Studies vary on effect caffeine has on cholesterol

Q. I drank decaf coffee for 25 years. About 15 years ago, my cholesterol started going up. I've done everything my doctor suggested, including diet, exercise, Mevacor, Zocor, Lipitor and red yeast rice. Some numbers went down, but my triglycerides stayed up.
My son and daughter-in-law asked me to try regular coffee because a chemist told them that decaffeinated coffee raises cholesterol. I was going to have my numbers checked in a few weeks, so I switched to regular coffee for three weeks.
Both my doctor and I were delighted with the lab results. My triglycerides dropped from 198 to 78! All my other numbers improved, too. I don't drink a lot of coffee, but I'll stick with regular until my next test.
A. Many studies have tried to determine whether coffee consumption has an effect on cholesterol. Unfortunately, the results are inconsistent. Most of the research found that filtered coffee, whether caffeinated or decaf, did not have much effect on cholesterol or triglycerides. Boiled or percolated coffee, however, does appear to raise cholesterol levels (American Journal of Epidemiology, Feb. 15, 2001). So does French press coffee.
One study showed that bad LDL cholesterol levels rose when the subjects switched to decaf (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 1991). This supports your experience, although most of the other research suggests there's little difference.
Q. Chronic constipation has been a problem for me for as long as I can remember. I have tried extra fiber, but it makes me feel bloated and causes gas. I drink lots of water, but that just makes me urinate a lot.
I can go days without a bowel movement unless I use a laxative. Then I experience cramps and sweats because it is so painful. Is there a laxative I can take on a regular basis that would be safe?
A. Doctors discourage people from using strong laxatives on a daily basis because the digestive tract gives up and becomes lazy. This results in dependency on chemical stimulation and a vicious cycle of constipation.
Try magnesium. Some people report that 300 to 500 mg daily can be helpful. Others tell us that psyllium fiber can be effective, though it, too, might cause gas. Stool softeners such as docusate can help relieve pain without causing complications.
We are sending you our Guides to Digestive Disorders and Constipation for more details on dealing with gas and heartburn, plus our 10 tips to combat constipation.
Q. I read that sunlight is a valuable source of vitamin D and we benefit from some sun each day. How much skin needs to be exposed? Does this also work on cloudy days? Of course, being outdoors in the winter requires heavy clothing.
A. Exposing just your face and hands for 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight three times a week can provide adequate vitamin D levels even in the winter. Ultraviolet rays can get through light cloud cover but not sunscreen. If cold weather keeps you bundled up, consider a vitamin D supplement (800 to 1200 IUs) daily. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and muscles, good lung function, joint health and cancer prevention.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2006 King Features Syndicate Inc.