Does Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Increase Diabetes Risk?
Does conjugated linoleic acid cause diabetes? I have mild obesity and, in an effort to lose weight, I have started a routine of brisk walking two to three times a week. Based on a friend's recommendation, I purchased CLA capsules from a well-known Japanese brand, hoping to e...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is an essential fatty acid commonly found in various meats, dairy products, and fats. The human body cannot synthesize CLA, and it is present in low amounts (approximately 2-5 mg/g of fat) in animal meat and milk. Therefore, it is difficult t...[Read More] Does Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Increase Diabetes Risk?
Is Nutritional Deficiency Causing My Tongue Inflammation?
Nutritional Counseling Recently, I have been experiencing issues with glossitis that haven't improved, and I suspect it may be due to malnutrition. I hardly eat red meat, rarely consume nuts, and do not eat seafood. The most I have is cheese, an egg, and a hamburger bun from...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to glossitis, and it also affects the skin and oral cavity (lips, tongue). Foods rich in vitamin B2 include pork, beef, liver, eggs, and yeast. As for zinc deficiency, it can cause fatigue, muscle loss, loss of appetite, and poor wound healing. Food...[Read More] Is Nutritional Deficiency Causing My Tongue Inflammation?
Can Drinking Butterfly Pea Flower Increase Uric Acid Levels?
Is it true that consuming too much butterfly pea flower can lead to increased uric acid levels? Hello, butterfly pea flower is currently very popular, but my father heard from a friend that consuming too much butterfly pea flower can lead to high uric acid levels. He also mention...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: 1. The butterfly pea flower beverage contains juice, soda, and honey, with honey making up about 70-80% of the total. The main components are fructose and glucose, and many studies have confirmed that fructose can indirectly increase the production of uric acid. 2. The...[Read More] Can Drinking Butterfly Pea Flower Increase Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Vitamins and Heavy Metal Detoxification Hello, doctor. There is a type of vitamin C called esterified vitamin C, which is said to be both water-soluble and fat-soluble. Due to its fat-soluble nature, it can remain in the body for a long time. I would like to know if this fat-solu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello Anna! Esterified vitamin C is a product that has undergone processing and fat esterification, commonly used in cosmetic products and dietary supplements. Currently, there is no supporting evidence found in the relevant literature, so it is generally recommended to obtain nu...[Read More] Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Understanding Sodium Intake: What is the Recommended Minimum Amount?
Recommended Sodium Intake What is the lower limit for sodium intake? The Food and Drug Administration only specifies an upper limit of 2400 mg, while in the United States, the upper limit is recommended to be no more than 2000 mg. However, not consuming any sodium can also lead t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The recommended amount of salt is 6 grams, which is equivalent to 2400 mg of sodium. Generally, natural foods without added salt contain about 3 grams of sodium. Therefore, it is suggested that the intake of salt for seasoning food should be at least 3 grams to meet the bo...[Read More] Understanding Sodium Intake: What is the Recommended Minimum Amount?
Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
What is the difference between soybean lecithin and egg yolk lecithin? Recently, due to high work stress, I was considering that lecithin might enhance memory and other functions. However, I found that lecithin is divided into soy lecithin and egg yolk lecithin. Since I am male, ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, lecithin is a nutrient that contains fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and choline. Phospholipids can help repair cells, aid in the digestion and metabolism of fats, and can be converted into acetylcholine, which is beneficial for neurotransmission. It is an essential nutr...[Read More] Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
Does Drinking More Water Help Kidneys Detoxify Medications?
Drinking plenty of water helps with detoxification? Does drinking more water help the kidneys metabolize and eliminate toxins produced by medications?
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello, the body generally attempts to eliminate chemical substances or their metabolites through urine (involving the kidneys), detoxification (involving the liver), and exhaled gases (involving the lungs). Many metabolic waste products and toxins in the human body, such as urea ...[Read More] Does Drinking More Water Help Kidneys Detoxify Medications?
How to Balance Your Daily Intake of Protein Sources: Beans, Fish, Meat, and Eggs
Portion sizes of beans, fish, meat, and eggs? If you want to consume six servings of protein sources in a day, you can consider the following distribution: 2 servings of legumes, 1 serving of eggs, 2 servings of fish, and 1 serving of meat. This way, you increase your intake of p...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Soy products indeed lack methionine, but when consuming meals, other foods will also be included, which can compensate for the insufficient amino acids. For example, rice contains methionine. Unless one is on a long-term single-food diet, it is unlikely to experience defic...[Read More] How to Balance Your Daily Intake of Protein Sources: Beans, Fish, Meat, and Eggs
Post-Hysterectomy Diet Tips: Managing Nutrition and Blood Sugar
Dietary Considerations After Hysterectomy After a hysterectomy, what dietary considerations should be taken into account? The mother also has blood sugar issues. It is known that red meat and legumes should be avoided; can she still replenish her energy and blood?
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
After surgery, pay attention to the surgical site and wound healing. Immediately after the operation, you can supplement with foods high in protein, such as beans, fish, meat, and eggs. Blood sugar management is the top priority; based on the pre-existing diabetic diet, you can a...[Read More] Post-Hysterectomy Diet Tips: Managing Nutrition and Blood Sugar
Healthy Weight Loss Tips for Teens: Nutrition and Growth Insights
How to lose weight healthily? Hello Dr. Hsieh: I am 176 cm tall and weigh 107 kg. I would like to know if I will grow taller at the age of 18. I would also like to ask Nutritionist Hsieh how to lose weight healthily, and how to lose weight without having excess skin. Additionally...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Dear Mr. Fat, 1. Your BMI is 34.54 kg/m², which classifies you as moderately obese. 2. Regarding your height concerns, it is advisable to consult a pediatric endocrinologist. 3. Weight loss should be accompanied by adjustments in your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits, aiming...[Read More] Healthy Weight Loss Tips for Teens: Nutrition and Growth Insights
Understanding Triglycerides: Nutritional Guidance for Health Improvement
Triglycerides Hello, nutritionist! I would like to inquire about something. I am creating a nutrition form, and I have a section for users (patients) to input their biochemical test values, which will inform them about any nutritional deficiencies. I have selected the following b...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the portion sizes of food should be based on individual activity levels, height, and weight, and should also be adjusted according to personal dietary habits and food choices. Regarding abnormal biochemical indices, merely controlling food portions may not effectively lowe...[Read More] Understanding Triglycerides: Nutritional Guidance for Health Improvement
Understanding Nutrition Labels: Do Carbohydrates Include Sugars?
Regarding nutrition labeling? The current nutrition labeling indicates that carbohydrates and sugars are both listed, meaning that the total carbohydrates include the amount of sugars as well.
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello, Xiao An: The nutritional labeling of packaged foods should adhere to the following regulations: This regulation is established in accordance with Article 22, Section 3 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act. The following definitions apply: (1) Carbohydrates: Ref...[Read More] Understanding Nutrition Labels: Do Carbohydrates Include Sugars?
Can You Take Lutein, Vitamin D, and B Complex Together After Breakfast?
Lutein and vitamin D can be taken together? Can I take one B-complex vitamin, one iron supplement, one 20mg lutein (which includes 1mg zeaxanthin), and one 800 IU vitamin D3 together after breakfast in the morning?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, B vitamins are water-soluble, while lutein and vitamin D are fat-soluble, so taking them after meals can be beneficial for lutein and vitamin D absorption. The recommended dosage for vitamin D is 100 IU, so whether daily supplementation is necessary should be discussed wit...[Read More] Can You Take Lutein, Vitamin D, and B Complex Together After Breakfast?
Do You Need Vitamin D3 with Chelated Calcium Supplements?
Does chelated calcium need to be combined with vitamin D3? Hello, I would like to ask a nutritionist: I have been taking calcium supplements (1000 mg/day), primarily composed of calcium carbonate, along with vitamin D3 at 800 IU, for nearly a year. Recently, I have been experienc...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure what your purpose is for taking calcium supplements. The recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is 1000 to 1200 milligrams. If the amount of calcium you take in supplement form reaches the recommended daily intake, and you are also getting calcium...[Read More] Do You Need Vitamin D3 with Chelated Calcium Supplements?
Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Sesame and red meat? Hello, is sesame difficult to digest? Is it true that nutrients can only be absorbed if it is ground into powder or paste? What is the correct way to consume it: raw, cooked, ground into powder, or made into paste? Additionally, sesame is high in calcium and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Sesame is rich in nutrients, including sesamin, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The alpha-linolenic acid found in unsaturated fats can reduce inflammatory responses in the body and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sesamin can decre...[Read More] Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Tips for a Healthier Waistline
Obesity issues Hello, nutritionist: I am a 23-year-old male who appears to be thin. My friends generally think I am slim and do not need to lose weight. However, I have particularly large abdominal girth, which has been a concern for me for a long time. Currently, I am 180 cm tal...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello. Controlling your diet and exercising is a great approach to weight loss. Regarding a larger abdomen, it's important to consider that everyone's body shape is different; you might want to check if your family members have similar body types. Your BMI of 22.5 is co...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Tips for a Healthier Waistline
Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Athlete weight loss Hello, doctor. I am an athlete (in wrestling) and I need to control my weight due to competitions. However, I previously made a friend who taught me an extremely unhealthy method (inducing vomiting). Although I know it is very harmful, it allowed me to eat wit...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Inducing vomiting is a harmful method for the body, and it is recommended that you choose healthier ways to control your diet. Athletes can opt for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach to weight management. Excessive carbohydrate intake is still a primary cause of wei...[Read More] Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
The Dual Role of Carotenoids: Antioxidants or Prooxidants?
Carotenoids Hello, the carotenoids are strong antioxidants, but under certain conditions where other oxidants are present, they can also act as prooxidants. β-Carotene, due to this property, has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers when taken in high d...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Some studies have found a correlation between high doses of beta-carotene and cancer incidence, with current research primarily focusing on high-dose nutritional supplements. The mechanisms behind these findings remain unclear; therefore, it is advisable to adhere to the r...[Read More] The Dual Role of Carotenoids: Antioxidants or Prooxidants?
Does Aspartame Damage Brain Cells? Debunking Common Myths
Issues with Aspartame Is consuming aspartame harmful to brain cells? Does it make you less intelligent? There is a lot of information online, but each source varies. I would like to ask for a correct answer.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is approved as a food additive internationally. Current research reports indicate that its use does not have an impact on human health. However, individuals with the genetic disorder "phenylketonuria" should exercise caut...[Read More] Does Aspartame Damage Brain Cells? Debunking Common Myths
Sweet vs. Salty: Which is Worse for Fatty Liver After Evening Workouts?
What are the effects of consuming too much salt or sugar? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask if, after exercising at night, it is worse for the body to eat something sweeter or saltier when I feel a bit hungry. Due to my moderate fatty liver condition, I run for 30 minutes every ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Weight gain occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. Therefore, regardless of whether the food is salty or sweet, consuming excess calories will lead to weight gain. As for fatty liver, excessive intake of carbohydrates (such as grains, fruits, flour, and br...[Read More] Sweet vs. Salty: Which is Worse for Fatty Liver After Evening Workouts?