Just Ask Terry

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, “I have very dry skin, which is not pretty and is uncomfortable. I went to a dermatologist who said there is nothing wrong with me—I just have dry skin. Well, that wasn’t very helpful. I have tried a lot of hand creams, which also don’t help much. Can you help me?” —Sally M., St. Augustine, FL A. Dear Sally, Very dry skin is often an indication of an underactive thyroid. I would recommend a triple blend of 3 kinds of iodine: potassium iodide, molecular iodine, and sodium iodide. I like combining 3 forms because they are utilized more diversely in the body. Start with a 12.5 mg dose. Take 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at lunch for a period of four months, and then 1 capsule a day thereafter. You start with the higher dose to make sure your body is well-saturated with this critical mineral. I think you will see a tremendous difference in your skin. Another supplement I would recommend is sea buckthorn oil extract. Sea buckthorn contains a very rare form of an essential fatty acid called Omega 7. It also contains the other forms of Omega fatty acids as well, including the 3, 6 and 9 form. There are published human studies showing that sea buckthorn oil extract significantly improves skin quality and moisture. The dose is important. Start with the clinically studied dose of two 500 mg capsules twice daily for at least 3 months. As your skin improves, you may be able to reduce this to two 500 mg capsules once a day, but play it by ear—if your skin starts to get dry, you can always increase the dose again. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally