SPF seems important, especially for those who are out in the sunshine. It stands for Sun Protection Factor and it is determined experimentally indoors by exposing people to artificial light that is supposed to mimic sunshine at noon. It is a measure of how well a product will protect a user from sunburn from UVB [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: A friend of mine went to Mexico and came back with a suitcase full of Vitamin B17. What the heck is Vitamin B17? Is it safe? What would someone use it for? Larry's Response: Vitamin B17 (aka, amygdalin or laetrile) isn't actually a vitamin. It is a partly man made (synthetic) [...]

A report published by JAMA* on May 1, 2014 shows that low vitamin D levels are linked with aggressive prostate cancer even after investigators accounted for diet, smoking habits, obesity, family medical history, and calcium intake. Vitamin D is officially referred to as a secosteroid, not a vitamin. It is synthesized in humans in the [...]

On average, American women use 12 personal care products a day, and men average 6. Overall, an adult is likely to be exposed to 126 unique chemical ingredients in personal care products every day. So why aren't we more careful about what products we put on ourselves? We want our skin to look good and [...]

Ask Larry: Your question: My mom has MS and I wanted to know if you have a regimine that you recommend to help decrease symptoms. She's had has it for years but only takes neurontin and it's getting worse. Right now she takes only Vitamin D. Larry's Response: MS is one of the immune conditions [...]

Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body, often in a stripe. The initial infection is the short-lived illness chickenpox, which generally occurs in children. Once an episode of chickenpox has resolved, the virus is not eliminated from [...]

The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise. In 1991 the reported incidence was 1 in 500. By 2002 the number rose to 1 in 150. Today, the number is 1 in 68. All of us are rightfully concerned – and young parents are even fearful.  Medical professionals discuss [...]

The YELLOW JUG Program at The Compounder is dead. We are sorry to announce that our service partner for the Yellow Jug program has ceased operation and we are no longer able to process collected used drugs for destruction. We are not able to accept any unused medication for disposal. ALTERNATIVES: The Aurora Police Department conducted [...]

I was asked in our pharmacy the other day "What can I do to make sure I have healthy bones?". After explaining, I got to work on writing it all down. Here is my "bone schpeal". To maintain strong bones we need calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, clean water, and weight bearing exercise. [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: Larry, when should I be eating? An hour or so before a workout or an hour or so after the workout? If I eat before, I feel sluggish. But if I eat after, I'm starving during the workout. What do you recommend? Larry's Response: When your metabolism is cranked up from [...]

Ask Larry: Your question: I've been reading some about turmeric/curcumin. Could you tell me the difference between turmeric and curcumin, and which one is better for anti-inflammatory effects? Also, is it true that it's better absorbed if it contains black pepper? Thanks! Larry's Response: Curcumin is reported to be the active ingredient in turmeric, a [...]

Ask Larry: Your question: Do you have any remedies for Ulcerative Colitis? My friend has a terrible case and her doctors have taken her off of anything raw, like vegetables and fruit. Is there any hope for her? Larry's Response: First, understand that ulcerative colitis is a name given to a set of symptoms. It [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: I went through early menopause at 38 and went on natural HRT right away. I got rid of the night sweats/hot flashes, but now they're back. I'm taking 200mg of natural progesterone caps at night. I was taking Estradiol, but was scared of it, so I stopped. It Seems that is [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: Larry, I've been seeing a lot of talk about Naproxen in the media the past week. What is the deal with Naproxen? Do you recommend that over tylenol or ibuprofen? Larry's Response: Naproxen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatorty (NSAID) – as is Ibuprofen, Dexibuprofen, Fenoprofen, Ketoprofen, and a couple dozen others, including [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: I overheard a coach at my gym talking about good snack foods and that almonds were supposedly at the top of that list. Why would I want to include almonds, other than they contain good fats? Larry's Response: A 2005 study from the University of Toronto suggests that eating a healthy [...]

My son sent me a link to an article about Coke, titled 20 Practical Uses for Coca Cola... Proof that Coke does not belong in the human body. Like most Americans, I love lists. You give me something in a numbered list form, I'll read it, digest it, and I might even share it. While [...]

Ask Larry: Your question: Larry, I just saw that "sprouted" brown rice protein powder is available now. Why would I choose that over the egg white and pea protein that I use now? Larry's Response: Protein supplements can be useful - especially for athletes or for people who don't eat meat/fish/poultry. However, all plant based [...]

After an enjoyable holiday season, The Compounder's website is going to be seeing some much needed changes very soon! The first drastic change we've already made is the switch to a new webstore with a service called Shopify. With many of our specialty products being requested in person while we are out in public, it [...]

Ask Larry: Your Question: Which is best for helping control my thyroid function? Cytomel or Synthroid? Larry's Response: Liothyronine (T3, Cytomel) is superior to levothyroxine (T4, Synthroid) for controlling thyroid function.T4 is normally converted to the active T3 in the body. The conversion process often seems to be at the root of the problem. When [...]