Vitamin D, turmeric relieve reader’s allergies, asthma

Q. Can vitamin D and turmeric in combination have an impact on allergy and asthma? I suffer from both allergies and asthma, and I am usually miserable in the spring.

I started taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily several months ago. I am also taking turmeric capsules.

This spring I have had no allergies, no sinus infections and no asthma problems at all. Perhaps these supplements are keeping my immune system from overreacting to pollen.

A. Your experience is fascinating. In animal studies, turmeric prevents the release of histamine from mast cells (Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, September 2008). If it works similarly in humans, this would prevent allergy symptoms from developing.

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects on smooth muscle cells in the airways (British Journal of Pharmacology, September 2008). This might help counteract asthma.

Q. My fingers and toes started tingling unpleasantly about three months ago. My internist recently did blood work and found no diabetes or other abnormalities.

When the nurse asked me if I was still taking my usual medicines and vitamins, she mentioned B-12. It dawned on me then that I had discontinued it when I was suffering from a nasty coughing spell. The tingliness began about the time I stopped taking the vitamin B-12.

The doctor wanted to refer me to a neurologist, but I asked if I could delay that until I began taking B-12 again to see if the tingling disappears. I’ve just begun, but it seems to be working. Others might like to know about this.

A. Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet is called “peripheral neuropathy.” It is a fairly common complication of diabetes, and can be caused by some medications, including certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, cancer treatments or antimicrobials.

Inadequate vitamin B-12 also can contribute to neuropathy. We hope that returning to your regular vitamin regimen will relieve the tingling.

Q. I recently realized that I have quite a few symptoms of low thyroid: cold hands and feet; dry, cracked skin; constipation; low sex drive; and low-level depression. I am menopausal and have had all of these symptoms for about a year. My morning temperature averages 97.6.

I really do not want to go on any medications. Are there any herbal remedies for low thyroid function? I already exercise every day and eat a balanced diet with lots of fiber.

A. You certainly have many symptoms that are suggestive of an underactive thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders may arise at menopause, but you need a work-up to determine if your thyroid is actually underperforming.

No herbal remedies have been shown to correct hypothyroidism. The usual treatment is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid). Some people who prefer a natural thyroid replacement take desiccated thyroid gland (Armour, Nature-throid).

We are sending you our Guide to Thyroid Hormones, with information on symptoms and interpreting test results as well as a discussion of treatments. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. T-4, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

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 Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.