Question: I am 50 years old. I went to see my doctor about whether I needed calcium supplements. He said it would not hurt but to make sure the supplements have magnesium as well. I have since heard of two people whose doctors prescribed antacids containing calcium but no magnesium as a cheap calcium supplement. From what I have read, this may cause a magnesium deficiency, which could cause kidney stone formation. What's your view?
- G.G.
Answer: With the spotlight on calcium, magnesium long has played a minor role in the nutrition saga. However, magnesium is getting more and more attention as time passes.
People taking calcium supplements or those who are on estrogen replacement therapy might need a boost of magnesium, which helps the body replace lost bone calcium.
Thus, together with calcium, magnesium builds stronger bones.
Magnesium also can prevent calcium stone formation in the kidneys, and it appears to play a role in blood-pressure control.
All in all, magnesium is turning out to be the mineral of the hour.
Approach the subject with some caution, however. The studies on magnesium are preliminary. No decision has been reached about a recommendation for increased magnesium intake. There is no need for a mad rush to the drugstore to get a supply of magnesium supplements.
The current standards say that men need 350 milligrams of magnesium a day; women, 280. The mineral is found naturally in whole grains, cereals, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, nuts, dairy products and many fruits and vegetables.
Question: I've had asthma for as long as I can remember. It didn't bother me all that much until lately. Now I am waking from sleep short of breath, and I am having heartburn at the same time. My doctor says there is a connection between the two. What is it?
- K.K.
Answer: Heartburn - or "gastro-esophageal reflux," as it is called - can precipitate an asthma attack.
The esophagus and the airway tubes develop from shared fetal tissues and have a common nerve supply. Because of their intimate connection, when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, a reflex narrowing of airway passages occurs. That airway narrowing is asthma.
Other experts theorize that the regurgitated stomach acid seeps into the airways and that the acid irritation makes them constrict.
Whichever explanation is correct is not all that important. What is important is for you to control your heartburn so that you can prevent asthma attacks.
Question: All my life I've heard that a dog's mouth is extremely clean and has healing qualities. But I don't believe it, because of my observation of canine habits, hygienic and other. I would value your professional opinion.
- M.K.
Answer: A dog's mouth teems with bacteria. A dog's saliva holds no curative properties - at least, not for a human.
A dog bite can carry the rabies organism, so you should treat a bite with respect. Wash it with antibacterial soap and irrigate with sterile water. The dog should be examined for rabies or for updated rabies protection. If rabies is suspected, a doctor should be contacted.
Not all domesticated animals are protected against rabies, although all should be.