DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a garden and have been eating a lot of strawberries, blueberries, etc. I have started getting rashes, which are probably connected to the high berry consumption. I have started taking Benadryl before eating them, and this helps. (I do love berries.)

Is this a good idea? There is probably a risk of the allergy worsening. But is it also possible that the allergy negates all the wonderful antioxidants and it does more harm than good to continue eating these things?

DEAR READ<$> Your rash could certainly indicate an allergy to something you are consuming. I suggest that you check with an allergist, who will test you and advise you about possible food allergies. Meanwhile, continue the Benadryl as long as it reduces or prevents your skin reaction. You can also experiment.

Try eating a single type of berry each day. This will help narrow down which berry or berries is causing the rash. You should also reduce the frequency in which you eat berries or the number the berries you consume at each sitting.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. G:<$> I have always believed that one should not take any medication, including vitamins, etc., on an empty stomach. Then I started taking Fosamax, and I know it must be taken on an empty stomach.

However, two months ago, my pharmacist gave me, with my refill prescription of levothyroxine, which I have taken for some 11 years, a sheet saying it should be taken on an empty stomach. That was the first time I had ever been given that instruction.

My questions are 1.) has my thyroid extract been wasted all these years by taking it after breakfast, and 2.) is it OK to take several things all at once, such as a multivitamin, calcium, fish oil and adult aspirin? I imagine your information about this would be of benefit to other readers.

DEAR READER: Without measuring your thyroid function with a blood test, I cannot say whether your medicine is being affected by being taken after breakfast.

With respect to other possible drug interactions, I urge you to review this issue with your pharmacist or your physician.

The chance is high that some foods (or other medications) could interfere with your current drug therapy. This situation is especially critical because many patients are paving the way for toxicity or loss of therapeutic efficiency. You need more sound information.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.