Sauerkraut, vitamin B-12 can help canker sores

Q. My favorite home remedy is sauerkraut for canker sores. If I feel one coming on, I put a wad of chopped sauerkraut on the area, hold it there for a minute, then chew it and swallow. I do this three or four times a day for two to three days.

At least 95 percent of the time, the sore disappears. For me, that is a miracle, since I have been plagued for many years.

A. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are mysterious. Trauma to the mouth from sharp food can trigger a sore. So can immune suppression (chemotherapy) or a deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B-12 and iron.

More than 20 years ago, we heard about a canker-sore remedy from the 1930s. A dentist recommended swishing sauerkraut juice in the mouth several times a day, swallowing about a tablespoon.

Perhaps the bacteria that ferment cabbage into sauerkraut provide helpful nutrients. One study demonstrated significant improvement in canker sores among people who took 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B-12 daily (Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, January/February 2009). People who don’t like sauerkraut might try vitamin B-12 supplementation.

Q. My doctor recently told me that my TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is high and that this means I have hypothyroidism. She wants me to have more blood work done to measure my T3 and T4 levels. I have no idea what this means.

My doctor is planning to prescribe Synthroid (levothyroxine), but I am already taking Coumadin, Monopril, flaxseed, vitamins and minerals. Do I really need more medicine? Can you send me information about thyroid tests and interactions with other medicines?

A. TSH goes up when the brain tries to kick the thyroid gland into higher gear. It suggests there is not enough thyroid hormone circulating in your body, which is why your doctor would like you to take levothyroxine.

People with too little thyroid hormone often feel cold, tired and constipated. They may report dry skin, hair loss, depression, a slow pulse and high cholesterol.

We are sending you our “Guide to Thyroid Hormones” so you can interpret your blood tests and learn about interactions between thyroid hormone and drugs such as Coumadin. Your doctor will need to proceed carefully in your treatment. 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.

Q. You have been writing about problems with heartburn drugs. A prominent naturopathic doctor told me to use DGL.

I take one tab twice per day and have not had any heartburn since starting this regimen. This is excellent information for those who do not want to take drugs that potentially could be harmful.

A. DGL is deglycyrrhizinated licorice. That means the medicinal herb licorice has had the glycyrrhizin taken out. This ingredient is primarily responsible for the adverse effects of licorice, such as increased blood pressure.

DGL has been used to help heal stomach ulcers and is often recommended to ease heartburn. We did not find medical studies supporting this approach, but we appreciate your experience.

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

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.