為人母親從來不是易事，但這無疑是世界上最神聖的工作。為了感謝您無私的付出，現在正是好好照顧自己（或是您敬愛的母親！）的最佳時機。以下我們將分享快速恢復肌膚健康的專業秘訣！本文將深入探討擁有健康光澤肌膚的科學方法。

靜脈點滴療法

靜脈點滴（IV drips）能帶來多重美容效益。這種療法能直接將關鍵營養素輸送至血液系統，大幅提升吸收效率。現代人普遍面臨維他命缺乏問題，而日常生活壓力更會加劇這種狀況。營養不足常表現為肌膚暗沉、脫髮、指甲脆弱等外在症狀。傳統護膚品如面霜、精華和潔面產品僅能提供表面暫時性改善，無法解決體內營養缺乏的根本問題。此外，許多口服維他命和補充劑不僅吸收率低，還可能刺激消化系統。相較之下，靜脈點滴能確保營養素被高效吸收，真正實現「由內而外的美麗蛻變」。

靜脈點滴的最大優勢在於其即時效果，改善幾乎立即可見。24小時內就能觀察到肌膚質地和光澤的顯著提升，使肌膚更加水潤飽滿，同時獲得排毒和修復所需的關鍵營養。相較於可能產生副作用且需要術後護理的填充劑和肉毒桿菌素等美容程序，靜脈點滴療法完全安全，除日常基礎護理外幾乎無需特別照護。這也是為什麼許多演員會在重要活動前選擇此療法，而新娘們也特別青睞在婚禮前接受療程，確保在大日子當天展現最佳狀態。

靜脈點滴對肌膚的潛在效益包括：

• 顯著改善色素沉澱問題
• 深度滋養與修復受損肌膚
• 使肌膚觸感更加細緻光滑
• 賦予肌膚自然健康光澤
• 有效收縮粗大毛孔
• 預防暗瘡形成並淡化痘印
• 延緩肌膚老化過程

關鍵營養素解析

均衡飲食始終是健康的基礎。但針對性補充某些關鍵營養素能進一步優化肌膚狀態。

• 膠原蛋白

作為維持肌膚緊緻度的核心成分，膠原蛋白在40-50歲荷爾蒙水平下降導致皮膚彈性減弱時尤為重要。此外，膠原蛋白還能：維持軟骨結構完整性，保護關節健康。以及作為構成骨骼的主要基質，幫助保持骨密度。

• 穀胱甘肽

這種由細胞自然產生的強效抗氧化劑，由穀氨酰胺、甘氨酸和半胱氨酸三種氨基酸組成。當肝臟因不良飲食或酒精攝取過量而承受氧化壓力時，穀胱甘肽會被大量消耗，可能導致脂肪肝等問題。其濃度也會隨年齡增長自然下降。提升穀胱甘肽水平能：增強身體抗氧化防禦系統、強化肝臟解毒功能。

• 維他命C

作為強效抗氧化劑，維他命C能：預防紫外線導致的皮膚損傷、作為合成膠原蛋白的必要輔因子。而缺乏維他命C可能導致：皮膚粗糙乾燥、毛髮生長異常、傷口癒合遲緩、皺紋形成加劇。

一項針對56名患者的研究證實，連續8週補充含維他命A、C、E和前花青素的複方營養素，能安全有效地改善皮膚色素沉澱問題。

在這個特別的母親節，何不將這項專業療程納入您的自我護理計劃？或是將這份「光彩禮物」贈予您生命中最偉大的母親，用最實際的方式表達您的感恩之情。

隨著疫情持續發展，越來越多康復者開始出現各種長期後遺症狀。雖然目前醫學界尚未找到根治新冠肺炎的方法，但已有數種功能性治療方式能有效緩解這些持續性症狀。本文將詳細說明新冠肺炎常見的慢性症狀，並提供經臨床驗證的功能性治療方案，幫助您在這段康復期提升生活品質。

新冠肺炎的急性症狀已廣為人知，但關於病毒造成的長期影響，醫學界仍在持續研究中。值得注意的是，大量康復者回報出現持續數週甚至數月的後遺症狀，這些被統稱為「長新冠」的症狀主要包括：

• 極度疲勞與體力不支
• 腦霧（認知功能障礙）（1）
• 記憶力明顯衰退（2）
• 呼吸急促與氣短
• 持續性咳嗽
• 味覺與嗅覺異常
• 關節疼痛與不適
• 荷爾蒙失衡與月經紊亂

針對長期新冠症狀的功能性治療方案

雖然新冠肺炎的長期影響機制尚待釐清，但眾多患者正飽受慢性疲勞、腦霧等持續症狀困擾。雖然沒有一體適用的解決方案，但以下功能性治療方法已證實能帶來顯著改善：

• 免疫調節補充劑例如維他命C與鋅：強化免疫系統功能
• NAD+（煙酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸）：提升細胞能量代謝，改善精神清晰度（3）
• 高效抗氧化劑：減輕病毒引發的慢性發炎反應
• 生活方式調整，例如漸進式運動訓練、充足且高品質的睡眠、正念冥想等壓力管理技巧、均衡營養飲食計劃

雖然目前尚無法完全根治長期新冠症狀，但透過適當的功能性治療，能有效協助身體：清除殘留病毒片段、調節免疫系統過度反應、減輕慢性發炎症狀、 逐步恢復最佳生理狀態。我們建議您預約機能醫學專家諮詢，根據您的具體症狀組合，量身定制最適合的個人化治療方案。透過系統性的功能醫學評估與治療，大多數長新冠患者的症狀都能獲得顯著改善。

References:

1. Douaud, G., Lee, S., Alfaro-Almagro, F. et al. SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank. Nature (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04569-5
2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-47—post-COVID-19-condition?gclid=CjwKCAjw6dmSBhBkEiwA_W-EoGtvVNwNCeyyUgbKEAgDunzLmULnMmbW7h3qPjV4Rx8Ba83945RoIBoC9kAQAvD_BwE
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in general or for any specific condition and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No doctor-patient relationship is established as a result of the provision of this information and disclaims any obligation, responsibility or liability of whatever nature for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising from or in respect of this content.

Dr See Yunn Ho 

Dr Ho See Yunn is a Physician with more than 15 years experience. She is board certified in both Singapore and Hong Kong and received her specialization in Family Medicine from Singapore. She also received her Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Nutritional Medicine and Peptide certification from the American Academy of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Ho is trained and certified under Dr. Walsh’s advanced nutrient therapy protocols that use personalized nutrient treatment strategies to treat patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

復活節長假期將至，正是進行自我療癒的黃金時機——特別是當你最近狀態未如理想時！患病期間，身體急需額外支援才能重回正軌。

不同病毒雖有相異特性，但若你正從病毒感染中恢復，體內的抗氧化物質正被急速消耗！若不及時補充，不僅症狀加劇、病程延長，更可能引發嚴重或慢性後遺症。

本文將深入探討抗氧化劑在疾病康復中的關鍵作用，並結合最新新冠肺炎研究，剖析感染應對策略。

抗氧化劑的雙重功效

當細胞對抗病毒等外來入侵者時，會產生活性氧物質（ROS）。這些如同「微型手榴彈」的物質能誘導病毒細胞死亡，雖有助消滅病原體，卻也難免誤傷自身細胞[1]。抗氧化劑的首要功能就是中和ROS等自由基的傷害，保護我們的細胞[2]。

抗氧化劑不僅是防護盾，更是主動出擊的戰士。如穀胱甘肽及其前體NAC（乙醯半胱氨酸）便展現出抑制病毒複製的功效。一篇新冠肺炎研究綜述指出：「值得注意的是，唯一病情嚴重且穀胱甘肽顯著降低的患者仍處於危重狀態，而其他維持中高穀胱甘肽水平的患者均已康復。」[3] 學者推測，隨年齡增長而自然下降的抗氧化水平，可能是長者易出現新冠重症的關鍵因素[4]。

短期而言，抗氧化劑能減輕患病時的不適感——須知許多症狀如疼痛、腫脹、發燒、流鼻水等，其實源自身體防禦機制而非病毒本身。長期來看，抵抗ROS傷害更能預防多種慢性退化性疾病，包括癌症、呼吸系統、神經退行性及消化系統疾病[2]。

三大抗氧化來源

抗氧化劑可透過體內合成或外部補充獲取，以下三種途徑能有效提升水平：

1. 均衡飲食 攝取富含健康脂肪和彩色蔬果的飲食，可增加維他命C、E及多酚等強效植物化合物[2]。研究顯示，以健康植物性食物為主的高質量飲食，能降低新冠肺炎感染風險與嚴重程度[5]。
2. Supplement your diet with oral antioxidants, especially if you aren’t eating as often or as healthily. For example, high doses of vitamin D supplementation (100,000IU) can strengthen respiratory function in ill patients,² while 525 mg of oral curcumin with 2.5mg of piperine (a.k.a. turmeric plus black pepper) helped COVID-19 patients maintain oxygen saturation above 94%!⁶
3. 靜脈注射治療 靜脈輸注抗氧化劑能加速康復。以靜脈維他命C為例，其抗氧化特性可用於對抗呼吸系統感染中的「細胞因子風暴」（一種危及生命的全身性炎症反應）[7]。這正是多國將高劑量靜脈維他命C納入住院新冠患者治療方案，並持續進行臨床試驗的原因[8]。

抗氧化劑一覽

抗氧化劑種類繁多且功能各異，包括維他命、氨基酸、植物化學物（如多酚和類胡蘿蔔素），甚至褪黑激素等荷爾蒙。我們精選幾種頂尖抗氧化劑及其應用方式：

• 穀胱甘肽^9-10

作為人體「抗氧化大師」，穀胱甘肽是呼吸道疾病康復的關鍵角色。雖然人體能自行合成，但患病期間極易耗竭，而維持高水平對抑制病毒複製至關重要。研究顯示，穀胱甘肽不足的新冠患者預後較差。每週靜脈輸注穀胱甘肽，既能快速補充存量，也有助消除殘留病毒活動與症狀。

• N-乙醯半胱氨酸（NAC）¹¹

這種氨基酸衍生物是合成穀胱甘肽的前體，能有效增強抗病毒能力。2020年科學綜述指出：「NAC價格低廉、毒性極低、獲FDA批准多年，有望改善新冠肺炎治療策略。」可安全透過靜脈注射、口服或吸入方式補充。

• 高劑量維他命C ^7,8,12

預防壞血病只需每日75-90毫克，但若要減輕ROS引起的炎症、保護肺組織及降低感染擴散風險，則需更高劑量。治療級劑量的維他命C建議透過靜脈輸注，因腸道難以吸收足夠劑量。目前多國正研究高劑量靜脈維他命C對新冠治療的成效。

這個長假期，正是運用抗氧化力量對抗病毒殘餘傷害的最佳時機！

歡迎聯繫我們的專業團隊，量身訂製最適合你的康復方案，釋放健康潛能。

參考資料

1. Martinvalet, Denis & Michael, Walch. (2022). Editorial: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Protective Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology. 12. 10.3389/fimmu.2021.832946.
2. Liu Z, Ren Z, Zhang J, et al. Role of ROS and Nutritional Antioxidants in Human Diseases. Front Physiol. 2018;9:477. Published 2018 May 17. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00477
3. Polonikov A. Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients. ACS Infect Dis. 2020;6(7):1558-1562. doi:10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00288
4. Golubev A. G. (2020). COVID-19: A Challenge to Physiology of Aging. Frontiers in physiology, 11, 584248. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.584248
5. Merino J, Joshi AD, Nguyen LH, et al. Diet quality and risk and severity of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. Gut 2021;70:2096-2104.
6. Kirti S Pawar, Rahul N Mastud and Satheesh K Pawar et al. Oral Curcumin With Piperine as Adjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Pharmacol.  12. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.669362
7. Boretti A, Banik BK. Intravenous vitamin C for reduction of cytokines storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome. PharmaNutrition. 2020;12:100190. doi:10.1016/j.phanu.2020.100190
8. gov. Vitamin C Infusion for the Treatment of Severe 2019-nCoV Infected Pneumonia. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04264533.
9. Ghezzi P. Role of glutathione in immunity and inflammation in the lung. Int J Gen Med. 2011;4:105-113. Published 2011 Jan 25. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S15618
10. Premranjan Kumar, Ob Osahon, David B. Vides, Nicola Hanania, Charles G. Minard, Rajagopal V. Sekhar. Severe Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress and Oxidant Damage in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Implications for GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation.Antioxidants, 2021; 11 (1): 50 DOI: 3390/antiox11010050
11. Shi Z, Puyo CA. N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020;16:1047-1055. Published 2020 Nov 2. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S273700
12. Maxfield L, Crane JS. Vitamin C Deficiency. [Updated 2021 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Learn more about COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

在之前的文章中，我們已探討過即使完成新冠疫苗接種，持續強化免疫系統仍至關重要（詳見全文）。人體免疫功能的優劣取決於多項健康指標，從營養攝取到運動習慣皆涵蓋其中。要全面增強免疫防禦力，必須採取整合式的生活型態策略。

讓我們深入解析健康免疫系統的關鍵要素！

運動調節

研究證實，每週進行3次中等強度運動可能是最佳免疫處方[1-3]。規律運動能：降低慢性炎症反應、減少壓力荷爾蒙（皮質醇）分泌、透過增加白血球循環來強化免疫監測功能， 由於白血球肩負對抗感染的重任，這些免疫細胞的活性對於快速抵禦病原體入侵至關重要。

運動還能顯著提升巨噬細胞和淋巴細胞活性（透過I型干擾素IFN-I途徑）。考慮到新冠病毒會特異性抑制IFN-I活性，維持規律運動習慣可能有助降低感染風險及疾病嚴重程度[2]。

值得關注的是，研究發現經常運動者在接受桑拿療法時，所獲得的免疫增強效果明顯優於缺乏運動者[4]！⁴

精神健康

心理健康狀態是整體健康（特別是免疫機能）的核心組成。統合分析顯示，患有抑鬱症、焦慮症、物質濫用和精神分裂症等心理疾病的新冠患者，其死亡率顯著較高[5]。即便未達臨床診斷標準，長期處於社交孤立、孤獨感或慢性壓力狀態，同樣會削弱免疫防禦力[6,7]。

現階段已有豐富的線上資源、專業書籍和行動應用程式可協助建立自我照護習慣，必要時亦可尋求專業心理諮詢服務。

改善睡眠

人生約三分之一時間用於睡眠，其對健康的重要性不言而喻。大量研究一致表明，每晚睡眠少於6小時會導致：T淋巴細胞數量減少、自然殺手細胞（NK）活性降低、端粒長度縮短、炎症標記物（C反應蛋白和IL-6）濃度上升。與每日睡7-8小時者相比，睡眠不足5小時者出現鼻塞和呼吸道感染的機率明顯增加[8]。

充足睡眠不僅能降低感染風險，更能優化疫苗接種後的免疫反應效果[9]。

營養管理

來自日常飲食或專業補充劑的關鍵營養素，為所有細胞（包含免疫系統）提供運作能量[10]。研究指出，以高品質植物性食物為主的飲食模式，與較低的新冠感染風險及疾病嚴重度密切相關[11]。

特別重要的免疫調節營養素包括：維他命A（3000-5000 IU）、維他命C（1000-2000 mg）、維他命D（2000 IU）、鋅（30 mg）。這些營養素能有效預防呼吸道感染、調控炎症反應，並支持白血球生成與功能[12-14]。在某些國家，靜脈注射維他命C已被納入住院新冠患者的標準治療方案，目前更有臨床試驗正在評估高劑量靜脈維他命C的治療潛力[15]。

若想進一步提升免疫防禦，可考慮補充強效抗氧化劑穀胱甘肽。研究顯示，穀胱甘肽缺乏可能是導致新冠重症和住院的獨立風險因子[16]。了解更多新冠相關營養資訊請點擊此處。

歡迎聯繫我們的專業團隊，獲取各項免疫支持服務，包含：靜脈營養療法、紅外線桑拿、個人化營養諮詢、藥用級營養補充方案。

參考資料

1. Nieman, DC., et al. The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. Journal of Sport and Health Science. Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2019, Pages 201-217. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009
2. da Silveira, M. P., da Silva Fagundes, K. K., Bizuti, M. R., Starck, É., Rossi, R. C., & de Resende E Silva, D. T. (2021). Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature. Clinical and experimental medicine, 21(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-020-00650-3
3. Simpson RJ, Kunz H, Agha N, Graff R. Exercise and the Regulation of Immune Functions. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2015;135:355-380. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.08.001
4. Pilch W, Pokora I, Szyguła Z, et al. Effect of a single finnish sauna session on white blood cell profile and cortisol levels in athletes and non-athletes. J Hum Kinet. 2013;39:127-135. Published 2013 Dec 31. doi:10.2478/hukin-2013-0075
5. Fond G, Nemani K, Etchecopar-Etchart D, et al. Association Between Mental Health Disorders and Mortality Among Patients With COVID-19 in 7 Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(11):1208-1217. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2274
6. Pressman, SD., et al. Loneliness, social network size, and immune response to influenza vaccination in college freshmen. Health Psychol. 2005 May;24(3):297-306. doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.24.3.297
7. Dhabhar, FS. Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunol Res. 2014 May;58(2-3):193-210. doi: 10.1007/s12026-014-8517-0.
8. Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Sleep and immune function. Pflugers Arch. 2012 Jan;463(1):121-37. doi: 10.1007/s00424-011-1044-0. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PMID: 22071480; PMCID: PMC3256323.
9. Schmitz, N., van der Werf, Y. D., & Lammers-van der Holst, H. M. (2022). The Importance of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms for Vaccination Success and Susceptibility to Viral Infections. Clocks & sleep, 4(1), 66–79. https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep4010008
10. Karacabey K., et al. The Effect of Nutritional Elements on the Immune System. J Obes Wt Loss Ther2:152. doi:10.4172/2165-7904.1000152
11. Merino J, Joshi AD, Nguyen LH, et al. Diet quality and risk and severity of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. Gut 2021;70:2096-2104.
12. Mora, J Rodrigo et al. Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage. Nature reviews. Immunology vol. 8,9 (2008): 685-98. doi:10.1038/nri2378
13. Carr, AC., et al. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11). pii: E1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211.
14. Prasad, Ananda S. “Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells.” Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) vol. 14,5-6 (2008): 353-7. doi:10.2119/2008-00033.
15. Premranjan Kumar, Ob Osahon, David B. Vides, Nicola Hanania, Charles G. Minard, Rajagopal V. Sekhar. Severe Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress and Oxidant Damage in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Implications for GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation. Antioxidants, 2021; 11 (1): 50 DOI: 3390/antiox11010050
16. ClinicalTrials.gov. Vitamin C Infusion for the Treatment of Severe 2019-nCoV Infected Pneumonia. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04264533.

我們明白——靜脈點滴聽起來頗為嚴肅。但實際上這是全球最安全、最廣泛應用的治療方式之一。每日有數百萬人透過靜脈點滴改善健康狀態。我們認為這是一種兼具科學實證與多元效用的身體滋養方式。

靜脈注射療法的背景

若您聯想到白色病房與匆忙護士扎針的場景，這並不意外。靜脈點滴技術最早於1883年英國霍亂疫情期間發表，其歷史悠久程度超乎想像。此後因其卓越的適用性、個人化程度與操作便利性，徹底改變醫療保健領域。

新冠肺炎疫苗接種率正急速上升，但不少人仍對免疫力變化及感染風險存有疑問。本文綜合多家權威衛生機構資訊，解析新冠肺炎「突破性感染」與免疫機制。

COVID-19疫苗如何運作？[1]¹

所有新冠肺炎疫苗均透過引發對病毒特定成分的免疫反應來發揮作用。當接觸新冠病毒時，免疫細胞能迅速識別並發動攻擊。需特別注意，疫苗無法完全阻止病毒接觸人體。

不同疫苗技術路徑的差異：

• mRNA疫苗（復必泰/莫德納）：含有病毒遺傳物質，能指導細胞製造無害的病毒蛋白，完成任務後遺傳物質會自然分解
• Protein subunit vaccines (vaccines under development) 蛋白質次單位疫苗（研發中）：含有新冠病毒的無害蛋白片段
• 病毒載體疫苗（強生）：以改造過的病毒攜帶新冠病毒物質，指導細胞製造特定蛋白後，遺傳物質會自然分解

國際婦女節快樂！謹此向所有堅強而美麗的女性致意。今日我們不僅慶祝女性身份，更表彰全球女性在文化、政治和社會經濟領域的卓越成就。女性特質既蘊含力量又包容脆弱，既需要勇氣亦懂得奉獻。

當代女性常需同時肩負多重角色——企業領袖、母親、女兒與妻子。難怪許多女性步入四五十歲後，因長期照顧他人而忽略自身健康，陷入精力耗竭的困境。值此婦女節，特別梳理五大女性健康問題及對應營養策略：

代謝與體重管理

四十歲後女性常面臨代謝減緩，導致體重增加、胰島素阻抗、膽固醇與血壓升高等問題。建議檢測關鍵代謝指標：胰島素、血糖、血脂與甲狀腺功能。飲食需控制糖分與碳水化合物，多攝取彩色蔬果中的植物營養素與抗氧化劑，從油脂豐富魚類獲取Omega-3，並透過橄欖油、堅果補充單元不飽和脂肪。有氧運動助於燃燒脂肪；保健營養品可選：調控血糖的黃連素、管理膽固醇的植物固醇與Omega-3、穩定血壓的鎂與硝酸鹽，維護心臟健康的白藜蘆醇與輔酶Q10。

女性荷爾蒙失衡

四十歲起女性將面臨荷爾蒙下降徵兆：夜醒頻繁、水腫與腹部肥胖。近五十歲圍絕經期時，經期變短且不規律。此時潮熱現象開始出現，當進入雌激素銳減的更年期，症狀可能加劇影響睡眠。建議透過飲食與營養補充延緩荷爾蒙衰退：多攝取彩色蔬果中的多酚類、堅果中的單元不飽和脂肪、魚油中的Omega-3抗發炎；有機大豆的植物雌激素能緩解雌激素下降症狀；月見草油、薑黃素與Omega-3有助對抗炎症反應。

甲狀腺功能異常

近年越來越多年輕女性確診橋本氏甲狀腺炎（自體免疫性甲狀腺疾病）。甲狀腺功能低下症狀包括：體重增加、脫髮、畏寒與經期紊亂。常規檢查若僅檢測游離甲狀腺素（FT4）或促甲狀腺激素（TSH）可能顯示正常，但完整甲狀腺檢測會顯示抗體偏高。此時需處理腸漏症、重金屬毒性或食物敏感問題。壓力導致的皮質醇變化也會影響甲狀腺功能，建議採取高抗氧化飲食，缺碘者補充碘質。減壓運動與適應原草本（如南非醉茄與紅景天）有助維持皮質醇平衡；巴西堅果中的硒則能控制甲狀腺抗體。

調整生育能力

隨著職場成就提升，女性生育年齡逐漸推遲。然而卵子質量隨年齡下降，加上工作壓力、環境毒素與荷爾蒙失衡，使受孕難度增加。

除了均衡飲食，建議補充抗氧化劑與健康脂肪：攝取彩色蔬果中的植物營養素，酪梨、堅果中的單元不飽和脂肪。

若遇生育困難，應檢測荷爾蒙水平、甲狀腺功能、子宮內膜異位與多囊卵巢綜合症。

提升卵子質量的抗氧化營養品包括：N-乙酰半胱氨酸、維他命C與E、穀胱甘肽及槲皮素。

預防乳腺癌

近年乳腺癌發病率持續上升，平均每八位女性就有一生可能確診。雖好發於50歲後，但各年齡層皆可能罹患。早期發現預後良好，建議定期自我檢查與臨床篩檢，尤其有家族史與基因傾向者。

肥胖女性風險較高，環境中的有機污染物與外源性雌激素也會增加風險。預防建議：採用高抗氧化飲食對抗細胞氧化損傷；選擇有機無激素肉類避免外源性激素；避免塑料容器，改用玻璃或無BPA材質。促進雌激素代謝可多攝取高纖維十字花科蔬菜，補充西蘭花苗萃取物或DIM（二吲哚甲烷）。

在慶祝女性成就的同時，讓我們暫停忙碌腳步，重新審視自身健康。唯有保持最佳身體狀態，我們才能更好地照顧家庭，在事業領域再創高峰。

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in general or for any specific condition and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No doctor-patient relationship is established as a result of the provision of this information and disclaims any obligation, responsibility or liability of whatever nature for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising from or in respect of this content.

Dr See Yunn Ho 

Dr Ho See Yunn is a Physician with more than 15 years experience. She is board certified in both Singapore and Hong Kong and received her specialization in Family Medicine from Singapore. She also received her Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Nutritional Medicine and Peptide certification from the American Academy of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Ho is trained and certified under Dr. Walsh’s advanced nutrient therapy protocols that use personalized nutrient treatment strategies to treat patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Miles Price

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Clinical Nutritionist

M.Sc Nutritional Therapy, Post-Grad Diploma Functional Medicine Institute of functional medicine & functional medicine University

Miles Price

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Clinical Nutritionist

M.Sc Nutritional Therapy, Post-Grad Diploma Functional Medicine Institute of functional medicine & functional medicine University

Elena Kisel

Registered Counsellor & Clinical Hypnotherapist

Masters in Professional Counselling, Advanced Certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy and
Behavioural Change (BSCH, HKPCA)

There are multiple roles that a woman has to juggle – mother, wife, career woman. There is also the social stress of having to look good and maintain a slim figure. It is not surprising that when a woman reaches her 40s-50s, she will be suffering from burn-out, and to make matters worse, she is having to suffer from declining hormones causing hot flushes, poor sleep, and mood swings.

In celebration of International Women’s Day in March, I would like to salute all the wonderful women out there and also share my top 5 nutritional supplements that would keep a woman functioning optimally – to maintain an optimal immune system, an optimal hormone balance and to look good both inside and out.

維他命D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin but also a hormone by itself. Dietary sources come from fatty fishes, fish oils, eggs and dairy products. It can also be obtained from sun exposure but often times when we are indoors we lack Vitamin D absorption from the sun.

It is important for maintaining a healthy immune system, and is also important for building healthy bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. Studies have also show vitamin D in women to be protective against breast cancer.

The recommended dosage for adult women is 4000-6000 i.u daily depending on weight and health.

Broccoli Sprout Extract

A number of studies have shown that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower can be beneficial to your health. Researchers have isolated a key component of broccoli called sulforaphane, which may have many protective properties, including stimulating enzymes in the body.

Sulforaphanes enhances the liver’s detoxification capacity, helps fight oxidative stress and provides antioxidant support. For the women, sulforaphanes provide an important pathway for detoxification of estrogen in the liver as overaccumulation of estrogen in the body can also lead to problems like breast and ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis etc.

膠原蛋白

Who doesn’t want better skin? Collagen is the answer to maintaining tight and firm skin, especially pertinent when we reach the age of 40s-50s with declining hormones causing the skin to lose its elasticity and to sag.

In addition, collagen helps maintain healthy joint function by maintaining the integrity of your cartilage, which protects your joints. It is also an important nutrient for maintaining good bone density as bones are made up of collagen.

穀胱甘肽

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells. It’s comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Glutathione is depleted when the liver has lots of oxidative stress from poor diet and nutrition or alcohol drinking which can lead to problems like fatty liver disease. It can also decline with age. Improving glutathione levels helps our body fight against oxidative stress and also enhances our liver’s ability to detoxify toxins from our environment.

Probiotics

Many women suffer from gut issues like frequent bloating and constipation often from stress or poor diet and lack of water intake. Maintaining a healthy gut is important for our immune system, keeps our mood and brain in balance, and proper bowel movements is important to help excrete estrogen from our body. Take a good probiotic to maintain good bowel flora and maintain a healthy immune system in the gut.

So here you have it, these are the top 5 nutritional supplements I would like to share with all the wonderful women out there to help maintain optimal health from 5 areas: boosting your immunity, keeping hormone balance, enhancing detoxification, maintain a healthy gut and good skin health.

References:

Berman B, et al. Polypodium leucotomos – An overview of basic investigative findings. J Drugs Dermatol 2016; 15: 224-8.

Boyera, N., Galey, I. & Bernard, B. A. Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 20, 151–158

Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16. PMID: 30681787.

Dermatolog Treat. 2012 Apr;23(2):97-102. Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Handog, E.B., Galang, D.A.V.F., De Leon‐Godinez, M.A. and Chan, G.P. (2009), A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of oral procyanidin with vitamins A, C, E for melasma among Filipino women. International Journal of Dermatology, 48: 896-901. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04130.x

Hunt, A. H. The role of vitamin C in wound healing. BJS 28, 436–461

Kohli I, et al. The impact of oral Polypodium leucotomos extract on ultraviolet B response: A human clinical study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77: 33-41.

Murbach TS, et al. A comprehensive toxicological safety assessment of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos.(Fernblock). Food Chem Toxical 2015; 86: 328-41.

Parrado C, et al. Fernblock (Polypodium leucotomos extract): Molecular mechanisms and pleiotropic effects in light-related skin conditions, photoaging and skin cancers, a review. Int J Mol Sci 2016 Jun: 17(7), pii: E1026. doi: 10.3390/ijms17071026.

Zague, V. A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate intake on skin properties. Arch. Dermatol. Res. 300, 479–483 (2008).

Zedan H, Abdel-Motaleb AA, Kassem NM, Hafeez HA, Hussein MR (Mar 2015). “Low glutathione peroxidase activity levels in patients with vitiligo”. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 19 (2): 144–8. doi:10.2310/7750.2014.14076.

Dr See Yunn Ho 

Dr Ho See Yunn is a Physician with more than 15 years experience. She is board certified in both Singapore and Hong Kong and received her specialization in Family Medicine from Singapore. She also received her Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Nutritional Medicine and Peptide certification from the American Academy of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Ho is trained and certified under Dr. Walsh’s advanced nutrient therapy protocols that use personalized nutrient treatment strategies to treat patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.