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Better Nutrition, Oct, 2000

Dear Better Nutrition,

My congratulations to you on your exceptional magazine. I was wondering, Do you, or will you have any literature on dialysis? I've been on dialysis for approximately 6 months because of medication I was on. I need to know if there is anything I can to do or take to perhaps reverse my condition. Thanks!

Mary Ann Kasarda McKees Rocks, PA

Editor's Reply

Most research has looked more at reducing kidney stones rather than reversing kidney disease, as such. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that fish oil supplements may help with kidney disease. A 1994 study by JV Donadio, et al., which appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), found that 55 patients lost kidney function more slowly than did 51 subjects taking a placebo. A 1993 NEJM study by van der Heide showed that fish oil also helped kidney-transplant patients. In any case, work with your physicians on this. Good luck.

Dear Better Nutrition,

I read your July editorial, "Escape from the E.R." and this is my story, which actually happened last September. I had been in a severe auto accident and suffered many broken bones, including broken ribs and a chipped hip bone.

The first night at the hospital, I was still unable to move, but the doctors told me I had to get ready to leave because they wanted to make the room available to other patients. Although, with the help of a social worker, I managed to delay my discharge that night, I was very soon told again that I had to leave. I was still in extreme pain, unable to move.

The day I was discharged, I was put in front of the entrance to the hospital in a wheelchair that morning (at 11 am) and sat there until 7:30 pm before a bus finally came to take me home. During that time I was in extreme pain and asked several times for assistance. Although I filed a lawsuit against the hospital, the cost of the suit forced me to drop charges. To this date, I am still going to therapy for my arm and hand.

Mina Burk El Paso, TX

Editor's Reply

Dear Better Nutrition,

Some time ago, I found (and loved) "wheat nuts." Recently, I found them again but they were ground up and reshaped. I simply can't find "wheat nuts" in their natural state. Wheat berries were close, but not what I was looking for, so my questions remain: Are "wheat nuts" the same thing as wheat berries, what are their nutritional values and where can I find them?

Frank Albri Parma, OH

Editor's Reply

Wheat nuts and wheat berries are the same thing, and you can also look for them under the name "groats." One cup of groats has 6 grams of fiber and is also rich in copper, niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. They also combine well with fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C, as well as foods that are protien-rich.

A company called The Nut Factory sells these seeds in many varieties, so ask your local retailer to call 1-888-239-5288 for more information, or look for wheat nuts under one of their many names!