Your health
questions answered by leading doctors and
nuritionists
RELIEF FROM LEG CRAMPS
“What are the causes of leg cramp? Are there any
supplements or a particular diet to consider for these painful
muscle
contractions? Can one of your experts please advise.”
Mrs J Davies, Lancashire
Leg cramps are common, especially at night and very rarely a
symptom of serious disease. In most cases we simply don’t
know what is triggering them and there is no long-term harm
although they can be very distressing. However, if you have other
symptoms, or are taking prescription medicines such as diuretics,
check with your doctor that you are not losing too much salt. Try
to get some light exercise each evening - take a short stroll or do
some yoga - and include some gentle stretching of your legs. Avoid
taking too much caffeine; it might be worth switching to
decaffeinated coffee and tea.
Vitamin E has been shown in one study to help - all but two of the
125 patients examined had complete or nearly complete relief of
their cramps when they took vitamin E regularly. The dose is 300iu
per day. It’s also important that you make sure that you are
getting plenty of magnesium, calcium, potassium and vitamin C, or
take a multivitamin and mineral supplement if you are worried that
your diet is inadequate.
Dr Trisha Macnair
A HEALTH ‘INSURANCE POLICY’
“I am now 68 years old and wonder if I would get added
benefit from taking multivitamins and minerals?”
Mrs Lois McKenna, Folkestone
A good multivitamin and mineral supplement provides a
nutritional safety net and gives your immune system a helping hand.
Research involving 96 elderly people showed those taking
multi-vitamins for one year had better immune function, mounted a
better response to influenza vaccination, and suffered half as many
days ill with infections compared with those not taking the
supplements.
Dr Sarah Brewer
MANAGING THE MENOPAUSE
“I have for some years taken evening primrose oil
supplement at two x 500mg a day. I have now started the menopause
and wonder whether it is advisable or necessary to continue. What
would be the benefit? Are there other supplements I should consider
taking at this stage of life? I have always felt EPO to be a
benefit to me.”
Mrs G Hadrill, Hampshire
I would continue EPO as it provides building blocks for
making hormones and is an excellent internal moisturiser for skin,
helping to stop the dryness and flaking which can occur after the
menopause. Other supplements to consider are a multivitamin and
mineral (your need for many nutrients increases with age) and
additional antioxidants such as selenium, lycopene or alpha-lipoic
acid. Omega 3 fish oils help to reduce inflammation and, along with
glucosamine, to maintain healthy joints. For menopausal symptoms,
soy isoflavones are beneficial. Ensure a good intake of calcium to
help maintain healthy bones.
Dr Sarah Brewer
PROSTATE HEALTH ADVICE
“I have been taking saw palmetto for several months for
my prostate and have been pleased with the results. Now that my
symptoms have diminished quite dramatically, should I still take
it?”
Mr R Solway, Birmingham
Saw palmetto is safe to take long term, and in fact this is the
best way to take it; the prostate can continue to enlarge over the
age of around 45 due to the way it responds to changing hormone
levels. Saw palmetto helps to reduce this response and helps the
central part of the prostate gland to shrink. Although you have got
your prostate back down to a manageable size, it can start to cause
problems again in the future, so it is wise to continue taking the
saw palmetto. Seek medical advice if symptoms start or worsen or
change in nature. You might also consider adding in a zinc
supplement, as zinc is needed for optimum prostate health too.
Dr Sarah Brewer
If you have a question about the use of vitamins and supplements,
please write to us at: Ask The Experts, PO Box 64,
Park Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT or email
info@healthspan.co.uk.
We regret none of our experts can answer your letters
personally. While our panel of medical and nutritional advisers
offer their professional opinion in answer to your questions, the
advise given should not be used as a substitute for visiting a
qualified practitioner.
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