Ask the experts: answers to your questions from the leaders in natural medicine - periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease risk; stress-relieving baths; yoga for high blood pressure; scheduling your doctor checkups; homeopathic doses; herbal birth control

What your gums can reveal: is it true that I'm at risk for heart disease if my gums are unhealthy?

JOSEPH E. PIZZORNO JR., N.D., REPLIES:

The latest research does suggest that periodontal, or gum, disease increases your risk of cardiovascular disease by about 15 percent. This may not seem like much, but considering the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (it remains the number one killer in the United States), you should take whatever steps you can to minimize your risk--including preventing gum disease.

The most popular theory for why gum disease predicts heart disease is that inflamed gum tissue produces artery-clogging chemicals. However, according to one recent large study, simply treating chronic dental infections does not decrease the incidence of heart disease. A more likely explanation for the association between the health of your gums and the health of your heart involves nutrient deficiencies. Many of the same nutrients that keep your gums healthy--namely, coenzyme [Q.sub.10], folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc--also appear to prevent cardiovascular disease. For example, folic acid helps regenerate gum tissue and eliminates the artery-hardening chemical homocysteine. And zinc protects gum tissue and artery walls from chemicals that cause inflammation. Few people get enough of these nutrients through diet.

Fortunately, if you supplement with these nutrients you can decrease your risk of both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. I'd suggest getting 400 mg of coenzyme [Q.sub.10], 400 mcg of folic acid, 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol), and 25 mg of zinc every day. You may also want to rinse with a mouthwash containing zinc and folic acid. Look for this kind of wash in a natural food store.

Destress in the Bath

In the days before New Year's, I often feel overwhelmed. Is there a simple way for me to relax?

LAUREL VUKOVIC REPLIES: I find a long soak in a bath provides a simple and inexpensive antidote to any kind of tension. Using herbal essential oils improves your relaxation with little additional effort. And you'll really unwind if you add two cups of Epsom salts while filling the tub. Epsom salts relax your muscles, allowing your body to loosen up.

I combine Epsom salts with frankincense (Boswellia carteri), sandal-wood (Santalum album), and orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oils, plus almond oil. Frankincense and sandalwood are traditionally used as incense for meditation and have a calming effect on your body and mind, and orange lightens your mood. Almond oil softens dry skin and prevents irritation.

Add 4 drops of frankincense essential oil, 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil, 2 drops of orange essential oil, and 1 teaspoon of almond oil to your bath just before entering. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

Yoga for High Blood Pressure

I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. What kind of yoga is right for me? Are there any poses I should avoid?

JUDITH HANSON LASATER, PH.D., REPLIES: Yoga styles that emphasize relaxation, like classic hatha yoga, might be an excellent way to lower your blood pressure. But even if you do the slower types of yoga, you'll have to avoid certain poses. So, after clearing your yoga program with your health care practitioner, alert your instructor to your condition so she can modify your routine accordingly.

The most important pose to skip is the headstand, because it causes blood and other bodily fluids to rush toward your upper body and stresses your heart and blood vessels. Also keep in mind that it isn't always the poses themselves that aggravate hypertension, but the way you do them. For example, holding your breath during a pose can aggravate hypertension by stressing your thorax, the area behind your ribs and sternum.

For a simple way to lower your blood pressure, try this deep relaxation pose on your own for 20 minutes each day. (Set an alarm with a low tone to keep you from losing track of time; this will free you to relax more deeply.) To begin, loosen your belt and remove potential distractions like your watch and glasses. Find a quiet, comfortable place on the floor and lie on your back. Place a rolled towel or small pillow under your neck and head, and drop your chin slightly lower than your forehead. Place a large pillow under your knees and cover your eyes with a soft cloth.

Inhale slowly until your lungs feel almost full, and then exhale for the same amount of time. Continue to take these slow, even breaths for 2 to 3 minutes. Then allow your breathing to return to normal. Let your jaw grow slack and imagine that your body is melting into the floor. When your timer signals, come out of the pose by bending both your knees, rolling to your right side, and using your arms to sit up slowly.

Schedule Your Checkups

I'm a 45-year-old who hasn't been to the doctor in about 10 years. What tests does a man my age need?

ROBERT ANDERSON, M.D., REPLIES: Believe it or not, a good talk with a physician can be more valuable than any test. You should discuss your diet, exercise habits, sleep pattern, drug and alcohol use, work, leisure activities, social contacts, intimate relationships, and attitudes. These factors may better predict longevity and quality of life in later years than test results do.