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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.


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Spa Chakra
Phone 02 93680888

The Wharf

Woolloomooloo
Sydney
AUSTRALIA