Q: All my adult life, I had problems with foul-smelling gas. This was embarrassing. I also hated that it bothered my wife.
Then, I was diagnosed with celiac disease and had to change my diet. Completely eliminating gluten has also gotten rid of the smells. Others may want to consider this possibility if they have troublesome flatulence.
A: Celiac disease is a serious condition in which gluten triggers the immune system to attack the lining of the digestive tract. The consequence is poor absorption of nutrients from your diet, and the only effective treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet. That means avoiding any foods made of wheat, barley or rye, because all of them contain gluten.
Symptoms of celiac disease include digestive problems such as diarrhea, cramps, gas or floating poop. Other problems common with celiac disease are anemia, fatigue, osteoporosis, joint pain, headaches and nerve pain.
Blood tests can help screen for celiac disease, so others having symptoms like yours should see their doctors. We have written about celiac disease (as well as flatulence) in our “eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.” This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q: My 90-year-old mother lost her marbles quite rapidly. Thank goodness a neurologist tested her vitamin B12 level. He said her level was “within normal range,” but that some older people need more B12 than “normal.”
On hearing that, I gave her over-the-counter sublingual vitamin B12 pills every morning before breakfast. Nearly a week later, she shook herself and said, “I was really crazy, wasn’t I?”
She went on to enjoy the remaining months of her life and died peacefully from unrelated causes. Before passing, she declared, “I’ve lived long enough; it’s somebody else’s turn.” Vitamin B12 made the difference between a dignified end-of-life and pure hell for everyone.
This is a pet cause of mine. I used to work in a nursing home, and I seriously wonder how many people end up in such a place due to a simple undiagnosed vitamin deficiency. Especially if a person seems to go senile very quickly, check their vitamin B12!
A: Older people are vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency. That’s because their stomachs may not make enough acid, or they may be taking powerful acid-suppressing drugs (proton pump inhibitors). The body needs acid to absorb vitamin B12.
Symptoms of this B-vitamin deficiency may include difficulties with balance, numbness and tingling of the feet or hands, loss of appetite, memory problems, burning tongue, weakness, constipation or confusion. Restoring vitamin B12 with oral supplements, a transdermal patch or injections usually corrects the problem.
Q: When I noticed that my blood pressure was a bit high and my heart rate was in the 40s or even the 30s, I saw my doctor. He sent me to a specialist who prescribed pills with terrible side effects. I gave up on them.
Instead, I asked my wife to add several slices of cooked beets to our vegetable salad every evening. Very soon, my blood pressure was below 120, and my heart rate was nearly 80. Beets taste better than pills and don’t have side effects.
A: Beets contain nitrate, which can help reduce blood pressure (Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, June 2023).
One side effect you might notice is pink urine or stool. This is harmless.