Originally published November 13, 2005 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 4, 2009 at 11:47 AM
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...
Syndicated columnists
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
Copyright © 2005 The Seattle Times Company
Vaccine to kill nicotine buzz now in late tests by small drug firm
Cutting through breast-cancer confusion
Mammogram guidelines spark debate over health bill
The People's Pharmacy: People's Pharmacy: Pain relief for people who can't use NSAID drugs
First key vote today on Senate health bill

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake is handed the 2009 MLS Cup trophy at Qwest Field, November 22, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Tugboat sinks at Seattle waterfront pier
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
- Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come
- Snow piles up on Cascade slopes
- Woman stabbed by stranger in North Seattle
- Husky Men's Basketball Blog | Saturday's Pac-10 games in review
- Senate vote clears hurdle
239 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
134 - Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
126 - Palin excitement builds in Tri-Cities
123 - Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
122 - Cutting through breast-cancer confusion
90 - Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle
81 - Game thread
70 - New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
62 - Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
54
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- Banff: powder, peaks & purity
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors





