Trending
Q. With irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hemorrhoids, I go to the bathroom four or five times a day. Since toilet paper never really cleans perfectly and wipes cannot be flushed down the toilet, we purchased an electric bidet. What a relief!
The area is cleaned quite well. I still have to use toilet paper, but way less. I highly recommend a bidet to anyone who experiences stained underwear!
A. We searched for research on the possible benefits of bidet use for conditions like yours. A systematic review titled "Be Kind to Your Behind" was not conclusive (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, May 31, 2022). However, the scientists seem to think it might be helpful, and many readers agree with you.
Regardless of the type of toilet people use, one activity should be discouraged. A study published in PLOS One (Sept. 3, 2025) noted that "There is an increased prevalence of hemorrhoids among people who use smartphones while sitting on the toilet."
Q. I have been taking DPH sleep aids for several years, even though they are not recommended. Sleep is difficult for me, though, and they almost always work within half an hour. There are no side effects that I am aware of.
Part of my problem might be that I read books on my iPad in the evenings, which may be too much screen time. Perhaps I should switch back to paper books. Do you have any other suggestions for safe ways to get to sleep?
A. Diphenhydramine (DPH) is a sedating antihistamine. You might recognize it by the brand name Benadryl. Many nighttime ("PM") pain relievers contain DPH.
Preliminary mouse research published in the preprint bioRxiv (July 27, 2026) reported that "… chronic DPH use degrades sleep quality …" Even if it helped sleep, though, we worry about DPH because it is anticholinergic.
A study of elderly French people found that those using any anticholinergic medicine were at risk for declining cognitive performance (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, February 2005).
It would be cruel for us to scold you for using DPH and not offer any alternatives. Our "eGuide to Getting a Good Night's Sleep" describes numerous herbs, supplements and bedtime snacks that can be helpful. It also discusses the pros and cons of a range of prescription sleeping pills. This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. I have been taking saffron for two years now for macular degeneration. My diagnosis is Age-Related Macular Degeneration in both eyes.
I waited to tell my doctor about the saffron until I saw actual improvement.
He said that there had been studies and that 50% of the people studied showed improvement.
One of my eyes improved from 20/70 to 20/40 with saffron. The other eye hasn't changed.
A. Thanks for sharing your experience. A review of the medical literature on Crocus sativus (saffron) found that crocus compounds can be helpful: "Saffron, crocin and crocetin, demonstrate consistent efficacy and exceptional safety profiles across a range of ocular conditions" (Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Aug. 13, 2026).
The authors of this review call for more research. There is some suggestion that saffron can improve visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in patients with dry AMD.
Before most ophthalmologists will accept such data, though, they will need to see large, long-term randomized controlled trials.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them."