DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a heart attack a year ago. My wife and other people have told me that I can eat anything I want, as long as I eat in moderation. What do you say? — C.F.
ANSWER: It depends on what you mean by “moderation.” I would recommend a diet based mostly on plants, with the option of adding whole grains, fish, nuts, fruits and lean meat sources, such as skinless chicken. I would urge moderation (in this case, I mean eaten very rarely) for less-healthy food choices, such as highly processed foods and those with high sugar content. I would recommend zero intake of trans-saturated fats (which, fortunately, are leaving the food supply, though not quickly enough).
The data on red meat remains mixed, but the preponderance of data shows that commercial red meat should be consumed sparingly (no more than two servings per week appears to confer the lowest risk for heart disease). This is the diet I recommend for most people for overall health, but after a heart attack or the diagnosis of blockages in the arteries of the heart or brain even without a heart attack or stroke, this diet is likely to reduce risk of further events.
DEAR DR. ROACH: A local radio station relentlessly advertises bee pollen as an amazing dietary supplement. Are there benefits to taking bee pollen supplements daily? — R.G.L.
ANSWER: Although I generally am skeptical of products claiming “amazing” health benefits, I always approach the research with an open mind. As Isaac Asimov said: “I believe in evidence. I believe in observation, measurement and reasoning, confirmed by independent observers. I’ll believe anything, no matter how wild and ridiculous, if there is evidence for it. The wilder and more ridiculous something is, however, the firmer and more solid the evidence will have to be.”
In the case of bee pollen, the evidence is very scanty. Bee pollen contains many different nutrients, including a long list of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and other nutrients like flavonoids. However, because of the nature of pollen, some bee pollens are not easily digested by humans unless a mechanical or chemical process is used to remove the protective coatings of the pollen.
Bee pollen can have adverse effects. There are several documented cases of severe allergy, and rare reports of kidney and liver damage. Unfortunately, there isn’t good evidence for benefit from bee pollen. Given the known potential for harm, even though it is small, and that there is no convincing evidence of benefit, I recommend against bee pollen supplements.
DEAR DR. ROACH: A few weeks ago while bathing, I discovered a dark, stiff material looking like a twig in my belly button. Is this common? — L.E.
ANSWER: The skin inside your belly button can secrete small amounts of oil (called sebum) which, when mixed with dead skin cells, can form a solid mass. These are not bothersome, but are predisposed to become inflamed or infected.
Cleaning the area takes some time and patience. Starting after a bath is a good idea, since the water can soften and loosen the material. A cold cream or baby oil also can help dissolve the material over five to 15 minutes or so. I’d recommend gentle cleansing with a warm washcloth. It’s a sensitive area, so don’t overscrub, or it will become irritated.
If this advice doesn’t work, by all means show it to your doctor or a dermatologist.
READERS: The booklet on the prostate gland discusses enlargement and cancer. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 1001, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.
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