General Health

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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. 
... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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 ... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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, support a healthy pregnancy, promotes good cholesterol levels, good mood and joint flexibility; and the list goes on and on!

Pregnant moms should consider Omega 3s as necessary... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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. 

... Read Full Answer

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.  ... Read Full Answer

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. ... Read Full Answer

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. ... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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.... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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 compounds called carotenoids, which include beta carotene, alpha carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Carotenoids are plant pigments of the yellow, orange and red fruits... Read Full Answer

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 radicals, reducing damage to cells. The two most well known antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E, are found in a wide variety of foods, stabilize cells from free radical damage. But there are many... Read Full Answer

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 thoughts, whether it is memory problems, issues in judgment, poor concentration and awareness, or impaired abstract thinking, we should take notice. Most people have attributed this to ‘growing old’ but... Read Full Answer

Could you explain why I would want to supplement with L-Tyrosine?

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 looking for natural remedies to deal with their health problems.  A perfect example is the amino acid L-tyrosine, which is a safe and effective alternative treatment for depression, weight loss and... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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. ... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer

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... Read Full Answer