November 2005 Archives

As the old saying goes, if it hurts or tastes bad it must be good for you. That may be why generations of children were dosed with cod liver oil or had their skinned knees doused with alcohol.

Those practices have faded, but people still have trouble imagining that their little vices might be healthy. Research shows that moderate alcohol consumption can protect the heart. But many doctors are reluctant to tell patients they can have a glass of wine or a mug of beer. They may worry that any patient who has a drink might be unable to stop after just one.

Of course, alcohol is not appropriate for everyone. Some people don’t like it, while others can’t tolerate the effects. Anyone with alcoholism in the family might do better to avoid drinking. There are, after all, many other ways to help the heart.

One of those is exercise, which sounds enough like punishment that health experts have no qualms recommending it. But there’s a catch. The only way most people manage regular exercise is if they find some activity they enjoy, whether it’s gardening, roller-blading, dancing or simply strolling in the park. And that sounds a lot like indulging yourself. When work stress piles up, physical fun may be the first sacrifice.

Sleep is another simple pleasure that is essential for good health. Lots of people feel guilty if they go to bed when they’re tired. They forge on with work or email into the wee hours.

Adequate sleep can assist with weight control and improve immune responses. It also aids alertness and enhances memory. But don’t let anyone know you just enjoy slipping between the sheets and closing your eyes.

One way people often try to stave off sleep is with coffee. It too has a reputation for being a vice. But although coffee, like alcohol, can be overdone, recent research indicates some unexpected benefits.

Coffee is a major source of antioxidants in the American diet. Coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type-2 diabetes and new research suggests it does not increase the risk of hypertension in women.

Perhaps the greatest indulgence of all is chocolate. Some people find it hard to accept that chocolate could have health benefits. Yet the evidence keeps accumulating.

Researchers in Italy found that dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and helps improve the response to insulin (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2005). Enhanced insulin sensitivity may lower the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Previous studies have shown that cocoa compounds improve blood vessels’ flexibility and keep blood platelets from clumping together to form clots. Some data indicate that dark chocolate may raise good HDL cholesterol and prevent the bad cholesterol from promoting atherosclerosis.

We discuss research on chocolate, offer guidelines on selecting healthful chocolate and tell how to make lower-fat, lower-calorie chocolate desserts in our cookbook, Chocolate Without Guilt. To order a copy, visit the Web site www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $18.95 to: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. CWG, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Just because something tastes good doesn’t mean it is bad for you. Some simple pleasures can be healthy.

Q. Long ago when I was in high school, my baseball coach provided "oil of wintergreen" for our sore muscles. Is this approach still considered valid? Now that I’m pushing eighty, I have a few aches and pains.

A. Oil of wintergreen, also known as methyl salicylate, is a time-honored rub or liniment used for sprains, strains, aches, pains and arthritis. The odor is distinctive.

You will find this compound in products such as Ben-Gay Original Formula, Icy Hot Cream, Musterole Deep Strength Rub, Mentholatum Deep Heating Lotion and Thera-Gesic Crème. Such products stimulate pain receptors for heat or cold and interfere with pain messages from sore muscles or joints. They also increase circulation.

Q. I have considered taking fish oil supplements to lower my triglycerides, but I have read somewhere that it may raise blood glucose. I have pre-diabetes so now I'm afraid to take it. Do you have any information on this?

A. Studies of people with type-2 diabetes have shown that fish oil can help bring down triglyceride levels and reduce their risk of heart attack without throwing their blood sugar out of control.

A review in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (March 2005) concluded that people with pre-diabetes could benefit by cutting down on the amount of saturated fat and increasing the amount of omega-3 fats like those in fish oil. Making such dietary changes might help delay the development of actual diabetes.

Q. Every year about this time I start sliding into depression. Doctors have diagnosed this as seasonal affective disorder and prescribed a variety of antidepressants from Zoloft and Effexor to doxepin and Lexapro. These drugs help to a degree, but they have also caused weight gain and sexual difficulties. My doctor is now suggesting Wellbutrin, but I would like to know more about this drug before trying it. I am tempted to go for a more natural approach like St. John’s wort or a light box. What do I need to know?

A. Wellbutrin can be an effective antidepressant and is less likely than many others to cause weight gain or sexual side effects. Some people taking Wellbutrin experience tremor, dry mouth, insomnia or agitation.

There are several studies showing that St. John’s wort works as well as prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. Other research, however, shows it is no more effective than placebo. Sexual side effects or weight gain are uncommon. Do not combine St. John’s wort with strong light exposure, as it might cause damage to the eyes.

Sunlight or a light box can be helpful against the winter blues. Exercise is also beneficial. We are sending you a transcript of an in-depth interview we did on the topic of antidepressants, together with our Guides to Antidepressant Pros and Cons and St. John’s Wort. Anyone who would like copies may send $9 in check or money order to: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, TR. VXX-277; Durham, NC 27717-2027. Q. What can I use for my brittle, dry nails? They split too easily and snag on things.

A. Moisturizing nails can help. Some readers tell us that almond oil is especially beneficial. Other products worth consideration include Epilyt from Stiefel Labs (305) 443-3807, Hoofmaker from Straight Arrow Products (800) 827-9815 or Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (800) 849-7112.

Q. My father came from China. He couldn’t handle alcohol, and I’ve inherited this trait. I experience reddish skin, elevated heart rate and bloodshot eyes after only a small amount of alcohol, such as half a beer.

The research I’ve done suggests I may be deficient in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. Is there anything that will allow me to have a few drinks socially without being embarrassed or asked "what's the matter with you?"

A. We checked with Fulton Crews, PhD, Director of the Center for Alcohol Studies at the School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He pointed out that humans have genetically-determined variations in the enzymes that metabolize alcohol. Many Asians have a variant that increases acetaldehyde in the bloodstream. This causes flushing and other symptoms.

Dr. Crews says such a variant serves as a natural protection from alcoholism. There is nothing you can take to reduce this reaction, so he suggests you stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

Q. I have Raynaud’s syndrome. When I get cold, my fingers turn white, then turn blue and then go red. When they turn white it feels like I’ve been out in the snow for hours. This has been going on for over a year now. I first noticed my fingers swelling so my rings didn’t fit. Then when I got cold they would turn blue.

My doctor told me to move to a warmer climate. That’s impractical. Winter is coming and I hope you have some advice.

A. People with Raynaud’s may experience tingling, numbness or even pain in fingers and toes as their digits turn pale. Spasms in small blood vessels are thought to precipitate an attack, especially in response to cold.

Staying warm is the usual recommendation for Raynaud’s, but as you point out, that’s not always practical. Doctors sometimes prescribe blood pressure medicines like prazosin or nifedipine. Pentoxifylline may also improve circulation.

Viagra might help Raynaud’s victims when other approaches do not work. New research reported in the journal Circulation (Nov. 8, 2005) suggests that this drug for erectile dysfunction can also relieve symptoms of Raynaud’s.

Q. How dare you suggest that people buy their medicines from Canada? As a pharmacist I find this reprehensible. I have read studies that prove generic medicines are cheaper in the U.S. Using the Web to buy drugs is asking for trouble.

A. You are probably right that generic medicines are less expensive in the U.S. than in Canada. Brand name prescriptions, on the other hand, frequently cost significantly less across the border. Buying from Canada is the only way some people can afford their medications.

Consumers must exercise care when buying medicines online, however. There are many bogus operators. People who purchase prescription medicine online should verify that they are dealing with a legitimate Canadian pharmacy.

We discuss the pros and cons of generic drugs, offer tips for saving money and provide guidelines for buying medicines online in our Guide to Saving Money on Medicine. Copies can be downloaded at www.peoplespharmacy.com or purchased by sending $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents) self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. CA-99, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Doctors often overlook patients’ feelings of anger and hostility. Some experts now believe, however, that these emotions play an important role in causing many diseases. The antidote to anger is often forgiveness, but our society does not reward forgiving. If anything, holding a grudge and getting revenge are admired. Can we learn how to forgive? Our guest will share what he has learned from research on the playgrounds of Northern Ireland, and explain why forgiveness is crucial to good health.

Guests: Robert D. Enright, Ph.D, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Founder of the International Forgiveness Institute. Author of Forgiveness is a Choice – A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope, and the children’s book Rising Above the Storm Clouds – What It’s Like to Forgive.

Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., instructor at Harvard Medical School and director of The Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health. Author of Dare to Forgive.

Walt Larrimore, M.D., author of The 10 Essentials of Highly Healthy People.

Three years ago the world of women’s health turned upside down. That was when a large study, the Women’s Health Initiative, showed that hormone replacement therapy could have serious health consequences.

HRT was expected to protect women from heart attacks and strokes. Instead, it actually increased the risk of cardiovascular complications. The study also confirmed that hormones like estrogen and progestin elevated a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.

Ever since these alarming results hit the headlines, prescriptions for Premarin and Prempro have plummeted. During the heyday of HRT, almost 80 million prescriptions were filled every year for estrogen or estrogen and progestin products. So far this year, fewer than half that many prescriptions have been filled.

Now women are looking for alternatives. It is estimated that 5,000 American females enter menopause every day. They are experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Many women have questions about what to do: “I am 55 and going through menopause. My physician had me on Premarin for several years. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment several times, and he assured me that Premarin helped with bone density and heart attacks as well as other problems associated with the change of life.

“When I heard of the study showing problems with Prempro, he finally agreed that I should stop. I would still like some relief from my uncomfortable symptoms and I asked him about natural hormones. His answer was ‘I don't know anything about that, so I can't give any advice on it.’

“I have gone to this doctor for years and I felt abandoned. I am really suffering with hot flashes, mood swings and trouble sleeping. My physician has no suggestions for me at all.�

Many women like her are looking for alternatives to relieve symptoms without increasing their risk of heart attacks, strokes or breast cancer.

Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in the sales of so-called bio-identical hormones. Compounding pharmacists use soy and yams to formulate estrogen and progesterone that are supposed to mimic the hormones a woman’s own body used to produce. Proponents claim these products are safer.

Despite their popularity, bio-identical hormones are coming under scrutiny. The FDA says that doctors and patients should assume that all hormones have a similar profile of benefits and risks, regardless of how they are made.

Susan Love, MD, a leading advocate for women’s health, points out that high levels of progesterone are not natural after menopause. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also warns that there is no evidence that long-term use of bio-identical hormones is safe.

For women suffering severe menopausal symptoms, short-term use of female hormones can be helpful. This is still the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats.

We have summarized the pros and cons of hormones in our Guide to Estrogen: Benefits, Risks & Interactions. Anyone who would like a copy may download it from www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. W-49, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I have been eating two cloves of raw garlic every day at my evening meal. It may be a coincidence, but I have not had a cold in over 10 years and I don’t get sick for any other reason either. I’m 84 years old and am shooting for 120.

A. Garlic has a long history of medicinal use. As far back as Hippocrates, healers used it for toothaches and chest pain. Grandmothers have been administering garlic for centuries to overcome colds and other respiratory infections.

Although there is no scientific evidence to validate garlic’s power against viral infections, eating two cloves daily may keep others so far away that they can’t give you their colds.

Q. Some time ago you wrote about a person who had taped a bean to the inside of his wrist at bedtime as an aid against insomnia. By pushing on an acupressure point it gave him a decent night’s sleep. What I would like to know is whether you use the same bean over and over or a new bean every night?

A. That reader told us that he taped a dried kidney bean between the two tendons on the inside of his right wrist. He located a spot the width of three fingers from the wrist crease.

According to our research this is an acupressure point called the “Inner Gate.� Pushing on it is supposed to relieve anxiety and promote sleep. You should be able to use a dried kidney bean many times without replacing it.

You may also want to investigate 1st Choice Sleep Band, which has a plastic button embedded in a Velcro strap. It stimulates a different acupressure point. For more information visit www.acuband.com.

Q. I am very sensitive to arthritis medicines. Ibuprofen gives me heartburn and aspirin makes my ears ring. I really liked Vioxx because it did neither, but now it is gone. My doctor says Celebrex is a problem because I have high blood pressure plus a history of heart disease in the family.

My chiropractor recommended a combination of fish oil, glucosamine and magnet therapy. What can you tell me about these weirdo approaches?

A. While fish oil, glucosamine and magnets are not considered mainstream, there are scientific studies to support their use in treating arthritis. Fish oil has measurable anti-inflammatory activity and glucosamine has been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, June 2005).

Magnet therapy remains far more controversial. A study in the British Medical Journal (Dec 18-25, 2004) suggested that this approach was better than placebo for hip and knee pain.

We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with more information on these and other approaches to pain and inflammation. Anyone who would like a copy may download it from our Web site www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. AA-2, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. My mother was told by a beekeeper that people with seasonal allergies should ingest one tablespoon of honey a day. However, the honey must come from local beehives. What do you know about this?

A. There are reports that eating honeycomb from the local area can relieve allergy symptoms. Theoretically, honey desensitizes the allergic reaction to pollen, but there is no science to support this claim.

Q. In 1999 shortly after I began taking Lipitor I was working at the church with other volunteers. I went off to use the restroom and after half an hour someone came to look for me. I was walking around in a circle and couldn’t remember much. I was hospitalized for two days, but all the tests were negative.

Five years later I had another episode and missed a doctor’s appointment. He called, since I am never late, and found that I was repeating myself and not making sense. He called my wife to alert her. In the meantime, a friend of mine came to the house. I recognized him, but he also thought I was acting strange.

This attack of transient global amnesia (TGA) lasted three hours. The neurologist who diagnosed it said he is seeing more cases than ever before.

Since I read in your column of a connection with cholesterol-lowering drugs, I wonder if people taking statins should wear some kind of medical alert bracelet like diabetics do. You never know where you will be when a TGA strikes.

A. The link between Lipitor (or other statins) and memory problems like total global amnesia remains controversial. We have heard, though, from many other readers who report similar experiences. Your idea of wearing an ID bracelet to alert medical professionals makes sense.

To learn more about this connection, readers may order an hour-long radio interview in which we discuss statins and memory with medical experts. To order this CD, “The Dark Side of Statins,� look for radio show #523.

Q. You have suggested Sonata for a reader who wakens early in the morning and can’t get back to sleep. This is a good recommendation, but you should also warn people not to drink alcohol in the evening. This is one of the most common causes of early morning wakefulness. When the alcohol wears off, the person wakes up.

As a doctor, I hate using a drug to counter the side effects of another drug, including alcohol.

A. A nightcap may be a traditional way to relax, but it can affect sleep. Thanks for reminding us that treating drug-induced insomnia with a medication is not logical.

Q. I am going in for surgery in two weeks and my doctor said not to stop aspirin. The last time I had surgery I was told to quit two weeks ahead. What’s changed?

A. Surgeons used to caution patients to stop aspirin before surgery for fear it would cause uncontrollable bleeding.

New research shows that patients who continue aspirin are less likely to die right after open-heart surgery (Circulation, Sept. 2005). The researchers found that people on aspirin were no more likely to have complications with bleeding. But they caution that patients having other types of surgery should check with their physicians about whether to continue aspirin.

Q. I’ve heard that taking vitamins may help prevent macular degeneration. What is the formula?

A. The combination of vitamins tested in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper daily.

Q. After taking Detrol for overactive bladder, my vision became so blurred I could barely see. My niece told me it was the Detrol, and when I stopped my vision cleared up. Please alert other readers.

A. You should have been warned that blurred vision is a possible side effect of Detrol.

Millions of chickens and other birds have succumbed to the H5N1 Avian flu. This week there were new cases of humans that have been affected by this virus and people are worried that it could become a pandemic. A veterinary epidemiologist will tell us how serious the threat really is.

Diet may make a difference for people with arthritis. A mineral found in certain foods might reduce the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. We’ll find out which foods are good sources for this trace element.

In addition to these stories we take your questions about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Join the conversation at (888) 472-3366.

Guests:

Simon Shane, FRCVS, PhD, MBL, ACPV, emeritus professor in epidemiology and community health in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. Adjunct professor in the Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University. Dr. Shane has consulted extensively on broiler and egg production in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Joanne Jordan, MD, MPH, UNC Health Care; UNC School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology. Dr. Jordan led the study on arthritis and selenium presented at the meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Do you have more questions about avian influenza? Check out avianinfluenzainfo.com. The information is factual and responsible despite being sponsored by US poultry industry associations. The site has appropriate links to CDC, USDA and international organizations.

Turmeric and its most active ingredient curcumin have gotten attention for their anti-inflammatory properties. We have heard from readers that this yellow spice used in curry powder and mustard can help alleviate arthritis pain. One reader offered the following experience. “After reading about turmeric in your column, I started using one teaspoon in my scrambled eggs each morning. My arthritis has greatly improved, and I have far less pain when I walk. “I work in my yard every few weeks, weeding, hoeing, mowing and pruning. Usually I am sore for days after this work. But this last time, since I started taking turmeric, I had no soreness the next day.�? Investigators are also studying the potential role of curcumin against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, psoriasis and cystic fibrosis. Putting turmeric powder on cereal (as one reader did) or in scrambled eggs might taste a tad strange. One woman told us that she takes turmeric pills instead and they relieved her arthritis pain. When she stopped temporarily, the pain returned. She resumed taking turmeric pills and the pain disappeared.

One of the strangest remedies we have ever heard of involves sauerkraut juice against canker sores. Take a tablespoon of sauerkraut juice in your mouth and swish it around morning and night, then swallow it. Do this twice a day and the canker sores should go away. We first heard about using sauerkraut juice to treat canker sores from D.W. in Garland, Texas. His mother had been a dental assistant in the 1930s. Since then we have heard from many people that it can provide rapid relief. One physician who benefited personally arranged for analytical testing of sauerkraut juice and discovered a number of active compounds that may be responsible for its healing properties.

Recipe 1 cup applesauce 1 cup coarse, unprocessed bran 3/4 cup prune juice Mix all the ingredients together. They will turn into a pasty, stiff glop about the consistency of peanut butter. After mixing, it should be kept refrigerated. Take one or two tablespoons daily and wash it down with a full eight ounces of water.

A reader offered the following suggestion for getting rid of nail fungus: “I cured my toenail fungus using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and Listerine. I combined them in a quart jar with a screw-on lid and used a clean paintbrush to apply the liquid to the affected toes morning and night. “Then I put my socks on to keep it acting a while longer and protect the bed sheets at night. The fungus took about three months to clear up. It is slow growing, but is also slow to cure. I hope this helps someone else.�? The herbal ingredients in Listerine may have anti-fungal properties, but home remedies rarely come with specific guidelines. This reader combined a couple of favorite remedies. Many people have reported success soaking infected nails in one part vinegar to two parts water. Others got good results soaking their toes in Listerine. Such remedies won’t work for everyone and take several months to produce results.

We have heard from several readers that Listerine can be helpful in preventing lice infestations. We recently received this testimonial from a reader:

"The best way to prevent head lice is old-fashioned Listerine Antiseptic Mouthrinse. We were in the Army 33 years and moved a lot, but my kids never got lice.

"Teachers asked me why my children didn't get lice when all the others did. I used to put Listerine on their hair and scalp a week before school started and also put a tablespoon of Listerine in the rinse water when I washed the clothes and sheets. You have to be careful to keep the mouthwash out of eyes."

Another reader writes:

“My quick remedy to prevent this problem is Listerine. I have tried it and am convinced that it works. Put Listerine mouthwash in a spray bottle and spray it all over a child's head. It will smell strong until it dries and then there is no smell. Do not rinse the hair. My child even slept in the same bed with another youngster who was later discovered to have lice. My child was unaffected. I spray their hair every Sunday night before the school week starts on Monday. I think you will find that it helps.�?

Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains essential oils including thymol, eucalyptol, menthol and methyl salicylate. It also has 26.9 percent alcohol, which may kill lice. An expert in lice treatment confided to us that alcohol does seem to be toxic to lice, so that may partially explain your success. Breathing in the mist may not be safe, so anyone who tries this technique should be extra cautious to protect a child's face from the aerosol spray.

A horse lover shared the following formula she used on the mane and tail of her filly: 1/3 Listerine (original formula) 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 water Put in a spray bottle, shake well and spray it on. This is quite similar to the formula recommended for dogs’ itchy hot spots. The herbal oils in Listerine may have some antifungal or antibacterial activity. Chronic itching may be the result of an allergic reaction. Changing to a hypoallergenic dog food is sometimes helpful.

A gentleman called in to our public radio show with an amazing story about Listerine mixed with baby oil. His veterinarian had recommended this combination for relieving itchy spots on his Dobermans and horses. He found that it worked and tried it for his own dandruff. He told us that it gets rid of dandruff in two to three days. Listerine contains a number of essential oils (thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate) that may have anti-fungal activity. Since dandruff appears to be caused in part by fungus (yeast), it stands to reason that a fungus fighter could provide some benefit. The caller did not tell us the precise ratio of Listerine to baby oil so if you want to try it you will have to experiment.

Here’s a remedy that goes back generations. We can’t explain or vouch for it…but it has been popular for a long time to promote regularity. A reader shared the following : “I have always had problems with regularity and recently I read that a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed in 8 ounces of warm water can act as a cure for constipation. I tried it and it worked. “I now drink a cup of this concoction every day. I do not use the honey, because I like the tartness of the lemon. I brush my teeth immediately just in case the lemon would affect my enamel.�? Brushing your teeth is probably prudent, but rinse your mouth with water and wait at least ten minutes before brushing. Lemon juice can soften enamel temporarily and the scrubbing motion of a toothbrush at that time could damage it.

Flaxseed is rich in soluble fiber. One reader has found a way to utilize this property to prevent constipation: “I purchase flaxseed in bulk at a health food store for about $1.50 per pound. I put three quarts of water on to boil, add two tablespoons of flax seed and simmer for fifteen minutes. Then I cool it and strain it into containers. (It makes just over two quarts.) With two ounces in my orange juice every morning, I am more than satisfied.�? Other readers have also pointed out that flaxseed is an ingredient in Uncle Sam's Laxative Cereal, which may also be a helpful approach to constipation.

Research on duct tape was published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (Oct. 2002). Parents were told to cover the wart with a piece of duct tape for six days. If it fell off, they were to replace it. At the end of the six days, they removed the tape, soaked the wart in warm water and then filed it down with an emery board. The duct tape was replaced the following day and the process was repeated for two months or until the wart disappeared. In this study, 85 percent of the children treated with duct tape were cured. Most warts disappeared within the first month. In fact, the study found that duct tape worked better than freezing warts off.

Warts are extremely susceptible to home remedies, and many have been developed for this common condition. One of our favorites is readily available at any grocery store. Tape a small piece of banana skin (with the fleshy side towards the wart) over the wart at bedtime. Leave it on overnight. Some people report that warts given this treatment daily disappear within weeks. One reader wrote: "My insurance company paid $600 for a dermatologist to burn warts off my fingers (three treatments). Such pain! When I heard that you could rub the inside of a banana peel on warts I started treating my fingers. A month later my fingers are smooth and pain-free at no cost."

Have you eaten a pomegranate? The fruit features in Greek mythology in the story of Persephone, daughter of the harvest goddess Demeter. Hades, the lord of the underworld, kidnapped the beautiful maiden. Because she ate a few pomegranate seeds before being rescued, she had to spend several months every year in the underworld with him. According to the myth, that’s when the earth was forced to endure winter.

Modern stories about pomegranates are not quite as fanciful as the myth, but there is a lot of buzz lately about the exotic fruit. How much is supported by scientific research?

Pomegranates grow wild from Iran to northern India, but they are cultivated throughout India, the Middle East, southern Europe and California. Scientists in Israel have been conducting research on the health benefits of pomegranates and pomegranate juice for years, and now others have joined in.

What are pomegranates good for? Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Does this make any difference clinically? More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, July 2005).

Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth. In mice, treatment with pomegranate extract delayed the development of tumors and improved survival (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sept. 26, 2005). Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Even arthritis may yield to the power of pomegranates. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have reported that tissue cultures of human cartilage cells respond to pomegranate extract. Inflammation is reduced and the enzymes that break down cartilage become less active (Journal of Nutrition, Sept. 2005). This is still far from a prescription for aching joints, but most experts agree that a little pomegranate won’t hurt and might help.

One traditional use of pomegranate juice is to calm diarrhea. We have seen no research supporting this claim, but we have heard from a reader with personal experience: “One of the best things to take for diarrhea is pomegranate juice, which can be found in grocery stores. You can actually get constipated if you drink too much (as I found out!)�

A word of caution: Pomegranate juice appears to interfere with certain medications much as grapefruit juice does (Drug Metabolism and Disposition, May 2005). So when grapefruit juice is risky, pomegranate juice might be as well.

Persephone might have done better to resist eating pomegranate seeds, but modern science suggest most of us could benefit.

Q. Thank you for your advice to try oolong tea for eczema. It’s been like a miracle.

I had tried everything my doctor prescribed, Nizoral, Elidel, topical steroids in oils and shampoos and even an injection. Nothing worked until the tea. I’ve been drinking it for about two weeks now and I’d say there’s been at least an 85 percent improvement.

A. You aren’t the only reader to find oolong tea helpful. One person with hard-to-treat eczema reported: “The last time I had an outbreak, I tried oolong tea and the results were amazing. Within twenty-four hours, the itching and inflammation were gone. It took a couple of days, but the lesions disappeared and didn't leave scars.�

Japanese researchers reported that patients with a form of eczema improved after drinking a liter of oolong tea daily (Archives of Dermatololgy, Jan. 2001). We have found no follow-up studies on this fascinating therapy.

Q. I got my first kidney stone 25 years ago. I now get several each year. Successive urologists have advised me to drink lots of water and cranberry juice. Recently you advised against cranberry juice. Why?

A. Some research suggests that cranberry juice can help ward off urinary tract infections. New data show, however, that this beverage may actually increase the chance of kidney stones developing in some people at high risk.

Scientists found that cranberry juice increases the amount of calcium and oxalate in urine (Journal of Urology, Aug. 2005). These are the main components of many kidney stones.

Q. No matter how careful I’ve been about my diet I haven’t been able to get my cholesterol below 240. My doctor finally prescribed 40 mg of Lipitor, which has worked extremely well. My total cholesterol is under 180.

My neighbor had similar side effects with Zocor and Crestor. He says Co-Q10 helps reduce the pain. My doctor’s never heard of this and says I need to keep taking Lipitor. What can you tell me about Co-Q10 or other supplements?

A. Statin-type drugs like Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor can sometimes deplete an important nutrient called Coenzyme Q-10. This vitamin-like compound is essential for energy production within cells.

As long as your doctor is monitoring your blood for enzyme elevation, you may be able to keep taking Lipitor if you add nutrients like Co-Q10. Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra believes that this compound is essential for anyone taking a statin.

We are sending you a CD with our hour-long radio interview with Dr. Sinatra along with our Guides to Heart Health and Cholesterol-lowering Drugs for more details on Co-Q10 and other crucial heart-healthy nutrients. Anyone who would like copies may order online at www.peoplespharmacy.com or by sending $18 to: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. CDL-553, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. What ingredient in toothpaste causes canker sores?

A. There are reports that the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate may trigger canker sores in some susceptible individuals.

Q. I was surprised to hear that taking acetaminophen daily might lead to elevated blood pressure. Even though I eat a low-fat, vegetarian diet I am stuck with the family curse—high blood pressure. I take extra-strength pain relievers containing acetaminophen several times a week.

A. Researchers reported in the journal Hypertension (Sept. 2005) that women who regularly rely on more than 500 mg of acetaminophen daily almost doubled their risk of developing high blood pressure. Although aspirin was not implicated, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen were associated with higher blood pressure in this study.

The investigators concluded “Because acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used, they may contribute to the high prevalence of hypertension in the United States.�

Men may be less susceptible, however. A large study of male doctors found no connection between pain reliever use and high blood pressure (Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 12, 2005).

Q. I take alendronate (Fosamax) to keep my bones strong. I am concerned about the possibility this drug could cause osteonecrosis. What can you tell me?

A. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (death of the jaw bone) has been linked to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that includes Fosamax. Although quite rare, this complication appears more likely when Aredia or Zometa are given intravenously to treat cancer patients. A few cases have been associated with taking Fosamax or Actonel for osteoporosis treatment. Tooth extraction seems to trigger this serious condition and dentists are being urged to preserve teeth whenever possible.

Q. Sometimes I get terrible cramps in my feet and lower legs at night. When they occur, I get up, walk around and yell a lot. If I take a couple swigs of tonic water, that may help.

I’ve tried to prevent them by eating a banana or drinking some potassium-rich fruit juice before bed. Sometimes this works to ward off the cramps, but not always.

I take atenolol, Norvasc, tolazamide, Lasix and Diovan for diabetes and heart failure. Neither my cardiologist nor my primary physician has had any success helping me with these leg cramps. I’d be grateful for any remedies to ease the excruciating pain.

A. Some of your medications may be contributing to muscle cramps, but you can’t afford to stop taking them. With your medical conditions, you also need to be careful what home remedies you try. Pickle juice, which is a favorite of some leg-cramp sufferers, is too high in sodium to be safe for you.

You may want to try sleeping with soap. As strange as it sounds, many readers report that when an ordinary bar of soap is placed under the bottom sheet, it prevents leg cramps. Others tell us that a spoonful of yellow mustard can stop cramps in seconds.

We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain for detailed instructions and more suggestions about remedies for leg cramps. Anyone who would like a copy may order one online at www.peoplespharmacy.com or send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. RLS-5, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I’ve heard that there are three new drugs for macular degeneration. What are they?

A. The medicines are Macugen, Lucentis and Avastin. Ask your retinal specialist whether any would be appropriate for you.

Do you get eight hours of sleep a night? It turns out that most Americans don't. The NIH has declared chronic insomnia a major public health problem. Teenagers and young children are especially likely to be sleep deprived. How does chronic sleep loss affect overall health?

There are new sleeping pills being advertised. How well do Sonata, Lunesta and Rozerem work? Are there any side effects and are these pills safe for long-term use?

Guest: Martin Scharf, PhD, is a leader in clinical research technologies for sleep and its disorders. He founded the Tri-State Sleep Disorders Center in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1985.

Take Charge of Your Child's Sleep by Judith Owens, MD, and Jodi Mindell, PhD, published by Marlowe & Co. Oct. 2005.

Web site for information on children's sleep problems: www.kidzzzsleep.org

The vitamin formula Dr. Carmen Puliafito mentioned on The People's Pharmacy® radio show for macular degeneration is:

• 500 mg vitamin C
• 400 IU vitamin E
• 15 mg beta-carotene
• 80 mg zinc
• 2 mg copper

This combination of vitamins was tested in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). For more details, visit the National Eye Institute Web site at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/index.asp

Q. I suffer with type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol for my blood sugar. It helped to a degree, but I have found that by adding apple cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet, I can control my blood sugar even better. I know I haven’t made this up, but are there any data showing that these natural remedies work?

A. There are. High-carbohydrate meals containing white bread or rice can raise blood sugar. We would not have imagined that vinegar could counteract this effect, but there is growing evidence to support your experience.

Scientists in Sweden report that vinegar given with white bread reduces blood sugar and insulin. It also helps people feel fuller up to two hours later (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2005). Japanese researchers have found that vinegar can counteract the effect of white rice on blood sugar. And investigators at Arizona State University report that two tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose (Diabetes Care, Jan. 2004).

There is also research showing that one to six grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, Dec. 2003).

Q. Do you know of any vitamins or supplements for gum irritation? When I brush vigorously or floss, my gums bleed.

A. Check with your dentist to rule out a serious gum condition. If there is none, you may want to get more vitamin D. A study of more than 6,000 Americans showed that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream had gums that were 20 percent less likely to bleed when probed (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2005). The investigators hypothesize that vitamin D helps fight inflammation.

During the winter months, many people don’t get enough sunshine to make adequate amounts of vitamin D. Experts recommend at least 400 IU daily, and some believe that recommendation is too low, especially for older people.

Q. I am a substitute teacher. With all the colds the kids pass around, I am constantly fighting off a sore throat or sniffles. Too often it turns into bronchitis.

I am already on my third cold of the season and it’s a doozy. I used to take Echinacea, but I read that it’s not very effective. What can you tell me about zinc or other natural remedies? I steer clear of over-the-counter cold remedies because I have heard they make things worse.

Q. Results from Echinacea studies have been disappointing. Several recent double-blind trials have found that this herb has no advantage over placebo for treating colds.

You’re justified in doubting the value of some over-the-counter cold remedies. Common ingredients such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may actually impair the body’s ability to fight off a cold.

A Chinese herb called Andrographis paniculata has fared better than Echinacea in scientific studies. Other options include Astragalus (another Chinese botanical), zinc, ginger and garlic.

We provide more details on these remedies as well as our favorite recipes for chicken soup and hot toddies in our Guide to Cold Remedies. You can find it in The People's Pharmacy® Store.

The smell and taste of original Listerine are so distinctive that, once experienced, they can never be forgotten. Gargling with this mouthwash can’t be described as pleasant. The taste is bitter. It puckers the mouth and makes the tongue tingle. The aftertaste lingers.

For a product that has been described as tasting terrible, it is astonishing that Listerine has remained so popular for so long. It was originally developed in 1879, not as a mouthwash, but as an antiseptic for physicians to use prior to surgery. Its inventor, Jordan Lambert, named it Listerine in honor of Dr. Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery.

In 1895 the product was marketed to dentists to kill bacteria in the mouth. By 1914, Lambert and his son Gerald began offering Listerine to the public as a mouthwash, and one of America’s most enduring personal care products was launched.

Listerine has maintained its popularity in part because it tastes so distinctive. Although the company has come up with new flavors and colors, the old-fashioned amber liquid still has devotees. And we keep hearing from readers about new uses for this old patent medicine:

“Over twenty years ago, I was hiking with my nephews and one of them asked me to break a branch lying on the ground so he could use it as a walking stick. I did so, and the next day both my palms and arms were covered with a rash that itched terribly.

“A dermatologist said it was probably poison sumac. He put me on prednisone and gave me a cortisone shot. The rash spread up my arms and I suffered for about three weeks.

“Every summer thereafter, I’d break out several times during the summer months even though I hadn’t touched any sumac. He told me I could get it from the pollen, even from a mile away.

“Then I read in your column about a woman who used Listerine for her shingles. I thought, what the heck, give it a try. Imagine my surprise when the itching stopped. Within a few days the rash was gone.

“I now keep a large bottle of Listerine on hand and each time I work in the garden, I slosh it on any exposed skin and then shower. If I forget, I start itching but I use it immediately. Even if I’m starting to break out, the rash clears up in a day or two instead of the usual three weeks.

“For $4.99 I have a year’s supply that works instantly versus the $80 (plus doctor’s visit), three weeks of constant itching, blisters and slow healing that I used to go through three or four times a summer.�

Readers praise Listerine for relieving a wide variety of other skin conditions. Some tell us that full-strength Listerine massaged into the scalp can ease itchy dandruff or even psoriasis.

The combination of thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and menthol in an alcohol base may have antifungal activity. That could explain why others report that original formula Listerine works against nail fungus, athlete’s foot, jock itch and “trucker’s bottom� (whatever that is).

It’s hard to imagine how a product that has been around for so long continues to generate such loyalty and excitement. Even though the FDA has not given its blessing for these unusual uses, many people still find Listerine beneficial, despite the memorable aroma.

Q. How dangerous is it to drink wine if you are at risk of breast cancer? My mother died of breast cancer so I know I am at higher than average risk.

I have heard that moderate drinking may not be a problem, and I hope that’s true. My husband and I drink a glass of wine with dinner most nights, but I rarely have more than one.

A. Women who drink three glasses of wine daily increase their risk of breast cancer by over 40 percent (British Journal of Cancer, Nov. 18, 2002). Women who drink alcohol and get little folic acid in their diet (200 micrograms or less) may double their chance of developing this disease.

New research suggests that women who consume ample folic acid (more than 400 micrograms daily) have no increased risk of breast cancer, even if they drink a couple of alcoholic beverages daily (British Medical Journal, Oct. 8, 2005).

Q. My father has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He takes atenolol, Zocor, aspirin, Norvasc and lisinopril.

He used to be healthy, happy and energetic. Now his pulse is very slow and he has almost no energy. He complains of dizziness and seems depressed much of the time. He gets short of breath just walking up the driveway.

I worry that he might be taking too much medicine, but now his doctor wants to prescribe even more--Zoloft for depression and albuterol for asthma. Could all these pills be contributing to his symptoms?

A. Beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol can all slow the pulse. Some people also develop fatigue, depression and asthma on such medicine. A new review of atenolol and similar drugs (The Lancet Oct. 18, 2005) suggests that they may not be as helpful as different blood pressure medicine.

Before adding more drugs, the doctor needs to determine whether your father’s blood pressure pills are causing his dizziness and other symptoms.

We are sending you our Guides to Blood Pressure Treatment and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs with much more information on the medicines your Dad is taking. Anyone who would like copies, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' The People's Pharmacy®, No. BL-677, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I have suffered with sleep problems for years. Although I usually fall asleep without too much trouble I frequently wake up at 1:00 or 2:00 am and have a terrible time getting back to sleep. I hate to wake my spouse so I usually lie there trying not to toss and turn. I get up exhausted. What can I do?

A. You may wish to discuss the drug Sonata with your physician. Although this short-acting prescription sleeping pill can help people fall asleep, it is especially beneficial against early-morning wakefulness. If you have at least four hours before rising, Sonata should allow you to get additional sleep without morning grogginess.

Q. I’ve had a terrible coughing spell for weeks. The over-the-counter cough remedies my doctor suggested have not worked. Is there anything you can recommend?

A. Some people report success from rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the bottoms of their feet. (Socks keep it from soiling the sheets.)

A more standard approach is codeine-containing cough medicine (Cheracol Cough Syrup, Guiatuss AC Syrup, Romilar AC Liquid, Tussi-Organidin NR). Many states require a prescription before codeine can be dispensed.

Medical research shows that many chronic conditions are caused or aggravated by inflammation. Not all inflammation causes obvious swelling and reddening, though. How can we overcome the silent inflammation that may be affecting blood vessels and other organs?

Dr. Barry Sears, known as the creator of the Zone diet, has developed a lifestyle approach to master inflammation. Find out how diet, supplements, exercise and stress reduction may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer or dementia.

Guest: Barry Sears, Ph.D., is a research scientist who holds 13 patents in drug delivery and hormone control technology. His books include The Zone, The Anti-Aging Zone, the Omega Rx Zone, and most recently, The Anti-Inflammation Zone.