Dear Dr. Greenfield, I am aged 39, O+ and following the group diet (approx. 2 years) and taking some supplements like basic O pack, Fucus, Hepatiguard, Harmonia, ARA6, garlic etc. As I was diagnosed with candida I have also eliminated all sugar and yeast products. I follow the yeast/fungus and colon health recommendations from Dr. Dadamo. I would like to know which supplement I could take to improve edema especially in my legs (not feet). I am slim and physically very active. My circulation isn't the best and I get sometimes cramps in my calves. Petra.

The cause of oedema and leg cramps can be related to imbalances of electrolytes in the blood. This can be due to various situations, but the first thing to check is the amount of salt and other sources of sodium in the diet. In the absence of kidney disease, butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) can be helpful. If oedema continues it is generally advisable to get your local ND to run some blood and urine tests. For long term fungal infections it may also be useful to check for secretor status, as non-secretors of blood group O may be more prone to fungal dysbiosis.

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References

Cluzan RV, Alliot F, Ghabboun S, Pascot M. Treatment of secondary lymphedema of the upper limb with Cyclo 3 Fort. Lymphology 1996;29:29-35.

Jimenez Cossio JA, Magallon Ortin PJ, Capilla Montes MT, Coya Vina J. Therapeutic effect of Ruscus extract in lymphedemas of the extremities. In Vanhoutte PM, ed. Return circulation and norepinephrine. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext, 1991:111-119.

Lagrue G, Behar A, Chaabane A, Laurent J. Edema induced by calcium antagonists: effects of Ruscus extract on clinical and biological parameters. In Vanhoutte PM, ed. Return circulation and norepinephrine. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext, 1991:105-109.

Le Devehat C, Khodabandehlou T, Vimeux M, Bondoux G. Hemorheological concepts in venous insufficiency and implications for treatment with Ruscus extract. In Vanhoutte PM, ed. Return circulation and norepinephrine. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext, 1991:225-236.