Should You See a Doctor for High Cholesterol After Diet Changes?
Blood test My health check report from last September showed a total cholesterol level of 272. My height and weight are approximately 155 cm and 48 kg. I have consulted with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, who advised me to adjust my diet, and I have also been exercising. ...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
It is recommended that you first visit an internal medicine clinic for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a physician. If dietary adjustments are necessary, the physician can refer you to a nutrition consultation clinic, where a dietitian will provide tailored advice bas...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for High Cholesterol After Diet Changes?
How Much Fish Oil Should Your Parents Take Daily?
Could you please provide more details about your question regarding fish oil? Hello Dr. Fan, I recently bought a fish oil supplement for my parents, specifically looking for a product derived from small fish. I would like to ask about the ingredients in this bottle and how many c...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello, please discuss the use of fish oil supplements with your physician. Based on the brand you provided, it is recommended to take 2 capsules. Fish oil supplements primarily help to lower triglyceride levels in the blood, and consuming them in excess is not beneficial. It is b...[Read More] How Much Fish Oil Should Your Parents Take Daily?
Managing Blood Sugar: Chicken Soup, Salad Dressings, and Tuna Pancakes
Gestational diabetes mellitus 1: Doctor, I would like to ask if drinking chicken soup and fish soup will raise blood sugar levels. 2: Does eating a convenience store salad with Japanese-style dressing help lower blood sugar? 3: Does a tuna pancake count as a serving of carboh...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding gestational diabetes, the most important aspect is the limitation of total carbohydrate intake throughout the day, and it is recommended to consume smaller, more frequent meals while discussing appropriate portion sizes for each meal with a nutritionist. 1. Gen...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar: Chicken Soup, Salad Dressings, and Tuna Pancakes
Is It Safe to Eat Blackened Parts of a Banana?
Food Information Hello, nutritionist. I just ate a banana and accidentally consumed a small part that was blackened. Is that part safe to eat? Will it cause any issues? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding bananas, the peel contains enzymes that, when exposed to air for too long, undergo oxidation and turn black, leading to the appearance of dark spots on the peel. At this stage, the fruit flesh remains protected from air oxidation and is still edible. However, if ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Blackened Parts of a Banana?
Effective Strategies to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels in Your Diet
How to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol? Hello, Nutritionist: My BMI is around 18.6, and I consider my diet to be light, but my total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels have not improved. My most recent test results are: triglycerides ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, it appears that your current diet may contain a higher amount of saturated fatty acids from foods such as butter, crackers, and bread. Additionally, dining out on weekends often leads to higher cholesterol foods, such as beef, pork offal, and cooking oils. It would be advi...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels in Your Diet
Understanding Gluconeogenesis: Why Fat Over Protein in Keto Diets?
Gluconeogenesis Hello, Dietitian Wu: I would like to inquire about the recent popularity of the ketogenic diet. Its principle is to utilize gluconeogenesis for energy, but since gluconeogenesis can use both protein and fat as substrates, why is fat predominantly taught as the mai...
Dr. Wu Yunxuan Reply:
Hello: The ketogenic diet is a dietary approach that simulates a state of starvation, prompting the body to utilize fat for energy production in the form of ketones. When carbohydrates are scarce, fat becomes the primary energy source, as protein serves mainly to maintain body st...[Read More] Understanding Gluconeogenesis: Why Fat Over Protein in Keto Diets?
Can I Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Exercise Tips for Teens
Height increase assistance? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you about my situation. I started my menstrual period in the fifth grade, and now I am currently in my first year of high school, with a height of only 150 cm. I grew 1.5 cm during middle school. Is there still a chan...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello YGU: 1. Height is influenced by genetic factors inherited from parents. 2. Environmental factors such as good sleep (avoid staying up late), exercise (like high jumping, basketball, etc.), and balanced nutrition (refer to the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans") ar...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Exercise Tips for Teens
Understanding Soy Lecithin: Benefits, Risks, and Usage Guidelines
Regarding soy lecithin? Hello, nutritionist. I recently learned that soy lecithin has many benefits for the body, so I have been consuming it regularly. However, I came across some articles stating that soy lecithin contains estrogen, which makes me wonder if it is unsuitable for...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Soy lecithin is generally derived from soybean extracts. If a doctor advises limiting phytoestrogenic foods, it is recommended to control the portion size. If there are no other restrictions, it is advisable to consume it according to the recommended amount. It is suggeste...[Read More] Understanding Soy Lecithin: Benefits, Risks, and Usage Guidelines
Eye Health Supplements: Key Considerations and Dosage Guidelines
Nutritional supplement consultation Hello, Nutritionist: I would like to consult you regarding eye health supplements. I purchased an eye care "product" that does not list vitamin A as an additive in the ingredient list, but it contains beta-carotene (the dosage is not ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! According to the announcement by the National Health Administration, the Dietary Reference Intakes for Taiwanese (7th edition, revised in 2011) states that high doses of "preformed" vitamin A have significant toxicity. However, long-term intake of high doses of b...[Read More] Eye Health Supplements: Key Considerations and Dosage Guidelines
Nutritional Support for Rib Fractures: Best Foods and Recipes
Nutritional Support for Early Stage Rib Fractures Today, my dad had a car accident on his way to work. After getting an X-ray at the hospital, he was told he has a rib fracture. I want to prepare some food to help him recover. What can he eat in the early stages of a rib fracture...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Since this is the early stage of a bone fracture, it indicates that surgery is not required. Generally, it is important to avoid excessive intake of processed foods, pickled items, and irritant foods. It is advisable to consume more high-quality protein foods, foods rich i...[Read More] Nutritional Support for Rib Fractures: Best Foods and Recipes
How Long Does It Take for Muscle to Be Lost During Caloric Deficit?
How long does it take for muscle to be depleted? Hello, nutritionist. I am currently working out and going to the gym for strength training 5 to 6 times a week. I control my calorie intake and protein supplementation every day, but yesterday I was too busy and ended up eating ran...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a reduction of 1,100 calories is estimated to result in a weight loss of 1 kilogram. However, have you noticed that sometimes eating a little more food can quickly lead to weight gain, while other times, after being hungry all day, your weight remains u...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Muscle to Be Lost During Caloric Deficit?
Does Biotin Supplementation Lead to Weight Gain or Loss?
Supplementing with vitamin B7 (biotin) will lead to weight gain or weight loss? I saw online that one of the functions of vitamin B7 (Biotin) is to metabolize fats and assist in the synthesis of fatty acids. Does this mean that supplementing with vitamin B7 will lead to weight ga...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the most important factor in weight change is still the balance of calories. Biotin participates in the metabolism of various nutrients in the body, including fatty acids, amino acids, and pyruvate. Biotin acts as a coenzyme in the body, similar to a crucial screw needed f...[Read More] Does Biotin Supplementation Lead to Weight Gain or Loss?
Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Nucleic Acid Supplements
Could you please provide more details regarding dietary supplements? Hello, Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen: First of all, thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I appreciate your hard work. Thank you! The company Fuzhizhi from Japan primarily offers a nucleic acid beverage c...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Currently, there are no relevant studies indicating that nucleic acids can inhibit cancer cell growth. In Taiwan, nutritional health components are categorized into food, health foods, and pharmaceutical-grade products, each with different ingredients and regulations. Gene...[Read More] Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Nucleic Acid Supplements
Are Japanese Nucleic Acid Supplements Effective for Cell Repair?
Could you please provide more specific information or questions regarding dietary supplements? Hello, currently my friends and family are recommending a nucleic acid health supplement from Japan, claiming it has a repairing effect on the body's cells. Is this true? Is it saf...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, I am unclear about the specific ingredients of the Japanese nucleic acid health supplements you mentioned. However, nucleic acids are substances found in all cells, so emphasizing nucleic acids in health supplements seems quite unscientific. Regardless of whether these pro...[Read More] Are Japanese Nucleic Acid Supplements Effective for Cell Repair?
Understanding Protein: Key Questions for Fitness Enthusiasts
Protein Issues Hello, nutritionist. I am a fitness enthusiast and have recently started purchasing whey protein powder to supplement my protein intake. I have some questions regarding protein that I do not fully understand. After researching online, I found various answers, which...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello fitness enthusiasts, 1. Tannins in tea can indeed bind with proteins, affecting absorption. However, previous studies primarily focused on high concentrations of tea and milk, so the impact of regular brewed tea on protein absorption is not as significant. If you are still...[Read More] Understanding Protein: Key Questions for Fitness Enthusiasts
Is Frozen and Thawed Meat Still Nutritious? Understanding Safety and Nutrition
Re2: Safety and Nutrition of Thawed and Refrozen Meat Hello, doctor. I have one last question. In the first article, you mentioned that "nutrients in fish and meat, particularly the good unsaturated fats, are most affected by oxidation." Does this mean that frozen meat ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, it is true that freezing and then thawing meat can affect its nutrients, but as long as it is consumed within the recommended time frame, you should still be able to obtain some nutrients, so it won't be as if you haven't eaten at all. However, the longer the sto...[Read More] Is Frozen and Thawed Meat Still Nutritious? Understanding Safety and Nutrition
Effective Strategies to Gain Weight: Nutritional Tips and Supplements
How to gain weight? Hello, nutritionist. I have maintained a weight between 40 to 42 kg for a long time, and I have never paid attention to whether it was winter or summer when measuring. In May, a friend mentioned that I looked thinner, and when I weighed myself at home, I found...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Weight gain is influenced by the balance of caloric intake. Therefore, if you want to increase your weight, you need to increase your caloric intake, which can be achieved by increasing portion sizes at meals or adding more meals throughout the day. Achieving a balanced diet is n...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Gain Weight: Nutritional Tips and Supplements
Understanding the Safety and Nutrition of Thawed and Refrozen Meat
Re: Safety and Nutrition of Thawed and Refrozen Meat I'm sorry, Doctor, but I still don't quite understand. "When fish is thawed and then repackaged for refrigeration, the water molecules in the fish can crystallize, and upon re-thawing, the fish's ability to ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! 1. "When fish is thawed, portioned, and then refrigerated, the water molecules in the fish can crystallize, leading to poorer moisture retention when it is thawed again. Additionally, bacteria can proliferate during this process, thus shortening the shelf life."...[Read More] Understanding the Safety and Nutrition of Thawed and Refrozen Meat
Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed Meat and Fish? Nutritional Insights
Safety and Nutrition of Thawed and Refrozen Meat I would like to ask the doctor, when buying frozen fish or meat strips, if I need to repackage them and they are too hard or stuck together, is it acceptable to thaw them in the refrigerator until I can cut or separate them, and th...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The storage duration of fish varies between refrigeration and freezing. It is generally recommended to refrigerate fish for about 2-3 days and to freeze it for about 2-3 weeks. The storage period is influenced by factors such as the time of pre-processing, exposure to mois...[Read More] Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed Meat and Fish? Nutritional Insights
Understanding the Effects of Lutein Supplements on Skin Health
Medication Inquiry Hello, I have been taking "Jianlikang Shiliye Huangsu Capsules" for about a month, and I have developed many pimples on my forehead that haven't subsided. Recently, after stopping for a week, my skin has gradually improved. I believe other factor...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Lutein is an antioxidant nutrient, and the development of acne is related to various factors, including diet, skin cleanliness, hormones, and more. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners suggest adjustments based on individual constitution, so it is advisable to follow...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Lutein Supplements on Skin Health