Dr. Kevin Passero Dr. Kevin Passero Lead Medical Director
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Dr. Passero completed four years of post-graduate medical education in Portland, Oregon at one of only four accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in the country. His Naturopathic training consisted of classroom study equivalent to conventional medical school and included extensive exposure to patients under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. While there, Dr. P...

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In the hope of having a baby I take prenatal vitamins daily. Could this cause excessive urination?
There are no ingredients in a standard prenatal that I would expect to cause excessive urination. However, urinary frequency can be increased even in early pregnancy so make sure you are not pregnant already. During the first 6 weeks of pregnancy your blood volume will increase significantly leading to more fluid being filtered by your kidneys which ultimately results in more urine. Frequent urination is the most common early sign of pregn...

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Vitamin B12 Toxicity – I understand that vitamin B12 generally is safe even in large doses, however with more and more supplements coming to the market with extremely high doses, does one need to worry?
Thank you for your great question about B12. It is true that many supplements contain B12 because of its impressive benefits for the brain, nerves and energy/metabolism. However, as you point out it is important to consider possible downsides of taking too much of any nutrient. You are correct in stating that B12 is water soluble. This reduces it’s potential for toxicity because it can be easily flushed by the body but does eliminate all...

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Category: General Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Hi. I had shingles earlier this year and am on a regime of vitamins. I am taking 6000 mcgs of vitamin a as I had shingles in my eye. Some cornea damage left but not where the light passes thru.
Shingles can be a very tough condition and very serious when it involves the eye. I am glad you are recovered and that your vision was not permanently damaged. Vitamin A is an excellent natural anti-viral but due to its fat soluble nature it can also be toxic. It also has a drying effect on certain secretions in the body which may be why you are having some eye irritation when you take it....

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Category: General Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Dr.Passero, I have, which I believe to be IBS. I want to get rid of this. I’ve been saving money up to get a supplemental colon cleanse as well as a hydrocolontherapy.
Most multivitamins are safe. The real question to ask is which multivitamins are potent enough and pure enough to actually be effective? One of the most important things you can do to assess the purity of your multivitamin is to check the label. Look in the area where "Other ingredients" are listed. If there is a long list of ingredients such as; titanium dioxide, BHA, artificial...

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Category: Digestion
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I read in a book that Llysine 500mg is needed to make ferritin, an ironstoring protein that maximizes hair growth. I bought Llysine at a GNC store but it does not say anything about hair growth
If L-lysine has a role in the production of ferritin I am unaware of it, however a limited amount of clinical data does suggest that L-lysine does enhance the absorption of both iron and zinc.  One European company is citing a study that showed L-lysine was able to reduce several types of hair loss in both men and women and even applied for a pate...

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Hi there. Ive recently started taking some evening primrose oil pills to help with a skin condition. I was just wondering, is there any chance these could be reacting with my PCOS pill metformin? Thanks

I do not foresee any potential interactions between the Evening Primrose Oil and your Metformin.  There is nothing in the literature to suggest that this is a possibility.  In fact, Evening Primrose Oil is something I commonly prescribe for women with PCOS.  It is known to naturally help improve the balance between progesterone and estrogen.  An elevated ratio of Estrogen to Progesterone is commonly seen in women ...


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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I have heard that fenugreek can increase your production of breast milk is this true? If not is there anything I could take to increase my supply?
It is true that many women report that fenugreek can help improve breast milk production.  Fennel is another herb widely thought to increase breast milk production.  The reality of the situation is that other very important hormonal process in your body need to take place to ensure adequate milk supply.  In addition the feeding behaviors of your baby are also a major contributing factor that will determine your milk supply. Both of these he...

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I started taking Wild Yam pills for various reasons. I have heard this can make your breast size increase is this true? My mother uses wild yam cream and she says her breast size never changed but she is 52 years old and I am 28.

Wild Yam can be helpful for balancing certain issues related to female hormones.  It is thought to do this by gently stimulating certain receptors on cells that are related to hormones like estrogen and progesterone.  Although this herb can have gentle hormonal like action on the cells it is not likely strong enough to influence cellular activity enough to change breast size.

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Is it safe to take a daily dose of 5000 mcg of Biotin for the sole purpose of improving the quality of hair and nails?
Although this dose is way above the RDA for biotin it is a common and often effective recommendation for the support of hair and nail growth.  No significant toxicity has been documented in the oral use of biotin even in doses much higher than 5mg.  It is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine....

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Does biotin interact with birth control pills?
Currently there is no data to suggest that biotin supplementation negatively interacts with Oral Birth Control Pills.  Most of the research actually suggests the opposite.  Certain B-vitamins are known to be depleted by long term use of birth control pills and it is often suggested that women supplement with these nutrients to avoid potentially harmful deficiencies.  In fact, a pharmaceutical company released a prescription vitamin/mineral sup...

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
My hair and nails have never grown fast…will Biotin help?

Most important is to try to understand why your nails and hair have never grown well in the first place.  Making sure you are getting proper nutrition and that you are digesting your food properly is very important.  Without these components in place your body will not have the building blocks necessary to make strong collagen. It is also very important to investigate your thyroid function.  Brittle nails and ha...


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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Hi, I have what I have been told is NASH, non alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Do you think that Acai Berry will benefit or help? Thanks, Kari
The correct term for NASH is Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis.  This can lead to cirrhosis which is a serious condition involving damage and scarring of the liver that can eventually impair liver function significantly. Most cases of NASH are related to a process that involves fat tissue invading the liver.  The same damage to liver tissue that is seen in alcoholics is seen when this process takes place even though a person may consume little ...

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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I read that a supplement called Invisible Veins will get rid of varicose veins. It has a natural ingredient call DiosVein. Is this true? Is there something to take that will get rid of varicose veins? Can it be purchased at a health store or a drug store. This product is available from PharmacoLLC.com. Do you know anything about it? Thank you.

Be careful about products that claim they can do things it seem they couldn’t.  My experience is that most cases of moderate to severe varicose veins are not easily reversed with natural or herbal therapy.  There are some herbs and nutrients which can be supportive to the venous tissue but they would most likely be helpful for very minor varicosities or to prevent new ones from popping out.  I am not familiar ...


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Category: Women's Health
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Hello, I’m 52 and in menopause.Ive been taking Relora and Green Tea capsules for about 10 days,for weight loss,and am beginning to see some results.My question is,I drink wine almost every day,2 glasses,is this safe ?

There is no data suggesting that Relora or Green Tea would amplify the negative effects of alcohol.  Due to the carbohydrate content in wine, although low, you may be inhibiting your weight loss goals.  Otherwise, enjoy your success!

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Im trying to lose weight. Do you have any advice?
Another summer has past, so we can put away our bating suits for a while, but for some of us there is a special event that has been on the calendar for months and we have not lost the weight we intended to lose.  It might be a wedding, a class reunion, or a vacation, it does not really matter, we just want to look our best.  The truth is, when we look our best, we also feel our best, which gives us a double dose of confidence and an extra sprin...

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
Can you explain why it is so difficult for some people to lose weight?
Weight loss is a multi-billion dollar a year industry.  Despite this huge market, many people struggle with programs and products that over promise and under deliver.  People are left feeling frustrated and discouraged because their weight loss goals have not been met.  The problem is that most of the information available today does not address the three major road blocks to weight loss: ·    Hormonal imbalance ·    Neurotransmi...

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I am a relatively healthy eater. I exercise quiet frequently 4+x a week and I’m at an OK weight. I’ve always had trouble losing that last 510 pounds and keeping it off. I tend to get really motivated and then loose it around the time of my period. Is there an all natural weight loss supplement that you can recommend for me? Is HamchoSlim or Hoodia something that I should try?
Many people tend to have this problem.  The important thing is to keep up the healthy eating and exercise and not to get discouraged.  Once you find the right equation for your body those last pounds should come off and stay off. For starters, make sure you are doing a healthy mix of both cardio training and strength training.  Building muscle will help to increase your body's resting metabolism which will help you to burn fat day and nigh...

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I have been on a weight loss and exercise program for approximately 6 weeks. I have followed the program, and have not cheated. I walk every day. Yet, I have not lost any weight. Could there be a medical reason for my inability to lose weight? Thanks

First of all, I understand your frustration.  I have had many frustrated people come to office after being disappointed about the results of weight loss program, even when the followed it to the "T".  The reason is that for most people weight loss is not always as simple as eating and exercising.  There are many different issues to consider.  The type of exercise is one factor that can be very important.  Most pe...


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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
How many cla tablets do I take every day? With food or without?
Most of the studies have utilized 3-4 grams per day of CLA for weight loss. It may take about 3 months to notice a difference. This is true for all essential fatty acids, it takes about 3 months for them to get incorporated into the cell membrane. Stick with it, and remember, you will get the best results by combining a healthy diet, exercise, and supplements. Take with food. Oils are always best absorbed when taken with food....

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero
I have Crohns disease but I am actually overweight and want to lose about 30 pounds. Are there any dietary supplements that I can take and are there any restrictions on an exercise program? I also cant tolerate caffeine. Thanks! Brian
Hi Brian, My first thought for you would be to do a food allergy test. It will help you eliminate the foods that irritate you and cause inflammation, and will help you with weight issues as well....

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Category: Weight Loss
Answered by: Dr. Kevin Passero