Name and address withheld
A. It is well documented that laser eye surgery often results in dry, scratchy eyes, but these symptoms disappear over time.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those in oily fish and flaxseed oil, can relieve dry eyes by easing inflammation and stimulating tear production. Fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, especially bilberries, are also beneficial for general eye health.
Clarymist is a revolutionary new eye spray that addresses the fundamental cause of dry-eye syndrome. Instead of adding liquid to the eye, as conventional drops and gels do, it introduces natural lipids to the tear film to restabilise the eye’s lipid layer, thereby dramatically reducing the rate of tear evaporation. The lipids are held in suspension as tiny globules known as liposomes, and are delivered by a manual-pump aerosol spray onto the closed eye. This mechanism eliminates the possibility of contamination through contact. Clarymist costs £12.95 (0845 060 6070, www.savant-health.com)
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Q. At a recent health check-up, my GP suggested that I would benefit from practising deep-breathing exercises to calm me down and generally improve my health. I am 58, and apart from sluggish circulation and feeling tired occasionally, I am pretty healthy. Can you suggest a breathing exercise?
Rosemary Barton, Cheshire
A. Not only do breathing exercises induce feelings of calmness, they have a profoundly beneficial effect on health: the rise and fall of the lungs and diaphragm massages the internal organs and ensures cells and tissue receive the oxygen they need to work efficiently.
Below is a simple deep-breathing exercise, but, as deep breathing is a fundamental part of yoga, I also recommend that you find a teacher who could guide you personally Contact the British Wheel of Yoga (01529 306851, www.bwy.org.uk).
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, placing one hand on your lower abdomen and one on your chest. Take a slow, deep breath in, allowing the air to flow down to your abdomen, and feel your lower hand rise as the air fills this area. Observe whether the hand on your chest moves much. Your aim should be for this hand to remain relatively still while the hand on your abdomen rises and falls with the rhythm of your breath. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale, allowing your abdomen and lungs to fully deflate, releasing any stale air that you have been storing. Repeat this exercise six times, then relax into a natural breathing pattern.
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Q. I suffer from restless leg syndrome, which is driving me mad, especially at night. Could I be deficient in any nutrients?
Samantha, by e-mail
A. Restless leg syndrome usually occurs at night. Symptoms include twitching, burning, tickling or itching of the legs, with an overpowering urge to move them, resulting in frustration and disturbed sleep. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is thought to involve the nervous and circulatory systems, a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, anxiety, hyperactivity, stress and mineral deficiency. Other possible causes include food intolerances and stimulants such as caffeine-based drinks.
Due to the beneficial impact of B-complex vitamins on the nervous system, an adequate intake is essential. Take a natural supplement that includes folic acid, such as Multi B Complex (£9.45 for 60 capsules; www.nutri-gold.com), as poor absorption of folic acid (caused by stimulants such as coffee and tea) is known to worsen this condition.
To support circulation, you should eat foods containing vitamin E, including avocados, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes and nuts.
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Foods rich in vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium and silicon can also relieve symptoms, so include green vegetables, seeds, pulses, fish, brown rice and bananas in your diet. A nutritionist can prescribe a therapeutic nutritional programme with supplements. Contact the British Association for Nutritional Therapy (0870 606 1284, www.bant.org.uk).
Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs and using a heat or ice pack can also help.
Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information, visit www.jenniferharper-deacon.com
If you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can only provide replies to published letters
Before following any recommendation in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problem or special condition, or are in doubt as to its suitability