Q: I have rheumatoid arthritis, and flaxseed oil capsules seemed to aggravate my symptoms. I would like to take fish oil capsules for omega-3 fatty acids, but I am also taking Zetia for cholesterol which, as I am sure you know, blocks absorption of fats in the intestine. Would I still get the benefit from fish oil capsules?
A: Zetia interferes with the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines, but not all fat. There should not be an issue with taking both together, and in many of my patients, I have them on both.
Q: For the last three nights, my mother (age 60) has been complaining about a ringing or a cricket sound in her ears. She has not been able to sleep at all. Can you tell me what that may be?
A: Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is caused by irritation to the inner ear. That is often caused by a virus but also can be due to drugs that can be “ototoxic” (toxic to the structures in the inner ear). Some common drugs that can be ototoxic fall in the categories of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin), antidepressants, antihypertensives and heartburn medications. Hearing loss, which is associated with aging, also can be associated with tinnitus. Sudden episodes of tinnitus, hearing loss and dizziness are the hallmark triad of Meniere's disease. If it is still going on and disrupting her sleep, have her see her doctor. While you are waiting for the appointment, consider having her stop any unnecessary medications, especially any that recently have been added.
Q: I am on the anti-inflammatory diet, but the information that I have does not say anything about whole grains or grains period. Are whole grains allowed on an anti-inflammatory diet?
A: For many people, grains are tolerated very well. For others, they can be inflammatory and cause many symptoms including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and allergy symptoms. I often will prescribe an “elimination diet” for patients suffering from a variety of symptoms to assess dietary influences on their symptoms. Often grains are the culprit! If they are not, however, whole grains are great sources of B vitamins and fiber.
Tanya Edwards, M.D., M.Ed., is the Medical Director for the Center for Integrative Medicine and is a staff member in the Department of Family Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. As a Family Practice physician, she sees patients at the Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center, and will begin wellness consultations at the new Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center. For the past seven years, she has been teaching complementary and alternative medicine courses at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Some questions in the “Ask Dr. Edwards” column appear courtesy of NetWellness.org.
NetWellness.org - Consumer health information that's unbiased and credible from university health professionals. Ask university faculty questions. It's completely confidential, anonymous, unbiased and free.
