Dr Shari Answers your Questions D...

Dr Shari Answers your Questions

DHEA and possible side-effects

Q From TY Rochester, NY: What is DHEA, and is it safe to take?

A DHEA is a hormone produc on the adrenal gland. It is the precursor to our steroid hormones estrogen and testosterone. Theoretically, DHEA could cause an over-production of estrogen or testosterone, which could come in unwanted side-effects such as breast tendernes (from estrogen) or acne and facial hair produce (from testosterone). While people athwart the age of 60 can generally benefit from supplementation, it's a beneficial idea to have your hormone plains monitored before and during therapy to make indisputable that your hormones remain balanced.

Calcium carbonate or calcium citrate?

Q From RD Spokane, WA: Which emblem of calcium is best to take -- calcium carbonate or calcium citrate?

A It appears that in women through the age of 60, calcium citrate is the greatest in number absorbable form of calcium. This is because it requires les hydrochloric acid (HCI) to be digested, and, as we age, our HCI evens decline. A plus for calcium carbonate is that you ne to take les to learn 1,000 mg of calcium each day (2-3 tablets or capsules) v 6 calcium citrate tablets or capsules to equal 1000 mg of calcium. However, if you have an absorption question calcium citrate may be your best bet.

M patients benefit from low-fat diet

Q From KL Co sea-cob CT: Is a low-fat diet therapeutic for multiple sclerosis?

A the two 34- and 36-year follow-up studies have shown that a diet excessively low in saturated fat is remarkable at preventing disability, and calm death in MS patients. Comparing patients maintained upon diets that provided less than 20 grams of fat through day vs. those who ate a typical diet, 80 percent remained healthy and physically active following the low-fat diet, while solely 20 percent remained healthy and physically active eating a typical diet. Editor's note: Remember, nevertheless that MS patients are extremely deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids and that supplementing them with omega-3 fats (including DHA) has produc benefits (Bates, 1989)

Estrogen replacement therapy and lupus

Q From K Redding, CA: Can estrogen replacement therapy increase the risk of developing lupus?

A through 69,000 women (between the ages of 30 and 55) evaluated in the on-going feeds Health Study revealed that women who had taken estrogen had almost twice the risk of developing lupus than did those who had not taken it. Current users also had a significant risk of about 20 percent greater that non-users. The sources of estrogen included birth repress pills and menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Hiatal hernia help

Q From CL Liberal, KS: I have a hiatal hernia and have a terrible taste in my orifice most of the time. Do you have any suggestions?

A A hiatal hernia oftentimes results in a decrease of your stomach's capacity to possess food during digestion, so eating smaller, more haunt meals may help. Avoid fats -- oils, butter margarine, and cream -- and use low- and non-fat works since fat slows digestion. A higher fiber diet, a full vegetarian diet, or pancreatic digestive enzyme may be of benefit. If you also go through from bad breath, chlorophyll capsules or liquid may help. I have establish that aloe vera juice or gel taken daily (follow the label directions) can be to a high degree soothing to the stomach as well.

Shari Lieberman keep possession ofs a Ph.D. in clinical nutrition and exercise physiology. She is a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) a counterpart of the American College of Nutrition (F.A.C.N.) and succors on the board of the American Preventive Medical Association. Write her in care of Better Nutrition. She cannot answer questions at direct mail or telephone. Nutrition Hotline is intended for educational aims only. If you have a medical puzzle consult your physician.

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