Toxic Heavy Metals

It’s no secret that certain heavy metals are toxic. We all know to be careful of lead paint when renovating older homes, and we all learned at a certain point to switch over to mercury-free thermometers. What’s less well-known—and in some cases, a complete secret—is that toxic heavy metals are behind some of the most widespread health issues today: ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s, infertility, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, Parkinson’s, depression, anxiety, cancers, seizures, and more. These metals are also fuel for the viral-related illnesses you’re going to read about next.

Jet Lag – supplements

ONE OF THE most valid supplements in ameliorating jet lag and traveller’s fatigue is ginseng. Ginseng belongs to a category of plants known as ‘adaptogens’, or agents that are known…

Relieve cold hands and feet with natural circulation boosters

DURING the winter, most  of us experience  tingling  fingers and toes and numbness as a result of the drop in temperature. For some people  however,  exposure  to the cold brings on severe symptoms, such as loss of feeling in the fingers and numbness that seems to take forever to resolve. Their fingers may turn very pale or even blue and then  turn red, and tingle profusely  as circulation returns.  If this sounds familiar to you, you could be one of the increasing  number of people  suffering with Raynaud’s Syndrome, a condition in which the small arteries of the fingers go into  spasm and contract.

Neuroendocrine influences on Reproductive health

Brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, acetylcholine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin are associated with sexual and reproductive function.   The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is the key neuroendocrine pathway linking the brain and nervous system with the reproductive system.  At a time where we are in an ‘obesity epidemic’ it is interesting to note that excess adipose tissue results in increased conversion of testosterone to estradiol, which may lead to secondary hypogonadism (decrease in sperm or testosterone production) through reproductive axis suppression. Moreover, oxidative stress at the level of the testicular micro-environment may result in decreased spermatogenesis and sperm damage.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

In a survey of over 45,000 menstruating women in the UK, 63% women reported often suffering with PMS,  severely affecting the quality of life in up to 10%. Causes of PMS are multifactorial but have often been linked to an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone, more specifically oestrogen dominance. The amino acid methionine, found in meat, fish, beans, eggs and onions may help facilitate the removal of excess oestrogen via the liver.