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, “Do you have any recommendations for a condition called blepharospasm? I am currently being treated with botox every three months to control the spasms, but would love to find a more natural alternative.”— Steve V., Madison, WI

A. Dear Steve, I would first recommend taking a formula that contains a special blend of boswellia and curcumin. These two Indian plants exhibit very effective anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to promoting tissue repair. Take 1 softgel three times daily for 30 days; 1 softgel twice daily for 30 days; then 1 or 2 softgels a day thereafter.

When looking for a formula, keep in mind that standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure to choose a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published human studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin. It’s also important to find a formula that features a boswellia extract that has filtered out the majority of beta-boswellic acid to 5% or less. Unlike most boswellic acids, beta-boswellic acid is actually pro-inflammatory. Removing it greatly enhances the potency of the boswellia extract. You also want a boswellia extract that includes at least 10% or more of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), the most active component of boswellia.

I believe you would also benefit greatly by taking a blend of nutrients including B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid) help nerves function better and delay damage to nerves. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect delicate nerves from oxidative damage. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc helps to promote tissue healing. When looking for a formula, choose one that features B vitamins in their “active” forms, as well as minerals in the form of amino acid chelates. This allows the B vitamins and the minerals to be transported directly into the cells of the body, so they can get to work right away. I recommend taking 1 capsule of this formula three times daily.

Lastly, I would also recommend adding a stand-alone vitamin B6 formula. Look for a formula that features the bioactive form of vitamin B6, called pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P). P-5-P is called the “active” form of vitamin B6 because it does not have to be converted by the body into a usable form—it is ready to go to work immediately. P-5-P can make a big difference in nerve irritation. I prefer to use a formula that features P-5-P blended with high quality magnesium, which helps to activate many of P-5-P’s enzymatic activities in the body. Make sure the magnesium is in the glycinate form, because it is much less likely to cause loose stools, and delivers a good dose of magnesium to help with muscle relaxation and resistance to nerve excitability. I recommend taking two capsules of this P-5-P/Magnesium formula twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally