2. IBS/DIVERTICULITIS/DIVERTICULOSIS:
I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis or diverticulosis. Is it safe to take fiber formulas?
Can fiber formulas help to maintain colon health?

3. IBS/DIVERTICULITIS/DIVERTICULOSIS & INTERNAL CLEANSING:
Is it safe to take internal cleansing formulas?

4. WOMEN’S RENEW or MEN’S REBUILD INTERNAL CLEANSING SYSTEM:
How long will a box of Women’s Renew or Men’s Rebuild last?

5. WEIGHT LOSS & INTERNAL CLEANSING:
I would like to lose weight. Will the Women’s Renew or Men’s Rebuild Internal Cleansing System help?
Do you recommend a specific diet with the Women’s Renew or Men’s Rebuild Internal Cleansing System?
Do you recommend a specific diet with the Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild Internal Cleansing System?

6. FASTING & INTERNAL CLEANSING:
Can I fast while I do the Women’s Renew or Men’s Rebuild Internal Cleansing Program?

7. BREASTFEEDING & INTERNAL CLEANSING:
Can I do an internal cleansing program while breast feeding?

7. VEGETABLE CAPSULES:
Do you have any products in capsules suitable for vegetarians?

9. FIBER & NUTRIENT ABSORPTION:
What effect do psyllium husks and other dietary fibers have on nutrient absorption?

10. SOURCE OF FOS:
What is the source of FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) in Colon Care.

11. HOW LONG BEFORE I NOTICE RESULTS FROM TAKING THIS PRODUCT?

12. THIS PRODUCT SMELLS OR LOOKS DIFFERENT THAN USUAL. IS IT OKAY?

13. WHY IS BIOPERINE IN THE EXTRA STRENGTH HERBS?

14. ARE THERE ANY KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH THIS PRODUCT?

15. EXPIRATION DATE AND SHELF LIFE:
Is this product still good to use?

16. GLUTEN ALLERGY/CELIAC SPRUE DISEASE:
Are psyllium husks safe to take?

17. GLUTEN-FREE:
Do you have fiber products that are gluten free?

18. PREGNANCY:
Can I take this product during pregnancy?

19. LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIETS:
How many grams of carbohydrates are in different products?

1. Is this product safe to take every day?

Most Yerba Prima products are safe to take every day. Fiber formulas that can be taken every day as long as desired (even for many years) include the Psyllium Husks products, Daily Fiber products, Colon Care Products and Soluble Fiber products.

Fiber Plus powder and capsules contain the moderate stimulant laxative herb senna. They should be used occasionally as needed. They can be taken daily up to two months, but a person should try to gradually switch over from Fiber Plus to one of the bulking fiber formulas listed above.

Most of the herbal products are safe to take every day, including Ginkgo Extra Strength, Nutrimental, Bilberry Extra Strength, Bilberry tablets, St. John's Wort Extra Strength, St. John's Wort tablets, Echinace Extra Strength Liquid and Capsules, Milk Thistle Extra Strength, Liv-Cleanse Formula and Odor Cleanse capsules.

Aloe Falls aloe vera juice drinks can be taken every day.

Our Internal Cleansing formulas can be used daily in small amounts, though they are normally used and are most effective when taken for several months at a time. This includes Kalenite Cleansing Herbs tablets, Women's Renew, Men's Rebuild and Herbal Guard.

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2. IBS/DIVERTICULITIS/DIVERTICULOSIS -- I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), diverticulitis or diverticulosis. Is it safe to take fiber formulas? Can fiber formulas help to maintain colon health?

If someone has active IBS or diverticulitis with current inflammation, do not use a fiber formula until the inflammation goes away. Consult with your doctor.

If there is not active inflammation, a fiber formula can be helpful for maintaining the health of the colon. People vary widely in their responses to fiber, but it most often has a normalizing effect. If there are loose stools, fiber will add bulk and bring them toward normal. If stools are hard and infrequent, fiber will add moisture and bulk and bring them toward normal. Fiber will generally be most helpful when used on a daily basis to help maintain proper intestinal health. Consult with a doctor or other health professional if there are any concerns with taking fiber.

Suggested products: Colon Care is very good. It has our complete fiber formula, plus FOS to support beneficial bacteria, plus calcium, magnesium and selenium to help protect the colon.

Some people may be gluten sensitive and have trouble with the oats and barley in CCF. They should try one of our pure Psyllium Husks products. Most people will be able to tolerate the psyllium husks well.

It is best to begin with half a serving for the first few days to make sure the product is comfortable for the person. Then increase to a full serving. Many people will want to take two to three servings per day if the fiber is helping. As always, make sure to drink plenty of fluids with the fiber.

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3. IBS/DIVERTICULITIS/DIVERTICULOSIS & INTERNAL CLEANSING - Is it safe to take internal cleansing formulas?

In general, it is best not to do internal cleansing formulas if there is any inflammation or intestinal discomfort unless one is working with a health professional.

See the previous question for a discussion of the possible benefits of fiber for normalizing the bowel.

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4. WOMEN'S RENEW or MEN'S REBUILD INTERNAL CLEANSING SYSTEM -- How long will a box of Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild last?

If you are using Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild programs long term, a box will last 30 days at the Level 1 recommended usage or 15 days at the Level 2 recommended usage. For most people, Level 1 will be excellent for long term support of the cleansing, protecting and rebuilding functions of the body.

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5. WEIGHT LOSS & INTERNAL CLEANSING -- I would like to lose weight. Will the Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild Internal Cleansing System help?

People often lose weight during the cleansing program by eating mostly fruits and vegetables, and reducing the amounts of sweets, fatty foods and refined foods that they eat. The fiber may help reduce appetite, and seeing what comes out during the cleansing process can help motivate the change to a better diet. A whole foods diet with lots of fruits and vegetables also has the side benefit of increasing the cleansing activity of the herbs and fiber ingredients that make up the Internal Cleansing System.

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6. Do you recommend a specific diet with the Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild Internal Cleansing Program?

We do not recommend a specific diet with our Internal Cleansing System. Everyone's body is different and people have different nutritional needs for maintaining good health. People will receive benefits using the program with any type of diet.

However, a modified diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, and their juices, will increase the body's cleansing activity. This is an option if you want to moderately speed up the cleansing process and increase the deep cleansing activity of the program. However, pay attention to your body since this can make the cleansing process too strong for some people.

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7. Fasting & Internal Cleansing -- Can I fast while I do the Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild Internal Cleansing Program?

You can fast while doing the cleansing program. Fasting will significantly increase the cleansing activity of the program, and so will be more likely to cause cleansing reactions. It is likely to speed up the cleansing process and increase the deep cleansing activity for people want either of these effects. We suggest that anyone who wants to fast for more than one day while doing a cleansing program consult with a health professional.

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8. BREASTFEEDING AND INTERNAL CLEANSING: Can I do the cleansing program while breast feeding?

During breast feeding, it would be better to use one of our fiber formulas, such as Daily Fiber or Colon Care, rather than a cleansing program. A cleansing program, in the process of doing its job in the body, releases stored toxins so that they can be eliminated. It is preferable to begin the Women's Renew cleansing after weaning or at least when your baby is eating solid foods and breast milk is a small part of the diet.

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9. VEGETABLE CAPSULES: Do you have any products in capsules suitable for vegetarians?

At this time, we have one product in vegetable source capsules: Psyllium Husks Veg Caps. These capsules are made from cellulose. The capsules in our other products are made from Kosher purified gelatin USP grade. We hope to have more products in vegetable source capsules in the future.

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10. FIBER & NUTRIENT ABSORPTION: What effect do psyllium husks and other dietary fibers have on nutrient absorption?

Our fiber formulas and psyllium husk products do not impair nutrient absorption when used at recommended amounts on a short term or long term basis.

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11. SOURCE OF FOS: What is the source of FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) in Colon Care.

FOS used by Yerba Prima is a natural plant extract from chicory root. It has been extensively researched and shown to be helpful in maintaining and restoring proper levels of friendly bacteria in the colon.

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12. HOW LONG BEFORE I NOTICE RESULTS FROM TAKING THIS PRODUCT?

Women's Renew or Men's Rebuild Internal Cleansing System -- Some people notice significant results in the first few days of use. Some people notice cleansing activity and more bowel movements after 2 to 3 weeks of use. For some people, the results are subtle, because the programs are very safe and do not have strong cleansing herbs in them. However, the herbs and fiber and still doing their job to cleanse and tone all of the elimination systems of the body.

Fiber Formulas such as Psyllium Husks, Daily Fiber, Colon Care and Soluble Fiber -- Most people begin to notice larger, easier to evacuate bowel movements within 2 to 3 days. It may take a few days longer for some people, depending on the amounts being used.

Fiber Plus and Fiber Plus Caps - These products generally provide overnight relief. Most people will begin to notice more regular bowel movements in 1 to 2 days.

Odor Cleanse -- For breath odor, shortly after taking one capsule with or following a meal. For body odor, within 2 - 4 weeks of taking 2 - 6 capsules per day. For fecal odor, within 2 - 4 weeks of taking 4 - 6 capsules per day.

Ginkgo Extra Strength -- normally 3 to 6 weeks to start noticing benefits.
Bilberry Extra Strength -- normally 3 to 4 weeks to start noticing benefits.
Milk Thistle Extra Strength -- normally 1 to 4 weeks to start noticing benefits.
St. John's Wort Extra Strength -- some people notice results the first few days of use, but normally 2 to 4 weeks to start noticing benefits.

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13. THIS PRODUCT SMELLS OR LOOKS DIFFERENT THAN USUAL. IS IT OKAY?

There is a normal variation in all natural products, especially the plant derived products such as dietary fiber formulas and herbs. Some variation in odor, color and taste is to be expected, and does not lessen the benefits of the product.

We occasionally get calls or letters about one of the fiber formulas having an off-odor. The off-odor is usually very slight, but occasionally can be quite noticeable. This off-odor does not affect the safety or quality of the product. If a customer is unhappy with the product and does not feel that they can use it, feel free to contact Yerba Prima customer service.

If a product seems bad or is significantly different than normal, by all means call Yerba Prima customer service to discuss the product with us.

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14. WHY IS BIOPERINE IN THE EXTRA STRENGTH HERBS? Bioperine is a patented black pepper extract that increases the assimilation of nutrients and herbs by 30% - 60%. This gives extra value and benefits to the customer.

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15. ARE THERE ANY KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH THIS PRODUCT?

If someone is taking prescription drugs, he or she should notify their doctor of any new herbs or dietary supplements they begin taking.

Dietary fiber formulas - normally there are not problems with drug interactions. In general, it is best to take fiber supplements at a different time than prescription drugs, just to be extra sure of no interaction.

Ginkgo -- no drug interactions have been reported in published clinical studies
Bilberry -- no drug interactions have been reported in published clinical studies
Milk thistle -- no drug interactions have been reported in published clinical studies
St. John's Wort -- if using prescription anti-depressants, consult with your doctor before using St. John's Wort. It is best not to take both at the same time without professional supervision.

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16. EXPIRATION DATE AND SHELF LIFE: Is this product still good to use?

Yerba Prima generally uses a conservative expiration date, so that products are good well past the expiration date. The expiration date should be thought of as a "Best Used By" date.
Fiber Products & Bentonite -- good for at least 1 year past the expiration date.
Herbal Products -- should still be effective for at least 1 year past the expiration date, though there may be some decline in activity in the months and years past the expiration date.

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17. GLUTEN ALLERGY/CELIAC SPRUE DISEASE: Are psyllium husks safe to take?

People with celiac sprue disease can be extremely allergic to any gluten containing foods, such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. They can safely take our pure psyllium husks products: Psyllium Husks Powder, Psyllium Husks Caps, Psyllium Husks Veg Caps and Psyllium Whole Husks.

Psyllium husks are gluten free. Psyllium is not related to wheat or any of the gluten containing plants. In addition, there is not likely to be contamination of our psyllium husks by any gluten containing grain from the field to the finished product.

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18. GLUTEN-FREE: Do you have fiber products that are gluten free?

The following Yerba Prima products are gluten free:

Psyllium Husks Powder Psyllium Whole Husks Psyllium Husks Caps Psyllium Husks Veg Caps

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19. PREGNANCY: Can I take this product during pregnancy?

As a general rule, it is best to consult with a health professional about the use of supplements during pregnancy.

Our fiber products are generally fine to use during pregnancy. This would include the formulas of Psyllium Husks, Daily Fiber, Colon Care and Soluble Fiber.

Fiber Plus contains senna, a moderate stimulant laxative herb, and is best used short term only after consultation with a health professional.

Cleansing programs should not be done during pregnancy, whether it is a fasting program or an herbs and fiber program such as Women's Renew Internal Cleansing System or Kalenite Cleansing Herbs.

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20. LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIETS:

How many grams of carbohydrates are in different products?Many people who are on high protein, low carbohydrate diets ask about the carbohydrate content of Yerba Prima products, especially the fiber formulas. There is a tendency towards constipation with a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Yerba Prima fiber formulas will be very helpful.