People's Pharmacy

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Sugar Substitute Relieves Joint Pain

Posting Date: 07/26/2004

The mixture contains one part Listerine, one part baby oil and one part water, applied with a spray bottle. It is possible that the herbal ingredients in Listerine have some antifungal activity.

Q. My doctor says my cholesterol levels are borderline but that my triglycerides are way high and put me at risk of diabetes. He has recommended I try fish oil, diet and exercise. What can you tell me about triglycerides and fish oil? Any other non-drug tips about getting cholesterol under control would be welcome.

A. Fish oil and a low-carbohydrate diet are extremely effective at lowering triglycerides. Losing weight and exercising are also effective strategies to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Psyllium, a soluble fiber found in Metamucil and similar laxatives can bring cholesterol down by 15 percent.

We are sending you our Guide to Cholesterol and Heart Health with more details on fish oil, psyllium and other natural approaches for getting blood lipids under control. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. C-8, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. Is it possible that ginkgo would take the place of the aspirin I take as a preventive measure?

A. Ginkgo, like aspirin, keeps blood platelets from clumping together. There is no data, though, to show that this herb could replace aspirin for heart attack prevention.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).