Improving The Health Of America
Q. Dear Terry, “My wife was diagnosed with mono back in December of 2011 and is still suffering from debilitating fatigue. Can you recommend a supplement regimen that might help her get her immune system strengthened and help her fight the fatigue that is robbing her of her life? Thank you for your time and God Bless.” — Randy E., Chesapeake, VA
A. Dear Randy, Infectious mononucleosis, “mono” for short, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a type of herpes virus. Since mono is caused by a virus, the proper way to eliminate it is to strengthen the immune system’s ability to kill that virus.
Your wife may want to consider adding the following natural ingredients to help enhance her overall immune health. However, I would encourage her to talk with her doctor and see what they think about the following suggestions.
I first like a combination of black currant and elderberry, plus zinc, selenium, lactoferrin, and the probiotic lactobacillus sporogenes to help boost overall health and immune system function. All of these ingredients have antiviral, antibacterial, or immune-supportive properties. I recommend taking 2 tablets three times daily for 30 days. Then reduce to 1 tablet three times daily for another 30 days. Reduce to 1 tablet daily after that.
I also recommend a combination of Ravintsara, Myrtle, Thyme, and Bay Leaf concentrated plant oils to boost the immune system. I would suggest taking 1 softgel of this blend two to three times daily. Just be sure to choose a formula that features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.
Lastly, I would recommend looking for an adrenal support formula that contains ingredients like DHEA, adrenal extract, L-tyrosine, licorice, P-5-P, pregnenolone and rehmannia root extract. DHEA and pregnenolone are pro-hormones, which the body converts to important hormones, including cortisol. Licorice aids in keeping healthy cortisol levels circulating in the body, while other key nutrients (P-5-P, L-tyrosine and rehmannia) help the body resist the negative effects of stress. For optimal benefit, take 1 to 2 capsules of this combination three times daily.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: adrenal, adrenal extract, Bay Leaf, black currant, cortisol, debilitating fatigue, DHEA, EBV, elderberry, Epstein-Barr virus, fatigue, herpes virus, hormones, Immune and Respiratory Health, immune health, immune system, Infectious mononucleosis, L-tyrosine, lactoferrin, licorice, mono, Myrtle, P-5-P, pregnenolone, probiotic lactobacillus sporogenes, ravintsara, Rehmannia root extract, selenium, thyme, Virus, zinc
Q. Dear Terry, “I have restless leg syndrome. What do you recommend? It really is affecting my sleep and I would like to stay with something natural.” — Jenny T., Honolulu, HI
A. Dear Jenny, Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition where people experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs (while not as common, these sensations can also occur in the arms). The unpleasant feelings are described as creeping, crawling, pulling, itching, tingling, burning, aching, or electric shocks. Individuals with RLS feel an irresistible urge to move their legs in an attempt to relieve the sensations.
Making good decisions regarding exercise, food choices, and proven natural medicines can have a tremendous impact in reducing your RLS symptoms.
If you are not already doing so, I’d encourage you to add some moderate exercise to your daily regimen. However, one of the problems with RLS is that too little OR too much exercise tends to make symptoms worse, so try and find a comfortable middle ground. Taking a few short walks throughout the day (but not close to bed time) would be best. Try and reduce the amount of stimulants (such as caffeine) in your diet. If you like to drink coffee or tea, try not to drink any past noon. Also be on the lookout for hidden stimulants. For example, some over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants can contain ingredients (pseudoephedrine and synepherine) that act as stimulants, which can further aggravate RLS symptoms. You might want to try taking a warm shower or bath in the evening. If you don’t have dairy issues, you can drink some warm milk (I prefer goat’s milk) or eat a small piece of cheese. The protein will help keep your blood sugar levels stable as you sleep, and the calcium will help to relax your muscles.
I also recommend taking vitamin B6, blended with a highly absorbable magnesium, like magnesium glycinate chelate. In addition to optimizing vitamin B6 metabolism, magnesium in the glycinate form delivers a good dose of magnesium to help with muscle relaxation and resistance to nerve excitability, and is much less likely to cause loose stools. Look for a formula that contains the active form of B6 – pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P). Many people (some estimate up to 30% of the population) cannot fully utilize B-vitamins from food and supplements, because these forms of B-vitamins must be converted into the active form before they will function. By using the form of vitamin B6 that is identical to the kind your body utilizes, you bypass this problem entirely. Take two capsules of this formula twice daily.
Integrative health expert Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum has also found that there is often a mild to moderate iron deficiency associated with RLS. Therefore, I recommend adding a mineral complex (iron, along with magnesium, copper, and zinc) to your daily regimen. When looking for a supplement, I strongly recommend choosing a mineral complex that features amino-acid chelated forms of iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. A “chelate” is a bond between a mineral (often called “inorganic”) and a molecule structure, called a “ligand” that helps the body absorb the mineral during digestion. The amino acid glycine, in particular, makes an excellent molecule to help shepherd minerals through the intestinal wall because it is so small that it can be transported directly into the cells of the body, so it can get to work right away. I recommend taking 1-2 tablets of this blend daily.
While you may realize results earlier, please give this protocol at least 30 days before evaluating your progress. Good luck – let me know how it works.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: adrenal, Anxiety and Stress, General Health, magnesium glycinate chelate, P-5-P, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, restless leg syndrome, RLS, sleep support, tingling, vitamin B6
Q. Dear Terry, “My chiropractor has told me for years that my adrenals are exhausted. What is the general underlying cause and are there any natural alternatives I can use to get my adrenals back on track?” — Todd S., Pittsburgh, PA
A. Dear Todd, The adrenal glands are two small glands, each about the size of an acorn, that sit at the top of both kidneys. They are responsible for secreting important hormones, including cortisol, that help the body respond to stress. Many of us are living lives full of stressful events – work, family, commuting, finances and more. All this stress may cause our adrenal glands to work overtime, leading to what is often called adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion. In cases of adrenal fatigue, the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands drops. This can lead to a lack of energy, weight gain, sugar cravings, and reliance on stimulants like caffeine to get moving every day
While I do have some recommendations, I encourage you to discuss the use of dietary supplementation with your physician as they may have additional input regarding a supplement regimen. The ability to overcome your condition will be dependent on the degree of adrenal insufficiency or “exhaustion” and what you do to assist the recovery.
Diet is important – you would do better with more proteins and fats, and less carbohydrates and sugar in your diet. Click on my healthy diet plan for more information.
There are a number of necessary nutrients that the adrenals require to function at their peak optimal level. So, in order to support and repair the adrenals, I would first recommend taking an adrenal support formula that contains DHEA, adrenal extract, L-tyrosine, licorice, P-5-P and rehmannia root extract, along with additional ingredients. These ingredients work together to help repair the adrenal gland, as well as support the body’s ability to respond to environmental stress in a healthy manner, which helps restore optimal adrenal function. I recommend taking 1-2 capsules of this combination three times daily.
I also recommend a blend of four adaptogenic herbs: rhodiola, eleuthero, ashwagandha and schisandra. Adaptogens work by increasing strength, stamina, and energy without being stimulants. I suggest taking 1 capsule three times daily.
Please be patient – it may take several months, but you will feel a difference.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: adaptogenic herbs, Adaptogens, adrenal, adrenal exhaustion, adrenal extract, adrenal fatigue, adrenal glands, adrenals, Anxiety and Stress, ashwagandha, cortisol, DHEA, eleuthero, Energy, L-tyrosine, licorice, P-5-P, Rehmannia root extract, rhodiola, schisandra, stress, sugar cravings, weight gain