Your top questions

Our medical advisers tackle common reader queries

I have brittle fingernails and toenails that are prone to splitting. Is my diet deficient?

Philip Schaefer
Louisville, KY

Not likely. Although nails can reflect dietary deficiencies, the deficits must be extreme, a rarity in this country. Nails can also be affected by chronic diseases such as anemia and hypothyroidism. But the most common cause of nail brittleness is exposure to water. Use moisturizing hand soap, limit your shower or bath time, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves to wash dishes, and regularly use hand cream. If brittleness persists, consider seeing a dermatologist.

Can a person have restless legs syndrome somewhere other than the legs? My doctor said it was the cause of some sensitivity and agitation I had in my upper body (especially the back) and prescribed Mirapex. But I often forget to take it, and my symptoms haven't returned.

Robert Whittenbarger
Charleston, IL

It's highly unlikely that you have restless legs syndrome. RLS is a chronic condition that almost always begins in the lower limbs. It's characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, typically while sitting or lying down, and is relieved by movement. Because your symptoms don't sound like RLS and didn't return when you forgot to take the drug, talk to your doctor about stopping the Mirapex (pramipexole). It can cause nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness, and some evidence suggests that Mirapex and related drugs can trigger compulsive gambling and hypersexuality. If your back symptoms return, ask your doctor about other possible causes, including muscle spasms, a spinal problem, or a skin condition.

Some women at high risk of breast cancer are having prophylactic mastectomies. How effective is that at preventing cancer?

Elissa Lieberman
Denver, CO

It cuts the risk significantly, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice for everyone. Prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy—in which a woman has breast tissue removed to try to prevent getting breast cancer—lowers the risk of developing the cancer by as much as 90 percent in women at high risk. But like all surgery, it carries risks. Nonsurgical options that high-risk women might also discuss with their doctors include frequent checkups or taking a drug such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex and generic) to reduce breast-cancer risk.

My doctor has prescribed daily low-dose aspirin to prevent a stroke. Does it matter when I take it?

Philip Caputo
Norwalk, CT

No, but try to take it at the same time each day. That helps keep the anticlotting effect constant and can help you remember to take it. One caveat: If you regularly take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil and generic) or naproxen (Aleve and generic), you should take your aspirin at least four hours before. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding; taking them close together increases that risk. And there's evidence that ibuprofen and naproxen can suppress aspirin's anti-clotting effect when they're taken together.

Is there evidence that any foods or vitamins help boost memory?

Susan Hall
Overland, MO

Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish has been shown to curb brain inflammation linked to memory loss. There's also promising research on curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric. Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and some B vitamins also appear to help. But skip the ginkgo biloba: Recent studies have questioned the herb's effectiveness at fighting cognitive decline, and it can interact harmfully with blood-thinning drugs.

What could be causing my heel pain?

Susan B. Howell
Naples, FL

Unless you're injured, your heel pain (plantar fasciitis) probably results from your plantar fascia becoming stiffer. (The plantar fascia is the tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot.) Also, the pad of fat that cushions the heel gets thinner as you age and doesn't absorb as much of the shock as you walk, which could damage the plantar fascia. Insoles, occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretches can help reduce pain. Learn more by searching for "heel pain" at ConsumerReportsHealth.org.

Responses represent the consensus of our medical advisers, Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. (internal medicine); Orly Avitzur, M.D. (neurology); John Santa, M.D. (internal medicine); Beth Nash, M.D. (internal medicine); and Joseph Mosquera, M.D. (integrative medicine).