Losec is the most prescribed proton pump inhibitor for adults and children alike. Proton-pump inhibitors are the single most costly medicine expense in New Zealand. It is prescribed for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers, hiatus hernia, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers or erosions, acid related dyspepsia and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.  Just recently

With the government in New Zealand making moves on restricting access to cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine without a visit to the doctor, it may be time to reacquaint ourselves with what nature provides. The cost of visiting the doctor unless you have a community services card may cost over $50. Then add the

Iodine deficiency is linked to hypo-thyroidism, breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, oestrogen excess, hypertension, miscarriage, low birth weight in babies, infertility, diabetes, gut and skin conditions and lowered immunity. Iodine is a nutrient deficiency which is a leading cause of hypothyroidism and thyroid issues in the world.  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 72%

It is now well recognized that with the use of so much sunscreen our vitamin D levels are reduced.  This is of concern when vitamin D is such a necessity for optimal functioning of our immune systems.  Vitamin D is a fat stored vitamin, thus during summer it would usually be synthesized in greater amounts

It is now recognised that many human pathologic conditions are associated with increased oxidation, mainly as a consequence of oxygenated free radicals. Free radical oxidation is a result of an oxidant material interacting with a biological constituent, such as a cell membrane lipid or a protein, to produce a free-radical species that can then cause

How familiar are the following signs and symptoms? Exhaustion or fatigue, depression, sensitive to cold or cold hands and feet, weight gain, muscle and joint pains, carpal tunnel, painful soles of the feet, swollen or puffy face, eyes, arms or legs, menstrual abnormalities, fuzzy head, constipation, voice changes, increased response to allergies (itching, prickly hot

Nutrient deficiencies can be caused by such a multitude of reasons that it is easy to forget that drugs may in fact play a significant role. If you have had a patient who has a good diet and are compliant, but are on drugs and just don’t appear to be making the progress you had