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Ask Dr. Gott 1/9
Beware mixing grapefruit with meds
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: I read somewhere that eating grapefruit restricts the absorption of some vitamins and minerals, but I've forgotten which. As I eat a lot of grapefruit, this is a concern to me. Do you know which vitamins and minerals?
    DEAR READER: As I have written before, components of grapefruit are metabolized by the liver. Unfortunately, some medications are also metabolized by the same enzymes. Therefore, if such medicines are taken with grapefruit, the enzymes are "used up," and the level of medication rises — sometimes to dangerous levels.
    If you have a question about one or more of your medicines reacting with grapefruit, check with your pharmacist. Such knowledgeable professionals can be of enormous help.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Consumer Tips on Medicine." 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.

    DEAR DR. GOTT: Here is a question that I am sure other women, including myself, would like to see answered. If you have sexual relations with a man who has prostate cancer, are you at any risk from the cancer cells?
    DEAR READER: I am not aware of studies on this subject. I believe that if there were a risk — for example, if the partners of prostate-cancer sufferers were increasingly developing similar cancers (uterine, cervical, etc.) — that doctors would take notice and studies would be done. Therefore, my answer to your question is no, there is no risk. However, if you are uncomfortable with this, I recommend you make an appointment to speak with your partner's oncologist to discuss your concerns. He or she may have newer information and can advise you of precautions or reassure you that you are not at risk. This situation is similar to concerns expressed by some of my male readers regarding exposure to cervical or uterine cancer. As with the prostate, there appear to be no health issues.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "The Prostate Gland." 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.

    DEAR DR. GOTT: I am trying to cut back on my eating habits to lose some weight. I still like sugar on some cereals, though. What sweetener would you recommend that doesn't have all that "bad stuff" (aspartame)? I need something to sweeten cereals and other foods for those "gotta have something sweet" moments.
    DEAR READER: Try chopped raisins, figs, dates or apricots, all of which contain abundant amounts of natural fruit sugar. You can also try Splenda, which does not contain aspartame.
Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."
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