Dr. Gott: Take thyroid meds before breakfast

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve had thyroid problems since I turned 17. I’m now 74. In 1976, I had a thyroidectomy to remove a benign nodule. The surgeon removed half my thyroid and increased my medication. I have lab tests every year to see if the dosage needs to be increased, decreased or should stay the same. I take my medication with a glass of water, then drink coffee and wait for at least an hour to eat breakfast. I also try to eat a high-fiber diet. I think I am doing everything right but want your opinion whether I am defeating the purpose of the medication.

DEAR READER: Almost 90 percent of all thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are noncancerous. They are commonly discovered by a person palpating his or her own neck. In other instances, a physician will find the nodule during routine examination. Nodules are either filled with fluid or are a round or oval growth of tissue.

Surgical removal is performed under several circumstances, but primarily when the growth interferes with breathing or swallowing or when the hyperfunctioning nodule could cause hyperthyroidism. This latter condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive hormone and body processes are accelerated. Left untreated, symptoms can impact general health, resulting in osteoporosis, an irregular heartbeat and congestive heart failure.

As a general rule, thyroid medication is taken as a single dose, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast, preferably at the same time each day. The reason for this is that its absorption is increased on an empty stomach. You are certainly following the guidelines set and are in no way hampering the effects of the medication you are taking.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Thyroid Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had a problem with dandruff for many years and have finally found a cure. Surprisingly, it involves cider vinegar. All I had to do was warm some cider vinegar and pour it onto my hair. I wrapped a towel around my head for an hour, washed my hair following that, and then repeated the process twice each week for a month. Voila! No more dandruff. Perhaps some of your readers can profit from what a friend shared with me.

DEAR READER: This is a new one on me, but I am passing the information on to my readers, who may choose to give it a try.

There are numerous shampoos and hot-oil treatments available for controlling dandruff; however, this is the first one I’ve heard of that involves cider vinegar. And all this time I thought the product was only good for salad dressing! I guess that old expression “make do with what you have” definitely holds true in this case. Thank you for sharing the information.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read in your column about mentholated chest rub for the common cold. Since I had a cold, I applied the rub to the bottoms of my feet and put white socks on. I then took a nap. When I awoke, much to my amazement, I could breathe clearly. It worked only until I sneezed, but I put more on and could breathe again within a couple of hours. It’s not a cure, but it certainly helped me.

DEAR READER: Thanks for sharing your experience with this strange home remedy for the common cold. I am glad that you were helped by it.