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Avoiding Migraines With Wheat-Free Diet

Posting Date: 10/17/2005

Q. I know that the pre-cooked meals, pretzels, and soup I enjoy have a lot of sodium. I drink water to balance it out.

Is this justification right? Would I notice any negative reactions if I were getting too much sodium?

A. Fluid retention and high blood pressure are the most likely consequences of excessive sodium. Thirst is the body?s way of correcting an imbalance. Drinking extra water, though, might not counteract excessive sodium intake over the long haul.

Q. I saw my family doctor to see what could be done for worsening allergies. When I told her I?ve been taking Benadryl, she said to stop it immediately.

She said it can cause cognitive problems in older adults and could be detrimental for me. She wished Benadryl weren?t available OTC. What gives?

A. Diphenhydramine, the antihistamine in Benadryl and many night time pain relievers (Excedrin PM, Tylenol PM, etc), is sedating. People have slower reaction times while taking this drug, making driving hazardous. Others may experience disorientation or cognitive impairment.

Q. Have you ever heard of aspirin causing tinnitus? I take a quarter dose every day because my doctor says it?s good for my heart.

Someone told me aspirin could be the culprit for my ringing ears. Is this just another urban myth?

A. Aspirin can cause tinnitus, but rarely does so at such a low dose. Talk this over with your doctor before stopping your aspirin. You would not want to trade in tinnitus for a heart attack.

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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).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.