DEAR DR. GOTT: I am presently taking one Levoxyl daily for a thyroid condition. I'd prefer to use something natural rather than continue drug medication. I'm almost 74 years old and was seeing a physician's assistant. Unfortunately, she's taken another position so I can't ask her advice.

Would it be better to see a naturopath rather than a medical doctor if I desire natural products?

DEAR READER: Levoxyl is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of hormones important for well-being. Left untreated, it can cause heart disease, joint pain, slowed metabolism and infertility. The Levoxyl you have been prescribed offsets what the body has failed to do and balances the chemical reactions in the body. Whether this medication or another is prescribed, it must be taken daily.

The condition may have several causes, the most common of which is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder. People treated for hyperthyroidism often receive radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication. In some instances, permanent hypothyroidism results. Radiation therapy used to treat cancers of the head and neck has been found to affect the thyroid gland. Several medications have also been linked to hypothyroidism.

While most physicians recommend synthetic hormones, natural extracts that contain thyroxin and triiodothyronine are now available. Extracts are available through prescription and should not be confused with a wide variety of glandular concentrates sold in natural-food stores, since the Food and Drug Administration cannot guarantee their potency.

For this reason, I must side with prescription medication (both the synthetic and the natural form) rather than herbals. Consider modifying your diet to include saltwater fish, shellfish and seaweed, as all are rich in iodine. Avoid Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, which are natural thyroid blockers. Caffeine and high-fiber diets may reduce thyroxin absorption.

Furthermore, I recommend you speak with your physician and explain that you are serious about attempting to eliminate your prescription medication. Perhaps you can work a trial of dietary restrictions under his supervision. Then have your thyroid levels checked to determine whether there is any appreciable difference. If there isn't, perhaps you can continue with food modifications only.

That should be a decision best made between you and your physician. If you still don't feel comfortable, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, who might be able to help you further.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Thyroid Disorders." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a faithful reader of your column, and here's a switch. I live alone, and every week my cleaning lady cleans and machine washes my clothes in cold water!

Does cold water and soap kill all the bacteria? This scares me. Shouldn't she use warm or hot water?

DEAR READER: With advances in today's laundry detergents, it isn't necessary to wash clothing in hot water to remove "bacteria." In fact, even if hot water is used, bacteria will get on the clothing as soon as it is touched, since bacteria are on nearly every surface of the world. They are also a vital part of our bodies, aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Stop worrying about them and enjoy life.

Your cleaning lady is acting responsibly. She's saving you money, presumably getting your clothing clean and helping the environment. She's probably a great person to have on your side.

Dr. Peter 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."