Essence of hot peppers eases leg cramps

Q. I have suffered from painful cramps in my toes and feet most of my life.

I have spent hours walking around the house trying to relieve them.

I have worried about the day when I am an octogenarian and might not be able to get up and walk around.

By accident, I discovered effective relief.

In my nightstand was a tube of Capsagesic-HP, which my husband used for neuropathic (nerve) pain.

Out of desperation in the middle of the night, I rubbed some on my foot.

My cramps disappeared instantly and did not return, affording me a peaceful night’s rest.

I have used it many times since and always get great relief.

A. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in Capsagesic-HP and many other topical pain medicines (Capsin, Zostrix, etc.) is the hot stuff in hot peppers.

It is used to alleviate pain from nerve damage, such as post-shingles pain. It also may be helpful for arthritis.

Your report is the first we have heard of it being used for nighttime foot cramps.

We have collected a wide variety of other remedies for leg and foot cramps in our Guide to Leg Pain. They range from home remedies and special stretches to supplements such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin B or food sources of potassium. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. I am a diabetic and used to have diarrhea all the time. Then I read that sorbitol can cause diarrhea.

I had been using sugar-free pancake syrup sweetened with sorbitol.

I stopped using it, and the diarrhea stopped immediately. I told my doctor about this, and he agreed that sorbitol can cause diarrhea.

Others may be suffering from this same problem.

A. You are not the only one to pinpoint nonsugar sweeteners as a potential cause of diarrhea. Here is a message from another reader:

“I read a question from a reader suffering from diarrhea and stomach pain. The reader wondered if the diabetes meds were causing this.

“Was that person eating sugar-free products with the sweetener maltitol? This sweetener also can cause digestive problems. Sensitive individuals should check the list of ingredients.”

Sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol and mannitol are frequently used in foods for people restricting sugar. They have calories but are absorbed much more slowly than table sugar. Because they can reach the large intestine without being absorbed, they may cause diarrhea.

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. Their newest book is “Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2011 King Features Syndicate Inc.