Web chat transcript: Ask the Experts about staying healthy — the natural way

Good morning and welcome to our weekly Wednesday health chat!

Good morning Preu :-)!

Today’s topic is “Staying Healthy — the natural way” with guest experts Jeff and Gigi Fykes. Gigi is a certified naturopath. Ask your questions now.

Hi Gigi — You’ve made the promise that you can keep us healthy during cold and flu season. Would you like to let us know how.

Readers: Please ask your questions now. Type them in — it’s completely anonymous and confidential.

Gigi owns a store that supplies supplements and minerals and other natural products.

Gigi – Could you also let readers know the name of your store and how to contact you.

The key is maintaining a healthy immune system throught the year not just during the cold and flu season.

And how do you maintain that healthy immune system?

We can be reached at The Healthy Connection’s Smoothies Sante’, 2007 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton VA.
(757) 826-6404
www.thehealthyconnection.com

That’s a big qestion!

The immune system is your body’s defense against colds and illnesses.

Readers – we’re talking with naturopath Gigi Fykes. Ask your questions now.

Vitamin C in the ascorbic acid form along with bioflavornoids is a must. 500mg every day or 500mg every 2 hours if ill.

What is Zarbees?

We love the Herbs for Kids liquid herbal line.

Never heard of Zarbees! What are the ingredients?

I think your answer about the Vitamin C was to the question about a cold? Is that correct?

Yes! Also a antihistamine for allergies.

What’s in the Herbs for Kids supplement?

Also, could you answer the question about a daily supplement.

Readers — we’re here with naturopath Gigi Fykes who can advise on herbal supplements etc. Ask your questions now.

Fine quality herbs i.e. sweet echinacea designed for kids 1yr. and over.

For all your health news, go to dailypress.com/health and follow my blog daily at www.dailypress.com/healthnotes

A great daily supplement is the Wellness Formula by Source Naturals. Contains both vitamins and herbs at a great price.

Is there a time of day that’s best to take supplements? Should they be taken with food? or liquid?

A naturopath is a holistic teacher. Trinity College for Natural Health is where I attended.

I’m just responding to the comment from Guest about Zarbees. I see that it is honey-based. Readers should know that children under 1 year old should NOT consume honey or honey-based products.

How long is the training to become a naturopath? What do the studies involve?

Thats correct about the honey. Most companies would prefer a vegetable glycerin. Also, be careful with zinc on an empty stomach.

Our favorite fish oil is the Wholemega by New Chapter. Please visit our website to learn more about this pure not purified oil. Contains over 16 omegas.

Readers; we are talking to Gigi Fykes of the HEalthy Connections Smoothies Sante in Hampton. Ask your questions now about herbs and supplements.

You will need to give the web site address!

Sometimes you hear about “natural” products being just as strong or stronger than prescribed medicines. Do you have any cautions about any products that you shouldn’t take. How can people find out if a product is really beneficial or not.

One can complete the Naturopath program in about 2 years if that is there only focus. Studies include diet and nutrition: physiology; aromatherapy etc.

Can you tell readers about your upcoming seminar.

Readers: We have just 5 more minutes for you to ask your questions about natural healing.

We are all about education in our store. Email us and visit www.thehealthyconnection.com

Join us every Wednesday at noon at dailypress.com when we “Ask the Experts” about health-related topics. Next week we’ll talk about seniors and substance abuse.

What are goldenseal and mullein?

Upcoming seminar is monday, oct 10 7p to 8:30p. all about our immune system and how it works and how to prepare for the cold and flu season.

Goldenseal is a great antibiotic alternative. Contains the consituent berberine. Not to be used long term. Great for soft tissue. Mullein great for lung and respiratory health.

We sell all of these herbs and more in capsule, liquid, tea bags and loose.

What is your preferred way to take the herbs — you mention the different forms, such as capsule, etc.

Gigi, When you’ve answered that question and given readers the name of your store and how to contact you, I’m going to close the chat. Thanks.

Liquid is the strongest and fastest acting.

Thank you Prue!

Thanks everyone. Don’t forget to check dailypress.com/healthnotes for daily updates on local and national health news. And join us every Wednesday at noon on dailypress.com for health web chats, “Ask the Experts”. Bye.