DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had tremors since my 20s (I’m now 73) and have had relief from them with brewer’s yeast tablets. I started with one, and as I aged, am now up to four daily. Also, an article in Prevention magazine years ago said brewer’s yeast stops morning sickness, so I have told many ladies about it. The ones who have tried it had immediate relief. It’s cheap and effective but is getting harder to find, and I am afraid it will disappear from the market.
DEAR READER: Brewer’s yeast is made from a one-celled fungus and is typically used in beer making. It can also be specifically grown for use as a nutritional supplement. For this use it is rich in chromium, selenium, protein and most of the B vitamins. It does not contain B12 and therefore is not appropriate for those looking to supplement this particular vitamin.
Over the years it has been thought to help treat diabetes, lower cholesterol, aid weight loss and improve acne. Some studies have suggested that brewer’s yeast may actually be beneficial for these conditions, although other studies have not had similar results. It might help tremors or morning sickness, but clearly you and your friends have had success. I hope others benefit as well.
Readers, remember that before adding any over-the-counter medication, supplement or herbal therapy, to speak with your physician and/or pharmacist to ensure that the risk of interaction with other foods or medications is low. A balanced diet should provide adequate levels of most, if not all, vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function normally.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.