Supplements for surgery

by Dr. Ronald L. Hoffman M.D, CNS

The following list of supplements is designed for a healthy patient without complicating medical conditions and one who is not taking pharmaceuticals. You should always check with your physician prior to embarking on any protocol that might enhance or interrupt ongoing therapies.

Stop prior to surgery

    Garlic

    Ginkgo biloba

    EPA

    Vitamin E over 400 i.u.

    Kava

    Milk thistle

    St. John's Wort

    All caffeine

Supplements to take

    Arginine 3 grams a day

    A good multivitamin containing up to 50 mg. of zinc and up to 400 i.u. of Vitamin E. Foundation Formula meets these qualifications

    Additional Ester C 1000 mg. 3 times daily

    Acidophilus 2 capsules 3 times daily away from antibiotics

    N-acetyl cysteine 500 mg. twice daily

After surgery

    Bromelain 500 mg.--5 capsules, 3 times a day

    Arnica 6C, 3 tiny pills or 3 drops under tongue 3 times daily day prior and day after surgery. (Although a recent study casts doubt on Arnica's ability to relieve effects of trauma).