DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an 80-year-old female and have never heard of a loss of muscle tone. Can you fill me in?

DEAR READER: Muscle tone is what allows us to keep and maintain our bodies in certain positions. When you choose to make a particular movement, the brain sends a message to the specific muscle group involved to modify the resistance by, for example, shortening biceps muscles on the front of an arm while lengthening the triceps muscles on the back of the arm. In order to complete smooth, coordinated movement, all muscles being used must be balanced evenly. Everyone has muscles, but some people do specific exercises to improve their muscle tone. The results can be seen easily on bodybuilders and people who are physically active.Tone can be defined as the minute muscular contraction that exists in all skeletal muscles during relaxation. It is normal for people to lose about 1 percent of their lean muscle mass per year after the age of 40. Losing excess body fat, modifying the diet, and incorporating exercise into each day's activities can improve sagging skin.———————-DEAR DR. GOTT: I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I had no pain but knew where every bathroom was located everywhere I went. This went on for many years, and I became fearful of traveling. Finally, my gastroenterologist put me on WelChol, developed for lowering cholesterol. Voila! My cardiologist said I almost can't overdose on it. I am presently taking two pills in the morning and another two in the evening. Now I am comfortable traveling around the world (pyramids, India, etc.) with no problems. This has been a life-changer for me.I hope you can share this with your readers and perhaps improve the quality of life of someone out there. It has been wonderful for me.

DEAR READER: IBS is a malfunction of motility of the colon. Stress, medications, specific foods, caffeine, alcohol and gas contribute to symptoms that include abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea/constipation. The medication you have been prescribed can cause identical symptoms.Colesevelam (WelChol) reduces the amount of cholesterol and specific fatty substances in the blood. It is sometimes prescribed with other cholesterol-lowering statin drugs toward this goal. This drug binds bile acids in the intestines to form a product that is ultimately released from the body. It is also prescribed for some type 2 diabetics to control blood-sugar levels. Drugs that have been manufactured and marketed for one purpose are often used for other, seemingly unrelated conditions and work well. My guess is that the reduction of fatty substances in your colon curbed your diarrhea and related symptoms. Or you are less stressed, have modified your diet or medications, and have taken other steps without realizing the positive impact they have had.To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.——————-

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online.His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.To contact the doctor, address letters to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.