Methodone is a synthetic opioid drug. Methadone can cause dry mouth though decreased saliva (xerostomia). Good dental hygiene is extremely important when taking methadone for the following reasons. The syrup, which delivers the dose, contains sugar and the saliva which, assists in combating bacteria on the teeth and gums, is decreased, giving a greater susceptibility to developing serious tooth decay. See the following link for more information and tips on good dental hygiene:

Foods to nourish & repair the connective tissues

• The connective tissues that stabilise the body’s musculo-skeletal system include the tendons, ligaments and the cartilage. Bone is also a type of connective tissue.
• The substances crucial to healthy connective tissue are silicon (found in all plant fibre), calcium and its co-factors, including magnesium, and chlorophyll foods.
• Foods which inhibit calcium uptake are rhubarb, plums, cranberries, beet greens, spinach and chard, as they contain oxalic acid, which binds calcium.
• Foods of the Solanum genus, such as tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and potatoes, contain solanine, which inhibits calcium.
• The above foods should be taken sparingly, if at all, when trying to regenerate or repair connective tissues.
• Excessive intake of protein, such as meat, will also inhibit calcium, as will coffee, soft drinks, diuretics, refined sugars or sugary foods, and excessive salt consumption.
• Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other intoxicants are inhibitors.
• Adequate exposure to sunshine will ensure a healthy supply of Vitamin D. Couple it with regular, moderate exercise (wear sunscreen & a hat!).

• The simplest way to ensure intake of adequate silicon is by consuming whole grains. That is, wholemeal breads, multi-grain breads and crisp-breads/corn cakes, sprouted grain breads, and rolled grains (oats, barley, rye…). About 90% of the silicon of a grain is contained in its bran, which is normally milled in the refining process. The entire silicon component is lost in the refining process of sugar. Billingtons make a great unrefined organic sugar (to be used in moderation).

• Foods highest in silicon: lettuce (especially Boston & Bib), cucumber (with peel), parsnip, celery, carrot, brown rice, oats, millet, buckwheat (not for high blood pressure), strawberries, apricots (if dried, seek organic sulphur-free, dandelion greens.

• Lettuce and celery are useful to balance out the calcium-inhibiting tendencies of sweet foods. They can be consumed before or after the sweets to lessen the shock on the body.
• Other vegetables and fruit are also healthful. Be sure to consume whole foods, as opposed to juices, as the fibre and mineral contents remain intact.
• Legumes, including beans, peas, lentils, and split peas are also rich sources which should be soaked in water for about 12 hours, or more. This water should then be discarded, and the legumes cooked in fresh water. This process neutralises their Phytic acid, which will otherwise bind to vital minerals, including calcium, magnesium and zinc.
• The most useful dairy foods are organic/biodynamic fermented products, such as yoghurt, cottage cheese or buttermilk. Goats and sheep’s milk products are much easier to digest. As fat and particular enzymes are necessary for efficient calcium absorption, low-fat dairy products are inadequate sources of calcium.
• Organically grown alfalfa contains ample enzymes for protein and carbohydrate assimilation. It also contains protein, calcium, magnesium, silicon, carotene, iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, zinc, cobalt, Vitamins K & P and plenty of chlorophyll.