 jalapeño peppers, salsa and Tabasco sauce on scrambled eggs, hash browns, pinto beans and spaghetti sauce. I have no more stomach problems.
A: Despite its reputation, spicy food does not necessarily cause ulcers. Animal research suggests that the essence of chili peppers (capsaicin) may even help protect the stomach from aspirin damage.
Q: I am concerned about elderly people taking medical advice from their well-intentioned but completely unqualified children. My adult siblings convinced our parents to take herbs and supplements with no comprehension of how these might interact with prescribed medicines. My sibs believe they know as much or more than doctors.
My father died last year with liver complications. I hate to think of all the CoQ-10, echinacea, ginkgo, etc., that went through that vital organ. No amount of reasoning could counteract both my parents' faith in their children's advice over their doctors'.
Is there any way to let elderly people know that their prescription drugs might interact with herbs their kids recommend?
A: Your fears are completely justified. Herbs and dietary supplements can interact with many prescription medications. Certain combinations can be lethal. Unfortunately, physicians and pharmacists may not always be aware of such incompatibilities.
People can help prevent such complications by doing their own homework. We have addressed this issue in our 600-page paperback book, "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." If you would like a copy, please send $6.99 plus $3 postage and handling to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, Dept. HHR, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be ordered from our Web site.
JOE AND TERESA GRAEDON
King Features Syndicate
888 Seventh Ave.
New York, NY 10019