You can jump start your immune system by applying these basic guidelines. Combination formulas containing the following are recommended for preventative and curative purposes and will see your innate and adaptive immunity improve.

Elderberry – extremely potent source of Vit C, flavonoids and anti-viral proteins.

Curcumin – this turmeric extract is part of the ginger family and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it essential as both cold & flu supplement and food constituent.

Grape seed – Protects the body from free radical damage.

Echinacea – Its immune-enhancing properties help to slow the spread of infection while enhancing immune function in the lymphatic system and mucus membranes. It has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

Ginger – is a natural COX-2 inhibitor, suppressing the same inflammatory pathway that the well known Celebrex affects. It suppresses the formation of cytokines; which in turn are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in activating chronic inflammation.

Colostrum – also known as ‘first milk’ or ‘life’s perfect food’ is well known for the following bioactive components: i) Antimicrobials which provide passive immunity and ii) Growth factors which develop and protect the gut. It contains the perfect combination of antibodies, growth factors, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids to protect the body and promote a healthy immune system.

Propolis – is nature’s own natural antibiotic, immune system and energy booster.

Multivitamin complexes containing Vit C, the B vitamins and Beta Carotenes.

Essential fatty acids (EPA, but especially DHA) – inhibit inflammation caused by cytokines and reduces both inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.

Chromium is an essential micro-mineral well known for its stabilizing effects on blood sugar levels and energy level regulation. L-Glutamine has a variety of biochemical functions in the body. It becomes conditionally essential in the treatment of illnesses, injury, cancer and post-operative wound healing and is an amino acid that has the added advantage of balancing blood sugar. Glutamine has been shown to enhance brain function and improve ADHD and Anxiety. When combining the above two supplements with additional dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble fiber) you will have optimal protection against carb cravings. Fiber has no caloric value, improves gut health overall and promotes a feeling of fullness. Soluble fiber also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol.

Grape seeds & skins contain significant amounts of flavonoids (Proanthocyanidin) and polyphenols (like Resveratrol). They act as potent antioxidants (free radical scavengers) and antimicrobials and form an integral part of the red grape daily defense mechanism. Proanthocyanidin is the principal substance in red wine which is linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality. Evidence continues to mount that they can help slow or even halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Resveratrol was already discovered in 1940 but only really gained fame after 1997 as part of cancer research. Having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti cancer properties sees them playing a pivotal part in the quest for Life Extension and Healthy Ageing and deems this group of water-soluble plant pigments essential for Life and Preventative Medicine.

Besides cancer, vitamin D deficiency is widely accepted and associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, strokes & heart attacks, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, propensity to fall, periodontal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, mood and sleep problems, chronic pain as well as Obesity.

Most multivitamin formulations today contain only 400IU, which is 100% of the RDA but probably 3-5 times too little. RDA values were established in the 1950’s to prevent deficiency disease – not to promote optimal health. It hasn’t been revised since and that’s why most of the leading authorities in this field recommend a daily intake of up to 2000IU, while some even recognize that 4000IU or more is probably better. Vit D3 or cholecalciferol is the most effective type of Vit D and the form natural to the body. The best sources of Vit D remain Sunlight and Supplementation, but since an SPF of 8 already reduces your production of Vit D by 95% supplementation is highly recommended. Vit D is well known for activating the immune system via T-cells and for optimizing the absorption of calcium in your bones.

Wow!…. This is what I call a paradox!! If your vitamin preparation is a natural, food bound product it will never cause nausea. We do not eat breakfast before we eat breakfast, do we? A natural, foodbound, bio – identical supplement or neutriceuticals like the Futurehealth range which is bound to amino-acids via chelation will never cause nausea. Please change your multivitamin, you are wasting money via enriched urine.

Yes there are a couple of supplements that you can use. The best known supplement is the hormone Melatonin (Melatonin – Assist) which should form the backbone of your supplements used for treating insomnia. Try adding Valerian Root or Passion Flower as well as 5-HTP. You should also take a good magnesium containing products like Calcium-Magnesium Assist. Theanine is a neutriceuticals with good trials supporting it’s benefits in insomnia

You will have to increase your fluid intake to such a level that you pass 2 litres or urine per day. Supplements to be added to your diet:

* Omega 3 and 6 Fatty acids ( Omega Assist)
* Quercitin an extract from the onion family of plants
* Boswelia
* Curcumin
* Ginger
* Lithium Oratate(Lithium Assist)

Recommending hormones is the right advice but it must then be Bio-Identical Hormones. This means it must be biologically identical to the estrogen and progesterone your ovaries used to produce before the menopause. You will have to get replenished with Estradiol and preferably in a transdermal sticker or via a cream or gel with Estradiol compounded in the cream or gel. Ask your Doctor to prescribe the Progesterone in a tablet or cream form as micronized Progesterone. Although your flushes are the most troubling symptom for you at the moment, I am concerned about the long-term complications of menopause eg osteoporosis and premature aging of the brain.

I would like to know what the other memory supplements were but herewith a couple of recommendations:

* It is very important to take Omega 3 fatty acids ( especially DHA) as it is the most important anti-inflammatory in nature. There are numerous studies in the literature proving the beneficial effect of Omega 3 on the brain’s cognitive effectiveness.
* Antioxidants are extremely important as most of the aging of the brain is caused by free radicals causing inflammation in the neurons. Examples here are N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), Resveratrol,Co-Enzyme Q10 and Lipoic Acid
* Vinpocetine from the periwinkle plant is very good in enhancing the brain blood circulation and oxygenation