Dear Readers,
Last week I wrote about “fountain of youth” hot spring waters which are super rich in minerals and sulfur compounds. These substances penetrate the skin and relieve muscle aches/spasms, arthritis and skin rashes. The warmth of the water increases circulation which helps detoxification and improves blood flow to the heart.

I realize some of [...]

Dear Pharmacist, 
I saw your facebook pictures of hot springs in Utah and you said that you’d actually fly to hot springs to get their healing benefits. This may be personal, but are you sick?  What’s in the water that is so healing? I’m curious because around here, hot springs are for hippies only.
–E.W., [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

My neighbor swears by apple cider vinegar and every time I complain about my health, she rants about the vinegar.  I haven’t tried it, but I have to say she looks fairly healthy and never gets sick.  Do you think there’s something to it?

–P.B.,  Lodi, California

Answer:  Vinegar has been [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
In a recent column, you said that a person should NOT take glucosamine if they have Rheumatoid Arthritis, but that it was useful for people with Osteoarthritis.  I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and my doctor started me on glucosamine and chondroitin immediately.  Why is this a problem?
CP Coral Springs, Florida [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I suffer from gout and would like more information about this condition. What foods should I avoid, and what foods can help me?
L.B., New York, N.Y.

Answer: Even though the pain may be in your big toe, what you put in your mouth really does matter. People with gout often wake up [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I have arthritis and wondered what you thought of glucosamine and chondroitin.  As a diabetic, is it safe for me to take this supplement along with my insulin?
KL  Lake City
Answer: Glucosamine is found in the body naturally, and is essential for the maintenance of tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, heart valves and other parts [...]

DEAR PHARMACIST,
I suffer from gout and would like more information about this condition. What foods should I avoid, and what foods can help me?
L.B., New York, N.Y.
Answer: Even though the pain may be in your big toe, what you put in your mouth really does matter. People with gout often wake up with an extremely [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I have arthritis and wondered what you thought of glucosamine and chondroitin.  As a diabetic, is it safe for me to take this supplement along with my insulin?
K.L.,  Lake City

Answer: Glucosamine is found in the body naturally, and is essential for the maintenance of tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, heart valves and [...]