The People's Pharmacy

Q: I have type 2 diabetes. My doctor prescribed Glucotrol; it helped, but I've found that adding apple-cider vinegar and cinnamon to a careful diet controls my blood sugar even better.

A: High-carb meals with white bread or rice can raise blood sugar. We would not have imagined vinegar could counteract this effect, but there's evidence that it does.

Japanese researchers found vinegar can counteract the effect of white rice on blood sugar. And investigators at Arizona State University report that two tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose (Diabetes Care, January 2004).

There also is research showing that one to six grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, December 2003).

Q: I am constantly fighting off a sore throat or sniffles. I used to take echinacea, but I read it's not effective. What can you tell me about other natural remedies? I steer clear of over-the-counter remedies.

A: Several recent double-blind trials have found echinacea has no advantage over a placebo for colds. You're justified in doubting the value of over-the-counter remedies. Ingredients such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen actually might impair the body's ability to fight a cold.

A Chinese herb called Andrographis paniculata has fared better than echinacea in scientific studies. Other options include astragalus, zinc, ginger and garlic.

Q: How dangerous is wine if you are at risk of breast cancer?

A: Women who drink three glasses of wine daily increase their breast-cancer risk by more than 40 percent (British Journal of Cancer, Nov. 18, 2002). Women who drink alcohol and get little folic acid (200 micrograms or less) could double their risk.

New research suggests that women who get ample folic acid (more than 400 micrograms daily) have no increased risk of breast cancer, even if they drink a couple alcoholic beverages daily (British Medical Journal, Oct. 8, 2005).

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org