From articles originally published in SimplyHealth247:
Please remember that this is not an alternative to seeking medical advice and your GP’s advice should be used on all occasions.Q I feel very conscious of my breath. I know it smells stale alot of the time – not just after smelly foods.
My dentist is happy with the state of my teeth and gums and I’m getting very self –conscious about it.KW, Camberley, Surrey
A: You’re quite right to have checked with your dentist first as I always advise anyone that they make that their first call when having breath problems. The mouth membrane cells absorb the strong odours of certain foods and drinks and consequently you can counteract this by chewing strong smelling but pleasant odours such as chewing cloves or high strength mints with natural peppermint oil.
I usually advise people to treat from within, by cutting down on mucous producing foods such as dairy foods and taking a good quality acidophilous supplement to make sure the whole digestive tract is working properly from mouth downwards.
Also, don’t ignore what your breath may be telling you. Different smells indicate health problems, among many examples are: constipation can result in a sulphur like smell; candida /yeast proliferation results in a smell similar to fermenting alcohol and kidney failure can result in ammonia smelling breath.
Q: For the last six months, I have suffered from what I think are commonly known as ‘hang nails.’ They are very sharp, pointed pieces of skin around the cuticles of my finger nails. Sometimes they catch on my clothes and tear, making my fingers bleed. Have you got any suggestions?
LB, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
A: Yes, ‘hang-nails,’ are quite easy to repair. Apart from the obvious suggestion of keeping your hands well moisturised with a good quality, non-perfumed hand cream, I always advise that you take a good quality Vitamin C supplement. This irritating condition can be caused by a deficiency in this vitamin and a two – three month course, following the dosage on the bottle should see a vast improvement in your hands.
Q: I regularly suffer from cracks at the corners of my mouth that won’t heal. A friend mentioned I might be lacking in vitamins. Can you give any advice?
RB, Guildford, Surrey
A: This is usually an internal problem and is frequently seen when there is a deficiency in B Vitamins. So, try a good quality B Complex from your local health shop, for at least 6-8 weeks.
Q: I have recently been diagnosed with gout which is extremely painful. It’s mainly on the joints on my right, big toe but sometimes goes to other joints. Is there anything you could reccommend to ease this condition?
NW, Swindon, Wilts
A: Gout is caused by uric acid crystals collecting around the joints – particularly the toes.I have heard very good reports about Montmorency Cherry Juice – available from your local health food store. There have been good reports that this has helped many gout sufferers.
