Arthritis supplement raised cholesterol

Q. I took glucosamine and chondroitin for about seven months. I had gotten little relief for my back pain, but I was willing to continue it to see if eventually it would help.

Around that time, I had blood work done for my yearly exam and found that my cholesterol had jumped from under 200 to 239. I had made no changes in lifestyle or diet other than these supplements. Needless to say, I haven’t taken any since.

A. Dozens of readers report a rise in cholesterol associated with taking glucosamine and chondroitin (G&C). In many cases, cholesterol levels go back down after the supplements are discontinued.

The studies that have actually looked at this issue have not found a connection between G&C and cholesterol. On the other hand, studies do not demonstrate any benefits for mild to moderate joint or back pain, either. Since these supplements don’t seem very effective for most people, we can’t recommend them.

Q. My 15-year-old son had low HDL and a poor cholesterol profile at his checkup. (Total cholesterol was 146, HDL 29 and LDL 96). So for 10 months, I have had him drink my version of the cholesterol-reducing smoothie I found on your website. He had the smoothie four or five days a week and loved it. I use frozen unsweetened strawberries, orange juice, ground flaxseed and oat bran.

In June, I asked the pediatrician if he would order blood work so I could see if the smoothie helped raise my son’s HDL and improve his other blood work. It did. Now his HDL is 34 and his total cholesterol is 138, with LDL of 92. That makes the ratio of LDL to HDL much better, under 3.

It would be great to get the HDL even higher. Do you have any ideas?

A. A surprising range of dietary choices can help improve cholesterol profiles, from beets to cinnamon to fish oil to a low-carb diet. We are sending you a copy of our book “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy” so you can learn more of the details about these cholesterol-controlling foods and a delicious new smoothie recipe. It is available online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. From the 1960s to the 1980s, I had the worst case of smelly athlete’s foot that I have ever seen – and that is saying something, because I am a doctor and I have seen (and smelled) many.

The fungus also caused deep, bleeding fissures in the soles of my feet and between my toes. I tried everything. In the early 1990s, my mother suggested white-vinegar foot soaks. I purchased a gallon and a small basin, and I began soaking my feet twice a day. I dried my feet WITHOUT RINSING and dusted my socks with Desenex powder. The fissures stung initially, but the itching and the smell began to fade almost immediately.

Today, 20 years later, I continue this regimen several times a week, and I have “Poster Feet”: no smell, no athlete’s foot.

A. Your testimonial is very convincing! We also have heard from other readers who have had success treating athlete’s foot with vinegar soaks.

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 website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.