These Q&As are part of a handful of columns that we YOU Docs consider among the most important stories we covered in 2011. Happy 2012 to all our readers.
Q: I?m allergic to aspirin. What can I take instead to lower my heart attack risk?
VICTOR, via email
A: Roughly 10 percent of people are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. This allergy can trigger breathing trouble and the severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
Prescription blood thinners do some of aspirin?s heart-protecting job but aren?t worry-free. Some require frequent checks to be sure you don?t develop internal bleeding.
However, there are other, much safer things that, like aspirin, decrease inflammation: DHA omega-3s, lycopene, lutein, vitamin D-3, coffee and caffeine, small amounts of alcohol, physical activity and bright-colored fruits and veggies.
Protecting your heart isn?t all aspirin does. About 12 months ago, impressive research confirmed evidence that had been growing for a while and concluded that low-dose aspirin can prevent colon, prostate and esophageal cancer; for women, add breast and ovarian cancer to this list. If you develop prostate cancer, taking aspirin cuts your risk of dying from it by more than half, compared to people who don?t take it.
If your doctor thinks you?d get substantial heart or cancer protection from aspirin, ask about aspirin desensitization, a procedure that gradually exposes you to increasing levels of aspirin. Do NOT try this on your own. Medical supervision is a must.
We both take two low-dose tablets (81 mg each) ? one in the morning, one at night ? and don?t miss a day. We hope it?s possible for you.
The You Docs are authors of ?YOU: Losing Weight.? To submit questions, go to www.RealAge.com. King Features syndicate.
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