Megadoses of vitamin B-2 relieve rebound headaches

Q. I had headaches for more than 30 years — migraine, tension, cluster, you name it! The Group Health Pain Clinic told me to take megadoses of vitamin B-2, and no painkillers.

I learned I had been causing my own headaches because of a rebound effect from the pain relievers. My headaches stopped in less than 30 days, and I have been headache-free for more than a decade.

The vitamin costs me $7 for 100 tablets. I found a study online that talks about this use of riboflavin (B-2). Multivitamins won’t work because you would get far too much of the other ingredients for 200 mgs of B-2.

A. Many other people have been caught in the vicious cycle of taking medicine that causes headaches (as it wears off), for which they take more medicine. Both prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers can cause this painful reaction, but the use of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) does not seem to cause this kind of rebound. In a recent review, neurologists discussed migraine prevention and concluded: “Patients can choose between evidence-based nutraceuticals such as riboflavin, feverfew, butterbur, or coenzyme Q10, or more traditional pharmacotherapeutics [drugs]” (Current Treatment Options in Neurology, January 2008).

Q. After dieting and exercising hard for the past year, I managed to get my cholesterol down from more than 260 to below 220. Then sore joints led me to take glucosamine and chondroitin. Now my cholesterol is up over 240. I think there is a connection.

My doctor recommended Certo and grape juice to lower my cholesterol and possibly ease my arthritis pain. How much do I need, and is there anything else natural I could try to control my cholesterol and triglycerides?

A. Research has not confirmed that glucosamine and chondroitin raise cholesterol, but other readers have reported a similar problem. You may be interested to note that grape juice has been shown to lower cholesterol. Soluble fiber in the form of liquid plant pectin (Certo) may have a similar benefit. Many readers tell us the combination also helps ease arthritis pain.

One recipe involves putting 2 teaspoons of Certo in 3 ounces of grape juice and drinking it three times daily. We are sending you our Guides to Home Remedies and Heart Health with other arthritis recipes and natural ways to control cholesterol.

Fish oil can be helpful for lowering triglycerides, while psyllium can also reduce cholesterol levels.

Q. Is chewing Aspergum as effective as chewing an aspirin if you think you are having a heart attack?

A. Physicians frequently advise patients who think they might be having a heart attack to dial 911 and chew a baby aspirin while they wait for the ambulance. Aspergum contains 227 mg of aspirin per gum tablet and should work about as well. Another quick way to get aspirin into the system is to dissolve an uncoated tablet in a glass of sparkling water.

Q. I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Is there a home remedy I can take to ease the discomfort? I currently use Nexium every day.

I drink a lot of water and try to stay regular, but I am always uncomfortable. I am at my wits’ end. HELP!

A. Research from Germany suggests you might want to try enteric-coated peppermint oil. The investigator reviewed 16 clinical trials of peppermint oil for treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Two-thirds of the placebo-controlled trials showed that peppermint oil worked twice as well as placebo in easing symptoms (Phytomedicine, Aug. 2, 2005). There were side effects: Peppermint oil can cause heartburn and rectal burning. But overall the enteric-coated capsules seemed to improve quality of life for people with IBS. One brand-name product, Pepogest, can be bought online.

X In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.