• Hello can you recommend a good protein supplement? And is amino acid complex the same? Thanks

  Answer:  For everyday use a combination protein is best. A blend of whey, casein, egg an/or soy. For right before and after the gym a pure whey protein. JJP 8/10/08

• So much is written about the benefits of grape seed extract. There is a company that sells freeze-dried ground muscadine grape seeds in capsule form. Are grape seeds digestible in that form?

  Answer:  Sorry, I do not know. JJP 6/23/08

• which smoooths wrinkles more, mela-d or intense line defence skin ceuticals. thank you

  Answer:  neither will smooth wrinkles much but the SkinCeuticals might work a little. JG 5.8.08

• i have got this kind of red skin on the bottom part on my penis glans i am taking canesten but it isint working

  Answer:  you need to see a urologist or dermatologist in person to determine cause and treatment, sorry. JG 4.17.08

• Dear doc, how can i have a youthful skin ?

  Answer:  Eat a clean healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Moisturize your skin. Wear sun block when you are out and try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. JJP 4/14/08

• Dear doc, how can i have a youthful skin ?

  Answer:  Eat a clean healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Moisturize your skin. Wear sun block when you are out and try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. JJP 4/14/08

• hi doctor, can i have a fair skin by taking a lot of vitamin c?

  Answer:  I`m sorry. I do not understand what you are asking. JJP 4/3/08

• Hi Dr. Garcia -- I`ve been using Renova every nite for past 5 mos. I tolerate it really well. Should I be using something stronger? Or is there benefit to using twice a day? Thanks.

  Answer:  yes, there is s greater benefit to twice daily, I would increase it if you can tolerate it. JG 4.1.08

• My sister’s dermatologist told her there is a new oral medicine that doesn’t kill bacteria but keeps it at bay so you have a clear face without the antibiotics side effects! Have you heard of this med? If so what’s it called and what’s your opinion of it? Thank you

  Answer:  sorry, but I have not heard of it yet. JG 2.1.08

• I have heard rumors that taking prenatal vitamins while not being pregnant makes you gain weight... Is that true or do you know of any studies that prove or disprove this rumor? Thanks!!

  Answer:  There is no truth to this. There is nothing in the vitamin that would icrease weight. In fact, in may help to reduce weight as there are cofactors (that you may not be getting if you do not supplement with vitamins) that improve metabolism. JJP 1/12/08

• Hi dr garcia ,you suggest one of your clients to use gltcolic acid facial cleansers,topical vitamin c 10% for slow skin aging.What does it mean and where can i get it? thanks for being so kind

  Answer:  all of those products are sold over the counter, for example at Sephora or a Nordstrom`s. They are also commonly sold at plastic surgeon`s or dermatologist`s offices JG 12.26.07

• Dr Peirce, What is your opinion of the negative calorie diet? Thansk for your advice!!

  Answer:  I think all of these fad diets are bound to fail. The best bet is to change your dietary patterns to be more consistant (5-6 meals/day)and healthier (low glycemic foods, more protein, whole fruits and veggies). JJP 12/10/07

• Dr Peirce, Thank-you for answering my previous question about dairy and body fat. So........if I am dieting/excercising to loose body fat, will taking a calcium supplement be just as beneficial as including three servings of dairy in my dialy diet? Thanks again

  Answer:  It should be. JJP 11/5/07

• Dr. Peirce, Do dairy products really help us to burn more fat while dieting? What is your take on this? Thanks.

  Answer:  It is really the calcium in the dairy. JJP 11/3/07

• Dr Pierce, Can you please reccomend for me a good calcium supplement. I do not eat enough dairy. Thank-you.

  Answer:  Calcium Citrate is probably the best absorped. So any source with Calcium Citrate will do. JJP 10/31/07

• I am 58 and have trouble with weight now. What is cortisol hormone?

  Answer:  Cortisol is a stress hormone. Our bodies put it out when we are stressed. It does cause weight gain. JJP 10/25/07

• Several years ago as a result of venous deficiency cause by genetics, lifestyle and repeated sports injuries, I had veins stripped in both lower legs. Both ankle areas since have stasis hyperpigmentation. While the condition has not noticably worsened since surgery, it remains quite visible. All I hear from my physicians, is there is nothing I can do. Any suggestions? Thank you.

  Answer:  could try a YAG laser series of treatments. JG 10.8.07

• hi dr, can you recommend something for tireness

  Answer:  sorry but not without an in person consultation to see what is the cause. JG 10.2.07

• hi dr can u recommend something for tiredness, i get all the rest in the world and still my body would feel tired. i am only 28years, so far no medical illness. thank you

  Answer:  really hard for me to advise you regarding that without a full consultation as to past history, habits and physical exam I fear. JG 10.1.07

• Dr. garcia, is it better to do weights or Cardio to lose excess baby weight? if both,which do I do first? i am confused,and keep hearing different things. Also, I trust you,so i want to ask you,what supplements do you really need everyday?? fish oil? A, b c? what does the body need to keep healthy,have energy and fight wrinkles? thanks,your patient.

  Answer:  both are the best, cardio to burn calories and weigths to maintain muscle mass and that also burns more calories. JG 9.30.07

• dr garcia, i am a patient of yours and was wondering, what is a good supplement to take to energize the body for a workout? i need energy,and have none after having my daughter. thank you! any suggestions ? I saw that you said TIGHT was like others on the market,but do you know of one that works well? thanks a million

  Answer:  wel I would just avoid long term use, many people like HydroxyCut or Redline, best of luck. JG 9.30.07

• 9/9/07 A.R. Hello Dr. Pierce, please don`t say, i probably shouldnt be taking these, because I already know. My aunt gave me these pills, Slimquick, and told me to take 1 pill a day since i am underage. Well after four days of taking the pill, I started to feel sick. My chest hurt a little, and then my left arm. Then i begain to feel dizzy, and I felt like eveything around me was going slow. I have stopped taking the pills, but I dont understand what was going on. I probably know it has to do with me being underage, but i am 15, i guess three years under is a big deal.

  Answer:  Those pills have stimulants in them that may predispose you to panic/anxiety attacks. It sounds to me as though that is the case. There are other more serious issues to consider. You should go to the emergency room immediately if you have these symptoms again. You may need an evaluation by a Cardiologist to prove you do not have IHSS (Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis). This is the cause of a lot of the sudden death in athletes. JJP 9/10/07

• Good evening Dr Garcia. Please tell me, what is your opinion of the Atkins diet? I need to burn off about 10 lbs of excess body fat.

  Answer:  I have found it to be effective. JG 8.12.07

• Hello Dr Peirce, Thank-you for your reply to my previous question about phentermine use to speed up weight loss. You mentioned phentermine is OK for short term. How long is short term? Also, you mentioned the timing of diet and excercise is an important factor in the speed at which weight loss can accour. What do you mean by `timing`? Thank-you for your help.

  Answer:  by timing we mean at the same time, a diet works beter if you are exercising also at the same time. As to the phentermine, in most cases 3 months and then a break, in cases where there is morbid obesity we can then go to 6 months but no longer. JG 8.17.07

• Hello Dr Peirce, Thank-you for your reply to my previous question about phentermine use to speed up weight loss. You mentioned phentermine is OK for short term. How long is short term? Also, you mentioned the timing of diet and excercise is an important factor in the speed at which weight loss can accour. What do you mean by `timing`? Thank-you for your help.

  Answer:  I would not reccomend it for more than 1 or 2 months. Timing means when you do your exercise and when you eat. There is a great book entitled The Nutrient Timing System that will help you understand more. I would be happy to go into further details if you would like to scheduele an appointment in my office. JJP 8/5/07

• Dr Garcia, What is you opinion of using phentermine short term to speed up weight loss?

  Answer:  Hello, I am Dr. Pierce. I will be answering questions on Ageless...Forever concerning diet, exercise, nutritional and hormonal supplementation. Phentermine on a short term basis should not be a problem. There are, however, other issues to consider. Is your thyroid function at optimal levels? Diet and exercise and the timing of these activities can all play a significant role in weight loss and the time it takes. JJP 7/31/07

• Good morning Dr. Garcia, Do SSRI antidepressants have a tendency to cause weight gain due to an actual pysiological mechanism of the medication? Or is it simply due to an increase in Appetite? Thanks.

  Answer:  it is an appetite change due to the serotonin and its particualr effects on the brain. Some people lose weight while others gain, it varies depending on how your brain responds to the serotonin. JG 7.7.07

• Answer: 

• Hi there.. I take ephedrine with cafeine as it helps my performance at the gym and helps me lose weight and supresses my appetite but I have now started my course of accutane today. Will my ephedrine usage affect the accutane or do they have nothing to do with each other?

  Answer:  no interaction. JG 6.15.07

• Doctor Garcia - Can I take my MSM powder with Psyllium seed in the AM? Or does the psyillum prevent the benefits of MSM powder when taken together. Thanks!

  Answer:  better to take them apart. JG 6.13.07

• What is Vinpocetine good for? Also, will CLA 800mg help with weight loss? Is this legitimate? How long should I wait to determine if something is really working for me or not?

  Answer:  I think Vinpocetine is good and the results from CLA are mixed, some good some no improvement. It will take 12 weeks to see if it is working. JG 3.7.07

• DOC...After ur advice I bought suplements from GNC.Like coq-10,women`s Ultra Mega supplements,B-complex and Omega-3 purified fish oil.Some of the bottle has written on labels`This supplements has not been evaluated by FDA.This product is not intended to dianosed treat cure and prevent any disease.Dr what is that mean?? Also i bought supplement for my memory its calls `memorall.PLZ i need ur guidance to tell me if these are the right purchase.Thanx for ur help.

  Answer:  All vitamin supplements say that as they are not medicines so the vitamins cannot make claims on treating diseases and the FDA does not routinely monitor vitamins. I think they are safe to take though. JG 2.19.07

• Dr. Garcia, What is your opinion of the concept of `negative calorie foods` (celery, grapefruit, lettuce, apples, strawberries)? Is this simply rubish, or is it possible that some foods require more calories to digest than they actually contain?

  Answer:  well, there is science behind them and they fill you up and when you are chewing those you cannot chew the calorie positive ones. JG 2.27.07

• I am so impressed that you take the time to respond to Qs that are clearly not your area of focus ... thank you so much. A more mundane Q: My nails are so weak, they are almost paper thin and split/crack all the time. I don`t care for long nails but would like stronger, healthier nails. What supplement(s) do you suggest? Would Biotin help. God bless. You are wonderful.

  Answer:  biotin has been reported to help along with gelatin capsules. Thanks for visiting. JG 2.15.07

• What do you think of Andrew Lessman vitamins?

  Answer:  sorry but no personal experience with them. JG 2.15.07

• I have a heart failier family history.What u suggest for use as a suppliment to control Cholestrol and have a healthy heart with less risk of a stroke??I use garlic in my cooking but what can we take oraly to avoid that heart prob in my family?...thanks.

  Answer:  COQ10 and poilcosanol, but I think you should also see a cardiologist to have your heat and cholesterol evaluated. JG 2.15.07

• DEAR DOC.I have LIFE EXTENTION products directory.I am looking somthing for my memory.I am 50yrs and feeling my memory is not as sharp it used to be??Also somthing for energy?PLZ help coz after ur suggestion i ordered the directory to chose high quality supliments??Do u think in food centers or any walgreens stuff is not that much high quality or is that same???plz suggest some for me.thanx.

  Answer:  GNC is also good, you can look up what life extension has for memory on their website at www.lef.org. JG 2.15.07

• Hello Doctor, my naturopath says that the USANA vitamin products are the BEST in the world. I don`t know if it is appropriate for you to comment on this line, if so, what do you think? Are there other brands just as good? They are soooo expensive in comparison.

  Answer:  they are good but they are expensive becasue it is part of a multi-level marketing plan, there are plenty of vitamins out there just as good for a lot less. JG 2.12.07

• DEAR DOC.I have been on HRT 6months and bad expeience not feeling well.I changed my Endocrologist and she told me my dr was giving me Antiaging treatment for no reason.I am on just THYROID now.Would u plz suggest me any good suppliment to look and feel healthy.I had been in divorce process and lot of depression and want to look good feel healthy.I am 30yrs,skinny,105 pounds ,and 5-2 tall.Can u plz suggest me any any of good suppliments to feel energetic and my skin glow and get back my all strenght and happiness and enrgy i use to be...PLEASE dr help me i m getting married very soon and ur HELP is a light in my dark life.Can u name them all i can get from any health store and start taking right away...THANX FOR UR KIND SUGGESTIONS.

  Answer:  I think the advice you are seeking will require an in person visit, not something we can do here on the message board I am afraid. JG 2.8.07

• Hey, ketosis girl one last time. Would increasing my already high water intake help to dilute the ketosis, therefore dcreasing the bad taste in my mouth?? Thanks for your help.

  Answer:  it will help some but not alot. JG 1.23.07

• Hello Dr. Garcia, it`s ketosis girls again :) I would like to give peppermint a try. How do I use peppermint? Drops of peppermint oil in my mouth? Or sugar-free peppermint oil? Thanks!!

  Answer:  drops are good along with sugar-free gum. JG 1.23.07

• Dr Garcia, I have been following a low carb diet and excercising with incredible results. I`ve lost 10 pounds in the past 5 weeks! However, as a very unpleasant side effect I have a horrid taste in my mouth and bad breath. The taste really is horrific. Very frequent brushing and mouthwash provide no relief. Is there anything I can do to help alleviate this situation? Thanks for your help!!

  Answer:  it is from the ketosis and all I can say is peppermint, but as long as you are burning fat, it will be there, maybe some gum. JG 1.23.07

• DOC-------WHAT SUPPLIMENTS U RECOMMEND FOR ALL AGES KEEP FIT,CONTROL THE CHOLESTOL ALSO GIVE ENERGY AND HEALTHY GLOW.MY HUBBY AND ME ARE IN 50`S AND MY SON AND DAUGHTERS ARE IN TWENTIES.PLZ SUGGEST SOME OF THE NAME SO I CAN PURCHASE FOR ALL MY FAMILY OTHERWISE THERE ARE TONS OF AVAILABLE AND CAN NOT BE DECIDE WHICH ONE IS BEST.WE HAVE HEART FAILEAR FAMILY HISTORY IN MEN.PLZ DOC SUGGEST SOME OF THE GOOD ONE FOR ENERGY TO WORK ALL DAY ALSO HELPFUL FOR STRESS AND CONTROL THE CHOLESTROL.I HAVE HEARD I CAN FIND GOOD ONE EVEN FROM WALGREENS BUT NEED UR EXPERT SUGGESTION ........THANKS.

  Answer:  as to energy, it depends on why your energy level is low, but for cholesterol I suggest policosanol, Omega 3 fish oils, garlic, and fiber. Best of luck. JG 1.23.07

• does Okinawa Tea work and what are the benefits?

  Answer:  some mild anti-oxidant effects is about all. JG 12.7.06

• Hi Dr, What do u think og Vit B5 to treat acne, it is effective? Also at what dosage is it effective? Thanks

  Answer:  not a very good choice in my opinion. JG 11.28.06

• The target heart rate charts at the gym show that during excercise, fat burning occurs at lower heart rates and cardiovascular conditioning occurs at higher heart rates. Is this true? When I work out I feel great, and my heart rate lies in the higher cardiovascular conditioning numbers. However, my main goal is fat loss. Does this mean I should tone my workouts down a bit to burn more fat?

  Answer:  yes, that is correct for the most part. You will still burn fat at the higher rates though. JG 11.26.06

• What is GLA supplement and what kind of supplement can I find it in? thanks.

  Answer:  it is gamma linoleic acid and is found in things like flax seed oil. JG 11.8.06

• Do the weight loss supplements (GNC cut, slimquick) I see at GNC work? If so, how well. Are they safe?

  Answer:  they work in a small percentage of patients for a short period of time, but none of them work unless you also exercise and diet too. JG 11.8.06

• Hello Doctor, I was wondering, which would you say was better for you, black tea or green tea?

  Answer:  green. JG 11.2.06

• 31 yr old female, wants to loose 10 lbs ASAP to wear favorite bikini--yes, I realize there are bigger issues out there. As long as I feel OK, How low can I go on my daily caloric intake without causing harm?

  Answer:  decrease the daily intake by 350 calories per day or burn an additional 350 calories per day and in 100 days you will have lost the weight. JG 10.29.06

• I understand the importance of adequate protein intake to support muscle growth and collagen rebuilding of skin. How much each meal? How much total day? 31 yr old 125 lb. female.

  Answer:  probably 120-200gm per day. JG 10.26.06

• How much cardio is too much? Is it true that after 30 mins I am breaking down my muscle tissue? I am a 31 yr old previous athlete, currently doing intense cardio x 1 hour five times weekly. I am doing weight training w/ a personal trainer 3 evenings a week. I am loosing fat, for which I am thrilled. Am I over doing it? Is this is anyway harmful or counterproductive?

  Answer:  hard to say, it depends on what pace you are going and just get your body fat and lean muscle measured and you will be able to tell, too much cardio can increase cortisol and make it hard to maintain or gain muscle. JG 10.21.06

• Does cardio in teh AM on an EMPTY stomach burn more fat than doing cardio later in the morning after I have already eaten?

  Answer:  correct, early morning on an empty stomach is best. JG 10.21.06

• DEAR DOC: I am 5`2 115, however hate my lower body. nice shape, just loose. you think i would burn more fat with strength train, or cardio? BOTH? are sqauts and lunges truly the best for lower body workout ...my problem are is I have a BIG BUTT for my size. I also want thinner legs, although i am built like a gymnast. please help. I hear your not taking any patients for your nutrition........ Also, would you recc. any supplements? your patient ,,,,anonymous...

  Answer:  more fat burrning with cardio but you need the weigths to keep the muscle. Squats and lunges are the best for lower body muscle building, but exercise nor cardio will tighten skin. Squats will build up your butt too. As to supplements, there is nothing that will cause localized fat loss. At present we are not taking any new female patients into the Ageless Forever clinic, but as people move we will in the future. JG 10.18.06

• Is it more beneficial to excercise in the AM on an empty stomach? Does this result in an increased amount of fat burned and HGH production? Also, does it make a difference if I do a longer weight training session every other day Vs. a shorter one every day? My goals are to stimulate collagen production in my skin, increase muscle mass, burn 8 lbs of fat, in that respective order. I am a 31 yr old female, fairly good shape. Thanks!!

  Answer:  in terms of fat loss, working out in the morning is best, any exercise will cause an increase in HGH. As to the weight lifting, it varies with the muscles, short and daily are probably better than long and every other. I do not think it will affect the skin much but should help the other issues. JG 10.11.06

• Hello Dr. I have a few questions about collagen. What foods help promote collagen production. Are there supplements that help? Can you recommend a cream that you think helps with collagen? I have hear that the results of Thermage are not as good ass the advertsiments and that they do not really promote collagen formation. Is that true? Thank you.

  Answer:  just protein is about all. I think Retin-A and DMAE creams help build new collagen. As to Thermage, I was an owner but myself along with my pateitns were disappointed. JG 9.25.06

• Hello Dr. I have a few questions about collagen. What foods help promote collagen production. Are there supplements that help? Can you recommend a cream that you think helps with collagen? I have hear that the results of Thermage are not as good ass the advertsiments and that they do not really promote collagen formation. Is that true? Thank you.

  Answer:  it is all about protein intake, that is about all. I think Retin-A or DMAE creams help form new collagen in the skin. I was a Thermage owner but sold my machien as I along with my patients were disappointed. JG 9.25.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, What do you think of Carnosine as a supplement? Can it help slow the aging process? (The article I was reading recommends 500 mg.) Or, is it something that we already get from our food? Thx.

  Answer:  there are a handful of articles that promise great things, little published research. I think part of the problem is the purity and the ablitity to absorb it. It seems that the eye drops show some promise for cataracts though. I do not think we get much from our food nowadays though. JG 7.31.06

• Fatigue..I need to get my metabolism going.Any acid foods give me heartburn (citrus fruits,juices etc.)I identified my own Thyroid problem last Sept and by Dec they got the doseage correct 100mcg..so

  Answer:  acid foods commonly cause that and you want your foods to be not acidic for the most part. JG 8.3.06

• what do you think about the NV diet pill it is supposed to also help your hair and skin and I didn't see caffine in the ingredient list.

  Answer:  sorry but I am not familiar with its ingredients. JG 4.19.06

• what kind of food should I always eat to stay young?

  Answer:  low glycemic index carbohydrates, low saturated fat proteins, and unsaturated fats. JG 4.13.06

• Hello Dr Garcia-Do you have an opinion on the Eat-For-Your-Blood-Type diet? Thanks! 03-24-06

  Answer:  although I do think there are enzymatic differences that do affect our ability to digest our foods and therefore take advantage of the nutrients, it is much more complex than just your blood type. So some good intent but does not work for all people. JG 3.25.06

• hi, my ten year old son suffers from sinuses since he was four years old only during spring and winter.i do clear his nose once a day using the indian yoga technique of pouring lightly salted water from one nostril and taking out from other nostril.that helps but what can i give my child to help ease his suffering.

  Answer:  May want to avoid milk products and get him tested for food allergies as they can contribute to the problem. JG 12.2.205

• Referring to below- is that why you here plastic surgeons saying to help prevent against aging that you should consume enough protein? And Alpha-lipolic helps with that.

  Answer:  well protein is important because as we age our ability to make protein into muscle diminishes and we need to maintaim muscle to keep us helathy, so we suggest healthy protein sources, fish, chicken and beef as long as it is lean. Alpha lipoic helps with keeping the sugars from attaching to proteins yes, but the most important ones are the enzymes that are proteins and if they get altered, then they don't work well and body functions deteriorate. JG 10.11.05

• Dr. Garcia, i am 22 years old and starting to have some grey hair and also my hair break very easily. I wanted to know what is causing this. And what can i do to prevent this problem?

  Answer:  those issues can be genetic or nutritional. It would help to get some basic blood tests and vitamin levels to help find out the cause. JG 10.6.05

• Is there a combination Amino Acid supplement that is good to take that I could find at a health foods store?

  Answer:  Why do you want to take additional amino acids for, for what purpose? They are in most foods we eat. JG 9.16.05

• Can you take liquid predigested collagen protien while breastfeeding? Thank you for your help, having trouble getting a clear answer.

  Answer:  A liquid predigested protein should not present any problems as it is basically just amino acids. JG 7.7.05

• I have small pouches above my cheeks causing creases just below my eyes. I am only 24 and I am not too sure if its genetic or just premature agign/sagging skin..Do you think DMAE cream can help me? Thank you very much.

  Answer:  The DMAE may help some but what you have are called malar festoons are genetic in nature and are due to chronic swelling in the area you describe. I have to tell you that they are very difficult to correct and will get worse with age. You may get some improvement from avoiding salty foods and also getting treated for allergies if you have any. JG 6.30.05

• dr.garcia, what are the best nutrients for brain function and alertness of all senses(hearing seeing,etc.)and do you sell them.

  Answer:  For those two things, vinpocetine and omega fish oils would be my first recommendation, along with ginkgo biloba.

• My weight has gone up gradually as I have aged. What sort of nutrition should I be concerned with?

  Answer:  There are multiple issues that can affect that, like foods and vitamins that affect hormones like thyroid and estrogen/ testosterone. We can offer you a private consultation where we can discuss what is occuring and assist you in developing a program that will assist you in your weight management. Please feel free to call our office and we can see you soon.

• Can someone at Ageless Forever direct me regarding nutrition. As I'm get older my needs seem to be changing.

  Answer:  We offer full nutrional advice regarding foods and vitamins, I suggest you make an appointment for a private consultation so we can assist you

• What sort of real balance in nutrition can I reasonably make as I get older, and can supplements help?

  Answer:  The proper balance of nutrition is more difficult as we get older, yet as important if not more so than in our younger years. Our ability to absorb and digest certain nutrients is diminished as we get older and many people do not get adequate nutrition in the latter years due to this. Supplements are like an insurnace policy in that they safeguard against deficiencies, and in most cases, cannot be over done. Good quality supplements are pharmaceutical grade and tested to make certain that they contain the advertised dose of each nutrient. Proper nutrition and the need for it continues throughout our entire life and should noy be ignored. So yes, proper balance is possible in advanced years, and should be something one strives for

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