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Dr. Peter Gott: Try to cut out unnecessary OTC meds

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DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a question I'm sure has never been addressed in your column. I cannot seem to lose weight. I'm 82 years old, 5 feet tall, and weigh 159 pounds. My doctor doesn't give me any answers.

I'm on metoprolol succinate, Plavix, Crestor, a multivitamin for women and Centrum Silver, Vitamin D, vitamin B-12, a low-dose aspirin, calcium with vitamin D, CO-Q10, folic acid and fish oil.

I had a stent put in one and a half years ago and try to follow a healthy diet. I go to Curves four or five times a week.

DEAR READER: Before I address your weight, I would like to review your daily medication schedule.

I agree with the metoprolol succinate (Toprol), Plavix and Crestor, prescribed by your primary physician or cardiologist. What I question is the bevy of over-the-counter supplements of vitamins D and B-12, calcium with D and folic acid in addition to your two multivitamins. They simply aren't necessary. Too much of a good thing isn't always better. When taken according to packaging instructions, a daily multivitamin should contain the recommended daily allowance of the D, B-12 and folic acid, as well as others. I recommend you stop the Centrum Silver, vitamin D, vitamin B-12 (unless you have a deficiency) and folic acid. The calcium with D is important, especially if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. As a person ages and for those with chronic cardiac conditions, levels can drop.

The addition of fish oil should help lower your triglyceride levels and slow the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.

Speak with your physician to determine whether the aspirin is appropriate. He or she may believe the Toprol and Plavix are sufficient.

If you choose, deplete your supply of the unnecessary supplements rather than discarding them or giving them away. Then put your money into a good daily supplement that meets your requirements. Before making your selection, read the ingredient panel so you can be assured you are getting what you need. Continue the Co-Q10 and fish oil.

While you eat well, perhaps you simply need slight redirection. Caffeine can slow the progression of calorie-burning. If you overdo it on coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate or other caffeine-containing products, reduce your consumption. Foods made with flour and sugar can retard weight loss. If you have a tendency to eat foods made with flour or sugar, this could be your block. Canned vegetables and soups are often high in sodium. Sodium has a tendency to make a person retain fluids (and weight). Therefore, modify your diet to include fresh or frozen steamed vegetables. Snack on raw vegetables and fruits such as carrots, broccoli, pepper slices, celery, apples, oranges and others.

Broil rather than fry lean cuts of fish, chicken and meat. Remove the salt shaker from your table. Avoid fried foods. You might just find your cholesterol level drops with dietary modifications. If this happens, perhaps the Crestor can be stopped as well.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Regarding your menthol rubs, name brand or generic, I submit the following information. The efficacy appears to be dependent on whether or not the product contains thymol. The ingredient has been moved to the "inactive" list on the panel, so you have to look carefully for it. And they do not list a percentage.

DEAR READER: Thank you for the information. People with nail fungus now know what ingredient to look for. I do know Miranel, Vicks and Wal-Mart's menthol rub contain thymol. Miranel's active ingredient is miconazole nitrate, which penetrates the nail to get to the site of the fungal infection. Vicks lists camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. And you're right. The thymol is listed as an inactive ingredient. Good pickup!