Question: from Mary

I am 50 years old. I have lupus, currently going through menopause. I really don't have a lot of energy. Do you have something that would help me? My sex drive is down and I definitely don't like that. Should I take the Complete Woman supplement that you have? I don't really like to take a lot of pills, so whatever you suggest.

I am on placquenil. I also take L-lysine, Vit.e, and Vit. C. The doctor told me to start taking Vit D. I take some stuff called venacure for varicose veins (I don't want to get them and I have a few) Do you have anything for that?

Answer: from Joanna (Medical Nutritionist for Xtend-Life)

I would recommend the below protocol for you to help with your problems:

Total Balance Women's Plus at 6 per day. This provides many needed essential nutrients, helps to increase immunity and antioxidant protection, reduce inflammation, help to increase natural energy and provide a daily balance of nutrients to help strengthen your overall wellness.

The Bilberry, as well as other ingredients in Total Balance may help your varicose veins, as well as the below suggestions, plus the Red clover, amongst others, can help your lupus.

Omega 3/DHAs at 4 per day, to help with all of the above, plus provide specific anti-inflammatory action. Also essential fatty acids may help to reduce the pain associated with varicose veins and help to make the blood vessels more pliable.

Cardio-Klenz at 4 per day, to help with overall blood vessel strength and blood consistency, to help with the varicose veins, with essential helpful herbs such as Butchers Broom.

Finally, if your menopausal symptoms need help to ease, the Total Balance Women's Plus will help to do this. However, depending on their severity, if you need additional help you can also add Female Rejuvenator at 3 per day to help more specifically with this area as well as helping your sex drive.

So, in summary, essential nutrients for you are:

Total Balance Women's Plus at 6 per day;
Omega 3/DHAs at 4 per day initially;
Cardio-Klenz at 4 per day maintenance, up to 6 per day;
Female Rejuvenator at 3 per day if menopause symptoms more severe.

Plus, you can add aloe vera gel to apply topically to your varicose veins, to help them heal; Alfalfa added to the diet may also help; Licorice root tea can also help lupus, but do not drink this more than 7 days in a row (for example 7 days on, 7 days off).

Unless you have a specific deficiency, on the above protocol you shouldn't need to take additional Lysine, Vitamin C. If you don’t get much sunshine some extra Vitamin D could be beneficial.

Ensure any supplements are taken with a 3+ hour gap between them and any prescription medications to help avoid any potential interactions upon absorption.

You can still take Pacquenil, given the above medication/supplement guidelines, but hopefully with the above protocol you should be able to reduce or eliminate this within time.

Regarding Venacura, this supplement is fine for use of up to 6 months. Safety in long-term use has not been established, so it is advisable as this short-term aid only.