Dear Dr. Gott: While driving recently, I listened to a radio program about medical issues. The program hosts indicated that sound nutritional practices can, over time, allow people to eliminate pills and medications they had been told they would have to take all their lives.

I had my first physical in over 30 years. I was found to be in good shape, except I was diagnosed with thyroid disease. I take L-Thyroxine daily. Periodically, I have to have a blood sample drawn to determine whether the drug dose is adequate. Do you know of some nutritional practice that can eventually eliminate my dependence on taking synthetic thyroid medication?

Dear reader: There are some home remedies you can take for hypothyroidism; however, the results will likely be less than optimal. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and aspartame can all worsen a thyroid condition. Try adding fresh vegetable juices to your diet three days a week. With your doctor's permission, try using products such as Thyroidinium or Tyrosine 400 (an amino acid supplement). These are available at health-food stores. You may want to see a naturopathic physician along with your primary care physician. If you choose this route, be sure the two physicians work together to provide you with the best treatment. The naturopath can offer natural remedies, while the PCP can provide modern medicines and testing. You must continue to have appropriate testing to ensure your condition is under control.

Having said this, the fact that you have an underactive thyroid gland and require medication indicates that you will have to take it for the rest of your life. Your thyroid is not likely to function properly on its own. Fortunately, L-Thyroxine is inexpensive and safe to use. Make some dietary modifications, and stick with your doctor's recommendation.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Consumer Tips on Medicines." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: My 36-year-old daughter weighs about 110 pounds. She's been feeling lightheaded and has had tingling sensations in her arms and hands for the past year. She's been to a heart doctor and had MRIs and blood work done, but she continues to feel bad. What do you think her problem could be? Do you know of any other tests that should be done?

Dear reader: There are many diseases that can cause the symptoms your daughter is experiencing. If she is a smoker or consumes aspartame, she should stop at once. She may be experiencing stress from work-related anxieties, outstanding bills, children, a sick relative and other issues. To touch all the bases, I suggest she be evaluated by a mental-health expert to identify whether anxiety or stress disorder is the culprit.

Fortunately, she appears to have had appropriate consultations. I assume her testing found that her thyroid is normal, there are no signs of cancer and she is not anemic. If not, her physician should order more testing. If the doctor has run out of options, she should be referred to an appropriate specialist. In the interim, offer moral support and help her get to the root of the problem.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."

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