People's Pharmacy

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Would Boyfriend's Marijuana Cause Her Grief?

Posting Date: 03/21/2005

Q. I?ve been taking saw palmetto for symptoms of enlarged prostate. It works fine. When I was prescribed the anticoagulant Plavix, I learned that the saw palmetto might interact, so I stopped taking it. Now I am back to getting up three or four times a night to urinate. I would like to find a way to help the prostate. Can Pygeum africanum be used for prostate health without thinning the blood?

A. Yes. Like saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum can help reduce the need to urinate in the middle of the night and improve urine flow. But though saw palmetto has been reported to increase bleeding time, there are no such reports with Pygeum africanum. Please let your doctor know about your plans.

Q. I was dismayed to read your suggestion that people chew sugarless gum to relieve constipation. Sugarless gum contains aspartame, which is a toxic chemical that could make her digestive problems worse.

A. We should have specified that the non-sugar sweeteners with laxative action are compounds like maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol or xylitol. If you read the label of sugarless gum or candy, you will find that these sweeteners are still commonly used. They represent a simple approach to easing constipation as long as people do not overdo.

The safety of aspartame remains controversial. It will not help against constipation, however.

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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).