Dear Doc: I keep on reading about vitamin D, how much to take, what it means, etc. Is there such a thing as taking too much D? I’m a fit senior who wants to live a long life. — DJ from Buffalo
Dear DJ: There are lots of vitamins and supplements that have bitten the dust in the past few years, that is for older folks such as you. C, E, folic acid, beta carotene and even calcium have shown little to no benefit for adults. When it comes to D, the jury is still out.
There is evidence that those with low D levels may have an increased risk of getting COVID-19 and experiencing its complications. African Americans who generally have lower D levels have higher COVID rates — and that might be in part because of D.
How much D to take, if you’re interested, is up for grabs. Some say 1000u is enough, some 2000u and some up to 5000u. Once you get about 5000u, you might run into trouble. There can be toxicity with high D, but that tends to be in the 10,000u range.
I, myself, take 2000u a day. Whether it’s a placebo or not, I’m not sure. But for now I think there is reasonable data that D helps you live that long sweet life that you’re interested in.
Hi, Dr. Paster: Thank you so much for your health columns and your radio program. I enjoy them very much. Your recent article, “We should reward those who accept the vaccine,” caught my interest. I liked the write-up and think it would help to get us to 80% of the population having antibodies against COVID-19. A time magazine article says that I will still need to wear a mask after I’m vaccinated. Ugh! Wish I wouldn’t have to keep wearing that mask. What’s your take? — DN from Madison
Dear DN: Yes, you’re right. Ugh! Who likes a mask? Nobody at all. No one. But yes, it’s true.
We don’t know whether the immunizations really protect us from spreading COVID. It sounds a bit weird, but we might not be sick from COVID but it might live in our airways. No study done yet shows us the answer, so masking up is the only way to go.
Besides what sort of a message is it if some wear a mask and others don’t. It’s mixed up, that’s for sure.
Dear Dr. Paster: Does the dietary supplement turmeric have any proven positive effects other than psychological? The label says it “may help support joint function, mobility and comfort.” — CCS
Dear CCS: Perhaps yes. Perhaps no. From an FDA point of view you can’t say that it works for arthritis as that would mean that it has to be proven by double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, so the workaround is to use the words they use. That allows them to sell their drug just like we sell cosmetics.
My mom used to use Ponds Cold Cream because she said it would make her appear more youthful. Did it work? She thought it did, so she used it every night. Whatever made her look good undoubtedly made her feel good.
Supplements need a low bar when it comes to what they claim. Big Pharma isn’t interested in studying them because they can’t make money on them — that makes sense because it takes many millions of dollars to get a drug to market.
That means you’d need the NIH to fund the research, and they’re often more interested in basic science or fighting diseases such as cancer. That means it will never be studied scientifically.
My spin: Try it several times to see if it works for you. I usually suggest two weeks on, then two weeks off, then repeat that a few times. If it’s a placebo, that effect usually disappears over time.
Zorba Paster: Health advice from 2020
Catch up on any health advice from Dr. Zorba Paster you may have missed in 2020
We are at the end of a strange, unpredictable and unusual year — one that deserves resolutions, as does every year.
Atrial fibrillation can cause strokes, but studies have not found fish oil, vitamin D or other supplements to be effective.
Some columns are a bit more fun than others. This is one of my funnest — holiday gift suggestions.
The incentive for getting a COVID-19 vaccine might be that you don’t have to wear a mask, you can travel on an airplane, or you can go to theaters.
You can buy one that uses LED technology for about $35.
So much to miss. So much to mourn. So difficult to navigate.
Studies show those who take more steps and spend more time standing, rather than sitting, live longer lives.
The flu shot protects you from a nasty virus that makes you miserable.
The upside might be important, especially during the influenza and COVID season coming up.
Peer relations play an important role for children’s emotional and social development and may have considerable long-term implications on their health.
Studies show better hearing could help prevent dementia.
There is no one correct answer for everyone.
Six out of 10 people who used the weighted blanket had a significant 50% improvement based on standardized sleep scores, compared with the control group.
What do we know about asthma? We talk a lot about heart disease, stroke, cancer, and, of course, COVID-19, but we don’t spend as much time tal…
Let’s talk aspirin — daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks. But before we discuss this, gentle readers, let’s discuss the Webster’s dictionar…
Every year at this time, I think of falls. Falls are not seasonal, but so many Wisconsinites are up on ladders at this time of year cleaning o…
Every year at this time I get allergy questions. Spring or fall is the peak time in Wisconsin, but if you live in Arizona, which some of my re…
So let me paint a picture. You’re thinking of going to your favorite barber or salon and you’re worried about COVID-19.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.
Bottom line first: Probiotics might help your depression. Surprised? I sure was when I reviewed this article – so let’s dig into the data.
Dear Doc: I’ve suffered from depression for years and years. I’ve been on lots of antidepressants. They work, but I still don’t feel like I th…
Weight loss. Weight loss. Weight loss. As you can imagine I get lots of questions about how to shed those extra pounds. I do my usual song – e…
I was a smoker. I’ve mentioned this before – I often mention this to my patients. I thought it was cool to smoke in college. Back in the day, …
As of this writing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that for every one case of COVID-19 found, there are 12 cases not…
Let’s check out some fascinating information out of Washington State, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Pub…
Many of my patients want to be tested for COVID-19. Why? You know why. They want to know if they have it.
Dear Doc: I have a good friend with post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in the military. He’s gone to counseling and tried antidepres…
Dear Doc: I have been known to drink too much one day have an awful hangover the next. I’ve heard of a lot of remedies for that awful feeling …
Dear Doc: I’m a 50-year-old guy who needs a colonoscopy — at least that’s what my doctor and my wife say. I exercise, I eat right, I have no f…
Can apple cider vinegar really be a cure for obesity? Well, don’t believe everything you might read.
Dear Doc: I have migraines, have since I was 5 years old. I take medications, beta blockers, to help control them. They work, but not all the time.
Back to sleep. That’s the mantra — the right mantra — for infants.
I’ve been thinking a lot about resiliency. Perhaps you have, too.
Bathing. I have fond memories of sitting in a bathtub as a kid. Putting in bubble bath, playing with those funny rubber ducks – and as a young…
I have received lots and lots of questions concerning COVID-19. It’s clearly on all of our minds.
Years ago — sometimes it seems like eons ago — I wrote a book and did a PBS special called “The Longevity Code: Your Personal Prescription for…
Dear Readers: I’d like to identify, clarify and otherwise elucidate some facts and fictions, questions from my loyal listeners, viewers and re…
Gentle readers, this is the second of two columns. The first dealt with COVID-19 itself, the virus that is changing our society.
My dear readers, we are in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic. I know I’m not telling you something you don’t know already. What you might not …
I talk a lot about exercise – doing something to keep yourself in top health. And I chime in all the time about getting kids to go outdoors an…
Let’s talk about booze. I’ve lived in Wisconsin most of my life. When my kids come over, we usually head to the fridge for a cold brew. It’s o…
It may seem like I talk about vaccines too much, but not really. Estimates are that we’ve saved more lives from vaccines than from penicillin …
More updates from the recent Mayo Clinic conference in Hawaii that I attended.
Keeping up to date — that is the goal of every health care provider. We do it on the web, by reading books and journals, going to lectures, et…
My wife, Penelope, and I love going to cultural events — theater, concerts, art museums. If there’s an event in town, we’re on it.
Walk down the street anywhere in the world and you’ll see people staring at their cell phones. How many times have you almost bumped into them…
There are a ton of self-help books out there — all you have to do is go into a bookstore, a brick and mortar one, to see the shelves lined wit…
OK, the holidays are over. The New Year’s resolutions have come and gone. So let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about that cold of yours.
Dear Doc: I’m upset. My 12 year old went to a friend’s house where he played with a gun. It was unloaded, but geez, it’s not safe.
Dear Doc: I don’t think I have seen you address this issue. I am prone to sudden and emergency requirements to find a bathroom with just two t…
Dr. Zorba Paster
This column provides general health information. Always consult your personal health care provider about concerns. No ongoing relationship of any sort is implied or offered by Dr. Paster to people submitting questions. Any opinions expressed by Dr. Paster in his columns are personal and are not meant to represent or reflect the views of SSM Health.
