Personal Question

Our prayers are with you on your pathway to healing.

According to the prescribing information for Plavix, there are no documented drug interactions with vitamins, although some herbs (dong quai, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, gingko biloba, St. John's wort – none of which are in Basic Nutrient Support/BNS) may increase the risk for bleeding.

In addition to these herbs, aspirin lists vitamin E (in BNS) as something that may increase its effects (in fact vitamin E is sometimes prescribed with aspirin in certain conditions for this reason, but dosage may then need to be adjusted).

Fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids, which help to thin the blood and are in BNS, have been considered a possible risk factor for those taking plavix and/or aspirin because of an increased risk of bleeding, although some recent research on fish oil and bleeding risk (1, 2) have not actually supported that.

However, you should consult with your physician and ask specifically about the vitamin E and fish oil ingredients (it may be best to bring the bottle so he/she can see the amounts as well) to prevent unwanted interactions with your medications and side effects.

God Bless

1. Bays HE. Safety considerations with omega-3 fatty acid therapy. American Journal of Cardiology 2007 Mar 19;99(6A):35C-43C.
2. Watson PD, Joy PS, Nkonde C, Hessen SE, Karalis DG. Comparison of bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids + aspirin + clopidogrel–versus–aspirin + clopidogrel in patients with cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology 2009 Oct 15;104(8):1052-4.

The advice provided in this comment is for informational purposes only. It is meant to supplement and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Anyone suffering from a health problem should consult their doctor, especially before beginning or changing a supplement program.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you face this latest diagnosis and ongoing health issues. While there is no proven “cure” for lymphedema (which most often occurs following surgery), there are things you can do to help manage the swelling, pain, and avoid infection.

Here is a site with information on the traditional treatments for lymphoma, which includes, compression, light physical therapy/exercises, wraps and manual lymph drainage/massage: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lymphedema/DS00609/DSECTION=treatments-... To find a therapist skilled in lymphatic massage,go to the National Lymphedema Network Web site at www.lymphnet.org

Also, you should protect the affected areas. Try to avoid cuts, scrapes, shaving nicks and burns, which can all lead to infection, as well as heat (such as a heating pad) and tight clothing. Check your skin frequently to spot any small injuries or changes.

But it sounds like your first step may be to allow your own health to be a priority, which, as a caretaker can be very hard to do but is certainly necessary. Try to put yourself in a position where you can get yourself healthy, even while looking after others.

You may want to start by implementing a few lifestyle changes to help your health in general and the lymphedema at the same time. Cut back on sodium and alcohol, if applicable, which can both cause fluid retention, and follow an anti-inflammatory diet (see Battling Inflammation with Food).

Lymphedema can be considered an inflammatory disease/response and high-inflammation foods (processed, fried, high in sugar and saturated fats) will only make it worse. The anti-inflammatory diet also has the added benefit of being very helpful in weight management, which is something that will also help your condition.

There are supplements which may also be helpful in addressing the inflammation and swelling and also support circulation: Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapples), ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, grape seed extract, boswellia serrata and the herbs butcher’s broom and horse chestnut.

Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before trying new supplements, especially if you are already being treated and/or are taking medication.
God bless you as you search for your pathway to healing.

It’s good to hear that the previous information has been useful.

There are a number of things that can cause lip darkening, such as chapping (which you said was not the case), smoking, a reaction to lip products, or very commonly, an iron deficiency, which can be checked by a simple blood test.

But, the darkening may also be related to your scleroderma, which can cause discoloration of the skin and sometimes the lips. It can also be a side effect of some possible treatments for scleroderma, such the antibiotic Minocin/minocycline or anti-malaria drugs, often used in auto-immune disorders.

Hopefully this can give a place to start in talking with your doctor about narrowing down the specific cause and any possible remedies, if needed.

Our continued prayers for your health.
God Bless

Sweating after eating is medically called gustatory sweating. It is characterized by profuse sweating in the face, neck and hairline or any other part of his body after consuming food.

Mild, frequent forms usually happen in people who have eaten spicy foods (due to the heat that is generated by the body's reaction to the hot/spicy food), but chocolate, caffeine and cheeses are also common triggers.

The condition is also common among women who are experiencing the hormone fluctuations associated with menopause.

Sweating after eating may also be due to diabetes or being prone to the condition. The nerves of the face may be affected by diabetic neuropathy and result in excessive sweating during and after eating.

Another potential cause is damage to the main salivary gland located at the cheek, often from surgery, but can also result from infection, injury or a congenital disorder. This is called Frey syndrome, and usually occurs only in one side of the person's head (the side that is damaged).

You may want to talk to your doctor about this range of potential causes, and possibly have your blood sugar checked if you haven’t already. God bless you as you find your pathway to healing.

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any kind of diagnosis through this site, and can’t safely make specific nutritional or dietary recommendations without knowing what the entire problem is. However we will try to address the information you do already have: Yes, it is possible that the bulging discs are related to the problem. When a bulging (or herniated) disc presses on nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve travels. But, many other conditions could cause these symptoms as well.

If the high blood levels you mentioned are muscle enzymes, that may be why they are looking at muscular dystrophy, although those levels could be elevated by a number of other things, too, including some prescription medications, so the additional testing may help rule it out or clarify the diagnosis.

In general, an “anti-inflammation diet” (see Foods to Fight Inflammation) could be helpful for the bulging discs, whether or not that is the whole problem. Foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including brightly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, oily fish and spices such as ginger and turmeric, can reduce inflammation and promote repair.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also recommended (extra weight adds pressure on the discs), as is exercise (to build up the muscles that support the back and core) if possible and approved by his physician.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your son that he may soon find his pathway to healing. God Bless

While acid reflux is very common and not serious in most people, if it is persistent it can result in more severe symptoms and damage to the esophagus. While OTC or prescription medications are the most common treatments (many of which have side effects or can cause “rebound” reflux), there are a number of lifestyle and nutrition steps that can also be effective.

In his book, Bible Health Secrets, Dr. Cherry has these recommendations:

• Eat large meals early in the day, and light meals later in the day. Don’t eat within a couple hours of going to bed.
• Raise the head of your bed a few inches above your feet (don’t sleep on a pile of pillows, which may make it worse; raise the mattress instead).
• Avoid trigger foods/drinks, including coffee (even decaf), chocolate and peppermint candy, or any that you have found to make your symptoms worse.
• Drink more water throughout the day to wash the acid off your esophagus.
• Use antacids with caution (liquids are preferable over tablets, and avoid those with aluminum); over time they can interfere with digestion.

In addition, these steps are recommended:

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and other stimulants
• Get regular exercise
• Lose weight if necessary
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around your midsection
• Eat a diet rich in fiber - at least 40 grams a day - including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid inflammation-promoting foods, such as such as saturated fats, trans fats, corn and soybean oil, refined carbohydrates, sugars, red meat and dairy.
• Practice a relaxation strategy; stress and anxiety can worsen reflux symptoms.
• Check your medications; many can trigger or worsen reflux, such as NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, aspirin), some heart medications and others. If you are taking them, ask your doctor if there are other options you can try.

The probiotics and digestive enzymes you are taking will help with breaking down foods as well as normalizing and stabilizing the digestive tract. If you are getting the probiotics and digestive enzymes from Digestion Support, the ginger root, prebiotics and fibers in the formula should also be of benefit.

As always, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider when adding or changing your supplements, especially if you are on prescription medications for a diagnosed condition. God Bless.

You can find helpful information on preventing and treating chapped lips on WebMD at:
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/why-your-lips-are-chapped?p...

In addition, there are some natural approaches that may be of benefit:

• Vitamins A and E and fish oil can all help nourish the lips (and skin) from the inside, while a deficiency in iron, vitamin C or B vitamins can cause dry, chapped lips. Be sure you are getting sufficient amounts of all these nutrients through diet or supplements (a blood test can determine iron status). Vitamin E can also be applied directly to the lips.

• Olive oil, honey, avocado, aloe vera and castor oil are natural moisturizers that can be used directly on the lips as a nourishing balm (one recommended remedy is to mix honey with castor oil or aloe vera gel, spread it on to a very thin slice of peeled cucumber, and lay this on your lip, overnight if possible).

God Bless

The first-line treatments for H. Pylori in the digestive tract are a combination of two antibiotics plus either a proton-pump inhibitor or a bismuth compound. Unfortunately, with the increase in the use of antibiotics in general, more people are now becoming resistant to the most common and efficient antibiotic strains, making them less effective. In addition, mild to severe side effects from the treatment are common with the traditional treatment – as is the risk of creating even more resistant h. pylori.

Some alternative treatments that have shown some promise include:

• Lactobacilli probiotics have been shown to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotic treatment, but research indicates that they may also increase the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for h. pylori
• High-doses of Vitamin C may inhibit h. pylori
• Essential fatty acids/fish oil may clear h. pylori in some people
• Chewing mastic gum has been shown to inhibit h. pylori
• According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, some plants/herbs/spices are able to kill the H. pylori bacteria, with turmeric being the most effective, followed by cumin, ginger, chilli, borage, black caraway, oregano and licorice.

As always, before beginning any supplement program, discuss it with your physician.

God Bless

Our thoughts and prayers are with your father on his journey to find a pathway to healing. While medical advice can’t be given on this site, we will give you some information that you can discuss with your father’s doctor.

Unfortunately, tendonitis or ruptured tendons are among the most common side effects associated with Levaquin injections. If tendonitis is the main issue you are trying to address, here is a list of recommended supplements from the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Complementary Medicine directory (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/tendinitis-000163.htm):

• Bromelain, 250 mg twice a day. This enzyme that comes from pineapples reduces inflammation. Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should not take bromelain without first talking to their doctor. People with peptic ulcers should avoid bromelain. Turmeric is sometimes combined with bromelain, because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger.
• Vitamin C (250 - 500 mg two times a day) to aid in healing, increase immune function, and reduce inflammation
• Calcium (1,500 mg a day) and magnesium (750 mg a day) to aid healing of connective tissues and muscles
• Vitamin A (15,000 IU a day) for immune function and healing
• Vitamin E (400 - 800 mg a day) and essential fatty acids, such as fish oil or evening primrose oil (1,000 - 1,500 IU one to three times a day) to reduce inflammation. Vitamin E, fish oil, and evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take blood-thinning medication, ask your doctor before taking any of these supplements.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 300 mg three times a day, for pain and inflammation. Turmeric is sometimes combined with bromelain, because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should not take turmeric without first talking to their doctor.
• Willow bark (Salix alba) standardized extract, 500 mg up to three times daily, to relieve pain. Willow acts similar to aspirin. Do not take white willow if you are also taking aspirin or blood-thinning medications. Do not take willow bark products if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates before taking white willow. Willow should not be given to children under the age of 18.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (3 cups of tea a day) to reduce inflammation. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or heart failure.
• Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 30 mg three times a day, has been used traditionally for pain relief. Do not take cat' s claw if you take medicine for high blood pressure or blood-thinning medications.
• Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) standardized extract, 100 - 200 mg one to two times daily. Devil's claw has been used traditionally to relieve pain. Devil' s claw may increase the risk of bleeding and interact with diabetes medications, so tell your doctor before taking it if you also take blood-thinning medication or if you have diabetes.
• Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), 300 - 400 mg three times per day. Boswellia may increase the risk of bleeding, so tell your doctor before taking it if you also take blood-thinning medication.

(A combination of Basic Nutrient Support® and Duramet will provide all but two of these nutrients.)

Again, before beginning any supplement program, have your father discuss it with his physician. God Bless.

Leg cramps are fairly common, especially as we age, and can have a number of causes, from dehydration and overexertion to nutritional deficiencies, as you suggested. Low blood calcium and magnesium can cause “resting” cramping, as can deficiencies in vitamins B1, B5, and B6.

If any of these are the cause, then preventing them may be as simple as staying hydrated, doing some gentle stretching in the evening and maintaining optimal levels of the above nutrients, plus vitamin E, which may be helpful for cramps (you may want to consider a full spectrum supplement such as Basic Nutrient Support®).

Leg cramps can also be a symptom of PAD, or peripheral arterial disease (the narrowing of the arteries in the body – often the legs – which usually occurs when cholesterol and fat build up on the walls of the arteries). PAD is often associated with heart disease and can be a dangerous condition. However, the cramps from PAD usually occur during activity, such as walking, and then stop when the activity is stopped, which is not what you described. Still, with your family history is it important that you see a doctor to rule out PAD or any other condition related to heart disease, as well as some other less common but potentially serious causes of cramping.

To help ease the cramps when they are happening, try gently stretching the muscle, massaging it or applying heat.

God Bless.

Unfortunately, cataracts are a very common problem; half of the population will have developed them between the ages of 65 and 74. While you can’t totally reverse cataracts, some studies have indicated that antioxidants (specifically bilberry, and vitamins C, E and A/beta-carotene) could slow or possibly prevent their progression.

Other antioxidants, such as lutein, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin may help prevent against further damage to the retina. In addition, always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage, don’t smoke, and if you have diabetes, make sure to keep it under control.

For more information on cataracts on this site, see A Clear Look at Cataracts, or for additional information on nutritional support for the eyes, see Vision Support. (As always, consult our physician before beginning a supplement program.)

Our prayers are with you as you find the pathway to healing for your eyesight. God Bless!

It may have been CoQ10, an important antioxidant nutrient involved in energy production. The body’s CoQ10 supplies are often depleted by statin drugs, and it is believed that this depletion may be responsible for some of the side effects associated with statin use.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to find an answer. Unfortunately Dr. Cherry is mostly retired from seeing patients, and is not able to recommend anyone in your area that he knows personally. Sometimes members of your church can be a good resource, as you'd be surprised at how many people pursue natural options for health. In addition, other members of our Pathway to Healing community who see this may provide a recommendation.

While you search, here is some information you may find helpful. Hair loss and an itchy scalp can be common problems in menopause. During menopause a woman's skin becomes dryer, which can result in a dry scalp and hair breakage.

There are some things you can do in the natural that may help:

• Drinking lots of liquids (lots of water and try green tea) to combat this dryness and promote healthy elasticity in the hair.
• Eat a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins B, E and A, or consider supplementing with a full spectrum complex such as Basic Nutrient Support® .
• Eat an adequate amount of protein and iron as a lack of either/both can result in hair loss.
• Wash your hair using a moisturizing shampoo or shampoo and conditioner formulated for dry hair.
• Try especially to avoid any hair products that contain alcohol, which can dry the scalp even further. Hair color and dyes can also cause an itchy scalp.
• Stress can also worsen hair loss, so incorporate stress-lowering lifestyle steps such as getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, and using relaxation techniques.

God Bless

Our prayers are with you as you battle your conditions. Sarcoidosis and Erythema Nodosum are often related, so we will provide information on the more prevalent disease, sarcoidosis, from the University of Maryland Medical Center website (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sarcoidosis-000146.htm):

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Although there is no evidence that any particular herb or supplement helps treat sarcoidosis, a comprehensive treatment plan may include complementary and alternative therapies. Ask your team of doctors about the best ways to bring these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional treatments.

These nutritional tips will help your overall health:
• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
• Include foods rich in magnesium and low in calcium, such as barley, bran, corn, rye, oats, soy, brown rice, avocado, banana, and potato.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
• Use healthy oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week. Ask your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

The following supplements may also help overall health:
• A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 - 3 tablespoonfuls oil, one to three times daily. Fish oil seems to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources to add to your diet. If you take supplements, check with your doctor because they may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. Eating fish doesn' t cause the same risk.
• Bromelain, a mixture of enzymes derived from pineapple, 500 mg per day. Bromelain may also help reduce inflammation in the body. Ask your doctor before taking it, because it can increase the risk of bleeding and may interact with other medications.
• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day. These "friendly" bacteria help maintain gastrointestinal health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 300 mg three times a day, may help reduce inflammation. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding and interact with other medications, so ask your doctor before taking it. (Talk to your doctor before taking any herb or supplement if you have sarcoidosis.)

You can search these ingredients on our Ingredients Index. Sarcoidosis is considered an auto-immune disorder, so you may also want to read the articles Self-Destructive: Autoimmune Disorders and Balancing Your Immune System. God Bless

While this site cannot provide medical advice, we can offer some information that can be discussed with a doctor or healthcare practitioner. And because all orally ingested compounds, including herbs, go through the kidneys for filtering, it is especially important that caution be used in taking anything when suffering from kidney failure.

A few things herbs and nutrients that are often recommended for kidney disease include:

• Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice.
• Goldenrod for kidney inflammation. (This herb is most often dried and used in tea)
• Dandelion Root to help to eliminate waste from the kidneys. (Dandelion root is available in capsule form, and may also be taken as a tea.)
• Juniper, a cleansing herb that may help to flush toxins from the kidneys. (The berries can be crushed in boiling water to make a tea.)
• Marshmallow root, often in a tea, can increase the flow of urine which may help cleanse the kidneys.
• Carnitine is produced by the kidneys, so kidney disease often leads to a deficiency of carnitine in the body and may need to be supplemented.
• A complex of vitamins and minerals including A, C, B vitamins, potassium.

Kidney failure can be due to many things, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, so if those conditions are part of the problem they need to be addressed as well.

Again, it is very important that she discuss any of these supplements with her doctor or healthcare practitioner before adding them to her regimen. God Bless.

Our prayers are with you as fight the battle with osteoarthritis. Joint Support is not available as a liquid, however, our capsules already contain the optimal amounts, potencies, forms, ratios and sources of the nutrients, so a liquid would not provide any additional benefit. And, because of the balance of ingredients provided by the formula, the recommended daily dose should be followed, regardless of weight.

Please keep in mind that Joint Support was formulated to be taken with Basic Nutrient Support, which would provide the full spectrum of nutritional complexes.

You may also want to read some of the articles on this site regarding the Mediterranean Diet or anti-inflammation diet (do a search for any of those key words) for guidelines on a healthy way of eating that may help with inflammation as well as weight management. God Bless.

There is 80 mcg vitamin K2 (menaquinone) in a daily dose of Basic Nutrient Support.

Unfortunately, we can’t provide treatment or medical advice through this site, just information. Because they are benign and the risk of complications is low, liver hemangiomas are rarely treated unless there is persistent pain or other symptoms. It is common to just take a “watchful” approach rather than undergo surgery, which is the primary treatment option.

There does appear to be a link between estrogen and the development/growth of liver hemangiomas, with pregnancy and hormone replacement therapies being two possible contributing factors. You may want to discuss your concerns with your doctor, and look for other natural alternatives, such as our Menopause Support supplement.

God Bless

We do not have a specific thyroid support product, although thyroid function is one of the health concerns or functions that can be addressed with a nutritional supplementation program.

Basic Nutrient Support, with its 80+ nutrients, provides a nutritional foundation of vitamins, minerals (including iodine, which is an essential mineral needed for proper thyroid function), herbs, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and plant extracts to help support optimal health.

Please see your healthcare practitioner and have your thyroid levels checked through a simple blood test to determine if low thyroid is the cause of your symptoms, or to rule it out.

As always, we strongly encourage you to discuss any new supplement program with your doctor/health care practitioner, especially when you are currently taking prescription medications and are following a prescribed course of action.

While Liver Support provides natural substances known to protect the liver, until you have met with your doctor again, you should probably hold off on anything that may affect liver function, especially since elevated liver enzymes can have a number of causes.

The Basic Nutrient Support provides a nutritional foundation of vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and plant extracts for optimal health and addressing any health concern and is recommended for anyone.

Continue to pray for your pathway to healing, and God Bless.