Magnesium helps ease constipation
Q. I had constipation for five years. I was using Citrucel and extra bran on my cereal. I drank lots of water but still had very hard rabbitlike stools.
At water aerobics, a friend told me about taking magnesium. It has worked wonders for me.
I take 500 milligrams before going to bed and have a good response, usually before noon the next day. I asked my internist and cardiologist if it was safe to take and they both said no problem. The cardiologist even said it is good for the heart as well. I thought you might want to pass this along.
A. Magnesium has long been used to counter constipation. Milk of magnesia, for example, is a well-known laxative. Too much of this mineral can cause diarrhea, though. Most people tolerate 300 milligrams with no problems, but those with kidney problems must avoid extra magnesium.
Q. You had a letter from a woman worried about her husband’s lack of energy. He was on atenolol, Norvasc and furosemide for high blood pressure. She asked about his low potassium.
As I read her letter, I became concerned that he may have heart failure. I’ve been a cardiology nurse for 14 years. Fatigue is one of the hallmark first complaints of heart failure, which is common in people with hypertension.
Norvasc can worsen undiagnosed heart failure. I hope he will see his doctor for evaluation of his “no energy” complaint. Heart failure is the No. 1 reason for admission into the hospital today, and there are safer blood pressure medications.
A. Heart failure is extremely dangerous and is increasing at an alarming rate. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, nighttime cough, fatigue and swollen ankles.
The current controversy over the diabetes drug Avandia involves an increased risk of heart failure. Norvasc also seems to increase this risk (American Heart Journal, Jan. 2007). Atenolol can also contribute to fatigue.
Our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment discusses the pros and cons of various types of blood pressure medication and lists high-potassium foods for those on diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (58 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. B-67, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. I suffer from chronic leg pain. My doctors have tested me, and all they can say is that it might be due to nerve damage. They suggest support hose.
I bought some medical support hose, but they are very expensive. I thought I could save money with regular support pantyhose.
It feels strange to wear them, but they really help my legs feel much better. Is it a problem to wear women’s pantyhose? My wife bought them for me, but she worries someone might think I am gay for wearing them. Is there anything else I could use, or is she worried over nothing?
A. Pantyhose don’t provide as much support as medical support hose. On the other hand, if they relieve your leg pain, we see no reason to spend money on more expensive stockings. As long as you are not parading around in shorts, you shouldn’t attract undue attention.
If you are trying to start a family, pantyhose might be troublesome. They could raise testicular temperature and reduce sperm count. If that’s not an issue, your wife can relax.