Stop Thrashing, Start Sleeping
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
I've had a couple of years of bad insomnia. I've tried medications, but I want something natural. Suggestions?
Dear Pharmacist,
I heard you recommend a drug called Lactulose as a laxative but you said it helped with brain fog too. How can it work at both ends?
Dear Pharmacist,
What is licorice root? I heard you at a lecture talk about it and say something like it could take the place of lots of different drugs, and that it helped with chronic fatigue.
Dear Pharmacist,
At one of your lecture's I heard you say you drink linden tea at night but you never said why. What is it and why is it something you like?
Dear Pharmacist,
I've got a cold, and I've sneezed about a hundred times today! Should I start taking echinacea, and will it help me with the sneezing?
Dear Pharmacist,
I'm not a fan of fungus, but I've heard that shiitake mushrooms are good for cancer. What do you think?
Does Deer Antler Velvet Work?
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My hero is Ray Lewis of the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, and I heard he took Deer Antler Velvet to recover from his muscle injuries faster. Do you recommend this?
Dear Pharmacist,
I've dealt with stomach problems all my life. Sometimes it's hard to eat, but I am under physician care. What natural remedy can soothe my tummy when it's hard to eat?
Dear Pharmacist,
I'm going through a lot right now. This year, my New Years' Resolution is to exercise more, hoping to take my mind off everything. My schedule only allows me to go to the gym twice per week. Will this help me feel better, in terms of anxiety or mood?
Ways to Avoid the Flu
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
What are some suggestions to avoid catching cold this season?
Dear Pharmacist,
My partner has cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. She's responding well but now has trouble with simple math, decision making, and she doesn't finish her sentences. Can chemo do that?
Dear Pharmacist,
I ate like a hog over the holiday, and it was wonderful! To spare my guilt, are there any benefits to holiday foods and spices?
New Drugs for 2012
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
Here are some interesting FDA-approved items for 2012 in the United States. My column is printed in various languages so I apologize that I've only listed English brand names, please ask your local pharmacist for translations.
Shocking Cholesterol News
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
I saw Dr. Oz interview a doctor on television about cholesterol. The guest said your total cholesterol doesn't matter and I read that in your book 6 years ago. Suzy, I take a statin, and do a "Lipid Profile" annually. Is this okay?
Fiber is Fabulous
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My doctor asked me to get more fiber in my diet. What are some health benefits and what are good ways to incorporate it into my daily life? I've always been a meat and potatoes man.
Dear Pharmacist,
I went through your timeline on facebook, and learned why I'm still tired and overweight. My physician says my TSH is normal, just like you said he would, can you discuss hypothyroidism in your column?
Dear Pharmacist,
My brother suddenly developed seizures, at age 28, with no history. I've searched your website archives but can't find columns on this. I'd like to learn why he suddenly got this, since he was so healthy until then. Today, he's on 6 medications!
What Works for Weight Loss
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
What are some natural dietary supplements that can help me lose weight, or at least manage it during the holidays?
Dear Pharmacist,
I recently read a magazine article that discussed the health benefits of glutathione, and I was shocked at how many there are. Do you recommend this supplement for everyone?
How To Look 15 Years Younger
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
I met you at a book signing and was in awe of how good you look at 47, your skin was radiant and you look 30 something, not a deep wrinkle on you. What’s your secret?
Dear Pharmacist,
I heard that cinnamon might lower blood sugar, is this true? Can I use cinnamon spice to lower my blood sugar if I'm taking metformin? Does cinnamon have other health benefits?
Erases Your Wrinkles and More
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
A friend of mine suggested that I get more vitamin A to help my immune system. I’ve always heard that vitamin D is better. Do you think that’s a good idea?
Dear Pharmacist,
Dr. Oz said magnesium was the number one thing for exhaustion. Do you agree? What are the best supplements?
Dear Pharmacist,
What an awful year 2012 has been, I’m stressed and tired. I cry easily. It’s not who I am! Can you help me?
Biotin Deficiency Can Be Fatal
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
Please write about biotin deficiency, this is what killed my husband. No one detected it and I want to alert everyone. Love your work, hope to meet you one day.
Eating “Bugs” is a Good Idea
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
You’re sort of obsessed with gut health because you frequently suggest probiotics to people seeking better health. I don’t take probiotics but I do appreciate your perspective. Not one of 14 doctors over six years has ever suggested probiotics. What’s the big deal?
Dear Pharmacist,
This summer, I’ve spent more time outside in the sun, and I’ve noticed a bunch of little white spots appearing on my chest and back. What is this, and how can I treat it?
Dear Pharmacist,
What herb do you suggest for relieving stress? The side effects of alprazolam are intolerable?
Nobody Likes Me
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
I was slurping Pho at lunch, and blurted to Sam that nobody likes me. He said “Why, you have faithful readers, constant letters expressing gratitude, your books are sold world-wide, your family loves you, even Dr. Oz and Mercola like you.” Over the rice noodles, half joking, I said, yeah but....
Dear Pharmacist,
My life’s never been the same since 2004. Overnight, I developed arthritis, vertigo, headaches and fatigue. I used to run every day! I’ve been to 10 doctors for never-ending symptoms too embarrassing to list. Last week, I fell in love with you Suzy because you wrote about “Lyme Disease” and I looked it up. It explains my life. I called my doctor, but she said Lyme isn’t common here, and dismissed me, so I’m stuck now. Can you offer guidance?
Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve tried everything for rheumatoid arthritis, and I’m still disabled, worse now than several years ago. I’ve spent thousands on Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Cytoxan. Any advice?
Dear Pharmacist,
My sister and mother have both had breast cancer, so far I’m okay (but obviously worried). What is your number one recommendation for me since my genetics are bad. Thanks.
Dear Pharmacist,
I am suffering with Sjogren's syndrome, it makes my skin, eyes and mouth so terribly dry. Even sex is painful. Do you have any suggestions that may work for me?
Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve recently developed minor numbness and tingling in my hands. Could it be a side effect my medications? I’m scared of what else could cause this.
Dear Pharmacist,
Would you elaborate on cholesterol, and what LDL and HDL numbers mean.
Natural Relief for Lupus
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
I have Lupus, and I've been on medicine for 22 years. My symptoms are not well controlled and I have lost ability to live life due to all the daily complications. Please offer advice to help me regain quality of life, while I am still breathing on this Earth.
Dear Pharmacist,
I live in chronic pain, it’s usually my joints but now my nerves are involved. My tests are all normal, and my doctor gives me Celebrex, Vicodin and Flexeril. I feel doped up, and still live in pain. What else can I do?
Herbal Tea for Your Health
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
The most wonderful thing about our planet is that it grows good medicine. Making herbal teas is one of my secret passions. You can drink teas, and in some cases apply them to your skin. I’ve been playing with herbs for years, it’s fun and I honestly think it’s a wonderful adjunct to your other medical treatments.
Best New Health & Home Products
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Readers,
I attended the 2012 Natural Products Expo West trade show in California to scout out new healthy, delicious or unique products. The companies mentioned below did not know that I was with the media as I was sampling their goodies, and I receive nothing from this:
Dear Pharmacist,
My son takes an antibiotic for acne and I need one for urinary tract
infections. My question is not about natural alternatives, I don’t
believe in that stuff. I just want to know what the side effects are
of antibiotics and any other safety precautions. Thanks for letting
you pick your brain.
Vitamin D Helps from Head to Toe
Written by Suzie Cohen, RPhDear Pharmacist,
My friends daughter has rickets, I didn’t think that was possible in
this day and age. How do I protect my kids?
Dear Pharmacist,
On facebook, you mentioned this supplement called Citicoline for
memory, and it interests me because my mother has Alzheimer’s and my
wife had a mild stroke. Would it help?
The 24-Hour Pharmacist