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Daily Column

November 14, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My wife was convinced by the ladies at the pool that MonaVie is the best thing this side of the river (and probably the other side too!) for reducing cholesterol, etc., and that we should get started on it right away. I am concerned about the safety and possible side effects. What can you tell us about it?

DEAR READERS: Your letters are just a sampling of many I have received over the last several weeks regarding this supposed “superfood” juice. I am unfamiliar with this product so will base my answer on an information packet and several pamphlets.

The packet is from the AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., Natural and Medicinal Products Research that claims to have done a clinical study on MonaVie. As you would expect, the results show that the juice is beneficial when taken regularly. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

November 14, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am hoping you can address the following in your column as lots of people in Pennsylvania and New York (and other states as well, I am sure) are counting on your advice.

I have recently come across a “juice” called MonaVie. It is made from the Acai berry from the Amazon and is made in Utah. It claims to have 19 fruits in it and is supposedly all natural with no preservatives. I have enclosed a newsletter I received about it that says it is loaded with antioxidants and glucosamine, it is advertised as a remedy for arthritis, muscles aches, joint pain and, of course, to ward off some cancers and much more. Please help.

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Daily Column

November 6, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have had a high cholesterol level for several years. As a 67- year-old female I try to eat responsibly and really feel my condition is hereditary since my two sisters have the same problem. Whatever the cause, my doctor put me on Vytorin to help lower my levels. Is he on the right track and should I go along with his recommendation or is there something better out there to get my levels under control?

DEAR READER:
Vytorin contains ezetimibe and simvastatin, two compounds designed to lower cholesterol levels. Its purpose is to lower total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while raising high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

The manufacturer warns that all individuals who are prescribed Vytorin and experience muscle pain, tenderness and weakness should report that information to their primary care physicians. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

November 5, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have written several times about restless legs syndrome but I feel you left out one very important thing. Were any of these people taking statin drugs?

I took simvastatin for four years. After about two years, I started having a slight weakness and muscle pain in my left leg. I talked to my doctor about whether the statin was to blame and he said no. The pain got worse and I started having restless legs syndrome and cramps at night in my left leg. The weakness progressed to the point that I had to hold on to a railing to climb stairs. When it got to the point that I couldn’t depress the clutch pedal in my stick shift truck I stopped the simvastatin without my doctor’s approval. One month later the weakness, pain, cramps and restless legs syndrome were gone. [Read more...]

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Sunday Column

October 26, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your column faithfully and find it very helpful and interesting is so many ways for both my family and me. I am an 84-year-old female in very good health. I had stage II breast cancer followed by breast removal 16 years ago. I was on tamoxifen for five years but never had chemotherapy or radiation. I continue to have yearly mammograms and so far, everything has been good.

I used to be a competitive racewalker, competing locally and nationally with the Senior Olympics. I received numerous medals in both levels but had to give it up to take care of my husband about 10 years ago. I continue to racewalk on my own. I was treated for leg and back pain while doing this competitively.

I am writing for you opinion on two issues. The first is treatment of meralgia paresthetica. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

October 25, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Shortly after my doctor prescribed a statin drug for me, I saw an item in my local newspaper written by a pharmacist warning that Coenzyme Q10 was depleted by the use of statins.

I discussed this with my doctor who had no objection to my taking the supplement so I started taking 100 mg twice a day (morning and night). For whatever reason I have had absolutely no side effects from the statin medication which has brought my cholesterol back to normal limits.

I am a retired registered nurse and an avid reader of your column, especially of what may concern me!

DEAR READER:
Unless you were experiencing side effects that were relieved by the Co-Q10 there is no evidence that this supplement was beneficial to you. You may simply be one of the vast majority of individuals who don’t experience side effects from statin therapy. [Read more...]

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Sunday Column

September 14, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
After being told that his cholesterol was elevated, my 70-year-old husband was given a prescription for Lipitor. Before filling it, he researched the side effects first and then opted for red yeast rice instead. After nearly two months on the medication, he had a Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) episode. It lasted most of the day and he had no idea that he had asked the same question over and over. He also couldn’t recall what he had done the day before, what he planned to do later that day and when it was over he couldn’t remember what had happened but knew something was wrong. He saw his doctor who assured him that he did not have a mini-stroke and again prescribed Lipitor.

After doing another internet search, this time on TGA episodes, [Read more...]

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Daily Column

September 8, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My husband is 63 years old, 5’ 11”, 145 pounds (small frame) and has a blood pressure of 115/70. He currently takes 20 mg Lipitor for an untreated cholesterol level of 280.

I would like to know if statins can suppress the immune system. My husband and I usually catch the same cold but I recover in three days while his takes up to a month, sometimes more. Right now he has had cold symptoms (congestion and fatigue) for 10 days. It doesn’t seem to have progressed to a sinus infection yet. It is the same with every cold.

I haven’t spoken to my personal physician yet, but I don’t believe he would even consider the possibility of a link. I have done my own research on Google and there seems to be a possible connection but finding a reliable source that says so is difficult. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

August 5, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Would you please comment on the use of Xocai, a dark chocolate product promoted to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce inflammatory problems such as arthritis, and is diabetic friendly. The suggested dose is two pieces per day.

Xocai is currently being promoted and sold by pyramid selling methods, so I question the validity of the claims.

DEAR READER:
Generally speaking, dark chocolate has been reported to be more healthful than milk chocolate or other varieties. Because I am not familiar with Xocai, I attempted to do a little research. Almost every reference stated I could earn money by selling their product. There doesn’t appear to be any documentation or research substantiating their claims it can lead to better health. In fact, I cannot find an ingredient panel to determine what the product contains. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

July 30, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 62-year-old male, weigh 225 pounds and my cholesterol is about 180. I lead a semi-active lifestyle, exercising 30 minutes daily, five times a week.

I was on Zocor for high cholesterol and constantly complained to my doctor of sore muscles. He switched me from Zocor to Crestor a year and a half ago. After a year on Crestor I was really miserable with sore muscles and fatigue. For the prior six months, I had not been able to raise my right arm due to a sore shoulder that still keeps me awake at night. I stopped taking the Crestor for 30 days at the end of 2007 and felt much better, except for my sore shoulder. When I notified my doctor, he then put me back on the Zocor.

From what I have read previously in your column that if a person is over 60 and has a cholesterol level under 200, he or she shouldn’t need drugs. Do I have to take medication that makes me miserable? [Read more...]

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