Kidney waste not for recycling

Dear Dr. Gott: A young man in my grandson’s dorm has extraordinary energy and stamina. He also is a very excellent student and is truly a very nice person. When I asked him how he maintains such energy and good health, he replied that his bedtime routine has never varied since he was 8 years old and is as follows: He showers and drinks his urine while it is fresh and warm and then brushes his teeth with peroxide and baking soda and never sleeps more than four hours a night.

He was very serious, and his roommates all verified that they saw him go through this ritual many times. He said this is the time that the body has utilized all of the nutrients that it needs and the leftover nutrients are present for “recycling” without being wasted. My question is: Can someone practice this without getting ill or doing harm to himself or herself? Have you ever heard of this practice before?

Dear Reader: Your grandson’s dorm-mate is doing potential harm to himself as well as indulging in an unattractive practice. The kidneys extract waste products and excrete them in the urine. This is not a question of nutrients. The waste need not be “recycled” any more than fecal waste needs to be eaten.

Given his proclivity, I’d be surprised if the young man in question has an especially active social life. I cannot imagine a cute co-ed standing next to the man while he finishes off a 3-ounce shot of urine. “Hi, honey! Would you like some?”

I expect she’d be out of there in the count of two.

I also question his goal of four hours of sleep a night. Many scientific studies have linked behavioral and cognitive problems to sleep deprivation. Most adults need at least six (and preferably eight) hours of sleep per 24 hours.

I suspect that your grandson’s dorm-mate is a bright, inquisitive, competitive and charming young man, despite his bizarre practices. But I honestly believe that his behavioral aberrances will not stand him in good stead. Please follow up with me if he decides to run for president.

Dear Dr. Gott: I got head lice when I was working as a caregiver. I didn’t find out about it for three months, because it was the first time I had ever had lice. I used shampoo, gel and powder. I washed everything with the products as well, and often. I can’t get rid of them. Are there some pills I can take for it? After spending $1,000 for shampoo, gels, spray, powder, shaving my head, bagging mattresses and moving three times, nothing has worked. This has gone on for two years now. Can you please help?

Dear Reader: Head lice are ordinarily destroyed by products, such as Nix. Continued infestation usually results from repeated exposure to the lice.

If you have reached the end of your rope, I urge you to see a dermatologist for specific advice.