ALAYO Natural Health Services

15/10/2025

Misinformation About Dairy Milk in Health: A Natural Medicine Perspective.

We were deceived by Big Pharma to believe dairy milk is good for all. It was said to give us calcium and boost our blood. It was even claimed to cure ulcers. But today, those claims have been challenged and largely disproven, revealing a need to reconsider dairy’s role in health.For lovers of natural medicine, it is important to recognize that calcium and other vital nutrients are abundantly available in many plant-based foods such as ugu leaves, sesame seeds, and almonds. The lifelong consumption of milk, especially from another species, is uniquely human and not universally beneficial. Milk can sometimes worsen inflammatory conditions and digestive issues, which makes its use with healing herbs problematic. For example, traditional remedies like ugu juice or stout paired with milk as a blood tonic are common, but milk’s addition often turns out to be unnecessary or even counterproductive.Thankfully, there are excellent non-dairy alternatives that align harmoniously with natural healing principles. Tiger nut milk, avocado milk, and coconut milk offer nutrient-rich, lacto-free options that support health without the risks associated with dairy. These plant-based milks provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that can safely accompany herbal therapies. Tiger nut milk, popular in Nigeria, is especially valued for its natural sweetness and digestive benefits, while coconut milk adds richness and essential fatty acids. Avocado milk is creamy and nourishing, making it an ideal base for blood tonics and ulcer remedies involving herbs.Natural medicine urges us to listen to our bodies and choose foods that support individual health rather than accept one-size-fits-all claims. Dairy milk’s widespread promotion ignores the diversity of human digestion and the complexity of herbal efficacy. The adage “you are what you eat” reminds us why dietary choices matter profoundly. In embracing dairy alternatives and plant-based nutrition, we honor both traditional wisdom and physiological diversity.For those using herbs like ugu, bitter leaf, or other Nigerian plants for blood building or ulcer treatment, experimenting with tiger nut, coconut, or avocado milk can enhance benefits without the downsides of dairy. This approach supports healing that is natural, effective, and respectful of the body’s unique needs.Choose wisely, heal gently, and nourish naturally.

Courtesy:
Alayo Health & Wellness Center
Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Address:
#1.
98/100 Ibadan road, Adatan-Carwash
#2.
Alayo Villa. Kipe, Idi-ori.
Off Ileshe-awo.
Phone: 08034170747

A registered Alternative and Complementary outpatient facility,with nature cure services and herbal medicine products.
At Alayo, we work with nature to nurture you to good health.

21/09/2025

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

If you have diabetes, you may notice sensations in your feet, hands, or legs that feel different. Burning, tingling, and numbness are common and often come from nerve changes called diabetic neuropathy. This handout explains what these symptoms mean, why they happen, and what you can do.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

- Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can occur when blood sugar has been high for a long time.
- It most often affects nerves in the feet and hands in a “stocking-glove” pattern.
- It can affect other nerves too, but feet and hands are the most common.

Burning sensation

- What it feels like: A hot, burning, or scalding feeling in the feet or toes.
- Why it happens: Damaged nerves can become overactive and misfire pain signals.
- When it’s worse: Often at night or with heat or touch.
- What helps:
- Keep blood sugar well controlled
- Wear comfortable shoes; avoid tight socks
- Cool area with cooling creams or cool water (short-term use; check with your clinician)
- Talk with your provider about medicines for neuropathic pain if needed

Tingling sensation

- What it feels like: Pins-and-needles or a “creepy-crawly” feeling.
- Why it happens: Nerve irritation sends irregular signals to the brain.
- When it’s worse: Can occur at rest or after activity; may come and go.
- What helps:
- Keep feet and hands clean and dry
- Gentle stretching or supervised exercise
- Discuss pain-relief options with your clinician if bothersome

Numbness

- What it feels like: A feeling of numbness or a “dead” sensation in the toes, feet, or hands.
- Why it happens: More advanced nerve damage reduces sensory input.
- Why this matters: Numb areas can’t feel injuries easily, increasing risk of ulcers or infections, especially on the feet.
- What helps:
- Check feet daily for cuts, redness, or blisters
- Wear well-fitting shoes and socks
- Protect feet from extreme temperatures and injuries
- See a clinician promptly if numbness is persistent

How the symptoms are related

- They often occur together as part of a spectrum of nerve involvement.
- Early on, tingling or burning may appear; numbness may come later as nerves are more damaged.
- You may have more than one symptom at the same time.

How to manage and protect your nerves

- Control blood sugar: Work with your healthcare team to keep glucose close to target.
- Foot care is essential:
- Inspect your feet daily; use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed
- Wash with warm (not hot) water, dry well, and moisturize (avoid between toes)
- Trim nails straight across; don’t cut nails too short
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes; avoid walking barefoot
- Pain management options (talk with your clinician):
- Medications commonly used for neuropathic pain (e.g., certain antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs)
- Topical treatments in some cases
- Non-drug approaches like physical therapy, walking, and strength training
- Lifestyle choices:
- Maintain a healthy weight, balanced meals, and limit alcohol
- Stop smoking if you smoke
- Stay active with activities you enjoy
- When to seek urgent care:
- Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or facial droop (possible stroke)
- Severe foot pain with swelling, redness, or warmth (possible infection)
- Rapidly worsening numbness or a new concerning symptom

Quick tips:

- Check shoes for objects that could irritate your feet.
- Keep toenails tidy; avoid pressure points.
- Note when symptoms are worse (time of day, activities) to share with your clinician.
- Bring a list of current medications to appointments, as some can affect nerves.

Brief FAQ

Q: Are these symptoms reversible?
A: Controlling blood sugar and addressing risk factors can slow progression for many people. Some symptoms may improve, but others can persist as nerve damage advances.

Q: Do I need medications for pain right away?
A: Not everyone needs medication. If pain is bothersome, your clinician can discuss options and tailor a plan.

Q: Can I prevent neuropathy?
A: The best prevention is keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol well controlled, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying active.

Q: When should I call or see a clinician?
A: If numbness or weakness appears suddenly, if you have fever with foot redness or swelling, or if you notice a new, worsening foot wound.

Q: Should I avoid alcohol or certain vitamins?
A: Alcohol can worsen neuropathy. Some vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B12) can contribute. Check with your clinician before taking supplements.

Courtesy:
Alayo Health And Wellness Center
08034170747

26/08/2025

MEN'S CORNER

Andropause..

Andropause is a real, aging-related transition that many men experience as testosterone levels gradually decline. It isn’t a single moment, but a cascade of changes that can affect energy, mood, weight, sleep, and s*x drive. Understanding what’s happening—and what you can do about it—empowers you to take constructive steps rather than simply accepting a slow slide into discomfort.

When testosterone levels plummet

Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, typically after the 30s or 40s. Some men notice symptoms earlier, others much later. A drop in testosterone can influence:

- Energy and motivation: You might feel less drive to tackle daily tasks.
- Muscle mass and fat distribution: Lean tissue decreases while abdominal fat can increase.
- Mood and cognitive clarity: Irritability, difficulty concentrating, or mood fluctuations may surface.
- Libido and s*xual function: Interest and performance can wane.

If you’re noticing persistent changes, consider discussing with a healthcare professional who can assess hormone levels, overall health, and whether testing or treatment is appropriate for you.

When lethargy sets in

Chronic fatigue is a common companion of aging and hormonal shifts, but it’s not inevitable. Practical steps to combat lethargy include:

- Prioritize sleep quality: Aim for consistent sleep schedules, a dark, cool room, and a wind-down routine.
-Move with purpose: Short bouts of activity (even 10–15 minutes) several times a day can boost energy.
- Nourish your body: Balanced meals with adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats stabilize energy.
- Hydration timing: Hydration supports energy.
- Medical check-in: Rule out sleep disorders, thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or other treatable causes.

When the pot belly gets distinct

Changes in body composition are common as testosterone falls. Increased visceral fat around the midsection can accompany reduced muscle mass. Tackling this involves:

- Strength training: Protects or rebuilds lean mass and raises metabolic rate.
- Aerobic activity: Brisk walks, cycling, or swimming help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
- Protein-focused nutrition: Sufficient protein supports muscle while dietary adjustments can reduce excess fat around the abdomen.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can influence fat distribution via cortisol; mindful practices can help.

When libido wanes

A dip in s*xual desire can be frustrating and affect relationships. Consider:

- Open communication: Talk with your partner about needs, expectations, and intimacy goals.
- Healthy lifestyle basics: Sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition underpin s*xual health.
- Medical evaluation: Low testosterone, medications, or chronic conditions can contribute; a clinician can help identify causes.
- Mental and emotional health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can suppress libido; counseling or therapy may be beneficial.

When 6 hours of sleep per night is no longer promised

Chronic sleep restriction magnifies fatigue, mood shifts, and metabolic changes. Strategies to reclaim better rest:

- Set a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable.
- Limit screens before bed and avoid heavy meals late at night.
- Rituals that signal wind-down: gentle stretching, reading, or a warm bath.
- If sleep troubles persist: Seek evaluation for sleep apnea or other disorders.

Then it is time for action

When these patterns emerge, taking deliberate action can restore balance. Start with manageable steps and build from there.

Move your body more

- Incorporate resistance training 2–3 times weekly to preserve muscle mass.
- Add daily movement: take stairs, short walks after meals, or a 15-minute routine.
- Mix cardio with strength work for comprehensive benefits.
- Set measurable goals: steps-per-day, weekly workouts, or a new activity to enjoy.

Reduce on the beer

- Moderation or substitution: Limit alcoholic drinks, or replace with low-calorie alternatives on certain days.
- Understand impact: Alcohol can disrupt sleep quality and contribute to weight gain and mood fluctuations.
- Mindful drinking plan: If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and with meals to minimize impact.

Befriend supplements

- Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, or omega-3s can support overall health in some people, but they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
- Creatine and whey protein can aid in preserving muscle when paired with resistance training.
- Consult a physician before starting new supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
- Quality matters: Choose reputable brands with third-party testing.

Stop being too hard on yourself

- Acknowledge aging as a gradual process rather than a failing performance.
- Practice self-compassion: Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and forgive setbacks.
- Progress over perfection: Small, consistent improvements compound over time.

Age is gradually telling on you

- Aging is a natural process; the aim isn’t to reverse it entirely but to optimize function and well-being.
- Embrace a balanced routine that supports energy, health, and relationships.

Accept it, while doing your best

- Acceptance can reduce resistance and promote proactive health steps.
- Pair acceptance with action: regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, consistent exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition.
- Build a support system: friends, family, or professionals who encourage sustainable habits

Remember, andropause is a phase—not a verdict. With intentional actions, you can maintain vitality, improve quality of life, and navigate this life stage with confidence.

Take a proactive step!
Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is considered a veritable natural means of boosting testosterone, especially in men facing infertility issues. Studies have shown that treatment with velvet bean significantly improves testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone, and other related hormones in infertile men. It also enhances s***m count and motility. The key active compound in velvet bean is L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, which influences hormonal balance and may contribute to increased testosterone levels.

Research indicates that while the effect on testosterone in fertile men is not very clear, velvet bean substantially boosts testosterone and reproductive hormones in infertile or sub-fertile males. Additionally, it may reduce stress and cortisol levels, which can positively impact testosterone production and male fertility.

Overall, velvet bean supports male reproductive health by increasing testosterone, improving s***m parameters, and potentially enhancing libido and s*xual function.

Velvet beans is available as supplement in capsule form @ Alayo Health and Wellness Center
Call : 08034170747

04/06/2025

Which Is More Bitter: King of Bitters or Abere Seed?

From personal experience, both King of Bitters and Abere Seed live up to their reputations but in different ways.

King of Bitters has a sharp, intense bitterness that fully activates all the bitter-sensitive areas of the tongue. It hits hard the moment it touches your tongue but fades relatively quickly. The initial impact is strong, but it doesn’t linger for too long.

Abere Seed, on the other hand, offers a more complex bitterness. It not only stimulates the bitter taste buds but seems to engage the sour-sensitive areas as well. The bitterness hits hard—just like King of Bitters—but unlike it, the taste lingers stubbornly. It stays on your tongue, often making you want to scrape it off. That lingering bitterness is what sets it apart.

Bitter Leaf falls somewhere in between. Its bitterness is noticeable and persistent but not as sharp as King of Bitters nor as lingering as Abere Seed. In my experience, Bitter Kola shares a similar bitterness level with Bitter Leaf—distinct but not overwhelming.

Now, imagine combining these four potent botanicals—King of Bitters, Abere Seed, Bitter Leaf, and Bitter Kola—into one powerful herbal formulation:
Nature’s Cure Bitters Capsule.

This herbal blend could be nature’s answer to some of the most stubborn ailments. From supporting liver health to reversing diabetic status, fighting hepatitis, and even showing promise in the treatment of cancer—bitter plants hold remarkable healing potential.

Yes, Nature truly put healing essence in bitter herbs. 🌿