How to reduce the risk of tumours

I am required to use a mobile phone for work, but I am concerned about the risk of tumours. How do I minimise the dangers?

There is an increasing concern about the radiation emissions from phones, especially now that the screens are getting larger. Using a headset or keeping the phone on speakerphone is a good idea, and when you aren’t using the phone, it is best if you keep it on your desk or in a bag rather than in your pocket.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, along with leafy greens, are all rich in antioxidants, which help to protect against electromagnetic stress. Parsley, coriander leaf, and chlorella are all useful in protecting against radiation. A probiotic supplement is important for immune function, and assists in breaking down toxins and carcinogens.

About six months ago I began to notice my scalp was very itchy and I was losing a lot of hair in the shower. I went to my GP who did not find anything wrong but sent me for blood tests. The tests revealed that my vitamin D and calcium were low, and that my thyroid was slightly under-active. (The figure was 4.9, which I’m told is not that serious).

The doctor said the thyroid could be the cause of the hair loss but, given my blood test results, didn’t think medication was necessary. I am a 51-year-old male, so some of the hair loss is natural, but the itch continues. Do you know of any remedy that could stimulate an under-active thyroid? I am not putting on weight and not over tired so I don’t seem to have any other symptoms of an under-active thyroid. Any suggestions would be welcome.

When reading your description of symptoms, my first thought was that your thyroid was probably functioning below par – of course, as I read on I discovered that your GP was thinking along those same lines, and the initial test has confirmed that this is indeed the case.

I also think your GP was right to decide against prescribing medication.

There are a few natural remedies that I recommend as the first step in treating hypothyroidism when you are fortunate enough to catch it early on, as you have.

The first is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), which is an adaptogenic herb used widely in Ayurvedic medicine. Not only does it help to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones, it is also a wonderful herb to help treat depression (which can also be a side-effect of low thyroid function), it works to lower blood pressure, and it supports adrenal health.

Selenium is another natural remedy that can help with thyroid hormone production, particularly where the hypothyroidism is linked with an autoimmune disorder. The recommended dose is around 200mcg (micrograms) of selenium daily. It is also worth noting that medications such as antacid preparations, corticosteroids, and birth control pills all reduce the availability of selenium in the body.

Taking a B-vitamin complex is also important, particularly B12 and B6, although the B group work best when taken together. It is worth paying a bit more for a high quality B-complex, such as Solgar’s B-Complex products, available from health stores.

My favourite form of vitamin D is fermented cod liver oil – but if this really doesn’t appeal, then a good vitamin D3 supplement will do. Getting your D levels up to where they should be may help somewhat with your itching skin, since this is an important nutrient to address skin troubles.