Question of the Month Page

ASK BONNIE for February 2004

Question #1:

I am a senior female. Every time I get a cold --at the end of it --I get a lot of phlegm. There are moments when I gag because it seems to get stuck in my throat. This is very scary. Is there anything you can suggest to clear this, when I am recovering from the colds?

Answer #1:

What I would do is find ways to prevent the colds first. Then, if you do get a cold, and the phlegm becomes difficult, you will need to drink as many hot liquids as possible. Hot water with lemon, homemade chicken broth/soup (no MSG), and hot tea are three hot drinks that can keep that phlegm from congealing. You can also mix baking soda in hot water and drink that. Hot baths with epsom salts and baking soda are great also.

Question #2:

Is there a difference between the sugars in fruit and a piece of candy? And is the desire for more refined sugar psychological?

Answer #2:

Yes. There is an immense difference. The sugar in candy is highly glycemic, which means that it breaks down in the body immediately. The quicker sugar breaks down in the body, the quicker and more violently your blood sugar ebbs and flows. This form of sugar is also empty calories, which means no nutritive value.

Sugar from fruit is lower glycemically (which means it breaks down into sugar much slower). Sugar from fruit also has vitamins and minerals, so it is not considered empty calories.

The psychological desire for more refined sugar is minimal. It is mostly biochemical. Yeast is the predominate reason why we crave sugar so strongly. Sugar is yeast's favorite food and what it thrives on. Sugar is an addictive substance and creates a yo-yo effect with serotonin levels. In addition, lack of sufficient protein allows sugar carte-blanche to affect the host negatively. Remember, carbs are sugar, so never have a carbohydrate without a protein or healthy fat.

Question #3:

My mother suffers from periodic bouts of gout. I checked the Mayo Clinic site and they recommend cutting back on animal protein and drinking more liquids with taking ibuprofen based medications. Any suggestions from a nutritional perspective?

Answer #3:

This is very old information and not accurate. Ibuprofen is a cross reactor to salicylic acids (Aspirin) which should be avoided as much as possible. She needs to avoid all MSG and Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), sardines, shellfish, organic meats, whole wheat and dried beans (such as lentils). Chicken, turkey, eggs, and other fish in normal portions are fine. Many meds can cause gout to flare up, which she needs to check out with her physician. She also needs to drink a lot of water. Cherries or Cherry Extract supplement help remove uric acid so are recommended at least several times weekly. I always add magnesium and B6 because they buffer acid naturally and help prevent the formation of uric acid kidney stones.

Question #4:

I have high triglycerides. I have cut back on carbohydrates, potatoes and sugar filled beverages/snacks. What else can I do to combat this problem?

Answer #4:

If I cannot see you personally, the one thing I could recommend is high quality fish oil, 1-5 grams daily. Start with lowest dose. Retest in 4-6 weeks. If not improved, take higher dose, retest and so on. Carlson , Metagenics, Enzymatic Therapy, or Nordic Naturals are pure brands.

Question #5:

What nutritional advice can you provide for reducing floaters (eye)? I am 51. I started having them about two years ago, however they have become more noticeable the past 4 months.

Answer #5:

The elderly (which you are not) and nearsighted individuals are more prone to floaters (cellular debris floating within the eye). They are often helped with Cod Liver Oil (vitamins A&D), extra zinc, and vitamin C with Quercetin (non-citrus bioflavanoid). Occasionally, if the above has no effect, they can be caused by a systemic yeast imbalance (yeast particles floating throughout the body, including the eyes).

Have a happy, healthy day.

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