Vitamin Expert

Symptoms A-Z

A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T V W

Our A-Z of symptoms is not exhaustive but is intended to provide a list of nutritional support that may be helpful for some common health complaints.
For more in-depth information about the research behind each vitamin, mineral and herb please visit The Science

The suggestions in this guide are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease and should not replace the care and direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

If you have any pre-existing health problems, are pregnant or lactating or if you are currently taking medication of any sort, you should consult your doctor.

Abscesses and boils

These are localised infections resulting in redness and tenderness anywhere in the body. If located around a hair follicle, it is defined as a boil. Symptoms include inflammation and accumulation of pus. Key underlying factors include infection, reduced immunity and tissue weakness.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc

Acne vulgaris

A disorder of the sebaceous glands, resulting in skin lesions such as spots, blackheads and pimples, mainly on the face and back. It is more common in men and teenagers. Key underlying factors include bacterial infection and hormonal influences.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B5, Vitamin C

Acne Rosacea

A skin disorder, which involves general flushing/redness with spots, cysts and prominent blood vessels on the face, brow and chin, and sometimes associated with redness and soreness. Key factors include inflammation and infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Evening primrose oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A disorder characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and potentially specific learning difficulties. Key factors are thought to include neurotransmitter imbalances.

Nutritional and herbal support: Omega 3’s, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Zinc

Alzheimer’s disease

The most common form of dementia, causing progressive deterioration in mental function and ability. Key underlying factors are thought to include genetic predisposition, high homocysteine, and oxidative stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Gingko

Anaemia

A diminished oxygen carrying capacity of blood due to loss, failure to produce enough or excess destruction of red blood cells or reduction of haemoglobin. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, pallor, and headaches.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron

Ankylosing spondylosis

An inflammatory arthritic condition, affecting synovial joints of the backbone and the sacroiliac joints, and occasionally the hips and shoulder joints. A key underlying factor is thought to be autoimmune inflammation

Nutritional and herbal support: Devil’s claw, Omega 3’s, Turmeric

Anxiety

An emotional state characterised by feelings of persistent worry, fear or unease. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, insomnia, muscle tension, digestive disturbances, palpitations and fatigue. Key underlying factors possibly include neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances and stress

Nutritional and herbal support: Passion flower, St John’s wort, Valerian

Asthma

A common chronic condition affecting the lungs, characterised by airway inflammation and obstruction. Symptoms include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and sometimes excess mucus. Key underlying factors included genetic predisposition to atopy, and possible disruption to immune tolerance.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Magnesium

Atherosclerosis

A degenerative condition of the arteries characterised by a plaque build-up, causing the arteries to narrow, which can eventually result in strokes and coronary events. Key factors include inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia and elevated homocysteine levels.

Nutritional and herbal support: Garlic, Omega 3’s, Vitamin C

Autism

A developmental disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication and repetitive behaviour.

Nutritional and herbal support: Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B3

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding requires good nutrient status to help produce good quality milk and is essential for appropriate immune development in the child. Breastfed babies can be depleted in certain nutrients like vitamin D.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin D, Calcium

Broken bones and fractures

These occur as a result of repetitive stress, trauma or are secondary to a disease such as rickets or osteoporosis. Key underlying factors include nutrient depletion of minerals and cofactors and compromised cartilage and collagen repair.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium

Bursitis (commonly known as tennis elbow or housemaid’s knee)

An inflammatory condition where there is excess fluid in the joint bursae. Symptoms include pain, swelling and restricted movement of the joint. Key factors include joint misuse, repetitive stress injury and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Devil’s claw

Candidiasis

Candida albicans is a yeast, naturally present in the gut, but when present in greater amounts, it can exert pathogenic effects leading to infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Milk thistle, Garlic, Probiotics

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A nerve disorder caused by compression of the median nerve in the arm. Symptoms include pain and tingling in the hand and forearm. Key underlying factors include repetitive stress injury, and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Devil’s claw

Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy patches in the lens that cause blurred vision and blindness. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, and possibly, oxidative stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Bilberry

Cellulite

Characterised by fatty deposits accumulated under the skin in areas such as the upper thighs and buttocks. It occurs more in women than men and affects both slim and larger individuals. It seems to become worse around the time of the menopause. Key underlying factors include obesity and hormonal imbalance.

Nutritional and herbal support: Ginkgo biloba

Chickenpox (see Shingles)

Chilblains

Chilblains are small itchy painful and red swellings on the skin, which are a reaction to cold. Chilblains usually occur on the small toes fingers face and nose. There is an abnormal skin reaction to cold and poor circulation

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Ginkgo biloba

Cholesterol

High cholesterol may result in atherosclerotic plaque build-up, but is dependent on other factors to also exert an impact (see atherosclerosis).

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5Garlic

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes heightened immune sensitivity in response to gluten proteins. Symptoms include damage to villi, malabsorption, fatigue, poor digestion and malnourishment. Key factors include genetic predisposition, inflammation and gut abnormalities.

Nutritional and herbal support: All vitamins and minerals

Colic

Colic appears in excessive, frequent crying in a baby that seems to be otherwise healthy and well fed. Symptoms include inconsolable crying, pulling up feet, flatulence and bloating. Key factors are thought to include milk allergy/lactose intolerance and possibly gut dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Probiotics

Colitis

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the colon. Symptoms include inflammation and ulceration of the colon wall, frequent diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Key underlying factors include inflammation, gluten and dairy intolerance, vitamin D and iron deficiency, dysbiosis and stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin D, Iron, Aloe vera, Probiotics

Common cold (see respiratory infections)

Conjunctivitis

A common condition characterised by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Symptoms include itchiness and watering of the eyes and with infective causes, there is also burning, grittiness and sticky residue especially in the morning.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc

Constipation

An inability to pass stools regularly. Symptoms include in-frequency of bowel movements, fatigue, lethargy, abdominal pain, skin conditions and sometimes haemorrhoids. Key underlying factors include a lack of dietary fibre, poor hydration, poor gut mobility and stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Aloe vera, Artichoke, Flaxseed,

Crohn’s disease

An inflammatory bowel disease most commonly affecting the distal ilium and colon. Symptoms include inflammation and ulceration, scar tissue obstruction, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Key underlying factors include inflammation, gluten and dairy intolerance, vitamin D deficiency, dysbiosis and stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Folic acid, Omega 3’s, Turmeric

Cystitis

A urinary infection in the bladder, common in women. Symptoms include pain and passing urine frequently. Key underlying factors include bacterial infection by E. coli or Candida, poor immunity, structural damage or not emptying the bladder.

Nutritional and herbal support: Cranberry

Depression

A state of low mood and aversion to activity. Symptoms include prolonged feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, low self- esteem and dark thoughts. Key underlying factors include life events, some medications and drug withdrawal as well as an imbalance in neurotransmitters.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Magnesium, St John’s wort

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes.

Nutritional and herbal support: B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Chromium, cinnamon, turmeric

Diarrhoea

An increase of volume, fluidity and frequency of bowel movements , which may lead to a loss of electrolytes. Common triggers include IBS, IBD, lactose intolerance, dysbiosis and infection. Key underlying factors include food poisoning, poor diet ingestion, lactose intolerance, infections.

Nutritional and herbal support: Zinc

Diverticulosis

A common inflammatory disease of the large intestine, involving the formation of pouches (diverticula) in the colon. Often asymptomatic, with periodic cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and change in bowel habit. Key underlying factors include inflammation and possibly dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Aloe vera, Flaxseed, Probiotics

Dry eyes

Sensation of dry, inflamed eyes due to insufficient lacrimal secretions. Key underlying factors include dehydration, poor connective tissue status, nutrient deficiency (especially essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin A), autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance and aging.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Ginkgo biloba

Dysglycemia (blood sugar imbalance)

A condition that occurs when the supply of blood sugar fluctuates, causing hypo and hypoglycaemia. Symptoms include fatigue, palpitations, cognitive and mood disruption, obesity and cravings. Key underlying factors include high sugar/starch diet, obesity, and poor nutrient status.

Nutritional and herbal support: Chromium, Aloe vera, Turmeric

Dyslexia

A developmental specific learning difficulty resulting in difficulties with literary skills. Symptoms include slow and inaccurate reading and writing, difficulties with letter orientation, poor organisation and memory, concentration and coordination.

Nutritional and herbal support: all B vitamins

Dysmenorrhoea

A disruption to normal menstruation, resulting in painful periods, nausea, fatigue, light-headedness and changes in bowel habit. Key underlying factors include hormone imbalances, endometriosis, fibroids, and possibly nutrient deficiency.

Nutritional and herbal support: Calcium, Agnus castus

Eczema

An inflammatory skin condition often of atopic allergic origin. Symptoms include red, itchy patches, commonly localised to the neck, hands, feet, elbows and back of the legs, sometimes with oedema. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, and abnormal immune responses.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Evening primrose oil, Calendula

Endometriosis

A painful inflammatory condition in which endometrial cells escape into the uterus and grow abnormally in the pelvic cavity and other nearby areas of the body. Symptoms include abdominal and menstrual pain, infertility and fatigue. Key underlying factors include hormonal imbalances and possibly nutrient insufficiency.

Nutritional and herbal support: Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3’s

Fibromyalgia

A rheumatic condition that causes fatigue and widespread pain. Symptoms include tender trigger points, stress, anxiety, IBS, headaches, allergies, fatigue and poor circulation. Key factors include adrenal stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B1, Magnesium

Flatulence

Excess gas causing embarrassment, abdominal discomfort and bloating. The underlying factors include quick eating and swallowing air, poor diet, food allergies, and carbohydrate intolerance.

Nutritional and herbal support: Artichoke, Turmeric

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

A painful condition that affects movement of the shoulder. Symptoms include pain and restricted movement. Key underlying factors include joint misuse, repetitive stress injury and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B12, Ginkgo biloba

Gastritis

An inflammation of the stomach lining. Symptoms include pain and discomfort and impaired digestion. The underlying factors include irritation from foods and alcohol, smoking, poor digestion, medications and H. pylori infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Artichoke, Turmeric

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

A digestive disorder that affects the lower oesophageal sphincter, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn. Key underlying factors include poor digestion, medications, and H. pylori infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Aloe vera

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums. Key underlying factors include dental plaque, and poor dental hygiene.

Nutritional and herbal support: Propolis

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue. Symptoms include sore, tender tongue, difficulty in eating. Key factors may be B vitamin, iron/zinc deficiency, allergic reactions and yeast infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: All B Vitamins

Gout

A painful condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes joint inflammation. Symptoms include redness and commonly a throbbing pain in the big toe, knee and ankle joints. Key underlying factors include certain medications, kidney function, foods high in purines, insulin resistance and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Omega 3’s, Bilberry, Devil’s claw, Turmeric

Haemorrhoids

Abnormally large, painful, swollen and inflamed blood vessels in tissues in the rectal area. Symptoms include itching, burning, pain and bleeding on passing motions. Key factors include low fibre diets, pregnancy, long periods of strenuous lifting or standing, constipation or straining during defecation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Omega 3’s, Aloe vera

Hayfever

An inflammation of the nasal airways through inhalation of an airborne antigen. Symptoms include a runny/itchy nose, swollen/eyes and blocked sinuses. Generally, the antigen is pollen and the reaction is seasonal. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition and immune sensitisation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium

Herpes simplex (cold sores)

Recurrent viral infection that affects the skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms include small but often very painful blisters filled with a clear fluid and inflammation around the base of the sore. Key underlying factors include infection, lowered immunity, arginine supplementation and stress triggering a re-occurrence.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Zinc

Hives (urticaria)

A skin rash involving localised swelling and intense itching of the skin caused by histamine release. Symptoms include pale red, raised itchy bumps. Underlying factors include food allergies and additives, stress, bacteria and yeast infections, air pollution, and washing powder. Chronic hives are caused by an autoimmune reaction or an acute viral infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Evening primrose oil, Probiotics

Homocysteine (elevated levels)

An increased level of the metabolite homocysteine, resulting in increased cardiovascular risk and risk of dementia. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition and lack of methylating nutrients.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid

Hot flushes

A flushing caused by the changing hormone levels that are characteristic of the menopause. Symptoms include a feeling of intense heat with sweating and rapid heartbeat, and may typically last from two to 30 minutes. Underlying factors include reduced oestrogen levels and body temperature changes.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Black cohosh, Sage

H. pylori

A bacteria found in the stomach that is associated with gastritis, atrophy, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It can suppress gastric acid production. Symptoms include acid reflux, stomach or abnormal pains, nausea, bloating, belching and vomiting.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

A cardiovascular condition defined by a blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mm Hg. Hypertension is often symptomless, but is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Key underlying factors include stress, metabolic syndrome, kidney malfunction, low dietary fibre and low antioxidant status.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium

Hyperthyroidism

Overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in excess of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include rapid weight loss, anxiety, hair loss, insomnia, palpitations, hyperactivity and sweating. Key underlying factors include pituitary oversensitivity, autoimmunity (Graves’ disease) and hypothalmic insensitivity to thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism

This involves insufficient production of, or resistance to, thyroid hormones, resulting in metabolic disruption. Symptoms can be diverse and include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression and high cholesterol. Key underlying factors include nutrient deficiency, adrenal/blood sugar dysfunction, and autoimmunity.

Nutritional and herbal support: Iodine, Magnesium

Impetigo

A highly infectious skin disease generally caused by staphylococcus bacteria, or, more rarely, streptococcus. Symptoms usually begin as a flat red lesion on the face, quickly rising to little blisters, then open sores with a yellow brown scar. Key underlying factors include infection, low immunity, reduce skin structure and healing.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc

Influenza

A prevalent, mutating viral infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite and sore throat. Key underlying factors include low immunity, stress and nutrient deficiency.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, disturbed sleeping, or early waking. Symptoms can also include fatigue, mood disturbances, and reduce quality-of-life. Key underlying factors include disturbed hormonal rhythms, nervous system overstimulation and melatonin disruption.

Nutritional and herbal support: Lemon balm, Passion flower, Valerian

Interstitial cystitis

A chronic bladder condition of unknown cause, differentiated from cystitis by the absence of bacterial infection. Symptoms include pelvic pain, urinary frequency and urgency, damaged bladder lining and pressure on the bladder and pelvis. Possible underlying factors include stress, nervous system dysfunction and autoimmunity.

Nutritional and herbal support: Cranberry, Passion flower

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

Loss of integrity of the intestine or barrier, potentially resulting in triggering immune activity in response to food molecules and bacteria. Symptoms can include digestive problems, allergens, food sensitivities and impaired detoxification. Key underlying factors include stress, infection, use of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, alcohol, and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Zinc, Omega 3’s

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common digestive disorder of unknown medical cause, involving abnormal function of the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence and nausea. Key underlying factors include stress, low fibre diet, food allergies and sensitivities, some medications and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Artichoke, Turmeric

Kidney stones

Stones found in the kidneys or elsewhere in the urinary tract. Symptoms include back or groin pain, restlessness, bloody cloudy or smelly urine, painful or, more frequent urination and nausea. Key underlying factors include build-up of calcium oxalate and uric acid. Key underlying factors include poor diet, lack of calcium cofactors and urinary infections.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin D

Lactose intolerance

A common condition in which there is an inability to break down absorbed lactose (milk, sugar). Symptoms include wind, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fatigue. Key underlying factors include genetic susceptibility, villous atrophy and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Aloe vera, Probiotics

Lupus

A chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in many areas of the body, including skin, joint, internal organs and mucous membranes. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash, and in many cases inflammatory complications of the kidney, neural tissues, heart and lungs. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, HPA dysfunction, immune destruction of monocytes, inflammation, TH1 and TH2 immune dysfunction.

Nutritional and herbal support: Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3’s, Garlic

Lyme disease

A bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Symptoms include pink or red circular rash, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain and neurological symptoms. Key underlying factors include infection, and poor immune status.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Omega 3’s, Devil’s claw, Echinacea

Lymphoedema

A chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues and can lead to pain and the loss of mobility. Lymphoedema usually affects the arms and/or legs, although in some cases there may be a swelling in the chest, head and genitals. Key underlying factors include disruption to the lymphatic system

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C

Macular degeneration

Degeneration of the macula -an oval disk on the retina at the back of the eye. Symptoms include loss of central vision, difficulty reading and colour seems less vibrant. The underlying factors include the build-up of waste products called drusen (dry macula degeneration) or proliferation of abnormal blood vessels (wet macular degeneration).

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Zinc, Bilberry

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)

Persistent fatigue, which is not relieved by rest and is often triggered by viral infection. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, poor stamina, sleeping problems, sensitivity, impaired mental functioning. The underlying factors include poor immune function, adrenal stress, thyroid dysfunction, toxic load, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Magnesium, Ginseng, Rhodiola

Meniere’s disease

An inner ear disorder resulting in dizziness. Symptoms include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and sensation of fullness in the ear. The underlying factors include family history, autoimmunity, viral/bacterial infection (labyrinthitis), vascular disturbance and fluid balance changes.

Nutritional and herbal support: Gingko

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from loss of follicular activity. Symptoms include hot flushes, loss of libido, vagina or dryness, mood changes, insomnia and osteoporosis. The underlying factors include lifestyle, stress, susceptibility to PMS, antioxidant status and endocrine function

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Black cohosh, Sage, St John’s wort

Menorrhagia (heavy periods)

Abnormally heavy, prolonged or painful periods. Key underlying factors include inflammation, endometriosis, imbalances in female hormones.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Agnus castus

Migraine

A common neurological condition causing severe throbbing headache that may be accompanied with aura and vomiting. Key underlying factors include genetic susceptibility, vascular dysfunction, food sensitivities, ovulation, inflammation, low serotonin levels, stress, sleep and hormonal imbalance.

Nutritional and herbal support: Magnesium, Feverfew

Morning sickness

Feeling nauseous generally in the first few months of pregnancy. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to certain food smells. The underlying factors include high HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and hormonal imbalance.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Ginger

Mouth ulcers

Painful inflamed sores form in the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheeks or lips. Key underlying factors include damage, stress, B vitamin or iron deficiency, low immunity, or bacterial infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Multiple sclerosis

An autoimmune disorder, creating progressive deterioration of the myelin sheath. Symptoms include muscle weakness, sensory and visual disturbances, loss of bladder control and sexual function, and dizziness. Key underlying factors include autoimmunity, excessive lipid peroxidation, high homocysteine.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D

Obesity

Obesity refers to an excess body fat, usually measured by BMI. Obesity can have a severe impact on health, increasing the risk of type II diabetes, some cancers, heart and liver disease. Key underlying factors include maladaptive appetite hormones, blood glucose balance, inflammation, mood disturbance and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Chromium

Oedema

Abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in body cavities. Symptoms include puffiness, swelling, weight gain, stiffness. The underlying factors, include imbalanced fluid homoeostasis, poor lymphatic drainage, poor vascular structure and sex hormone imbalances.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins

Osteoarthritis

This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness of mainly the weight bearing joints. Key factors include genetic predisposition, wear and tear on joints, inflammation, overweight, and reduced connective tissue substrates.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Calcium, Devil’s claw, Ginger, Rose hip

Osteoporosis

A progressive disease characterised by deterioration of bone tissues, with consequent increases in bone fragility. Symptoms include pain in the back and hips and susceptibility to fractures. Key underlying factors include reduced levels of oestrogen, stress, corticosteroid use, reduced nutrient status for minerals and cofactors

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include abdominal pain, and it can be life-threateningf untreated. Key underlying factors include gallstones, alcohol abuse, infection, autoimmunity (see Sjogren’s syndrome)

Nutritional and herbal support: Artichoke, Milk Thistle

Parkinson’s disease

A progressive neurological disorder characterised by loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra of the brain, resulting in reduced dopamine production. Symptoms include tremor/jerking, muscular rigidity, blank face, speech and swallowing difficulty. The underlying factors include genetic susceptibility, high homocysteine, oxidative stress and poor circulation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B2

Peptic ulcers

Open sores or erosions that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric) or small intestine (duodenal). Symptoms include burning pain in the centre of the abdomen, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting and loss of appetite. Key underlying factors include poor digestion, NSAID use, stress and H. pylori infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin E, Zinc, Probiotics

Peripheral neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves from a number of causes. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, or burning, stabbing or shooting pain, loss of coordination and muscle weakness. Key underlying factors include high blood sugar, diabetes, viral infection, poor circulation, B12 or folate deficiency, medicines or alcohol use.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B1, Turmeric

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A common sex hormone disorder characterised by disrupted ovarian function with multiple ovarian cysts. Symptoms include infertility, weight gain, hirsutism, male pattern baldness, acne and a predisposition to diabetes. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, excess androgens, blood sugar imbalance in high insulin, adrenal dysfunction and inflammation.

Nutritional and herbal support: Chromium, Agnus castus

Postnatal depression

A condition of depressed mood post birth that usually occurs in the four to six weeks after delivery. Symptoms include depression, fatigue, apathy, difficulty bonding, low confidence and poor appetite. Key underlying factors include family or personal history of depression, difficult labour, stress, fluctuating hormones and nutrient deficiency.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Zinc

Pre-eclampsia

A condition of unknown origin that sometimes occurs during the second half of pregnancy or immediately after birth. Symptoms include high blood pressure, oedema, and proteinuria. Key underlying factors include placental debris, calcium deficiency, pre-pregnancy hypertension, older age, stress, genetic predisposition, obesity, diabetes, high homocysteine and poor antioxidant status.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin E, Calcium

Pregnancy

Requires higher intakes of key nutrients to support maternal and foetal health and development.

Nutritional and herbal support: All vitamins and minerals

Premenstrual syndrome

A common luteal phase hormonal disorder in women characterised, by disruption to emotional and physical well-being. Symptoms include anxiety, water retention, cramps, breast tenderness, headaches, cravings, irritability, depression. The underlying factors include genetic predisposition, blood sugar fluctuation, hormonal fluctuations

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B6, Calcium, Agnus castus, Evening primrose oil

Prickly heat

Intense itching triggered by blocked and inflamed sweat glands in the sun or heat. Key underlying factors include heat exposure, inflammation and high histamine.

Nutritional and herbal support: Aloe vera, Calendula

Prostatitis (Benign prostatic hypertrophy)

Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. Symptoms include frequent urination or interruption of flow, infertility, pain in back, abdomen or rectum. Key underlying factors include infection, inflammation and poor antioxidant status.

Nutritional and herbal support: Zinc, Saw palmetto

Psoriasis

A chronic recurring, autoimmune inflammatory skin condition characterised by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Symptoms include red, scaly skin plaques on wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. Key underlying factors include autoimmunity, stress, and possibly abnormal EFA metabolism.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin D

Raynaud’s disease

An autoimmune condition that restricts circulation. Symptoms include coldness, numbness, pain and pins and needles in the extremities, particularly in the hands and feet. In extreme cases, complications such as ulcers, scarring and even tissue death can occur. Key underlying factors include stress, autoimmune inflammation and vasoconstriction.

Nutritional and herbal support: Gingko

Respiratory infections

Infection and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, pain, and mucus key underlying factors include infection, immune and gut health. Children are very prone to upper respiratory tract infections, including otitis media (glue ear), tonsillitis, bronchitis, and the common cold. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, pain, mucus, blocked ears and hearing loss. Underlying factors include immune development, infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, Echinacea, Pelargonium

Restless legs

A neurological disorder characterised by unpleasant sensations in the legs, and uncontrollable urge to move when at rest and insomnia. The underlying factors include stress, low dopamine, blood sugar imbalance, vascular disease, iron/folate/magnesium deficiency.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Magnesium

Rheumatoid arthritis

A chronic, progressive autoimmune disease of the joints. Symptoms include swollen, stiff, painful joints, especially hands, wrists and feet. The underlying factors include autoimmunity, digestive issues, stress and dysbiosis.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B5, Vitamin D

Sciatica

Pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. Key underlying factors include slipped disc, injury, or infection.

Nutritional and herbal support: Devil’s claw

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

A seasonal form of depression that is worse in winter. Symptoms include depression, bipolar disorder, difficulty waking, carb cravings, weight gain, social withdrawal and low sex drive. Key underlying factors include lack of sunlight, HPA dysregulation, serotonin and melatonin dysregulation, along with blood sugar, adrenal, and thyroid irregularities.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin D, Zinc, St John’s wort

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

A common skin complaint characterised by superficial red lumps, excessive orderliness and dandruff, commonly found on the scalp, cheeks, armpit groin and neck. Key contributing factors include digestive health, liver function, stress, yeast/fungal infection, nutrient deficiencies, low immunity and fluctuating hormones/blood sugar.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins

Shingles/chickenpox

Viral infection caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus. Most common in children, symptoms include rash, blisters, nausea, high temperature, fatigue, muscle aching and weakness. Shingles is a recurrence of the dormant virus in the dorsal root ganglia. Symptoms include rash and stabbing pains in the nerves. Key underlying factors include exposure to infection, reduced immunity, and stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc

Sinusitis

An inflammation of the sinuses. Symptoms include headache, blocked nose, facial pain and fever. Key underlying factors include infection, congestion and allergic reaction.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin A, Flaxseed, Probiotics

Thrush (oral/vaginal)

A topical yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. Symptoms of thrush include white spots, sore, or burning/itching sensation, vaginal discharge, cracked skin. Key underlying factors include antibiotic use, infection and low immunity.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Garlic, Probiotics

Tinnitus

Any sound a person can hear from inside their body rather than the outside. Usually manifests as a ringing in the years. Key underlying factors include infection, earwax, vascular disturbance, Meniere’s disease, exposure to loud noises, stress or trauma.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin B12,  Ginger

Varicose veins

Unsightly veins normally occurring in the legs. Symptoms include fatigue, aching legs, heaviness, pain, muscle cramps, difficulties walking or standing for long periods of time. Key underlying factors include genetic predisposition, vein and capillary weakness, low fibre diet and damage due to lifting.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Bilberry

Warts

A skin infection caused by the infections of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that can appear anywhere on the body. Key underlying factors include infection, low immunity and stress.

Nutritional and herbal support: Vitamin C, Zinc

The suggestions in this guide are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease and should not replace the care and direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

If you have any pre-existing health problems, are pregnant or lactating or if you are currently taking medication of any sort, you should consult your doctor.