Q and A
The Vitamin D You Want to Say NO To
Q: You've convinced me I need more vitamin D, so I told my doctor that I want to increase my daily dosage. He mentioned that he would consider putting me on something called a vitamin D analogue when there is more research available on them. What exactly is a vitamin D analogue, and should I wait to take one instead of just increasing my dose of the vitamin D supplement I'm already taking?
Relief for Mosquito Bites
Q: Working in my garden in the evening, I end up covered in bug bites. What can I do to relieve the inflammation?
Asparagus Is Good Medicine
Dear Pharmacist,
My grandfather moved in with us last year. He is 86 years old and relatively healthy. He does not take any medication but says that eating asparagus is his “medicine.” He asks my wife to cook some every day but this is rather annoying. I know some foods have health benefits, does asparagus?
--C.Y. Nashville, Tennessee
A Natural Answer for Depression
Q: My daughter was recently diagnosed with depression. I hate to see her suffer, but am concerned about the serious side effects of prescription drugs. Is there anything else we can try?
Is a Brita Filter a Waste of Money?
Question: How beneficial is a Brita water filter?
I am wondering what the benefit or harm there is in using a Brita water filter for tap water. Does it have any effect on filtering the fluoride from tap water?
Artificial Sweeteners Are Not a Good Alternative for Weight Loss
Dear Dr. Mirkin,
Are artificial sweeteners a good alternative for weight loss?
Fish Oil - An Inexpensive Fix for Many Conditions
Dear Pharmacist,
I take medications for blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis, five drugs in all. My doctor is happy with my progress but my wife is urging me to take fish oils to lower my blood pressure. I am not a vitamin type of person, but I don’t like some of the side effects I’m experiencing on the medications. What should I do?
--G.S. Tampa, Florida
Getting the Grey Out
Q: Is there anything that can be done to restore hair color?
A Pill for Every Ill? Not So Fast…
Dear Pharmacist,
I read you in my local newspaper and find your columns very interesting and refreshing in a sea of misinformation about drugs and supplements. I know you are a pharmacist, but sometimes I think you’re anti-medicine. Suzy is that true?
--J.E. Gainesville, Florida
How Do You Get Vitamin D From Sun Without Risking Skin Cancer?
Dear Dr. Mirkin: How do you get enough sunlight for your body to make vitamin D without risking skin cancer?
