Understanding Iron Supplementation: Addressing Fatigue and Cold Extremities
Iron supplementation I often feel cold in my hands and feet and experience fatigue. After giving birth, I gained quite a bit of weight and am currently on a diet. I even feel dizzy and bloated during my menstrual period. A friend suggested that I should supplement with iron, so t...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: Improper dieting can lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in certain nutrients. If you need to lose weight, it is advisable to seek professional nutritional counseling to assist you in achieving your weight loss goals. Symptoms of anemia include dizziness, pallo...[Read More] Understanding Iron Supplementation: Addressing Fatigue and Cold Extremities
Managing Prediabetes: Effective Dietary Strategies for Better Health
Dietary Management for Prediabetes Hello, Dr. Fan. I am 186 cm tall and weigh about 74 kg. I have Mediterranean anemia and Wilson's disease. On July 19, my blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin results were 105 mg/dL and 6%, respectively, which indicates prediabetes. I would...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
The normal range for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the general population is approximately 4-6%, and your HbA1c is within the standard range. A fasting blood glucose level of 100-126 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. It is important to focus on a balanced diet consisting of the six m...[Read More] Managing Prediabetes: Effective Dietary Strategies for Better Health
Essential Nutritional Guidance for Vegetarian Diets: B12 and Omega-3
Vegetarian Nutrition Consultation Hello, Director Fan. I would like to ask you some questions regarding vegetarian nutrition. I switched to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet last year, consuming one and a half eggs daily, along with unseasoned nuts, pumpkin seeds, edamame, chickpeas, q...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello, netizens: Vegetarians can obtain plant-based protein from soy products such as tofu, dried tofu, soy milk, bean curd skin, edamame, and black beans. For lacto-ovo vegetarians, milk and eggs are sources of vitamin B12, while algae such as kelp and nori also provide vitami...[Read More] Essential Nutritional Guidance for Vegetarian Diets: B12 and Omega-3
Calcium Supplementation for Lupus Nephritis Patients: Key Considerations
Lupus nephritis and calcium supplementation-related issues? Hello, Dietitian Fan. I have systemic lupus erythematosus with class III lupus nephritis, which has led to nephrotic syndrome and hypertension. Previously, I had high cholesterol, but after medication and dietary adjustm...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended to obtain the daily calcium requirement of 1000 mg for adults from a balanced diet. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Administration suggests consuming a cup of milk in the morning and evening, with each 240 ml serving of...[Read More] Calcium Supplementation for Lupus Nephritis Patients: Key Considerations
Is It Safe to Eat Overnight Instant Noodles? Nutrition Tips Inside
Can you eat instant noodles that have been soaked overnight? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it's safe to take the instant noodles I cooked today out of the refrigerator tomorrow, steam them, and eat them. Will there be any significant adverse effects?
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhu, 1. Even if the food is meant for immediate consumption, leaving it at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours can lead to exponential growth of coliform bacteria and total viable counts. Individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal systems are at a higher risk of f...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Overnight Instant Noodles? Nutrition Tips Inside
Can Healthy Seniors Safely Use Dialysis Nutrition Supplements?
Can the general public consume nutritional products specifically designed for dialysis patients? Hello, Nutritionist: My grandfather is 91 years old and follows a lacto-vegetarian diet. He usually has a nutritional supplement (like Ensure) for breakfast and eats regular meals for...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, dialysis formulas are usually of higher concentration (high calorie and high protein) but have lower levels of potassium and phosphorus minerals. High concentration may cause diarrhea in individuals who are not accustomed to nutritional supplements. If your grandfather doe...[Read More] Can Healthy Seniors Safely Use Dialysis Nutrition Supplements?
Can My 90-Year-Old Mother Continue Drinking Ensure with High Uric Acid?
Can people with high uric acid levels drink Ensure? My mother is 90 years old and has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia for several decades. She has been taking antihypertensive medication (Mizolastine) and cholesterol-lowering medication (Lipitor) for a long time, and...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: High uric acid levels are generally not related to the nutritional supplements consumed by the mother. It is recommended to choose plain formulas and avoid those with added sugars. Additionally, for those with high uric acid levels, it is advised to drink more than 2000cc ...[Read More] Can My 90-Year-Old Mother Continue Drinking Ensure with High Uric Acid?
Understanding Slightly Elevated Potassium Levels: What You Need to Know
Slightly elevated serum potassium? Hello, Director Fan. Due to a family history of thyroid issues, I have been regularly getting blood tests every three months (fasting). Recently, one of the results showed potassium: serum potassium slightly elevated at 5.1, which is above the n...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: The normal potassium ion concentration in serum is typically between 3.5 and 5.1 mEq/L. Your test result is 5.1, which is at the upper limit of the normal range. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive intake of high-potassium foods such as swee...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Elevated Potassium Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Obesity: What to Expect from Metabolism Consultations
Obesity issues Hello, I want to consult about my weight since it is over 100 kg. I am not familiar with this situation. Someone suggested that I see a metabolic specialist, but I am a bit scared about what issues I might encounter. Is this type of consultation out-of-pocket? Appr...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Dear online user: Regarding weight control issues, it is recommended to schedule a consultation at the nutrition clinic. This is generally a self-paid service, with a consultation fee of NT$250. Our nutritionist will provide personalized advice and dietary education based on your...[Read More] Understanding Obesity: What to Expect from Metabolism Consultations
Is Fish Oil Safe for My 3-Year-Old? Recommended Dosage and Benefits
Fish oil intake Hello, the doctor. My daughter is currently three years old. I have asked the doctor if she can take fish oil, and the doctor said yes, but I forgot to ask about the dosage. Each fish oil capsule contains 312 mg of EPA and 208 mg of DHA. Is it suitable for a three...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Since the intake of fish oil requires an assessment of any blood-related diseases or genetic issues, it is recommended to consult a doctor at the hospital for evaluation. Additionally, here is a reference for your consideration: https://www.mohw.gov.tw/cp-4624-57335-1.html...[Read More] Is Fish Oil Safe for My 3-Year-Old? Recommended Dosage and Benefits
Does Freezing Edamame Reduce Its Potassium Content?
Does freezing edamame reduce its potassium ion content? According to the information from the Taiwan Food and Nutrition Database, why is there nearly a twofold difference in potassium ion content between fresh edamame and frozen edamame?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
According to the information from the Taiwan Food Nutrition Database, the description of fresh edamame is that it is raw, uniformly blended, and crushed. The description of frozen edamame is that it is in frozen packaging, uniformly blended, and crushed. It is not possible to det...[Read More] Does Freezing Edamame Reduce Its Potassium Content?
Is Drinking Black Coffee on an Empty Stomach Good or Bad for Blood Sugar?
The effect of coffee on blood sugar levels? Hello, nutritionist. I would like to ask about a question that has been bothering me. Is it advisable or not to drink black coffee on an empty stomach in the morning? I have seen various opinions; some say that long-term coffee consumpt...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Your question: Does drinking coffee on an empty stomach improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar? 1. Black coffee without added sugar, cream, or milk has no effect on blood sugar levels or insulin sensitivity. 2. The effect of coffee consumption on insulin sensi...[Read More] Is Drinking Black Coffee on an Empty Stomach Good or Bad for Blood Sugar?
Nutrition Guidance for Teens: Balancing Growth and Appetite Control
Dietary control Hello, I am 15 years old, currently 162 cm tall and weigh 47 kg. Recently, I often feel unsatisfied after eating and get hungry easily. Compared to before, my appetite has increased significantly. I'm not sure if this is due to emotional eating related to aca...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
Hello, Lemon. You can refer to the daily dietary guidelines published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration. Individuals can simply check the daily dietary guidelines according to their age group to meet their daily nutritional needs, or they c...[Read More] Nutrition Guidance for Teens: Balancing Growth and Appetite Control
Is a Breakfast of Salad, Oat Milk, and Rice Noodle Soup Healthy for High Triglycerides?
High triglycerides and total cholesterol levels: Breakfast dietary recommendations? Having a breakfast of lettuce salad, unsweetened high-fiber oat soy milk, and rice noodle soup can be a suitable option for managing high triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. This meal is l...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, if you find that your triglycerides and cholesterol levels are high after examination, it is generally recommended to control your diet for 3-6 months before returning for follow-up. Consult with your physician or nutritionist to understand the possible reasons affecting t...[Read More] Is a Breakfast of Salad, Oat Milk, and Rice Noodle Soup Healthy for High Triglycerides?
Important Considerations for Fish Oil and Lipid-Lowering Medications
Questions related to fish oil? Hello Director Hsieh, currently it is known that there are interactions between fish oil and anticoagulant medications. However, should we also be cautious about the combination of fish oil with lipid-lowering medications, such as triglyceride-lower...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about fish oil and lipid-lowering medications such as triglyceride medications, it is advisable to be cautious. If you have any concerns, you can bring the dosage information of your dietary supplements along with the names and dosages of your medic...[Read More] Important Considerations for Fish Oil and Lipid-Lowering Medications
Nutrition Tips for Shift Workers: Hair Loss, Cholesterol, and Weight Loss
Dietary intake / hair loss / high cholesterol / weight loss Hello, Doctor: Due to my shift work, I often work late night shifts and experience sleep disturbances (restless legs/headaches), which require me to sleep at least 10 hours a day. Therefore, I usually only eat two meal...
Dr. Wu Yunxuan Reply:
Hello, Ms. Hsieh: 1. Is eating two meals a day sufficient in terms of nutrition? Should the brunch style be adjusted or increased? A: Generally, it is recommended to eat three meals a day, as it allows for a more even distribution and balanced intake of the six major food grou...[Read More] Nutrition Tips for Shift Workers: Hair Loss, Cholesterol, and Weight Loss
Managing Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Nutrition and Prevention Tips
Fibrocystic breast changes and cysts are common in certain predisposed individuals? Hello, nutritionist. I have a tendency to develop breast fibrocystic changes and cysts. For the past two years, I have been undergoing breast ultrasounds every six months, and both breasts have va...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, we recommend the following: 1. Maintain a balanced diet by consuming more fruits and vegetables to increase your intake of vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. 2. Avoid foods high in oil (fried), sugar, salt, red meat, high cholesterol, and saturated fatty acids. 3. ...[Read More] Managing Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Nutrition and Prevention Tips
Nutritional Supplements for Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers and Families
Nutritional Supplements for the Elderly The elder is a 61-year-old female with the following health conditions: 1. Enlarged thyroid gland, currently under regular medical supervision and medication. 2. Impaired renal metabolic function, with foamy urine; the physician has determi...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, due to the uncertainty regarding the elder's usual dietary habits and medication regimen, and considering the elder's impaired kidney function, it is advisable to primarily focus on a balanced diet consisting of whole foods. It is important to avoid high-fat, hig...[Read More] Nutritional Supplements for Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers and Families
Post-Surgery Fish Oil: When Is It Safe to Start Taking?
Postoperative consumption of fish oil? Hello, doctor. I just had minimally invasive surgery last week to remove a fibrocystic mass, and there are still some blood clots in the wound. The breast surgeon said they will be reabsorbed on their own. Is it okay to take fish oil in this...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, the DHA and EPA found in fish oil are types of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help the body combat inflammation and protect cardiovascular health by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Since you just underwent minimally invasive surgery last week and still have a wound, the antic...[Read More] Post-Surgery Fish Oil: When Is It Safe to Start Taking?
Assessing Centrum Chewable Vitamins for Adult Nutritional Needs
Health supplements Hello, doctor! I am a 37-year-old male, 172 cm tall, weighing 64 kg, with a waist circumference of 32 inches. I would like to inquire about the health brand "Centrum," specifically the product "Centrum Kids + Calcium Multivitamin" (https://r...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: 1. "Xiao Shan Cun + Calcium Multivitamin" is designed for children aged 4 and above. For this product, the recommended dosage can be adjusted according to the suggested intake from the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Taiwanese" 8th edition published by...[Read More] Assessing Centrum Chewable Vitamins for Adult Nutritional Needs