Odd cravings may mean deficiencies in diet

Q: In 2001, I had a very strong urge to chew ice. After reading in your column that this could be a sign of anemia, I told my doctor about it. The blood work showed anemia, and I was advised to get a colonoscopy — which showed cancer in the colon.

I had surgery and received six months of chemo. The operation removed 10 inches of my colon.

I thank you for that timely article. I have been cancer-free for seven years.

A: Unexplained cravings for ice, laundry starch, cornstarch or other peculiar substances often signal a deficiency of iron or zinc. We are pleased your doctor took your anemia seriously and looked for the cause.

Q: My husband took Flomax for a prostate problem. Recently, he needed cataract surgery.

It has been three weeks since the surgery, and he still cannot see very well. The doctor said it would be at least five or six weeks before he can judge the success of the cataract procedure. Please alert other men to this problem.

A: Flomax (tamsulosin) relieves prostate problems by helping smooth muscle relax and improving urine flow. In 2005, ophthalmologists reported that patients taking Flomax sometimes developed a complication known as small pupil or intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery. It appears to be caused by excessive smooth-muscle relaxation in the iris itself in reaction to Flomax.

In some cases, men were taking Flomax at the time of surgery, but in at least one documented case the man had stopped the drug a year before his cataract operation. Cataract surgeons should always be notified that a patient has taken Flomax so they can plan accordingly.

Q: My husband takes hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril for high blood pressure. I suspect that these medicines are responsible for his dizziness and erectile dysfunction. His blood sugar also is up.

Could the medicine be responsible? Are there any natural remedies that might help lower blood pressure? I have heard that beet juice might be helpful.

A: Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) can cause dizziness and raise blood sugar. Erectile dysfunction is a fairly common side effect of both hypertension and the medicines used to treat it.

A low-sodium, high-vegetable diet (the DASH diet) has been shown to help control blood pressure. Drinking beet juice also may help.

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 via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org