Housecalls—Washing Bagged Lettuce, Constipation, Fluoride

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By Jennifer Arnold

Wash Before Eating

Q Do I need to wash bagged lettuce that’s labeled as “triple washed”?

A According to an official from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s always a good idea to wash produce before eating. While “triple-washed” bagged salad mixes have gone through three complete wash cycles and a drying process before bagging, they’ve come a long way between the bagging plant and your grocery store. Better safe than sorry.

While you’re washing your bagged salad, check out the “Use By” date on the package. If you’re more than a day or two past it, chuck the greens. Salad bags are specially engineered to slow spoilage, so you can’t go by appearance only.

And, by the way, that washing recommendation goes for all produce—even organic. While organic produce should have lower pesticide residues than regular produce, the FDA says the organic label has no impact on the risk of food-borne illness.

Constipation Elimination

Q Eating fiber and drinking water aren’t working. Are there any natural therapies that can rid me of constipation?

A More water and fiber are a good start, but there are other natural options that may help. Try starting your day with a hot cup of herbal tea instead of coffee—caffeine can make the problem worse, and hot liquids may help stimulate the colon. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root tea can stimulate natural bile production. Paulette McMillan, dietician at the Center for Health & Wellness in Bethesda, Md., recommends 600 to 800 mg of magnesium citrate daily; magnesium deficiency is an oft-overlooked cause of constipation. Vitamin C can also help things along—try 1,000 mg once a day and, if needed, increase it by 1,000 mg a day until you see results. (Don’t exceed 3,000 mg a day, and be sure to account for vitamin C you may be getting in your food or other supplements. )

If none of these things help, it’s OK to try natural laxatives, as long as you only use them occasionally. McMillan’s favorite is an Ayurvedic formula called Triphala, made of three different dried and powdered fruits. Alternatively, one to three teaspoons of psyllium powder dissolved in a glass of water or juice taken for a few days may do the trick. And there are many herbal products made with senna, a natural stimulant laxative. Formulations vary, so check
labels for dosage recommendations.

Filtering out Fluoride

Q I worry about the fluoride in my drinking water. Do household filters get rid of it?

A Very few of them. According to Paul Connett, executive director of the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) in Burlington, Vt., charcoal water filters like Brita and Pur will not remove fluoride. To more effectively remove fluoride, you need an activated alumina (tricalcium phosphate), reverse osmosis (RO), or distillation filtration system. And none of these options are cheap. The activated alumina filters are the least expensive, but have a short life span, requiring frequent replacement. RO an...

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