Dr. Kevin Passero
Lead Medical Director
Dr. Passero completed four years of post-graduate medical education in Portland, Oregon at one of only four accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in the country. His Naturopathic training consisted of classroom study equivalent to conventional medical school and included extensive exposure to patients under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. While there, Dr. Passero trained and preceptored with some of the nations leading doctors in the field of natural medicine. (To learn more about an accredited Naturopathic Education, you may visit http://www.naturopathic.org/viewbulletin.php?id=19)
Dr. Passero continues his post-graduate training through ongoing participation in continuing education and preceptor-ship with other experts in the field of natural medicine. In addition to private practice, Dr. Passero works with leading manufacturers of natural health products and as a Naturopathic Consultant for businesses interested in bringing natural health to the public in a responsible manner. This work keeps him abreast of the latest medical research regarding natural medicine.
In his practice, Dr. Passero focuses on restoring harmony to both the body and mind with a specific emphasis on hormonal regulation and endocrinology. Through education and guidance patients are able to unlock the natural healing power contained within each one of us.
He is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is an active member of the National Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Back to View all Questions
I’m diagnosed having Congestive Heart Failure. I’m taking
40mg lasix. I’m told to take potassium once a day. How much potassium should I
take and are there any other natural...
The minimum dose of potassium is usually 99mg but I would
check with your prescribing doctor for specific recommendations about potassium
supplementation. Most people taking a
loop diuretic like Lasix should take some type of potassium supplement or
increase potassium rich foods in their diet.
Tomato and vegetable...
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I’ve purchased your Focus Formula for my daughter 6 and
believe it really helps her. During my neuro studies I learned more about the
critical learning period and how the body...
Lisa,
I am not sure the information you have is entirety
correct. Let's review some information about acetylcoholine and its role
in memory and learning from a Neuro textbook.
"Acetylcholine enhances the activity of various cortical neurons, causing
suppression of membrane potassium currents and thereby causing depolarization
and suppression of...
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I'm 215 pounds as of today feb 21 2009. i exercise 4 to 5 times a week. I weighed between 185 and 190 in 2006 before i suddenly began gaining weight unexpectedly. i never before watched what i ate...
You may want to try consulting with an endocrinologist. This is the type of doctor that would diagnose a problem with your hormonal system. I think it would be worth while to rule out any type of thyroid problem because these are the most reasons why people will experience changes in their metabolism.
At such a young age I would not anticipate you having such difficulty...
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I feel I am dealing with depression, but would FIRST like to
see if I can alleviate it with natural OTC supplements. I just don’t like to be
on prescription medication. Ever since I had kids 3 yrs...
Thank you so much for this question. It is a situation I see over and over
again.
So many people, particularly
women are feeling like something is wrong with their health but they don’t know
what it is.
They feel tired, run down,
irritable, angry, depressed and anxious in addition to unwanted changes in
their body like weight...
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Hello there Doctor,
After I run out of my current supplements I am going to be interested in ordering certain items from your site however I first have a question about Vitamin Poisoning.
I...
It is true that certain vitamins can be harmful for you if taken in excessive amounts. This is particularly true for the fat soluable vitamins (A, D, E and K). This is due the fact that they will build up in the fat tissue and potentially to toxic amounts if consumed in too great of quantities. One must be careful with dosing particularly with vitamin A and vitamin D as these...
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Dr.
I have read on another herbal website that you should not take una de gato if you have an autoimmune disorder. But I have also read that it is good for inflammation and intestinal problems so...
Una de Gato, also commonly known as Cat's Claw, is a plant
that grows predominantly in the rain forests of South and Central
America. In the past 10 years it has become very popular as
an herbal therapy for many different health conditions. Some of its most
notable properties are related to its potent anti-inflammatory...
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I am considering purchasing the liquid focus formula for my daughter age 10, but I dont know if I need to quit giving her other supplements. Right now, she takes a multivite, Omega3 caps, and a...
Thank you for your question. Although some of
the ingredients in the focus formula may be redundant to other supplements you
are giving her, particularly the multivitamin, there is no nutrient that poses
any significant danger of overdose. The group of vitamins most likely to
overlap is the B-vitamins. All B-vitamin are water soluble and...
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I read in a book that Llysine 500mg is needed to make ferritin, an ironstoring protein that maximizes hair growth. I bought Llysine at a GNC store but it does not say anything about hair growth. Is...
If L-lysine has a role in the production of ferritin I am
unaware of it, however a limited amount of clinical data does suggest that
L-lysine does enhance the absorption of both iron and zinc. One European
company is citing a study that showed L-lysine was able to reduce several types
of hair loss in both men and women and even applied for a patent on a...
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I read that a supplement called Invisible Veins will get rid of varicose veins. It has a natural ingredient call DiosVein. Is this true? Is there something to take that will get rid of varicose...
Be careful about products that claim they can do things it
seem they couldn’t. My experience is
that most cases of moderate to severe varicose veins are not easily reversed with
natural or herbal therapy. There are
some herbs and nutrients which can be supportive to the venous tissue but they
would most likely...
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Hi,
I have what I have been told is NASH, non alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Do you think that Acai Berry will benefit or help?
Thanks,
Kari
The correct term for NASH is Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis.
This can lead to cirrhosis which is a serious condition involving damage and
scarring of the liver that can eventually impair liver function significantly.
Most cases of NASH are related to a process that involves fat tissue invading
the liver. The same damage to...
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My hair and nails have never grown fast...will Biotin help?
Most important is to try to understand why your nails and
hair have never grown well in the first place. Making sure you are
getting proper nutrition and that you are digesting your food properly is very important.
Without these components in place your body will not have the building blocks
necessary to make strong collagen.
It is also...
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I am currently taking the liquid Fish Oil. However, I'm having trouble digesting it. I've tried taking it with food and without food. Any suggestions. I usually take it in the morning with...
This can be a common problem with fish
oil. I usually suggest that people take it after their largest meal which
is usually dinner. Personally, I have found this to make a huge
difference. Also, make sure you keep it refrigerated.
If this still does not work for you I would suggest switching to the capsule
form. You can either look for an enteric coated softgel...
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I have sciatic nerve problems and have tried everything from shots, physical therapy and have been to many doctors and still have had no relief. I now take only Advil and try to get on with my day. ...
Have you tried acupuncture or chiropractic? Both can
be very helpful and both have been scientifically validated to help with
certain cases of back pain. Most insurance plans will now cover part or
all of treatments as well.
Contact
several local practitioners and see if you can find someone who seems right for
you.
...
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What, if any, are the adverse effects of taking cod liver oil gels for a senior patient with diabetes?
Thank you.
Cod Liver Oil ranks among some of the safest nutritional
supplements primarily because it is essentially a food. In a normal diet of moderate seafood intake
people are exposed to doses of omega 3 fatty acids like those found in cod
liver oil supplements.
These essential fatty...
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Whats is a good herbal product for joint stiffness and pain?
There are many great natural and herbal products that can
help to reduce joint stiffness and pain. Many of them work in the exact
same way as prescription medications but without the unwanted side
effects.
There are certain enzymes in your body that convert substances into very
powerful chemical called cytokines and ...
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I noticed that the last possible side
effect of Milk Thistle is anaphylactic. I am an RN who has had
anaphylactic reactions to the tetanus
toxoid, and to iodine based dyes.
I truly want to...
I would not consider you to be high risk for an anaphylactic
reaction to milk thistle based on your previous anaphylactic tendencies.
First off, the tetanus toxid is designed to stimulate an immune reaction which
makes it more likely to have caused an over stimulation of the immune
system. The Iodine based dyes contain many other chemicals that are...
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MY BODY SEEMS TO BE VERY ACID WHAT CAN I TAKE TO BECOME MORE ALKILINE?
Generally it is understood that an alkaline environment in
the body is more conducive to overall health. An acid environment is more
closely correlated to chronic conditions such as inflammation and cancer.
First you must evaluate your acid/alkaline balance by
measuring the pH of...
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Im taking blood sugar formula. Is it safe to take a day before undergoing colonoscopy?
Thank you
The biggest concern with taking supplements prior to any
invasive procedure is the risk of inhibiting the clotting potential of the
blood therefore increasing the risk of severe bleeding. Certain
supplements and herbs are much more likely to cause this (Fish oil, vitamin E, Ginkgo, CoQ10) but because so little
is known about how natural medicines affect the...
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I hear Glucosamine is great for joints. How much do you take and are there any side effects?
Glucosamine can be a wonderful joint support
supplement. There is some research claiming that it does not work but try
telling that to the millions of people who swear by it. My opinion is
that each person has the potential to respond differently to it, just like all
people have the potential to respond differently to medications. You will
never...
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I just discovered that my daughters boyfriend is injecting testosterone. He is a body builder and obviously does this so he will get bigger. He is. He is huge and looks great, however, I am very...
This is a very serious situation as hormones can be very dangerous when used inappropriately like in the case of your daughter's boyfriend.
Testosterone therapy to aid in muscle building is known to cause a variety of dangerous health issues. In addition, they are associated with an unstable...
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Does the natural supplement of Curcumin react with prescription meds like Coumadin, Prednisone, or Plaquenil?
Curcumin, also known as Turmeric, does have some potential interactions with the above listed medications. Of particular concern is the Coumadin which is a potent blood thinner. This medication has a very narrow therapeutic window which means that it can be very difficult to get the dose just right (too much can cause significant bleeding issues and too little might not be protective). No...
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Can I take your product with bitter mellon when I am taking a prescription medicine Amaryl 1mg per day or do I need to just take your product and get off the script? I know my Dr. will tell me to...
Bitter melon extracts are thought to work in a very similar
way as Amaryl (glimepiride). Both are thought to have mechanisms of
action that stimulate the beta-cells of the pancreas as well as increase
cellular sensitivity to insulin.
When introducing a natural product to address a health condition you are
already taking a prescription medication for...
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Does biotin interact with birth control pills?
Currently there is no data to suggest that biotin supplementation
negatively interacts with Oral Birth Control Pills. Most of the research
actually suggests the opposite. Certain B-vitamins are known to be depleted
by long term use of birth control pills and it is often suggested that women
supplement with these nutrients to avoid potentially...
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Will your diabetic pill product work for an insulin dependent type 1 diabetic?
A person with type I diabetes will always need to be on
insulin therapy. No natural supplement or medication will change
that. However, it is possible, with the proper use of natural
supplements, diet and exercise to modify how a type 1 diabetic uses insulin.
Some of the ingredients found in the Blood Sugar Support product are thought to...
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Is it safe to take a daily dose of 5000 mcg of Biotin for the sole purpose of improving the quality of hair and nails?
Although this dose is way above the RDA for biotin it is a
common and often effective recommendation for the support of hair and nail
growth. No significant toxicity has been documented in the oral use of
biotin even in doses much higher than 5mg. It is rapidly metabolized and
excreted in the urine.
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I have been on a weight loss and exercise program for approximately 6 weeks. I have followed the program, and have not cheated. I walk every day. Yet, I have not lost any weight. Could there be a...
First of all, I understand your frustration. I have
had many frustrated people come to office after being disappointed about the
results of weight loss program, even when the followed it to the
"T". The reason is that for most people weight loss is not always
as simple as eating and exercising. There are many different issues to
consider. The...
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Dear Doctor,
In a few weeks,I am going to start treatment for Hepatitis C. Here in the UK they are about to begin trials using Antioxidants in a 3 month...
The idea of using antioxidants prior to the administration
of potentially toxic medications to reduce potentially damaging side effects
represents a very nice example of synergy between conventional and natural
medicine. The additionally possibility of antioxidant's ability to reduce
viral load is also an exciting possibility. A significant amount...
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Do you need to refrigerate Vitacomplete liquid multi vitamin supplement after opening the bottle? Thanks Brian
Hi Brian, yes you should definitely refrigerate the product after opening it.
Thanks for being a Vitabase customer.
Regards,
Greg (for Dr. Passero)
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Hello. About a month and half ago i started taking daily Energy multi vitamin with loads of extra vitamin Bs. I have stopped taking them and now having multiple symptoms that resemble a panic attack....
First I would want you to make sure that there was nothing else in that supplement that could have contributed to anxiety-like symptoms such as caffeine. Guanara is an herb that has a high caffeine content and is often included in energy supplements. Caffeine in high enough doses can cause the symptoms you are experiencing as can caffeine withdrawal.
I have never had...
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My blood pressure seems to be getting worse today: 180/110
Your elevated blood pressure readings are of great concern. Having a diastolic reading above 100 is very dangerous and puts you at risk for a variety of serious health problems some of which can come on very suddenly.
At this point, I highly recommend you see a health care provider immediately to have your situation assessed due to the uncontrolled nature of the your...
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How long can you take bromelain for arthritis?
Currently, there is no information regarding any negative long term effects of taking bromelain. As you may know, bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme naturally derived from the pineapple plant. Due it is natural origin and gentle mechanism of action there are no foreseeable problems regarding long term use particularly if you are finding it helpful in managing your...
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I would like to stop taking High Blood Pressure drugs and Allegra for allergies. Could you suggest something that is more of a natural product for these two things? I don't like the side effects of...
There are several different natural strategies for lowering blood pressure. One strategy is to use herbs and nutrients that promote vasodilation (the process by which the artery relaxes and widens). A relaxed arterial wall has more give and is wider, therefore decreasing overall pressure throughout the system.
Coleus Forskohlii is an herb that has been shown to promote...
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I either have an missing gene or the gene that carries cholesterol problems and was wondering what natural way I could reduce it because my medication give me horrible side effects. Thank you!
Some people do have genetic variations that lead to very elevated levels of cholesterol. Unfortunately this can create some problems when trying to ensure that a persons most valuable asset, their heart, is well protected.
First, it is very important to look at your family history and find any other relatives that have the same genetic predisposition and assess their...
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DOES CARDIO SUPPORT HELP WITH PATIENTS THAT HAVE A CHOLESTEROL READING OF 360?
The short answer is yes. Many of the ingredients in the Cardio Support formula would be helpful for someone with elevated cholesterol. Coenzyme Q10, Hawthorne extract, Green Tea extract, Grape seed extract and Citrus bioflavonoids all have potent antioxidant properties that can potentially reduce the chances of the cholesterol oxidizing in your blood vessels. Oxidation of...
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IF YOUR TAKING 40 MEQ PER DAY WHAT IS THE DOSAGE IF OVER THE COUNTER IS 99 MG?
MEQ's or milliequivalents are a measure of a substance that incorporates the valance charge of that substance (Ca++, K+,Cl-) in addition to the molecular weight of the substance. There are equations that you can use to make this conversion if you know the valance charge of the substance and its atomic weight in moles. The proper conversion equation...
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Help, I have H Pylori. What is it? What are the symptoms? I have a lot of bloating. Is this normal? Also, I feel terrible every time I eat. Not stomach pains, but my stomach is like distended, and my...
H pylori is a bacterial infection of the stomach that was discovered to be the major cause of ulcers and gastritis. Symptoms of H pylori infection fall under the category of Dyspepsia. These symptoms can be characterized/described as indigestion, gaseousness, fullness, or gnawing or burning pain localized to the upper abdomen or chest. Early satiety, abdominal...
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ARE THERE ANY HERBAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE IN LIQUID OR OTHERWISE FOR FEVER AND EAR INFECTION IN CHILDREN?
Natural remedies work wonderfully in children. They are invaluable for parents who want to manage common childhood illness from a more natural point of view.
Selecting an herb for a childhood illness is much the same as for an adult illness of the same kind. For example, colds and flu's are treated similarly in child and adults in regards to the types of herbs used....
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I am a relatively healthy eater. I exercise quiet frequently 4+x a week and I'm at an OK weight. I've always had trouble losing that last 510 pounds and keeping it off. I tend to get really...
Many people tend to have this problem. The important
thing is to keep up the healthy eating and exercise and not to get
discouraged. Once you find the right equation for your body those last
pounds should come off and stay off.
For starters, make sure you are doing a healthy mix of both cardio training and
strength training. Building...
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I started taking Wild Yam pills for various reasons. I have heard this can make your breast size increase is this true? My mother uses wild yam cream and she says her breast size never changed but...
Wild Yam can be helpful for balancing certain issues related
to female hormones. It is thought to do this by gently stimulating
certain receptors on cells that are related to hormones like estrogen and
progesterone. Although this herb can have gentle hormonal like action on
the cells it is not likely strong enough to influence cellular activity enough
to...
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I’ve been taking Silver Biotics for almost a week and just received
my order from vitabase of Acidophilus,& Suprema dophilus. I would like to
know if they will have any...
First understand that the Silver Biotics formula is a colloidal
silver supplement that acts as an antimicrobial agent.
The Acidophilus and Suprema dopilius are probiotics that aid
in establishing a healthy microflora in the gut. Probiotics are very safe and rarely...
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I have a 15 yr old son who has been diagnosed with ADD. His doctor prescribed meds for him 4 yrs ago and within that same year I stopped him from taking them.
I would like to go with natural herbs,...
The Focus Formula is a great place to start to provide key
nutrients to support improved focus and concentration. The B vitamin family is very important as are
the blend of phospholipids such as Phosphatidyl choline and Phosphatidyl
serine. These are vital to lipid
membranes of the brain and neurological...
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I have heard that fenugreek can increase your production of breast milk is this true? If not is there anything I could take to increase my supply?
It is true that many women report that fenugreek can help improve breast milk production. Fennel is another herb widely thought to increase breast milk production. The reality of the situation is that other very important hormonal process in your body need to take place to ensure adequate milk supply. In addition the feeding behaviors of your baby are also a...
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Hi there. Ive recently started taking some evening primrose oil pills to help with a skin condition. I was just wondering, is there any chance these could be reacting with my PCOS pill...
I do not foresee any potential interactions between the
Evening Primrose Oil and your Metformin. There is nothing in the
literature to suggest that this is a possibility. In fact, Evening
Primrose Oil is something I commonly prescribe for women with PCOS. It is
known to naturally help improve the balance between progesterone and
estrogen. An...
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Is fish oil bad for the liver?
The only instance in which fish oil would be harmful to the
liver is if the fish oil is of very poor quality. In this case it is
possible that it has not been processed properly to remove heavy metals and
other toxic chemical accumulated in the fish from the pollution in our ocean's
and water ways. These chemicals can place excess strain on...
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My mum has a problem of talking to herself.
Whenever she is resting, or sitting idle she starts to talk to herself...The things which she talks alone are events and past talks and conversations...
This is probably an issue that you should bring up with a
mental health professional or with your mom's primary care doctor.
Depending on her age she may be experiencing some early signs of dementia or senility.
A proper evaluation from a qualified health provider is the first step in
figuring out what might be contributing this behavior.
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I am having problems with enlarged prostate. Will SAME have
any side effects that would affect my prostate? I am presently taking SAME and
my prostate is starting to act...
There are no known side effects of SAMe that would be related
to worsening of prostate symptoms that I have heard of. However, each person’s body is unique and has
the potential to generate different presentations of symptoms based on its
individual chemistry. For example, SAMe
can support certain detoxification...
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I am a female who is almost 38 years old with 3 children ranging from 2 to 17. I am mentally exhausted all the time which also drains me physically. I know with a 2year old I should be tired but I...
Dear Tina,
The situation you are describing is something that I hear
numerous times in my practice everyday.
Many women are in a situation where they are put under very high demands
with the responsibilities of raising the family. Overtime, between the stress and...
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Hi, I'm in the twenty second week of pregnancy, and suffer from terrible tension headaches. I have been prescribed by my doctor paracodal tablets which don't seem to be having any effect. Could you...
Dear Jodi,
Due to the fact that you are pregnant, the list of herbal
supplements that are safe for you to use is very limited. However, there
are some items that may be able to help. In addition, even though
the following list of supplements is thought to be safe during pregnancy I
highly recommend you discuss them with your OBGYN before you start taking them
to make...
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In the hope of having a baby I take prenatal vitamins daily. Could this cause excessive urination?
Most prenatal vitamins contain ingredients similar to a
regular multivitamin with the addition of some extra folic acid, iron and
possibly DHA. There are no ingredients in a standard prenatal that I would
expect to cause excessive urination.
However, urinary frequency can be increased even in early pregnancy so make
sure you are not pregnant...
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I was reading about using Butchers Broom for circulation and its prevention of blood clots. I recently had a blood clot and am no longer on medication, but looking for something to help my...
Blood clots are a very serious condition and can happen for
a variety of different reasons. If your doctor has put you on medication
for blood clots it is absolutely imperative that you remain on that medication
unless otherwise directed by that physician.
Butcher's broom is a valuable herb for the circulatory system but is not the
first thing...
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Dr. Passero, I have chronic constipation and have tried
prescription meds and some supplements from the health food stores like,senna,
aloe vera, magnesium, triphala with...
One of the most important issues related to constipation
that frequently gets missed is thyroid function. Low thyroid function will cause constipation
in certain individuals and to varying degrees.
Make sure you get a detailed thyroid panel that includes the TSH, Free
T3 and Free T4 levels. ...
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Dear Doctor
I am a 48 year old female with normal thyroid levels and no indication of menopause yet. I have absolutely no sex drive. Ive been like this for about 5 years. The only factor I can...
One of the most common side effects of antidepressant and
anti anxiety medications is loss of libido.
Although it sounds like you have decreased the amount of mediation you
are taking, even small doses can affect sexual desire.
It is also important to consider other factors...
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Hello Dr. Passero. I'm a 53 yr old F, diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder in Jan. 02. I believe Ive been bipolar since I was a teen... Id been treated for depression since then, but I didn't know to tell...
Dear Joyce,
There are some very important things to consider when supporting your moods using natural strategies.
...
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I am interested in taking the Liquid VitaComplete, but am concerned about unfavorable interaction with the prescription drugs that I take daily: Tenormin for heart palpitations and Lexapro. Would...
Currently, there are no known interactions between either of
those medications and the ingredients in the VitaComplete Liquid. Most
doctors do suggest that people take a daily multi-vitamin to make up for nutrients
we do not get in our diet due to poor food choices and modern farming methods
that deplete the soil our food is grown in.
...
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Hello Dr.Passero, about 15-30 minutes after eating I have gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Mainly when I eat chicken, cheese, milk, tea, cokes. I thought I may have IBS or Lactose Intolerance but I am...
It is very possible
that your digestive discomfort could be related to IBS. This is just the
name for any scenario in which the bowel becomes irritated. It can be
related to stress or offending foods. You may want to try using a
digestive enzyme. This will help your body to break down food
better. Sometimes...
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Hello Dr. Passero, My mother had two surgeries and had her thyroid taken out. She takes thyroid medication, she is 71 and seems to have some short term memory issues. Is this...
When someone first has their removed it may take a while to accurately adjust the dose of thyroid medication. Part of the reason she may not be feeling well could be due to the possibility that her dose of thyroid medication is not yet dialed in. The best way to monitor this is to run three very specific thyroid tests. ...
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A girlfriend recommended clove oil for my teething three month old. She said to apply it directly to her gums. It this safe? Should I dilute the oil? How much and how often?
Clove oil does contain natural compounds that can reduce
pain when applied topically. It has a long history of use in dental care primarily
for relieving the pain associated with toothaches. However, it is very
important that the clove essential oil be prepared properly or else it can
create many more problems than it will help.
Straight...
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I have an underactive thyroid and have been taking pills for
9 years. I take a multi women’s multiple vitamin and Omega 3 1000mg once a day.
I was wondering what other...
A multiple vitamin and a good quality omega 3 should be part
of everybody’s supplement routine. If
you are looking for things specifically for your thyroid I would suggest
looking to kelp capsules/tablets. Kelp
naturally contains iodine, which is very supportive to thyroid function. ...
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My wife has a concern she may be duplicating too much b complex in her supplements is there any danger?
Taking anything is too high of a dose can be
dangerous. B6 can have potential nerve toxicity when taken in high enough
doses (500mg/day and over although some recommendations suggest toxicity levels
are as high as 2000mg/day and over). Generally speaking, it is common to
see a B-complex supplement that can contain up to 100mg of B6 per dose.
One...
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Dr.Passero.
In February I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer, stage lllA or B, depending on which day the oncologist fills out papers. In March and April, I underwent radiation and...
I think you have made a good decision to incorporate CAM
therapies into your treatment program. It sounds as if the practitioner
you selected is helping you make wise decisions about your health. If you
are looking for other treatment models I suggest you investigate the Cancer
Treatment Centers of...
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I have primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver and most of
the time the itching at night disrupts my sleep. I was told that maybe a
Naturopathic Doctor can help. ...
Primary biliary cirrhosis (or PBC) is a condition that is
thought to be associated with autoimmune disease but little is currently
known. I hope that you have seen a liver specialist because there are
medications that can be helpful in reducing some of the side effects. The
itching you are experiencing is most likely due to the build up of...
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Dr. Passero,
I am nursing a 9 month old baby boy and was told by a friend that B100 is an excellent vitamin to be on to regulate low levels of anxiety. Should I take it while I'm nursing?
Thank...
High potency B complex vitamins are generally recognized as
safe in breastfeeding. However, there is
no telling how your baby will react to its presence in your body. You should look out for any differences in
your baby’s response to your breast milk.
In addition, you might want to...
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Hi I take an herbal compound that contains Senna leaf and
pod. Its been a great relief in my chronic constipation. I’ve been taking it
daily for a few years. But I’m...
Long term use of any type of laxative is not
recommended. Natural or synthetic, the
strong laxatives like senna that work by causing irritation in the bowels to
induce a bowel movement, will cause dependence if used over extended periods of
time.
I know it sounds basic, but...
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Hello Doctor, My husband and I are trying to conceive but
still no luck for us. I am not sure
whether this is relevant......my husband once took...
Conception has so many complex factors involved. Many men take Evening Primrose Oil for its
wonderful health benefits, particularly for the skin. Its hormonal balancing effects are thought to
be related to helping the brain communicate with the other parts of the
endocrine system that regulate sex hormones...
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My husband is currently on medication for diabetes blood pressure and cholesterol, he has had a bypass last year. Currently, he is experiencing stiffness and pain in the knees and would like to...
Without a detailed list of the medications your husband is
taking there is no way to know for sure if SAMe would be detrimental for
him. What I can tell you is that SAMe
does have an excellent safety record and is not likely to interact with prescription
medication in a negative way....
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Dear Dr Passero
I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and am 35 years old. I wish to know which of the Vitabase products are best for my condition? Should I take the Blood Sugar and PMS products? My...
Most women with PCOS have difficulty with blood sugar
issues. High blood sugar is one of the
main characteristics of PCOS and it is very important to get this under
control.
Modifying your diet to reduce the intake of sugars and
refined carbohydrates is an important first step. ...
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Dr. Passero,
I have a question for you. Can I take calendula Tea for Diverticulitis problems? or give me your best advice.
Thanks!
Calendula is a wonderful herb and can be used topically or
internally to promote the healing and soothing of tissues. It is thought to have mild anti-inflammatory
properties and has been known to be helpful for gastrointestinal
complaints. For these reasons I think it
would be a great idea for...
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Good day doc, Thank you for all you do to help the
public.... Q: 51 year old healthy male, on Benicar for blood pressure...I feel yuck on
this...
Celery seed has long history of medicinal use for a variety of
health complaints including gout, arthritis and high blood pressure. It contains a multitude of compounds that
affect inflammatory processes in the body as well as other regulatory
functions.
Apigenin...
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Do give me your uses and benefits of aloe vera
In my opinion, the most beneficial properties of aloe vera
are related to its soothing and healing effects on the gastrointestinal tract
and the skin. The juice from the aloe
leaf has many properties that have been used for hundreds of years to aid in
the healing of skin and the soothing of the...
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I have recently had to make a decision about meds for
anxiety and insomnia. I would prefer to take herbs and my question is will
their be any interaction if I take Valerian...
There are no known negative interactions with the above
listed herbs you mentioned. Valerian can
be very helpful for sleep but it largely depends on the severity of the
insomnia. I find it most helpful for
mild to moderate cases. Adding melatonin
or magnesium may improve your results...
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Hi Dr. Passero, I was researching on the web for herbal treatments for pancreatic cancer. A close friend of mine was recently diagnosed of this deadly disease. I really need help in finding something...
Ciara,
I am sorry for the delayed response to this very urgent situation. In order for her to utilize natural supplements she will need to do it under the direct supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Some of the more promising results with natural supplements and pancreatic cancer has been with the use of high dose pancreatic enzymes. I encourage you to seek...
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my wife suffers pain from neuropathy is there benefits for her in taking the supplement curamin?
Curcumin can help reduce inflammation which in turn can help
with pain reduction. Combining it with other natural anti-inflammatories
like boswellia or fish oil can create added benefit.
Neuropathy pain also can respond well to other natural supplements,
particularly Vitamin B12, B6 and alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid has
shown very...
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How much flax oil should I take on a daily basis? Is there any difference between the liquid and the capsules?
Doses of flax seed oil vary greatly. Taking capsules
offers a very convenient method of administration but you become limited in the
dose due to the hassle of taking too many capsules. The average dose of flax
oil would be somewhere around 4g-10g (4000mg-10,000mg) per day. Most
capsules come in 1000mg doses which would require about 4 capsules daily...
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Im a fairly healthy person in my mid-thirties. I was considering taking flax oil for some joint pain? Do you think this would help?
Flax oil is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
These important compounds can help to reduce inflammation in the body which
often results in a decrease of joint pain. Flax oil has additional benefits
related to the hormonal systems of both men and women.
When flax oil is taken, your body has...
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Ive noticed that just about every vitamin company has evening primrose supplements in several brands. What exactly should I look for when choosing an evening primrose product?
There are several things to look for when selecting an oil
based product and specifically Evening Primrose Oil. First, you want to
make sure that the label clearly states details about how the oil was
extracted. Many companies will use harsh chemicals to extract the oil
because it can greatly speed up the process. Choosing a hexane free
product...
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I have heard that evening primrose oil can really help with menopausal symptoms. How much would you recommend on a daily basis?
What you have heard is true. Evening Primrose Oil can
be very helpful at alleviating many female hormonal complaints including PMS
symptoms and some menopausal symptoms. It is thought to work by naturally
boosting progesterone levels which often are low in women due to chronic stress
associated with today's busy lifestyle.
Most women...
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I need to know if combining valerian tincture with albuterol sulfateinhalation aerosol would have negative side effects on a child 4 years old. Also, what is the recommended safe dose of valerian in...
There are no known interactions between Valerian and
albuterol inhalers. Most of Valerian's potential interactions occur with
other prescription sedatives. However, if you want to be safe, start the supplementation
with Valerian at a very low dose. A normal dose for the average 4 year
old would be 30 drops 1-2x daily. You might start with half...
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Are there any vitamin supplements that should not be taken together.
This is a very broad question and I would much prefer to
look at specific examples. However, generally speaking, most supplements
are safe to be taken together. There are some theoretical interactions
that involve taking too many herbal/vitamin supplements that cause potential
thinning of the blood. These include a list of about 150 different...
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I am taking Plavix after triple bypass surgery, I notice that turmeric purportedly does the same thing Plavix does. Is it safe to take both?
Many herbs are thought to affect blood clotting. Most
are suspected to decrease the effectiveness of the clotting process through
many different mechanisms. This is an important issue to consider when
combining certain herbs with medications.
Coumadin is the most well known blood thinner and has a very narrow therapeutic
window. It is...
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Hello Dr.
I am on Metformin for a type two diabetic diagnoses. If I want to take milk thistle to promote healthy liver, how and when should I take it? Will there be any interference with the...
Milk Thistle is not one of the herbs known to readily
interact with other medications. Some herbs have a specific ability to
alter the way the liver processes medications which can either raise or lower
blood levels of that medication.
Because milk thistle is an herb that acts on the liver there is the possibility
that it may alter the levels of...
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I am taking a multivitamin with Iron. Can I take the bee pollen with this?
First, I would need to know a little more about you before I
decided that an iron containing multi-vitamin was right for you. I
usually do not recommend taking iron containing supplements unless you have
been diagnosed with anemia or are a menstruating woman.
Iron has a high capacity for oxidation in the body and should not be taken
unless it...
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Would taking turmeric help to clear up psoriasis? If so how much and can I make it into a paste to put on my skin as well as taking it orally?
Turmeric is a great herb for healing the digestive tract and
aiding the liver in detoxification. Many herbalists postulate that
improved liver detoxification helps to purge the body of toxins. These
same toxins if not eliminated through the liver often come out via the skin and
can manifest as acne, psoriasis or eczema. For internal use you may...
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I am on thyroid medication and last week I took 1 folic acid and 1 vitamin B 50. It made me have a headache and feel sick, could this be because of my nonworking thyroid or is it the folic acid and...
B vitamins and folic acid are generally very well
tolerated. However, due to the ability of a B-complex to stimulate
detoxification in the body it is possible that it caused your headache.
In addition, some people are more sensitive to supplements than others and can
react in various ways, like headaches. I would suggest trying to start by
just...
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Hello, I'm 52 and in menopause.Ive been taking Relora and Green Tea capsules for about 10 days,for weight loss,and am beginning to see some results.My question is,I drink wine almost every day,2...
There is no data suggesting that Relora or Green Tea would
amplify the negative effects of alcohol. Due to the carbohydrate content
in wine, although low, you may be inhibiting your weight loss goals.
Otherwise, enjoy your success!
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Do you have a product or any advise for quitting smoking. I'm taking chantix and it works pretty well but I'm still smoking a little. About 2 or 3 cigs a week. Ive been on it for 2 months and still...
The best things to utilize from the natural pharmacy would
be compounds that help to relax and calm you in an effort to reduce the
severity of the cravings. In addition, if you are in a more relaxed state
of mind, you are less likely to get triggered into a craving in the first
place.
L-theanine is a wonderful natural compound derived from...
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My question is : I am going thorough counseling for depression and I was wondering if there is a natural vitamin or herb that can help with my depression with my prescription cymbalta? what can I...
One of the best places to start when considering supplements
for depression is with essential fatty acids. These important fats must
be obtained from our diet and play a crucial role in the functioning of the
brain and neurological system.
Of particular importance is the Omega 3 family of fatty acids, particularly
those that arise from...
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Hello, I am lactose intolerant. Every time I am going to consume dairy products, I have to take 3 to 4 extra strength lactose caplets. Is there anything I can take, so I would not be...
Unfortunately, once your body has stopped producing the
lactase enzyme that breaks down lactose it is not likely you will make it
again. You may find that consuming small amounts of easily digested dairy
products like cheese may get easier over time. Always use the lactose
caplets to avoid any uncomfortable symptoms. Also, I found through
patient...
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For the past 5 months, my husband has numbness of the pads of his sole and along the outer side of his feet. He has had an EMG and a MRIslight herniation of s45. Three orthos have no answers....
I would continue the follow up with the neurologist to rule
out any serious neurological issues. B12 deficiency may be an issue but
there are probably other factors involved to create such pronounced
symptoms. If he is a vegetarian he is at greater risk for B12 issues.
With this said, it is clear that his nerves are under some distress. ...
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Do all men have some kind of cancer when they die?
I think what you’re referring to is the notion that many men
after they die are discovered to have prostate cancer on autopsy. In a
normal setting, prostate cancer is very slow growing and never leaves the
prostate. In a case like this, a man is much more likely to die from
other causes rather than the prostate cancer. In fact it is often said
that...
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Is it safe to take EDTA with other prescription heart pills?
EDTA and chelation therapy should only be administered under
the care of a supervising physician. Drug interactions with EDTA are not
well documented, however it is used in some cases related to toxicity of
certain heart medications indicating it has cardiovascular actions.
EDTA is also known to cause drops in blood pressure and problems with...
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Every morning when I wake up my feet hurt to stand and walk on them, as well as my hands hurting. Now, for about a month I have had chest pains, where my chest tightens up. When I do cardio, and I...
Any chest pain or tightness needs to be evaluated by your
doctor to rule out any heart problems. The other thing you need to
consider is that you might be consuming too much caffeine from your energy
drinks which can cause symptoms of anxiety and chest tightness. You may
want to try discontinuing this habit for a few weeks to see if your symptoms
get...
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Hi, My daughter has had pcos for a few years, she has tried bc pills, but still was losing hair, is there a complete multi vitamin to help with pcos symptoms.
PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is characterized by
several symptoms including insulin resistance, elevated testosterone levels and
poly cystic ovaries. The symptoms your daughter is experiencing are
mostly related to the excess testosterone being produced in her body; as this
commonly causes thinning hair and other male hair growth patterns....
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Is there a yogurt pill?
Not exactly, but there is something close. One of the
main reasons why yogurt is healthy for you is due to the live cultures of beneficial
bacteria. These bacteria, mainly acidophilus, are used to ferment the
sugar and proteins in milk to create yogurt. In our body, these bacteria
colonize the intestinal tract and help to keep us healthy. ...
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I am having pain from my toe to my knee daily, could this
possibly by P.A.D.?
Many things can cause leg pain ranging from injury, cramps and nerve irritation to
impaired circulation and infection. Peripheral artery disease can be a
very dangerous condition as it reflects a significant amount plaque buildup in
your arteries. If you have a history of heart disease in your family or
have other significant risk factors for heart disease this may very well be...
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Dear Sirs,
I am a female 20 years old and suffered from mild depression for 6 months? May I know what are the natural herbs that I can take for my mild depression ? I have been taking B complex and...
Depression is a major concern for many people today. There are some very important supplements to consider when addressing this condition naturally.
Below is a list of natural supplements that can be helpful for depression symptoms. However, if you have never had depression before it is important to consider what might have triggered these feelings. Changes of life, loss, grief and stress...
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I have been diagnosed with lyme disease since 2000 and taken lots of antibiotics. I went to a health store and had a foot bath that was totally dark water. They put me on Cats Claw, colostrum,...
Lyme disease can be a very difficult condition to
improve. The spirochete organism is an expert at evading the immune
system and reeking havoc on the body. Anti-biotic therapy is often
necessary to clear up these chronic infections but don't always produce the
desired outcome as you have experienced.
The supplements...
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Hi, I would like to know which herbal product will aid in increasing the testosterone levels and increasing dopamine and neropinephrine levels?
There are several important issues to address when dealing with migraine headaches. One of the first things I recommend is to do an elimination diet that removes the most common food offenders (soy, wheat, dairy, eggs and nuts are a good start) from his diet for 6-8 weeks. After the 8 weeks is over, you start to introduce foods individually once every 3-4 days in an effort to isolate a...
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Hello, I am currently taking urso tabs for my liver. I am also taking a multi vitamin, milk thistle, vitamin e, and acidophilus. I am curious to know if maca is alright to add to what I am already...
The best way for people to gain weight in a healthy way is through muscle building. You may have a limit as to how much muscle mass you will be able to put on, but any muscle you do gain will be very helpful in supporting your smaller structure. For your particular exercise goals, you should be focusing on weight training vs. cardiovascular exercise. If you are not already experienced with...
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Dr.Passero, I have, which I believe to be IBS. I want to get rid of this. I've been saving money up to get a supplemental colon cleanse as well as a hydrocolontherapy. Would you say this is the best...
Most multivitamins are safe. The real question to ask is which multivitamins are potent enough and pure enough to actually be effective?
One of the most important things you can do to assess the purity of your multivitamin is to check the label. Look in the area where "Other ingredients" are listed. If there is a long list of ingredients such as; titanium dioxide, BHA, artificial...
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This is very uncomfortable for me to discuss however, I really need some advice so here it is.... I am 49 yrs old I haven’t had a period in 5 years, I am now in a relationship and here lies the...
I am assuming you are taking the Ursodiol tablets due to a diagnosis of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot know about why people get this condition. Some think it is related to an auto-immune processes or possibly exposure to toxins.
Regardless, Maca root has not been extensively researched for its side effects or more importantly, its effects on the...
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Dr Passero, I have a quick question. I'm a healthy individual with no known health problems. If I had to choose to take just 1015 pills vitamins, multivitamins or any kind of supplements on a daily...
I am a huge advocate of individualizing each persons supplement regime based on their particular needs and family history. Even a seemingly healthy person can have risk factors such as heart disease or breast cancer in their family history that require special attention.
With that said, there are some blanket recommendations I often make to perfectly healthily people who want to...
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I went through a stomach stapling procedure 11 yrs. ago. I have put on 100 of the 270lbs. I lost by eating the wrong things. Besides weight loss my hair is getting thinner and thinner every day. I...
Gastric bypass surgery can be a lifesaving procedure for many people. Although lifestyle adjustments are the best way to loose weight, for some people they are just not enough to produce the weight loss necessary to achieve better health. The down side that many doctors do not consult their patients about is that by changing the structure of the gastrointestinal tract nutrient absorption can be...
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I am having menopausal problems and started on the hormone patch, Climara prosp?. But I still get moderate to severe anxiety attacks. I have no other personal issue that would cause these. What could...
Hormone replacement can be very helpful at relieving symptoms of anxiety. Progesterone in particular is one of the most important female hormones for relaxation and supporting a calm state of mind. Unfortunately, the form of progesterone in your patch is of a synthetic nature and does not mirror the type your body naturally produced during reproductive years. Although it has beneficial effects...
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