Ask the doctor

Dear Doc

Is there such a thing as an overload of vitamin C and what are the side-effects?

There is a possibility of overdosing on vitamin C. You can usually get adequate supply of vitamin C from fruit and vegetables that you consume daily, unless you have malabsorption. A good intake of vitamin C helps prevent many of the common respiratory type illnesses. In certain situations, you might need to supplement with over-the-counter vitamin C. Please speak to your doctor to see what the safe levels are for you.

Dear Doc

What’s the best way to prevent varicose veins?

A healthy lifestyle which includes healthy eating and exercising will usually protect you from getting varicosities in legs. These are usually caused by abnormal flow of blood in your veins and blockages. If you already have variose veins, compressive stockings are usually helpful and in severe cases surgery may be required.

Dear Doctor,

I get swelling in my feet when I sit at the heater too long. Is this normal?

Please, then, do not sit at the heater for too long. The swelling may be due to water retention caused by the prolonged heat exposure. In severe cases, it can be due to kidney, liver or cardiac abnormalities. Please avoid the heater to see if this goes away permanently. If not, see your doctor for investigation and treatment.

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