People's Pharmacy

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Will Coconut Help Thyroid?

Posting Date: 03/14/2005

Q. Can coconut counter hypothyroidism? I started eating two macaroons daily to control diarrhea after finding this remedy in your column. I didn't expect any effect on my thyroid. I'd been told my thyroid condition would worsen with time. The last time I was tested, though, my levels had improved so dramatically that my doctor cut my dose of thyroid medicine in half. This was several months after starting the macaroons. He will repeat the test in 2 months. I wondered if you've heard anything from your readers about this possible benefit. This is the only thing in my diet that has changed. It would be wonderful if this delicious remedy could help not only digestive problems, but hypothyroidism too.

A. A popular article a few years ago started a buzz about coconut oil. Despite rumors that coconut might be helpful for hypothyroidism, we have not seen any controlled trials to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Thyroid function may fluctuate naturally, so your improvement might be coincidental. We would surely like to hear if your condition continues to improve.

Q. My husband gets severe cramps in his left leg. The pain goes from the calf to the top of his leg. I get so scared when this happens. Are there any remedies to stop these horrible cramps?

A. Many remedies can help stop leg cramps at times. Some readers find that a teaspoon of yellow mustard stops a muscle cramp quickly. Others prefer 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.

Another quick technique for easing the cramp is to stretch the muscle. Regular stretching before bed may prevent cramps. Putting a bar of soap under the bottom sheet, near the legs, is also said to prevent leg cramps. No one knows just why.

We are sending you our Guide to Leg Pain with more suggestions on preventing and treating this condition. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.