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Q. For many years now, after developing issues with antiperspirants, I’ve been using crystal body deodorant products. These are made of natural mineral salts. They are supposed to help control odor-causing bacteria and contain no aluminum chlorohydrate.
I started with a stick that you wet before application, but it was hard on my armpits. Instead, I now use a spray. There is also a roll-on, but as a man, I don’t like roll-ons because the applicator pulls on underarm hair.
These products don’t stop perspiration, and if you sweat enough, the deodorizing effect will stop unless it is reapplied. However, I’ve been pleased overall.
A. If you are trying to avoid aluminum, crystal deodorants may not be quite the solution you imagine. While they do not contain aluminum chlorohydrate, most are based on potassium alum. This ingredient is also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. Others may use ammonium alum as the active ingredient.
When you see the word “alum” on a label, it usually indicates an aluminum salt. If you truly wish to avoid aluminum in body care products, you should look for the words “aluminum-free.”
Q. I would love to take psyllium as a simple option for regularity issues and cholesterol management, but I have read numerous articles citing high lead levels in psyllium. What are your thoughts on this?
A. People take psyllium to combat constipation, help control bowel movements, ease acid reflux, modulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. For most of these indications, it is best taken daily or possibly more than once a day.
In general, psyllium is affordable and accessible. On the other hand, tests have shown that some brands of psyllium fiber do contain more lead than one would wish to consume on a daily basis. We like to check ConsumerLab.com’s analysis. They recommend Organic India brand psyllium whole-husk fiber, which has very little lead and is certified organic. ConsumerLab.com provides information on supplement quality to its subscribers.
For more information about dealing with irregularity, you may want to consult our “eGuide to Controlling Constipation.” We offer 10 tips that don’t involve medication as well as recipes for power pudding and pumpkin-bran muffins. This online resource is available under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. I have tried many home remedies, and soap in bed is the first that is absolutely effective! I have always experienced moderate to severe leg and foot cramps at night. More recently, I’ve had restless leg syndrome (RLS).
I read about your Ivory soap remedy and have used it for nearly two years. During that time, I have had only a few cramps, which lasted no more than a minute or two until I got the soap on my leg or foot. Even better, no RLS! This is an amazing home remedy.
A. You are not the only reader to praise the power of soap against leg cramps. Some people prefer Irish Spring to Ivory, but both brands have advocates.
We suspect that the fragrance in these soaps could be activating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to override the neuromuscular contractions causing the cramps. Regardless of the mechanism, this remedy appears to be surprisingly effective for many people.
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.”