Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

Q:There seems to be conflicting information on the relationship between consuming shellfish and cholesterol. What does the latest research show? If shellfish is a high-cholesterol food, how much is too much?

A:For years dietitians counseled people to avoid foods high in cholesterol. The theory was that eating cholesterol would raise cholesterol in the blood. As a result, many avoided eggs and shellfish, even though there was little, if any, data to suggest that such food posed a problem.

There was a flaw with this advice, however. The old tests that were used to determine that shellfish was high in cholesterol were inaccurate. Clams, lobster, mussels and crab contain relatively little cholesterol. Even shrimp is not considered worrisome anymore.

Eating cholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs, does not necessarily raise cholesterol (Journal of Nutrition, October 2006). In one study, people ate lots of red meat and eggs with almost no starch. Their bad LDL cholesterol did not go up and their triglycerides actually came down (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, November 2003).

Q:The hiccup remedy I have found is dill pickle juice - 1-2 ounces does the trick.

A:You are not the first reader to sing the praises of pickle juice for hiccups. Perhaps the salt or the vinegar is responsible.

Some people also maintain that this unconventional approach helps their leg cramps. One reader shared this: “I have tried nearly everything for cramps in my legs and feet (including Ivory soap under the bottom sheet), all to no avail. I was speaking with my aunt and expressed my dilemma with this crippling pain. She told me that she had solved the same ailment with dill pickle juice.

“At the next inkling of a cramp, I hobbled to the kitchen, swallowed a hearty shot glass full of pickle juice, and the pain almost instantly went away. I was not troubled again that night and slept soundly.”

Pickle juice is high in sodium, so people with high blood pressure or heart failure should stay away from this remedy.

Q:I took red yeast rice to control my cholesterol. It worked wonders for me. My doctors couldn't believe my perfect readings.

After taking the red yeast rice for eight months, I started having an ache in my leg. I tried taking magnesium, which helped a bit. Then my hip and leg both started aching, so I stopped the supplement.

I know red yeast rice is somewhat similar to statin drugs and they can cause muscle pain and arthritis. Since it did such a good job controlling my cholesterol, I would like to use it again. But I do not want to hurt myself. Would CoQ10 be helpful?

A:Many people report disabling pain from statin-type, cholesterol-lowering drugs like Crestor, Lipitor or Zocor. This reaction is less common with red yeast rice, but some people experience pain and weakness with the supplement.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential natural compound that can be depleted from the body by statin-type medications. Taking extra CoQ10 may diminish pain and weakness.

Q:I experience overwhelming anxiety and have problems flying and riding in elevators. This problem has gotten worse lately. My doctor prescribes an anti-anxiety drug when I occasionally fly. Is there an alternative to taking prescription drugs to get relief from the anxiety?

A:You might want to consult a therapist who uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat fear of flying. This approach can be very effective.

Anti-anxiety medicine can be helpful. However, if you take it on a regular basis to help you ride the elevator to your office, beware of stopping the medicine suddenly. Some people report withdrawal difficulties from medicines like Ativan (lorazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam).

Q:I have a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot. I've heard that you can use duct tape to get rid of it. Is this possible?

A:The research is equivocal on duct tape for warts. Nevertheless, readers have shared success stories: “I had a painful plantar wart on the bottom of my foot and tried the duct-tape method. I was pleasantly surprised to see it coming off bit by bit as I replaced the tape daily. In about three weeks, the wart was completely gone.”