Cod liver oil pills
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: Are cod liver oil pills the equivalent of the Omega 3 fish oil supplements?
A: Cod liver oil pills are a type of an Omega 3 fish oil supplement. Cod liver oil pills are made from the liver of cod fish. The pills contain a high amount of the Omega -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Also they contain significant amounts of vitamins A and D. You should talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Tags: cod liver oil, cod liver oil pills, dha, Diet & Exercise, fatty acids epa, fish oil supplements, Heart Health, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 fish oil, omega 3 fish oil supplements, supplement, SupplementsPreventing bone loss
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 14 2009
Q: Is it okay to take calcium when drinking coffee with a meal? I have taken fosamax for many years and see no results of improvement in bone density test. My doctor insists I take the drug. Is there anything else I can use?
A: Regular weight bearing exercise helps prevent bone loss. The old saying, if you don’t use it, you lose it, is very true with bone loss. Taking calcium supplements along with coffee or other caffeine containing beverage may block some absorption but that doesn’t keep me from enjoying a latte or cappuccino. There are drugs other than Fosamax that can be used to treat osteoporosis. You should discuss the options with your doctor.
Tags: bone density test, bone loss, caffeine, calcium supplements, coffee, Diet & Exercise, exercise, fosamax, Medical Conditions, osteoporosis, supplement, Supplements, weight bearing exerciseBlood pressure and hawthorn berry
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: My blood pressure went haywire in March and my physician/ PA recommended that I take Norvasc and HCTZ 12.5 mg. I have been told by many people about the side affects of Norvasc with swelling. However I do prefer natural herbs as an alternative. I’m taking the HCTZ and the Herb Hawthorn Berry to control my blood pressure. My pressure has been great since ranging from 121/76 to 136/74. I know that most Doctors don’t approve of this so I haven’t told them, although I plan to. What do you think about the Herb Hawthorn Berry?
A: You should always tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins or herbals that you take. Your doctor can give you helpful information and warnings about these products. Don’t just assume your doctor will dismiss your interest in alternative treatments. It is possible that your diurectic (HCTZ or hydrochlorothiazide) is controlling your blood pressure. It is also possible the Hawthorn berry is helping. For more information on Hawthorn click here.
Tags: alternative treatments, blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, hawthorn berry, hctz, herbals, hydrochlorothiazide, natural herbs, Norvasc, supplement, Supplements, Supplements, vitaminsNiacin to treat high cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009
Q: I take norvasc and zocor. I would like to know if there is a non prescription herb you can take for high cholesterol. There are so many rumors about cholesterol medications side effects. I hate taking medications but am willing to take something that is natural.
A: Vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacin is a non-prescription supplement that has beneficial effects on cholesterol. It is also available in prescription strengths. Many people prefer taking a statin such as Zocor to niacin because of the common side effect of skin flushing. You certainly should discuss this alternative with your doctor. For more information on niacin, click here.
Tags: Heart Health, high cholesterol, Medical Conditions, niacin, Norvasc, side effect, side effects, supplement, vitamin B, ZocorNitric oxide and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 20 2009
Q: I have been told that nitric oxide is helpful in controlling high BP and that l-arginine in combination with l-citrulline generates this in the blood. Have you heard anything on this?
A: What you have heard is true. Nitric oxide is a mediator for many functions within the body. The pathway is complex and can include the aminoacids you mention. For example, the well known impotence drug Viagra was developed because of the role nitric oxide plays in dilating the penile vascular system. Keep in mind, the use of any “supplement” in medicine is controversial. Recommended amounts of these amino acids are contained in a balanced, healthy diet.
Tags: amino acids, blood pressure, impotence, l arginine, l citrulline, nitric oxide, supplement, Supplements, vascular system, ViagraAlistrol supplement
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 15 2009
Q: Do you know if taking the supplement Alistrol provides any real reduction in high blood pressure?
A: The use of supplements is controversial. Some users claim great success but natural supplements are not subject to the strict scientific studies required to become a prescription medication. Also the standards for making supplements are not as controlled as for prescription medication. Personally, I feel it makes more sense to spend your money on fresh fruit and vegetables than to take supplements.
Tags: alistrol, Diet & Exercise, natural supplements, supplement, SupplementsZona Plus and The Blood Pressure Cure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 14 2009
Q: What is your knowledge or experience with the efficacy of
Kowalski’s Blood Pressure Cure (book + supplement regimen) or the Zona Plus - a device that supposedly can lower blood pressure?
A: In his book, Kowalski promotes healthy lifestyle changes that are keys to good blood pressure control and heart disease prevention. However, the use of supplements is always controversial. You should discuss their use with your health care provider. The Zona Plus is a device that claims to lower blood pressure by a computer guided hand gripping exercise. Unlike the RESPeRATE, it has not been cleared by the FDA. To get FDA clearance, extensive clinical studies were performed proving the effectiveness of the RESPeRATE.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Blood Pressure Cure, FDA, Kowalski, lifestyle, supplement, Supplements, Zona PlusRisks taking potassium supplements with Diovan
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: I have recently been prescribed Diovan for my high blood pressure. I read on the internet that one should not take a Potassium supplement with this drug. I have been taking a Potassium supplement after breakfast because I suffer cramps in my feet. Can I continue doing this or is there a reason I shouldn’t?
A: Supplementation with potassium is usually not recommended when taking Diovan because actions of this drug may cause an increase in blood levels of potassium. Too much potassium can make the heart stop beating. You should talk to your doctor about your foot cramps.
Tags: Add new tag, cramps, Diovan, Medication Interactions, potassium, supplement, SupplementsVitamin B and its effect on high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 12 2007
Q: Will taking vitamin supplements B-6 and B-12 affect my BP?
A: It has been suggested that B vitamins help lower levels of homocysteine in the body. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Whether or not taking B supplements is beneficial is still not clear.
Tags: atherosclerosis, Diet & Exercise, heart attacks, high blood pressure, homocysteine, supplement, vitamin B, vitamin b-12
