Heartburn Remedies
Q. Do you have any inexpensive suggestions for treating heartburn? My son suffers from reflux, especially after eating. He has no insurance so cannot afford drugs like Nexium or Prevacid. His doctor has checked him out and says that it’s not a heart problem or anything serious, but it sure causes him discomfort.
A. Researchers have known for almost 30 years that stimulating saliva production by chewing gum or sucking on a lozenge can relieve heartburn (New England Journal of Medicine Feb 2, 1984). Saliva rinses the esophagus and buffers acid that has splashed out of the stomach. British researchers recently confirmed that chewing sugarless gum for 30 minutes after meals stimulates saliva and eases acid reflux.
Another time-honored remedy is baking soda. One-half teaspoon in four ounces of water is the standard dose.
Colon Cleansers
Q. I have a friend who is selling a product that is supposed to eliminate up to 30 pounds of toxic waste from the colon. He says keeping the colon clean is a good way to prevent colon cancer.
I am not so sure about this. Is this just another type of laxative? I have tried many laxatives over the years and don’t want to become dependent on one.
A. Most so-called colon cleansers do indeed contain laxatives, sometimes harsh ones. Gastroenterologists do not generally recommend regular use of such products.
There is no scientific data to suggest that stimulant laxatives improve health or reduce the risk of colon cancer. In fact, one popular laxative ingredient was taken off the market because scientists found “clear evidence of carcinogenic activity” in laboratory animals exposed to phenolphthalein.
Increased fiber and fluids are tried and true approaches to regularity. We are sending you our Guide to Constipation with many alternatives, including a sure-fire bran muffin recipe.
Soy and Low Thyroid
Q. I am a vegetarian on Synthroid because of a low thyroid problem. I just heard that too much tofu or soy-as in veggie hot dogs and burgers–can be a problem for the thyroid. How much is too much?
A. Studies of soy and thyroid have produced inconsistent results. A report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Sept. 2002) demonstrated a modest effect of soy on thyroid function. One thyroid expert, Ridha Arem, MD, has suggested that 3 or 4 soy-based meals a week should be about the limit.
