DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have a problem with chronic constipation. I drink approximately six to eight glasses of iced tea every day. Could the tannin in tea contribute to my constipation?
I don't particularly enjoy plain water, so I drink tea for my fluid intake. -- M.C.
A: Tea isn't constipating you, and you can use it for your fluid intake.
Constipation is having fewer than three stools a week or having stools that are hard and difficult to pass without straining.
Some new thoughts on constipation and laxatives fly in the face of what we've been taught. One is that an increased amount of fluid is necessary for regularity. That advice has never been proved. People should drink enough fluid to keep themselves hydrated, and thirst can be their guide in most cases -- perhaps not for the very old. The intestinal tract regulates how much fluid gets into it.
Fiber works as a constipation cure for some, but not all. Twenty-five to 30 grams (30 grams is 1 ounce) is recommended daily. Fiber is indigestible material in foods. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have the most. Bran, available in health food stores, is another good fiber source if you can't get enough in food. And if you don't fancy bran, then products like psyllium and methylcellulose work. Names include Metamucil, and Fiberall. You can also make your own stool softener by adding 2 cups of bran to 2 cups of applesauce and 1 cup of prune juice. Refrigerate the mix and take 1 to 3 tablespoons a day as needed.
Colace and Surfak are stool softeners and can be used freely.
We learned that most laxatives should be used sparingly in order not to develop a "laxative habit." This is another piece of advice that has been challenged. Many authorities now say it's a myth, that the colon doesn't become dependent on laxatives. A brand-new laxative, Amitiza, has relieved constipation for many. It's a prescription medicine.
The booklet on constipation and laxatives gives more advice for attaining regularity. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 504, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You mentioned a solution to prevent swimmer's ear. How do you apply it? -- J.R.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You had a mixture to keep the ear dry and free of infection. How much do you pour in the ear? -- D.E.
A: The mixture is made with equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. The alcohol keeps the ear dry. The vinegar prevents proliferation of harmful bacteria. One or two drops are instilled in the ear with a dropper and allowed to stay in place for half a minute to a minute. The head is then tilted toward the shoulder to empty the ear canal.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I recently read that new research shows that shrimp does not contain high cholesterol levels. The article said that shrimp contains noncholesterol sterols. Is there any validity to this? If so, does this mean that eating shrimp that hasn't been deep-fried or prepared with butter is fine for a heart-healthy diet? -- R.B.
A: If there is new research that says shrimp has no cholesterol, I am unaware of it.
In sources I use for food constituents, 3 ounces of shrimp has 166 milligrams of cholesterol.
However, a few cholesterol facts come to the rescue for shrimp lovers. We are responsible for most of the cholesterol in our blood and in our body. Our liver makes it. Fats spur the liver's production of cholesterol. Shrimp has very little fat, so it doesn't stimulate cholesterol production.
Furthermore, shrimp has omega-3 fatty acids. These substances do many healthy things, one of which is lowering blood cholesterol. Shrimp wins on this point.
Shrimp can be eaten in a heart-healthy diet. Will you let me know where you read the new information?
