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50m1 of Aloe Vera juice before meals to aid digestion and mineral absorption. Alternative-ly choose digestive enzyme formulas as lack of stomach acid may contribute to allergies. Take 100mg-200mg of Betaine 3 times daily with meals or drink Gentian, a bitter herb, with meals daily to help increase stomach acid.Homeopathic remedies May be developed or matched against specific allergy charac-teristics. See an experienced homeopath for details.

i?1Fungal InfectionThe superficial fungal infections also known as dermatophytosis include ringworm, tinea and yeast infections, such as candida and pityrosporum. Ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and fungal nail infections are not life threatening, but still need to be dealt with to stop progression, unsightly pigmentation or nail deformation, and spreading. Sometimes the fungal infections may spread into the lower or deeper skin tissues and, like the tip of an iceberg, they may actually have an insidious, deeper involvement in immune-suppressed individuals.

The fungi feed on the keratin cell layers or dead skin cells that produce the sur-face of the skin, nails and hair, leading to deformities in these structures, including nail ridges, broken hair, scaling skin or affected melanin pigmentation.

Causes Antibiotic use reduces the number of helpful bacteria that live in the body, which gives

fungal infections a chance to colonise. Corticosteroid use reduces the response of the immune system and therefore inflam-

mation. However, it also gives opportunistic infections, including fungi, a chance to grow.

Medical conditions, including diabetes, HIV, AIDS and some cancers, such as leukaemia, increase susceptibility to fungal infections. Immune suppressive drugs or a compromised immune system also have the same effect.

Environmental factors. Warm moist areas provide perfect breeding grounds for fungal infections.These include communal showers, changing rooms, damp used towels, sweaty clothing or shoes, and warm, sweaty or moist areas on the body, including the mouth, vagina, anus, penis, skin fold creases between toes, under breasts, the groin and buttock crease. ,

Genetic predisposition. We all have weaknesses, and some people may find fungal infec-tion (which may also run through the family) is one of them.

Fungal infections can be passed by contact from person to person or from objects and surfaces to a person.

Signs and symptomst White patches on the skin that may turn to salmon pink, dull red or dark brown. The

patches may not tan. Often seen on the face, arms and back. Red patches on the skin. Pustular scaly round patches may be found on scalp. Ring

worm (not a worm infection) is characteristically red and round with a central clearing in the middle.

Men often carry the chicken-skin look around their necks, normally attributed to shav-ing or age.

Athlete's foot or foot tines varies from a mild scaling lesion to cracking of skin that can be painful, odorous and very itchy.

miza Fungal Infection

Itchiness or a mild burning sensation that may increase in the wet, hot summer months and tend to be less symptomatic during the cooler, dryer months.

Irritability, moodiness and brain fog. Well-defined, red, rash-like patches that are moist or dry may appear on the breast,

groin, anus, toes, finger webs and trunk of the body. The nails can look red and sore around the nail bed and while initially the nail looks

opaque, it can start to deform, look yellow and fall off. This may spread to other nails. Hair loss or raised capillaries on the face. A blister, which may be surrounded by a redness of the skin, on the palm, back of hand

or fingers. Fungi can trigger an allergic or immune response. They also release exotoxins that may

affect deeper layers. Diagnosis is performed by taking a swab of the possible infected area and growing the

fungi on a Petri dish and/or by focusing ultraviolet light on the skin for identification.

Naturopathic recommendations

Lifestyle hintsI know some purists might view it as sacrilege to recommend chemical drugs along with herbs. However, I have found the most successful treatment of skin fungal infections is to combine these two modalities. Use Pevaryl foaming cream if it's recommended by the pharmacist for your type of fungal infection. Follow the directions and use the naturopathic recommendations below. If you have skin patches that do not tan and have used two treatments of Pevaryl along with naturopathic recommendations, it may take 9 months or longer for your melanin skin cells to become normal again. Avoid antibiotics and steroids unless absolutely necessary. Also avoid applying

chemicals, such as bubble baths, deodorant, tampons or pads and scented toilet paper, near or on candida areas.

Avoid nylon and tight pantyhose or underwear. Sterilise all towels and socks that contact fungal areas after each use in extremely hot

water with Dettol or Napisan to avoid cross contamination. Do not use the same towel to dry your affected and non-affected parts. I've seen a lot of fungal infections transferred from one place to another by doing this.Those who work out at the gym are more likely to be at risk of fungal infection. If you have a chronic fungal infection, wipe benches down with supplied cleaners and paper towels and use your own towel. Change your clothing regularly so you do not become infected with fungi left on warm moist benches or flooring at the gyms. Remember to wash the towel and your gym clothes before wearing or using them again.

Try not to get over-paranoid about 'catching' fungal infections.You just need to strengthen your immunity and get your acid skin barrier back into balance. Apply diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the fungal infection to balance your acid skin barrier, because using soaps can make the skin too alkaline.

Scrupulously clean and dry fungal areas twice daily. If you have chronic fungal infection and do not do this properly the other treatments may not work.

Change socks daily if affected with fungi on the feet.

Nutrition For very chronic situations Fungi can be devilish to get rid of. If this is the case you may need to try the anti-fungal

diet to accompany your external fungal treatment. Follow the candida diet and recommendations on page 102 for 3-6 months.

si al Infection 171

SupplementsApple cider vinegar (ACV) Wash affected area with ACV. If the lesion is not tender, raw or the skin is not broken, gently wash it with a cotton bud saturated with ACV. I normally rub quite hard on olive skinned people; however, for those with fair skin, ACV can seem to burn the face and sometimes the body. Just experiment gently to see what suits your skin type. The idea is to remove natural oily barriers of the skin, to make the skin acidic rather than alkaline, which creates a barrier against fungal infection and prepares the skin for the Lugol's Iodine. I prefer Lugol's Iodine to BP Iodine tincture.Iodine (Do not use if allergic to Iodine).There are 2 types of Iodine that you can obtain from a health shop or pharmacy.

1. Lugol's (aqueous) Iodine For internal and external use. Do not take iodine without medical supervision if you have thyroid problems, are taking thyroid medication or have a history of thyroid problems.External use: Place 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine in 1/4 cup of boiled water. Wash all affected areas on your body and external surfaces with this solution.Internal use: Take 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine in 1 cup of hot water with 1 tsp of manuka honey and 1 capful of ACV (for flavour), 4 times daily for 7 days.

2. Iodine BP tincture Do not take this iodine internally.Colloidal silver cream Apply as directed to affected areas after thoroughly washing skin with ACV and Lugol's Iodine.

HerbsInternallyAntifungal and alterative (blood cleansing) herbs To prevent or treat fungal infec-tions include Garlic (400mg-1200mg daily), Ginger (1g-2g daily), Liquorice (2g-4g daily or as prescribed), Chamomile (3g daily), Echinacea (1200mg daily), Olive Leaf extract (270mg 3 times daily), Sarsaparilla (2g-4g 3 times daily) and Goldenseal (500mglg daily).

External applicationsThuja Has strong anti-fungal properties. Use a tincture or alcoholic preparation on affect-ed areas twice daily.Echinacea Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Use in place of Thuja or before the Thuja application, and wait until it has dried. Apply liquid alcohol tincture to affected areas twice daily.Tea Tree oil Apply to affected area twice daily. It may also be added to shampoo and con-ditioner for scalp infections and dandruff. If it is too strong for the skin, dilute with oil (olive or almond) or water.Myrrh Make a paste of Myrrh by opening a capsule and mixing it with hot water. Brush affected area when paste is cooled with a clean pastry brush or cotton bud. Also take inter-nally as directed on the bottle.Nail fungus This takes several months to resolve and applications 2-4 times daily may seem like a bother, but you must persevere. Wash affected nail in warm water and Tea Tree oil. Dry thoroughly. Apply Tea Tree oil or a combination of it and Lavender oil on the affected area 2-3 times a day. If the Tea Tree oil burns, just wash nail 4 times daily as direct-ed in water and Tea Tree oil, and apply Thuja cream. If necessary you may need to do the internal candida cleanse by taking appropriate herbs and by doing the candida diet. Oregano oil Also very effective for hard nail fungus that is difficult to eradicate. Apply 2 drops onto fungi twice daily or as directed.

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Nerve Paid

Fish oil Provides DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA is one of the major building blocks for the brain, nervous system and eyes, and is essential for development. It is most abundant in the grey matter of the brain (25%) and the retina of the eye.The brain nerves need high concentrations of DHA to send mes-sages. DHA enhances memory and helps concentration. Take 3g-6g daily.Evening Primrose Oil Provides GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), vital for brain and eye function. Supplementation is essential due to decreased dietary sources in the average western diet. GLA is important for normal transmission of messages along nerves. Take 3g-6g daily.

Herbs

Parasite-cleansing herbs Parasites can cause inflammation in the body and may be a factor relating to the trigger of MS. Use a combination of anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate parasites and their inflamatory waste products.Take two 3-week courses of Cloves (1800mg daily) combined with Wormwood (2000mg daily) and Black Walnut (2000mg daily) to help eradicate parasites.Detox Complete a gentle detox herbal programme and a parasite-cleansing programme to balance the internal body organs and prepare for a healthy start. Burdock (2g-6g of dried root daily), Cleavers (2g-4g daily) and Red Clover (2g-4g daily) help cleanse the blood and clear the lymphatics. Dandelion (3g-5g of dried root daily) and Milk Thistle (9g-10g of seed daily) enhance bile flow and detoxify the liver. Fibre supplements mop up heavy metals and toxins.Take 1 tsp-2 tsp of Flaxseed fibre daily while detoxing or to help with constipation.Olive Leaf extract (270mg 6 times daily) and Echinacea (1200mg daily) Help to purify the blood and eradicate viral infections.Skullcap Relaxes nervous tension, helps soothe the nervous system and combines well with the herb Valerian. Take 750mg 3-5 times daily.Valerian Has anti-anxiety effects. Take lg-3g daily.

Nerve PainWhat a nerve! Nerve pain has the audacity to come and go at will, not to mention destroying the comfort of our lives and psyches. Whatever the cause, nerve pain is hard to ignore and can manifest itself in so many ways.

Causes

Viral infections, e.g. shingles (herpes zoster), post herpetic neuralgia. Obstruction, inflammation or pinching of nerves. Trauma or damage to nerves. Deterioration of nerves associated with metabolic disorders and degenerative illness

including diabetes, gout and leukaemia. Nutritional deficiencies of B complex vitamins, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (

EFA) and 5HTP (5-Hydroxy tryptophan). Toxicity from medications, chemicals, heavy metals and alcohol.

Signs and symptoms

Pain Tingling and 'pins and needles' Pain with alternating numbness or loss of sensation

EL-N e r v e P a i n , ,

Muscle weakness and fatigue Burning sensation Paralysis Swelling and redness Depression and anxiety.

Naturopathic recommendations

Lifestyle hints

Ring a counselling service, or if appropriate, seek spiritual or health professional guid-ance or communicate with helpful friends or family. As the emotions are affected through anxiety and fear, counselling can help with the mental aspects of pain.

Learn how to relax by trying yoga, receiving a massage, or learning meditation or breath-ing techniques.

Get plenty of restful sleep. Make sure the room is completely dark to help ensure sleep.

Exercise Exercise 4 times weekly, e.g. power-walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or going to the

gym. If you are not mobile bounce on a trampoline and seek assistance if needed.

Nutrition

Avoid red meats and coffee (especially instant). These increase pain and inflammation. Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs should be avoided.

Eat 6 small meals frequently throughout the day. Drink 1-2 litres of fresh water daily. Identify any possible food allergies and avoid to reduce nerve sensitivity, inflammation

and pain. See page 164 for details. Ginger, berries, cherries and grapes (flavonoids). Turmeric and cayenne (capsaicin) are

remarkable condiment herbs that inhibit pain pathways, reducing the sensation of pain and inflammation. Use liberally on food.

SupplementsVitamin B complex Deficiencies of B vitamins can lead to deterioration of nerves and even paralysis. Supplement with a high potency Vitamin B complex to cover any deficien-cies. For example, burning feet respond well to Vitamins B1 and B5 and Choline.Take as directed.Vitamin C Reduces inflammation and is necessary for proper nerve transmission. Take 1500mg daily.Calcium and Magnesium Deficiencies of these lead to abnormal nerve response and muscle contraction. Deficiencies are also related to anxiety, muscle cramps and depression. Take 1500mg of Calcium at night after a meal for better absorption and 450mg-900mg of Magnesium daily.5-Hydroxy tryptophan (5HTP) A serotonin precursor made naturally by the body and also sourced from the plant Griffonia simplicifolia, 5HTP helps boost serotonin levels reducing the sensitivity to pain, aiding anxiety and insomnia. Take 150mg-300mg daily.MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) This natural sulphur compound is helpful for relieving muscular pain. Take 2g daily.Antioxidant formula, bioflavonoids and anthocyanidins These reduce free radical damage to nerves, reducing the sensitivity of nerve pain, and aid healing to damaged nerves.

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Antioxidants include ProenOthera from Evening Primrose Seed Husk, Green tea, Grape Seed, Pine Bark, Beta Carotene, Vitamins E, A and C, amino acids Methionine and Cysteine, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and adjunctive minerals (Zinc, Selenium, Manganese). Take an antioxidant formula as directed.Nerve damage The protective covering of the nerves is mainly composed of fats. If this becomes damaged the nerves are exposed, like stripping the plastic off a copper wire. Take Phosphatidylserine, Flaxseed oil, Fish oil and Evening Primrose oil, which assist with nor-mal myelin sheath composition by improving myelination and reducing inflammation.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) Derived from Lecithin, PS is a vital fatty lipid found inabundance in the brain and is important for brain functioning, nerve cell health andother neurological functions. Take 150mg daily.Vitamin E Vitamin E is fat-soluble and therefore acts in cell membranes and other fat-containing tissues. Functioning as an antioxidant, it protects other fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients, and strengthens cell membranes.Take 400IU daily.Fish oil and Flaxseed oil Provide Omega 3, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Flax oil works in a similar way providing a blend of Omega 3 and 6 (EFA). These EFA reduce inflammation and help protect the nerve sheaths. Take 3g daily.

HerbsDetox Complete a gentle detox herbal programme to balance the internal body organs and clear heavy metals and toxins that may be causing nerve pain and inflammation. Burdock (2g-6g of dried root daily), Cleavers (2g-4g daily) and Red Clover (2g-4g daily) help cleanse the blood and clear the lymphatics. Dandelion (3g-5g of dried root daily) and Milk Thistle (9glOg of seed daily) enhance bile flow and detoxify the liver. Fibre supplements mop up heavy metals and toxins. Take 1 tsp-2 tsp of Flaxseed fibre daily.St John's Wort Acts as a mild sedative, reducing pain, and is beneficial for mild depres-sion, anxiety and nervousness associated with chronic pain.Take 2g-5g of dried herb or use topically (on the skin) as a tincture poultice, cream or oil on nerve pain sites.Corydalis Has analgesic effects and relaxes smooth muscle contraction, especially in the abdominal region:Take 800mglg daily.Californian Poppy Has mild analgesic and sedative properties. It also exhibits a relaxing effect on the mind and potential mood elevating actions without addictive side effects.Take 900mg daily.Jamaican Dogwood Used for neuralgia, migraines and insomnia due to its anti-inflam-matory and sedative effects. Take 2g-4g of dried root bark up to 3 times daily.Capsaicin Capsaicin, derived from Cayenne, desensitises nerves. Capsiacin cream is used for postherpetic pain from shingles, phantom limb pain, cluster headaches, neuropathies, osteoarthritis and pain from skin conditions including psoriasis and pruritus.'4" In one study patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia found that a topical application of Capsaicin cream (0.025%v capsaicin) on painful areas was beneficial!'Cloves The oil from this age-old spice is used by dentists to desensitise exposed nerves in the mouth during tooth extraction. Use the Clove oil externally by placing a few drops on a cotton ball and putting it on the area of pain in the mouth. Overuse of this oil may cause nausea, so use a small amount first.Feverfew Reduces inflammatory processes which may exacerbate pain sensation. Feverfew must be taken every day to have an effect. Add 1-2 leaves to a sandwich or take 50mg-200mg daily.Kava Has sedating and analgesic effects to aid nerve pain and associated anxiety symp-toms. Take 1.5g-3g of dried root daily.

236 Osteoporosis

Other therapies

Fasting and detoxing are helpful to remove inflammatory response to toxins and food sen-sitvities. Try the Gall Bladder Flush Fast, see page 173.Massage, acupuncture, osteopathy, craniopathy and reflexology are superb treatments on their own or in combination with herbs and supplements.They work on a physical and emotional level to help control pain, increase circulation, clear blockages and balance the body. See your health professional for details.Castor oil packs have been known to help with pain when used in combination with dietary and herbal recommendations.

You will need: Castor oil (obtained from the chemist), a soft clean cotton cloth, plastic wrap, a plastic container to store the oil-laden cloth, and a hot water bottle. Directions: Soak the cloth in castor oil. Place the folded cloth over affected area. Cover the cloth completely with plastic wrap, both to avoid staining your clothes and to keep in the warmth. Place a towel over the plastic and put a hot water bottle on it. Leave it on overnight. Repeat this five nights in a row and then rest for two nights. Do this for three weeks.

Epsom salts baths or baths with Valerian or Skullcap extracts are helpful for aches and injuries.

PoulticesHerbs can be applied topically to soothe pain, reduce swelling and promote healing.

Cool or warm compresses Saturate a cloth in a strong herbal tea made from essential oils or dried herbs. See above herbs for details.Poultices Combine warm, moist herbs, such as Chamomile, White Willow, Pep-permint, Skullcap, Meadowsweet or Valerian, in a binder of powdered Oatmeal, Slippery Elm or Flaxseed, and apply to injury site.Semi-poultices Use a cloth compress filled with ground herbs for poultice benefits without the mess. Try St John's Wort for nerve pain.

OsteoporosisThis condition causes a progressive loss of calcium from the bones producing a corre-sponding loss of bone mass.This leads to a weakening of bone matrix and collagenous fibres, leading to bone fragility, and fractures are therefore more likely to occur.

This condition is more common in postmenopausal women and generally worsens as people age.

Causes

Lack of oestrogen results in a loss of bone mineralisation. Nutrient deficiencies, including calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, silica, zinc,

copper, vitamins A, C, D and K, prevent good bone formation and lead to a weaker bone structure.

Aging, menopause, early menopause and postmenopause. Genetics; some people are more prone to osteoporosis than others due to family history. This condition affects approx 1 in 4 women but only 1 in 40 men.

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