Questions and Answers

Which of the epigenetic products is suitable for arthritis? For most of them you write that they also strengthen immunity, so I am afraid not to aggravate the disease.

Rosemary is very good for arthritis. It is true that it strengthens immunity, but it also has a harmonising effect on it, so it does not lead to worsening of arthritis (strong immunity does not mean an increased risk of this disease). It is similar to the effect of rosemary on allergies, where it would also seem at first glance that the more immune cells, the worse the allergic reaction. But here, rosemary only destroys the activated immune cells that are the cause of the histamine reaction, while leaving the non-activated ones, which are necessary for immunity, alone. Moreover, although rosemary boosts immunity, its effect in this respect is not that significant – there are certainly a number of much more effective immunostimulants.

There are also good experiences with boswellia or curcumin.

Is it possible to take joint nutrition together with boswellia for arthritis?

You certainly don’t have to be afraid of this combination, on the contrary, it is one of the most recommended. Boswellia increases the effectiveness of joint nutrition, especially preparations that contain not only collagen, but also chondroitin and glucosamine.

Is it possible to take boswellia for rheumatoid arthritis while taking methotrexate?

The combination of boswellia with this drug is used quite often, no adverse interactions between the two drugs have been noted. However, your doctor should have the final say.

How to dose astaxanthin in a person who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes?

The key question is whether you are taking medication and what kind. Astaxanthin is problematic in combination with blood pressure lowering drugs and antidiabetic drugs. If you are taking any of these, start with a rather low dose (4 mg per day), wait about 2 months, and if no problems occur, you can double the dose. If your blood pressure or diabetes improves, it is also worth trying to discuss with your doctor whether it might be possible to stop the medication or at least reduce the dosage. I also recommend combining with omega-3s.

I have an inherited BRCA1 mutation and before I had my breast removal appointment, they found a small hormonal tumor in my breast. It’s gone and I’ve been taking tamoxifen for 5 years. I would like to take something to not give my body a chance to be weakened and have something happen again. I’ve had panic disorder since I was 13 and my anxiety has definitely contributed to everything.

In the case of hormone-related tumours, the best choice is indole-3-carbinol, which has significant anti-estrogenic effects. Its combination with tamoxifen is also possible (and even advantageous). Don’t forget a sufficient intake of omega-3 and vitamin D3. For the psyche, you can try a combination of passionflower and bayberry.

My 14 year old grandson has genetic elevated cholesterol. His father also has it, his grandfather died of a heart attack shortly after age 40, as did other ancestors of the male line. Is there an epigenetic drug suitable for him to “turn off” the gene that causes this?

If it is indeed familial hypercholesterolemia, in which elevated cholesterol levels are caused by a single gene disorder, I would definitely not rely on natural remedies alone. In this disease, cholesterol levels are elevated several times more than in normal adults with unhealthy lifestyles. Also, the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems is significantly higher here, even at a younger age, and therefore really intensive treatment is also needed, even at the risk of side effects.

It is not uncommon for dietary supplements to reduce LDL or total cholesterol levels by 20 percent or more, which is wonderful for the general population, because for many people, this value is already a solution to their cholesterol problems. But in familial hypercholesterolemia, levels are often more than twice the normal level, and this cannot be addressed without medication.

In addition, it is necessary to follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. maintaining a normal weight, preferring a healthy diet with a lower proportion of “fast” carbohydrates (too much sugar increases the intensity of inflammatory processes in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol), plenty of fruit and vegetables and fish…

Epigenetically acting dietary supplements can of course be used, but they should be chosen with respect to his medication. If the grandson is taking statins, I would rule out red rice preparations as this combination is not appropriate. Artichoke could be an interesting option – not only does it help to lower cholesterol, but it also significantly supports the liver, which tends to be heavily burdened when taking statins. Hydroxytyrosol could also help, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are useful in protecting blood vessels. Of course, supplementation with omega-3 and vitamin D3 should be a priority (deficiency of omega-3 significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular problems). There are more options, but I would definitely recommend consulting with your doctor here.

Keywords: Artyčok, cholesterol, liver, statins

Are there any dietary supplements for fibroids?

Herbs and nutrients with a fibrolytic effect are a good choice, try for example a combination of valerian with nattokinase, bromelain may also be suitable. I would supplement with Baikal coneflower, which is suitable for virtually all gynaecological problems because of its positive effect on the hormonal system. Traditional European phytotherapy also uses contryhel with success.

Keywords: Goatweed, myoma, Nattokinase, Baikal coneflower

After reading an article about saffron that appeared in the magazine Meduňka, I started using it in combination with Baikal coneflower for sleep problems. I have been taking this combination for the second month and after five weeks it seems to have worked. I am now afraid to take a break from taking it so that my problems don’t come back. Please advise.

I am of the opinion that no dietary supplement should be taken long term, it is always advisable to take a break after a while and replace it with something else.

For the moment, however, you can continue using it for some time, four months should not be a problem. Then you can try to take a complete break, maybe a month, or immediately replace the combination with other epigenetic supplements – passionflower is a great one, for example, supplemented with hops or L-tryptophan.

However, you don’t have to worry about a shorter complete break – just as it takes time for natural supplements to work, their effect does not disappear immediately after stopping them, but will persist for some time.

I would like to advise dietary supplements for my 85 year old mother. She suffers from arthritis, varicose veins, high blood pressure loss of energy. I am interested in boswellia, curcumin, rosehip and ginger.

The combination of boswellia and curcumin is definitely a good choice. Older people also generally respond very well to taking EGCG. As for energy loss, I would definitely recommend an adaptogen, in this case probably preferably valerian or five-leaf ginseng.

As for pressure, I would definitely recommend artichoke, hydroxytyrosol, and if he has elevated cholesterol, red rice as well. Nattokinase might also be useful to help clean the blood vessels (it’s good in combination with valerian).

Keywords : arthritis,artichoke,boswellia,red rice,cholesterol,hydroxytyrosol,curcumin,seniors,pine cone,high blood pressure,ginger

I’m going through menopause and I’m having trouble with my joints. I’m still trying to run and work out at 56, but my energy is starting to wane. I have ordered the following epigenetic supplements: hops, milk thistle, passionflower, pomegranate, genistein, curcumin, vitamin K2, boswellia, resveratrol, valerian and maral. I know I have to take hops and passion fruit in the evening, but I would like to ask about taking other supplements.

Basically, you can take anything within a day as long as you separate it by at least three hours. However, I still wouldn’t take everything at once, it’s really a lot. I’d recommend splitting it into maybe thirds and rotating it.

The following combinations can be created from the accessories you have listed

• Hops + passionflower – before bedtime
• Curcumin + boswellia – this is the top combination for joints, each other increase their effectiveness
• Pomegranate + curcumin – this combination is suitable about half an hour before training
• Genistein + curcumin
• Genistein + K2
• Resveratrol + K2
• Resveratrol + curcumin – curcumin here significantly improves the utilization of resveratrol)

I would recommend combining Maral with rhodiola, it has a synergistic effect and is great for sports performance, but max 1 month.

It is always advisable to supplement your dietary supplements for menopause with Baikal coneflower, which is great for everything related to hormones, especially in menopause.

Keywords: boswellia, hops, Genistein, pomegranate, joints, combination of nutrients and herbs, valerian, curcumin, maral, menopause, passionflower, thistle, resveratrol, vitamin K2

Which of the dietary supplements is appropriate for newly developed epilepsy in a five-year-old child?

A large number of epilepsy cases have epigenetic causes, although this is not 100% true. Studies charting the effectiveness of certain nutrients in the treatment of epilepsy have been mostly successful, but so far they have mostly been conducted on adult patients, not children. Be sure to try omega3s, they have a significant positive effect on almost everything brain related, and their use is appropriate for children. They are also sold in flavored oil form, so you don’t have to torture your child by swallowing capsules. You can try supplementing with astaxanthin, but in a low dose (if you have 4 mg tablets, take them daily). In case the child refuses the capsules, you can pour out the contents and mix them in a little water – it’s not exactly a treat, but it can be swallowed.

Vitamin D3 is also effective against epilepsy and is recommended for children. In addition, it can be combined with omega3 and astaxanthin. OPC (grape seed extract) could also be useful, but this should be taken alone. For adults, curcumin (in combination with piperine) is also quite effective, but this is problematic for children. It cannot be ejected from the capsule, it is strongly burning, and may even irritate the stomach after ingestion of the capsule. Neither is resveratrol suitable for children, as it is a phytoestrogen, or pomegranate, which in turn affects testosterone metabolism.

I have been following your articles in the Meduňka magazine and I would like to address you with the following question: it is about the thyroid gland, specifically about the almost epidemic occurrence of hypothyroidism today – the laboratory results show variously elevated TSH at the same time. Personally, I don’t want to go that route. Please can you advise me on an appropriate combination of those recommended to support thyroid function? I was particularly interested in combinations (selenium + zinc + iodine, selenium + curcumin or selenium + probiotics). I’m also wondering what the principle of action of these products is based on – do they directly stimulate the thyroid to produce more T3 and T4 or suppress TRH and TSH respectively? I have one more general comment – I miss the time of use for all the products – on an empty stomach, before/after meals?

You are correct in that the incidence of thyroid hypofunction has been increasing significantly recently. While it is difficult and a long haul to deal with, it is certainly worthwhile, as this gland affects a number of important processes in the body and its disorders can have a variety of unpleasant consequences.

I would supplement iodine as such rather than in the form of supplements within the diet (sea fish, seaweed).

As a top combination of supplements I would then choose curcumin + baikal coneflower + selenium. Pine cone regulates the hormonal system as a whole, I recommend it for all problems that are somehow related to hormones. Curcumin both supports the microbiome and has an epigenetic effect directly on the thyroid gland, affecting several processes including the so-called sodium-iodide pump, which is a mechanism necessary for the uptake of iodine from the blood to increase its concentration inside the thyroid gland. It is not necessarily the case that if there is not enough iodine in the thyroid gland, there is not enough iodine in our blood (and diet), as the reason for this may be a poor functioning of the sodium-iodide pump.

Selenium is a component of antioxidant enzymes that are essential for thyroid protection. Once a day I would choose this triple combination, once only curcumin with rosehip. It is better on an empty stomach, unless you find it a problem (curcumin can irritate the stomach when fasting) – in which case take with food.

I have elevated cholesterol and was intrigued by Cholesfit, which contains red rice, hydroxytyrosol and vitamin B5. I am wondering here is this dietary supplement possible to take daily and long term or is some time limited treatment better. You also wrote in Medunia magazine that alcohol, St. John’s wort and grapefruit are not recommended along with red rice, so I would like to know what are the side effects then. I’m not an alcoholic, but I’m happy to have maybe two pilsners on the weekend, so it wouldn’t hurt me too much.

Red rice, which forms the basis of the product, can be used in principle for a long time, but I recommend taking a break of at least 2 months after about 3-4 months and perhaps include other dietary supplements that lower cholesterol – such as artichoke, curcumin, resveratrol, etc. With long-term consumption of any dietary supplement its effectiveness gradually decreases, the body simply needs to be constantly surprised.

Alcohol is not recommended due to the fact that the main active ingredient, monacolin K, puts a little strain on the liver. Not as much as, for example, statin drugs, which are prescribed when cholesterol levels are raised, but caution is still advisable. Two beers at the weekend might not hurt, but it depends on the state of your liver. For example, if you feel unreasonably tipsy after drinking them, or if you feel hungover in the morning, I’d prefer to avoid it.

Grapefruit in general is a very problematic food especially in conjunction with certain medications, but this is also true for some dietary supplements. In fact, grapefruit blocks cytochrome CYP 3A4, which is involved in the breakdown of some active substances. Because of this, there is a high increase in their blood levels, which significantly increases the risk of negative side effects and other problems.

The metabolism of many substances is also affected by St. John’s wort, there is usually a decrease in potency. This also applies to cholesterol-lowering substances – both drugs and monacolin K from dietary supplements.

St. John’s wort and grapefruit are therefore two natural substances that are better omitted when taking any medication.

In 2020, I was found to have an elevated platelet count during a precautionary blood draw. Subsequently, hematology confirmed chronic myeloproliferative JAK2 disease and essential thrombocythemia. The cause was probably due to sudden life changes, which I found difficult to come to terms with and even today I still haven’t processed. I have been practicing alternative medicine for more than 20 years and have dealt with all my ailments this way until now. Epivigestion appealed to me a lot and I believe it could help me.Can you advise me on products that I could use?

Curcumin or resveratrol could certainly be a suitable choice, as these two substances have been confirmed in studies to directly inhibit JAK2. Another interesting option is EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate, which has a strong antiproliferative effect. So I would see either the combination of EGCG + curcumin or curcumin + resveratrol as suitable.

I don’t know if you also suffer from the formation of connective tissue in the bone marrow, which is a common combination in myeloproliferative diseases. If so, I would definitely recommend valerian. In general against blood clots, nattokinase is a great choice, which can be combined well with valerian.

I am underweight and would like to achieve weight gain. I have a very fast metabolism, I tried increasing my energy intake but it didn’t help. Would any dietary supplements help? In your articles you mostly describe the opposite problem.

Gaining weight is generally a pretty difficult thing. It’s generally more effective to focus on gaining muscle mass rather than fat, which means incorporating strength training combined with sufficient protein intake. In the case of women, usually some fat will be gained along with muscle. When it comes to supplements, try a combination of rhodiola and marali root, for example.

I am 29 years old and would like advice on which dietary supplements are suitable for me. I have purchased bromelain, butyrate, EGCG, ginseng five-leaf and Quercetin. I’ve already started taking Butyrate 2x a day and was planning to add bromelain and quercetin as soon as possible, but since I’m taking antidepressants, I’m not really sure how to do it and if it’s okay. Because I’ve read that it’s not really recommended. I’m taking Asentra 200 mg, Lyrica 400 mg, Quentiax 100 mg, Frontin 25 mg minimum. I wanted butyrate to support the microbiome, bromelain and quercetin to support digestion, blood sugar and weight loss.

I’d rather not take Bromelain just to be safe – I haven’t found a direct contraindication, but it shouldn’t be taken with benzodiazepines, and Lyrica has a basically similar mechanism of action (via GABA receptors). But you definitely shouldn’t take it when you’re taking Frontin (which is a benzodiazepine). Plus, I’ll admit that although the quercetin + bromelain combination is quite popular, I don’t completely dislike it. Both of these dietary supplements are great in combination, but combining them together doesn’t make much sense to me.

Normally, I would recommend artichoke as a top dietary supplement for digestion, but it is not suitable to take with antidepressants. I would therefore probably see rosemary as the best choice here, ideally in combination with hydroxytyrosol. Quercetin can add to this, but about half a capsule would be enough (or take it daily).

EGCG should be fine, but I would be careful with ginseng five-leaf – you shouldn’t combine it with Asentra, because true ginseng has some of the same active ingredients. So if you still want to try five-leaf ginseng, I would start very cautiously, with minimal doses, and watch carefully what it does.

After listening to your podcast, I decided to start solving my health problems through the epicurean way. I suffer from high blood pressure, overweight and going through menopause. I have currently ordered quercetin, D3, genistein, curcumin and resveratrol. I would like to ask if I ordered correctly and if I can take everything at once.

You ordered very well. You can definitely combine quercetin, curcumin and resveratrol – both quercetin and curcumin significantly increase the usability of resveratrol. I wouldn’t add genistein – although there is research showing the benefits of combining genistein with resveratrol, I personally don’t like it much. So take it separately (include a break of at least 3 hours), or you could try maybe genistein + curcumin and resveratrol + quercetin.

You can combine it with any of these, but it is fat soluble, so take it with a fat-containing meal. In addition to this, I would recommend artichoke and hydroxytyrosol for your problems – you can combine them or add resveratrol. Also consider vitamin K2.

One more warning: quercetin is not suitable for long-term use. Other supplements, on the other hand, can be taken for a long time.

Keywords: Artichoke, D3, Genistein, hydroxytyrosol, K2, curcumin, menopause, quercetin, resveratrol, high blood pressure

I’ve been bothered by uterine fibroids and atherosclerosis and would like to try nattokinase. However, I already take a combination of vitamins K2 and D3 and I read somewhere that nattokinase removes K2. Do you know why? And can I take both together?

In general, the combination of nattokinase and vitamin K2 does not matter – in fact, both substances occur together in the natural source of nattokinase, i.e. in the soy dish natto. However, vitamin K2 is not recommended to be taken with warfarin and similar blood thinners, so it is removed from nattokinase precisely so that people can take it in combination with these drugs – people with blood vessel disease are the main ‘target’ for it.

So, if you take warfarin, in principle, nattokinase bothers less than vitamin K2. But if you are taking it long term and it doesn’t give you a problem, you can continue, but I recommend caution – start with a low dose of nattokinase, say a tablet a day, and see what it does to you. If you experience any difficulties (such as big fluctuations in blood pressure), take it off for a while. If all is well, increase the dose after a while. However, when taking any medication, your doctor should know about your intention to take dietary supplements.

I have incipient osteoporosis and at the same time I want to improve the condition of my skin. Is it possible to combine omega3, vitamins D3 and K2 and resveratrol?

Yes, in principle it is possible to take all four products, but I would rather not take them at the same time, I would rather split them – for example, omega 3 + vitamin D3 in the morning and resveratrol + vitamin K2 in the evening.

I ordered coneflower, rosemary, bromelain and also Okufit from Epigemic for the first time. I would like to prioritize allergies, general inflammation, blood vessels in the brain area, chronic sinuses, osteoporosis, eyes (macula and optic nerve). But now I don’t know how to combine these products. Should I take them sequentially or can I take more products at the same time? I am 72 years old and have had these problems for a long time (except for my eyes).

I certainly wouldn’t take all of them together. You can combine rosemary with coneflower – this is ideal to take on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, drink well (at least 2 dcl) and do not eat for 20 minutes. If necessary, you can repeat this again, perhaps in the afternoon.

You can take Bromelain just before a meal, perhaps before lunch or even before dinner).

You can have it at any time, even with food (but you can also have it separately).

Other dietary supplements such as valerian, butyrate, resveratrol, genistein or hops can help with osteoporosis. I wouldn’t forget sufficient intake of omega-3s and vitamin D3 – both of which are deficient in older people, and yet they are the basis for the functioning of virtually everything in the body. I would also definitely focus on supporting the gut microbiome. Older people also generally respond well to EGCG.

Keywords : allergy,Bromelain,Butyrate,hops,D3,egcg,Genistein,Fenugreek,brain,eyes,omega-3,osteoporosis,resveratrol,rosemary,Baikal coneflower

I would like to ask if it is possible to supplement with minerals and vitamins in a combination of 5 to 8 substances, and which ones do you consider most important for brain health and functioning. I am 67 years old. I walk, my perception of time and space is just fine. In my opinion. I take fish collagen, magnesium in chelated form, zinc, potassium, selenium, Q 10, vitamin C in chelated form as prevention. What else could help me to improve my cognitive function and the state of my brain? And is a combination of Nac and Glycine appropriate for me?

As far as vitamins and minerals are concerned, all of them are important for brain function, but you will only notice an improvement if you didn’t have enough of them before.

I would consider two essential nutrients that you don’t mention to be absolutely essential: omega-3 and vitamin D3. Both are severely deficient in the population and are difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities from the diet (and in the case of D3, its production in the skin decreases significantly with age). On the other hand, zinc, selenium, magnesium and vitamin C usually do not need to be taken consistently, but perhaps only as part of a treatment 2-3 times a year.

The benefit of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and glycine is debatable. There are a number of studies that demonstrate the benefits of their administration not only in the area of brain health. For a healthy person, it should not be a problem to achieve a sufficient intake of them with a balanced diet that contains enough of all essential amino acids, but it is true that if we add extra, we save the body work, which can be useful especially when we are weakened (illness, high physical stress, old age…). On the other hand, this is also true for other amino acids, so one would have to take a lot of them in the end.

So to support brain function, I might be more inclined to rely on herbs or nutrients with a positive effect on brain function. For example, rhodiola, rosemary, valerian, saffron, ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, EGCG, hydroxythyrosol or quercetin are all suitable.

In general, take great care to reduce the proportion of inflammation-reducing substances in your diet (especially “fast” sugars, saturated fats, alcohol and food additives) and increase the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods (fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish…). Regular exercise and adequate sleep are also essential for brain function.

Is it possible to eat turmeric with pepper as a spice to achieve a more pronounced effect, or is it necessary to take supplements?

Curcumin is one of the epigenetic substances for which meaningful effects can be achieved through inclusion in the normal diet. The combination of curcumin with piperine, for example, is also found in curry spices. But for this to work, you need to consume sufficient quantities of the spice regularly and frequently, ideally daily, so the question is whether you are willing to eat the same flavoured food every day. Adding it to food is necessary for most people, it is a hot spice that you don’t put in your mouth on its own.

In what dosage is it advisable to take Baikal coneflower? I suffer from macular degeneration and grade 1 arthrosis in my hip.

In the beginning, it is possible to take 400-500 mg of coneflower per day, but after about a week or two, half the dose is usually enough. For macular degeneration, I recommend trying astaxanthin. It combines epigenetic and antioxidant action and its effects in this disease are very promising.

My husband was found to have meningioma in his brain membranes. He has tetany or possibly neuropathy (doctors disagree on the diagnosis), his hands are shaking and sometimes he has trouble speaking. Everything gets worse with a virus. He has undergone various neurological examinations, but no results. He is taking coral vitamins B, D3, magnesium, calcium, potassium, I was also thinking about indole-3-carbinol or resveratrol. What would you recommend?

Resveratrol is definitely a good idea, there are even directly confirmed effects in meningioma. I would combine it with curcumin and omega-3. Fenugreek might not be a bad choice either, it’s good for anything brain related.

Given the effect of viral illnesses on your husband’s condition, I wouldn’t rule out some hidden infection. Try eleutherococcus, ideally in the form of an alcohol tincture.

Will epigenetic dietary supplements help with anorexia nervosa?

According to recent research, epigenetic patterns seem to play a rather crucial role in the development of psychiatric diseases, including eating disorders. For example, hypermethylation of certain genes has been demonstrated in people with anorexia. However, so far I have not been able to find any studies charting the effectiveness of particular dietary supplements in treating this problem, nor any specific experience in practice. However, I think it could work, not to mention that dietary supplements can help repair epigenetic damage caused by long-term malnutrition. Here are a couple of tiips that might work.

Omega 3 is a nutrient that almost everyone lacks, and given the age of the girl, its sufficient intake is more than desirable. Moreover, Omega 3 regulate gene methylation and also have a positive effect on the psyche (especially in the area of depression), so they could significantly support the treatment. It is advisable to take them long term, and even at the same time as medication. They work very well in combination with astaxanthin.

At first glance, EGCG may be misleading that this substance is used for weight loss, however, it can regulate appetite in the opposite direction, and it is a very powerful epigenetic nutrient with particularly complex effects. It can therefore help to reverse the damage caused by malnutrition.
Baikal coneflower – in addition to its epigenetic effects, it has a positive effect on the hormonal system, which is often disturbed in anorexia. It also has positive effects on the psyche, especially in the area of anxiety. However, it is not suitable for long-term use and great caution is needed when taking antixiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs) and some types of antidepressants. It may increase their effectiveness, so that cooperation with a psychiatrist is necessary.

Resveratrol, in addition to its epigenetic effects, may be useful for hormonal problems associated with anorexia (e.g. menstrual loss).

In addition to its epigenetic effect,vitamin D3 has a positive effect on the psyche and is also good for bone protection (anorexia increases the risk of osteoporosis)

Althoughsaffron does not have epigenetic effects, it is a spice with extraordinary effects on the psyche, especially in the area of depression.

Spirulina also has no epigenetic effects, but it is an amazing concentrate of nutrients. In addition to vitamins, minerals, enzymes or chlorophyll, it is unique because it contains all essential amino acids. When taken in higher doses, it can therefore help improve nutritional status in a relatively short time.

Will epigenetic dietary supplements help with migraine?

As for migraine, it too may have an epigenetic background, but treatment is very problematic. In general, nutrients with a sincere anti-inflammatory effect work well, which almost all of them are within the scope of epigenetic dietary supplements ( EGCG or curcumin are certainly a good choice here). Very good experiences have been had with resveratrol, which acts on the hormonal system. If it is a woman, it is probably worth starting with resveratrol.

My daughter (23 years old) suffers from depression. After reading your article in Medunica I started giving her saffron, besides that she takes, magnesium, passionflower, we also bought vitamins E, B, zinc, selenium and omega-3.Would adding something to the gut microbiome help?

Passionflower can help with depression, but it has one big disadvantage: it is very soothing, sometimes it can be a bit depressing (it is absolutely great for anxiety), and with depression you need to get out of passivity. It would be useful if the daughter also has sleep problems or a disrupted daily routine. In that case, I would give it in the evening, for example, in combination with tryptophan, which can also be beneficial for depression.

These vitamins and minerals may be a bit too much – because they can only be expected to improve if a person lacks them. Of course, my daughter can take it, but then I would leave only the magnesium, or maybe add D3.

Omega is important in everything related to the brain.

Saffron is great, but it needs to last at least two months before it becomes more apparent. I really like its combination with chlorella – with depression, the gut microbiome balance is really often disrupted and chlorella is great for that. The combination of chlorella + curcumin has a similar effect, and is perhaps even more effective on the gut microbiome. Curcumin is also a strong anti-inflammatory, which is also important in depression.

Another very good choice is ginkgo biloba – it not only has an antidepressant effect, but also improves mental performance, which is often impaired in depression. In addition, if there is no alternative and the daughter has to start taking antidepressants, gingko can be combined well with them and the effectiveness of even lower doses of medication is increased.

However, dietary supplements should always be supplemented with psychotherapy for depression.

I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer currently metastasizing to the lymphatic system. I have been on testosterone lowering hormone therapy for two years now, even with its negative effects. In the last quarter of a year my PSA has gone from 6 to 25. Can I help myself in the fight by means of epigenetics?

Epigenetic agents alone will not cure cancer, but they can greatly enhance treatment.

The combination of indole-3-carbinol with curcumin works great for prostate tumours.

A combination of curcumin and pomegranate could also be very suitable. In addition to its anti-cancer activity, it is also strongly anti-inflammatory (a rise in PSA does not necessarily mean worsening of the cancer, it may also be due to the presence of inflammation) and pomegranate could also help to mitigate the negative effects of antitestosterone treatment. Although pomegranate itself promotes testosterone production, the effects of drugs should clearly outweigh the effects here.

The use of butyrate could also be an interesting option. This is a short-chain fatty acid that is normally produced by certain gut bacteria and is necessary for the proper functioning of many processes in the body. However, anti-cancer treatment often disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to insufficient butyrate production, and taking it could help. In addition, this substance is also anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour, helping to suppress the formation of metastases.

Bromelain from pineapple or EGCG from green tea also helps to suppress metastasis.

Keywords: allergy, Bromelain, Butyrate, hops, D3, egcg, Genistein, St. John’s wort, brain, eyes, omega-3, osteoporosis, resveratrol, rosemary, rose hip

I’m 56 years old. I’m overweight (sedentary job – 8 hours at PC), I have breathing problems, bones, joints, eyes, menopause, I need blood purification, I have skin problems and allergies – I take dragon blood, in the past I was infected with hepatitis C from transfusion, I need kidney support, bowel purification – there is a lot :-). I don’t know the best place to start. However, I need to support weight loss in the first phase, so bowels (metabolism), digestion, lungs – breathing.

I had selected: boswellia, EGCG, genistein, valerian, resveratrol, magnesium. However, I don’t think it’s enough.

If you need a complete change like this, I would start with what you don’t mention at all: a combination of omega-3 and vitamin D3. Both nutrients are severely deficient in the general population, and without them, nothing in the body will work at all.

Then you can add something else to that. Maybe it would be a good idea to start with valerian – it is a very powerful adaptogen, so it will “kick you up a notch”, give you energy, which is needed at the beginning of any change efforts, and has many other positive effects. I would recommend combining it with either rhodiola (where it will have a more energizing effect) or with bayberry, which is great for supporting hormone regulation (great in menopause).

In the morning, take it on an empty stomach, drink 2-3 dcl of water and do not eat for about 20 minutes afterwards. You can also add another dose in the early afternoon. Omega-3 and D3 can be taken with lunch, for example. You could also add magnesium to this – the latter in the evening.

After 4-6 weeks, keep taking omega-3 and D3 and replace the valerian with something else – you could try genistein for example. You can combine it with EGCG (take this combination only in the morning) or with coneflower.

I saw your interview at the Congress of Psychosomatics and I was very interested. Especially your talk about the effects of covid. I would like to ask if the Kozinec blanitic and nattokinase you mentioned can help even if I have been post covid for a long time (first covid with severe course 2,5 years ago, last of three covids a year ago). Since that first covid, I’ve been mostly bothered by rapid muscle fatigue, as if my muscles don’t have enough energy and oxygen, even though I was healthy, active before (I’m 31 now).Since then I somehow can’t get back into shape, I don’t feel like my muscles are working like they used to.

Definitely try Kozinec with nattokinase, this combo generally works for any effects of covid. But besides that I would recommend to cleanse the kidneys. Covid can basically attack any organ and the kidneys are no exception. Their impaired function can then manifest itself with exertion – usually it feels like moderate exertion is not a problem, but the body doesn’t want to let you go to any higher intensity.

The top choice here is Janč’s kidney tea. Either have it mixed at an herbal pharmacy or buy the individual herbs yourself and mix them. It’s equal parts horsetail, goldenrod, bird’s-foot trefoil and fleabane.

I’d like to ask, can taking nattokinase affect the length of my period, I’ve been taking nattokinase for about 5 days, during which I got my period, and when it was about to end and I was just spotting, I suddenly started bleeding again. I didn’t have a problem with it before. I don’t take any medication.

Cases where nattokinase can affect the menstrual cycle are rare, but can occur. The culprit is not nattokinase itself, but the fact that it is derived from fermented soybeans and therefore contains phytoestrogens. So withdrawal is probably the right solution in your case.

What to replace it with? It depends on the reason you are taking it. For example, bromelain could be a suitable alternative.

I would like to ask about the use of nattokinase – I am intrigued by the overall effects, especially those on spike-proteins. I work in education and am under a load of infections all the time. I’ve only had Covid with mild symptoms, but it would definitely be useful to clear the cells. I have a question about the ingredients though – I read that it’s a soy product and I’m allergic to that. Is it possible to take it?

Unfortunately, I can’t answer your question reliably. A lot depends on whether you are allergic only to unfermented soy or also to fermented soy products. There are dozens of proteins in soy and theoretically any one of them could be an allergen. However, the vast majority of allergies are caused by only about four of them, but they are significantly degraded during the fermentation process, which is why fermented soy products are significantly less allergenic than unfermented ones.

Nattokinase is made from natto, which is a fermented soy product, like miso or tempeh, for example. Compared to non-fermented products (soy flour, milk, tofu, etc.), the risk of an allergic reaction is therefore significantly lower, but unfortunately cannot be ruled out. So if you suffer from less severe allergic reactions, you can test how you react to its use, but otherwise I wouldn’t risk it.

If you don’t want to risk it, you can try bromelain. It is also a fibrinolytic enzyme and many of the effects are similar. Also a very good choice is valerian (astragalus) – not only does it also have fibrinolytic effects (albeit lower than nattokinase), but it is also a very powerful immunostimulant.

Keywords: allergy, COVID-19, Nattokinase

Please advise which herbs would help me to eliminate insomnia.

For insomnia, I definitely recommend trying passionflower. If you also suffer from anxiety, it is advisable to combine it with Baikal coneflower, maybe even with hops.

Other dietary supplements that might help are L-tryptophan and saffron.

I am turning to you for advice on where to start in my healing. I am 59 years old, 157 cm tall and weigh 47 kg. Since I was 45 years old, arthrosis of the small bones in my hands began. I have been dedicated to a healthy lifestyle etc, but my mother’s genes do what they want anyway. So now I don’t know how to proceed, where to start. I need to slow down, heal. Besides arthritis, I have kidney stones from calcium oxalate, low white blood cell count, osteoporosis, higher cholesterol…

You certainly can’t go wrong if you start taking a combination of boswellia and curcumin – this would be suitable even if it is not arthritis but arthritis (which affects small joints more often than arthritis). Kidney support is also important, here I recommend Janč’s kidney tea. However, a comprehensive approach is needed to improve overall health, with emphasis on diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, etc.; longer-term systematic work will definitely be needed. So in your case I would definitely recommend a personal consultation at the Epivnutrition counseling center.

Hello, I don’t know how to combine supplements, so please help me: I am one year after a total hysterectomy, so my menopause was artificially induced. Now I have been having pain in my knees, hips, and occasionally shoulder joint for 4 months, I suspect possibly developing osteroporosis. Not to mention the occasional flare-ups, but I don’t want hormones. I took Condrosulfate 800 for 2.5 months, knees got a little better, but after stopping it, they continue to hurt with added hip pain. On top of that, I’m asthmatic with high blood pressure. What would you recommend? Probably D3 for sure, but I don’t know. I’m resisting hormones for now, although my gynecologist has offered them.Could they solve the hip pain and thinning bones?

The problem is that menopause, whether natural or artificially induced, aggravates virtually everything that happens in the body. Thus, joint pain can be caused by both arthritis and insufficient calcium deposition, because receptors for estrogen are found in both articular cartilage and bone, and when estrogen is lacking in the body, many key processes within these tissues deteriorate.

I would definitely try a triple combination of resveratrol + calcium + vitamin K2 in addition to vitamin D3. Vitamin K2 is essential for calcium deposition in the bones (and may also be beneficial for cardiovascular problems and asthma). Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, a substance similar to estrogen that binds to the same receptors as this female sex hormone, and thus promotes calcium deposition, among other things. In addition, it has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels as well as on the respiratory system.

In addition, don’t forget to move regularly – the body needs a “reason” to start strengthening the joint structures and bones, and regular physical exercise will give it that reason. In addition to aerobic activities (for example, brisk walks or cycling), it is advisable to include regular weight training.

As far as hormone replacement is concerned, it’s always up for consideration. It is true that taking a synthetic hormone would actually solve most of the problems associated with menopause, and more effectively than natural substances. However, like most drugs, they do have side effects, including the suspicion that they may increase the risk of breast cancer. The natural route is more complicated and essentially involves taking phytoestrogens all the time – because even if the acute symptoms of menopause (such as flushing) pass, the estrogen will be missing from the body forever. Personally, natural solutions to menopause-related problems make more sense to me, but as I said – it’s about each woman’s preferences.

I would have a question about dietary supplements, what to choose for expelling inflammation from the body. All last year I was running out of achilles inflammation, this January I was more or less limping along. The conclusion from the x-ray and uzv: a spur pointing upwards and irritating the achilles. I’ve tried a lot of things. From magnet, laser, shockwave, gels, compresses to herbs – once we discussed medical bearberry on Facebook together, I also tried rehmannia sticky, curcumin, kelp, some kind of enzyme serrapeptase… One doctor will say heel pad, the other will say no, I prefer flat soles and going barefoot. I’d like to go back to running, but it’s still not possible. Can you think of any miracle remedy I can still use to help myself. I’ll just add that even with a not-quite-healthy achilles, I ran over 3,000 kilometres last year, so it’s clear that I won’t be able to put my foot back together in a week. At the moment I’d be happy for a leisurely five-seven pace with no pain…

My recommended decoction of bearberry is a great choice for achilles inflammation (and generally all tendons and tendons), but if the cause is really a spur, it is of course necessary to remove it.

I have good experience with the buckwheat cure – just eat one meal containing a larger amount of buckwheat every day. This effectively dissolves various calcium build-ups in the body. But it takes a long time – a month is the minimum, and for long-lasting problems it can be up to three months.

Shockwave generally works well on spurs, but sometimes, paradoxically, it can cause aggravation. By mechanically agitating the spur, as it breaks down, sharp bumps can form on the surface, which irritate the surrounding tissues even more. I would not dismiss it completely, but in combination with buckwheat it can shorten the treatment time.

The top anti-inflammatory dietary supplement for the musculoskeletal system is the combination of boswellia with curcumin, or it can be supplemented with sage (e.g. sage tea capsules). But this can only help reduce inflammation and pain, it will do nothing for the spur itself.

The serrapeptase you mentioned may work to some extent, but it probably wasn’t enough to solve the problem on its own. It has been used successfully to dissolve calcium plaques in blood vessels, but that’s a different story – there is usually a smaller layer of deposits, and the enzyme circulates directly in the blood vessels for some time after ingestion and can therefore act directly in them, whereas only a small amount reaches the spur. Serrapeptase is no longer available in our country, it has been banned. But you can try nattokinase, which is a similarly acting enzyme (and unlike serrapeptase comes from a food source), ideally in combination with vitamin K2. Like serrapeptase, this won’t solve the problem on its own, but again, it may help to shorten the treatment.

Anyway, it would be necessary to replace running with another movement for some time – there is definitely some more advanced tissue destruction and it simply has to heal.

Keywords: achilles, boswellia, curcumin, Nattokinase, heel spur

I have been seeing a hematologist for over a year now because some items in my blood work are not within the defined range. I have fewer RBCs and hemoglobin, but more MCVs. Also, my white blood cell neutrophils are below normal. The doctor only prescribed vitamin B6 and folic acid. In addition, I take iron, pangamine, black currant wine, beetroot, poppy seed oil. Couldn’t suma help me with my anemia?

Suma could help with anemia, but I would see rhodiola as an even better choice – either alone or in combination with bayberry, which also supports blood formation.

But from what you write, I wonder if your thyroid is fine, these problems can sometimes be related to it. If it’s hypofunctioning, that’s the problem that needs to be addressed as a priority.

The combination of rhodiola and coneflower should also work to support thyroid function, in addition to monitoring zinc, selenium, omega-3 and D3 intake. Brutnac and curcumin are also good, but I would wait until later with these, I would not combine with rhodiola.

I’ve been diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. I read on your website that EGCG, curcumin, resveratrol and possibly omega 3 could help. And what dosage should I choose?

I would not choose a combination of all the substances mentioned. I would see the following procedure as appropriate:

Start with a combination of Curcumin + Resveratrol + Omega 3 – 2 times a day. Initially choose a higher dosage, in the case of curcumin and resveratrol definitely over 500 mg in one dose, omega 3 in capsules definitely over 1500 mg in one dose, even more, and if you have oil, just take a big sip to taste. After about 4 weeks you can reduce the dosage a bit.

Take this combination for at least two months, possibly three. Then you can try EGCG + omega 3. Be sure to include omega-3s, as they are essential for any problems with the nervous system (at least in winter, it is advisable to add vitamin D3). Butyrate can also be very useful.

I love listening to your podcast, I am trying to incorporate some supplements into my diet as well. But I would like to ask you if you could give me some advice for Raynaud’s syndrome, when my fingertips or fingers get white, tingly and woody in winter, especially on my hands. It’s a very uncomfortable condition, and when my hands come together it hurts too.

Clearly the best choice is ginkgo biloba. For greater effectiveness I would alternate it with rhodiola and valerian (do not take rhodiola for more than a month at a time, valerian for 3 months). Pomegranate (you can combine with ginger if you don’t mind) or resveratrol will also improve blood circulation.

I have confirmed rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis of the knees and cervical spine. My knees hurt a lot. I like to exercise, about 3 times a week weight training and pilates. So far I am not taking any medications from the doctor and am treating myself alternatively. I am 50 years old. What can I do to keep the disease from getting worse or to cure myself. Both my mother and my sister have arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis, support of the gut microbiome is key – a diet with a predominance of plant components, sufficient fibre (this is a crucial aspect), reduced carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index and a lower proportion of high quality animal protein is suitable.

For supplements, I would definitely recommend a combination of boswellia and curcumin and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. It is also important to supplement nutrients that are typically deficient in RA – vitamins D3 and K2 in particular, and taking coenzyme Q10 may also be useful.

Other suitable alternatives to dietary supplements are EGCG, resveratrol, OPC or rosemary. In addition to the aforementioned boswellia + curcumin combination, you can combine, for example, resveratrol + OPC + rosemary + omega-3.

I suffer from secondary amenorrhea. I would say it’s the result of a combination of stress from work, a lot of physical activity (running about 90 km/week) and sometimes lack of diet. I would probably already meet the definition of RED-S. I am currently trying to work on a more frugal lifestyle. In consultation with my gynecologist, we induced the cycle with a combination of estrogen and progesterone. However, I am also interested in the possibility of epigenetics. Specifically, how to encourage my body to make its own sex hormones. While climacterium is etiologically a different condition than secondary amenorrhea, there is an estrogen deficiency in both cases. Is it possible to support its natural production with any of the herbs listed in the climacterium section?

I wouldn’t choose “climacteric” dietary supplements – I would only reach for them if the ovaries failed to function. The best combination to support ovarian function is a combination of raspberry and Baikal coneflower. The raspberry is classically in the form of herbal tea (2 teaspoons pour a cup of boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes), the rosehip can be added for example in the form of a capsule – it is possible to combine both in a tea, but it is complicated, it is a root and it needs to be boiled. It’s also important if your thyroid is okay.

I am 32 years old, suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome and will soon undergo artificial insemination (not due to PCO, for another reason). Would you please advise me on the appropriate combination of nutrients to compare hormone levels (FSH, LH), support pregnancy and subsequent proper fetal development?I take Magnesium, D3, Omega3, Zinc and multivitamin + Gynex drops + contryhel tea as prevention.

Be sure to try Coleus forskohlii. This is a Himalayan herb that has been directly confirmed to increase the likelihood of pregnancy in PCO.

Other possible combinations that work both for PCO and to support pregnancy are valerian + angelica or resveratrol + bayberry, any of which can be taken separately. I’d definitely recommend especially Baikal coneflower here though, it’s great for any hormone related problems.

I’ve heard that rosemary helps with tinnitus. Is that true?

Yes, according to experience, its effectiveness in tinnitus is quite high, even much higher than the often recommended ginkgo biloba preparation. In the Czech Republic, we have already recorded several cases in which the use of rosemary resulted in a reduction of the problems by about 80% (according to the subjective evaluation of users).

I’d like to help my nephew. He is 45 years old, had a severe covid in summer 2022 and a milder one in December 2023. In the interim he was getting tired, had eye problems, frequent colds and a huge need for sleep. Physically, he still can hardly do anything, immediately experiencing tremendous exhaustion. As a child he was asthmatic, a little allergic, otherwise perhaps nothing serious. Please advise – although I have read your article on the subject, I don’t know what to make of it.

In general, in covid, it is necessary to dissolve small blood clots, which form in large quantities during the disease, clogging small blood vessels and increasing the intensity of inflammation. The so-called fibrinolytic enzymes, mainly nattokinin or bromelain, work well here. For example, the combination of nattokinase with valerian is nice – it also has a certain fibrinolytic effect, and it is an immunostimulant with vitalising effects. The tincture of chilli peppers also dissolves clots well.

As for fatigue, the question is what causes it. Covid can, in principle, impair the function of any organ in the body through clots, and a common trigger for excessive fatigue is impaired kidney or liver function. For the kidneys, I would try Janč’s kidney tea, it certainly won’t do any harm – in general, kidney support is good for almost everyone in winter. Also the mentioned valerian works well here. For the liver you can try milk thistle, but artichoke is also a very interesting option, which also has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels.

Keywords: COVID-19, liver, St. John’s wort, Nattokinase, fatigue

How long can I take boswellia?

In general, herbs should not be used continuously, as they lose their effectiveness. I recommend about three months and then take a break for at least two months.

At what time of day is it appropriate to take epigenetic dietary supplements? And should I take them on an empty stomach or with food instead.

All herbs and most epigenetic nutrients are more effective when taken fasting. The exceptions are the fat-soluble vitamins D3 and K2, which must be taken with a meal containing some fat for optimal absorption. As for the time of day, it depends on the specific preparation. Herbs and nutrients that have a stimulating effect or increase blood circulation should be taken in the morning or in the morning.

I have been taking rosemary capsules for a long time, it effectively regulates my blood pressure. I would like to ask how long it is possible to take rosemary.

In general, it is better not to take herbs for a long time, but to take a break after three months (at least two months). During this time, you can choose another dietary supplement with a positive effect on pressure (e.g. Coleus forskohlii, ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol, etc.) and then return to rosemary again.

Please advise me what dietary supplements I should take. I am 66 years old and take medication to lower my blood pressure and cholesterol. I like to drink white wine, I am a non-smoker.

The basis should always be a combination of omega-3 and vitamin D3, especially between autumn and spring. I would choose other supplements according to your current problems and needs, but in general, women your age respond well to genistein, valerian or EGCG.

Is it true that vitamin K2 is found in abundance in the liver from apricot pits?

While apricot kernels are very beneficial to health, in general the vitamin K2 content of plant sources is an order of magnitude lower than that of animal sources (with exceptions such as soy natto). If you want to get your K from your regular diet, I recommend investing in farm-quality butter (from free-range animals) and eggs from free-range chickens.

Today I had the opportunity to listen to your lecture on Age is a Choice and I must honestly say that it was very interesting and at the same time I bow to your amazing knowledge. I will be 61 years old, graduated from military school and worked 14 years in aviation. In my younger days I worked with kids at pioneer camps, taught skiing, competitive bodybuilding, and most recently ran a fitness center for six years as a bartender and trainer, but that all ended 17 years ago. Through my own fault and also thanks to “good” friends I fell completely to the bottom, working 25 shifts of 12 hours for 100 CZK/hour,. to get back on my feet. Although I am left all alone in the world, I take care of myself, exercise lightly and do brisk walks not only at work but also outside. Half a year ago medical examinations of the samples resulted in my supposedly having all the values as if I were 40 years old, which I don’t understand, since the male generation for three generations have all died of bowel and liver cancer. I am very sorry to fill you in on my life in this way, but the bottom line is that despite your amazing knowledge of herbs and supplements, I am a bit lacking in some options to replace with cheaper available foods such as turmeric spices, red onion, garlic, beetroot, sauerkraut etc.

A healthy, balanced diet is always the basis, which is what I mention in most of my articles. It is also true that as a prevention, it should be enough in principle. But the problem is that foods usually do not contain enough beneficial substances to reverse a problem that has already occurred.

A small example: the dose of EGCG that is effective in terms of prevention is 50 mg, which is contained in 2-3 cups of good quality green tea. However, the therapeutic effects start at about 200 mg, and some studies have even used doses several times that amount. Similarly, turmeric is great, but to achieve epigenetic effects it needs to be consumed daily and long term, and still in combinations that will enhance its absorption (such as with black pepper), as it is poorly absorbed on its own. And who would want to eat a meal with curry every day?

But if we talk about epigenetic herbs, it is always possible to choose a cheaper option and instead of capsules use a classic form of infusion or (in the case of roots) a decoction of dried herb. The cost is significantly lower and the efficacy here is very similar in most cases. Moreover, in this way the herbs can easily be combined with each other to enhance their effectiveness.

Hello, I would like something for my mother, she is 78 years old. She is still very lively, drives a car and still works as an accountant for the municipal office. But lately she’s started to forget a lot. I know it’s her age, but I would still like to help her if the process could be slowed down a little. I’m interested in tryptophan and ginkgo biloba combined with rosemary. Is that a good choice?

Ginkgo biloba is a good choice for the functioning of the brain as a whole, because it supports blood circulation very effectively, and especially its combination with rosemary is very effective. However, given my mother’s age, I would preferably focus on how to slow down the aging processes in the brain.

Omega-3s in doses certainly higher than 2 g/day are essential, but double that. Resveratrol works great and you can also combine it with rosemary. This combination can be taken with omega-3s or separately. If your mother likes red wine, let her have some with it, a deca is quite sufficient – resveratrol is then better absorbed.