GRAEDONS | People's Herbal Pharmacy Coconut could relieve dog's irritable bowel problem

Q. I have read in your column that coconut can help relieve chronic diarrhea in humans. Would the coconut work in dogs? I have an 8-year-old Lab with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and would love to give him some relief from diarrhea other than using drugs.
A. We heard from a reader whose dog had irritable bowel syndrome. She experimented with coconut macaroon cookies and found that two a day helped to control the diarrhea.
Instead of cookies, you might try mixing some dried coconut in your dog's food. You will have to pay attention to the dose, though. If the dog gets too much coconut, he might become constipated. We do not know why coconut seems to work against chronic diarrhea, but we don't think dogs are susceptible to the placebo effect. Monitor your dog for the remote possibility of an allergic reaction.
Q. I used to take my bath or shower in the morning before leaving for school or work. I was miserable, especially in the wintertime, when my damp hair sometimes froze.
I have changed to taking my bath at night about an hour before bed. It gives my hair a chance to dry, and I find I sleep very well. Also, I hardly ever come down with colds. I can't believe such a simple switch could have such health benefits.
A. A hot shower an hour before going to bed can help a person get to sleep. Not only does it help ease stress, but it also warms the body. As the temperature drops during the next hour, melatonin production begins, and the body clock adjusts to "bedtime."
Inadequate sleep can make the immune system less effective, so finding a good method to help you go to sleep has profound health benefits. We discuss a number of other nondrug options for dropping into dreamland in our guide to getting a good night's sleep. 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 to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. I-70, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, N.C. 27717-2027.
Q. I read your answer to a person who wanted to prevent illness when flying. I was disappointed that you didn't recommend a face mask.
I am usually the only person on the plane wearing a soft face mask, but since I adopted the practice, I have never gotten sick after a flight. Before that, I frequently had head colds or bronchitis after traveling by air. I get the masks from my dentist, and I am thrilled to know that even someone coughing next to me will not transmit airborne viruses and ruin my plans.
A. Experts generally suggest washing hands frequently and not touching the face during a flight. The face mask would certainly help keep your hands away from your nose and mouth, and might also intercept those germs the person next to you is coughing into the air.
As long as you don't mind some people considering you odd, a face mask sounds like a solution to the problem of exposure to infection during a flight. In Asia the mask might not be considered strange.
Q. My doctor recommended a teaspoon of Metamucil in a glass of water to lower cholesterol. Is this really effective?
A. Absolutely! Studies of the soluble fiber psyllium (found in Metamucil, Correctol Powder, Serutan, etc.) can lower cholesterol 5 percent to 15 percent. The normal "dose" is 1 teaspoonful of psyllium powder in an 8-ounce glass of water three times daily.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org.
& copy; 2003, King Features Syndicate Inc.