Month: May 2014

Diarrhoea 肚泻

Diarrhoea is the passing of increased amounts of loose stool. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria and can be short term or long term lasting more than two to three weeks.

Diarrhoea is an infection usually due to consumption of contaminated drinking water, undercooked meat, eggs or other improperly processed foods and occurs when micro-organisms irritate the mucus membranes of the small or large intestine resulting in an abnormally large quantity of water in that area. The irritated gut becomes very active, contracting excessively and irregularly. Diarrhoea is often accompanied by stomach pains, nausea and vomiting.

Prevention

  • Avoid possibly contaminated places since bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from person to person.
  • Avoid possibly contaminated food and water.
  • Keep clean using soap and water especially after using the toilet.

Applied nutrition

  • It is tempting to suppress diarrhea using drugs but the body is often just reacting to an infection of the gut and trying to eliminate the harmful bacteria or viruses in that area. Suppression with drugs may help the harmful elements reside in the body for longer, causing further damage.
  • Avoid suppression unless the diarrhoea is prolonged.
  • Keep hydrated with purified water.
Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Necessary to repair mucus membranes in the intestines. 1 scoop,
3x daily
Calcium + magnesium To replace depleted calcium. Aids in forming shaped stool. Regulates proper muscular contraction of the intestines. Promotes pH balance. 3 tabs,
2x daily
B Complex Aids in proper digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein. 2 tabs,
2x daily
Garlic + licorice Destroys harmful bacteria and parasites in the colon. 2 tabs,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Cleanses and heals. 3 tabs,
3x daily

Depression 萧条

Depression is a whole body illness that may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy or miserable. It affects the way you feel about yourself and the way you react to and think about the people around you. Symptoms can last for weeks, months and years.

Possible signs and symptoms

Chronic fatigue, quickness to anger, sleep disturbances, change of appetite, digestive disorders, restlessness, loss of interest, feeling worthless.

Possible causes

Emotional tension, stress, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorder, nutritional deficiency (poor diet), over-consumption of refined sugars, lack of (physical/mental) activity.

Applied nutrition

Often, depressed people do not actively seek help and are sensitive to others knowing their condition. Depressed people need ample time and patience to get back on their feet. Background dietary assistance can be very useful while you help to remove the cause or distance the cause from the prospect.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Limit animal protein intake. Replace with plant-based proteins. 1 scoop, 
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Needed for immune function. Important to prevent depression. 3 tabs, 3x daily
Calcium + magnesium Calcium is nature’s tranquillizer. Works together with magnesium to relieve anxiety, stress, nervousness and tension. 3 tabs, 3x daily
B Complex B complex vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Naturally sourced vitamin B helps reduce anxiety and has a calming effect. 3 tabs, 3x daily
Omega 3 Aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. Important for proper brain function. 2 tabs, 2x daily
Multivitamins + multi-mineral + phytonutrients Depressed people are often deficient in many nutrients. This will work to increase energy and protect the heart and immune system. 1 tab, 2x daily

Constipation 便秘

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person experiences hard faeces that are difficult to pass out. It may be extremely painful, and in severe cases, lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction.

Normally, waste products of digestion are propelled through one’s intestines by muscle contractions. Weak intestinal muscles may contribute to constipation. Water and salt is reabsorbed in the large intestine for the body’s functions. If too much water is absorbed, there is insufficient water or if waste moves along too slowly, constipation may result.

Possible signs and symptoms

Optimally, a person will go to the toilet 2 or 3 times a day depending on how many meals he/she has had. Going less than once a day is mild constipation. Anything less is serious constipation.

Constipation may result in bad breath, discomfort and bloating.

Possible causes

Insufficient fibre, water or calcium, lack of physical activity, stress, medication, changes in lifestyle and routine, ignoring the urge to go to the toilet or weak intestines.

Applied nutrition

Keep hydrated with purified water.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Necessary to repair mucus membranes in the intestines. 1 scoop, 
3x daily
Calcium + magnesium Needed for proper intestinal muscular contraction. May also reduce incidences of colon cancer. 4 tabs, 2x daily
Fibre Forms bulk and increases water content of stool, detoxifies colon and cleanses the breath. 2 tabs, 2x daily
B Complex Aids in proper digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Prevents anaemia. Deficiency may result in constipation. 2 tabs, 2x daily
Garlic + licorice Destroys harmful bacteria in the colon. 2 tabs, 2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Cleanses and heals. 3 tabs, 3x daily
Probiotics Replaces bowel bacteria to improve assimilation of nutrients in foods. 1-3 sticks daily

The common cold 着凉，伤风

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses. There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Most viruses strike 18 to 24 hours after they enter the body and clear up within 7 to 10 days. General good health and hygiene can reduce the risk of coming into contact with these bugs.

Once cold or flu symptoms begin, an increased intake of vitamin C, garlic, echinacea and cinnamon extract can help relieve the severity, duration and symptoms of the common cold and flu. Plenty of rest and lots of fluid and good nutrition is important with a diet rich in vegetables. Avoid raw foods at this time as the digestive system is often impaired.

It is tempting to suppress symptoms such as fever and cough with drugs. Unless it is severe, avoid symptom suppression as it interferes with the body’s natural repair rhythm and may disrupt the healing process.

Possible signs and symptoms

Nose congestion, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, fever, watery eyes, headaches, fatigue and muscular pain.

Possible causes

A compromised immune system susceptible to viral attack.

Applied nutrition

Keep hydrated with purified water. Eat ginger alone or with hot honey.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Supplies balanced amounts of nine essential amino acids for healing. 1 scoop,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Fights cold viruses, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. 5 tabs every 4 hours (if temperature is above 38.5°C: 10 tabs)
Multi-carotene Helps to clear inflamed mucus membranes and strengthens the immune system. 2 tabs daily
B Complex Heals and reduces stress. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Garlic + licorice A natural antibiotic and immune system enhancer which fights cold and flu infections. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Echinacea Helps reduce the severity and duration of the flu. 2 tabs,
3x daily
ClearGuard Helps balance histamine release and clears stuffy noses in three days or less. 3 tabs,
2x daily

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. It is made by the body and also obtained from animal products in the diet.

Lipid disorders occur when one has excessive fatty substances in the blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. Having a lipid disorder makes one more likely to develop atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Functions

HDL is used to make bile, which helps in transporting fat and liver detoxification. This friendly scavenger also cruises the bloodstream. As it does, it removes harmful bad cholesterol from where it doesn’t belong. High HDL levels reduce the risk for heart disease — but low levels increase the risk.

LDL collects in the walls of your blood vessels, where it can cause blockages. Higher LDL levels put you at greater risk for a heart attack from a sudden blood clot that forms there.

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals. If you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly “easy” calories like carbohydrates and fats, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).

Possible causes

Cholesterol can be bound to fat at different densities. Two main types are:

  • Low-density lipoproteins – LDL – bad cholesterol, to be kept low.
  • High-density lipoproteins – HDL – good cholesterol, to be kept high.

High bad cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be associated with:
fatty diets; diabetes; hypothyroidism; Cushing’s syndrome and kidney failure; certain medication including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics and beta-blockers; lifestyle factors including excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise leading to obesity.

People who smoke and also have high cholesterol are at even greater risk since the cholesterol in the blood are rapidly hardened through oxidation.

Cholesterol levels

Good Borderline Caution
Total Cholesterol < 200 200 – 239 240+
HDL > 45 35 – 44 < 35
LDL < 130 130 – 159 160+
Ratio ≤ 3.4 5.5 – 7.4 ≥ 7.5
Triglycerides < 200 200 – 399 400+

Applied nutrition

Recommend to reduce fat intake, trans-fat intake, high-heat treated oils and fats. Increase deep sea fish intake (caution on tuna), increase fiber intake, lose weight and increase physical activity.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Supplies balanced amounts of nine essential amino acids 1 scoop,
3x daily
Coenzyme Q10 Improves heart muscle oxygenation and may help prevent heart attacks. 2 tabs,
2x daily
Omega 3 Important for circulation and lowering blood pressure. Protects heart muscle cells and reduces triglycerides level in the blood. Thins the blood. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Garlic + licorice Beneficial for the heart, promotes circulation and effective in reducing blood pressure. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Calcium + magnesium Deficiencies have been linked to high blood pressure. If taking high blood pressure medication, take extra potassium to counteract the depletion of calcium. Important for maintaining proper heart rhythm and blood pressure. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Fiber Bulk forming and increases water content of stool, detoxifying the colon and cleansing the breath. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Important for circulation function and lowering blood pressure. B6 reduces water in tissues to relieve pressure on the cardiovascular system. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin E + lecithin Powerful antioxidants that improve circulation and thins the blood, reducing clotting risk. Lecithin also aids in blood-thinning. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent. Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Green tea extract Delivers catechins and theaflavins in synergy with phytonutrients to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 2 tabs,
2x daily

 

Cataracts 白内障

Cataracts is any opacity which develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or its envelope. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens in the eye becomes cloudy. The clouding impairs vision by preventing the lens from clearly focussing light on the retina at the back of your eye.

Cataracts usually develops slowly and causes no pain over time. When significantly less light reaches the retina, your vision becomes impaired.

Possible signs and symptoms

Clouded, blurred or dim vision; increasing difficulty with seeing at night; sensitivity to light and glare; halos around light sources; needing brighter light for reading and other activities; frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions; fading or yellowing of colours and double vision in a single eye.

Possible causes

Long term UV light exposure; effect of diseases such as diabetes; age (denaturing of lens proteins); genetic factors; eye injury/physical trauma; age (70% of those aged over 70 have some cataracts formation).

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Powerful antioxidants that protect the lenses of the eyes. Helps form the protective tissue at the eye area. 1 scoop,
2x daily
Multi-carotene Absolutely necessary for proper eye function. Protects eyes from free radical damage. 2 tab,
2x daily
Bilberry + lutein Helps support healthy eye function and assists night vision. Lutein helps provide potent antioxidant action by scavenging free radicals that may be generated by lifestyle factors such as excess dietary fats, cigarette smoke, pollution and stress. 2 tabs,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids An antioxidant that reduces cellular pressure 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Important for intercellular eye metabolism 2 tabs,
2x daily
Parselenium E Important for healing, immunity and antioxidant effects 1 tab daily

Bad breath 口臭

Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, is experienced by many adults occasionally. Bad breath can have a significant impact on a person’s social and professional life.

Possible causes and symptoms

Bad breath can be caused by a multitude of problems including: gum disease; tooth decay; infection of the respiratory tract; improper diet; constipation; smoking; fever; indigestion; inadequate protein intake; fermentation of food in the mouth; sinus infections; and unclean teeth.

Other less obvious reasons include: lung infections; kidney failure; severe liver disease and first/second-hand cigarette smoke.

Applied nutrition

Use of better mouthwash, toothpaste and mouth spray is helpful. Avoid refined sugars and reduce meats for a week. Visit a dentist at least once a year.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Garlic Destroys foreign bacteria in the mouth and colon. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Fibre Fibre removes toxins from the colon that can result in bad breath 1 tab,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Important in healing mouth and gum disease and in preventing bleeding gums. Also rids the body of excess mucus and toxins that can cause bad breath. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Needed for proper digestion. Dilates the tiny capillaries to help blood flow to infection sites. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Multi-carotene Needed to control infection and healing 1 tab daily

Back Pain 背疼

The back is an intricately designed structure made up of bone, muscles, nerves and other soft tissue. The back is particularly vulnerable to injury and back pain can be disabling. Pain felt in the lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.

Lower back pain is the number 2 reason why people in Hong Kong see their doctor – second only to colds and flu.

Possible causes

Small fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis; rupture/herniation/degeneration of the spinal disks; muscle spasms (very tense muscles that remain contracted); poor posture leading to misaligned vertebrae; strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back; other medical conditions like fibromyalgia.

There is a particular risk if you: work in construction / logistics requiring heaving lifting or other spinal activity; have bad posture; are pregnant; are over 30 years of age; smoke; do not do regular exercise; are overweight; have arthritis or osteoporosis; have a low pain threshold; are stressed or depressed.

Back pain from organs in the pelvis or elsewhere include:
bladder infection; kidney stones; endometriosis; ovarian cancer; ovarian cycles; and testicular torsion.

Non-nutritional assistance

Back pain has contributory causes outside poor nutrition. Advice on posture, exercise and massage is necessary. If pain is a disturbance to normal life, consider referral to a registered chiropractor.

Applied nutrition

Proper nutrition will help sustain the benefits of chiropractic treatment, improvements to posture and exercise.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Helps tissue repair as it is a major component of bone tissue. 1-2 scoops,
3x daily
Omega 3 These fatty acids are necessary for health and cannot be generated by the body (essential fatty acids). These increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may be of assistance in relieving symptoms associated with back pain. 1 tab,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Needed to prevent bone loss. Calcium is a natural tranquillizer. Together with magnesium, it relives anxiety, tension, nervousness and muscular spasms. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex Needed for proper digestion, formation of cells, production of myelin and the protective coating around the nerves. Prevents nerve damage. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Parselenium E A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E is found in people with arthritis and Lupus. 1 tab,
2x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent. Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Glucosamine HCI Very important to the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial joint fluid. 3 tabs,
3x daily

Breast Cancer 乳癌

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong. Female breast cancer cases diagnosed in Hong Kong has doubled from 1,152 in 1993 to 3,014 in 2010. On average, about 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. The number of male cases has also increased from 4 to 11.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. It is uncommon in women below 40 years old. 70% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women above 40 years of age.  However, if the cancer is detected early, the 5-years and beyond survival rate is about 95%. There is no answer yet to what causes breast cancer though researchers believe that imbalances in the female hormone – oestrogen, is responsible for many cases of breast cancer.

Possible risk factors

Lack of regular exercise, heredity, early menstruation / late menopause, no breast feeding, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, alcohol consumption, food additives, stress and chemicals.

Breast self-examination

This is very important on a monthly basis after 20 years of age, preferable the first week after each menstrual period ends. Please obtain instruction from a health or wellness professional.

Applied Nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Basic building block and necessary party of living cells in the body. Produces collagen and promotes organ repair. 1 scoop,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium 2 tabs,
3x daily
Multivitamin + minerals + phytonutrients Provides general nutritional supplementation and strong antioxidant effects. As indicated on packaging
B Complex 2 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Destroys free radicals, boosts immune system and provides inflammation and antioxidant protection 2 tabs,
3x daily
Ginkgo biloba + ginseng Slows tumour growth 2 tabs,
2x daily
Green tea extract Slows tumour growth 2 tabs,
2x daily
Co-enzyme Q10

As with all cancers, reduce red meat/dairy and increase fruit/vegetable intake. Increase consumption of organic ginger, ginseng, green tea, peppermint and soy products.

Attention-deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD) 多动症

ADHD is a fast-growing childhood disorder involving inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsion or a combination thereof. Ten times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD. Although primarily thought of as a childhood behavioural disorder, it can also be found in adults. This condition affects school/work performance and interpersonal relationships. Parents and family members of children with ADHD often become exhausted and frustrated.

Possible signs and symptoms

  • Failing to give close attention to details, difficulties with solving problems or managing time;
  • Extreme distractibility and does not seem to listen when spoken to directly;
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities;
  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks and in play.

Possible causes

Many cases are linked to a diet high in refined sugars and artificial food additives, however, other factors linked to ADHD include heredity, anxiety/stress, allergies, being born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy, oxygen deprivation at birth, pollution, lead poisoning or prenatal trauma.

Applied Nutrition

Ensure reduction in refined sugars and processed foods. Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Bring the patient outdoors to open areas where they can use the additional energy properly. Consider using a long summer holiday to totally remove this condition.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Basic building block and necessary party of living cells in the body. 1 scoop,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Calms the nerves. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Multivitamin + minerals + phytonutrients Provides general nutritional supplementation. Many ADHD cases are zinc-deficient. As indicated on packaging
B Complex Important for proper brain function and digestion. Also enhances adrenal gland function and regulates neurotransmitters. 
An anti-stress vitamin. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids An anti-stress vitamin. 2 tabs,
3x daily
Ginkgo biloba + ginseng Assists brain function and concentration. Builds memory. 2 tabs,
2x daily