Hi Vicki,

I just finished speaking with you on the phone at the store. Had I known you were going to answer, I probably would have chickened out in calling. I am one of your faithful listeners who appreciate you and John so much, but am just so timid in talking to people. Your knowledge is amazing. I've studied nutrition as a hobby for most of my life. (I'm 53.)

To get to my health issues, right now I am most concerned with my gallbladder.  I've been told I have "a" stone (only one), but have been dealing with inflammation in that area & my whole right side, plus other digestive symptoms for over 15 years. I feel that the g/b is getting worse, possibly infected. Recently, I had what I felt was a g/b attack. I have a feeling my whole digestive system from top to bottom is in a big mess.   I also have osteoporosis and have been dealing with bladder issues and pelvic pain for many years. My self-diagnosis is interstitial cystitis, but the only treatment option the urologist offers is dilation. I went into early menopause and suffer from the normal problems that stem from that…..sleeplessness, atrophy, etc.   I do believe that fungus might be responsible for most of my issues because as a young woman, I was on a lot of antibiotics for acne. My thyroid is not right either, but just barely off, so the doctor is leaving that alone for now….hypo. Should I even mention, lack of energy and never feeling rested?   I do not take any medications, but am on a lot of vitamins & herbs as I am under the care of an herbologist (not sure if that's the proper title). However, I do not feel that I am getting better, only worse. 

There is much more that I could say if we were talking face to face, but for now, I'll leave it at that.  I cannot say how much I appreciate the fact that you took the time to speak to me today.  Thank you and God Bless.

Lynn in Arkansas

Dear Lynn,

Please know how much we appreciate you and everyone else for calling to speak with us on the air or in writing; we always encourage this because it is the only way each of us can help one another, so we thank you for joining us on the air and for emailing us.

I too am 53 years old and remember a time that every American had the freedom to share ideas openly, including natural, age-old alternatives to chemical pharmaceuticals with their side-effects. While we believe some pharmaceuticals can hold a place in a regimen, they are intended to cure nothing and we think natural remedies, diet and exercise are ultimately necessary for proper health.

Sadly, the government and pharmaceutical companies are making it difficult for the natural products industry to share information in any way other than in the public domain. Hence, my suggestion that you email me, so that I can post some ideas on our KnowledgeBase at www.vitaganza.com under the topic, "Emails from You." The positive in all of this is that others with the same problem may be helped by your inquiry.

Regarding your gallbladder, if you were having a gallbladder attack, you probably felt severe pain radiating around the abdominal area, possible flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, sluggishness, possible jaundice, etc. Sometimes, people mistake pancreatic over-stimulation (too much sugar and/or chemical-laden food and drink) for gallbladder attacks, (caused primarily by fatty food consumption). This is because many of the symptoms are the same. Pancreatic attacks are most often caused by consuming caffeine and sugars (including chemical sugar substitutes), processed and fast foods and/or too much alcohol but many of these foods cause gallbladder issues too. The problem is that unanswered or misdiagnosed pancreatic attacks commonly require in-patient hospitalization with a lengthy stay on IV fluids to give the pancreas a needed rest. Otherwise, the over-stimulated pancreas begins to "digest" itself, creating even worse health issues. The more difficult (but certainly cheaper and preferred) alternative is living for 3 - 6 weeks on raw vegetables, low-glycemic fruits (no fruit juices), raw tree grown nuts, raw seeds and plenty of water, which can be easier in the beginning; however, too often when a person begins to feel better, he/she resumes a poor diet and the nightmare returns!

Using Hanna Kroeger's Apple Juice Fasting Cleanse, found under "Diets and Cleanses" in the KnowledgeBase at www.vitaganza.com (http://kb.vitaganza.com/questions/51/Hanna+Kroeger%27s+Apple+Juice+Fasting+Cleanse) is generally a good idea for everyone 1-2 times per year; however, it is particularly effective for those with a sluggish/congested gallbladder. As long as you are having at least one bowel movement per day, this fasting cleanse may be your first consideration, it is inexpensive and easy to perform. If you are constipated, we suggest also using FiberSMART powder 1-2 times per day during the cleanse.

After performing Hanna Kroeger's Apple Juice Fasting Cleanse, it would be smart to go on a specific diet, employing primarily a raw vegetable, low-glycemic fruit (no fruit juices) , tree-grown nuts, seeds diet with small amounts of cooked beans and organic protein (no soy) from chicken, wild fish, beef, etc. thrown into the mix each day for 1-3 weeks. This should increase energy and make you feel much better. Usually, the easiest way to accomplish this is to establish a target start date. Meanwhile, use up or throw out all of the foods and beverages that are not in your best interest to have around.

Holy Basil is a wonderful tonic for the pancreas, as well as for the thyroid and adrenals, so taking 2 upon rising and 2 at bedtime is a great idea.

Concerning Interstitial Cystitis (a bladder condition that is more likely caused by fungal overgrowth, because there is no detected bacterial infection present) would be diagnosed through testing with your doctor). Interstitial Cystitis and other types of inflammatory conditions respond well to enterically-coated PSOE's (Proteolytic Systemic Oral Enzymes) as long as you are not taking prescription blood thinners/lubricators (type PSOE into the "Search the KnowlegeBase" box at www.vitaganza.com for more information). How many PSOE's anyone should use can be different from one person to the next; however, the basic rule of thumb is to begin with 5 tablets upon rising, 5 midday and 5 at bedtime for 1-2 weeks, then increase to between 10-25 tablets upon rising, 10-25 tablets midday and 10-25 tablets at bedtime for 2-3 months. PSOE's MUST BE TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH (taken at least 45 minutes before or 2 hours after food consumption), as they work in the intestinal tract, then work systemically throughout the body to dissolve the causes of inflammation and congestion. PSOE's include Ultra Proteozymes (200 count), Vital Proteozymes (800 count) and Wobenzym (400 or 800 count). RPR is a vegetarian PSOE that is taken in smaller doses (about 3 capsules 3 times per day on an empty stomach) and is best for Fibromyalgia but we find is not as effective for most other inflammatory conditions. Of course, response differs from person to person, as each of us is different.

It is also important to note the difference between enterically-coated PSOE's and ordinary digestive enzymes. If PSOE's are taken WITH food, they are nothing more than very expensive digestive enzymes for breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates, so please DO NOT confuse them with digestive enzymes (such as Superzymes and DGX, which are not enterically-coated, are taken with food and are significantly less expensive). Superzymes are very helpful for those with chronic gallbladder dysfunction and for those who have no gallbladder.

It is also wise to use a high-potency probiotic, such as Vital Flora or FloraMax50 (each capsule is 50 billion CFU per capsule) or BioK Liquid (make sure it is fresh with at least a 30 day from date of purchase Best By Date), or if you have difficulty digesting foods, try SupremaDophilus (enterically-coated and taken with the PSOE's) for 1-2 months or longer.

Vital ImmuSol or NSC-100 will help your immune system function to fight off further causes of inflammation (and resulting pain).

Following the Anti-fungal Diet (see Diets and Cleanses in the KnowledgeBase at www.vitaganza.com.) is essential, as any sugar, chemical sugar substitute, alcohol or food that converts to sugar in gastric acid will feed the organism(s) that are causing infection, inflammation and congestion in the body. It may also be helpful to follow the Anti-fungal Rotation Regimen (see Fungus and Anti-fungals in the KnowledgeBase at www.vitaganza.com.).

With regard to early menopause, thyroid fatigue and osteoporosis, these can be linked together as hormone imbalance issues; however, testing by your medical doctor can be performed to be sure. Please type MENOPAUSE and OSTEOPOROSIS into the "Search the KnowledgeBase" box in the KnowledgeBase at www.vitaganza.com for information and ideas for supplemental needs. Mild aerobic excercise, swimming and walking are also helpful.

Most health issues may be typed into the Search the KnowledgeBase box for information and supplement ideas; health issues may also by typed into the Product Search box in the upper-lefthand area of any page on the website for a display of products that may be considered for care.

Please never hesitate to write for clarification or further ideas for natural health, as it is always a treat to be in contact. Likewise, we always appreciate updates on your progress. You are the reason VitaGanza and HealthTalk LIVE exist.

All the Best and God Bless,

Vicki

All statements made are the opinion of VitaGanza personnel and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We never diagnose and never recommend that you self-diagnose in lieu of proper medical care and advice. No change in regimen should be conducted without the guidance of your healthcare professional, as only he/she is familiar with your specific needs. Statements made and products sold by VitaGanza may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are exhibiting symptoms or have a health concern, VitaGanza encourages you to contact your physician immediately.

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