USA: Doubts About Triglycerides, 'Benedryl' As Sleep Aid

Strict Diet Not Always Best Way To Reduce Your Triglycerides ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois (Daily Herald), October 22, 2007: By Dr. Peter Gott/ Columnist Q. I recently had blood work done, and the results were high (triglycerides 323). My doctor told me to take alcohol and sugar out of my diet as well as pasta, bread, rice, beans and cereal. My husband and I went on the Internet and found a wealth of information on triglycerides but found conflicting suggestions for diet. Nowhere did we find that the above foods should be eliminated. As a matter of fact, one study said that whole-wheat foods were OK. We are confused. We have been following the Mediterranean diet for years, and my husband just doesn't want to give up pasta. I can live without the sugar and alcohol, but it seems like my food choices are really limited. A. I am not in favor of a strict diet to lower levels of triglycerides, the second-most-common blood fat. I would first suggest that you and your husband begin an exercise program and have your blood fats measured in about a month. Continue your Mediterranean diet. This is a quality-of-life issue in conjunction with an overly strict diet. Let's try a simpler, less restrictive approach as the first option. Q. As a senior of 73 years, I have been taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for several years as a sleep aid with no apparent side effects. An article in the AARP bulletin states "diphenhydramine is mostly bad news because its adverse effects are amplified in older people." Further, the lead author concludes that diphenhydramine "is a horrible choice (for seniors) -- I almost can't think of anything worse." What is your position on the matter? I am sure millions may be using Benadryl as I have. A. In some senior citizens, Benadryl can cause confusion, forgetfulness and other adverse side effects. I no longer encourage my patients to use the drug. Unfortunately, there is no equally effective substitute. Some people who have never reacted badly to Benadryl choose to continue the medicine despite the bad publicity. If you feel uncomfortable continuing the Benadryl despite your success, I recommend that you speak with your physician, who may have newer information or suggestions. Like Benadryl, some prescription sleep aids are also receiving poor marks for increased side effects in the older population. Melatonin is one of the few sleep aids that has not been put down recently. You may wish to try this option. It can be purchased over the counter in most pharmacies and vitamin sections of grocery stores. © 2007, Newspaper Enterprise Association