People's Pharmacy

Q. I’ve relied on natural crystal deodorants for years, with the understanding that they were safer than the usual antiperspirants. I was under the impression that they were free of aluminum. When I checked the label, it said “potassium alum.” Does that mean aluminum?

Q. From about 1985 till about 2005, my blood pressure ran about 150/90, and I needed antihypertensive medications. In 2003, I planted several citrus trees, including two pink grapefruits.

Q. I happened across a study showing that low-sodium diets don’t offer benefits to people who aren’t otherwise at risk for heart disease. I realized that I’ve been religiously following a low-sodium diet for years, since it was advised for the general population. I’ve completely lost my taste for salt and avoid it whenever possible, but I am not at risk for heart disease.

Q. Is there any evidence for the health benefits of chocolate? From what I’ve read, there have never been true randomized studies.

Q. As far back as I can remember, my stool has floated. I never worried about it until I saw something on the Web about pancreatic cancer and floating poop.

Q. Your readers did it again! I’ve been drinking oolong tea for more than a month now, and the patches of psoriasis have disappeared, along with the flaking. I still have a couple of areas that need some ointment now and then, but overall I can wear shorts now without being embarrassed about my skin. (My skinny legs are another matter.) Thanks.

Q. My husband’s best friend, another soldier, started taking Chantix on Wednesday to quit smoking. Sometime Sunday evening or early Monday morning, he murdered a 17-year-old recruit and shot himself in the head afterward.

Q. I keep reading in your column that gin-soaked raisins are good for arthritis because of the juniper flavoring in the gin. Why not dispense with the raisins and gin and just eat juniper berries?

Q. I have been using cinnamon in capsules to help keep my blood sugar in normal range. I always take one or two before a high-carb meal. I use a costly one called Cinnulin, which is water-extracted.

Q. I am quite confused and annoyed about reports that fish oil isn’t beneficial. I’ve heard for years that fish-oil supplements are good for all kinds of things, like depression and anxiety, skin and joints, and general heart health. So it is a huge disappointment to read that it doesn’t help the heart after all. Was all the hype a lie?An analysis of 20 clinical trials involving more than 68,000 people found that fish-oil supplements did not reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or sudden death (JAMA, Sept. 12, 2012).