Q. I heard that there was a study about possible bad effects of low cholesterol in children. I am concerned about this because my teenagers have cholesterol of 103 and 110. What were the problems? I would like to know where this was published so I can share it with their pediatrician.
A. For years, there have been puzzling reports that low cholesterol levels may be associated with impulsive and violent behavior in adults. Animal studies (in dogs and monkeys) have also found a link between low cholesterol and aggressive behavior.
A new study of children and teenagers suggests that those with naturally low cholesterol levels may have more trouble in school (American Journal of Epidemiology, April 1, 2005). The researchers measured cholesterol levels of 4,842 children aged 6 to 16.
Non-African-American children with the lowest cholesterol (below 145) were three times more likely than those with higher cholesterol to have been suspended or expelled from school. The investigators did not conclude that low cholesterol caused the behavioral problems, but they suggested this connection deserves further study.
Q. My father had a terrible problem with psoriasis of the scalp. A few years ago a doctor told him to rub a small amount of Listerine (original formula) into his scalp each morning. He does this every day and hasn’t had any flaking or itching since.
A. Many readers have shared their success with Listerine in fighting dandruff. This condition is often caused by a yeast infection.
The alcohol and herbal oils in Listerine have anti-fungal properties that may control the infection. How Listerine might help psoriasis is a mystery.
Q. I’m trying to find out what causes heartburn and how best to treat it? Is it caused by eating too fast? Can heartburn cause heart attacks?
My boyfriend has discomfort nearly every night. A guy he works with has recommended vinegar, but that seems ridiculous.
A. Heartburn happens when stomach acid splashes back into the esophagus. The corrosive chemicals are irritating to the delicate lining of the gullet.
Many foods and drugs can make heartburn worse. Eating rapidly or overeating may also aggravate it.
We agree that vinegar sounds like the last thing to take for heartburn, but we heard from a reader who found it helpful:
“A doctor advised a family friend to take a tablespoon of vinegar for heartburn relief. I tried two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and it worked. It tastes strong for a few minutes and I thought the heartburn was worse. Then the pain went away for good.”
Another unlikely candidate is a spoonful of yellow mustard. Several readers sing its praises.
We list a number of medicines and foods that can contribute to heartburn in our Guide to Digestive Disorders. We also discuss a variety of other remedies, over-the-counter treatments and prescription drugs. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Chronic heartburn may signal a more serious condition and requires medical attention. Heartburn does not cause heart attacks, but the symptoms may be confused.
The People's Perspective on Medicine