Dear Pharmacist,
I bought your Drug Muggers book and learned that coffee is stealing iron from my body. I’ve had chronic fatigue for years, and now that I’m supplementing with the iron, I’m feeling MUCH better, so thank you! I’m not giving up coffee though. Suzy, would you be willing to share more drug muggers, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve heard that green tea acts like a drug and improves heart disease. Could this be true?
F.M., Chicago, Illinois

Answer: Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Regular black tea comes from the same plant, but it undergoes more processing so it’s not as healthy for you. Tea [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
What is the best way to treat high cholesterol? My doctor wants me on a statin.
N.M., Lido Beach, Florida

What is best for one person is virtually impossible for most. And what is easiest for most puts a strain on the wallet. It’s not like the statins come cheap (Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I have moderately high blood pressure but I absolutely do not want to take medication for the rest of my life. I’m not overweight and I do exercise. Please tell me if there is anything that I could try that is natural. I’ll try anything.
H.W., Orlando, Florida

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I heard on TV that Vitamin C and Vitamin E are useless in preventing heart attack. I confirmed this on WebMD. So why have some doctors been recommending these vitamins for years? Am I safer just taking medicine?
N.D., Albany, New York

ANSWER: Don’t be naïve.  High-quality brands of these antioxidants DO [...]

Readers:  This is the EXTENDED article that papers could not print due to space considerations.

Many Diseases Linked to High Insulin - The Longer Story
Insulin Testing and Dietary Supplements to Help You Reduce Insulin, Lose Weight & Feel Better

Dear Pharmacist,
I really need your help because I am now up to 14 medications for the [...]

Dear Pharmacist: I attended an American Idol concert and I got so excited to see my favorite, Adam Lambert, that I developed cardiac arrhythmias.  I went to the ER, the doctor called it “A-fib” and I was sent home with medications.  What do you suggest so that this scary thing doesn’t happen again? –J.S. Ocala, [...]

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 [...]

Published 1-17-09

Ubiquinol Eases Leg Cramps and Fuels Your Heart

Dear Pharmacist,

I have high cholesterol, hypertension and heart palpitations. I take Zocor (simvastatin) and read in your previous column to take CoQ10 for leg cramps related to my medicine. Then I heard you on the radio tell [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
Why do the people in the Mediterranean area have no problems with cholesterol? Is it the red wine and olive oil?
J.S., Ocala, Florida

Answer: People from the Greek island of Crete live longer than most other populations in the world, despite the fact that their diet is significantly higher in fat than what [...]