A heartwarming cure for cold feet

Q: I have a rather curious problem: My left foot is cold nearly all the time. Since it's just that one foot, most of the doctors I've seen have assumed it's a nerve problem, but none of the treatments they've suggested have worked. Do you know of anything that might help?

JVW: You said that nerve-related problems have been ruled out, but you didn't mention whether or not your circulation had been tested. If not, that could be contributing to the problem, in which case the best place to start would be to work on improving blood flow to your extremities.

You may want to consider trying 800 IU of vitamin E daily, in the form of "mixed tocopherols," which are a more potent form of regular vitamin E.

Inositol hexaniacinate (a combination of two B vitamins) may also be useful. Inositol hexaniacinate can safely dilate blood vessels, which will improve the circulation to the extremities and possibly help "warm" your foot. Try taking 500 to 600 milligrams twice a day. Occasionally too much inositol hexaniacinate can cause nausea. If you find this happens to you, you should discontinue using it.

Finally, it's always a good idea to take a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral combination on a daily basis to "back up" any individual vitamins you might decide to take. Keep in mind, as well, that it can take up to three months for these nutrients to produce significant, noticeable results.

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