DEAR DR. GOTT: In a recent article on constipation, you listed bran as one ingredient in your remedy. I know what bran is, but where can I buy it? I have been unable to find it in any store, nor have any clerks heard of such a product.
DEAR READER: To the best of my knowledge, products such as Kellogg’s All-Bran, Quaker Oat Bran and many others are available in the cereal aisle of most grocery stores. Bran by itself may be beneficial, so if you buy muffins, waffles and other products, be sure to read labels because many commercial oat- and wheat-bran products contain a minimal amount of bran but lots of sodium and fat. Furthermore, oat-bran fiber can lower the absorption of statin medications prescribed for lowering cholesterol.