Experts Asked and Quoted
A panel of independent experts, consisting of doctors and other healthcare practitioners, answer your questions on everyday challenges to optimize health and prevent ill health. We also quote experts from around the globe, past and present.
Why is there a need for a paradigm shift in medicine?
The ancient Greek goddess Hygieia represented the concept of maintaining health, i.e. prevention of disease, and her sister Panakeia the knowledge of remedies, i.e. treatment of disease. Dr Richards highlights how these two concepts relate to the different models of medicine today, and advocates alternative modalities such as chiropractic care.
Food Intolerances – your questions answered
I read Dr Sandi Nye’s article on grain consumption with interest, and was shocked to learn that she considers legumes, nuts, dairy products, potatoes, tomatoes, brinjals, peppers, peas, lentils and peanuts undesirable foods because they contain lectins. What are vegetarians to eat if they cut all these foods out of their diets?
Don’t be blindsided by the sun
We are slap bang in the middle of summer in sunny South Africa and I am concerned about all the harmful UV rays my eyes are exposed to. Please give me some tips on how to care for my eyes.
Unsurpassed Brain Food
What foods are most beneficial for the brain – and what is best avoided? Sally-Ann Creed answers this important question. Sunshine is one interesting source. She also takes a look at the most important supplements for the brain.
The Lowdown on Laser Acupuncture
In an interview with Dr Alex Smuts, Natural Medicine Magazine explores the benefits of and differences between acupuncture and laser acupuncture.
Diabetes and Glucosamine
Diabetes and Glucosamine: I have diabetes and have been told I shouldn’t take glucosamine for joint pain – something to do with the fact that glucosamine is made in the body from a sugar. Will it be safe to take it and monitor my glucose levels?
Yoghurt and Raw Milk Safety Concerns
I recently discovered that one of my favourite (Camphill) yoghurts is not pasteurised. I generally don't eat much dairy but find that I benefit from eating high-quality alive yoghurt. Is eating unpasteurised yoghurt or labaneh safe? Surely one needs to heat milk to clear it from any ‘nasties’.
Asthma and Naturopathy
'I was diagnosed with asthma in my early twenties. Is there a remedy, oil or herb that I can take that will cure my asthma? If not, can something natural be used with my asthma pump to help reduce attacks? Thank you for your help.' Dr Sandi Nye replies.
Natural Ways to Treat Dandruff
I have dandruff and it’s a real embarrassment. Are there some natural ways to treat it and is it curable? Would expensive scalp treatments help? I've read somewhere that it’s caused by a fungus, or excessive heat or cold. Would tea tree oil help? How did I get it? I don't use other people's combs and have excellent hygiene.
An Integrated Approach to Inflammation
What is inflammation? Are natural anti-inflammatories as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in the relief of inflammation, and how do they work?
Dangers of Sodium Fluoride in Toothpaste
Sodium fluoride is derived from hydrofluoric acid which is produced by a reaction between sulphuric acid and fluorspar, an ore rich in calcium fluoride, which is a toxic chemical. In fact, fluoride is the main ingredient in rat poison.
Supplements During Pregnancy
Can you recommend what supplements to take during pregnancy? I am 40 years old and this is my third pregnancy. Thank you for a fantastic magazine – it contains such a wealth of info! Kind regards, Anna.
Memory Retention & Supplementation
There are many factors that can influence memory retention. In this article we share tips to enhance memory retention, the do’s and don’ts for optimal brain development and using supplements such as Bacopa monnieri, Gingko biloba and Panax ginseng.
Constipation Conundrum
I have not ‘gone’ (again) for four days. And this is happening more and more regularly. I feel uncomfortable and worried. When I do go, its like small pellets that I pass with difficulty. What can I take that is natural? I don’t want to walk into a pharmacy and ask for laxatives. This is all so embarrassing. K.A
The Battle Of The Bulge
Reasons for weight control problems include insulin resistance, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, blood lipid disorders, hormonal imbalance, self-image, and the many erroneous beliefs around body weight, healthy living, exercise and fitness.
Is Your Multivitamin Just Expensive Urine?
I have been taking a multivitamin, but have been concerned that after a couple of hours my urine is a neon yellow colour! Does this mean it is not being absorbed in my body, not taking enough water, or throwing good money down the toilet?!
How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
High cholesterol does not cause heart attacks. The main causes of a heart attack are stress combined with inflammation. Inflammation of the arteries causes rough patches, which then allows the cholesterol to stick to these, resulting in atheroma plaques. When severe stress is experienced, the compromised artery may narrow due to spasm, which blocks the blood flow, which leads to a heart attack.
What Does Gluten Intolerance Mean?
Gluten and wheat intolerance is common today, with many sufferers being unaware of their condition. Wheat products can result in digestive disorders, respiratory tract conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, or skin problems such as eczema and urticaria in people sensitive to wheat. Gluten intolerance doesn’t necessarily manifest as gut symptoms, so some people have no idea they’re intolerant.
The Ageing Sensitivity Skin
Skin sensitivity is not uncommon as one ages – this is a bit of an anomaly, since at a sensory level skin sensitivity may decline with age. So not only do ageing folk sometimes experience a diminished sense of touch, i.e. feel less, we also tend to become hypersensitive to external stimuli (chemicals in your case), or other environmental aggressors. In addition, the skin starts to thin as the epidermal barrier decreases, due to the ageing process and hormonal changes.
6 Natural Answers to Insomnia
Sleep (six to eight hours in darkness and quiet) is critical to health, general sense of well-being and longevity. It is a vital physical need to restore and replenish our bodies and minds. We require sleep for survival just as we need food, water and oxygen. There are a number of herbal and homeopathic remedies you could try, but the most important ‘remedy’ is to learn to relax before you go to bed.