Dear Pharmacist,
I read your Facebook post about vitamin D and how it works better than diabetic medications.  I have diabetes, and no one has ever told me this. Would you share more information?  –L.N.  Denver, Colorado

Answer: Diabetes is an inflammatory condition, it is not just about high blood sugar like most people [...]

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, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
You mentioned “spirulina” in a recent column as a supplement to help boost thyroid hormone.  I’ve never heard of this, is it a vitamin?  What else is it good for? –T.E. Chicago, Illinois
Answer:  Spirulina is supercool, and it’s a superfood.   It’s actually algae that grows in our oceans, springs and lakes. If you [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

My son has anger issues along with depression so he takes Wellbutrin (bupropion). He has high blood pressure so he takes metoprolol.  He doesn’t sleep well now, so he uses Ambien. He’s only 28, and I’m worried that he’s already on so much medicine. His diet is very unhealthy and he doesn’t believe in [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I take valerian for sleep and wonder if other drugs interact with it?
M.K.,  Coconut Creek, Florida

Answer: Valerian is used for insomnia, migraines, depression, panic attacks and flight anxiety.  Because valerian slows things down in the body, it’s calming effect becomes more pronounced when mixed other substances with tend to cause tranquility in the [...]