muscle and other connective tissue, scientists believe that in some people, particularly the elderly, its production slows down or stops.

Supplements seem to perform the same role as natural collagen in keeping the tissue in joints healthy and supple. The latter group showed significant reduction in pain and an improvement in joint mobility, with 93 per cent achieving positive results, some after only two weeks.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural substance in the body which helps form new connective molecules that make vital links between cells and tissue. As people age, they lose the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of glucosamine. Cartilage then loses its gel-like nature and ability to act as a shock absorber. In Spain, Portugal and Italy, glucosamine is the preferred treatment for arthritis. Research shows glucosamine sulphate – a basic building block in cartilage tissue – can combat pain caused by the natural wear of joints that comes with increasing age. Top athletes take the food supplement in pill form to relieve the pain caused by the constant pressure on their joints, especially the knees.

People with joint pain and muscular tension are also getting relief from a skin patch which provides a steady supply of glucosamine. The glucosamine gel patch gives a sustained release through the skin. Glucosamine is combined with the cooling effect of menthol and anti- inflammatory properties of horse chestnut. The patch can be worn day or night on ‘mobile’ areas such as the elbow, knee, ankle or foot, as well as flat areas such as the back.

Herbal fen-phen

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Cracking down on makers of “herbal fen-phen,” the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers Thursday that some products sold as substitutes for recently banned diet drugs may be dangerous.

The FDA wrote to a Pennsylvania company this week that its products violate federal law and may be seized as illegal drugs.

The diet drugs fenfluramine and its close cousin Redux were banned in September after doctors discovered the medicines could damage dieters’ heart valves. Since then, dieters have flocked to blends of dietary supplements that bear such names as Herbal Phen-Fen and Herbal Phen Fuel.

There is no evidence that the dietary supplements contained in such remedies, mostly ephedrine and St. John’s wort, are effective for weight loss, the FDA said.

Worse, the agency said, ephedrine can cause high blood pressure or even heart attacks and strokes.

The FDA said another herbal fen-phen product, 5-hydroxy tryptophan, is related to a dietary supplement banned for its link to a fatal blood disorder.

Echinacea

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Aristolochia

Traditional Chinese medicine used for thousands of years, but recently been mistaken for other herbs used in slimming and for skin conditions.
Dangers: In 1993 blamed for renal failure in patients at an upmarket Belgian slimming clinic and again in in Britain in 1999. It is not available in the UK.

Echinacea

An immune booster, used for increasing resistence to infection particularly in those with chronic fatigue syndrom. Should not be used by anyone with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or HIV. Should not be taken continuously.

EPHEDRA

A herb used in weight loss and for boosting energy. In Jan 2004 the US FDA amassed evidence to show that it was
causal in high blood pressure, stroke and sudden death to propose a ban. Restricted in the UK and is not available over the counter. Dangers: A stimulant it can increase the heart rate and lead to a heart attack in a suspectible person.

Gingko Biloba

Eases Reynaud’s dusease and intermittent claudication (like angina in the calf muscles) to walk for longer without pain. Dangerous for people using Warfarin and aspirin.

Ginseng

Improves concentration and alertness.

Guarana

Boosts mental alertness and has an effect like caffeine. Although it is a natural substance users should be careful of becoming dependent on it.

KAVA

Treats insomnia and muscle-related pain. Rare cases of people using the concentrated form, has led to liver damage. There is a voluntary ban by suppliers and herbalists since December 2001.

Licorice

A tonic. Should be avoided by anyone taking medicine for high blood pressure because it causes water retention.

St John’s Wort

Used for depression and anxiety. Can interact with some drugs such as the Pill, cyclosporin (used for transplants) and HIV drugs.

Valerian

Insomnia, anxiety.

HRT

In 2003 the Women’s Health Initiative carried out a study of 16,000 women which showed that the combination of
estrogen and progestin, in HRT not only raised a postmenopausal woman’s risk of heart disease and breast cancer but
also increasd her risk of str

Aristolochia

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AN emergency ban has been imposed on the import, sale and supply of a herb used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines after two users in the UK suffered
kidney failure.

The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) imposed the immediate ban on Aristolochia on the advice of the Committee on Safety of Medicines. Aristolochia is a herb used in Chinese medicine to treat fluid retention and rheumatic symptoms. But research has found the herb to be toxic and associated with kidney damage.

Aristolochia has been a prescrip-tion-only medicine since 1997, but can be easily confused with two other harmless Chinese herbs, Stephania and Clematis, used to treat similar problems.

More than 70 people suffered kidney failure in Belgium in 1993 after taking a slimming preparation in which Aristolochia had been used instead of Stephania. Both plants have the same Chinese name, Fangji.

The two UK cases of kidney failure happened after people took medicines with the herbal ingredient “Mu Tong” which is used to describe at least four different plants including Clematis and Aristolochia. In both cases, the toxic herb was mistakenly used instead of the harmless plants.

Organisations representing Chinese medicine suppliers have voluntarily suspended
use of Mu Tong and Fangji in a bid to ensure there is no confusion.

The ban came into effect yesterday and will last three months while the MCA consults the industry on a more permanent ban. Officials are also considering whether to impose a permanent ban on the herbs which can be confused with Aristolochia.

Herbal medicines are not subject to the same controls as licensed medicines and there have long been fears over their safety. The MCA is currently consulting with the natural health sector in a bid to establish better regulation. The Department of Health advisea anyone worried about herbal medicines they are taking to consult their practitioner.

Cholestin

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of this popular dietary supplement for lowering cholesterol, saying the substance contains a powerful prescription drug.

The action – the first of its kind by the agency – goes to the heart of a long-running debate over the boundary between drugs and dietary supplements, which get far less regulatory scrutiny and have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The maker of Cholestin, Pharmanex Inc. of Simi Valley, Calif., advertised that the product lets users “lower your cholesterol without drugs” because it is derived from an extract of Chinese red rice yeast.

But Cholestin contains lovastatin, a prescription drug sold under the brand name Mevacor by pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., the FDA said. FDA regulations prohibit supplement makers from marketing products that are already on the market as drugs.

The FDA said that Pharmanex was marketing lovastatin and that it was therefore not a dietary supplement and could not be sold. Lovastatin is one of a class of drugs that increase the removal from the body of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the type most strongly implicated in causing blood vessel blockages, and reduce the production of LDL by interfering with the liver’s cholesterol synthesis.

Pharmanex offers Cholestin for people whose cholesterol levels are elevated but
below the 240 milligrams per deciliter mark that is considered dangerously high. By doing so, the company can avoid charges that it is offering to cure disease,
which also would violate FDA rules.

Tryptophan

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Detective work by epidemiologsts in Britain and the United States led the health department in London to impose a ban on a food supplement linked to at least 22 deaths in America. The supplement is tryptophan, an essential amino acid which has been sold by health food stores and chemist shops in tablet form as a folk remedy for insomnia, premenstrual tension, stress and depression. It is also an ingredient of prescription-only anti-depressants, which have been withdrawn by their manufacturers on government advice.

Researchers in the United States have found that tryptophan as a supplement is closely connected to outbreaks of a rare blood disorder called eosinephilia myalgia syndrome, or EMS. More than 1,500 cases of the illness have been documented. It causes potentially fatal nerve and muscle damage, as well as skin rashes and flu-like symptoms.

Seven cases of the condition have been reported in Britain, including three Americans who had used the tablets. Investigations by epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, showed that virtually all the sufferers had been taking tryptophan products imported from Japan. Health authorities in America alerted their British counterparts who, in November, issued a warning that people should stop taking any dietary supplements containing tryptophan as the sole or major ingredient, unless prescribed by a doctor. The name “L-tryptophan” or “DL-tryptophan” usually features on the labels.

In January, France banned sales of the supplement, and in March, the US Food and
Drug Administration recalled products containing the supplement.

Louis Sullivan, the US government’s health and human services secretary, warned that it could be fatal. “We are confronted with a major public health problem,” he says. Tryptophan was causing deaths and long-term illness with some patients failing to respond to treatment. “I urge everyone to stop taking these supplements immediately.”

Lipokinetix

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FDA last week warned consumers to stop using the dietary supplement Lipokinetix immediately, saying it has been linked to liver failure and similar diseases in people between ages 20 and 32.

The agency said it has received “multiple” adverse reports from people who consumed the weight-loss supplement. No apparent cause of liver disease was identified in these cases other than Lipokinetix consumption, FDA reported.

In its warning statement, FDA named Syntrax Innovations Inc. as the supplement’s marketer. But the company said it has not sold Lipokinetix for a year and accused FDA of having a vendetta against some supplements.

“This is obviously another chapter in the FDA’s vengeance against ephedrine alkaloids,” Syntrax stated. “We challenge the FDA to show that any compound or combinations of compounds to be liver toxic in Lipokinetix.”

But FDA said that, in reported cases, liver disease developed between two weeks and three months after Lipokinetix consumption, the agency said. The supplement contains the ingredients norephedrine (also known as phenylpropanolamine or PPA), caffeine, yohimbine, diiodothyronine and sodium usniate, the agency stated.

“FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Lipokinetix and consult their physician if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with this product, particularly nausea, weakness or fatigue, abdominal pain or any change in skin color,” the agency said. FDA said consumers and doctors who believe

Lipokinetix may have contributed to an illness can contact the agency’s MedWatch hot line at 800-FDA-1088 or via the Web page www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm

5-HTP

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Doctors at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that the popular over-the-counter dietary supplement 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan (5-HTP) may have the same contaminant found in a similar supplement banned nearly a decade ago after being associated with a rare and occasionally deadly blood disease. So far, there are no known cases of anyone becoming ill from taking contaminated supplements, Mayo researchers said, but they’re warning people to avoid taking high doses of it for fear of triggering an outbreak of a possible fatal illness.

The contaminant is similar to one found in tainted batches of a related amino acid dietary supplement, L-tryptophan, which killed 30 people and sickened more than 1,500 in 1989, said Dr. Stephen Naylor, one of the Mayo researchers. It had been used by an estimated 15 million Americans as a remedy for depression, premenstrual syndrome and insomnia.

Since then, the supplement has been replaced by a version called 5-HTP or sometimes 5-OH-Trp, which is derived from a plant, sold over the counter and promoted for variety of problems by several manufacturers. Now Naylor and his colleague, Dr. Gerald Gleich, found the contaminant, known as “peak x,” in all six batches of 5-HTP that they sampled from health and nutrition stores in New York and Rochester, Minn. The same contaminant was linked to a small outbreak of a disease known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), in 1991, and is chemically similar to – but not the same as – the contaminants discovered in the fatal outbreak in 1989.

“I don’t believe the present environment requires that these things are pulled off the shelves,” said Naylor, whose findings were published today in the journal Nature Medicine. “But on the other hand, based on our fairly extensive experience with this disease . . . we have cause for concern.”

Gleich, however, said that in his opinion, people should stop taking the supplements. Naylor added that they don’t even know what a safe level would be. The Mayo researchers notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about their findings, but the FDA declined to say what action, if any, it is taking. Michael Osterholm, the Minnesota state epidemiologist, said it would be up to the FDA to decide if the supplements should be pulled from the market. But, he said, “if this is a product that has the potential to cause {EMS}, that is a very serious illness and people need to be aware of that.”

The researchers found that the new supplements have anywhere from 3 to 15 percent of the levels of contaminant that were linked to a 1991 case, in which a Canadian family became ill after taking 5-HTP.

Even with small levels of contaminants, Naylor said, people could get a potentially toxic dose if they take too much. Because the supplements aren’t regulated, there’s no control over how much people take. At least one new book is recommending doses of 300 to 900 milligrams a day, which the doctors say could bring the contaminants to dangerous levels. “We would just like to let the public know that there is a concern, that they should be cautious, and they should certainly forgo taking high doses of 5-HTP,” said Naylor.

The symptoms of EMS, a blood disorder, include fatigue, muscle aches, soreness, numbness, tingling and other nerve problems. Gleich said anyone who has been taking the supplements and is experiencing those symptoms, should call a doctor and have a blood test. “The potential, we believe, is there, and we think a warning is appropriate,” said Gleich, Naylor’s co-author.

The Mayo researchers started testing 5-HTP in April at the request of a TV news show, “Dateline NBC,” which was preparing a story on contaminated food supplements. The Mayo doctors also said their discovery underscores the potential dangers of so-called natural products. Said Naylor, “Some of the most potent toxins known to the human race are derived from plant species, so natural does not necessarily mean safe.”

Gleich noted that there have been no reports of illness so far. “Had we seen cases then this would have quickly evolved very differently. There may be cases, we’re simply not aware of it.”

The Mayo clinic played a key role, along with the Minnesota Department of Health, in tracing the cause of the 1989 outbreak to the tainted batches of L-tryptophan. The manufacturer, a Japanese company, reportedly paid $2 billion to settle claims from the outbreak.

Antioxidants – supplements and foods

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Antioxidnts are the elixir vitamins and supplements that help the body defend itself against free radical attack – these are unstable molecular structures that damage cells and which scientists believe are responsible for mutations that cause cancer and other diseases and illnesses. Although we identify several vitamins, minerals and supplements that have particular antioxident properties, they deliver the optimum benefits when taken with other essential nutrients and a balanced diet.

The most important antioxidants are alpha lipoic acid, acetyl L-carnitine, DMAE, vitamin A and betacarotene, vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, followed by vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and the minerals, copper, manganese and zinc. Other important antioxidents are co-enzyme Q10, carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene, alpha lipoic acid, green tea and grapeseed extracts.

Since many processed foods are deficient in essential vitamins they can be taken by way of supplements. New research has shown that Vitamin B3 in the diet can help prevent Alzheimer’s, and Vitamins D and C are being investigated for their potential role in the prevention of cancer.

Vitamins are either water or fat soluable. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluable and stored in the liver by the body. Since they are used slowly overdosing on them can be more toxic. The B vitamins and vitamin C are water soluable and excess amounts are flushed out of the body.

The following is a list of the main antioxidants and anti-ageing supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino-acids and hormones) and where they can be found naturally in various foods.

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID

A major cause of ageing is the decline in the energy-producing capability of cells which results in reduced metabolic activity and eventually cell death. This is a highly potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and since it is both water and fat soluable means that it can penetrate to all parts of a cell. This enzyme helps cell metabolism, general vitality and production of collagen. It is usually taken in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine, an amino acid that assists the transport of fat into the mitachondria of the cell. As an antioxidant it is also used in anti-ageing skin creams.

This supplement is not recommended during pregnancy or for diabetics who are glucose intolerant. It should not be taken after 5pm as it is a stimulant and could keep you from sleeping. It is also in the following foods – spinach, liver brewer’s yeast, beef and potatoes.

AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are the building blocks of the body and made up of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen that make proteins to form muscles, hormones, enzymes, skin, hair, organs and bones.

Altogether there are 23 amino acids:

L-Arginine: Used to make muscle tissues and relaxes blood vessels. Researchers believe it helps reduce angina, high blood pressure and glaucoma. It also helps increase muscle size. It is found inoats, grains, fish, red meat, Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts and gelatine.

Aspartic Acid:Assists red-blood cell production and is helpful for cancer patients who have undergone radiotherapy. Can be taken as part of the supplement magnesium aspartate. Found in fish, meat, sunflower seeds, almonds, gelatine and walnuts.

Carnitine:Assists in detoxing and fat burning, reducing cellulite. Also found in yeast, dairy products, liver and red meat.

Acetyl-L-carnitine: is one of the most extensively researched nutrients and credited with aiding brain function. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of important neurotransmitter chemicals essential for memory, focus and learning. It has also been shown to reverse damage to brain cells brought about by poor nutrition and even alcohol abuse. Tests on Alzheimer’s patients have shown it can improve memory function.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a natural component of the brain’s chemistry but levels decline in age and also through external factors such as pollution. The only natural source is bovine so a synthetic form, derived from amino acids, is recommended.

A number of studies of acetyl-L-carnitine have shown that it slows or prevents age-related decline in mental function, depression, assists recovery in stroke victims and Alzheimer’s. It may also be of benefit in the management of Parkinson’s disease, damaged nerves and diabetes. Patients with brain injuries report that a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine with phosphatidyl serine, significantly improves their overall brain function, attention span and learning ability. Acetyl-L-carnitine has also been found helpful in the management of diabetes especially when combined with lipoic acid and GLA.

It also has a role as a powerful immune enhancer. This is due to its ability to promote the health of the nervous system, which in turn governs the activity of the immune system. Acetyl-L-carnitine may offer specific benefit to HIV patients and those with tuberculosis. Another attibute is that the benefits are almost immediate. Its effects are enhanced by taking it in combination with phosphatidly serine, B vitamins, phosphatidly choline and EPA/DHA (fish oils).

Read: The Carnitine Miracle by Robert Crayhon. Also the skin-anti-ageing books by leading dermatologist, Nicholas Perricone.

Side effects: There are no known side effects this is believed to be because acetyl-L-carnitine is a nutrient already manufactued by the body to protect and regenerate the brain. It should not be taken after 5pm as it is a stimulant.

Cysteine: Helps to break down toxins in the liver and also helpful to cancer patients. In laboratory tests it has been shown to extend the life of some animals. Found in eggs, wheatflour, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and oats.

Glutamic Acid: One of the components that goes to make folic acid but excess can provoke epilepsy and seizures so sufferers need to ensure they take adequate vitamin B6 which breaks it down. There is no supplement since it is abundant in food. Found in cheese, sunflower seeds, almonds and wheatflour.

L-Glutamine: Assists the repair of the stomach lining damaged by excessive alcohol and also helps counter cravings for alcohol. Found in cabbage, barley and potatoes.

Glutathione: People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer and Parkinson’s Disease often have low levels of this amino acid. Treatment of those suffering from Parkinson’s over a 30-day period discovered a 42 per cent decline in symtoms. Although it is available ina supplement it has shown that diet combined with taking the anti-oxident lipoic acid is far more effective. Found in fish, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Glycine: Breaks down the uric acid in the kidneys and is therefore useful for gout suffers. Also found to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and osteoarthritis. Found in sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, buckwheat and gelatine.

Histadine: Helps reduce joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who usually have low levels. But allergy suffers should beware as its main function is making histamines. Found in sunflower seeds, peanuts, dairy products and gelatine.

Isoleucine: Reduces levels of tryptophan, which encourages sleep, and is therefore helpful to sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME). Found in sunflower seeds, oats, cheese and gelatine.

Leucine: Also assists in combating tiredness. Found in the same foods as Isoleucine.

Lysine: May help in reducing the symtoms of the herpes virus. Usually taken with vitamin C and zinc. Found in beans, lentils, broccoli, potatoes and tofu.

Methionine:Helps reduce histamines and is therefore helpful in treating allergies and hay fever. Needs to be taken with the B vitamins, folic acid and B12. Found in oats, seeds and Brazil nuts.

Ornithine: Assists in increasing muscle mass and weight gain. Taken in conjunction with arginine. Found in eggs and dairy foods.

Phenylalanine: Produces natural painkillers so is helpful for backache and arthritis and also depression. Found in cheese, oats, peanuts, almonds.

Proline: Taken with vitamins B3 and C it can slow down an eye condition called gyrate atrophy. Found in sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, cheese and gelatine.

Serine:Works on the memory neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine to aid memory. Found in almonds, walnuts, gelatine and eggs.

Taurine: Reduces cholesterol and helps to prevent gallstones. Found in cow’s milk, liver, kidney and fish.

Threonine: Reduces symptoms of depression. Supplements should only be taken with medical advice. Found in fish, cheese, gelatine, almonds and peanuts.

Tryptophan: Helps the brain produce serotonin which can assist in depression, insomnia and weight loss. A 500mg dose is taken daily. Found in sunflower seeds, oats, Brazil nuts and cheese.

Tyrosine: Has been used alongside conventional drugs to treat Parkinson’s Disease as it helps to make the neuro transmitter dopamine. Also helpful to reduce stress. Found in eggs, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts and cheese.

Valine: Helps alleviate the symptoms of ME when taken in conjunction with isoleucine and leucine. Found in sunflower seeds,gelatine, cheese, peanuts, oats and fish.

BETA-CAROTENE

Found in carrots and other highly coloured vegetables and fruits. An antioxidant that may help fight cancer.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

A chemical found in fruits and vegetables. Found in the following foods: Apricots, plums, blackberries, strawberries, green tea, rosehips, green peppers, green beans, broccoli, red cabbage, grapes, cherries, rhubarb, red wine, lemons,oranges. Quercetin, the most active of the citrus bioflavonoids has anti-inflammatory properties and helps allergic reactions. Also beneficial in diabetes as it helps prevent damage to blood vessels by excess sugar in the body.

Grapes, particularly grapeseeds and red wine are a good source of the bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins (see below). These prevent hardening
of the artery. Butcher’s Broom can reduce inflammation and swelling associated with leg problems as it strengthens the vein and helps blood flow and even mor effective when combined with horse chustnut seed (conker) extract, vitamin C and the flavonoid rutin. The plant, milk thistle contains the bioflavonoid silymarin which promotes cell regeneration and can help repair liver damage from alcohol. This helps the skin and promotes energy.

CoEnzyme Q10

CoEnzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body. It also occurs naturally in a number of foods, including organ meats, soy oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. It is a powerful antioxidant and acts as a coenzyme for several of the key steps in the production of energy within every cell. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to several deseases. Low levels are attributed to an insufficient dietary intake combined with an inability of the body to manufacture its own. A number of commonly prescribed medications can also affect levels including statins (used to treat high cholesterol), beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants.

CoQ10 has been particularly successful in the area of cardiac health. It is found in fairly high concentrations in healthy hearts. Conversely, low levels are associated with congestive heart failure. It is also thought that low levels may also be the main cause in heart failure. It has also helpful in reducing blood pressure and heart rate and associated conditions, as well as peridontal disease. There is also increasing evidence that the brain can also suffer.

Ageing humans have been found to have 57% less CoQ10 on average compared to that of young adults. Its effect on the mitochondria, the “energy powehouses” of our cells where it regulates the oxidation of fats and sugars into energy, makes it one of the most important nutrients for people over the age of 30. Although there are no known side-effects its energy boosting properties mean that it can increase the body’s production of free radicals and it is advised that it is taken with other potent antioxidents ( for example Life Extension Mix and/or Life Extension Booster or Gamma E Tocopherol with Sesame Lignans formula).

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

The supplement DHEA, is a steriod hormone that can slow ageing, prevent disease and improve strength. Its medical uses include the treatment of depression and dementia It is used by some athletes to increase muscle mass and strength, but banned by sporting bodies including the International Olympic Committee and the National Football League. It is classed as a food supplement and has also become popular as an anti-ageing remedy.

Ageing men and woman are invariably DHEA deficient. DHEA is the most abundent circulating hormone in the youthful human body but peaks by the age of 25 and declines thereafter. By the age of 70 most people DHEA has declined by over 80%. DHEA should not be taken by those with existing prostate or breast cancer. Those with liver disease should take dissolve in the mouth tables rather than capsules.

DHEA levels decrease after 30 and it is thought that some symptoms of ageing could be associated with a DHEA deficiency.There has been considerable interest in using DHEA in Alzheimer’s disease. DHEA supplements in menapausal woman have also shown to increase estrogen levels and reduction in hot flushes.

A study by the Univesity of California, San Diego, said that 50mgs a day taken daily over six months increased lean body mass and muscle strength.

Known side effects: DHEA and pregnenolone may cause heart rhythm irregularities and irreversible hair loss.

DMAE

DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol (chemical name deanol), is a compound found in high levels in oily fish such aas anchovies, sardines and salmon. It is also produced in small amounts by the human brain. It is sold as a food supplement to boost brain function and is thought to be helpful in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Doctors are also looking at its role in treating poor memory and Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as some movement disorders.

The supplement was originally researched as a treatment for ADHD and early studies in the 1970s revealed that it was helpful for children with learning disabilities and behavior problems. This substance appears to increase production of chemicals in the brain essential for short-term memory, concentration, and learning capacity. It is also classed as an “cholinergic” because it is thought to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, one of the chemicals in the brain that enhances mental powers. A decrease in the brain cells that produce acetylcholine is thought to be parlty responsible for Alezheimer’s. “Cholinergic” drugs, such as tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivasatigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) are used to treat the dementia of Alzheimer’s disease.

Although there are no conclusive studies it is possible that DMAE has memory-boosting effects. Many nutritionally oriented physicians prescribe DMAE along with another memory enhancer, the dietary supplement phosphatidylcholine.

DMAE supplements won’t work for everybody and are not intended as a cure. But they are safe and may be helpful. They should be taken with meals.

There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with DMAE but more needs to be learned this supplement. You should consult a doctor, particularly if you have any illnesses such as epilepsy.

International anti-ageing skin doctor Nicholas Perricone describes DMAE as “the magic bullet” for skin. He prescribes supplements and a diet high in wild salmon – his research documents changes in the skin in only three days. He believes that DMAE is a building-block of the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine which declines with age and causes a deterioration in musle-tone as well as brain function. This diet also has a beneficial effect on weight.

Recommended books by Perricone: The Perricone Prescription and The Wrinkle Cure.

EVENING PRIMOSE AND FISH OILS

Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an amega-3 oil, and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an amega-6 oil are naturally occuring fats with ani-inflammatory effects.

Fish oils: it is important to pick an oil that has been purified and contains a high dose of Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA). Oils made from fish rather than livers are preferable because of the levels of toxins.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural substance in the body known as an amino-sugar which is made in the body as a result of the synthesis of L-glutamine and glucose. Glucosamine stimulates glycosamino-glycans which are important in the formation of cartiliage and joint ligaments. As people age, they lose the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of glucosamine. Cartilage then loses its gel-like nature and ability to act as a shock absorber. Research in The Lancet medical journal which used X-rays to investigate the knee cartilage of volunteers, found those who took glucosamine pills for three years halted the progress of their osteoarthritis. In Spain, Portugal and Italy, glucosamine is the preferred treatment for arthritis. Glucasamine is sold as a supplement and there are also skin patches. It is often sold in supplements with Chondroitin sulfates which help the glucosamine into joints.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

HGH is released by the pituitary gland during sleep and is the most important anti-ageing hormone of all. It is produced until around mid-20s to age 30, but continues to decrease as we age. Genuine HGH is synethically made by only two drugs companies mainly for use with children who suffer from growth hormone deficiency. In adults HGH injections are used to increase metabolism and other visible signs of ageing but these are only available on prescrption. Naturapathic HGH has been criticised as a “scam” by professional anti-ageing experts.

HGH restores muscle strength, stamina and other attributes of youth.
There are also natural ways to encourage HRH production, including exercise. The following are HGH boosters:magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins found in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus unprocessed nuts and seeds, brown rice, low sugar cereals — especially oats, soya-based foods and raisins. A good night’s sleep and regular exercise help increase production of this hormone. People who sleep on average eight hours a night live longer than those who sleep for six hours or less. Also HGH boosters are the amino acids omithine, lysine, arginine and glutamine.

Read Staying Young; Growth Hormone by Dr Gilbert Elian (Age Reversal Press).

Known side effects: HGH injections can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. It should not be used by those suffering from cancer. There are studies that suggest it may increase risk of cancer, triggers diabetes and joint pain -although supporters dispute this.

MELATONIN

Millions of people already take melatonin, which is sold in pharmacies and health food stores in the United States, Thailand, Singapore and on the Internet. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pineal gland in the brain and is released during the night. It regulates sleep patterns and influences other hormones and is useful in relieving jet lag and has anti-cancer properties. In experiments it has been shown to increase the lifespan of animals.

PREGNENOLONE

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries that regulates the growth and condition of skin. It is often taken in combination with DHEA. Known side effects: DHEA and pregnenolone may cause heart rhythm irregularities and irreversible hair loss. On top of that, these treatments can cost up to $1,000 a month. They should not be taken by anyone with cancer.

PROANTHOCYANIDINS (a class of plant flavonoids)

Found in grapes, grape seeds and red wine and help to prevent hardening of the arteries.

ANTIOXIDANTS IN FOODS

As well as supplements they can be found in the following foods:

*Alpa lipoic acid: spinach, liver, brewer’s yeast, beef, potatoes.
*Anthocyanins: blueberries, bilberries
*Carotenoids: sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, corn, sweet peppers, spirulina, kale
*Catechins: green tea, green tea extract, grapes and chocolate
* Coenzyme Q10: meats, peanuts, sardines, spinach
* Flavonoids: broccoli, ginkgo biloba, tomatoes, soybeans, onions, apples and red wine
* Lutein (a carotenoid): kale, spinach, broccoli, grapes, zucchini, leeks, corn
* Polyphenols: green tea, cherries, grapes, most berries
* Selenium: Brazil nuts, brown rice, sea food, eggs, tuna, buckwheat
* Tocotrienols: part of the vitamin E complex found in eggs, meat, palm fruit oil
* Vitamin A found in liver, whole milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, beta carotene;
* Vitamin C – citrus fruits, papaya, brussel sprouts, broccoli, strawberries
* Vitamin E – nuts, soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds, asparagus, sweet potatoes
* Sulpher in nutrients such as cysteine, glutahione and lipoic acid.
* Bromelain, natural enzyme found in the pineapple, and available as a supplement, has anti-inflammatoryproperties.

A-Z of treatments

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Amalgam fillings

Once a standard treatment, amalgam silver coloured fillings have now been replaced by composites to white ones.

Bleaching

Can improve colour of teeth by up to 70% but not stains caused by the antibiotic tetracycline or the white patches caused by demineralisation – need to use micro-abrasion. The latest treatment is laser whitening, in which a hydrogen peroxide solutions is painted onto the patients teeth and subjected to a laser that speeds up the procedure.

Bonding

Tooth coloured material is stuck. Tooth is etched using a week acid to create grooves to enable the material, such as veneers (see below) to bond.

Crowns

These are coverings that replace the top part of the tooth. This treatment is used when the teeth are severely decayed, factured or for cosmetic reasons. They are usually made of porcelain, with metal or glass bases.

Endodontics (root canal therapy)

This is the removal of dying or dead nerves which are replaced with a filling material, which can give a tooth an extra ten years of life.

Implants

Used to replaced lost teeth but could only be used if there was enough bone to screw in the implant made of titanium. Now however surgeons are able to graft the patients own bone into the mouth to create a base.

Light curing

This is used to harden fillings, to whiten or bleach teeth.

Orthodontics

The process of aligning the teeth using fixed braces and in difficult cases may also involve surgery. The latest braces are ceramic.

Scaling and polishing

3-6 monthly appointments with hygenist to get rid of plaque and stains. Now use ultrasonic descalers and the air-abrader
that uses an abrasive powder to clean the teeth.

Veneers

A thin layer of porcelain is bonded to the tooth. Disadvantages is that they can easily chip or even fall off and may cause damage to teeth.

AntiAgeing advice

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Teens

The overuse of styling products can weaken the hair so these should be kept to a minimum. Eat protein for breakfast and restrict processed as they make the scalp greasier. Hair tends to get greasier so frequent washing is crucial. Hair is at its thickest so it is the best time to have it long.

20’s and 30’s
From 20 onwards hair starts to thin – a loss of up to 100 hairs a day is not unusual. Highlevels of stress and low protein intack may make hair greasy so wash often and use a conditioner. Try to get sufficient protein, including red meat. The Pill keeps oestrogen levels high, giving hair more elasticity and making it grow quickly.

30’s and 40’s

It is not uncommon after childbirth to loose hair because of the fall in oestrogen. Anaemia can also weaken hair so take an iron supplement. Increase the amount of fatty acids. A supplement to nourish hair is also a good idea.

40’s and 50’s
Overuse of hair products such as dye and perms can make hair duller and hair serums are advisable to restore lustre and bounce.Hair tends to become duller due to more dyeing, perming and rollering, so start using hair serums to restore lustre. Increased male hormones called androgenes in pre-menopausal women, so start using anti-androgene scalp drops with each shampoo. Massage scalp with an exfoliating face cream every week to stimulate hair follicle growth.

50-plus
Chronic anaemia or thyroid problems may be the cause of sudden greyness so check with a doctor. Always use products for dry hair. Do not pull out grey hairs as this will wreck the hair follicle and the new hair will grow back distorted. Blue-tinted shampoos can disguise the natural yellow tinge of grey hair.

Hair Food

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The nutrients needed for healthy hair are the same as those needed for good skin, nails, bones and connective tissue. This is a diet high in key plant nutrients, vitamins and minerals, fibre, protein and beneficial fats, and low in refined sugar and flour, processed foods and harmful fats. Sugar’s destructive impact on the skin may pose a similar threat to the hair. It causes a breakdown of proteins, called glycation, which ages the skin – no doubt affecting the hair follicles, which are part of the skin. Hydrogenated fats (trans fats) are notorious for disrupting hormone processes at a cellular level, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Beans, whole grains, eggs, salmon and other oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and sardines; raw nuts, flax and pumpkin and sunflowerseeds; nuts such as almonds and brazils; berries and dark greens provide the B vitamins, sulfur, iron, essential fatty acids, zinc, amino acids such as L-arginine, lecithin, minerals

Fermented dairy products replenish healthy bacteria, which head off your body’s reaction to poor digestion and help produce more hair-healthy, stress-fighting B vitamins in your digestive tract.

Cut down on cows milk products, caffeine, sugar and salt.

Supplements for hair, skin and nails. These should include connective-tissue-supporting substances such as sulphur (especially in the most bio-available form, MSM), silica from horsetail, and antioxidants and anti-inflammatories such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), nettle and green tea (camellia sinensis). These nutrients support good health in addition to promoting luscious locks.

Psoriasis

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Around one in 50 people have psoriasis, where the skin grows more quickly than usual. Red patches and silvery-white scales grow on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. It is believed to be linked to abnormal immune reaction or the condition of the liver but an attack can be trig-gered by stress and hormonal changes.

Sun can help, along with bathing in warm water with a bath oil or tar solution can soften the psoriasis and lift the scale. Coal tar has been used for many years. Other treatments include steroids, Vitamin D-like compounds, ultraviolet and long-wave light treatment, and immune suppressant drugs.

New drug for psoriasis.

A new injection treatment, Raptiva (raptiva.com), which carries fewer side affects that most current drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis has been approved in the US.

Unlike traditional treatments, Raptiva does more than just attempt to contain the production of the excess skin cells that cause psoriasis. It works to block them by turning off the switch on the T-cell, which forms part of the immune system and which go into overdrive in psoriasis.

Trials have shown that a significant number of patients can gain long-term relief with a weekly injection of the drug.

Steroid creams thin the skin and so have to be controlled and light treatment has helped a lot of people but exposure has to be strictly limited because of the risk of skin cancer. There are also sticky tars, creams and emollients which help the condition but are unpleasant to administer.

Contact: Psoriatic Arthropathy Alliance: 0870 7703 212; www.paalliance.org

Microwaves are also being used as a psoriasis cure. This is a painless technique which leaves no scarring and takes only 15 minutes. The new treatment works using thermo- coagulation. A tiny needle is placed on the skin and used to heat up and destroy the tiny blood vessels feeding the psoriasis. It also treats thread veins and rosacea. The treatment is being carried out by Mr Brian Newman, a private surgeon who offers the Veinwave treatment at his clinics in Bolton and London.

Mr Newman, who has pioneered the use of Veinwave in the UK, has recently discovered that it seems to work on psoriasis, though psoriasis is an auto-immune disease — one triggered by abnormal reaction from the immune system — and, in theory, should not depend on a good blood supply to survive.

A handheld probe, with the very fine needle on the end, is attached to a machine producing microwaves. The surgeon places the probe on the surface of the affected skin and switches on the Veinwave machine.

The probe instantly heats up to 85 degrees centigrade for a fraction of a second and then switches off again. This process is repeated. The intense heat destroys the blood vessels keeping the patches of psoriasis supplied with the oxygen they need to thrive. The patient just feels a slight pressure on the skin and needs no anaesthetic.

Mr Newman says: ‘It might take several sessions of treat-ment, but the scaly lesions seem to just drop off. At first, the skin looks slightly worse because you get a slight inflammation but within ten days the affected area becomes smooth.’

The treatment is not yet available on the NHS and it costs around £250 to treat each affected area of the body.

For more information, call Veinwave on freephone 0800 542 2023 or go to www.veinwave.com

A natural therapy is the house leek. This is not the culinary leek but a rockery plant. Its leaves are a useful remedy for eczema and allergic dermatitis on the hands as they contain a mixture of antioxidants and other chemicals known to neutralise skin irritations. Pick off a rosette and pound the flesh, mixing it with a teaspoon of sweet almond or olive oil and massage into the affected area.

Natural Alternatives

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Natural alternatives

Para-aminobenzoic acid

PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, is one of the nutrients the body uses to make the anti-stress B vitamins, especially vitamin B5, which has, in turn, been linked with slowing down the rate of both greying and hair loss. It is only suitable when greying is caused either by stress or a nutritional deficiency that the PABA could correct.

PABA was initially used for the treatment of a condition called vitiligo, where patches of skin turn chalky white. Some people with this condition also have prematurely grey hair. The researchers found that a very small percentage of patients responded so well to a combined dose of PABA and magnesium that their skin and hair colour returned to normal.

One of the better hair colourant products, Herbatint, has an ammonia-free range of 30 different shades. 020 8960 7968 or 020 8968 4810 to order a colour sheet and your nearest local stockist, or contact the company at info@organic-colour.co.uk for more information.

As well as these nutrients, Solgar’s new Hair, Skin & Nails supplement also contains MSM – short for methylsulphonylmethane – which was originally formulated to relieve arthritis and aching joints but which produced a number of unexpected but welcome side effects, including thicker, glossier hair, smoother, clearer skin and longer, stronger fingernails.

MSM is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur, which the body needs to make keratin, the tough substance that is found in nails, skin and hair. Sadly, levels in the body drop with age. So you may need to take a supplement as you get older.


Greying

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Fifty per cent of the population is grey by 50. More women are going grey because of pernicious anemia often linked to dieting, hormone treatments often linked to the pill, and stressful lives. Hair also gets coarser and dry.

Hair biology researchers at the Paris headquarters of cosmetics giant L’Oreal hope they will eventually be able to prevent hair going grey. They have already solved one part of the genetic secret of why hair turns grey on its way to becoming white.

The L’Oreal researchers have discovered how human hair loses its colour. Each hair has cells called melanocytes that act as chemical factories to make two pigments, a red-yellow combination and a brown-black one. Blended in different proportions, these two pigments account for all the shades of human hair.

Experts had believed that hair lost its colour because this pigmentation manufacturing stopped or something blocked the transfer of the pigments into the hair strand.

But L’Oreal researchers found what really happens is a gradual decay and disappearance of the melanocytes. Their results have been published in the British Journal Of Dermatology.

The researchers unexpectedly discovered that the melanocytes in all human hair don’t contain one of three enzymes that were believed to fuel the pigment-making process. And this missing enzyme, called TRP2, might offer protection against the gradual disappearance of the melanocytes that is responsible for greying.

The scientists have concluded that there is a close connection between the greying of human hair and the absence of TRP2. This TRP2 absence implies that the gene responsible for the production of tyrosinase-related protein 2 is switched off in hair, but switched on in skin. So finding a way to switch the gene on in hair melanocytes could be a first step to avoiding grey hair.

Flakey scalp

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A lack of essential fatty acids and vitamin A.

Dandruff

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A combination of flaking skin cells caused by a yeast called pitrosporum ovale and over activity by the sebacious glands. Tends to die out as you get older. It can often be stress-related.

Dandruff may be a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency. The recommended daily amount (RDA) 800micrograms (mcg). Sources: 100g veal liver (800mcg), 2 eggs (211mcg), 100g tuna (372mcg), 100g red peppers (212mcg), 1 orange (8mcg).

This vitamin is essential for vision, skin, mucous membranes, growth, immune system and reproductive ability. It also gives protection against a range of cancers.

Other signs of vitamin A deficiency include: Mouth ulcers, poor night vision, acne, frequent colds, flaky skin, dandruff. Sources include animal livers and all orange or red vegetables

Eczema or seborrheic dermatitis can be triggered by diary foods and chocolate and can be greatly assisted by a healthy diet.

Brittle & Dry Hair

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Probably caused by a lack of nutrients such as zinc, vitamin c and iron.

Transplants

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Micrograft hair transplants using a laser are usually performed on the front and temples to give more coverage but needs to be done by an expert.

Useful web sites:

www.stophairlossnow.co.uk
www.hairtransplantnetwork.com
www.hairtransplantmedical.com
www.hairscientists.org

Drugs

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Drug treatments

These are mainly used for genetic hair loss caused by hormones and are applied topically. A prescription lotion – minoxidile marketed as Regaine – helps in 60% of female cases to stop further loss but very few report regrowth and most none.

A new drug Aminexil by L’Oreal under the Kerastase brand claims to grow 5% more hair over a year. It works by prevening hardening of the hair follicle. This allows the hair to grow freely and restores its lifespan.

Propecia, a new anti baldness prescription drug containing finasteride which is not suitable for women of child bearing age because of the possibility of birth defects. It can also cause loss of libido and impotence.

Male Pattern Baldness
Propecia
01534 510271 www.propoecia.co.uk

Supplements

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In clinical trials hair-loss patients taking 18,000 international units of vitamin A in the form of retinol, along with 70mg of L-cysteine and 700mg of gelatin, were thought to suffer less hair loss.The B vitamins are important for healthy hair growth and, as I have written before, these all work best when taken together in the form of a good vitamin B complex. Zinc is also thought to help stimulate normal hair growth by enhancing immune function.

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is one of the nutrients the body uses to make the anti-stress B vitamins, including B5, which is helpful in slowing down the rate of both greying and hair loss. This treatment only works when the greying is caused by stress or a nutrional deficiency that the PABA correct.

Useful contacts:

Lucinda Ellery Hair Solutions
www.lucindaellery.com a salon in London (Hammersmith)that treats hair loss recommends a combination approach, including meditation,yoga and mind-coaching.
Lucinda Ellery Hair Solutions – 020 8741 8224

Hairline International – 01564 775 281 – for the Alopecia Patients Society

Natural Remedies

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Recent clinical trials proved the effectiveness of a non-drug, DHT-inhibiting treatment for androgenic baldness (hereditary male pattern baldness). The formula contained saw palmetto berry, plant sterols and other botanicals and was shown to be a viable natural alternative to prescription hair-loss drugs in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the April 2002 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Palmetto is used in some of the remedies outlined below.

The following are some examples of natural remedies: Ultra Hair (Nature’s Plus), for example, contains organic sulphur to promote healthy hair, while Thin-to-Thick (Jason Natural Cosmetics) features biotin for gentle cleansing. Viviscal www.viviscalhair.com, contains a concentrated marine protein that showed effectiveness against alopecia areata and androgenic hair loss in studies, including one published in The Journal of International Medical Research in August 1992. Shen Min, derived from the eastern wild rose, contains substances that inhibit DHT and 5-alpha reductase–the enzyme that causes DHT formation.

Revivogen revivogen.com is another natural product that contains promising DHT-inhibiting substances such as zinc and azelaic acid, while Shen Min contains the very popular Chinese anti-aging tonic herb, “fo ti”, also known as “he shou wu”, which is prescribed widely in traditional Chinese medicine to combat pre-mature aging and greying hair. Published research on “he shou wu” is limited, however, other than confirmed cholesterol-lowering effects and test-tube studies that suggest immune-protective activity.

There are also a number of follicle formulas which assist follicle health by acting as a relaxant. Formulas based on a “nitro” compound called NANO (3-carboxylic acid pyridine-N-oxide) known as the “natural” minoxidil. The active ingredient in the synthetic, over-the-counter product Rogaine.

Some products also include L-arginine as a hair-growth-promoting substance. L-arginine has several characteristics that may benefit hair follicles. It boosts nitric oxide levels, promotes circulation and aids in the release of human growth hormone. These products, like all herbal remedies, typically take several months to slow or stop hair loss, and several months more to show regrowth. If a follicle has died, it cannot be revived. But resting or sluggish follicles that produce increasingly thin or short-lived hairs can often be stimulated or saved from further damage if the cause is properly identified.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto, is a prostate-protecting herb that prevents the conversion of testosterone into one of the androgens that causes hair loss. A product containing this herb, FolliGro, from Denmark, has been trialled with 65% of participants reporting moderate improvement in hair regrowth, and 18% a clear improvement. The treatment is a two-pronged approach: a spray containing saw palmetto and capsules made of fenugreek, which promotes better circulation to the scalp along with B vitamins to “feed” the hair follicles.

FolliGro available through Victoria Health (0800 413596). Alsowww.folligro.com

Alopesan 400 by Vitamust works by stimulating growth, nourishes follicles and roots and maintains suppleness of the scalp. Maxilene works by boosting micro-circulation. See www.hairloss-hair-loss.com

Other natural solutions:

Nature’s Best Maxihair which contains iron, lysine, vitamin c, B12, brewers yeast tablets. the average time before noting a reduction in shedding is 16 weeks.

Urticalcin homeopathic calcium by Bioforce.

Phytologie’s Phytocyane with Phytologie dietary supplement Phytophanere

Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic head massage.

Aloe vera cream and yiang yiang essential oil which can be massaged into the scalp.

Vitamin E

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Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxident

Vitamin C ester

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This is a combination of Vitamin C with palmitic acid (a fatty acid derived from palm oil) which is more easily absorbed by the skin. It is a powerful antioxident which can help skin heal, particularly skin which has been sun burnt.

Vitamin C

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An antioxident which is applied to the skin to neutralise free radicals. Topical Vitamin C encourages collagen production and repair. But can burn and irritate the skin as well as loosing its potency when exposed to the air.