To give your own blood / bone marrow / fat-derived stem cells the very best chance to work and to keep the procedure safe, please follow these simple instructions:

1. Medicines & Supplements to Pause – Start 10–14 days before your appointment 

Stop all NSAIDs: ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), Celebrex, diclofenac, meloxicam, high-dose aspirin (>81 mg), etc.

Stop ALL of the following supplements (these can thin the blood or interfere with how the cells work): 

  • Fish oil / Omega-3 capsules
  • Vitamin E (if more than 400 IU/day)
  • Vitamin C (if more than 500 mg/day)
  • Turmeric / Curcumin
  • Garlic pills
  • Ginger capsules
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Ginseng
  • St. John’s wort
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Flaxseed oil capsules
  • CoQ10 (high dose)
  • Bromelain
  • Green tea extract capsules

If you take prescription blood thinners (Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin, Plavix, Brilinta, etc.), your doctor will give you special instructions – do NOT stop these on your own.

You may keep taking a baby aspirin (81 mg) if your cardiologist told you to.

2. Supplements You Can Keep Taking (unless your doctor says otherwise) 

  • Regular daily multivitamin (normal dose)
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D (up to 2,000 IU/day is fine – actually helpful!)
  • Magnesium
  • Probiotics
  • Protein powder / collagen peptides

3. Food & Drinks (Start 2–3 weeks before) 

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: lots of vegetables, berries, salmon, nuts, olive oil, avocado
  • Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
  • No big crash diets or fasting right before
  • No alcohol for at least 3 full days before the procedure

4. Exercise & Smoking 

  • Light exercise (walking, swimming, yoga) is great – keep doing it!
  • Avoid heavy lifting, running, or intense workouts 3–5 days before
  • If you smoke or vape, please stop or cut way back for at least 4 weeks – smoking hurts stem cells the most

5. Day Before & Morning Of 

  • Normal light meals the day before
  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight if you are getting any sedation (we will confirm)
  • Wear loose, comfy two-piece clothing

6. After the Procedure (First 2 Weeks) 

  • Wear the belly binder we give you for 48 hours
  • Walk lightly the same day
  • No heavy exercise or soaking in tubs/pools for 7–10 days

Following these instructions is the #1 thing patients can do to get the best possible result from their own cells.

If you’re ever unsure about a supplement or medication, call or text us – we’re happy to check!