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2 spoonsful of psyllium-husk fiber helps the system stay down

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: Some readers prefer fiber pills, but I like to take a different route. I am 75 and have been taking psyllium-husk fiber for about 15 years to start my day. Each morning, I put 2 scoops of psyllium into a blender with 2 cups of low-sugar diet fruit juice, plus fresh fruit like berries or a banana. Sometimes I even add a little tofu for protein. I blend everything well and drink it right away. Psyllium thickens quickly, so don’t let it sit in the glass. Also, take care when swallowing because thick fiber can stick in your throat if you ...

Healthy lifestyle could remove triggers for migraines

By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent column about migraines and strokes. About 40 years ago, I began having occasional visual-interference episodes with zigzags, blurry central vision and more that lasted for about 30 minutes. My doctor described ...

Understanding protein overload that can contribute to dandruff

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: Forty years ago, when I was doing Weight Watchers, I had terrible dandruff until a new hairdresser told me, “It is caused by eating too much protein.” So, I cut back, and lo and behold, I haven’t had any more dandruff since then. — P.M., in St. Louis P.M., dandruff isn’t directly caused by protein. It comes primarily from a fungus (Malassezia) that feeds on sebum. A diet with protein helps the scalp maintain a healthy balance. On the other hand, a diet that is heavy in refined sugars, dairy and processed foods seems to worsen ...

Dictating, disrespect shouldn’t be part of relative as landlord

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Annie: I live with my almost-30-year-old daughter. She acquired our place through a lawsuit settlement. She talks to and treats me like I’m a child and tries to control my life. She often reminds me: “This is my place. I run things.” I ...

There’s an upside to digital papers

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: Amid all of this discussion about physical newspapers, to my knowledge, none of your readers has suggested a big downside to printed newspapers: They are dirty. After reading the paper, my hands were always black from the easily transferrable ink. I really enjoy reading your column in the Whittier Daily News on my computer. — Loix M., via email More on digital paper Dear Heloise: I loved Bob Meagher’s contribution on the advantages of subscribing to the electronic-only edition of the daily newspaper. I have been doing this for five ...