Turmeric helpful in arthritis pain

DEAR DR. ROACH » I am 88 and have had osteoarthritis in my hands and knees since I was in my 50s. I began taking Tylenol and Advil for pain. But on a recommendation from a health food store clerk, I started taking turmeric. Since that first dose, I have never had to take any pain medication again. I also have not had a knee replacement. My specialist is very pleased with my condition, and encourages my use of turmeric. I plan to up the dose from 150 mg daily because of research that shows its benefits in avoiding Alzheimer’s disease. DEAR READER » Turmeric has been shown to be helpful in some people with osteoarthritis, and is unlikely to have serious side effects; however, stomach upset is possible, and turmeric should be used with caution in people on warfarin or other anticoagulants.

However, there is no good evidence showing that turmeric prevents or treats dementia.

DEAR DR. ROACH » My father is 72 years old. This year he was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. For now, the doctor has inserted a catheter. My question is: What process or what treatment is best at his age? We are in the Philippines. DDEAR READER » For lisinopril in particular, taking the medication twice daily showed a better reduction in blood pressure than once daily, according to a study performed last year. People who took lisinopril twice daily had about a 10-point systolic (4 point diastolic) improvement in BP control, so your blood pressure might be more like 120/71 if you started taking it in two doses, if you are similar to the subjects in the study (that sounds like a big drop to me, despite the study results).

People who are doing just fine on once-daily lisinopril don’t need to change. Don’t make any changes in your medication without discussing it with your own doctor.

Contact Dr. Roach at ToYourGoodHealth@ med.cornell.edu.