Take help from nature

This column is dedicated to many loyal readers who have inquired about various health challenges and waited patiently for these responses. May they all get relief soon!

Fondly, Peg Jordan

What can I do for my psoriasis?

Shah N.

PSORIASIS is a non-contagious but nagging skin disorder that takes place when the replacement cycle of skin cell growth is disrupted. Usually new cells rise from underlying layers to the top epidermis and replace dead cells.

This takes about 28 days but is accelerated in psoriasis, taking only three to four days. The excess cells accumulate, building up scaly dry patches. The condition is most common for people between ages 10 and 30, then tends to disappear on its own. Doctors are still unsure of the cause, but know that certain conditions such as stress, frequent strep infections, anxiety, sunburn, medications and alcohol make it worse. Keep your skin well moisturised to avoid cracking. Use pure lactic-acid based products or petroleum jelly. Soak in oatmeal-based baths, soothing oils or coal tar for symptomatic relief. Use a coal-tar gel to soften and remove skin scales. Avoid scratching and try to reduce stress. A good nutritional fish-oil supplement high in Omega-3s, or primrose oil, Vitamin B complex for nerves, Vitamin A 10,000 IU and Vitamin C, 1,500 mg are also recommended. I really like the remedies experienced homoeopaths offer for recurring skin disorders. Check out one near you.

What is green tea and how do you prepare it?

S. Reddy

Green tea is basically the same old regular tea that is usually allowed to ripen and turn black or dark brown, and is sold and packaged all over the world. Green tea is picked early, while it is still green.

Certain nutrients like antioxidants are enhanced while caffeine content is only 12-15 per cent. Green tea is prepared the same way as regular tea. You simply steep it in bags or as a loose leaf mixture with boiling water for about two or five minutes, depending on how potent a flavour is desired. Most of the green tea is now imported from Asia, but several European, Indian, and United States companies are branding different green tea products as well. Hopefully, one will be in a health food store near you soon.

What can be done to prevent or halt diabetes? It runs in my family.

Tarun K.

You are right to try to do everything in your power to prevent diabetes from ruining your health. Diabetes must be well managed or it can result in severe complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, amputations from peripheral nerve and circulation damage, and cardiovascular disease. If you are over 45 and overweight, have your blood sugar levels checked regularly by your doctor. Be very consistent about daily exercise (at least 30 minutes of aerobics three times a week and strength training on alternate days). Avoid a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates (white flour, white sugar) and unhealthy fats (animal fats such as butter, partially hydrogenated oils and high fat dairy products). To lower blood sugar, follow the advice of your physician.

But to keep your blood sugar at a safe range if you do not yet have diabetes, take Gymnema sylvestre (400 mg), chromium (400 mcg), and vandyl sulfate (100 mg). Seek out a naturopathic physician for these natural products and nutrients which are gaining tremendous respect in conventional medicine circles due to new research on them. Make sure you monitor your blood sugar levels carefully when you first start on these or any other supplements. Blood vessels, eyes and nerves may gain some protection from diabetic complications by taking GLA from evening primrose or borage oil (1,500 mg) and alpha lipoic acid (50 mg- 200 mg). The Himalaya Drug Company in Bangalore offers some of these products.

Where can I purchase the natural products you mention in your previous column?

(Many readers!)

Iwas delighted to hear from a reliable drug and natural product company in India, known as Lotus Drugs, based in Madurai. Their phone is 726434, and the Assistant General Manager is K. Ravishankar (Contact him at santnm@yahoo.com for more information.) They are the makers of anti-diabetic, gynaec and other general health drugs for the past 10 years. Recently they have launched "Spirulot", a blue-green algae plant rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the virtues of which I am always extolling.

Their products are available all over Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States and are prescribed by doctors, stocked in hospitals such as Apollo, Madurai City Hospital, T.V.S., Coimbatore, Getwel in Tirunelveli, Maravathy in Karur, Savitha in Erode and other places.

I know, dear readers, you have had a challenge in locating many of the items I discuss but, hopefully, this will give you a good lead for most of them.

The best of health to you!

E-mail the writer at mail@pegjordan.com.Visit her at www.pegjordan.com

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