DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I read that recent studies show a 30 percent increase in heart attacks among people who take calcium supplements. I now question whether I should take these supplements. — J.M.

ANSWER: Two studies, both published in BMJ, do show an increase in heart attacks in those taking calcium supplements.

However, the people who suffered a heart attack were not taking vitamin D. Furthermore, no one getting calcium from foods that contain calcium or are fortified with calcium had a heart attack.

This news is unsettling for those who faithfully take calcium in pill form, unless they are also taking vitamin D.

People can get all the calcium they need from food. The suggested daily intake is 1,000 to 1,200 mg. One cup of yogurt has 415 mg, and one cup of milk, 305. Both are available in low-fat forms. Two cups of yogurt and three of milk come close to satisfying the daily requirement. Other calcium-rich foods are cheese at 224 mg in 1 ounce; 3 ounces of sardines with bones has 325 mg; 3 ounces of salmon with bones, 181 mg; 1 cup of spinach, 291 mg; 1 ounce of almonds, 75 mg. Some fortified foods are packed with calcium. Three-quarters of a cup of whole-grain Total has 1,000 mg; 1 cup of Total Raisin Bran, 1,000; eight ounces of fortified orange juice, 300.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I grind my teeth and bite my tongue while sleeping. Other than a mouth guard, is there anything I can do to stop my grinding? — J.S.

ANSWER: Teeth grinding has an official name, bruxism. It’s not done consciously. It happens at night while sleeping and also during the day while fully awake. Teeth grinding, as you might imagine, is a disaster for teeth.

Why have you eliminated the use of a mouth guard? If you have tried one you bought from a store, you might have found it uncomfortable and gave up on it. Your dentist can fashion one for you that fits your mouth comfortably. The guard is a safe and easy way to protect your teeth.

If you catch yourself grinding during the day or clenching your jaw muscles, relax those muscles by placing your tongue on the lower part of your upper front teeth and separating the upper from the lower teeth slightly. Doing this often keeps the jaw muscles from contracting and can carry over when you fall asleep.

Stress is one cause of bruxism. Medicines can ease stress. They should be taken only for a short time so you don’t get into a habit of using them. If you think that stress is the reason for your grinding, ask your family doctor for the name of a professional who can help you root out whatever it is that’s making you tense.

Antidepressants like pamelor, taken before going to bed, sometimes can keep the jaw muscles relaxed throughout the night.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am concerned about my 52-year-old sister. She has been taking antidepressants for many years. I believe she also has a drinking problem. When I try to speak with her on that topic, she insists that she only has two drinks a day.

I know she parties on weekends, and I know she would not discuss this with her doctor. — G.G.

ANSWER: One drink a day is the suggested limit of alcohol for all women.

Alcohol used with antidepressants usually is discouraged. The addition of alcohol to an antidepressant can affect a person’s alertness. The combination can be dangerous. Unless your sister’s doctor has said she can use both, she should not.

As for the length of time a person is on antidepressants, a protracted period of use is often necessary to prevent a relapse. That part of your sister’s story isn’t worrisome. Her alcohol consumption is.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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