Q: I am dreading an upcoming family reunion. My in-laws are lovely people, but because two members of the family are strict vegetarians, everyone has to eat accordingly.

The last time we got together, I really suffered. All those beans, chickpeas, lentils and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, eggplant and onions gave me such gas, I was miserable. I felt bloated, and I was smelly. Is there any way to avoid this problem without sneaking out for meals?

A: Stock up on Beano and activated charcoal before your visit. Beano contains an enzyme that helps break down some of the complex sugars in beans and other vegetables that contribute to gas. Activated charcoal might soak up gas that has already been created.

There are ways to prepare beans that are less likely to cause problems. Readers have suggested soaking them in Sprite, or adding seaweed or a potato to cooking beans (and then discarding it). Herbs such as epazote (from Mexico), ginger or hing (asafoetida from India) are traditional ways to reduce gas from food.

Fennel tea is another time-honored way to fight flatulence. Use 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds per cup of hot water.

Q: Thank you for telling me about Drysol underarm antiperspirant. This is the first product that has actually controlled my embarrassing sweating.

A: Drysol is a 20 percent solution of aluminum chloride. It is available only by prescription. When used at night on dry, unshaven skin it can be quite effective. Eventually you might only need to use it once or twice a week.

Q: I keep reading that tea might have benefits over coffee because of its antioxidants. Caffeine makes me jittery, so I prefer decaffeinated tea. Does decaffeinated tea retain its antioxidant potency?

A: Recent studies demonstrate that tea drinkers are less likely to suffer a heart attack and less likely to die if they do have a heart attack. Researchers speculate that antioxidants in tea are responsible.

Both green and black tea contain caffeine, although the dose per cup is substantially lower than that in coffee. Decaffeination does seem to remove many beneficial antioxidant compounds in addition to caffeine.