Community ClicksQ: My husband complained about my noisy breathing during the night because it sometimes kept him up. On your website there is a tip from a man who used the wristbands for seasickness to help with his snoring instead. That has worked for me. The plastic knob on the band presses on the acupressure point on my wrists.
My husband says it has quieted my breathing, and I sleep much better. I never go to sleep without putting them on now!
A: These elastic wristbands have a plastic button designed to press on an acupressure point. A few studies on acupressure for insomnia have been done in Taiwan and Korea (International Journal of Nursing Studies, July 2010) and show that acupressure helps.
Q: Your column helped me finally get off Prevacid. All my previous attempts failed until I learned to eat almonds to stop the indigestion. Now that I have eliminated the drug, I am hopeful my risk of bone fracture will disappear. Are there other ways to stop indigestion?
A: The connection between acid-suppressing drugs and broken bones remains controversial. Some studies suggest that there is a modest increase in the risk of fracture (Archives of Internal Medicine, May 10, 2010), while others do not (Osteoporosis International online, June 29, 2010). As you learned, it can be difficult to stop powerful acid-suppressing drugs such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix. Rebound acidity can be extremely distressing for weeks or months.
There are other approaches for heartburn including ginger, papaya or a low-carb diet. We are sending you our newest book, Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy, with natural ways to treat many common conditions, including heartburn. It is available online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Another reader offered a different success story:“For years I tried to get off Prilosec, but each time after only a day or two, my acid reflux returned badly. My doctor couldn’t advise anything better, so I kept taking it. Then online research suggested apple-cider vinegar. I started taking an ounce in water. It’s been 70 days so far without Prilosec, and I’ve had no acid reflux. (I need an occasional Tums, but not many.) As a side effect, it is helping me lose weight.”
Q: I was interested in the letter from a reader who applied tincture of iodine to his nails to fight fungus. He mentioned that it stains the nails brown. I am surprised you did not tell him that iodine also comes as a colorless liquid. My mother used it for years to control toenail fungus.
A: Many other readers hastened to tell us that we should have mentioned clear iodine. It is also called decolorized or “white” iodine and won’t stain the skin the way brown tincture of iodine does. It should be available in most drugstores, though you might have to ask the pharmacist to help you find it. Iodine is a good disinfectant and also has antifungal activity.
Q: I started taking vitamin D-3 supplements about a year ago when my doctor tested my blood and found out I was vitamin D deficient. Is it just a coincidence that my migraines and chronic headaches have almost disappeared? I’ve had them for more than 25 years, and I am glad not to be suffering.
A: There is not much research on this issue, but we found several case reports similar to your experience (Headache, September 2009). Some investigators have noted that migraines are more common in areas where vitamin D deficiency is widespread (Journal of Headache and Pain online, May 13, 2010).
Q: Early this summer, I got poison oak and couldn’t find the anti-itch cream. I was desperate, so I used my rosacea medicine, MetroGel (metronidazole gel 0.75 percent), hoping for any relief.Not only did the itch stop within minutes, but by morning the redness and blisters were gone. Several other people have tried it with the same results. My family doctor and my dermatologist are astonished. It works for me even though they say there is no reason it should.
A: Thanks for a fascinating report. We could find no mention of this use for metronidazole in the medical literature.
Q: I was having difficulty bending my right leg enough to put on my sock. I climbed steps like a 3-year-old, one step at a time. I had to use my arms to get up from sitting. In desperation, I decided to try your home remedy of grape juice with Certo. I planned to give it a month. Within three days, I was putting on my socks with no difficulty. Yesterday (less than a month since I began), I found myself going up stairs like an adult. I understand that nobody knows how this works, and I am a skeptic, but it works for me!
A: Many years ago, a reader suggested Certo mixed into grape juice instead of gin-soaked raisins for joint pain.
Certo is plant pectin used in home canning to thicken jams and jellies. Research hints that ingredients in red grape juice have anti-inflammatory properties (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2006). There are recipes and other home remedies in the Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis we are sending.
For a copy, send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. Or download it for $2 from www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q: My 53-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with a skin condition called granuloma annulare. It looks like red, circular patches on her arms or legs. She was told nothing can be done to treat it. This is quite embarrassing, since she works in sales and must interact with the public. People shy away. Is there any way to get rid of this red scourge?
A: Doctors have no idea what causes granuloma annulare. It can be unsightly, because the red bumps occur on hands, feet, legs and arms.
It is not dangerous or catching and may disappear on its own. Dermatologists may treat this skin condition with topical or injected steroids. Years ago, we heard from a woman about a home remedy: “I have been struggling with a skin condition called granuloma annulare.
“After three years, two dermatologists and a lot of frustration, I found an article that said viruses do not like acid, and granuloma annulare was considered viral. I put two and two together and decided to try white vinegar.
“I soaked my hands in the vinegar 15 minutes every day for a month.
“The results were amazing.
“After one month, 85 percent of the lesions are gone from my hands.”
A listener to our radio show reported that Vagisil also worked on granuloma annulare.
This over-the-counter treatment for vaginal infections contains resorcinol, an antimicrobial ingredient with antifungal activity.
We don’t know if either approach would help your daughter, but the risks are low.
