I have uterine fibroids but do not want to undergo surgery. Are there any herbal formulas I can take to reduce them?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths which are quite common. It is estimated that nearly 2-40% of women have fibroids but not all have symptoms. Fibroids may cause symptoms when they become large and are often associated with heavy menstrual periods, pain and pressure in the lower abdomen. The treatment of fibroids has always been surgery. In some cases, the blood vessel supplying the fibroid can be blocked using a radiological procedure and the fibroid will shrink with time. Some hormonal drugs have also been used to shrink fibroids but do not always work.

Two Chinese herbs- huoxue Sanjie and Nona Roguy have been evaluated. Compared to established therapy these herbs did work in some women but the shrinkage of fibroids was mild. The fortunate thing was that the herbs were safe. So far there is no evidence to support or refute the use of these herbs for fibroids, if you want to try them, then there is nothing wrong. You need to take them for at least 6 months and get follow up ultrasound to determine if the fibroids are shrinking.

All my friends claim that consuming CoQ10 can help control blood pressure. Is this true?

CoQ10 is one of the most widely sold health supplements on this planet. The people who make CoQ10 claim that this nutrient can cure every medical disorder under the sun and even improve the recession. As far as high blood pressure is concerned, the few studies that have been done reveal conflicting results. No double blind study has ever shown that CoQ10 can lower blood pressure. Some studies have been conducted for only 6- 8 weeks and involved 24-36 participants.

The current treatment of high blood pressure is a change in lifestyle and use of medications. If you want to live a long and healthy life, I suggest you dump this CoQ10 crap and take whatever medications your doctor ordered. High blood pressure is a silent disorder but it has real complications that are deadly.

Is flax seed safe for long-term use?

It appears that flax seed is somewhat safe, but the occasional patient has been reported to develop an allergic reaction. One should only consume the flax seed which have been prepared and sold in health food stores. Unripe flaxseeds or raw seeds are poisonous and can increase levels of cyanide. There are other reports that flax seeds can change mood, increases bowel movements, and even alter the menstrual cycles.  People taking pharmaceutical medications should be warned that flax seed does interact with blood thinning medications

How does one take flax seed?

Flax seed is available as an oil, capsule, powder or soluble fiber. The daily recommended dose is anywhere from 10-250 grs. The product can be taken with food or mixed with any type of liquid. Because the power is not very palatable, most people take it 2-3 times a day with food. Some people even mix flax seen powder into water, make a paste and use it as a warm compress for skin problems.

Is there a difference in flax seeds powder versus the oil?

There is no difference in the formula. No matter what formula you take, it does not appear that flax seed products do much. However, most people feel better that they are taking something natural for their health- and there is nothing wrong with that.

Can flax seed reduce my cholesterol or triglyceride levels?

Flax seed or flax seed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid, which is a precursor for the omega 3 fatty acids. There is a lot of literature on omega 3 fatty acids and how it improve heart disease. However, clinical evidence about flax seed is still lacking. Flax seed has been claimed to do many things but there is no good clinical evidence that it does anything. The only good thing about flax seed is that it is moderately safe and so there is no harm in taking it. If you want to reduce your cholesterol or triglyceride levels, walk more and eat less fat.  If you have a history of heart disease than you may need a statin drug.

What else can I take instead of ephedra to lose weight?

For those still seeking something like ephedra, the other option is bitter orange, which has similar effects as ephedra- and is legal. Studies today indicate that it has similar side effects like ephedra. So far, the going has been smooth for bitter orange. However, it does not work great as a weight loss agent