Medical
Advice from Moti himself
Each week Dr. Mo answers questions
from dedicated readers.
Kay from Virginia writes:
Q: Dear Moti, Is there any kind of natural treatment
for LDL? I have been on 40mg of lipitor but creating
side effects. I tried other statins but did not work
either. Thank you.
A: Cholesterol treatments are something that
should always be consulted with your doctor. Only your doctor
and you together can decide what kind of medication (if any)
is right for you. As far as diet, consider eating more foods
rich in niacin or adding it as a vitamin. Start with 100 mg
3 times a day. This is not
substitute for your medication, but a way to reduce the dose
of lipitor needed. A high fiber, low cholesterol diet as well
as exercise are musts for good control. Try a tabouli salad! -Moti
Palmer Shaw writes:
Q: Dear Moti, I am 67. I often awake with a headache
and sometimes, especially in extreme heat, I can get
a headache any time. I noticed they are more frequent
since my daughter died in February. I have a healthy
diet, eating lots of fresh vegetables and some fruit.
I don't like to take pain killers because of the side
effects.
A: First of
all, every case of chronic
headache should be evaluated
by family doctor or neurologist
to rule out serious causes.
No one likes taking pain killers,
and the death of a loved one
certainly can aggravate any
condition. Often minor
aches can be relieved by getting
more rest and drinking liquids.
However, if the symptoms continue
you really should see a physician.
In the meantime, try one of
my delicious
recipes. My sour cherry strudel is certain to
put a smile on your face! -Moti
Angela from San Diego, CA writes:
Q: Dear Moti, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis
three years ago, when I fractured both my hips (and
actually broke my left hip) at the age of 39. A bone
scan showed 28% bone loss. I have been taking Fosamax
weekly and calcium and multivitamins daily ever since.
My most recent bone scan showed progress, so I thought
everything was "sooo good." Then, about
five months ago, I fractured my right femur. I have
been using crutches since December, but it's February
and the fracture has not healed. I am so discouraged.
Could it be my diet? P.S. I was eating soy protein
bars before the first set of fractures, and drinking
soy milk before the most recent set. -Angela
A: It will be a good idea for you
to see a registered dietician. Taking calcium with
orange juice and dividing the calcium dose to no
more than 500 mg will help absorption. There is a
lot of information on the subject on the Internet.
But your own doctor will be able to investigate
why you are prone to bone fracture. It might be an
underlying problem, genetic or something else. In
the meantime, try one of my healthy
recipes. You
need a treat! -Moti
Veni writes:
Q: Dear Moti, Can you explain to me how salmonella
gets into hummus? I thought the bacteria is only in meat, not in
pulses. Thank you. Regards, Veni.
A: Salmonella can grow in many
types of food, not only meat. It usually gets there through
cross-contamination, for example when juices from
raw meat or poultry come in contact with other
foods, such as vegetables and salads. Clean hands
are the best way to prevent it! Hygiene is sooo good!-Moti
Emma from the Internet writes:
Q: Dear Moti, Are you a doctor? I have an obscure pain and I
wanted a new stomach. Is there a place I can buy one? And maybe
a new right eye. Thanks a bunch! Emma
A: Yes, I am a doctor. It seems you have a psychological
disorder that makes you feel phantom pains in your bowels and
that hinders your ocular function. My advice is to seek psychological
help. In the meantime, try my delicious shakshuka
recipe! Take
care. -Moti
Marko P. from Tustin, CA writes:
Q: Dear Moti, Since I have two kidneys I was wondering how much
I can get for one of them. I was also wondering the same for my
other lung, but only the smaller one. I need the big one for things
like jogging and scuba diving. Does Kaiser have an organ bank where
I can make some easy money? Thank you, Quick Cash Man
A: I know that Kaiser prefers generic forms of
organs that come from India and Far East. They are cheap. Take
care. -Moti
Hazel Z. from Palo Alto, CA writes:
Q: My knee has an ow-wee.
A: Well, Hazel, first of all, that is not a question.
It sounds like you have been subject to abuse by a caretaker
or peer. Though I do not abdicate violence, so is the way of
the world. Many thanks for your inquiry. -Moti
Albert Q. from Santa Fe, NM writes:
Q: I tried your hummus recipe, and first off, let me say that
it's "sooo good!" The pepperocini juice is an amazing
secret! I'm left wondering, however, is there any difference between
a garbanzo bean and a chickpea?
A: In Iraq they used to make pita bread fresh
every morning. They have an oven that is made of clay and they
throw the dough onto it, and it sticks. When the dough starts
to peel off, then it is ready and they pull it out. Sooo good!
Garbanzos and chickpeas are identical, while one is derived from
British English and the other from Spanish. I'll tell you what
you can do: buy a dictionary. -Moti
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