DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been meaning to write to you for a long time concerning another "miraculous" home remedy.
My granddaughter, who was about 3 at the time, had persistent warts on her knee. They were scraped off, frozen at least twice, and she was subsequently sent to a dermatologist. He prescribed a salicylic acid slurry in different strengths and frequencies, the last of which made her sweat and shake from the burning. Each time, the warts came back with a vengeance. At this point, they looked like cauliflower.
After spending at least $1,000 and at the expense of much discomfort to the child, my daughter attended a Melaleuca seminar. The presenter mentioned that his son had warts, and he treated them with tea tree oil. Thinking it couldn't hurt, my daughter purchased a bottle for $7.50. After applying it for a short period of time, the warts disappeared with no discomfort or scarring. We are now firm believers in the benefits of this simple and inexpensive solution.
DEAR READER: As well you might. Yours is not the first letter I have received crediting tea tree oil; it is, however, one of the most convincing. Most warts can be treated easily with over-the-counter medications, the exception often being plantar warts (on the feet). Your granddaughter seems to have been one of the unlucky few, especially at such a young age, to have a persistent problem. I applaud your daughter for trying to find a less painful, and ultimately successful, way to cure the problem. Thanks for sharing.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I really have to disagree with the advice you gave the gentleman who said that when he took his vitamins without food, they upset his stomach. Of course they did! Vitamins should always be taken with food. Food works with the vitamins to break them down and help your body to absorb them. This is common knowledge to anyone who knows anything about vitamins and health. As someone who practices good nutrition, I was surprised at your answer to this question. I tend to agree with most of your advice, but I really think you gave a wrong answer to this gentleman. Maybe you should do a little more research on this and revise your answer. The poor guy will probably end up with an ulcer.
DEAR READER: Until I received your letter, I was not aware that vitamins taken on an empty stomach can cause abdominal symptoms. I am aware of some individuals (within my practice) who take their vitamins on an empty stomach without symptoms. When I was taking them, they never bothered me or anyone I knew. One person had to take them without food because they made her sick otherwise. However, that reaction now seems to be more the exception than the rule. I will start advising patients to take vitamins with food. Thank you for contributing to my continuing medical education.
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 long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
My granddaughter, who was about 3 at the time, had persistent warts on her knee. They were scraped off, frozen at least twice, and she was subsequently sent to a dermatologist. He prescribed a salicylic acid slurry in different strengths and frequencies, the last of which made her sweat and shake from the burning. Each time, the warts came back with a vengeance. At this point, they looked like cauliflower.
After spending at least $1,000 and at the expense of much discomfort to the child, my daughter attended a Melaleuca seminar. The presenter mentioned that his son had warts, and he treated them with tea tree oil. Thinking it couldn't hurt, my daughter purchased a bottle for $7.50. After applying it for a short period of time, the warts disappeared with no discomfort or scarring. We are now firm believers in the benefits of this simple and inexpensive solution.
DEAR READER: As well you might. Yours is not the first letter I have received crediting tea tree oil; it is, however, one of the most convincing. Most warts can be treated easily with over-the-counter medications, the exception often being plantar warts (on the feet). Your granddaughter seems to have been one of the unlucky few, especially at such a young age, to have a persistent problem. I applaud your daughter for trying to find a less painful, and ultimately successful, way to cure the problem. Thanks for sharing.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I really have to disagree with the advice you gave the gentleman who said that when he took his vitamins without food, they upset his stomach. Of course they did! Vitamins should always be taken with food. Food works with the vitamins to break them down and help your body to absorb them. This is common knowledge to anyone who knows anything about vitamins and health. As someone who practices good nutrition, I was surprised at your answer to this question. I tend to agree with most of your advice, but I really think you gave a wrong answer to this gentleman. Maybe you should do a little more research on this and revise your answer. The poor guy will probably end up with an ulcer.
DEAR READER: Until I received your letter, I was not aware that vitamins taken on an empty stomach can cause abdominal symptoms. I am aware of some individuals (within my practice) who take their vitamins on an empty stomach without symptoms. When I was taking them, they never bothered me or anyone I knew. One person had to take them without food because they made her sick otherwise. However, that reaction now seems to be more the exception than the rule. I will start advising patients to take vitamins with food. Thank you for contributing to my continuing medical education.
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 long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.