Everyday Health Protection

Probiotic Multivitamins Minerals
We are what we eat, yet the body needs a healthy digestive system to extract nutrients from food, break them into absorbable portions and eliminate whatever that cannot be digested.
Good regular bowel movement indicates that your digestive health is working well. Conversely, when your digestive system is malfunctioning, you will experience symptoms such as:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Belching
  • Bloatedness
  • Heartburn
  • Chronic bowel irritation
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gassiness
  • Insomnia
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rumbling noises
  • Skin disorders
  • Sugar cravings
Poor digestion interferes with nutrient breakdown, absorption and metabolism, while poor nutrient absorption spills into low energy levels and lowered productivity as well as quality of life. It can be hard to stay active, fit and strong enough for the stresses of daily life when your body lacks energy.
Gastrointestinal experts even warn that prolonged nutrition deficiency can lead to premature aging, arthritis, poor skin and hair, allergies, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and many other diseases.
Maintaining a healthy intestinal flora with good bacteria will help improve digestive health and enhance absorption of nutrients. This will allow the body to heal itself naturally, eventually reducing the risk of disease and the need for medications.
Read more:
What are probiotics?
Recommended products: Bion® 3
What are probiotics?
Did you know that the human body is the living host of bacteria? We literally carry around 1 kg of bacteria with us at any one time! The bacteria in our bodies help to break down the food we eat and enhance absorption of many nutrients.
The use of friendly bacteria was first studied by the scientist Ellie Metchnikoff, who wrote a thesis on ‘Prolongation Of Life’ in the late part of 1800s. He noticed that the Bulgarians lived to the ripe old age beyond a hundred and found that their diets consisted mostly of sour milk with lactic acid bacteria in them.
Initially he called the bacteria the Bulgarian bacillus, later renaming it Bacillus bulgaricus. In recent years, the lactic acid bacteria has come to be known as ‘probiotics’, meaning ‘for life’ (as opposed to antibiotic, which means to kill bacteria).
Today, probiotics are known tocontribute to good intestinal function, aid digestion and help to regulate the immune system. In this way they help to maintain overall good health.
Unfortunately, our 21st century lifestyle puts us at risk of damaging our intestine’s friendly bacteria. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive use of antibiotics are all potential factors that may contribute to decreasing the friendly bacteria in the body.
When that happens, the bad bacteria that co-exist with the good bacteria in the guts will leap into action to colonise the good bacteria. When these bad bacteria multiply, they may create a toxic situation that disrupts the body’s normal functioning. This results in a multitude of diseases such as gastrointestinal and immune disorders.
Many healthcare professionals now recognise the importance of supplementing our diet with probiotics so as to keep the bad bacteria in check and restore a healthy balance in the gut. 
Bion® 3
Usage:
 • Alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance. 
 • Prevent and shorten antibiotic-associated diarrhea and acute diarrhea. 
 • Relieve symptoms of ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ [IBS]. 
 • Strengthen the human gut defense mechanism. 
 • Shorten duration of common cold symptoms by 20% and reduces severity of symptoms. 
 • Reduce recurrent infections of vaginal thrush.
Pack Size
30’s & 90’s
  

Content (per tablet)

Vitamin A

800µg

Vitamin E

10mg

Vitamin C

60mg

Vitamin B1

1.4mg

Vitamin B2

1.6mg

Vitamin B6

2mg

Vitamin B12

1µg

Vitamin D

5µg

Biotin

150µg

Folic Acid

200µg

Niacin

18mg

Pantothenic Acid

6mg

Calcium

90mg

Phosphor

38mg

Iron

5mg

Magnesium

45mg

Iodine

100µg

Potassium

5mg

Chloride

4.5mg

Manganese

1.2mg

Chromium

25µg

Molybdenum

25µg

Selenium

30µg

Zinc

5mg

Lactobacillus gasseri

8 x 106

Bifidobacterium bifidum

1 x 106

Bifidobacterium longum

1 x 106

Dosage
Adults & Children above 12:
• 1 tablet daily, preferably taken on empty stomach in the morning or before bedtime.
Available at all leading pharmacies and clinics. For more information, please consult a pharmacist or physician.
References:
  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
  2. http://www.nutristrategy.com/index.htm
  3. American Dietetic Association
  4. Medline Plus
  5. US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. Mayo Clinic
  7. University of Maryland Medical Center
  8. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
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Bion®3

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Antioxidant
Everybody loves a freebie…but free radicals are an exception!
Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during metabolism, inflammation and normal metabolic functions. They also happen in the body as a result of environmental effects such as air and water pollution, sunlight, X-rays and lifestyle habits such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Free radicals are highly unstable, as they contain excessive energy that move around freely and destroy healthy body cells, including enzymes, proteins, fats, DNA molecules, cell membranes and structures. They also alter the way cells code genetic material.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, are substances or chemical compounds that bind to free radicals and neutralise them.
When the number of free radicals exceeds that of antioxidants, oxidative stress will happen in the body. Oxidative stress has been linked to the ageing process as well as the development of various chronic diseases ranging from cancer to arthritis to heart disease.
To reduce the risk of developing health problems associated with free radical damage, we must reduce our exposure to free radicals and increase the intake of antioxidants. Minimising your exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke and the sun will reduce free radical levels in the body.
Food sources with antioxidant substances include dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, grain products, fruits with bright colour such as orange, mango, tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit, guava, purple and blue berry. Having a varied range of dietary nutrients will boost our bodies’ antioxidant levels and reduce the negative effects of free radicals.
If you lack fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, consider supplementing with an antioxidant supplement. The need for dietary supplementation increases as we age, as our bodies produce less antioxidants with age.
Read more..
Vitamin C – the Crucial Antioxidant
The History Of Vitamin C
Recommended products: Cebion 
Vitamin C- The Crucial Antioxidant
Vitamin C is one of the most popular antioxidants and vitamin supplement known to man, and for a good reason.
Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body and is a vital substance in the formation of collagen, an important protein that helps in the production of skin, tissues, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. We need Vitamin C for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Our body does not manufacture Vitamin C on its own. It also does not store Vitamin C.  Therefore, it is important to include foods with plenty of Vitamin C in your daily diet.
Citrus fruits are particularly rich sources of Vitamin C but other fruits including cantaloupe, honeydew melon, cherry, kiwi, mango, papaya, strawberry, watermelon and tomatoes also contain variable amounts of Vitamin C.
Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bean sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, red and green peppers, peas, tomatoes, and potatoes are also important sources of vitamin C.
Some of the health benefits of Vitamin C include:
Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin C is believed to prevent coughs and colds as they strengthen the immune system. People with sufficient Vitamin C are also known to recover faster when they have an infection. At higher amounts, Vitamin C may decrease the production of histamine, thereby reducing allergies.
Anti-ageing properties
Elderly people who have been taking Vitamin C supplements find themselves healthier and better looking. It is no secret that Vitamin C is good for the skin, even as you age!
Keeps bones and joints healthy
Women who have been supplementing with Vitamin C during their younger days will find that they have higher bone density after menopause. This lowers risks of osteoporosis and age-related arthritis.
Keeps the heart healthy
Vitamin C reduces oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) especially after exercise. Supplementation may provide protection against plaque instability in advanced atherosclerosis and prevent heart disease.
Improves vision
Vitamin C improves eye-associated degeneration including macular pigment optical density, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Long-term consumption of vitamin C supplements may substantially reduce the development of age-related lens opacities.
For general health
Long-term stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets and environments all increase oxidative stress, leading to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. Vitamin C normalises oxidisation levels in the body and keeps us healthier generally.
Although the US RDA of Vitamin C is 60 mg daily, experts recommend a daily intake of between 200-500 mg especially for city-dwellers with hectic lifestyles and unhealthy environments.
The History Of Vitamin C
The history of Vitamin C is well known. It all started with 18th century sailors who often spent many months at sea without fruits or vegetables. Many sailors developed painful symptoms of bleeding and swollen gums, poor wound healing and easy bruising, in a condition known as scurvy.
In 1593, Sir Richard Hawkins noted that the condition lessened considerably when sailors ate citrus fruits, but it was not until the mid 1700's that James Lind, a surgeon with the British Royal Navy experimented with a controlled group of sailors by giving them extra doses of lemon.
The group on lemon had reduced incidences of scurvy, resulting in lemon being made a mandatory part of the diet for the British Royal Navy.
In 1928, Hungarian biochemist and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Syent-Gyorgijc isolated and identified Vitamin C as the nutrient in lemon that was responsible for the prevention of scurvy. He called it "ascorbic acid," which literally means "no scurvy." By the 1970s, large doses of Vitamin C had become treatment option for cases of viral infections, particularly polio, colds and flu.
Today, Vitamin C is the most widely consumed vitamin supplement worldwide.
General Product Information...
Composition:
Each tablet contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 1000mg.
Administration Instructions:
Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water. Close tube tightly with cap after use.
Benefits:
  • Boosts immune system against common colds and flu
  • Available in 2 great flavors of orange and tropical
  • Convenient effervescent tablets
Available at all leading pharmacies and clinics. For more information, please consult a pharmacist or doctor.
References:
  • American Dietetic Association
  • Medline Plus
  • US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Mayo Clinic
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Cebion

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Coronary Heart Disease And You
The most hardworking organ in your body is your heart. A healthy heart pumps 100,000 times a day, providing blood circulation throughout the body, oxygenating blood for use in the body system and providing nutrient-rich blood into the circulatory system.
As we age, our heart or cardiovascular system becomes weakened because of the excess cholesterol around the vascular walls. The modern unhealthy lifestyle, with excessive food intake yet reduced physical activity increases cholesterol build-up in the body. Blood vessels become clogged and heavy, preventing good blood circulation to the heart.
Daily exposure to harmful elements around us, such as smoke, chemicals, radiation and pollution, increases free radical production and damages body cells faster then before. Many people are getting cardiovascular problems at a younger age.
Cardiovascular disease or coronary artery disease causes approximately 1.5 million heart attacks each year, and one-third of those who had heart attacks result in death. Last year alone, 648,597 Malaysians suffered from heart diseases.
Since heart disease is often undetected until it strikes, it is important to recognise the factors that put you at risk. Apart from unalterable risk factors like age and family history, there are other avoidable risk factors like smoking, stress, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Read more..
Are you at risk?
Have a healthy heart!
What are Omega-3 fatty acids?
Recommended products:
Are you at risk?
There are many studies to show that heart disease is largely a lifestyle disease. These are the risk factors that determine whether you’re headed for a heart attack: 
  1. Do you have abdominal obesity? This will double your chances of getting a heart attack. 
  2. Do you drink alcohol excessively? Modest amounts of alcohol can reduce heart attack risks, but too much alcohol can promote heart disease. 
  3. Do you have high cholesterol levels? This can increase your heart attack risk by four times. 
  4. Do you have diabetes? This increases your risk of heart attacks, especially for women. 
  5. Do you have low intake of fruits and vegetables?  Reduce your risks by 30% to 40% by increasing fruits and greens consumption. 
  6. Do you lack exercise? Moderate exercise reduces heart attack risk by 23% in men and by 46% in women. 
  7. Do you have high blood pressure? You are three times more at risk of getting a heart attack then someone with normal blood pressure. 
  8. Are you highly stressed at work or home? It can triple your risk of a heart attack. 
  9. Do you smoke? Smoking doubles or triples one's risk of heart attack.
Have a healthy heart!
You have only one heart so it’s important to take care of it! Having a healthy lifestyle is the best way towards prevention of heart disease. Here are some tips:
Watch your weight– Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index by exercising at least three times a week.
Have a heart-healthy diet- Increase intake of fruits and vegetables, oats and fish, while cutting down on salt and sugar. Choose foods that are grilled, steamed or boiled over deep-fried or butter-fried foods.
Stop smoking- Smoking is one of the major causes of heart disease.
Minimise alcohol intake- Alcohol is high in cholesterol, which can accumulate in your arteries and cause heart disease.
Reduce stress levels- Stress leads to high blood pressure and release bad hormones known as cortisol, which change the way blood clots in the arteries. Prolonged stress can increase risks of heart diseases. Exercise is a good way to release stress.
Increase consumption of fish- Cold water fish such as tuna, sardine and salmon contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids with essential fatty acids EPA and DHA that are good for the heart.
What are Omega 3 fatty acids?
It started more than 20 years ago when early Arctic explorers visited Greenland. By observing the Eskimos, they noted that despite the Eskimos’ high consumption of fat and cholesterol yet low vegetable intake, the Eskimos had very good health.
Surprised scientists and physicians started research on the traditional diet of Eskimos, which consists exclusively of marine mammals and fish that are very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids belong to a group of polyunsaturated fats called 'essential fatty acids' because they are necessary to life and health, yet are not produced in the body. As such, essential fatty acids needs to be obtained from the diet.
Omega-3 acids are found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, marine plankton and fatty fish. The main component of flaxseed and walnut oils is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) while the predominant fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The most beneficial and active of these fatty acids are EPA and DHA. ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, but the conversion is quite inefficient especially in older people.
Omega-3 fatty acids that are present in substantial amounts in fish oils have been proven to have several heart-healthy properties such as:
Reduces blood clot formation- acts as a natural anticoagulant by altering the ability of platelets in your blood to clump together
Inhibits the growth of plaque- keeps the lining of the arteries smooth and clear to prevent thickening and hardening of the arteries
Decreases triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- High triglyceride values and VLDL cholesterol are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the rate at which these two substances are produced in the liver
May increase levels of the good cholesterol, HDL– By lowering triglyceride levels, omega-3 fatty acid intake may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. HDL is believed to protect against the development of heart disease
Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent- The development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is thought to involve your body's inflammatory response. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of substances that are released during the inflammatory response and in doing so, prevents substances from accumulating and sticking to the lining of the arteries
May lower blood pressure- Those who eat fish tend to have lower incidence of high blood pressure
References:  
  1. American Heart Association
  2. www.webmd.com
  3. University of Maryland Medical Center
  4. www.ehow.com
  5. www.preventdisease.com
  6. www.thestar.com.my
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Pulse

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Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Women go through various milestones in their lives- birth, puberty, pre-marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, menopause and post menopause. Each of these milestones brings about a different set of physical and emotional changes.
From infancy to adolescence, a girl’s growth rate is slow and steady. Once a girl reaches puberty, there will be a sudden growth spurt. It can be so dramatic that young ladies sometimes feel they no longer know who they are. Their minds and bodies seem to be in a constant turmoil, as the ovaries starts to secrete the hormone estrogen.
Estrogen is responsible for the physical characteristics of a woman — the growth of fine body hair, the contour of the hips, the growth of the breasts and the development of the reproductive organs. While testosterone encourages bone growth in men, estrogen tends to retard bone growth in the woman. This is why women are generally not as tall as men.
Every baby girl has about 400,000 immature eggs in her ovaries even before she is born. The beginning of menstruation symbolises the physical maturity of a girl, and that she is now a woman. One egg is released at intervals of about four weeks and the interval may vary from one person to another person.
The ovaries do not replace the released eggs; in her lifetime, she will release about 400 mature eggs, some of which will be fertilised and develop into babies.
During adolescence, many young girls will experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) just before their menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms include lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression, pimple outbreaks, food cravings, headaches, fluid retention, abdominal bloating and breast tenderness.
Severity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe in different people. Whether mild or severe, PMS affects young girls both physically and emotionally and can interrupt their quality of life.
Although the exact causes of PMS are not fully understood, scientists have found that PMS is mainly due to a hormonal imbalance in the body prior to a menstrual cycle. Some research shows that women with high levels of blood estrogen than progesterone are more inclined towards PMS symptoms.
Read more..
Managing Premenstrual Syndrome
RecommendedProducts:
Seven Seas Evening Primrose and Starflower Oil
Managing Premenstrual Syndrome
As PMS is associated with hormonal changes, taking steps to normalise hormonal levels will help reduce PMS symptoms. Here are some tips:
1) Avoid alcohol and cigarettes as they may increases the severity of PMS symptoms
2) Reduce consumption of caffeinated beverages and food, as caffeine can increase irritability and anxiety. This includes soft drinks, coffee and tea.
3) You will experience water retention before your menses starts, which explains why you may weigh slightly more during that period. Minimize salt intake, as it encourages water retention and makes you feel more bloated.
4) Exercise more, as it can release endorphins, the feel good hormone. Endorphins keep you feeling positive and cheerful, thus diminishing PMS symptoms.
5) Eating healthily and regularly can make a difference to some people. It is also believed that keeping your blood sugar at a steady level can ease PMS symptoms.
6) Take more foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, as Omega-3 deficiency has also been linked to PMS.
7) Supplements such as like Primrose oil, borage oil and flaxseed oil are believed to help alleviate PMS symptoms, as they contain Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. GLA has been shown to promote female hormonal balance and may support a wide range of bodily functions, including providing moisture for dry mucus membranes.
8) Consider supplementing with vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin C and vitamin B. Iron is especially recommended for people with heavy menstrual flow, whereas vitamin B alleviates severe PMS.
References:  
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EPO

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Memory and Concentration
One of the most frightening aspects about growing old is the possibility of losing one’s memory. Having good memory not only gives a person history and identity but also helps in day to day activities. For instance, imagine how miserable you will be if you are constantly forgetting your keys, tools, clothes, even your own name or what you want to do next!
Having good memory is also important for learning and cognitive abilities. This is why learning is best done when one is young, when our memory faculties are at its prime.
Aging begins when we are in our twenties- the brain cells slowly become depleted a bit at a time. The body also naturally starts to produce less of the chemicals the brain cells need to work.
The older we get, the more the brain cell changes will affect memory. With age, the brain stores less and less new information. It gets increasingly difficult to recall stored information without the help of physical triggers such as photographs or favourite sounds, smells and sights.
One of the most extensively researched herbs for memory is ginkgo biloba, which is renowned as one of the oldest plant form in the world. Studies show that ginkgo biloba also helps in concentration and cognitive abilities.
Read More..
Like any part of your body, your memory needs exercise! The more you work it, the sharper and stronger it becomes. Studies have proven that people who spend a lot of time thinking, planning and working their brain matter are less at risk of developing memory problems or age-related brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are some tips to sharpen your memory skills:
Challenge your brain! - Use your memory well by embracing novelty! Learn new skills all the time to stimulate the growth of your brain neural circuits. For instance, if you are a programmer, learn to paint. If you are a designer, learn a foreign language or carpentry.
Focus- The trick in remembering something is to pay attention and concentrate. Prioritize, so that you can focus on what is top of the list first.
Associate facts to images- Learn mnemonic techniques, which are specific strategies to increase memory using blocks, alphabetic codes, numbers, phonetic sounds, groups or lists.
Visualize images- See figures or images with the "eyes of your mind".
Drink more water- Sufficient hydration is crucial to maintain the memory systems, especially in older persons. Lack of hydration has an immediate and deep effect on memory.
Have enough sleep- To have good memory, enough sleep and rest is essential. When we are asleep, the brain disconnects from the senses and is able to revise and store memory.
Avoid alcohol- Alcohol interferes with short-term memory and the ability to retain new information. That is the reason for lowered productivity at work when you are having a hangover!
Stop smoking- Smoking lowers the amount of oxygen arriving in the brain. This affects memory and cognitive function.
Nourish your brain– Various health supplements have been known to be beneficial for memory and concentration, such as cod liver oil, ginkgo biloba, lecithin and antioxidants.
Cod liver oil is a rich source of docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), which is an important component  for the healthy development of the brain in the new born child and children.
Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body's network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organs. Enhanced circulation in the brain result in improved short and long-term memory; increased reaction time; and improved mental clarity.
Lecithin provides choline, the precursor for nerve transmitter synthesis, as well as improve acetylcholine production (which declines with aging), leading to improved memory and other neurological functions. 
Ginkgo Biloba- a living fossil  
Ginkgo seeds have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), whereas the leaves have been studied by western scientists for the same amount of time. Whether East or West, there’s no denying that Ginkgo has immense health benefits.
The Ginkgo biloba tree, also known as Maidenhair tree, is the world’s oldest living tree species.  The sole living member of a once great and dominant race of the vegetation of the world, the Ginkgo is, among all the tens of thousands of plant species existing today, a most precious and tenuous link between the present and the remote past.
It may be the oldest living seed plant and is therefore seen by some to be one of the wonders of the world. Individual trees may live longer than 3,000 years.   
Medicinal values
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.  Ginkgo has become one of the most researched and widely used herb in Europe and around the world.  Ginkgo biloba works in with two groups of active substances, Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside and Terpene Lactones.
Apart from being good for enhancing memory and improving blood circulation, ginkgo biloba has been found to be effective against various conditions associated with aging, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease. 
Several clinical studies in Australia show that one’s intelligence quotient (IQ) can be raised from 110 to 125 after taking ginkgo biloba. Research done at the Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, shows that it can increase the rate of information transmission at the nerve cells, thus improving memory, concentration, alertness, intellectual efficiency and lucidity.
Other benefits include:
  • Improving memory and mental alertness
  • Improving flexibility of red blood cells
  • Helping to prevent cardiovascular disease
  • Fighting diseases with antioxidant properties
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Improving sight especially for those with macular degeneration, an oxidation-related disorder
  • Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Precautions
Although Ginkgo is generally safe for consumption and side effects are rare, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches, skin reactions and dizziness.
As ginkgo decreases platelet stickiness, avoid taking Ginkgo with warfarin or aspirin since it will increase bleeding risks. If you are going for a surgery, inform your doctor and stop taking Gingko to minimize the possibility of bleeding complications. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers are not encouraged to take Ginkgo supplements.
Ginkgo is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and dried leaves for tea.
References:  
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Ginko

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