General Health

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 thier largest meal which is... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

I noticed that the last possible side effect of Milk Thistle is anaphylactis. 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Why are Omega 3 fatty acids so important for pregnant women and babies?

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are so important in maintaining optimal and physical health! They protect the heart and circulatory system, support immune function, contribute to healthy brain development,... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Jeannette Toghyani
Category: General Health

Can I take your product with bitter mellon when I am taking a prescription mecicine 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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)

Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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 phsically. 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.... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Hello Dr. Passero. Im 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 didnt know to tell...

Dear Joyce,

 

There are some very important things to consider when supporting your moods using natural... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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 palpations and Lexapro. Would you...

  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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Dr.Passero. In February I was diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer, stage lllA or B, depending on which day the oncologist fills out papers. In March and April, I underwent radiation and Chemo,...

I think you have made a good decision to incorporate CAM therapies into your treatment program.  It sounds as if the practitioner you selected... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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. ... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Why would you recommend supplementing with beta carotene?

Beta carotene is well known as a precursor to vitamin A. Beta carotene has been used as an antioxidant, to treat conditions of the eyes, and to support immune function. It comes from a large class of... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. L. Sorensen
Category: General Health

Do you have any recommendations for supplementing with antioxidants?

Antioxidants are advertised  in products every day, from age-defying cosmetics and breakfast cereals, to nutritional supplements. They are chemical compounds that bind with, and destroy, free... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. L. Sorensen
Category: General Health

What is the best way to keep my mental edge as I grow older?

Our thoughts are very important to us. Our brain controls these thoughts and so much more - thinking, feeling, remembering, working, and playing – even sleeping. When we experience changes to our... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. L. Sorensen
Category: General Health

Could you explain why I would want to supplement with LTyrosine?

In today’s fast paced society people suffer from a wide variety of health concerns.  The conventional approach to most of these issues is to over-medicate.  As a result, many people are... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Robert Maki
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Im a fairly healthy person in my midthirties. 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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. ... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

I am taking a multivitiman 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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 becauce 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Do you have a product or any advise for quitting smoking. Im taking chantix and it works pretty well but Im 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

My question is : I am going thourgh 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Dear Sirs, I am a female 20 years old and sufferred 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...

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

I have been diagnosed with lyme disease since 2000 and taken lots of antibodics. I went to a health store and had a foot bath that was totally dark water. They put me on Cats Claw, colostrom,...

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. ... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

Dr Passero, I have a quick question. Im 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... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health

I am having menopausal problems and started on the hormone patch, Climara prosp?. But I still get moderate to severe anxity 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. ... Read_More »

Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Category: General Health