Pharmacist advises – Anxiety, stress, mood disorders, depression, and other mental health issues
Whenever possible, it’s worth seeking advice from specialists in the field. We spoke with Bianca Maria Heido, who worked for nine years in the UK as a pharmacist (independent prescriber). We asked what recommendations she gives to people who want to find the best possible solutions for mental health-related issues.
When problems start causing discomfort, people tend to look for solutions only once the issue becomes sufficiently disruptive. When someone comes to you for professional advice, as a specialist in psychiatry and mental health, do you recommend buying a tincture, or do you offer other guidance?
First, it should be noted that mental health problems are very common today, and the risk and worsening of many other health issues are linked to mental health disorders. Since my mentor in London was a highly respected psychiatrist, I specialized in psychiatry and mental health. In my view, it is extremely important that the person themselves, their relatives, or even colleagues are able to notice potential problems and encourage people to address them.
Before moving on to specific recommendations, it is still necessary to discuss how modern medicine should ideally work.
What do you mean by that? Doctors and specialists do their daily work, yet all we hear are patients complaining about long queues and the shortage of specialists. Please clarify!
The human being is a whole, and problem-solving should be holistic as well. Most of us are probably used to going to a doctor, getting a prescription, buying the medicine at the pharmacy, and following the prescribed treatment – this likely describes the cycle a patient goes through. In light of current knowledge, addressing problems could be much more versatile.
I constantly keep up with global medical trends, and even now there are surprisingly many opportunities for much more comprehensive, effective, and often safer approaches. Even more surprising may be the fact that our own Estonian scientists are world-leading and have done a lot to ensure that people can access the best possible holistic solutions for their problems.
Very interesting, please tell me more!
I really appreciate the approach of my University of Tartu lecturer, Professor Mihkel Zilmer. His knowledge of human metabolic processes is extremely thorough, and in his recent public presentations, he has introduced a new term – “systematic treatment.” Undoubtedly, Professor Zilmer is the most qualified person to explain this in detail himself, but paraphrasing him: for a diagnosed patient, systematic treatment (systemic medicine) consists of three components – the medicinal treatment, scientifically guided diet that supports the therapy, and appropriate top-quality supplements for the problem. If any of these three components is missing, the approach to the problem is, unfortunately, non-systematic.
As I mentioned earlier, since for many people visiting a doctor usually ends with taking a prescribed medication, we have identified the nature of the issue – two aspects often remain unaddressed. It is also important to note that in the case of milder disorders, a person may not receive any diagnosis, which means that it is precisely the supplements classified as top-quality that should be used to take advantage of modern possibilities to maintain and improve quality of life.
Top-quality supplements – what are they and what are they used for?
First of all, these are not medicines. In recent years, several very strong international scientific companies have developed patented and award-winning innovative technologies that enable the creation of the latest supplements. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies have demonstrated targeted effects on certain health problems. That is why these are considered top-quality supplements.
The number of these supplements will never be large, because everything must be scientifically proven – correct ingredient content, quality, necessary dosage, completed clinical trials, registered patents, international awards. All these important aspects fundamentally distinguish top-quality supplements from the vast majority of other dietary supplements. This knowledge is crucial because currently they still fall under the general category of “dietary supplements.” Therefore, to differentiate them clearly from others, the term “science-based top supplements” is sometimes used.
Returning to the beginning: as a professional in my field, I have always been searching for the best solutions, and these searches have been very time-consuming because advice is sought for a wide range of problems. I also always want to give my best for myself and my loved ones. To my great surprise, a very good portfolio of world-class supplements exists today, and the supporting concept was created in Estonia!
Out of a desire to educate people and give back to society with knowledge, Professor Mihkel Zilmer helped create the innovative, unique, science-based concept/brand Premio. Premio was born from the desire to enable people to access world-class science-based supplements (the latest top supplements), purchase them conveniently and safely, and help popularize the part of top-level science that develops and studies these high-end products. The products are distributed via an online platform where detailed information about each supplement is available to anyone interested – comprehensive information is provided for both specialists and laypeople. Therefore, those who seek, will find. It became immediately clear to me that the Premio team has accomplished a large-scale, high-quality international-level work, and any product in their portfolio is currently at the absolute top globally.
Specifically for mental health, this portfolio includes several excellent science-based products, and I would like to highlight two:
PREMIO RE-LAXATION – a new outstanding top supplement designed for relaxation from stress caused by continuous pressure and to support a healthier sleep pattern. It contains patented and standardized lemon balm extract, which, thanks to the innovative patented Phytosome™ liposomal technology, provides the supplement with sufficient stability of active ingredients, very high bioavailability, and well-targeted efficacy.
PREMIO Magtein – also a world-class product, sometimes called the “brain magnesium,” because compared to other magnesium supplements, it efficiently delivers magnesium to the brain (crosses the blood-brain barrier very effectively), with high bioavailability. Magtein effectively increases magnesium concentration in neurons: improving short- and long-term memory and learning ability (overall cognitive performance), as well as mood, reducing depressive symptoms.
When talking about supplements, you mentioned the word “technology” several times. In pharmacies and advertisements, the term “liposomal” is often used. So what exactly does this mean?
Arbitrary use of this word seriously misleads consumers. The scientific basis, reliability, and actual output of liposomal technology can be easily verified by anyone: the product (and its packaging, with a link on the website) must carry a patented trademark supported by award-winning and published scientific publications, proving that the liposome creation technology is scientifically reliable. This is because the resulting particles have undergone top-level technological assessments (correct size, surface charge, etc.), which have been published.
In the Premio portfolio, such trademarks exist: LipiSperse®, Phytosome™, PlexoZome®, AquaCelle®, CPO®. Without this precise, verifiable scientific information, the terms “liposomal” or “liposome-based” are merely marketing slogans without scientific backing, and one should not spend money based solely on seeing or hearing these words.
Can using these top-quality supplements completely replace medications?
Definitely not. These are not medicines. However, it is important for people to know that by exploring the Premio website in detail, they can find information about which issues may benefit from precise use of a top-quality supplement – helping reduce risks and discomfort, and maintain or improve quality of life. When used exactly as recommended, these supplements do not interfere with the action of medications. Simply put: they enable more consistent and better systemic support.
Is there anything else you would like to emphasize to people?
I recommend avoiding the use of random dietary supplements primarily promoted by influencers. If you read the above carefully, it should be clear why this is unwise – in addition to being a waste of money. For matters that truly affect your health, it is worth trusting top-level specialists who continually update their knowledge and maintain excellent standards.
Also, rely on informative, educational, and supportive sources such as premiostore.eu. For every supplement there, you will always find high-quality scientific evidence, clinical studies, internationally published research, and all other essential, reliable science-based information. I am convinced that the Premio concept was created precisely to provide comprehensive support for people, including protection against unfounded marketing claims that try to exploit consumers around the clock.
