It’s taken me some time to realize that there is one thing that is absolutely guaranteed to make me happy far more than emotional intimacy with a supermodel, enlightenment or a media pass to the Cannes film festival and that is a mobile AKA cell-phone. The ecstatic bliss adorning the faces of those who walk around with their phones constantly held in close proximity to their communicative apparatus is obvious testament to the fact that my search for that elusive attitude we call contentment could end in a heartbeat. Unfortunately everything in nature and for that matter, the supernatural or the material, that is deceptively shrouded in gold, might have an erosive core. While using a mobile/cell-phone might make me eternally blissful, could this indulgence at the same time be nuking my brain cells?

A recent report, thought to be the definitive study on the risk of mobile/cell-phone usage and the connection it might have with brain cancer, was supposed to allay my fears. This extensive bit of research examined phone use among 10,000 participants in 13 countries and found that this practice appeared to be safe-maybe. While this study revealed no obvious connection with brain cancer, those who used their phones most often and for the longest time (around 30 minutes daily) had a 40% higher risk of developing some form of brain cancer than those who didn’t use a mobile phone. One of the ways that phone radiation can exert destructive damage is via the generation of free radicals. With evidence that the herb, gingko biloba, can limit the free radical damage caused by this form of radiation saddling up with Memozeal which contains gingko and other antioxidants might be a wise option for phone users.

Resveratrol made from the skins of red grapes, which prolongs the life of laboratory animals and might also extend ours, can also help with weight loss. The only trouble is the doses are pretty hefty with about 2 grams of the magic substance needed to burn up fat cells.

For those using statin medications to lower cholesterol there is a word of caution. A cardiologist colleague has noticed all sorts of cancers turning up inexplicably in these taking these drugs for extended periods of time. Naturally the pharmaceutical industry is not too interested in exploring this. The scientific evidence is mixed and while I did find a study linking the taking of statins with breast cancer in postmenopausal women, there are other studies showing the opposite. My colleague’s advice; avoid what is known as the fat-soluble statins such as Zocor, also known as simvastatin and Lipitor. (atorvastatin) Use Crestor, (rosuvastatin) a water-soluble statin, which is less harmful to your cells, take CoQ10 300mg with food and magnesium orotate 400mg twice daily on an empty stomach to limit the damage that might be caused by any statin and protect your liver with a herbal tonic containing st Mary’s thistle.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

I am pleased to announce that Memozeal for boosting memory and managing Tinitus is back in stock

Question & Answer Segment ------ your queries answered

Answer: For those with an underactive thyroid soy would not be a good idea as this substance can compromise thyroid function. Consumption of soy in limited quantities is advisable.

Question: I am experiencing my second bout of shingles and don't want it again. Do you have any suggestions for permanently getting rid of it? Would plant sterols help and if so in what form?

Answer: Unfortunately shingles is caused by a virus which lies dormant in the nervous system, until activated, making it immune to eradication. Limiting stress and taking nutrients like zinc, vitamins A, C and E together with magnesium and coenzyme Q10, which boost the immune system, would be useful. Phytosterols, while being immune-stimulating are not a recognized treatment for shingles. Treatments for shingles includes DMSO and papain used on the skin and a substance called transfer factor.

Question: I am a 49 year-old women with no estrogen, low libido and a lump in my breast. I had a hysterectomy five years ago and a hiatus hernia operation. I can't lose weight and have a lot of body fat. I am taking HRT called Livifem. I am very tired and also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. I am constantly hungry. What can I do to lose the weight, as I picked up 15kg in 2 years.

Answer:Livifem, also known as tibolone, (not available in the USA) is a progesterone-like hormone treatment, which also manages to boost other hormones, but it is connected with weight gain and a condition called insulin resistance, leading to impaired glucose or sugar metabolism. You would need to have this assessed by your physician. My suggestion is to find a physician or get yours to uncover whether you have any reactions to the foods you are eating. You would also benefit from having your hormones comprehensively assessed as well as your thyroid function. This approach is laid out in the new 2010 edition of ‘You have the power’ which is available on Amazon and via my clinic in Bondi.

Question: I am a 55 year-old women being treated for chronic vulval candidiasis. I am taking 50mg of fluconazole a day and just started three lac and am following a yeast diet. Are there any tips you can give me as the skin of the vulva is where the yeast is not inside the vagina so I have no discharge or itching just burning and it makes me very tired.

Answer:It sounds like you are doing all the right things. A scientific study has shown that a cream containing 4% lactoferrin might be successful. This can be prescribed by your doctor and dispensed by your pharmacy. Having your hormonal status assessed would be helpful, paying special attention to your thyroid function, as would ensuring that your partner does not suffer from candidiasis. Optimising your nutritional status, especially protein, zinc, essential fatty acids and iron is also important.

Question: : I have autoimmune hepatitis for 3 years now - an overactive immune system that loves my liver and of course all over body attack. I am on 5mg cortisone daily which keeps it in line except for the occasional flare up. Apart from cortisone is there anything else that would be beneficial. I have heard of Kalawalla - what do you think? I recently got rosacea in face, scalp and eyes. Is I there anything natural I can take or good advice for that?

Answer:Kalawalla, also known as polypodium leucotomos, can modulate the immune system, which might help your condition, but there are no scientific studies confirming this. There are only studies showing that psoriasis and vitiligo or loss of pigment benefit from Kalawalla. Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance have been linked with autoimmune hepatitis and also might be connected with rosacea. Infection with a bacterium called helicobacter pylori has also been associated with rosacea. Lactoferrin and the herb shisandra have been found to benefit hepatitis. There are a host of natural substances which might balance the immune system including fish oil, phytosterols, the herb curcumin and vitamin D to name a few but not a whole lot of scientific work, which has explored their utility in managing autoimmune hepatitis.

Question: I am a 30 year-old female having high BP, TSH-6, migraine, tendinitis and klebsiella infection. Will all these lead me to another problem? How should I take care of myself?

Answer:Finding a holistic physician who can explore the underlying cause of your health problems would be highly beneficial. This comprehensive assessment would include an evaluation of food intolerance, digestive function, nutritional and hormonal status, free radical levels and blood glucose metabolism. Taking coenzymeQ10 can help to prevent migraines.