Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/38911
Thursday, August 11, 2011 – Daily News 5A FEATURES Potassium to the rescue for cramps Grumpy groom grows grating DEAR DR. GOTT: A patient wrote to you complaining about constant cramping. I had a simi- lar problem and tried many things for it. None of them worked as well as the following: Before going to bed at night, eat a banana and drink a glass of milk. Also take a glass of milk to bed to drink in case you get cramps. Try to eat another banana during the day. This has helped me and oth- Dr. Peter Gott ers I’ve suggested it to, so please pass my suggestion along. DEAR READER: Potassium is involved in muscle control, nerve func- tion and controlling blood pressure. It also works with sodium to maintain water balance in our bodies. While a deficiency is somewhat uncommon, low potassium levels can result from diar- rhea, being on a low-calorie diet of fewer than 800 calories per day, chronic alco- holism, the use of laxatives and strenu- ous exercise/sweating. Bananas and milk are a good source of potassium known to relieve cramping. Other food products include baked pota- toes with skin, split peas, cantaloupe, avocados, raisins and acorn squash. Some medications — particularly statin drugs — cause muscle cramping in some individuals. You don’t indicate if you are on any medication. If you are, you might want to speak with your physician to determine if they contribute to the problem. Thank you for sharing your success story with me. On the home front — and as bizarre as it may appear — pickle juice can also relieve symptoms of cramping. Readers who would like related infor- mation can order my Health Report “Compelling Home Remedies” by send- ing a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDr- GottMD.com/order_form.pdf. DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 88. Thirty- five years ago I had my uterus and a fibroid tumor removed. Eighteen years later, my ovaries and tubes followed because of Stage 1 cancer. I received heavy chemotherapy. My long-standing problem is one that appears to be of little concern to my faithful family doctor but is very serious to me. I get hot flashes starting at my upper chest and on up. I never wear clothing that covers my neck. I sleep with my shoulders free of even the narrow straps of my gowns. Sometimes I wonder if I am ever destined to enter assisted- living or a hospital and am forced to sleep with my neck and upper chest area covered, I could possi- bly have a stroke or other serious conse- quences. I have severe osteoarthritis and take diclofenac, Calcitonin nasal spray, atenolol, simvastatin, multivitamins plus B and C, fish oil, aspirin, calcium, mag- nesium and melatonin. DEAR READER: Hot flashes are most noticeable in the area of the head and neck. They can result from hormon- al changes such as declining estrogen levels, the use of some medications, can- cer and severe infection. The Calcitonin you are on can cause flushing of the face and hands, while simvastatin can cause flushing, redness and warmth. Unless there is some compelling reason why you are on your supple- ments, I suggest you consider dropping the B, C, calcium and magnesium, which should be included in your mul- tivitamin. You shouldn’t have to suffer with this annoying problem any longer. Speak with your physician to determine if he or she can switch you to other medications free of these symptoms. Then ask if he endorses your supplements or agrees with the reduction. Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com If readers want to contact Dr. Gott, they may write to him at his website, or send their mail directly to Dr. Gott, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Connecticut address listed above. Dear Annie: ‘‘Jimmy’’ and I have been married for five years. In the past two, things have slowly gone downhill. Jimmy works long hours, and while we are OK financially, money is also a source of stress. Certain trig- gers that didn’t bother him before are now major issues. He gives me dirty looks, calls me names and cusses me, and he can start fights over the smallest things, usually housework I didn’t get done, toys being in the liv- ing room, not fixing him a better dinner. We fight most nights of the week. I’m tired of the highs and lows. Jimmy’s temper has escalated, and he hits walls and slams doors. He is mean to the kids, and when I defend them, he says I am never on his side. I worry what my children are learn- ing about relationships. I have a part-time job, but my main job is paying the bills, cooking, cleaning, laundry and child care. I rarely ask to get my hair done or buy clothes, because Jimmy’s ex spent him into debt and I don’t want him to think I’m like her. I would love to resume my career once the kids are older, but if it interferes with the running of the household, life around here will be miserable. We barely have sex, because we go to bed angry. Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Jimmy expects the house to be maga- zine-perfect and says if he knew I was such a lazy witch, he never would have mar- ried me. When I protest, he tells me to quit complain- ing. When Jimmy is in a decent mood, I remember how much I love him. But the rest of the time, I feel worthless and like a failure. I’d try counseling, but he won’t go. I miss the guy he used to be. — Hope- lessly Devoted Dear Devoted: Jimmy sounds stressed and unable to control his moods. He also is verbally abusive. He might be more willing to talk about this with his doc- tor, but if he refuses to admit there’s a problem, your best option is to get counseling for yourself. There may be ways to respond better. Your doctor or clergyperson can refer you, or try United Way. If Jimmy’s behavior worsens, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehot- line.org) at 1-800-799- SAFE (1-800-799-7233). Dear Annie: You’ve printed a lot of letters about men with erectile dysfunc- tion. I had that problem for several years as a result of various medications. I tried the little blue pill, but had major side effects. Finally, a urologist rec- ommended an implant. It sounded scary, but he con- nected me with other men who have one, and this calmed my fears. The out- patient procedure was fully covered by my insurance. I awoke without discomfort and was soon released. After three weeks, I was fully functional — no more failures, disappointments, embarrassments or anxiety. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Please tell your readers. — Senior Citizen in Florida Dear Florida: You told them, and we’re certain many were listening care- fully. Any elective surgery is a very personal decision, but we appreciate your testi- monial and hope it is help- ful to others. Dear Annie: This is for ‘‘Nebraska,’’ who is raising her grandson while her daughter spends the child support money on other things. I work in a Child Sup- port Enforcement Unit (CSEU), and this happens quite frequently. The grandmother should talk to her local CSEU. They can help her file, at no cost, a change of beneficiary, mak- ing her the recipient of the payments since she is, in fact, the child’s actual guardian. If the father should be granted custody, he can file a modifying petition that will terminate his payments of child sup- port. I hope this helps. — Jemal D. Cooper, Sr., Financial Investigator, Tompkins County DSS, Child Support Enforcement Unit, N.Y. This is Charlie. He has an opinion about everything. Problem is, his wife, children and grandkids all roll their eyes when he gets going on one of his rants. Charlie has found a place where his voice can be heard and his opinions are valued. At www.redbluffdailynews.com he can read and respond to news stories, local opinion columns, editorials and blogs. He can ask questions about local places and events and chime in on topics big and small. Local news, relevant to you. redbluffdailynews.com Your community. Your life.