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  1. I have heard that about 7-up and Lithium Legion.

    Problem is, Lithium is not flushed out of the body like excess Vitamin C or other water soluble compounds. Instead it is stored in the fat and accumulates, and can become toxic / lethal at high enough doses. I believe there were some issues along these lines with 7-up.

  2. By Legion on May 17, 2011 4:42 PM
    dh,
    The term “limey” was due to the fact that British seamen
    would take stores of limes and lemons with them on long voyages to prevent Scury, a deficiency in Vit. C

    I love that bit of trivia… I know full well my gf has never had to survive a 3 month sea voyage on hard tack and limes, but I still like to call her a limey.

  3. jessi,

    Right, medications are often targeted towards areas of travel.
    Some work better in some areas.
    Don’t know which works best in VietNam.

    Interesting facts you might not have known about Malaria and such.

    The Gin and Tonic which we all enjoy drinking was developed by British troops stationed in areas where Malaria is endemic.
    The Quinine in Tonic water is anti-milarial. Yes, Schwepps or Canada Dry Tonic water contains small amounts of quinine which is what makes it bitter.
    Anyway, they drank it in much higher concentrations so they mixed it with Gin to even it out a bit.
    The Quinine in Tonic water is actually good for night cramps as it is a mild muscle relaxant.

    Also, sickle cell is considerend a physiological/evolutionary response to Malaria.
    The sickle cells which have a semi-circular shape inhibit the organizm (a protozoan) from attaching itself to the red blood cells. Sickle cell trait, thus is a physical advantage in certain areas of the world. Sickle cell disease however is debilitating because it’s effects on the human physiology outweigh the benefits.

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