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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:
In my newspaper I’ve read that gingko
can treat vitiligo.
Where can I buy this product and how does it
work?
Answer:
There is a recent scientific trial which
showed that gingko biloba extract standardized to
contain 24% gingkoflavonglycosides at a dose of 40mg
taken three times a day for up to six months stopped the
progression of vitiligo in 80% of those receiving this
herb and achieved significant repigmentation in 40% of
those taking this treatment.
While the precise mechanism for these effects is
not known it might be related to the antioxidant
properties of gingko biloba.
This herb is contained in the formulation
Neurazest, which is described on this site via the home
page or you can obtain this herb via a practitioner of
herbal medicine or even at your local healthfood shop.
QUESTION 2: Is the BTA now available in
South Africa - Cape Town in particular?
Thank you for your book
Answer: BTA
stands for Biological Terrain Assessment and this is a
test which utilises urine, blood and saliva to measure
certain parameters pertinent to the aging process such
as the acid/alkali balance of your cells, free radical
stress levels and the efficacy of your liver, adrenal
and digestive function.
No conventional medical test provides you with
this type of information and while this method is
considered controversial it certainly provides those
measures that can be monitored to assess the
effectiveness of any anti-aging programme that you may
be on. This
is an integral part of the anti-aging protocol that I
have in place at Spa Chakra.
Unfortunately I do not know whether this test is
available in South Africa.
If you go to a search engine like google and
enter BTA-South Africa you might discover some clinics
where this form of testing is carried out.
QUESTION 3: I have just done a study on a
patient and needed to test/re-test her biological age. I
could not find much data on methods, so used DHEA(S)
levels as a guide. Is this valid? Are any of the methods
you use simple/cheap so they could be used in a larger
research project? For
your information, I am an osteopath. The project I did
was to try to make a client look and feel younger just
using osteopathic techniques. It worked very well! If
you are interested I could show you the results.
Answer:
While the scientific community have yet to
determine the biomarkers of aging the decline in DHEA is
recognised as one of those parameters that can be used
to assess the aging process.
Along with the other hormones including growth
hormone, melatonin, testosterone, oestrogen,
progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormone and insulin and
a number of other measures, which are included in the
anti-aging programme described on this site a general
picture of the aging process can be achieved.
This allows for programmes to be initiated and
constantly evaluated.
It is always gratifying when you achieve really
positive results.
QUESTION
4: I have tried taking HgH1000 for past 12
months and it really stirred me up.
I found that my thyroid was overactive (abnormal)
and I had palpitations at night with insomnia.
Could it be the HgH?
I have weened off them then back on them then
off. Could it be them? I have discovered a lump
now in my thyroid gland, and cells are atypical.
Should I take the HgH or stop? They make me feel great
but are they causing the thyroid to become overactive
and also the lump?
Answer:
HgH or growth hormone increases the
conversion of T4 to T3 in your body, which would
effectively make your thyroid more active. You might need to reduce your dose of growth hormone in this
regard. I
am not aware of any evidence indicating that growth
hormone stimulates the development of any abnormal
growths in the thyroid gland and therefore this may be
an incidental finding.
However I would encourage you to evaluate this
with your doctor and if necessary review your programme
with an endocrinologist. You really need to have all
your hormones measured as they may be out of balance.
QUESTION 5: I
went to see my doctor, and he gave me the following
drugs and he said I should take it and try to get
pregnant. Unfortunately I had my period two weeks after taking the
drugs and am now trying to conceive again.
I wanted to know if the drugs are good to be
taken before, during or after pregnancy, the drugs are
as follows:
VIT-E, ZINCOVIT and VALUPAK VITAMINS (FOLIC ACID)
Answer:
It would be a good idea to be on these
nutrients during all the stages you mentioned above and
here I am talking about folic acid, zinc and vitamin E.
I do have to tell you that I’m not familiar
with these formulations and all the other nutrients they
contain so I won’t be able to comment on the relative
safety and appropriateness of these with regard to your
question. I
recommend that you bring this up with your physician.
QUESTION 6: I
have noticed the fast development of wrinkles and crow's
feet in my eye area. When is it beneficial for me to
begin using anti-aging products and which ones should I
use?
Answer:
It is most important that you limit your
exposure to the sun.
Retin-A is a product that is a little harsh but
this may be effective.
Creams that contain alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin
E can be helpful. The
female hormone estrogen can be used on your skin in the
form of estriol, which is a weaker form of this hormone
that the body manufactures during pregnancy.
You would need a prescription from your doctor
for this formulation, which needs to made up by a
compounding pharmacy in your area.
Retin-A should also be applied under medical
supervision. The
Life Extension foundation located at www.lef.org
have some creams that you can utilise.
Once again you should consult with your doctor
before using these
QUESTION
7: My sister-in-law's doctor advised her
that her veins/arteries going to her groin area are
getting thinner. He
said they are 3.5 & 3.2 and 5 is an aneurysm. What
is he talking about?
She is confused.
Answer:
An aneurysm refers to the dilation of blood
vessels. I think your sister-in-laws doctor might be referring to the
lining of her blood vessels, which might be thinning out
a little, which can happen.
Vitamin C can used to strengthen the walls of
blood vessels.
QUESTION 8: My
daughter-in-law is in early pregnancy and is suffering
from thrush.
Is there anything she can use or take that will
alleviate or ease the problem?
Answer:
She can discuss topical anti-fungal creams
with her doctor. I would also advise that she go on a
yeast-free diet, avoid refined sugars such as pastries,
chocolate, biscuits and cake and take an acidophilus
supplement.
Archives
Spa
Chakra
Phone 02 93680888
The Wharf
Woolloomooloo
Sydney
AUSTRALIA
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