Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Seven years ago I started using a very cheap dark concord wine on the advice of my sister (who got it from another lady) to relieve my hand, foot, toe and leg cramps. Only ¼ cup every four to six weeks is needed. I have not had a cramp since. Before the wine I was using TUMS for the cramps with success but the wine is easier to use because I don’t need it as frequently.

DEAR READER:
I cannot offer any conclusion about why the wine works. It seems to me that is may simply be a placebo effect because ¼ cup every month should have no effect. The wine will not stay in the body for more than a day.

As for the TUMS, they are great source of calcium, which can, in theory, block cramps.

For many readers with leg cramps I have recommended putting a bar of soap under the sheets to prevent cramps. Again, I have no knowledge about why this works.

If the wine works for you, stick with it. There is no harm in drinking ¼ cup once a month.

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I, like many of your readers, have bad leg cramps. While I do not have a solution to prevent them (soap doesn‘t work for me), I do have something that stops them. It is an over-the-counter medication called “Leg Cramps”. I purchase mine at Walgreens, but am sure it is available in more places. They stop the pain within 60 seconds or so and if the cramp returns, I simply take another one. I hope this helps your readers.

DEAR READER:
I have had no experience with this product but am passing it on to my readers. I ask that anyone with “Leg Cramps” experience (either good or bad) write to me with their results. I will put the answers in a future column. Thanks for writing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
The cures for leg cramps discussed in your column have been of interest to me because 50 years ago my husband and I were troubled with them. At that time I read an article written by a doctor who recommended vitamin B6. We began taking one tablet a day and a short while later the cramps were gone.

I am still enjoying life at 90, and still take one tablet every day. I’ve actually been afraid to stop for fear those pesky cramps will return. Vitamin B6 seems to have other attributes as well, so I’ll stick with the program.

DEAR READER:
Vitamin B6 assists the body in producing antibodies to fight many diseases. It promotes red cell production, is linked to cancer immunity, fights the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, and other functions. Therefore, I’m not surprised to hear it helps with your leg cramps, too.

This water-soluble vitamin is readily found in milk, cheese, eggs, fish, legumes, carrots, spinach, peas and cereal grains. The body cannot store B6, and excesses are secreted through the urine.

I continue to be informed of alternative cures to everyday ailments and will now add yours to the pile. Thank you for writing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.