Health Terms Glossary
MSM
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) is the naturally occurring form of Sulphur found within the body. It is a key component of cartilage, and plays an important role in joint health, so MSM is often considered to be an ideal complement to glucosamine and chondroitin. Sulphur is also important for skin health, and is frequently recommended for nutritional support in problems such as acne and scarring.
Omega 3 EFA's
- Found in fish oil, flax and hemp oil and algae.
- Needed for: brain function; blood and heart protection; joint health; skin flexibility; gut health.
Consider Omega 3 EFA's if you suffer from heart problems, arthritis, gut inflammation, psoriasis; or for pregnancy and preconceptual care.
Omega 6 EFA's
- Found in evening primrose oil, starflower (or Borage) oil, corn oil, safflower oil, hemp and flax oil, nuts and seeds.
- Needed for: skin health; hormone regulation; blood pressure control; nerve function.
Consider Omega 6 EFA's if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, PMS, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
Panthenol (pro Vitamin B5) is a potent moisturiser which binds water in the outer layers of the skin.
Prebiotics (FOS, Inulin, Fructo-oligo-saccharides)
- Found in many fruits and vegetables, especially chicory root, and jerusalem artichokes.
- Not easily taken as a supplement.
- Nonabsorbable sugars/fibres which pass through the human digestive system unaltered.
- They provide essential food for the beneficial bacteria, encourage them to increase in number and crowd out the less desirable bacteria, yeast etc.
- Excessive use can cause temporary bloating and gas.
Probiotics
- Beneficial bacteria which live in the gut.
- Found in probiotic yoghurt and drinks; breast milk; supplements.
- Needed for: good digestion, immune function, production of beneficial vitamins, protection of the gut lining.
- Often lacking in children who were bottlefed as babies, and subsequently suffer from recurrent infections.
- Most of the immune system is located in and around the gut.
Consider Probiotics if you suffer from digestive problems; bloating; diarrhoea; constipation; recurrent infections; thrush; lethargy.
Retinol
Retinol is well known for its antiageing and restorative effects. It is found in very significant levels in Omega Serum.
Retinol (Vitamin A) (see also Betacarotene)
- Oil soluble vitamin found in animal products e.g. liver, egg yolks, cod liver oil.
- Can be stored in the body, so overdosing is possible.
- Take only low levels during pregnancy.
- Used as an antiageing ingredient in skincare.
- Needed for: immune defence, antioxidant, night vision, cancer protection.
Consider Retinol (Vitamin A) if you suffer from mouth ulcers, poor night vision, frequent colds and infections, dry flaky skin, dandruff, thrush.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables, wheatgerm, mushrooms, mackerel.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, tissue repair, skin and eye protection.
Consider Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) if you are suffering from burning or gritty eyes, light sensitivity, sore tongue, cataracts, cracked lips.
Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn is currently the only known source of the rarest of all the Omega oils, Omega 7. Much prized for its' deep regenerative potential, it has only recently become available for inclusion in skincare products.
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