People's Pharmacy

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Tea Eases Heartbreak of Ezcema

Posting Date: 11/07/2005

Unfortunately, I?ve paid a high price. My muscles ache and I have joint pain and muscle cramps in my calves. I also worry that my memory is not as good as it was.

My neighbor had similar side effects with Zocor and Crestor. He says Co-Q10 helps reduce the pain. My doctor?s never heard of this and says I need to keep taking Lipitor. What can you tell me about Co-Q10 or other supplements?

A. Statin-type drugs like Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor can sometimes deplete an important nutrient called Coenzyme Q-10. This vitamin-like compound is essential for energy production within cells.

As long as your doctor is monitoring your blood for enzyme elevation, you may be able to keep taking Lipitor if you add nutrients like Co-Q10. Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra believes that this compound is essential for anyone taking a statin.

We are sending you a CD with our hour-long radio interview with Dr. Sinatra along with our Guides to Heart Health and Cholesterol-lowering Drugs for more details on Co-Q10 and other crucial heart-healthy nutrients. Anyone who would like copies may order online at www.peoplespharmacy.com or by sending $18 to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. CDL-553, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. What ingredient in toothpaste causes canker sores?

A. There are reports that the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate may trigger canker sores in some susceptible individuals.

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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.com. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.