Health advice with Dr Bernadette Carr

Q. I have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for a few years. I have improved through resting and good nutrition. Is there anything else I could take to get back to normal energy levels?

A. Congratulations on taking positive action through resting and good nutrition — this will certainly provide a good foundation for your body to begin the healing process.

It can be difficult to make diet and lifestyle changes when we are feeling well, let alone while battling with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) symptoms.

CFS is one of the many autoimmune disorders affecting greater numbers of people each year. It disrupts the functions of the bodily systems, with the nervous and immune systems being primarily affected.

Despite the fact that you may encounter well meaning individuals (including some health practitioners) who believe that increasing your physical and/or mental activity will make everything better, this is a condition where it is crucial to understand personal limits.

Overdoing it can really set you back.

This is a very difficult condition to treat, or recommend treatments for, since it can feel as if you are taking one step forwards, then three steps back.

Symptoms can include memory and concentration issues, disorientation and trouble balancing, pain in the muscles and/or joints, headaches, tenderness in the lymph glands, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, difficulty in regulating body temperature, anxiety and panic attacks.

Simba is a supplement made by The Little Herbal Company, using a plant known as the ‘African Potato’ (a tuber, Hypoxis Hemerocallidea).

This remedy has been treasured in Africa for generations as a traditional medicine to treat a number of wide-ranging conditions.

It works by modulating the immune system rather than boosting it —it is getting great results in treating CFS and other autoimmune disorders.

Simba, by the Little Herbal Company ( www.littleherbal-international.co.nz ; 00-44- 1484-689 807), costs £27 for 90 capsules Take one capsule, three times daily on an empty stomach — either 30 minutes before eating, or two hours following a meal. It can take a couple of months to fully feel the effects and is worth continuing for at least six months to really benefit.

Caution: Do not take Simba if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have just had a bone marrow or solid organ transplant.

Q. I’m 77 and suffer from sinus. I feel drained, tired all the time and have cold feet. My thyroid is underactive. I’m taking Eltroxin, Benetor for blood pressure, also B12 injection every three months. I hope you can help.

A. Many of the symptoms you describe can be attributed to your thyroid issues, and your hypothyroidism will also be a significant factor as to why you are having trouble getting over your sinus problems.

Feeling cold, tired, constipated, having dry skin, and becoming depressed and forgetful are all common symptoms associated with low thyroid function.

The thyroid gland controls all aspects of your metabolism, blood-pressure, heartrate, libido, breathing rate, and mental alertness — so when it isn’t functioning as it should, your whole body is affected.

To support good sinus health, herbal teas and vegetable broths are a simple way to ensure your body is taking in enough nutrients without using up too much energy for digestion and absorption.

Fresh vegetable and fruit juices with added fibre (psyllium husks work well) are also great, but best taken in the warmer months.

Take 2g (2000mg) of vitamin C throughout the day in 500mg doses, along with with zinc to support immune function and prevent infection.

Nasaline is a sinus clearing kit based on the Ayurvedic jala neti pot, but much more simple to use. It is a syringe-type device that uses saline solution to flush the area and ward off infection.

Nasaline is available from most pharmacies and health stores. You will also need to purchase sachets of pharmaceutical grade salt.