Just Ask Terry

Just Ask Terry - January 27, 2010

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Is there anything that can help my thinning hair? I am only 46 and already I have hair falling out more than I would like. I find it in the sink, on my pillow and clogging the shower drain. Is there anything natural that can stop my hair from falling out?” Lillian T, Atlanta GA A. Dear Lillian: Absolutely. There are some very important nutrients that can help stop hair loss and sustain new hair growth. Women also interested in good, luxurious, healthy hair will benefit from this combination of ingredients. I believe it’s necessary to have a good combination of B vitamins, with sulfur bearing amino acids such as L-cysteine and L-methionine. Silica is also necessary. There is a very unique extract of millet seed, a CO2 extracted oil of millet that has wonderful benefits for skin and hair. This unique plant oil provides nutrients for the hair follicles. Research in Europe has shown this type of formula has tremendous benefits in healthy hair growth. You must be patient as hair grows very slowly so give yourself several months before you can judge the positive benefits. Also, research in Japan has proven that hair loss during chemotherapy is reduced significantly when taking this unique millet extract. Some studies also showed positive results when taken as a preventative before chemotherapy.

Q. Dear Terry, “Can you please help me find a solution for my very dry skin? I have tried creams, lotions and nothing seems to work.” Virginia M, New Orleans LA A. Dear Virginia: While creams and lotions can have some benefits, a very inexpensive or low quality cream or lotion can actually have more damaging effects. If you are to use a cream or lotion, I would recommend creams from Dr. Hauschka or Jurlique. They have wonderful all natural creams high in essential oils. I think the best way to treat dry skin is through an internal process. I would recommend that you get a very healthy dose of oils daily. Take one to two tablespoons orally each day of olive oil or flax seed oil. I prefer olive oil. There have been recent studies on sea buckthorn oil, both the seed and pulp, for very dry skin and also including dry mouth, dry eyes, dry vagina and any other dry mucus membranes. In fact, there have been positive clinical studies that indicate Sea buckthorn oil significantly improves Sjögrens disease (a lack of moisture in the mucous membranes). The clinical dosage is two, 500 mg capsules twice a day. Sea Buckthorn that is harvested in the Arctic Circle has a very high concentration of nutrients due to the fact that it’s grown in such a harsh environment. There are over 200 nutrients in Sea buckthorn oil including vitamin E, beta-carotene, tocotrienols and omega 7. This is truly a woman’s beauty formula from within.

Q. Dear Terry, “My mother is diabetic and I constantly worry that I will end up with the same condition. How do I support my health to prevent from getting diabetes?” Audrey H, Stanford CT A. Dear Audrey: Diet is the most important factor in preventing diabetes, especially type II diabetes. Your diet should be made up of healthy proteins, complex carbohydrates, plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy fats such as olive and flax seed oils. Avoid simple sugars and simple carbohydrates. I have seen clinical research on two plant extracts that have remarkable properties in helping to control blood sugar levels. They are Purslane and Mulberry leaf extract. To these two plants I would add chromium and vanadium which are very important minerals for helping to control blood sugar levels. The four ingredients would make an excellent protocol for maintaining proper blood sugar levels.

Q. Can you please help me? “I have constant migraine headaches. Is there anything that you are aware of in nutrition that could be of benefit?” Donna T, Orlando FL A. Dear Donna: There are several options you may want to try. Some solutions seem to work better than others but let me give you some options that you may experiment with. The plant, feverfew, has helped a number of people reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Another option is taking 400 mgs of Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), in one dosage, first thing in the morning. Another plant that has remarkable properties for reducing migraines is purple butterbur. I’ve also seen people who have received remarkable benefits when they took a combination of curcumin, DLPA and Boswellia.

Dear Terry, “I continue to pass kidney stones and nothing that I get from the doctor seems to work. Is there anything in the alternative medicine field that can help me?” Janice S, Tulsa OK Dear Janice: I cannot direct you to any clinical study that would convince you of the following recommendations, but I have heard from many people like yourself, and have personally observed dozens of people who formerly dealt with kidney stones, who are now completely free from forming stones by using a combination of magnesium and B-6. I would recommend 50-100 mg of B-6 daily and 200-400 mgs of magnesium. If you experience loose stools, the level of magnesium is too high. Reduce the dosage of magnesium to a level that will not cause diarrhea. Magnesium is hygroscopic and therefore causes an increase of fluid in the colon. For some people this may be a blessing as so many people are constipated and are forced to use harsh laxatives.