More on Cutting Cholesterol
By Joe and Teresa Graedon
Q: I have read several columns about how to lower cholesterol. Mine is somewhat high, but my HDL is good (75). Maybe that’s because I exercise four times a week, getting my heart rate up to the 130s for at least 20 minutes.
My doctor does not think I need to take cholesterol medicine at this time. I have heard that guggul extract helps lower cholesterol. I’ve been taking half the dose recommended on the bottle. I showed my doctor the bottle of guggul, and he said it won’t hurt me, but he did not feel it was controlling my cholesterol — the exercise was.
What is your take on guggul? Are there side effects I should know about?
A: Preliminary studies suggested that guggul, a traditional botanical medicine from India, might reduce cholesterol. A well- designed placebo-controlled trial showed, however, that guggul did not lower total cholesterol (Journal of the American Medical Association, Aug. 13, 2003). People taking guggul actually had slightly higher LDL cholesterol levels at the end of the study, and some people developed a rash. Guggul might also interact with certain prescription medications and make them less effective.
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Q: Is it true that Preparation H helps wrinkles on the face?
A: Decades ago, Hollywood starlets were reputed to use the hemorrhoid cream Preparation H on their faces to smooth out wrinkles. The shark liver oil and live yeast cell derivative (LYCD) the product contained might even have had some benefit. We’ll never know for sure.
Preparation H has been reformulated. It no longer contains LYCD. As a result, any reports about its power against wrinkles and other skin problems are probably no longer relevant.
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Q: I have dry, cracked heels. What can I do to make them nice and smooth again?
A: There are expensive foot creams on the market, but we like affordable products like Bag Balm and Udderly Smooth Foot Cream (an underwriter of our radio show). Vicks VapoRub is another option. Readers have told us: “I had cracked feet, but after a week of using Vicks VapoRub, my skin is without any cracks.”
Another offered: “For years I have suffered with painful cracks in my fingertips, despite putting cream and white gloves on my hands before bed. I tried using Vicks instead of cream at night, and the difference has been amazing.”
Readers who would like to know more about unusual applications for Vicks may wish to order our Guide to Unique Uses for Vicks. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. Vi-76, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717- 2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
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Q: You had an article about drugs to heal cold sores faster. Why not prevent them? I take L-lysine before meals every day, and it prevents cold sores from developing into full-blown blisters. I think prevention is better than cure.
A: Several studies suggest that the dietary supplement lysine may reduce cold-sore outbreaks (Alternative Medicine Review, June 2006). The optimal dose is not known, but side effects seem rare.
Some people contend that limiting the amino acid arginine in the diet improves the effectiveness of lysine. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, nuts and seeds.
The Graedons’ syndicated radio show can be heard on WNED-AM 970 at 1 p.m. Saturdays and at 6 a.m. Sundays.
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