Ask Our Expert

Women’s Health

Can men consume evening primrose oil?

Yes, both men and women can take evening primrose oil. The omega-6, GLA in evening primrose oil is essential to human body. Those having skin eczema can be benefited from intake of evening primrose oil due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

I am highly aware of hygiene and cleanliness so why do I have UTIs?

Poor hygiene and cleanliness are not the factors of UTIs. Otherwise, excessive vaginal cleansing can be the contributing factor – by disturbing the microbial balance in the vagina. Therefore, do not wash your vagina with feminine wash, soap, or bubble bath. This might alter the normal pH of vagina from acidic to alkaline environment, thus drawing the bad bacteria to grow.

How many capsules should I consume if I am taking this product for the first time?

If you are taking Efamol Rigel evening primrose oil (EPO) for the first time, it is recommended to take six 500mg capsules a day or three 1000mg capsules per day with food for the first 12 weeks; especially if you have any hormonal imbalance condition such as dry and irritated skin, eczema, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), mood swing and so on. This is because 3,000mg of Rigel EPO is clinically proven and recommended in managing those hormonal imbalance conditions. After the condition has been improved, the dosage can be reduced to 500mg to 1,000mg of Rigel EPO as daily maintenance.

Can Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) be used to maintain healthy skin?

Yes. The Efamol Evening Primrose Oil supplementation helps to enhance the structure and function of normal healthy skin, improves moisture content and retention, elasticity, firmness and smoothness. It also helps to reduce wrinkles and improve dry skin problem.

Supplementation with Efamol Evening Primrose Oil significantly improves skin condition and appearance in people with atopic eczema.

Why women need specific nutrient?

Dear Women’s, you need special nutrient requirements for your daily health. Choose to consume multivitamins and minerals that consists adequate amount of vitamin B12, calcium, iron, folic acid and vitamin D3.

BiO-LIFE Tinitabs FemVites contains all required nutrient for women in one small tablet.

Learn more at http://www.biolife.com.my/health-tips/women-s-health/all-in-one-small-tablet

I have been suffering from premenstrual syndrome for many years and lately, it is getting serious. One week before my menses, I will experience headaches, fatigue and bloating.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstrual cycle. It typically occurs one week before menstruation begins and disappears as soon as it starts. Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of PMS. The two main female hormones, estrogen and progesterone control various changes in your body, including changes in the uterus during the menstrual cycle and undoubtedly, this may result in pre-menstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal distension.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that evening primrose oil supplementation has a significant effect on the symptoms of PMS. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the building block of prostaglandin (a group of hormone-like substances). A shortage of prostaglandin may cause mood changes and cramps experienced by many women suffering from PMS. You may start supplementing your diet with evening primrose oil which contains high bioavailability GLA to help balance the estrogen and progesterone levels, thereby regulating the menstrual cycle and alleviating premenstrual symptoms.

In addition, evening primrose oil supplementation may also improve skin health by increasing firmness, elasticity and moisture content. Eat wisely as improper diet can aggravate PMS. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, caffeine and carbonated beverages as well as foods high in saturated fats. A diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains is desirable. Moderate exercise may improve the condition. Manage stress through yoga, massage or other relaxation techniques.

I have a urinary tract infection and there is burning sensation while urinating. How can I prevent it from recurring? This problem occurs on and off and it's frustrating.

Urinary tract infection (UTI), a condition where one or more structures in the urinary tract such as bladder and urethra, become infected after bacteria overcome its strong natural defenses. Escherichia coli (E.coli), a bacterium normally found in the digestive tract and on the skin around the rectal area is the organism most often responsible for UTIs. UTI is more common in women than in men due to the structure of female anatomy. In women, the urethral opening is located near the anus which is a common source of bacteria.

To prevent UTI from recurring, you can take these simple measures:

(i) Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can further irritate the bladder.

(ii) Clean the genital and urinary areas from front to back after the bowel movement.

(iii) Drink 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids each day to flush out the bacteria.

(iv) Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants.

(v) Take several capsules of probiotics daily.

Probiotics, Lactobacillus GR-1 and Lactobacillus RC-14 are clinically proven strains of friendly bacteria that help re-establish the vaginal flora, reducing the incidence of UTI, bacterial vaginosis and yeast vaginitis. These probiotic strains displace and prevent adhesion by intestinal and urogenital pathogens. They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast and other viruses through its acid production which are important attributes in vaginal health.

I had my fibroid removed 3 weeks ago and since then, I have not been feeling good. Many have advised taking care of my health after surgery but where should I start?

Surgical removal of a fibroid, a non-cancerous growth, comprising muscle and fibrous tissue from the wall of the uterus is known as myomectomy. Post-operative care is important after any surgery including myomectomy. Full recovery usually takes a few weeks after the surgery.

During this period, do avoid strenuous exercise and do not carry or lift heavy objects. It is important to keep the incision area clean and dry at all times until it heals fully. You should discuss with your doctor on when you can resume driving, exercises and sexual activities. Varying amounts of vaginal discharge is expected for about 3 weeks after surgery but if you experience any signs of infection, redness, swelling and excessive bleeding or discharge from the incision site, do consult your doctor about it.

Take more fruits and vegetables and adequate fluids. Vitamin E helps relieve symptoms of diseases triggered by an imbalance in estrogen levels while vitamin C assists in wound healing. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which can be obtained from evening primrose oil and marine fish oils respectively are important for hormonal balance and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to prevent premature agening? Several people whom I met recently said that I looked older than my age. I am only 24 years old this year.

Premature aging is one of the conditions feared by many especially females who are in their mid-twenties. If one shows the early appearance signs of aging before old age, then it is simply known as premature aging.

It refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. Freckles, deep wrinkles, age spots and rough skin indicate premature aging caused by years of unprotected exposure to the sun. Unhealthy lifestyle such as exposure to cigarette smoke will increase wrinkling and dryness of the skin. A poor diet is also a factor of premature aging from the inside out. A diet which mainly consists of highly processed foods and alcohol along with insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables accelerates the aging process.

You can prevent signs of premature aging by protecting your skin from the sun and adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle. Always use a good sunscreen (typical SPF 15) and apply it at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Exercise tones muscles and helps promote blood flow which is necessary for healthy skin and body. If you are stress, take some time off and go for a spa or relaxing massage.

Evening Primrose Oil may help in a healthy skin. It provides omega-6 for modulation of membrane function. Besides that, supplements of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, zinc and selenium may also help to improve the condition and reduce the damage done by the free radicals onto the skin.

My 10-year-old daughter has been suffering from skin rashes and upon visiting the skin specialist, I was told that it is eczema. Any suggestion to improve the condition?

Eczema is an inflammation of upper layers of the skin. One of the most common forms of eczema in children is atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is often inherited and the majority who have eczema also suffer from hay fever and asthma, or have family members who do. Some environmental factors may also trigger eczema outbreak such as:

– Chemical irritants (pesticides, harsh soaps and detergents)

– Physical irritants (clothes made of rough fabrics)

– Allergies (dust, pollen and animal dander)

In children, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, elbow and knee folds. It is most often characterized by dry, red itchy patches on the skin. Studies have shown that supplementation with evening primrose oil helps to relieve symptoms of eczema.

Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and allows the formation of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) that reduces inflammation of the skin. Evening primrose oil that contains 12-14% of GLA is beneficial to reduce water loss and improve overall skin condition and function. It is important to ensure that eczema patient takes a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of water daily.

Eliminate common allergens namely milk, eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits from her daily diet if anyone of these is the culprit. Do avoid processed foods that are high in preservatives, colorings and flavorings as these foods can trigger a flare-up too.

I have a dull complexion due to dry skin. I have spent a lot on facial products but nothing seems to work for me. Can you please tell me what I can do to overcome this problem?

Skin becomes dry when the moisture losses faster than it can be replenished. Poor diet and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, frequent contacts with chemicals and excessive bathing with harsh soaps may aggravate the condition.

A good balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is essential to maintain healthy looking skin. Vitamins C and E are great assets to the skin. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and connective tissues to firm the skin while vitamin E has been shown to slow down the aging of tissues. Supplementing your diet with these antioxidant nutrients and evening primrose oil may be a good start.

Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential element of skin structure. GLA is reputed to boost moisture content and strengthen skin cells. Studies have demonstrated that 3g of evening primrose oil daily improves moisture content, elasticity as well as enhances the structure and function of the normal healthy skin.

Avoid extensive use of harsh soaps and detergents. Hot baths or showers and high consumption of caffeinated beverages may also lead to dry skin. You may apply lotions containing aloe vera to restore skin moisture.

How Essential Fatty Acids helps our brain?

Brain has a unique fatty acid composition, especially high levels of Omega 3 (Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA) and Omega 6 (Arachidonic Acid, AA). Numerous clinical studies reported that sufficient supply of these Essential Fatty Acids exhibit positive results in brain development, and help preventing onset and progression of brain diseases. They are found to enhance blood flow in brain and increase signaling between nerves and brain cells, hence improve the ability in learning, concentration and memory.

Why Efamol Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is unique?

Seeds from wild varieties of Evening Primrose are varied from crop to crop in the quantity and quality of their active ingredient – gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.

Unlike Efamol has been granted with patented species called as “Rigel” (Oenothera spp.), which EPO are manufactured from Rigel® seeds contain up to 33% more GLA than found in wild plants. Efamol’s Rigel Evening Primrose plants are grown exclusively under contract in New Zealand and Europe farms. Efamol EPO is extracted from proprietary seed varieties using a specially developed known as “Liquid Gold” extraction. This extraction process retains natural ingredients of the seed in their most bioactive form. The golden color EPO is Efamol hallmark that demonstrate the rich source of omega-6 nutrient GLA.

Efamol EPO is subjected to clinical testing in humans. In fact, the Efamol fatty acids range has more clinical research support than any other. They have nearly 30 years of heritage and credibility behind Efamol brand.

What are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important structural and functional components of cell membrane.
They are types of the polyunsaturated fatty acids that have to be obtained from dietary sources.
Omega-3 fatty acid like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 fatty acid like linoleic acid (LA) are usually found in plant and seed oils.
These fatty acids can also be used to make other fatty acids, for example arachidonic acid (AA) is formed from LA; DHA and EPA are formed from ALA, but the conversion is limited.
The sources of DHA and EPA are from oily fish like salmon and mackerel.
AA can be obtained from the animal sources such as meat and egg yolk.