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Questions and Answers Segment
Your questions answered
every 2 weeks. If you have a question for Dr Elstein,
click here.
QUESTION 1:
I only just found out about human
growth hormone because of a spam email I received.
It said that it cures a range of problems [as does your
home page]. Where
it differs is that it says there are no side effects
from taking them. It also says you can take it in
capsule form and not injections. Is this true?
If so where in Sydney can I buy human growth
hormone? Do
I need to see a doctor first?
Answer: I’m not sure which formulation you are
referring to but I do know that growth hormone actually
dissolves in the stomach so it cannot be taken orally.
The product you mention is probably a growth
hormone promoter or what is known as a secretagogue and
some of these work better than others although the
claims for their efficacy may be exaggerated.
Some of these formulations contains amino acids
such as arginine which in high doses may increase the
body’s production of growth hormone and this is the
way these substances function.
At least 3 grams of arginine would be necessary
if you are going to contemplate purchasing such a
product. I
advise all who are interested in hormone therapy to have
their levels of growth hormone checked first.
This can be done by means of a blood test which
measures a substance called IGF-1 which in some ways
represents growth hormone levels although this kind of
test is not entirely accurate but it’s the best we
have at present. As
growth hormone is produced in pulse like fashion at
night and minimally during the day there is no direct
blood test that assesses growth hormone levels.
QUESTION 2: Hi my name is Daisy I
am a 40-year old and I have been diagnosed with
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and I was just wanting to know
if there where any side affects or anything.
I have just started taking Oroxine and will be
taking that for the rest of my life. I contracted this
disease from my dad’s mother and sister who are both
in there 50's and 70's. I also wanted to know how I got
it.
Answer:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune
disease characterised by an inadvertent attack of the
immune system on your body, which in this case is your
thyroid glands. While
the precise cause is yet to be delineated hereditary
factors may be implicated.
Studies do show that gluten intolerance is also a
factor with gluten being found in wheat, rye, oats and
barley. What
is happening is that when you consume gluten your immune
system is being activated by a substance it doesn’t
like which in this case is a food and mistakenly your
thyroid gland also bears the brunt of your overactive
immune system. To
find out whether your body reacts to gluten you can have
a blood test, which measures anti-gliadin antibodies.
Other factors that may trigger your immune system
in a similar fashion include mercury and aluminium,
insulin resistance and having an imbalance of the
hormone oestrogen.
Stress, infections, poor liver function and an
imbalance of bowel germs may also play a part. A holistic practitioner can investigate all these
possibilities.
QUESTION 3: I have heard of the benefits
of L-Cysteine and started taking it. I am a
healthy woman. I take 1 Centrum multivitamin, 1
Biotin 5000mg and 1 L-Cysteine capsule daily. I
noticed that since I started taking the L-Cysteine, I
feel faint; it gives me a piercing headache, I urinate
often and my blood pressure race so hard.
Sometimes, I literally have to sit. Whenever I feel
faint, I also feel nervous to the point where I have to
eat whatever is in view so I can feel stronger.
Is this side effect normal? Am I seeing
these changes because my body has not adjusted to the L-Cysteine
and might go away after a while? I do see other
benefits such as hair growth etc., but I need a doctor's
opinion.
Answer: Your
response to cysteine is a little unusual.
As cysteine improves the liver’s ability to
detoxify and may assist with the metabolism of sugar it
is possible that you are eliciting a blood sugar swing
and an excessive detoxification response. It would be a good idea to have your doctor perform a
biochemical panel to ensure that your liver and kidneys
are not being adversely affected by this supplement.
There is a genetic condition called cystinosis,
which is associated with the build up of cystine (not
cysteine) in the body and while it is unlikely that you
have such a condition I suggest you eliminate this
remote possibility with your doctor.
Cysteine contains sulphur and I also wonder
whether you are reacting to this substance although once
again this is a minor possibility.
All of these hypotheses can be eliminated by
means of the appropriate testing with your doctor.
Question 4: I was reading an article on
aging athletes that focused on baby boomers, my dad is
nearing 70 and a life long athlete, I was wondering if
there is any info/websites devoted to this age group of
people and the problems they now face as a result of a
life of activeness. He is also diabetic which
comes into play, and it would be good to chat or have
info @ these issues. Any help would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks!
Answer: To
find such sites I suggest that you use the various
search engines and I’m sure you’ll find what you are
looking for. There is a website called www.mercola.com
which covers lots of health issues like this site.
My book ‘Eternal Health’ available via this
site might offer your dad some advice concerning his
current health problems especially his diabetes.
Question 5: Five years ago I had
Glandular Fever followed by post viral fatigue.
I put on lots of weight. I am greatly recovered
but want to lose the weight. What treatment can I use?
Answer: My
suspicion is that you have insulin resistance, which can
manifest after a viral infection.
If you read the section in this update on chronic
fatigue syndrome you will see that there are tests,
which you can have to uncover the underlying cause of
this condition. In your case all of these factors can be
looked at to help you lose weight.
In other words you might have a hormonal
imbalance, impaired liver function, food intolerance and
nutrient deficiencies all of which make it harder for
you to lose weight. I find that this type of approach works really well for
anyone interested in a weight loss programme.
I suggest that you have the necessary tests then
commence a programme under medical supervision.
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