Forty-five years of practice, distilled into protocol

Drugs are generally synthetic chemicals powerful enough to block even important physiological processes and can therefore cause mild to severe side-effects. Nevertheless, there may be important reasons to use them, when they can be lifesaving on the one hand and alleviate serious symptoms on the other.

Herbs are natural products which are generally very complex and cannot be synthesized because they are in fact too complex. They contain phytochemicals which interact with receptors, enzymes and cells to create physiological effects. They include anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can improve physiological functions, helping the body heal. Some herbs have volatile oils which can have antimicrobial and digestive effects. There are also saponins which can stimulate the immune system, and alkaloids which have powerful effects on the nervous system. Polysaccharides in some herbs are soothing to the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Most herbs contain a range of antioxidants. The key difference is that drugs are powerful and interfere with the body’s functions. Herbs are not generally powerful enough to do this and support physiological processes.

Herbal extracts. Most companies today use herbal extracts because they can be easily standardized and the more active material removed, leaving out the large amount of plant material which may be indigestible anyway. Standardization means that there is control in the amount of active ingredients in the pill/capsule or liquid. This makes research much easier for scientists than using the whole herbs which may vary from batch to batch

All plant material and foods contain some spread of vitamins and minerals. Despite this, many people today are deficient in many vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D3 for example is a major deficiency, and so is magnesium. Many women in particular suffer iron deficiency, and so do vegans. The latter can have carnitine deficiency as well (found in meat). Iodine is also seriously deficient in many soils and why it is often supplemented in salt (iodised salt). The use of chemical fertilizers leads to a range of deficiencies in the soil. Everyone should be taking some form of vitamin mineral/ supplement. They are essential co-factors in all metabolic processes.

Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of protein and are essential for life. They drive a whole range of physiological processes in the body which effect muscle repair, brain function, metabolism and immune defense. There are nine essential amino acids required in our food because the body cannot make them. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Tryptophan for example is a precursor for serotonin, highlighting its important role in our mood. A varied diet, with fresh foods and no processed foods will generally provide all the essential amino acids needed by the body.

This is a very controversial area that I will cover in other areas of this website.

We need fats to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K. The fatty acids derived from fats are essential for healthy skin, hair quality, immune system function and hormone balance.

Failing to eat enough fat prevents the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and essential fatty acids, leading to dry skin, hair loss, a weakened immune system, and hormone imbalances. The body requires small amounts of healthy fats for crucial biological functions. Fat slows the digestive process and can thus reduce food craving. Essential fatty acids (omega 3) are anti-inflammatory and thus help body control inflammation. Omega 6 fats on the other hand tend to be inflammatory, and this is why too much omega 3 oil, especially if processed and over-heated repeatedly, is dangerous to health. Always use as fresh as possible, cold pressed, unprocessed oils and keep tightly closed in a dark bottle.

Lifestyle changes are primary in every protocol. The right exercise for your body type is absolutely essential and should be done most days. It can add years of good health and function. The question of a high-protein and fat diet is controversial. My personal take is that generally a diet covering all food groups in moderation, using the best quality you can afford, and eating mainly fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs and meat, if possible, and fish from the sea is the best choice.

Stress management is essential.

Yes. Everyone should be taking a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement from a company that understands the difference between synthetic substances and natural products.

Willow has two choices : Vitamin A to Zinc caps, and Dynavite which includes herbs and other nutrients.

Secondly a good quality Omega 3 either from fish or Krill oil. Willow has both.

Thirdly vitamin D in highish doses: 3000-5000iu/day. Most people should be taking this long term, in which case Vitamin K2 should be added.