The mother of all hormones continue…

Is DHEA a prescription medication?

No, it's available over the counter from chemists and health stores. There are two varieties: DHEA and DHEA Plus. The latter was developed for people who are physically very active, such as sportsmen and -women and serious trainers.

Can one take it with othermedication?

DHEA is a completely natural substance that should under normal circumstances be present in the body. It is therefore safe to take it with any other medication, except for hormone replacement therapy. Some people choose to stop the therapy and change to DHEA, others prefer to confer with their doctor or alternative health practitioner (such as a naturopath or homeopath) or with their pharmacists in order to effect a change-over in medication.

Who should use DHEA?

Anybody who has a deficiency. Specific blood tests can be done to establish if you do have a deficiency, but it is safe to assume, if you are over 40, suffer from stress and have various other health problems, that you could be suffering from a DHEA deficiency.

Who should not use it?

People suffering from prostate- or breast cancer. People receiving hormone replacement therapy should consult their medical or health practitioner first.

Are there any side effects to MLAsupplementation?

Although it is rare, there could be some discomfort in the breasts and slight feelings of nausea, but this is usually the case when the dosage is grossly exceeded for long periods of time - more than 100 mg per day for 6 months or more. The recommended dosage for DHEA is 25 - 50 mg per day and 50 - 100 g per day of DHEA Plus for very active people.

At the school we recommend that students start with 50 mg (2 tablets) of DHEA a day and if they experience any side-effects, to reduce the dosage to 25 mg (1 tablet) a day. If the symptoms persist, the dosage should be further reduced to 25 mg every second day. A 30-year old student who experienced these side-effects continued to reduce her dosage until the symptoms disappeared. She now takes 1 tablet (25 mg) every third day, with no side-effects other than a much improved ability to cope with stress!

You can managestress

I believe that the mismanagement of stress is the number one cause for the loss of quality of life. There is no reason on earth why you should live with the debilitating physical (and emotional) effects of stress. There is much that you can do to reduce your stress level. And at the back of the book you will find the names of two therapists. I know them both well, and therefore trust their techniques. If you do not live in their areas, they may very well be able to refer you to somebody that lives closer to you.

Eat Right For Life

Before we get started, we would like to acknowledge Dr Kathrine B. Davis, our contributing editor of this section. Her knowledge, time, research and passion on the subject of nutrition is highly valued and appreciated.

What is a balanced diet?

There are many differing opinions on this very tricky question. Nutritionists have varying opinions and different recommendations at different times. Even the well-known food pyramid has been reorganised, and is under review again.

Meanwhile, people's interest in healthy living is growing. Businesses are now taking a whole new look into corporate well-being and are investing in the health of their employees. Even fast-food chains are attempting to take a healthier approach by promoting a more nutritious and varied menu. Thankfully more people are now acknowledging the fact that what you put in your mouth affects your health and therefore your life. To achieve a 'balanced diet', it is important to learn about what good nutrition is, and then to apply it to you and your needs. We usually eat a piece of fruit without giving any thought to what exactly is in it. When was the last time you ate an apple and acknowledged the fact that it contained 84 per cent water, 80 calories, 21 g of carbohydrate, 10 mg of calcium, 10 mg of phosphorous, 0.2 mg of iron, 159 mg of potassium, 0.02 mg of thiamine, 0.02 mg of riboflavin, 0.1 g of niacin and 8 mg of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)? It may not seem important to know detailed information like this, but it does give you an insight into the complex coordination of processes and chemicals working together to achieve nutritional balance and optimal health within nutrition and the human body.

We are all different, and our needs vary at certain times of our lives. When you understand the wonderful benefits nature has to offer, you will see that the abundance of wholefoods, fruits and vegetables available to us can provide us with the balance we need. Balance is all about turning back to nature. That's where you will find the optimum nutrition your body needs in this busy, modern-day lifestyle