Dear Pharmacist,
I'm prone to tension headaches, but during the holidays, they're constant. I take ibuprofen and sometimes hydrocodone. Can you help me?
--J.R., San Jose, California
Suzy Cohen
Suzy Cohen, is known as America’s Pharmacist. She has been a licensed pharmacist for 24 years and is a Functional Medicine practitioner. She’s the author of 6 books, including her most recent Amazon #1 best-seller, “Thyroid Healthy: Lose Weight, Look Beautiful and Live the Life You Imagine.”
She was the host of The Thyroid Summit which broadcast worldwide in June 2014. Suzy has been a syndicated columnist for 19 years reaching 20 million in circulation each week. She is a Huffington Post writer, and also hosts her own syndicated medical minute on TV. Suzy has been featured on The Dr OZ Show 6 times, and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America Health, The Doctors and hundreds of other networks. She is a member of The Institute of Functional Medicine, also the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The American Pharmacists Association and ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. You can read free articles and receive your free newsletter by visiting her website, SuzyCohen.com
Books authored by Suzy Cohen include:
- Thyroid Healthy
- Headache Free
- Drug Muggers
- Diabetes Without Drugs
- The 24-Hour Pharmacist
- Eczema: Itchin’ for a Cure (kindle only)
- Understanding Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer (kindle only)
Why You Need Probiotics Year Round
Dear Pharmacist,
What is your go-to supplement for immunity? I want to get through the season without getting sick this year.
--L.S., Long Island, New York
Big News for Thyroid Disease
Dear Pharmacist,
I have Hashimoto thyroiditis, can I take thyroid supplements that contain iodine?
--K.S., Seattle, Washington
If You Were Going to Eat Gluten, Wouldn’t You Eat Stuffing?
Dear Pharmacist,
I heard your lecture on free "The Gluten Summit" last week and was shocked to find out I take gluten every day in my medicine, and I'm a Celiac. Can you write more about this food additive?
--P.M., Austin, Texas
Prescription Sleeping Pills
Dear Pharmacist,
What are the best medications to help me sleep? I've tried all the natural remedies, I need something stronger!
--V.E., Sacramento, California
Erectile Dysfunction Predictor of Heart Attack
Dear Pharmacist,
I have a bedroom problem. I took Viagra for several years, and it stopped working, so I was put on Cialis. Sometimes that helps, sometimes not. I'm too embarrassed to ask my doctor again, she says this is a part of aging because I am 58. Any suggestions?
--T.M., Bethesda, Maryland
Answer: I have many! I'm stunned that she's never mentioned bio-identical hormone replacement for you,...
Alloxan Toxin Causes Diabetes
Dear Pharmacist,
What is the number one thing I can do to prevent diabetes?
--T.H., Seattle, Washington
Herbal Relief for Nerve Pain
Dear Pharmacist,
I have nerve pain that is chronic and related to my diabetes. I take medication for that, and want to add some supplements that might help. I promise to ask my doctor if they're alright for me, if you pick my question and answer me in the paper. Love your work Suzy.
--P.T., Tulsa, Oklahoma
Metal Allergies May Cause Eczema
Dear Pharmacist,
I have eczema that comes and goes, and I'm currently using a steroid cream which helps. I am sure when I stop the cream, it will return. Any advice?
--E.H., Tampa, Florida
Side Effect Solutions for Bone Building Meds and Diuretics
Dear Pharmacist,
I take a water pill (diuretic) for blood pressure. Now, I have to take Boniva for osteopenia. Is there a connection? What's next for me? I've read you for years so please pick my question for the paper.
--H.J., Ocala, Florida
The Estrogen Erection Connection
Dear Pharmacist,
I am debating whether or not to fill the prescription for Estradiol, and I want more information on this drug and estrogen in general. I need it for hot flashes.
--M.G., San Diego, California
Dupuytren's Contracture Starts with Lumps in Your Palms
Dear Pharmacist,
I have two small nodules in my palm, they are small and painless, but I see (and feel) them below my pinky and ring finger. My doctor's appointment isn't for two months and I'm worried. Can you weigh in?
--C.S., Sacramento, California
Answer:I'm glad you have an upcoming appointment with a doctor who can examine your hand for other signs like dimples, pitted marks or bent fingers....
Yes! Yes! OH NO!
Dear Pharmacist,
I get headaches during sex. It's not all the time, but I'm worried. It takes the fun out of it. My doctor said don't worry. But I do.
--E.L., Dunnellon, Florida
Answer:Orgasmic headaches or plain old "sex headaches" affect about 1 in 100 people. The pain often begins at the base of the brain and radiates to the front of your head at any point. It can happen any time during lovemaking....
Propolis is Perfect for Immunity, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
Dear Pharmacist,
I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take? Don't worry, I take probiotics, what I want is a natural antibiotic.
--M.W., Santa Barbara, CA
Research Shows Yoga May Help Blood Pressure, Chronic Pain & Headaches
Dear Pharmacist,
I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and 2 surgeries on my neck. Nothing helps. Please, any ideas?
--D.C., San Diego, CA
No Magical Fix For Osteoarthritis
Dear Pharmacist,
I am 60 years old, and now I'm told I have osteoarthritis. My doctor said that there is no known "cure" for this. I need to know the best natural treatments.
--O.W. Melbourne, FL
Protect Eyesight
Dear Pharmacist,
I need more options to protect my vision. I take prescription eye drops, but I'm steadily declining.
--R.J. Decatur, Illinois
The Insomniac’s Dream Come True
Dear Pharmacist,
I have trouble with prescribed sleeping pills, they make me do crazy things like sleep walk, eat and wake up family members in the middle of the night "just to chat." What are natural options?
--A.A., Superior, Colorado
High Insulin Is Worse than High Blood Sugar
Dear Pharmacist,
I am now up to 14 medications for the following problems: High cholesterol, heart disease, pre-diabetes, cataracts, arrhythmias, allergies, memory problems and enlarged prostate (BPH). The medications make me sick and sleepy. I need some fresh perspective.
- C.P. Kansas City, Kansas
Fish Oil Supplements and Prostate Cancer
Dear Pharmacist,
What do you think about fish oil being linked to prostate cancer? I used to take it everyday but stopped after hearing about it in the news. Do you still recommend it?
--L.D., Miami, Florida
Answer:My opinion is that headlines which suggest fish oils raise risk for prostate cancer are nonsense. Some people cannot even think their way around this and have given up fish oils despite...