Ask Lena Health Questions and Answers 2009 Archives
Subscribe Click Here
 

  
Lena Sanchez in the middle bottom row - 72 year-old Editor - with 1 son and both daughters  and 5 of 11 grand children - back row; oldest daughter, short (4'11") dark haired gal on left with her husband and two sons. Second son top right with two of his four children. Younger daughter (now cancer-free), bottom left and her daughter and fiancée on my right..

Ask Lena Health Q & A editor/writer
No hair dye, surgery or other altering done.
What you see is what you get 72 years of living!

Editor's Health Articles

List of many natural alternative health remedies!
 

For Suggested Common Health Problem Alternative Herbal Repair Kits CLICK HERE!
 

June 23, 2009 I have a 15 month old grandson, who is sick quite frequently.  One time about six months ago he was sick, and his mom works late so she had to go to her clinic after hours.  The baby's regular dr. was not in, and a practitioner seen him, and subscribed a Z pack for him..  When his dr. found out he was upset that this was given to my grandson.
My question is what can be done to help reverse the adverse effects all the med's have done to his immune system?
He has had sores in his mouth for almost 3 weeks now, they are getting better though.  He also has had a rash all over his body for about eight months.  It stays under control when she uses Aqua for lotion on him.

June 16, 2009 I would like your views on Nattokinase.  I had a clot stroke last year and refused the recommended invasive testing, opting instead for 'wait and see'.  I was taking 81 mg. aspirin daily until I heard about Nattokinase a few weeks ago - I read it on your website - and opted to take the Nattokinase ever since.  I would like to know if you can one take too much Nattokinase?  Can it be taken together with aspirin?  What other measures would you recommend to prevent a major stroke?

June 9, 2009 I find that your answers make more sense than others who have tried to get me to understand the why of things so I am asking you to help me understand, why are we not supposed to have saturated fats in our diet? What are the differences in fats?

June 2, 2009 I just come across an article on vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7 from soy)
I have hardening of the arteries my blood pressure is 150/55. I am very excited
about k2 . I am taking blood pressure medicine, needless to say it makes me lethargic and I hate the side effects and I also have diabetes..
Would k2 be something really good for me or would I just waste my money since I am faithfully take
a multi vitamin every day .
Thank you for any light you might shed on this subject for me .

May 26, 2009 I do hope you have an answer for me. I am 55 years old and just last week told I have dry macular degeneration.?  My Ophthalmologist says there isn't any real treatment for my eye problem at this time and that I could go blind at any moment or sometime in the future? I did not like hearing that but after reading so many of your Ask Lena Health Questions and reading your answers I think you might know of something he doesn't.

May 19, 2009 This question may seem frivolous, but if you had acne you wouldn't think so. My doctor told me that what you eat doesn't cause acne break out, but it seems that when I have too much chocolate, I will break out. It's not the sugar because it's usually hot chocolate that has artificial sweetener in it not sugar.  Does chocolate create acne or what? Do you know if chocolate is good or bad for acne sufferers like me?

May 12, 2009 I suffer from Honeymoon cystitis. I am a 37 year old female. Every time my Husband and me have intercourse I have a bladder infection. So we just stop having intercourse altogether now. Every time I have one, I go to the doctor because otherwise nothing else works. Cranberry and Asparagus only mask the problem but does not rid the infection. I even tried using Olive leaf extract which I read is one of natures best antibiotics and while it clears up certain symptoms it does not rid the infection. What can I Use to help me? someone recommended D-mannose? Is there a natural antibiotics that can definitely kill UTI's?

May 5, 2009 I live with such pain yet my doctor says I am healthy? Help, I think I may have become a hypochondriac! What can possibly cause me to have pain in my knees, back, arms and all over. It never seems to stay in the same place, which is so confusing. Sometimes just touching my skin is painful and getting to be more so all the time yet the doctor says I'm healthy. How can this be? Am I a hypochondriac?

April 28, 2009 I suppose this question is on the minds of many and I searched through your wide range of health articles but found nothing written about Swine Flu. The media scare has a lot of us fearful and giving tips to help but I don't know if I can depend on their information. I know the virus medications such as Tamiflu isn't really effective on any of the viruses as the media is saying, but what can I do to assure that me and my family not get it? This leaves me wondering what to do?  Is there something alternatively that will treat the virus?

April 21, 2009 I've been having this itching and irritation in my vagina for a few days now and I'm uncomfortable. I thought I had a urine infection and have a doctor's appointment tomorrow but this morning I've noticed a cottage cheese looking vaginal discharge without an odor and then when I wiped this morning I noticed a tiny bit of blood and my genital area seems a little bit swollen.  So now I'm not sure. Do you think this is a urine infection or vaginal infection?  If so what can I do and how can I prevent this from happening again.

April 14, 2009 I was diagnosed with COPD many years ago. It is now extremely difficult to breathe most of the time and am on oxygen almost 24 hours a day. My lung doctor said I'm not a good candidate for a lung transplant due to my age and deteriorating heart. I only have one good lung, the other one is barely functioning. I'm 65 so at my age what do I have to lose, the way I see it I will either survive and be reasonably healthy or I will die, which if I live long enough I'm going to do anyway. I live with oxygen to help me breathe. What are your thoughts on improving my breathing capabilities since I cannot get a lung transplant? I am not sure I would have one even if I could? Would you?

April 7, 2009 I'm a 55 year-old male and I just had my annual physical and my PSA was high. This year it was 9, and the doctor wants me to have a biopsy. What is your opinion? What is a PSA? Is a Positive PSA dangerous? What are the normal levels? What does an abnormal reading really mean?

March 31, 2009 I'm 39 years old and feel like I'm becoming an ape with all the hair now growing on my body. My doctor has not been able to give me an explanation as to why and wrote me a prescription for a steroid medication without telling me why I need it. I have not filled that prescription. I've also noticed a slow weight gain over the last couple of years, no matter what I do I can't drop it and continue to gain. I'm doing the diet and exercise yet the weight slowly climbs. At the moment I'm about fifteen pounds over my ideal weight. Can you give me an idea how to stop the hairy body and weight gain? From all the newsletters I've read your answers always seem to make sense so can you help me?

March 24, 2009 My 3 year old daughter had an ear infection a couple of months ago and was given antibiotics and the ear is fine now, but she has had runny diarrhea ever since and I've had her back to the doctor a few times. She put her on a BRAT diet weeks ago and she keeps insinuating that I am feeding her something to cause the diarrhea. I truly have stuck to the BRAT diet even though she cries and begs for other foods.  I am frantic what can I do to help her?

March 17, 2009 please tell me what alternative methods of dissolving kidney stones and flushing the kidneys you would recommend, including natural pain relievers, rather than traditional chemicals that kill our liver cells.  I seem to be a chronic stone forming person and need to know what to do to stop this merry-go-round of ER visits and drugs that only relieve the pain and days of waiting to see if it will dissolve or if I have to do the lithotripsy.

March 10, 2009 If My Calcium Is High on a Hair Analysis, why would anyone recommend I take more Calcium? That is what my Naturopath says I need. This totally floors me. What would you say to that? My calcium is so extremely high, why would I want to take more calcium? I am not sure her answer was something I can believe. I was not totally convinced or satisfied with her answer of taking more calcium. I find your newsletter so informative and making sense that I hope you can give me peace of mind with this problem. What do you recommend?

March 3, 2009 Do you know why aspartame is contained in Typhim Vi vaccine?
Is it only in the oral vaccine and not the injectible?

February 24, 2009 I am a male in my mid 40's and my latest cholesterol reading was 265 and my doctor is saying some pretty harsh things while trying to force me to take a cholesterol lowering prescription. I filled the first prescription for Lipitor but read the insert, which made up my mind for me, in small print said; "Has not been shown to prevent or protect from heart disease or stroke." So I figured my chances of being healthy were greater without it than with it and it still sits on my counter unopened? I also read one of your articles that stated that "60 plus people who die from heart attack, heart disease or stroke have normal to low cholesterol readings," which enforced my thoughts at not taking the drugs? He said to me; if he had the authority he would force me to take the medication and wanted me to understand my risk of heart attack caused by the cholesterol. Obviously he hasn't read the insert that goes with Lipitor? Sometimes I think maybe he's right and should  cave in and take the medication with this reading..  Could you again explain to me why I shouldn't take these medications?

February 17, 2009 I was wondering if you know of any natural remedy for Yeast Infection. If you have any information to share I would appreciate that. I am still breastfeeding, need to start weaning my son who is now 20 months old.

February 10, 2009 I've reached the conclusion that my obesity might be because of medications I take. Is that possible?

I've been on medications for many years now and my health seems to get worse and not better even with the mediations. It started with diabetes which I take medication and insulin now I've been diagnosed with a fatty liver and high cholesterol. I have been obese most of my adult life and my cholesterol is said to be high and now am on medication for that?  Can you help me out at all with something natural What do you recommend?

February 5, 2009  I'm confused. Last week you wrote that "MSM" (sulphur), if ocean harvest and in its individual form is actually good for allergies and should not be shunned due to allergies..." But my doctor said I am allergic to anything containing sulphur. Does that mean I cannot take MSM? Who is correct her or you? I am experiencing some joint pain that has been diagnosed as mild arthritis and would like to try something natural but don't know if I should take MSM or not?

January 27, 2009 Have you ever heard of MSM (Methylsufonylmethane) having blood thinner, or phenol or  benzene properties? My daughter said "At one time I had a list of supplements that people allergic should be wary of. I have read that sulfur/MSM has a benzene ring like phenol and also that it is a blood thinner like all the NSAID's are." This is critically needed information for our family...

January 20, 2009 I would like to know if the macular degeneration repair kit would help me? I have these pains in my eyes and blurring vision in the middle but my outside vision seems okay. Could it be macular degeneration? If not what do you think would help?

January 13, 2009 I am allergic to two antibiotics that have been given me Keflix or Ceflex for a laminectomy in 2005 and most recently Jan 2, Ciprofloxaci (a sub for Cipro),  for a bladder suspension.  Also the Vicodin is mad me terribly constipated so I stopped that alos.  When the itchiness started the 2nd day after surgery I quit it right away.  In 2005 I got a watery red itchy rash that lasted weeks. I started today with garlic cooked with yellow onions and coconut oil and was already am taking Now brand Curcurmin to improve CRP.  Folic acid for Homocystein a Bioflavonoid C Complex with Acerola and Rutin 2,000 mg two times daily. Will all this be good enough to keep from getting an infection. Or is there more you could suggest for faster healing. I forgot to mention I am 60 yrs old.  Also have a low thyroid but have refused getting started on Armour Thyroid that my doc wants me to do. She says I really need to improve my 8.85 I don't want to take anything that is long term. I have no tired symptom.

January 6, 2009 I would appreciate, if you could tell me your opinion on this subject. I am totally torn apart not knowing what is the right thing to do. I and my immediate family were always into the natural, home remedies, alternative medicine – herbs, teas…… My 18month old has quite a number of vaccinations behind him, and honestly up until now I never really studied, or researched what’s behind all of this. During the last doctor’s visit with my son he mentioned he should get a flu shot. I have never had any, nobody in my family circle either. I have found so much information on that subject with pro and cons it scares me to decide either way, but still feel that my son should be fine without it, rather than putting more chemicals inside his tiny body. I read somewhere that the immune system works better when it’s challenged by illness….. question is will it be responsible of me to think it should work that way for my son too, when one reads that an influenza can cause death in the small children age group. Will you please give me your feedback

December 15, 2009 Could you please tell me if you have any information on home generator for colloidal silver as I am told it would be very cheap if I made my own and anyone can do it? I take your silver water but would I save money doing the colloidal? I've also heard that a person can get arygria from taking silver, what do you think?  What us arygria?

Before I put out the money I would like your opinion on whether I should I even consider getting a silver generator and will it save me money?

December 8, 2009 I am 38 years old, Dominican, single mother of a 12 years old girl.
I was diagnosed with Lupus 3 month ago and I don't want to continue taking all these meds, prednisone etc. my face had change and I don't feel good anyways but when I stop, my right hand is always swelling and all my joints hurts, I can remember a day that I don't feel in pain or tired.
Can you please, please, please, help me? I am very depressed, I am loosing my hair, can't work like this and I am about to loose my house, I need to get better soon to be able to be a good mom and get a job to support my daughter, I need to get my life back.

December 1, 2009 With all the Swine flu hype this may seem a small problem to most but the pain is creating havoc in my daily mobility... I have Plantar Facia problems, is there anything natural to correct it or at least stop the pain and swelling?

November 24, 2009 My questions today are: Friends have tried to get me into a health building program and become a wholesaler for it as well. This includes program has Xango Goji, Noni, Mangosteen, Camu Camu and Aloe vera juices among a few other things. The money plan sounds good but I would like your take on this program before I commit to it. Is it truly more healthy than any others? Have you heard of Xango, Mangosteen or Camu Camu information other than selling them... Goji and Aloe Vera information is all over the place but I couldn't find much on these three... They claim all of these fantastic juices are a must for everyone's health? Are they really? What do you think about the whole program?November 17, 2009 I was looking for information on fingernails and ran across your article online about fingernail diagnosing illnesses and disease. It didn't answer my question but I'm hoping you will know the answer: have you ever heard of someone developing just one markedly brittle nail? I have one nail only that is actually gotten brittle and falling apart, but I have no idea why. I take a good liquid multi vitamin supplement as well as large doses of vitamin C but hasn't stopped the problem. I don't understand how only one nail can fall a part?

November 10,2009 I am thinking about donating blood plasma but I was told that it could effect my health.  I'm 27 years old and do not take any medications. I suppose my diet could be better but I try to eat well. I would like your thoughts on this? My question: I am watching all these ads on TV saying that our Medicare Advantage is going to be cut and if that happens what does that mean to us old folks?

November 3, 2009  am a patient that has MS (Multiple Sclerosis), and I have been battling the symptoms of this disease for several years. I did not know what was wrong for a long time and neither did my doctors. If I had been diagnosed earlier, some of the problems I have now might not exist. Now, I am taking medication (Copaxone) and using alternative methods to relieve my symptoms. I read your article about starvation and MS, and I am following this rescheme. Can you recommend some antioxidants  and other tips for managing MS.

October 27, 2009 You have printed several articles on reasons not to get Swine flu vaccine but do you have any real numbers that would give me comfort should I choose to not get the vaccine. I do love your newsletter and have found your answers to be simple yet smart and healthy.  

October 20, 2009 I have 2 conditions that have really wrecked my life up to this point, I do not live a normal life and need help?
 
First, I take 2 medications for depression, one is Lexapro 20mg./day and the other is Risperdal 2mg./day.  I do feel better, but I don't know what these 2 drugs are doing to my brain, what are the long term effects going to be on my health?  What are your recommendations concerning depression and what you would do if you were in my shoes/
 
Second, I have severe chronic halitosis, I've know about it since the 5th. grade and I've seen several dentists and doctors and no one has any solutions.  I'm 36 yrs. old, no drinking, no smoking, I workout 4Xs/week, but my brain and my breath are ruining my life, I don't want to live the rest of my live, like the previous 36 yrs.

October 13, 2009 Are there any known natural treatments for PAD (peripherial artery disease) in the legs?  This is where blockages or narrowing in the arteries causes poor circulation and pain in the leg (calve) muscles when you walk short distances.  Gone untreated or without surgery this disease can be serious enough to necessitate amputation.  I'm trying to avoid surgery - naturally!  So far I'm holding steady but not experiencing much improvement or healing.

October 6, 2009 I am sending this to ask you about things to use for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been diagnosed with it and am using as many antiinflammatory herbs as I know. I was diagnosed in August and since then I have started using Boswellian, Devil's Claw, Tumeric. I am taking those in powder and tablet now, but my daughter and I have tinctured them along with Ginger, Valerian and we will tincture White Willow Bark. Do you know if there is anything that I am missing or do you have a product that helps with inflammation and pain. This week we have had lots of rain and needless to say, I am swollen and in pain. I have been told that the herbs I am using work very well, but may take some weeks to get into my system. I have been only using them for about two weeks. Other than that, we are doing well.

September 29, 2009 I'm a frequent flyer and I find that as soon as I get on a plane my bladder starts working. On average I'd say that I have to make a trip to the toilet every 30 minutes or so, which means that on a 10-hour international flight I'm making some 20 trips! In everyday life I make frequent visits too, compared to people I know, but nothing like 30 minutes. The symptom started about 20 years ago as far as I can recall (I'm 64 now). Is this something I should be worried about? There are no other symptoms such as pain when urinating or inability to actually produce urine. Because it forces me to get up and walk about frequently when I'm on a plane, I've always considered it as a useful way to counter economy-flight syndrome, but I'd like to be sure that it's not a symptom of something. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.

September 22, 2009, Lena, my wife asked me to write you as she doesn't use the computer much but she does read your newsletters every week. She us 49 years old and her scalp is itchy and I do not see anything there that could be causing it and her hair is dry, brittle and falling out. She is having some trouble sleeping along with some headaches. She seems to have a lot of colds in the winter time so I am going to make sure we both take the Ionic Silver Water daily to help prevent that. What do you think could be her problem and can you help her do something naturally to stop the problem?

September 15, 2009 The media is at it again and my family is pushing the flu shots and I'm not sure whether to give in or not? My mother and sister make me feel like I'm being irresponsible by not getting the flu shot and having my kids have it. They say I am not taking every possible precaution to maintain good health and protect me and my family. The last time I had the flu shot within a few days I was really ill with flu symptoms and in bed for more than a week, so I'm aware of the side effects associated with the shots.  For several years now I've simply just taken my chances and hoped for the best but, this year I'm hesitating to take that stance with the pressure being emitted by the media and my family over the H1N1, so I would like to know if you have a "natural flu protocol" to follow to protect from the regular and H1N1 flu that will be going around?  As a rule I simply try to eat well and stay away from junk food and I know I should take some immune building supplement but I'm not quite sure what supplements to take, when to take them and how much to take for prevention as well as or if I or a family member should come down with the flu. I have fibromyalgia and really do not want to get the flu if I can help it as I have enough pain already!  Also, what about young children?   What can I do for them from an alternative perspective?  Please advise.  I want to take care of us and keep my family in good health without feeling guilty.. 

September 8, 2009 I have been having Dizziness, Burning sensations throughout my body and Band like feelings in my left calf and back. Also my feet are most of the time numb. I go to the bathroom every fifteen minutes during the Day. This has been going on for the last three years I have had countless blood tests and MRI's of the Brain and spine coming back negative. I take glucmine multi vitamin, multi B, Fish oil flax seed oil  
My age 45
Sex Male
Medications: Neurantin, Xanax

September 1, 2009 My mom said I should contact you for my concern. She says you are very good at helping people. Is there's something I can do to stop fat from spreading to my face. I'm really concerned as my body isn't getting fat, just my face? I'm really disturbed by this. I'm a 25 year old female and never had any health problems before. Can you help?

August 25, 2009 I've had RA for eight years and was prescribed Prednisone (5mg daily) and Methotrexate (7 X 2.5 mg once a week). I hate these drugs but as long as they're working, and they are, my rheumatologist will not consider anything else. Actually he strongly advised Humira, which I refused. Can you think of any way I can get off the drugs or maybe go to some alternative therapy. I have not had a good night's sleep for eight years (Prednisone) and I'm nearly demented. Any advice you can give me will be most welcome.

August 18, 2009 I was just diagnosed with macular degeneration and an acquaintance gave me your email and said I should ask you about it.  I want to know if you have any suggestions on how to treat macular degeneration as my eye doctors says there isn’t much that can be done about it? I’ve lost a lot of my middle vision and is it possible to gain it back? I would like your help and will be greatly appreciative at any help. 

August 11, 2009 I have recently been diagnosed with FMS after many years with symptoms. (FMS began in 2003- I am a middle essence (sounds better than middle aged) female. I have been accepted into a Nursing program for the fall of 2009 and I am so worried that the stress of nursing will exacerbate my symptoms. My sleep and body pain have gotten worse in the last few years. I don't know how I will get through clinicals and through the shifts that nurses work. My nights and mornings are the worst. I was able to accomplish prerequisite courses, despite FMS but my condition has worsened. I do not take meds and use exercise instead. I do feel worthless and have depression.
I am in Home Health at the moment and it allows me flexible start times and hours. In your opinion would becoming a Nurse be too stressful for me. I wouldn't be asking if it weren't for the change in my life from FMS.
Your photos are beautiful.  You are managing your FMS beautifully, without pharmacuticals.  Thank you for all the great information. and Thank you for your response,

August 4, 2009 I am a 23 year old female, 198 lbs from 237lbs(within the last 5 months), I don't take any suppliments or treatments and the only medications I take over a monthly period are mydol, ibprophen and excederin. At the moment I can not afford a doctor and my health has become a concern of mine and my families. As of the past week and a half many issues have arrised, those issues being, a rapid decrease in weight(lost 10 lbs in a week while eating healthy), nausea/ vomiting when I wake up for about an hour and then again usually around 10pm off and on until I fall asleep, frequent light headaches, an onset of several small pimples, sometimes severe pain in my hips/lower back(feels as if someone were to push too hard on my hips they would break open),light constipation with gas, I can't eat half as much as I used to without feeling over stuffed but become hungry again within a couple hours (occasionally I will be very hungry but go to get food and become uninterested in it all together), speed of hair growth on face, under arms and pubic region has increased drastically, body odor in under arms has increased(one application of antiperspirant used to last a couple days, now I must apply twice daily), I have a hard time going to sleep but sleep more frequently and i am constantly tired even with the smallest tasks, I've been getting stressed out easier and finally a slight increase in vaginal discharge with no odor itching or burning. If you could help me find out what is wrong with me I would greatly appreciate it.

July 21, 2009 I am 39 years old and my sex drive is almost non-existent.  I used to be easily sexually excited but the last couple of years that has disappeared ands I'm not sure how my husband can stay if it doesn't change?  Do you have any suggestions to change this?

July 14, 2009 Within the last few months several of my family members, brother, niece, wife and daughter, have had bouts with Ecoli that has really devastated them for weeks and almost killed my niece so I have two questions. Why just some of the family came down with it when we all ate the same food? Then is there anything we can do to prevent it from happening if we are exposed to Ecoli again? 

July 7, 2009 diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease (SS type).  She has been on Penicillin prophylaxis twice a day since she was 2 months old.  She has been in the hospital several times for high fever.  The protocol is always the same.  A 48 hour stay, they do blood and urine cultures to check for bacteria, then immediately give her Ceftriaxione, often with other broad spectrum antibiotics as well (Gentomyocin, Omnicef, Azythromycin _sorry about spelling).  Her blood work always comes back negative for bacteria.  So they send us home saying that it is probably viral.  They could never tell me why she kept getting recurrent fevers- for days, even weeks at a time.  They would just say continue giving her Tylenol every 4 hours.  For weeks at a time, she would get Tylenol or Ibuprofen to lower the fever because I hated to see her lay limp and lifeless.  I wanted to give her some relief.  I really need to know if there is a natural alternative that I can give my daughter that will build her immune system and help her body to fight off infections.  It is said, that Sickle Cell patients have issues with their spleens not working, fyi.