South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Pomegranate juice may help with alleviating diarrhea
Q: Your information about pomegranate juice for chronic diarrhea has been a lifesaver for me! I drink half a cup every morning with increasingly beneficial results. Are there any side effects that should concern me? Or any adverse reactions with medications or foods?
A: Years ago, we heard from readers claiming an anti-diarrhea effect of pomegranate juice but there was very little research to support that idea. Then, scientists reported that when they induced diarrhea in rats (using castor oil), pomegranate juice was able to counteract it (Journal of Medicinal Food, September 2015). Keep in mind that consuming too much might cause constipation. We have not found mention of other side effects.
The question of interactions is trickier. In theory, pomegranate juice affects the same intestinal enzyme (CYP3A4) as grapefruit juice. However, studies seem to indicate that any interactions are too mild to be clinically important (European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, June 2017).
Other potential benefits of pomegranate juice include managing blood pressure, maintaining cognitive function and reducing inflammation.
Q: What information do you have about natural statins, i.e., red yeast rice, and Type 2 diabetes management?
I’ve been taking a low dose of red yeast rice for more than 20 years.
For most of my adult life, I have been told
I’m prediabetic. Over the past couple of years my numbers have risen (along with my weight) and now I am clearly in Type 2 diabetic territory. As a result, I am wondering if I should stop taking red yeast rice.
A: We found your question fascinating. There is now considerable evidence that statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs can indeed raise blood glucose and the risk of Type 2 diabetes (JAMA Internal Medicine, Oct. 4). There has not been as much research on red yeast rice (monacolin K), a natural statin.
However, the small studies we found don’t indicate that red yeast rice raises the risk for diabetes significantly (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, September 2018; High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention, August 2019; Cardiovascular Therapeutics, April 2021).
To find out whether red yeast rice is affecting your blood sugar, you could do a trial without it. Do check with your doctor and monitor both cholesterol and blood sugar during that time. You may find that losing weight, if possible, can also help bring your blood sugar down.
Q: When my father’s health was failing, he suffered from an uncomfortably itchy back. He asked me to rub original formula Listerine on it for relief. I was skeptical but happy to do it. When he expressed great relief, I ordered a case of the stuff and applied it whenever I visited him.
A: Original amber Listerine contains eucalyptol, menthol, thymol and methyl salicylate. Menthol is a classic ingredient in anti-itch remedies. It works by activating TRPM8 channels in the nerves of the skin and calming the itch sensation.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Send questions to them via www. peoplespharmacy.com.