Complementary remedies Q&A

WE don’t intend to go on about the virtues of supplements and herbal treatments - we know that many of you have already tried them, and often with dramatic results.

But we will ask that you think carefully about where you buy them.

If price is your only consideration, you might be drawn towards newspaper ads offering a year’s supply of supplements for less than the price of a veggie lasagne and side salad.

But how confident are you of quality? Is it right for you? What bulking ingredients been used? And does the country of origin have to comply with the same legislation as the UK?

Those discount health food chains are cheap too, but will you get the standard of help you’re looking for?

So is price the best indicator? Do you use the cheapest hairdresser? Buy the cheapest clothes? Eat only budget foods?

We’re talking about your health here - nothing is more important.
Independent, specialist health food shops offer a unique range of benefits:

• Helpful, knowledgeable staff to give you help and support to ensure you choose the right supplement;
  
  
• Staff who will still be there in three months time to be interested in the benefits you’ve experienced;
  
  
• Supplements that are genuine value for money because they really make a difference to your health and well-being;
  
  
• Local stores keep your money in the local economy;
  
  
• Local stores use local staff and local produce - and if possible they’ll order in items not in stock.

To help you make the most of your local health food store, Connect will feature some of the questions most frequently asked by customers - with answers to give you a starting point when you visit your local store.

So if you’re looking for good service and good products, shop locally at your independent health food store - and tell them Connect sent you!

Frequently asked questions...

Q My hair has started coming out in handfuls, what can I do?

A Male pattern baldness is a natural process, but if someone’s hair suddenly starts shedding, stress, pregnancy or illness can be a contributing factor. Lack of protein or a compromised immune system should also be looked at.

Some of the most common supplements to help are: Astragalus, Betaine HCI (Mal Absorption), Echinacea, Digestive Enzymes, Golden seal, B Complex , Vitamin C, and Rhodiola.

Eat plenty of sea vegetables, or take a kelp supplement (not if on thyroid medication). Seeds and nuts or an omega 3,6 and 9 supplement. Acupuncture may stimulate hair growth for some, and homeopathy could be considered.


Q Three months ago I started having trouble going to sleep, now I find I am dreading going to bed at night. I am so tired I just can’t cope with anything.

A Insomnia is a state of habitual sleeplessness. Causes can include stress, emotional trauma, ill health and over-stimulation.

Make sure you are not having too much caffeine throughout the day - coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and artificial sweeteners can all over-stimulate. Also ensure you are not dehydrated by drinking up to two litres of fresh, clean water daily - locally delivered bottle water or reverse osmosis if possible.

Popular supplements are: 5HTP, Calcium, Magnesium, Niacinamide. Popular Herbs are: Chamomile, Hops, Passiflora and Valerian.

Aromatherapy oils like Basil, Clary Sage, Marjoram and Lavender can be helpful. A visit to your homeopath would also be beneficial.

Don’t go to bed on a full stomach or too hungry, because it interferes with normal sleep patterns. High-protein foods before retiring are stimulating and trigger greater production of activity hormones.

Acupuncture, Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology, Meditation and Yoga could also be helpful.