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Dr. K.C. Misra, MDSangster's Health Centres is proud to introduce this online forum dedicated to answering your health questions. Included are general questions and answers that contain valuable information about supplements, herbal remedies and healthy living. After 30 years of conventional medical practice and surviving two heart attacks, Dr. Misra has become immersed in natural health care.
WARNING: THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND IN NO WAY EXCLUDES THE NECESSITY OF A DIAGNOSIS FROM A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. ITS INTENT IS SOLELY INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL.
Questions:
Q: Why are there so many different B Vitamins?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: My family has a history of cancer and I work close to hazardous carcinogenic materials. Is there anything I can do to reduce my chances of developing this dangerous disease?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: Every year in spring and fall there are a few weeks when my allergies become unbearable, but commercial antihistamines make me very drowsy. Are there any natural alternatives that can help?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: My doctor has told me that my blood cholesterol is way too high, but I can't seem to reduce the levels by changing my diet. Is there anything else I can do?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I'm 55-years-old and started experiencing menopausal symptoms seven years ago. After starting a prescription hormone program, I felt better. I heard recently that oral estrogen has some serious side effects so I stopped taking them. Since I'm still having the same problems, I am now worried about my bones weakening. Are there any alternatives? T.S
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I have had severe arthritis for the past 10 to 15 years. I am on all kinds of painkillers and anti-arthritis medications but I am not at all well. Some doctors are now suggesting that I try injecting cortisone. Is there anything that you could recommend? V.P.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I have been a diabetic for the last 23 of my 68 years. My doctor is suggesting that I start insulin injections, but I am resisting the change in treatment. Am I doing the right thing? R.B.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I am 65 and, for 15 years, I have taken Hydroxyured at a dosage of one 500mg capsule per day as prescribed by a health specialist for lowering a platelet count that rages out of control. Recently, I became aware of harmful side effects from taking this drug but my doctor tells me that there is no alternative. Please elaborate on this issue of concern. J.P.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I am 48 years old and I have general skin roughness and eczema. I have tried all sorts of medication but I have not found a long term cure. Is there something from the world of natural medicine that can help? S.P
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I bruise very easily; what can I take to prevent this? T.S
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: My father is 70 years old and is starting to lose his memory. Is there anything that he can take for this? R.B.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I am a single mom trying to balance a full-time job and two children. My job stresses me out and I am run down all the time. I just don't seem to have the energy to get through the day. I know it has a lot to do with the foods that I eat but I don't have time to cook a well-balanced meal so I eat what I can when I can. Is there anything you can recommend to help me deal with stress and have more energy? G.C.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: Whenever I get sick, I immediately break out in cold sores. Is there anything I can do to stop them from developing? P.W.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: Like most people these days, I lead a hectic lifestyle and find it hard to relax. Is there anything I can take to help me sleep and just calm down in general? C.B.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: My doctor recently diagnosed me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He suggested taking Ibuprofen for the pain and said that I may require surgery. Could you tell me what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is and what natural remedies exist to treat this condition? C.J.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I am almost 50 and I am taking Ginkgo Biloba. I was recently doing some reading and the article suggested taking Ginseng for some of the symptoms that I have. My question is, are there any dangerous herb interactions and is there any reason to worry about taking multiple herbal supplements?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I read your flyer and was wondering if any weight loss supplements you have advertised-Metabolean, WNM or Apple Cider Vinegar would help someone with an underactive thyroid - I am taking thyroid medication, however losing weight seems impossible no matter what I do or eat.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I am a 62 year old male active as a runner 3 times a week and in an exercise program at a local gym 3 times a week. I usually have a day off a week. Some days during the week I feel a bit sluggish. So my question is, what products are available to assist in the recovery from one day to the next in order to make the exercise a bit more pleasant.
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I’m experiencing leg cramps which keep me up at night. What can I do?
> Click Here for the Answer
Q: I suffer from chronic diarrhea. What can I do to help?
>Click Here for the Answer
Q: When I go shopping for supplements, I see so many different brands of the same vitamin or mineral. Is there really any difference from one brand to the next?
> Click Here for the Answer
Answers
Q: Why are there so many different B Vitamins?
A: The vitamins in the B group are called "water soluble vitamins" and were the first aspect of nutrition to be found and recognized in food by conventional medicine. These vitamins are present in our daily foods, including bread, vegetables and rice, but, with the evolution of pre-prepared and processed foods, we tend to get fewer and fewer of them in our diets. This is the reason we have had to begin taking vitamin supplements.
Among other benefits, Vitamin B1 helps the nervous system, Vitamin B2 helps the skin and mucosa, Vitamin B6 helps the brain to function, and Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of blood.
New developments in the study of this group of vitamins have indicated that they play a key role in the body's immune system. If your physician notices any such deficiency, he/she will certainly recommend a balanced dose of the Vitamin B Complex in order to achieve a synergistic effect.
Q: My family has a history of cancer and I work close to hazardous carcinogenic materials. Is there anything I can do to reduce my chances of developing this dangerous disease?
A: In most cases, it has been observed that familial predisposition to cancer is often organ and gender specific. Luckily, there is help from Mother Nature to protect you.
The dangerous effect of carcinogens which come from food can be limited where possible, but the effects of nuclear radioactive substances, high voltage electricity and other environmental carcinogens are hard to eliminate. One must take precautions for all of these factors and explore the non-conventional research which has shown that regular supplementation with several antioxidants in combination like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Selenium and Pycnogenol (to name a few) can reinforce cells and play a role in keeping them from mutating into cancer.
Other promising research has indicated that the protein from Shark Cartilage has the ability to slow the supply of blood to tumors, thereby blocking tumor growth.
Q: Every year in spring and fall there are a few weeks when my allergies become unbearable, but commercial antihistamines make me very drowsy. Are there any natural alternatives that can help?
A:To make it easy for you, I would like to summarize the herbal supplements which can help to deal with the symptoms of allergies. Some of these are Goldenseal Root, Burdock Root, Cayenne, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Leaves, Brigham Tea, Horseradish and Raspberry Leaves. These and other herbs can help to drain sinuses without drying them out and act as a natural antibiotic to keep your mucous membranes from getting infected. These ingredients and more can be found in herbal combinations, like Sangster's ALRG Plus, so that you don't have to worry about finding all of them individually.
Q: My doctor has told me that my blood cholesterol is way too high, but I can't seem to reduce the levels by changing my diet. Is there anything else I can do?
A: Since the concern is raised by your doctor, he/she will certainly recommend some excellent products in the drug formulary which do bring down cholesterol levels. They are, however, not without some side effects which all have to be listed in the literature supplied by the drug manufacturer. For those who are skeptical about drugs, there are several herbal and nutritional products which can help like Garlic, Guggulipids, Lecithin and the Essential Fatty Acids of Evening Primrose Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Salmon Oil and more.
The thing to consider here is that only 15 to 20 per cent of your cholesterol is supplied by the diet; the rest is manufactured by the body. As well, the level of cholesterol in the blood is not the only culprit that causes bad arteries, heart attack or stroke. The oxidization of cholesterol by free radicals is the main cause of initial damage to the intima of the walls of cerebral and coronary arteries. If that initial damage can be prevented, the major cause of plaque buildup (cholesterol and dead blood cells) will be reduced.
Q: I'm 55-years-old and started experiencing menopausal symptoms seven years ago. After starting a prescription hormone program, I felt better. I heard recently that oral estrogen has some serious side effects so I stopped taking them. Since I'm still having the same problems, I am now worried about my bones weakening. Are there any alternatives? T.S.
A: There is much debate going on about this common problem in women aged 45 and up. Since you are still young, you have many choices. The conventional response is to follow the advice of your regular medical doctor who can custom-design a program to replace the hormones that your body no longer produces. Since there is no guarantee that there will be no side effects ranging from discomfort to cancer, then you may choose an alternate route to avoid menopausal complications like osteoporosis.
Start with balanced nutrition and stimulate your body to produce its own hormones. Consult with the nutritionist at your local health food store to determine which supplements you need. Some examples include Evening Primrose Oil, Dong Quai and Black Cohosh, along with other herbs and regular exercise. A Calcium supplement with Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamin D for absorption will help to preserve your bone density. Keep your regular medical doctor up to date with your alternative therapy.
Q: I have had severe arthritis for the past 10 to 15 years. I am on all kinds of painkillers and anti-arthritis medications but I am not at all well. Some doctors are now suggesting that I try injecting cortisone. Is there anything that you could recommend? V.P.
A: Cortisone injections do have a potentially beneficial role in the treatment of individual joint arthritis but it is a major step. If you have seen several arthritis specialists as well as general practitioners, then they must have explained to you the long- or short-term effects of these multiple injections.
In the past, these drastic treatments were the best option but, in the past few years, several alternatives have been studied. Give these options a try before resorting to cortisone injections. The alternatives include Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate, two substances vital for the maintenance and regeneration of joint cartilage, and Yucca Root, which can boost the body's ability to supply its own cortisone. Yucca can be purchased by itself or in combinations like ARTH Formula.
Q: I have been a diabetic for the last 23 of my 68 years. My doctor is suggesting that I start insulin injections, but I am resisting the change in treatment. Am I doing the right thing? R.B.
A: It is not a good idea to avoid the judgment of your doctor, as he must have some very good reasons for suggesting this course of action. There are, however, some steps that you can take in order to take control of your diabetes. Since you have not been a diabetic from childhood, your pancreas, which produces natural insulin, must at one time have been functioning normally. Since it may still be producing some insulin, the first step is to test your level of blood insulin so that you will know the extent of your problem.
You should also consider treatments that can increase your insulin production levels so that you can get your sugar levels under control. Your diet should be considered the first place to look for ways to balance sugar levels. There are holistic approaches to increasing your insulin usage and the effectiveness of your pancreas, including Cedar Berry, Chromium, Pyruvate, Creatine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, and Turmeric. You should consider insulin injections to be the right option once these alternatives have been explored.
Q: I am 65 and, for 15 years, I have taken Hydroxyured at a dosage of one 500mg capsule per day as prescribed by a health specialist for lowering a platelet count that rages out of control. Recently, I became aware of harmful side effects from taking this drug but my doctor tells me that there is no alternative. Please elaborate on this issue of concern. J.P.
A: When a doctor prescribes medication for a problem like a high platelet count in the blood, he or she is taking the action deemed necessary for dealing with a very serious problem. There are natural alternatives available which include concentrated doses of vitamins, minerals, and a nutrient called EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid). A good example of this kind of supplement is Sangster's Vascular Cleansing Formula (V.C.F.) When trying an alternative to prescription medicine, it is best to work with your doctor to monitor your condition during the process.
Q: I am 48 years old and I have general skin roughness and eczema. I have tried all sorts of medication but I have not found a long term cure. Is there something from the world of natural medicine that can help? S.P.
A: Skin conditions are complex and difficult to treat. Besides infection due to injury, all skin conditions are systemic and related to the health of the whole body. Aside from eczema, allergies are due to a reaction of the whole body to foreign substances and are often manifested in skin problems. Most conditions should be cared for with a pure holistic approach. Besides food restrictions according to your allergies, you should take body cleansers like PARA for parasites or DTOX for toxins and complete preventative plant food supplements like Mega Greens which includes Turmeric. Improving the power of the immune system with Echinacea, Antioxidants, Garlic, or Immu-Boost is very important for skin conditions. Another organ which can help the skin remain fresh is the liver, so it is best to keep it working effectively with a supplement like LIVR. A soothing and moisturizing herbal skin cream like Tulsi Cream will help to treat skin disruptions.
Q: I bruise very easily; what can I take to prevent this? T.S.
A: Bruising is caused when the tissue just under the skin gets injured and results in a build up of blood. We are most often bruised by running into things but there are other reasons as well. People who have weak blood vessels, anemia, leukemia, are overweight, or who use a lot of anti-clotting drugs are prone to bruising. Those of us without enough fresh, uncooked foods are also more prone to bruising as they don't have enough nutrients. Vitamin C is very important to help with bruising. Vitamin C deficiencies cause weak blood vessels which in turn causes bruising. Large doses of Vitamin C will help to strengthen the blood vessels. Alfalfa is also very important to help with bruising as it helps blood clotting and healing. Other suggestions are Coenzyme Q10 which is essential for construction and reconstruction of body cells, and Pycnogenol or Grape Seed Extract, which are antioxidants and help protect skin tissue.
Q: My father is 70 years old and is starting to lose his memory. Is there anything that he can take for this? R.B.
A: People believe that memory loss is simply a sign of aging and there is little that can be done. In fact, the aging process has little to do with memory loss. Memory lapses are a natural part of life but not because of aging. If a person has proper diet and supplements there is no reason for these lapses. Nutrient deficiencies to the brain, alcoholism, allergies, hypoglycemia, and poor circulation are just a few things that cause memory loss. Ginkgo Biloba can help with memory loss as it increases blood flow to the brain. Lecithin and Vitamin B complex are both very good for improving brain function. Phosphatidyl Serine is also excellent for fighting memory loss. It helps reverse the aging process of brain cells and restore lost brain power. Other things that help with memory loss are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and improves circulation, while Vitamin E causes dilation of blood vessels which improves the blood flow to the brain.
Q: I am a single mom trying to balance a full-time job and two children. My job stresses me out and I am run down all the time. I just don't seem to have the energy to get through the day. I know it has a lot to do with the foods that I eat but I don't have time to cook a well-balanced meal so I eat what I can when I can. Is there anything you can recommend to help me deal with stress and have more energy? G.C.
A: Unfortunately, people in today's society feel that stress and lack of energy is just an everyday occurrence because of the hectic lifestyles many of us lead. Women are more prone to stress than men and, in severe cases, it can lead to panic attacks. Common symptoms include neck and back aches, irritability, depression, and fatigue to name a few. A good Multi Vitamin is a great place to start to increase your energy levels. Because of food preparation and our eating habits, most of us are not getting the essential Vitamins and nutrients which allow our bodies to function properly. If you are already taking a Multi Vitamin, you may want to check the level of B Vitamins. B Vitamins are essential for combating stress, increasing energy and making up for diet inadequacies. If you do not feel you are getting enough B Vitamins, you may want to add a Super B Complex. Calcium and Magnesium as well as Vitamin C help to reduce irritability, stress and anxiety. Sangster's also has a unique herbal combination called Super Energize which helps to increase energy levels as well as your resistance to stress. Siberian Ginseng is commonly used as an energy booster and, combined with Ginkgo Biloba, is an excellent natural energizer. Also, try sitting down for 10 whole minutes, relax and shut everything out. It may make it easier to cope.
Q: Whenever I get sick, I immediately break out in cold sores. Is there anything I can do to stop them from developing? P.W.
A: Cold sores are actually a form of the herpes virus. Although the herpes virus never leaves the body, it can lay dormant for long periods of time. It usually flares up during high stress periods, such as during a cold or when a person is run down. A good way to prevent cold sores from developing is to boost the immune system. Vitamin B Complex is essential for immune function and is important for healing. Echinacea and Goldenseal are herbs that are a good way to boost the immune system as well as fight infection. Garlic and Vitamin C are both very good natural antibiotics which may help to eliminate the virus. Vitamin A is very important for the healing of cold sores and helps to prevent against the spreading of infection. If you did not prevent the cold sore from blistering, a great product is Super Lysine Plus Cream which can be applied directly to the cold sore to help soothe and heal once it has already blistered.
Q: Like most people these days, I lead a hectic lifestyle and find it hard to relax. Is there anything I can take to help me sleep and just calm down in general? C.B.A: When you are on the go there is not enough time in between your last activity and when you go to sleep. Many of us have trouble relaxing because our minds are racing and thinking of the things that have happened and planning for those that have not yet occurred. Nature provides us with many different ways to help us relax. As with many remedies, not all of them work for everyone and you must be patient while finding one that works for you.Taking Calcium-Magnesium and a B complex like Sangster's B-75 lowers stress levels and promotes a restful state. Another natural choice is Sangster's Valerian Root which is a natural sedative and anti-spasmodic. With today's hectic lifestyles, it is often difficult for us to unwind. Using some of Sangster's natural alternatives may be just what you need to slow down a racing mind, relax and sleep through the night.
Q: My doctor recently diagnosed me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He suggested taking Ibuprofen for the pain and said that I may require surgery. Could you tell me what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is and what natural remedies exist to treat this condition? C.J.
A: This problem is associated with repetitive movements, and it has become more prevalent since many people are using computers continually at work and at home. The Carpal Tunnel is a very small opening about 1/4 of an inch below the surface of the wrist. The median nerve passes through this opening. The median nerve controls the thumb muscles; it is also responsible for sensations felt in the thumb, palm, and first three fingers of the hand. Symptoms include: mild to extreme numbness, tingling and pain. Symptoms tend to worsen in the morning and at night when circulation slows down. There are various supplements that may be beneficial to persons who suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Sangster's Lecithin improves nerve function, and is also a fat emulsifier. Sangster's B6 Plus is a diuretic. This formula contains Magnesium which is known to relax muscles and nerves. Sangster's ARTH formula and Sangster's MSM are great for pain management because they reduce inflammation and help the healing process. Finally, Sangster's CoQ10 helps supply oxygen to the body; this is very important for healing and overall health. To prevent further aggravation, it is wise to wrap your wrist or get a special wrist brace.
Q: I am almost 50 and I am taking Ginkgo Biloba. I was recently doing some reading and the article suggested taking Ginseng for some of the symptoms that I have. My question is, are there any dangerous herb interactions and is there any reason to worry about taking multiple herbal supplements?
A: There is no evidence to show that taking multiple herbal supplements can harm you. This does not mean that you should flood yourself with every remedy that exists. When you take many herbs at once you can confuse your body. While the different herbs won't act up, your stomach might. I recommend to start with one or two new formulas at a time. Take these for two weeks, and then add more if you feel the need to. Begin with the lowest recommended dosage and increase it. If you are pregnant or taking pharmaceuticals, check with your local doctor before trying new herbal formulas. Often, prescribed medication and herbal remedies don't mix well together.
Q: I read your flyer and was wondering if any weight loss supplements you have advertised-Metabolean, WNM or Apple Cider Vinegar would help someone with an underactive thyroid - I am taking thyroid medication, however losing weight seems impossible no matter what I do or eat.
A: Iodine, which is found in Kelp, is required by the body to form thyroid hormones and an iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism. Apple Cider Vinegar, Metabolean, KLVB6, and Kelp are all choices that may benefit you. It is a matter of trial and error, finding one that will accommodate your lifestyle. Information on each of them can be obtained by consulting with your health care professional.
Q: I am a 62 year old male active as a runner 3 times a week and in an exercise program at a local gym 3 times a week. I usually have a day off a week. Some days during the week I feel a bit sluggish. So my question is, what products are available to assist in the recovery from one day to the next in order to make the exercise a bit more pleasant.
A: Sangster's Super Energize is an excellent natural supplement for active people. It is a potent blend of nutrients and herbs that will give you a strong boost when you need it most. Sangster's Multivitamin 50 is also a great product that supplies your body with the nutrients you may be lacking and will provide you with more energy. If you notice sore joints after exercising then adding Glucosamine to your daily regimen will reduce this pain. GLS provides relief from the pain and inflammation around the joints and repairs damage to the tissues ligaments and muscles.
Q: I suffer from chronic diarrhea. What can I do to help?
A: Having diarrhea can cause your body to become depleted in minerals. Supplementing with Kelp and Pottasium will replace the lost minerals flushed from your body. to help prevent diarrhea, taking garlic and cayennes improves circulation and kills “bad” bacteria in the intestinal tract. Sangster’s Herbal Fibre is importnat to act as a bulking agent, which in turn will prevent diarrhea, and help to eliminate waste accumlated in the colon. It is also very important to take probiotics daily, such as Sangster’s ProBioTX-11, to keep your intestinal tract from becoming bombarded with bad bacteria.
Q: I’m experiencing leg cramps which keep me up at night. What can I do?
A: Leg cramps can be very painful and are a common problem. A good place to start is with a quality Calcium & Magnesium supplement. Deficiency in these minerals can be a predominant contributor to leg cramps and muscle spasms. Being deficient in Vitamin E also contributes to leg cramps. Supplement with a natural source Vitamin E. An excellent homepathic remedy to try is Hyland’s Leg Cramp, which is an all natural formula specifically for your condition and is safe for children too. You can also try an essential oil massage of Sandalwood and Lavender. Add four drops of each essential oil into 20ml of carrier oil, then massage into your legs for effective relief.
Q: When I go shopping for supplements, I see so many different brands of the same vitamin or mineral. Is there really any difference from one brand to the next?
A: While most manufacturer’s supplements appear to be the same, you must look closer to see what is actually inside that tablet or capsule. Always look to be sure that your supplements are derived from 100% natural sources, not all supplements are. There have also been new developments in supplement technology with the recent inclusion of special enzymes which can increase a supplements effectiveness. This proprietary enzyme blend is called “Life Cycle EnzymesTM” and has been scientifically researched to produce better absorption of the nutrients in the supplements it has been added to. Life Cycle EnzymesTM enhanced supplements can offeryou better value for your money, allowing your body to get the optimal results from the supplements you take, maximizing the benefits to your good health .
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