Update
on cold cures
No,
there still aren’t any cures for the common cold, but there are remedies which can
relieve symptoms and shorten the duration. And yes,
they are the usual suspects: vitamin C (up to 1-3
grams a day), echinacea (3-4 ml in liquid
preparation 3 times a day or 300 mg in tablets, 3 times a day), and zinc lozenges
containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine and zinc acetate for best effect
(lozenges 13-25 mg used every 2 hours for a few days, or nasal spray 4 times a day).
A lesser-known remedy is andrographis, long-used in India and China
(500-3,000 mg of dried herb 3 times a day or 100 mg of standardised extract twice a day). And for ‘flu there is elderberry extract (4
tablespoons a day for adults, 2 for children).
All of the above have shown
encouraging results in trials, but none of them work miracles. Remember, antibiotics don’t work on viral
infections like colds and ‘flu, but increasing fluid intake, getting plenty of rest,
avoiding cigarette smoke, excessive sugar intake and fatty diet all help speed recovery.
A
potato peps up sex life?
Laterlife
merely passes on news of this latest over-the-counter formula. Herbal vX and vY
(one for women, the other for men) contains a potato-like plant
used in Peru to help ‘dynamise sexual desire and performance’ according to the
publicity blurb.
If you fancy trying it, the product is made by SwissHealth, who say
that clinical trials have shown that it enhances libido, increases sex drive and helps
improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Price is
£19.66 for 60 capsules - daily dose is 2 capsules. From
chemists, healthstores or by calling 0870 841 0870. If
you find it works, let us know.
Heartbooster
The
wonders of statins, drugs that lower cholesterol levels, have been well publicised. One in 3 heart attacks and strokes can be prevented
through taking the drugs, which work by lowering LDL (low density lipo-protein), the
dangerous form of cholesterol. Twenty thousand
volunteers suffering from heart attacks, strokes, angina, narrowing of arteries were
followed up over 5 years, and the results have got the medics cheering.
Side effects were found to be rare - mainly muscle inflammation. But experts on the complementary medical front are
saying that statins lower levels of a substance called co-enzyme Q10.
This substance is linked with maintaining energy,
helping with peridontal disease, chronic fatigue and also, ironically, heart function. So anyone prescribed statins should ask their
doctor if co-enzyme Q 10 would be helpful for them. It
is available from health food stores and chemists.
 365 ways to energize mind, body and soul
Before readers
reach for that next cup of coffee, they should reach for this fun and useful book by
natural health and beauty guru Stephanie Tourles
 Age-proof your body
Accurate,
understandable information on aging and nutrition
 Is it
me or is it hot in here? should be compulsory reading. Not just for women
needing help and advice on the complexities of the menopause, but also for men trying to
understand why women are so complex at this time
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Asthma, inhaled steroids and osteoporosis
There
is a link between these three, and it’s not good news.
Corticosteroids are widely used in the management of asthma - people may take them
daily for months or years. Doctors prefer to
prescribe the inhaled versions, since it has long been known that pills and capsules taken
by mouth are linked with osteoporosis, thinning of bones, whereas those inhaled are
delivered direct to the lungs and mainly bypass the bloodstream.
Now, inhaled steroids are coming under suspicion too, with concern that
long-term use might lead to bone loss. Researchers
in Turkey assessed 32 women with asthma who had used inhaled steroids for at least 3
months, and found significant bone-thinning compared to non-users.
They now recommend that women on
inhaled steroids should be screened regularly and given treatment for osteoporosis if
necessary. Calcium, vitamin D and magnesium taken daily may help reduce risk, along with
regular exercise.
More on asthma treatments
Despite
the bad news above, people with asthma rely on daily treatment to control symptoms. Without modern drugs, the outlook for sufferers would
be very gloomy indeed.
A new treatment containing corticosteroid, budesonide and a fast-acting
bronchodilator in a single inhaler will be welcomed by many. It’s the first time that a preventative and symptom
controller have been combined, and maintenance dose ranges from 1 to 4 inhalations daily.
Users will still need a
‘reliever’ or ‘blue’ inhaler, but doses may be reduced. If you want to discuss the possibilities with your GP,
just mention the new Turbohaler from AstraZeneca and see if it will help you.
If in any doubt about any of
the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your
GP.
Books Books
Books
Take a look at Helen's Book
recommendations this month too.
In edition
20:-
Autumn is bad
for Eczema
Over 60% of eczema sufferers find their condition worsens in the autumn
Don`t
suffer in silence
Modern pain management is effective and offers several choices
Time for
the big sneeze again
As we get towards winter, the cases of colds, flu, and bacterial respiratory
infections go up
Smoking makes
wrinkles
For many years skin specialists have noted that the skin of smokers is
more likely to wrinkle early
Gut reactions
The world`s first artificial intestine has been created by Dutch scientists
Need for choice in managing
menopause symptoms
Considering
the options for easing the symptoms of the menopause
Index to all previous
Healthwise editions
For books on Health visit the Amazon
Family and Health Section.
Don't forget if you buy books or videos from Amazon by linking from
laterlife, you generate money for Charity.
Jenergy
Jenni Rivett's guide to fitness, aimed solely at women, is a winner.
 The Complete Book of Men`s Health
This
constructive guide provides information on health-related topics, exercise, diet, and
personal grooming.
 A Woman`s
"Diagnose it Yourself" Guide to Health
Think there's more to life than hanging around in waiting rooms reading
old copies of Hello? Then try this book |
