Natural Treatment for Vaginal Dryness and Hormonal Balance

Q. What natural cream for vaginal dryness do you recommend for post menopausal vaginal dryness? Do you offer anything that wouldn't burn?

A. Are you in your menopausal years? If so, you might want to give this product a try to help with hormonal balance, as vaginal dryness often occurs as the menopausal years come to pass:

Isogen Forte Cream by Genestra - this combines high concentrations of soy isoflavones and wild yam extracts specifically developed to assist with progesterone and estrogen balance. Isogen Forte Cream is indicated for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression, weight gain and edema, and is recommended for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and postpartum depression. Isogen Forte Cream can be used everyday for the entire menstrual cycle instead of using specific products to offset hormone dominance.

• Massage Isogen Forte Cream into soft tissue areas, such as breasts, under arms, inner arms or thighs, wrist area or abdomen. Apply to a new area each day on a four day rotation to avoid saturation of fat cells.

  Contraindications
  Estrogen-sensitive cancers due to isoflavones.

Other directly helpful products are these:

Vitamin E Suppositories by WWH - Vitamin E (natural D-alpha tocopherol) (318 iu in each suppository) in a cocoa butter base. Use these vaginally at night at bedtime for best results.

If you are menopausal, these can be used topically,

Personal Lubricant with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E - natural personal lubricant for vaginal dryness due to Menopause or other vaginal irritations. Or if you are younger try this:

Natural Lubricant with Vitamin E - to relieve the mild dryness that sometimes occurs during your menstrual cycle or after childbirth. This lubricant is free of mineral oil or petroleum distillates. Its water-based formula protects a woman's delicate vaginal balance.

Cervical Dysplasia and HPV Natural Treatment and Avoiding Surgery

Q. I've had abnormal paps and was diagnosed with HPV. Then after 2 clean paps, my latest test shows as ASCUS pap smear. I want to get a jump start on treatment. I've read supplements and natural suppositories can reverse CD and ASCUS. Which ones do you recommend? I want to avoid surgery.

A. Before going into the protocol, here is a little more information on ASCUS:
An ASCUS (ASC-US or ASC) Pap smear is the most common type of abnormal Pap smear result. ASCUS is an acronym for "atypical cells of undetermined significance" and indicates mild cellular cervical changes with an unknown cause. While an ASCUS Pap smear result may sound alarming, it is considered mildly abnormal. There is no immediate cervical cancer risk in an ASCUS Pap smear result.

The Causes of ASCUS Pap Smear Results

A common cause of ASCUS Pap smears are minor infection and cervical inflammation. Infection and inflammation can cause cervical cells to appear abnormal, but eventually return to a normal appearance. For some women, an ASCUS result is due to changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV infection. In most cases, these cervical changes do not progress to cervical cancer, but require further monitoring and possible treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Adult women with an ASCUS Pap result will either have the Pap test repeated at 6 and 12 months or have a reflexive HPV DNA test. A reflexive HPV DNA test utilizes the sample used for the Pap smear and eliminates the need for another sampling. ASCCP guidelines favor HPV DNA testing for adult women with ASCUS Pap results. An HPV DNA test is performed just like a Pap smear. The test detects the presence of a high risk HPV infection that could potentially lead to cervical pre-cancer or cancer if left unmonitored or untreated.

Cervical Dysplasia (CD) is also referred to as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). CIN is classified as Mild (CIN I) and High-Grade (CIN II). A more recent rating system uses the designations Low-grade SIL [Squamous intraepithelial lesions] instead of CIN I and High-grade SIL to represent Moderate (CIN II) and/or Severe (CIN III). Cervical cancer is always preceded by cervical dysplasia, but the latter is treatable with excellent outcomes.

If you would like help with a natural protocol to help with HPV and Cervical Dysplasia, please sign up for a consultation.

Help for Candida and Rectal Itch

Q. My Candida Quiz score was over 200, and I also have persistent rectal itch. What can you recommend?

A. If your candida quiz score was over 200, then you most definitely do have candidiasis. Candaclear Four is fantastic and would be very beneficial.

For the persistent rectal itching, try Proctosan Cream. Apply upon awakening, before bedtime, and after each bowel movement.

If you have problems with recurring hemorrhoids, then you should also try this as a prevention and treatment of them: Paeonia Plex by Unda. Ten drops three to six times daily, according to severity of symptoms.

Natural Suppository for Strep B Vaginal Bacteria

Q. My gynecologist indicated that I had strep B (vaginal bacteria). She didn't prescribe any antibiotics, as she believes it can leave naturally. Do you have a protocol to suggest or any products which could help me?

A. We do have a suppository that is indicated for strep B. It is called Suppositories #1 by Wise Woman Herbals. It contains herbs that are specific to killing these bacterial infections. Insert one 3-4 inches into the vaginal canal at bedtime with an applicator if you have one or use a clean finger (some women use medical gloves). Unfortunately, these do not come with applicators. You may wish to wear a pantyliner to catch any leakage during sleep.

Optional, yet stated on label: "The morning following application, douche with warm water or WWH herbal Douche."

You might start with the 10 count to see if that does the trick. I would also recommend HMF Intensive Probiotic while taking this. Take one a day with meals. After finishing the 10 days of the suppositories, I would recommend using 1 probiotic as a suppository at bedtime for a few nights to help replenish the good bacteria in the vaginal canal.

As long as you do not have a bad infection, this should do the trick.

Women's hair loss, hormones and adrenal health

Q. I have a problem with my hair growth. My hair is getting thinner and has started to be bald in certain areas. I went to my doctor who said that my hormones related to the ability to grow hair is very low and suggested adrenotone. I would like to know if the Adrenotone Plus you offer can meet my needs?

A. Adrenotone Plus is helpful for improving adrenal hormone levels, as hair loss can be a result of low adrenal hormones. If your doctor diagnosed you with adrenal exhaustion and you have severe fatigue, Adrenal Complex can be added to your program for 3-4 months if you are tolerating the Adrenotone Plus well. You can take these products together for a stronger therapeutic dose. And if your DHEA hormone levels are on the low side, you may want to add this hormone in as well. This is a good one to start with: DHEA 5 mg.

How do I use GLA 90 BlackCurrant Oil if I am menstruating?

Q. Can you recommend how I should take GLA BlackCurrant Oil along with my fish oil, probiotics, alfalfa, and flax seed oil? Should there be any difference taking it while menstruating?

A. You can take it along with the other supplements you've listed, except you may want to cut back a tiny bit on the amount of flax oil you are taking because it has some of the same fatty acids (ALA, LA & OA). Linoleic and Oleic Acids are best to be consumed in moderation and not in excess.

If your menstruating, GLA should only taken during the pre-ovulation period of each cycle (from the first day of menstruation until ovulation). This is usually Day 1 - 14 for women with normal cycles. This is because it is converted to prostaglandins that are types of enzymes that have been shown to balance female reproductive hormones and support a wide range of bodily functions, including moisture regulation of mucous membranes. If you are no longer ovulating then this does not matter.

Breast Cancer and Beauty Products: The Paraben Concern

Breast cancer is considered to be a multi-factorial process. Genetic, lifestyle, immune and environmental factors play a role. Part of the process leading to cancer is acquiring damage to genes that regulate normal cell growth. This damage or mutation can be caused in part by exposure to chemicals in the environment and in part by other factors. There are known risk factors for breast cancer that are generally agreed upon throughout the medical and scientific community. They include early menarche, late menopause, having a first child later in life or not having children at all, a history of a first degree relative with breast cancer, a carrier of the breast cancer gene, past exposure to ionizing radiation, obesity, excess alcohol and use of a combination of estrogen and progestin for four years or more in postmenopausal women. But these factors only account for 10%-40% of breast cancers.

What accounts for the rest?

We may never know the full range of factors that lead to breast cancer but environmental factors must be considered. Chemicals in the environment can act like estrogen in the body. Breast tissue is extremely sensitive to estrogen stimulation which causes breast cell division. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and growth hormone affect growth and functioning of breast cells. More than half of breast tumors depend on estrogen. Environmental chemicals can act like hormones and other growth factors. Environmental chemicals can affect the balance that controls breast cell division and growth. One such chemical is parabens.

Parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals that we are exposed to everyday. They are in many cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, soaps and many other grooming products. They are what keep bacteria from growing in the product. Common parabens used in cosmetic and grooming products are methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben. Typically more than one paraben is used in a product and they are often used in combination with other chemical preservatives. Parabens were first approved for use in cosmetic products in 1984 when the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) determined they were safe. The CIR again looked at the safety of parbens in cosmetics in 2003 and 2005 and again determined that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics.

So what's all the fuss about parabens?

A 2004 study looked at 20 women with breast cancer and measured the tumor tissue for 6 different parabens. 100% of samples had at least one paraben with methylparaben being the highest. The study discussed the information in the context of the weak estrogen-like properties of parabens and the influence of estrogen on breast cancer. The study clearly had some flaws. First, it was a small sample of women all of which had breast cancer, and it did not compare this group to women without breast cancer. Also, it is important to note that the study did not show that parbens caused breast cancer but merely showed a correlation.

The question of parabens' estrogenicity has also been raised. One study in 2002 showed that parabens can act like estrogen in the body at the strength to cause breast cancer cells to grow and proliferate. While a 1998 study found that the most potent paraben, butylparaben, had an estrogenic activity 10,000 to 100,000 fold less activity than endogenous estradiol. Typically parabens used in cosmetics are at levels ranging from 0.01% to 0.03%. A 2005 review of the estrogenic activity of parabens found, based on maximum daily exposure estimates on the levels in cosmetics that parabens could not increase the risk associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals.

The Darbre study did bring up an interesting point of concern. The study showed that 5 of the 6 parabens widely used in cosmetics can be detected intact in human tissue. Often studies look at urine or blood levels of chemicals which show changed or metabolized effects of the chemical. This study showed unchanged, intact parabens stored in human tissue. A report published in the Journal of the American College of Toxicology in 1984 estimated that parabens are used in more than 13,000 consumer products. Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin where most cosmetics are applied. We know from body burden studies that the average American has at least one form of parabens stored in their body. In 2008 Dateline NBC ran a story about the body burden of chemicals. They measured 76 chemicals in 2 families. Each family consisted of a mother, father and two kids. All members of both families had low to moderate levels of parabens. This covers men, women, adults and children. This finding is not surprising considering parabens are in 13,000 grooming and hygiene products.

What should women do?

Is there a concern for women applying a weak estrogen to the skin every day through cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, sunscreens lotions, and soaps? Caution may be warranted based on the studies showing the weak estrogenic activity of parabens and their ability to penetrate the skin and be found intact in human breast cancer tissue. However, further research needs to be done comparing a large group of women with breast cancer to a large group of healthy women without breast cancer as well as more estrogenicity studies in the lab. In the meantime, look for products that are using phenoxyethanol, capryly glycol, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid and grapefruit seed extract as alternative preservatives. However, each of these too come with controversy in regards to issues including whether or not they have sufficient anti-microbial effects, labeling as natural, and the nature of the chemical make-up.

Happi and GCI trade publications publish annual preservative issues that serve as a resource to manufacturers.

This article was authored by Dr. Marianne Marchese, Naturopathic Physician. Her website is www.drmarchese.com

Natural treatment for endometriosis

Q. I have endometriosis and need some suggestions.

A. With endometriosis - each month a woman's ovaries produce hormones that stimulate the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) to multiply and prepare for a fertilized egg. The lining swells and gets thicker.

If these cells, called endometrial cells, implant and grow outside the uterus, endometriosis results. Unlike cells normally found in the uterus that fall off during menstruation, the ones outside the uterus stay in place. They sometimes bleed a little bit, but they heal and are stimulated again during the next cycle.

This ongoing process leads to symptoms of endometriosis (pain) and can cause scarring and adhesion of the tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures in the pelvis.

Research suggests that supplementation with vitamin E (1,200 IU per day) and vitamin C (1,000 mg per day) may relieve the pain. Animal research suggests that fish oils may reduce the severity of endometriosis, and fish oils have been shown to improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), which may be caused by endometriosis.

Here are some recommendations:

• E400 Emulsified by Genestra - I recommend this because of the mixed tocopherols and the high d-Gamma-E content, has more anti-inflammatory qualities than d-alpha.

• Scorbatate - a nice buffered vitamin C with minerals. It is a powder you mix with water. 1/4 tsp a day.

• Dioscorea Cream - can also be helpful if your progesterone levels are low for balancing hormones. Start using it on day 14 of your cycle.

• Vitalzyme X - can be helpful for removing scar tissue and fibrosis, and can be helpful removing the scaring that forms from endometriosis.

I'm actually amazed that Vitalzym X has been so effective, it's like a miracle

Q. I'm actually amazed that Vitalzym X has been so effective, it's like a miracle.

A. I am so grateful to have my life back, soooo grateful, I will probably take them for the rest of my life”

I would like to tell you my experience so far with VitalzymX and I may have a question or two.

I'm on my second box and it's been about 2 months since I began taking the supplements. Within 2 weeks I noticed a difference not only in the way I felt but in the size of my uterus. First, a little history. I have fibroids that have been extremely troublesome for about 6 years. That is six years of excessive bleeding, anemia and all the fun stuff that comes along with those two conditions. Basically it has been hell. It affected everyaspect of my life and work. I tried so many different supplements including hormones and nothing worked. I did take iron three times a day and that just kept me out of the hospital because they would say "Well your iron's low but not quite low enough". That actually was a good thing because I probably would have had my uterus removed and I was trying to avoid that. So back to the size of my uterus - most of the time

I looked 4-5 months pregnant, on occasion it would deflate and I would become hopeful, but within a day or two it would swell again. I have been an active person all my life but this condition took me down. Walking was my only option for exercise and some days I couldn't even walk. Well, now I'm running again. I feel energy that I haven't felt in a very long time and of course, I feel happy. I am productive again and even feel hopeful about the incredible debt that I have to deal with. At least I can work! I'm actually amazed that Vitalzym X has been so effective, it's like a miracle. I don't feel like a bloated whale and I can actually pull my tummy in. I know my uterus has shrunk because my clothes fit again and I don't have to where the maternity look-alike tops. And people are noticing, they think I've lost weight and since I'm not anemic I look better, my skin is not pasty and pale. But for me it's all about health and I feel healthy and vital and like ME again. I take 9-10 Vitalzym a day, that seemed to be my 'activation' dose. I even take a few more just before my period because that's when my uterus swells the most. And it works!

I am going to continue this until my periods stop (which given my age of 53 shouldn't be long) but I was wondering what you thought about that. Maybe when I'm sure things are stable I can reduce the daily amount. But at the moment I'm happy to take as many as it takes to be effective. I am so grateful to have my life back, soooo grateful, I will probably take them for the rest of my life. Thank-you Dr. Wong.

Sincerely, Gratefully and Thankfully,
Ellie Matheson

Is there a natural product that can shrink uterine fibroids?

Q. I have had a large fibroid (8cmx10cmx11cm) plus several smaller ones for at least 10 years. I went into perimenopause... lots of good sized blood clots. On my way home from Asia, I was hospitalized in Bangkok because the bleeding was so heavy I could not get on the plane. I have been doing everything I can to naturally bring my hormones into balance. I have now scheduled a hysterectomy. I am giving it one last ditch effort to try to reduce the size of the fibroid and bring the bleeding under control. Any suggestions?

A. The best supplement I can recommend for this is called: VitalzymX. I encourage you to read the review we recently received from a women who used these to shrink her fibroids with good success.

Beyond the reviews, we have seen great success with using this product for many people with scarring and inflammatory conditions. This is the new Vitalzyme product, which is 4 times stronger than the older version, so I would highly recommend it for you. Please read the tabs located under the picture of the product for more information about this enzyme product and how it is used. You would need to build up to your activation dose over time, it may be that you need to build up to 3 capsules 3 times a day.

Additionally, could also be helpful to try these:

• Dioscorea Cream - may be helpful for balancing your progesterone and hormone imbalances. It is a cream you rub on your abdomen, thighs, inner arms, etc, as it is recommended, see "More Info" tab.
• Unda's are a line of homeopathic biotheraputic drainage, if you can afford to also include these, I would recommend these to help detoxify and drain your hormonal system. These are the Unda's I would recommend to use all at the same time 5 drops, 3 times a day into the mouth 20 minutes away from food or brushing teeth:
• Unda 10, Unda 21, Unda 48 and Unda 245. Here is a link to the Unda section on our website, you can use the Search Box to look up each one I have listed for you. These Unda's can be helpful in balancing hormones and allowing the body greater capacity to break down and remove the fibriods.

Links to products available in Canada can be reached
VitalzymX
Dioscorea Cream
Unda section

Is there a non-hormonal alternative to help control Polycystic Ovary Disease?

Q. I am 35 years old and was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Disease when I was 20. I've been taking birth control for it. I was wondering if you would have products that would do the same thing that the birth control pill does but without risk of blood clotting, cancer etc.

A. I highly recommend you read about Progesterone Cream. It will regulate your menstrual cycle and will help PCO.

You should also get John Lee, MD's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About PreMenopause" which covers PCO on p. 124. Dr. Lee did incredible work in women's health issues for over 25 years and uses solid research and holistic based approach to healing.

Also, you should consider a supplement called DIM Vitex Formula which targets female reproductive issues.

Your diet is very important as well to control your insulin which has been linked to PCO. Keep your diet very low in refined and processed foods like bread, cereal, pasta, desserts, and sugar. Aim for high protein foods and lots of green vegetables and salads.

Which product do you recommend for PMS and helping me to reduce weight?

Q. I am trying to find the best product for PMS. I am 47 and premenopausal. I am overweight and am having a difficult time to reduce the weight no matter what I try.

A. You can check our PMS protocol and products recommendation here.

We have really great success in alleviating PMS symptoms with the Progesterone Cream Pump by Metabolic Maintenance, as well as the FemGuard + Balance by DFH.

You might also want to read more about the Endotrim by Designs For Health. This endocrine balancing formula is designed to promote optimal insulin, leptin and cortisol balance. It is great for anyone wishing to improve body composition.

Will Vitalzym or PaleoGreens feed Uterine Fibroids and encourage their growth?

Q. I have Uterine Fibroids. Is there anything in Vitalzym or PaleoGreens that will feed the fibroids and make them grow?

A. The two products you ordered are excellent and I use them personally. Neither product will make your fibroids worse, and could actually help. Vitalzym is great for reducing inflammation and breaking down abnormal growths in tissues, so this could be helpful for your fibroids in conjunction with the progesterone. The PaleoGreens are wonderful for overall health as they alkalinize the intestines and the body, provide nutrients, and assist with detoxification.

The only things that can make things worse is eating dairy, not getting enough dietary fiber, and consuming foods which are high in hormones such as non-organic animal products (meat, chicken, eggs, etc). Focus on putting lots of healthy foods in your diet, and exercise regularly to assist your body with hormone balance and detoxification.

I suffer from chronic cervicitis, what products do you recommend for me?

Q. I suffer from chronic cervicitis, what products do you recommend for me?
A. I would recommend that you also supplement your diet with Folic Acid such as the Super Liquid Folate by Designs For Health.

Green Tea extract by Designs for Health has also been helpful in the treatment of chronic cervicitis; it is also a powerful antibacterial.

You should also consider the Probiotic Synergy by DFH. It is an Immune defense at the intestinal and systemic level and inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, yeast, and parasites.

Omega Synergy by DFH is a new and improved product is an essential fatty acid (EFA) formulation consisting of a blend of wild deep-sea fish oils EPA& DHA (Certified free of heavy metals and PCBs), organic GLA (GMO-free) from borage oil, and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) from GMO-free flax oil, making it the most complete Omega oil blend.

You would definitely see great benefit s from this product.

As an alternative to a Hysterectomy what could help diminish Uterine Fibroids?

Q. I've been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and I'd like to reduce them naturally. My doctor has only offered me the treatment of a hysterectomy which I do not want to pursue because I am only age 30, married, with no children.

A. Fibroid tumors are preventable and treatable. Please consider these options before doing a hysterectomy at age 30! Vitalzym by World Nutrition. Take 3-6 enzymes 3 times daily between meals to shrink fibroids (3+ months). Dose can be decreased once you have successfully shrunken them. You and your doctor will be impressed.

Progesterone Cream by Metabolic Maintenance. 1 pump per night topically.

Book by Dr. John Lee- a women's health expert for over 25 years (book listed within Progesterone product page "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause")

Phosphatidyl Choline by DFH (for liver support) 1 Tbsp per day in smoothie, yogurt, juice, or applesauce.

And finally, DIM has been found to be promising in preventing uterine fibroid tumors, so this product is as prevention for re-occurrence by helping eliminate the dangerous estrogens which cause hormonal imbalances and lead to fibroids.

Other than Arginine, what do you recommend to increase female libido?

Q. What product do you recommend to increase female libido? I don't want to take large amounts of Arginine because I'm prone to cold sores.

A. Arousal Factors by BioGenesis is a great product with a mixture of botanicals which only has 200mg of Arginine per 2 capsules, so this small amount would not be likely to do so. But, I also recommend you keep a bottle of L-Lysine on hand since it naturally balances out Arginine and is a great first line defense for cold sores.

What supplements can help a person with PMS symptoms, Acne, a irregular periods?

Q. My daughter has high cortisol as per a saliva test. She is under enormous stress and also suffers from PMS symptoms monthly. She also has acne problems with her period and wonders what supplements could be of help.

A.

• GLA by Designs for Health is an essential fatty acid needed for hormone production. Her PMS and acne are related to imbalanced hormone production. GLA is highly effective in treating this if used in the right dosage. Begin by taking 3 capsules twice daily with meals.
• Phosphatidyl Serine (PS) is great to lower cortisol: Take 3 capsules daily.
• Progesterone cream will also help lower cortisol and balance hormones. Apply one pump onto skin once daily before bed during days 12-28 of cycle.
• FemGuard + Balance, by Designs for Health: This would replace Vitex and contains a host of other nutrients to aid in estrogen balance and PMS.
• And finally for spot reduction of stress, my personal favorite "chill out" supplement is CatecholaCalm: It contains some B vitamins, magnesium, relaxing herbs and theanine, an amino acid which helps people to relax. It is a nice combo!

Is there an alternative to antibiotics for Crytoporidium and H. Blastocyst?

Q. My 22 year old daughter has had problems ever since international travel 6 years ago. She is sick frequently, is chronically tired, has increased body/facial hair, acne, and gastrointestinal problems (gas, bloating, and reflux). She was diagnosed with 2 parasites (crytosporidium and h. blastocyst) and placed on an anti-inflammatory diet (wheat free) to heal the intestinal lining before being treated for the parasites with strong antibiotics. We would prefer a natural treatment. Do you have any recommendations for products that may help her?

A. There are certainly some nutritional measures you can attempt before using strong medications. If she has experienced an increase in facial hair, acne, etc, that indicates a hormonal imbalance. Get her estrogen and testosterone levels checked. This may be related to her parasites or it could be an independent issue. Often when the intestines do not function properly, due to a situation as hers, many seemingly unrelated symptoms are likely to occur. It has to do with nutrient malabsoprtion, which then halts production of enzymes and hormones.

To remove parasites, I highly recommend this very effecting herbal cleansing program:

• Internal Cleansing Kit, by Blessed Herbs followed up with Parasite Cleansing Kit. It is an all inclusive kit for cleansing and parasite elimination, and has been used by Rockwell Nutrition staff and family, as well as clients and know to be effective.
• For balancing your daughters hormones to help with acne, hair, etc., do get hormone levels tested and if estrogen and testosterone are higher than normal, use topically applied progesterone cream to balance them out.

She should limit her sugar and starch intake as much as possible, since the overproduction of insulin will lead to an imbalance in her estrogen/progesterone. Also, it may be worth having her tested for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This condition is reversible with good diet and supplementation. Repairing her intestines will allow her to begin to digest and metabolize nutrients to normalize all body functions.

What product(s) would help to lower FSH, or are helpful for infertility?

Q. Are there any products that you recommend to help lower FSH or that are good for infertility? I recently found out that I have an elevated FSH level.

A. Please read more about FemGuard + Balance by DFH. It contains several herbs shown to normalize FSH levels and to help with women's entire hormone system. Also, for fertility, consider taking Finest Pure Fish Oils, Whey Cool Protein, HLC Probiotics, and a multivitamin. It is important to ensure minimal nutritional deficiencies to signal your body that it possesses adequate nutrition to support a new life.

Finest Pure Fish Oils, by Pharmax: Two teaspoons daily will provide more essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s to support your hormonal health and signal your body that it has enough fatty acids to support a new life.
Whey Cool Protein Powder, by DFH: This is very high quality protein which tastes delicious as a smoothie with frozen fruit. Most people are protein deficient, and since protein is the main nutrient needed to support new tissue growth and new life, it would be helpful to drink a protein smoothie everyday for breakfast or a snack.
HLC Probiotics, by Pharmax: This is healthy bacteria for your gut, needed for optimal nutrient absorption. Take 1 tsp daily after a meal.
Twice Daily Multi, by DFH: This is a multivitamin with sufficient B-vitamins, especially folate—800mcg. It is important to ensure you have enough micronutrients to prepare your body for pregnancy.

Also, improve your diet with reduced sugar and starch intake, which cause excess estrogen. Switch to organic meats, dairy, poultry and eggs, to remove excess hormones coming into your body affecting your natural levels. Eat more organic protein, green vegetables, and healthy fats such as avocado and nuts.

What do you recommend for Candida, itchy hives, and a coated tongue?

Q. What do you recommend for Candida and Allergies that present on my skin as hives and patches...very itchy...also a coated tongue.

A. Here are the links to products that will assist you with your problems.

• HLC MindLinx - this would be a good maintenance probiotic to help with breaking down gluten and dairy. Take with meals.
• AllerGzyme by DFH - full spectrum proteolytic enzyme complex which is focused on assisting with the digestion of difficult to breakdown proteins such as gluten, gliadin and casein from whey and dairy, as well as other many other protein sources from the diet including soy and rice.
• L-Glutamine by DFH (powder) - the recommended amount for Healing Leaky Gut/ Food Allergies is 3-10 tsp (more than I quoted on the phone).
• Whey Cool by DFH
• SalbaRx by Core Naturals - this would be an excellent fiber to add, as it is gluten-free, and has Vitamin C, and essential fatty acids (omega-3's), calcium, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals, to support your nutrient needs! I would highly recommend you try this. The added daily fiber will help move out dead and dying yeast and bacteria from the intestinal tract, which will help the overall health and healing process.
• FiPro Ground Flax Seeds - these would add fiber and omega-3's to your diet, add to your whey protein shakes or sprinkle on salad or other veggies (broccoli) for an added nutty flavor. I thought this could be another option to consider for added fiber and omega-3's. Omega-3's help keep inflammation lower, so either of these would be a good addition to your diet.

In addition to avoiding sugar, what supplements should I use for Candida?

Q. What specific supplements would you suggest for Candida? Diet wise, I know I need to avoid sugar!! But can you provide other guidance? I sent you the results of my Candida questionnaire.

A. As for the idea of candidiasis, it does seem that you have many symptoms that correspond to a yeast overgrowth. I'm just going to fore-worn you that many physicians do not consider candidiasis to be a medically valid or diagnosable problem. Mainly, because they haven't had the education regarding this condition in medical school and it is difficult for labs to isolate these organisms in lab tests, so this remains to be a controversial issue in the American medical community.

At Rockwell Nutrition, we have a background education in nutrition and natural medicine. The natural medicine community does recognize candidiasis to be a problem for many and over the years have seen great improvement with improving this condition through diet, supplements and herbs. I'm including weblinks to products I've recommended.

To get you started on some supplements to help with eradicating the yeast I would recommend:

• Colon Guard: (Day 1-30) 1 capsule twice daily with a meal for 2 weeks, then 1 per day for 2 weeks. (aggressive yeast killer to be used no longer than 1 month)
• Alli-Cinn: (Day 30-365) 1 capsule twice daily with a meal after finishing 1 month of Colon Guard. (Maintenance yeast killer to be used indefinitely).

You must use probiotics during this yeast killing phase to start replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the GI as well as to prevent further overgrowth of pathogenic strains which have been found to overgrow during antimicrobial therapy. (Duration: 1-6 months+)

• HLC Intensive capsules: (Day 1-10): 1 cap three times daily after meals for 10 days
• HLC Synbiotic: (Day 11-18) 1 packet daily before bed (or ½ packet twice daily after meals). Can be mixed in water or taken right off the spoon for 7-14 days. HLC Synbiotic packets are the highest potency probiotic plus prebiotic (FOS) product and contain a minimum of 130 billion total L. acidophilus (two strains), B. bifidum and lactis, and L. salivarius in each packet. After 10 days of HLC Intensive capsules, the GI is ready for FOS which will feed the beneficial bacteria and help re-colonize the GI. Each of the five different strains will attach in different areas of the epithelial tissue in the intestinal tract (small and large intestines). This probiotic is a microbial replacement program for the gastrointestinal tract intended for 7 to 14 days depending on the severity of the problem.
• HLC High Potency Powder or Capsules: (Day 19-365) Maintenance dose probiotics to be taken indefinitely.

Bind and Remove Toxins: during the yeast killing phase of month 1, you need to bind the released toxins and excrete them from your body. We suggest:

• Intestinal Purifier by Pharmax: one serving daily and/or
• PaleoGreens by DFH: 1 Tablespoon daily
• And a fiber rich diet with lots of green vegetables & salads.

Strengthen Immune Function: Restoring proper Immune Function is one of the key goals in treatment and long term prevention of Candidiasis. These supplements offer immune support:

• Echinacea Complex by Pharmax - 2 per day (3 weeks on, stop 1 week)
• AHCC ImmunoKinoko by QOL Labs - 1 per day

You didn't mention anything about having problems with vaginal yeast infections. If this is a problem for you as well, I would also recommend the suppositories we have listed in our Candida Supplement program:

• Yeast Arrest Suppositories: (Day 1-14) 1-2 per day for 7-14 days and then as needed (i.e. 2 days during end of menstrual cycle). Followed by:
• HLC CandaClear suppositories: (Day 14-20) Insert 1 each night before bed for 6-12 days (as a follow up to Yeast Arrest suppositories). Then, use as needed (i.e. 2 days a month prior to or after period or when flare up is likely) to replenish the good bacteria in the vaginal tract.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding these supplements. Once you get started, please check in with me in a few weeks and let me know how you are doing ans what you find out about your thyroid. We do have some great thyroid support products I would like to bring to your attention.

As of for diet, I would recommend rice milk as an alternative to milk for you. You can use this to make smoothies and cereal. I highly recommend this over soy milk. A diet high in soy has been shown to cause hypothyroid in women, so I would not recommend soy in your case. There are gluten-free nutrition bars (at Rockwell Nutrition), gluten-free cereals and waffles available at most natural food stores. Many of these are made from a grain called quinoa, which is a gluten-free, wheat-free, high protein grain. It is very tasty.

Also, we have a great Hemp Protein you could use to make a high protein shake for a quick breakfast. We do offer other gluten-free protein powders, many of which are from whey, which is a milk protein. High quality Whey protein is not usually allergenic for most, it is the casein protein in dairy most are allergic to. I do like to recommend our whey proteins because they have many immune boosting nutrients that are naturally occurring and are quite helpful to gut healing. It might be worth considering adding at some point. If you decide to try the hemp protein, I'm going to provide a like to our Protein Smoothie Recipes, for ideas to make healthy smoothies. You could substitute the Hemp instead of the PaleoMeal Whey Protein. Substituting a protein smoothie for a meal is a great way to also cut calories slightly to help with weight loss!

I hope I've given you some ideas to get quick healthy dairy, gluten, egg, and almond-free foods into your diet to help you avoid the sugar, potato chips and chocolate. If you do feel you need chocolate, I recommend going for over 70% cocoa bars and only having 1 oz a day. This will help you satisfy your sweet tooth, while getting the nutrition form the high cocoa content. Lastly, I'd like to recommend Xylitol sweetener to add to smoothies or anything you'd like to sweeten. This is made from birch and does not feed yeast. It is very safe to consume and tastes like sugar with no aftertaste. In fact dentists highly recommend it in chewing gum because it protects teeth from decay, totally unlike sugar!

I hope you take a few minutes to review all the links I've provided.