Research shows effectiveness of nondrug approaches

Q. My doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement or home remedy. I’m in very good health except for normal aches and pains.

I take Lipitor for cholesterol and lisinopril for high blood pressure. I would like to supplement these drugs with some of the “stuff” I’ve read about in your column. It would be great to ease my aching joints without extra medicine.

My doctor says your old wives’ tales are worthless and I should stick with science. Do you have any data to support your suggestions so I can show my doctor?

A. A surprising amount of research demonstrates the effectiveness of certain nondrug approaches for pain relief, cholesterol control and lowering blood pressure. We have documented the science in our brand-new book, “Favorite Foods: Mother Nature’s Medicine.” We’re sending it for you to show your doctor. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $14.95 (plus $4 P&H) to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy (Dept. FF), P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also is available online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I’ve had bad underarm odor for more than 50 years, and it is a terrible social problem. Then I read your column about rubbing milk of magnesia on the armpits. I tried it, and IT’S A MIRACLE.

I no longer use any other deodorant, and, most importantly, I no longer have body odor. Thank you for a simple solution for this complex problem. I have been B.O.-free for eight weeks.

A. Milk of magnesia seems to work quite well as a deodorant for most people. Because it contains magnesium instead of aluminum, people who have trouble with antiperspirants usually tolerate it well.

Q. My son is a vegetarian. As far as I know, he sometimes eats eggs or cheese, but not fish or any kind of meat. He’s very picky about what he eats and has been anorexic in the past.

Can you give me some information about the importance of vegetarians’ taking vitamin B-12? I’d like something I can show him, so maybe he will believe me.

A. Vitamin B-12 is one of those nutrients that doesn’t get much respect, and yet it is crucial for good health. Vegetarians are frequently low in this nutrient because it is usually found in animal products such as fish, chicken, eggs or meat.

Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include numbness and tingling of the legs or hands, memory problems, confusion, depression, difficulty walking, sore tongue, loss of appetite, constipation and anemia.

Certain medications may interfere with vitamin B-12 absorption. That’s why vegetarians taking heartburn drugs such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix or the diabetes drug metformin may be at higher risk of deficiency. We encourage your son to have his vitamin B-12 level checked. If he needs a B-12 supplement, he may want to look for one derived from yeast.

Q. I had stinky feet and rough heels. I used Vicks to help with my rough heels, and it worked.

Then I heard about coconut butter. I started using this, and it worked almost overnight to cure the rough heels and stinky feet.

I highly recommend it. I bought my coconut oil at Whole Foods. It is solid at room temperature.

A. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer. Udderly Smooth Foot Cream contains shea butter, another super moisturizer. (The manufacturer, Redex, supports The People’s Pharmacy radio show.)

XIn 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. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.