Can Flaxseed Oil Help Lower Inflammation Levels in Rheumatoid Patients?
Can flaxseed lower the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of inflammation? Hello, Director! Can flaxseed (oil) lower the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) inflammatory index? I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient, and unfortunately, I got infected with osteomyelitis on January...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Hello! Although studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed can reduce inflammatory responses, currently, the fish oil products available on the market are certified for their efficacy in regulating blood lipids. Flaxseed oil has not yet ...[Read More] Can Flaxseed Oil Help Lower Inflammation Levels in Rheumatoid Patients?
Managing Caloric Intake: Tips for Nutrition and Weight Loss
Caloric control issues? Hello, Director Shi. I previously attended a weight loss class and now have some questions regarding calorie counting: 1. If I cannot find a food item in the food exchange list, what should I do to convert the food portion? 2. How can I convert the nutri...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Lily, Hello! 1. If the food you consume is not listed in the food exchange table, you can visit the Department of Health's website to check the "Taiwan Nutritional Composition Database" at http://www.doh.gov.tw/FoodAnalysis/ingredients.htm. 2. The food exc...[Read More] Managing Caloric Intake: Tips for Nutrition and Weight Loss
Managing Fetal Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers
Weight Control for Pregnant Women and Fetal Development Hello, before I got pregnant, I weighed 48 kg. During my prenatal check-up on June 17, my weight was 57 kg. The baby's weight was 1900 grams. On July 1, during my check-up (around 35 weeks), my weight was 56.7 kg, and t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it seems that there aren't many calories, but during the later stages of pregnancy, the growth rate of the fetus is indeed rapid. Besides your dietary habits and activity level, the fetus's absorption and growth status are inherently di...[Read More] Managing Fetal Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Tips for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Clear Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
There is a transparent substance with a fishy odor during bowel movements? Hello, doctor: Sometimes I feel discomfort in my stomach and need to go to the bathroom, but I don't necessarily have a lot of bowel movements. Instead, I often pass some clear, watery substance that ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! I'm not sure about your eating situation. I recommend that you visit a gastroenterologist for a clearer assessment. This is a response from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen at Nantou Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Clear Mucus in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Nutrition Questions: Balancing Diet, Fiber Intake, and Weight Loss
Questions about diet? Hello, I apologize for the lengthy questions and descriptions. In high school, I had a very picky diet primarily consisting of fast food (even with hamburgers, I only ate the meat, bread, and cheese). I completely avoided vegetables except for dumplings, and...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Based on your height, your ideal weight is approximately 63.5 kg +/- 6 kg. To achieve a daily intake of 25 grams of dietary fiber, you need to consume more than 300 grams of vegetables daily, along with two servings of fruit, and include whole grain staples such as brown r...[Read More] Nutrition Questions: Balancing Diet, Fiber Intake, and Weight Loss
Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Bamboo Shoots and Mangoes?
After surgery, it is advised to avoid eating bamboo shoots and mangoes? After undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer seven months ago, some people say that bamboo shoots and mangoes should be avoided because they can lead to polyp formation at the surgical site. Is there any ba...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, bamboo shoots and mangoes are considered safe to eat and there is a belief that they do not cause harm or lead to polyp formation. Regarding post-operative dietary recommendations, it is essential to focus on a balanced diet. After surgery, stomach capacity is reduced, mak...[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Bamboo Shoots and Mangoes?
Why Sleeping on Your Stomach Causes Uncomfortable Burping
Sleeping on your stomach can cause you to experience air burps? When I sleep on my stomach (face down), I feel very uncomfortable in my chest, and when I wake up, I tend to burp excessively, even though my mouth is closed. I've experienced this since I was a child, and I fin...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The most common cause of hiccups is gastric distension, which can occur due to overeating, consuming carbonated beverages, or swallowing air (such as talking while eating). Other factors, such as sudden changes in environmental or gastrointestinal temperature, excessive sm...[Read More] Why Sleeping on Your Stomach Causes Uncomfortable Burping
Dietary Guidance for Patients with High Calcium Levels: What to Eat?
How should patients with hypercalcemia manage their diet? Hello, Director: Could you please advise what foods are suitable for patients with hypercalcemia? Almost every type of food contains calcium! How should one eat? The lab report shows anemia with WBC at 5.8, among other v...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear CC, Hello! There is no research indicating that high calcium levels lead to the excretion of magnesium and phosphorus or result in iron deficiency. Hypercalcemia is usually not caused by excessive calcium intake but rather by other conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism. T...[Read More] Dietary Guidance for Patients with High Calcium Levels: What to Eat?
Why Am I Slim but Have a Big Belly? Understanding Body Fat Distribution
I am thin, yet I have a large belly? Hello, doctor. I have read the previous articles and searched online for methods and articles about losing belly fat, but I still have some doubts and hope you can help me clarify. I am a person with a lean body, standing at 175 cm and weighin...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Actually, abdominal circumference is not necessarily all fat, but the abdomen is indeed the hardest area to exercise. Prolonged sitting without activity can easily lead to fat accumulation in the abdominal area! Generally speaking, if subcutaneous fat can be pinched into a...[Read More] Why Am I Slim but Have a Big Belly? Understanding Body Fat Distribution
Is Ruo Yuan Pill a Food or a Drug? Understanding Its Use for Digestive Health
Is Yuan Dan classified as a food or a drug? I have digestive issues and I'm considering buying Ruo Yuan tablets. Could you please tell me if it is a food product or a medication? If it is a food product, can I take it every day? If it is a medication, I assume I shouldn'...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Currently, Ruo Yuan tablets have a drug registration number because they were initially applied under the specifications for pharmaceuticals before the regulations for health supplements were standardized. This includes considerations for dosage and safety. Since they are ...[Read More] Is Ruo Yuan Pill a Food or a Drug? Understanding Its Use for Digestive Health
Do Probiotics in the Gut Get Lost Due to Daily Bowel Movements?
Will beneficial bacteria in the gut be lost due to bowel movements? I take intestinal probiotics daily to support my stomach (since I have digestive issues), and I have been doing so for over a month. However, I have reduced the dosage; for example, if the packaging recommends ta...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! When dealing with gastrointestinal issues, it's important to treat the underlying cause. Probiotics are primarily concerned with the possibility of being destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the intestines, so there's no need to worry about them being expell...[Read More] Do Probiotics in the Gut Get Lost Due to Daily Bowel Movements?
Post-Surgery Nutrition for Elderly Vegans: Essential Supplements
Nutritional supplementation for elderly patients (vegetarians) after orthopedic surgery? Hello, my grandfather is 80 years old and has been a vegetarian for many years. Recently, he underwent surgery for joint degeneration. He is concerned about the nutritional adequacy of a vege...
Dr. Huang Shuli Reply:
Dear Grandson, After surgery, the diet should be based on a balanced intake from six major food groups: carbohydrates, protein sources (meat, fish, eggs, and dairy), vegetables, fruits, and fats. It is important to increase the intake of vitamin C and protein. Food sources of vi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nutrition for Elderly Vegans: Essential Supplements
Effective Strategies to Lose Belly Fat: Tips for a Healthier You
How to lose belly fat? Hello: I am 167 cm tall and weigh 58 kg, but I have noticed that I am gaining weight mainly in my abdomen. What can I do to reduce belly fat?
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Xiao Xin, Hello! Based on your height and weight, your BMI is only 20.8, which is considered very standard. If you feel that your abdomen is a bit overweight, you can focus on strengthening your abdominal muscles through exercise. Wishing you all the best! Sincerely, ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Lose Belly Fat: Tips for a Healthier You
Essential Nutrients for Tech Workers: A Guide for Women
How to supplement nutrition (for the tech industry work schedule) For individuals working in the tech industry with long hours, irregular sleep patterns, and occasional sleep deprivation, it's important to focus on a balanced intake of essential nutrients. For women, the fol...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Essentially, the most important nutrients are the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These are the primary nutrients that impact health. When there is a significant imbalance in these three macronutrients (for example, if one primarily consumes staple...[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Tech Workers: A Guide for Women
Healthy Eating Tips for Moms: Managing Weight and Health Issues
To ensure mother's health? My mother is 63 years old, 158 cm tall, weighs 80 kg, and has a waist circumference of over 90 cm. She has large and fatty thighs, abdominal obesity, and has been diagnosed with hypertension for which she has been taking diuretics prescribed by her...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is understood that due to currently low activity levels, central obesity is easily developed. For hypertension and osteoporosis, in addition to dietary control, lifestyle changes play a significant role. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust ...[Read More] Healthy Eating Tips for Moms: Managing Weight and Health Issues
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes Management and Weight Control
Diet for Diabetes Patients Hello, Nutritionist: I would like to inquire about dietary issues concerning diabetes patients. If a diabetes patient needs to control both blood sugar levels and body weight, which of these two should be prioritized in the dietary plan? Generally, diet...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Angela, Hello! One of the principles of a diabetes diet is to maintain a reasonable weight. According to research, for diabetic patients who are obese or overweight, moderate weight loss can help in blood sugar control. The principles of a diabetes diet and a weight loss di...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes Management and Weight Control
Diabetes-Friendly Diet: Adjusting Kung Pao Chicken for Better Health
Regarding dietary issues in diabetes? Hello, Nutritionist: If the patient has a height of 147 cm, weight of 62.3 kg, ideal weight of 47.5 kg, and works as a homemaker, the suggested caloric intake is approximately 1200 calories. The health check report indicates elevated fasting ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Angela, Hello! The traditional method of preparing Kung Pao Chicken usually involves deep-frying the chicken, which makes it less suitable for consumption. If you switch to pan-frying, it can reduce the amount of fat; however, since the chicken is still coated in flour, it ...[Read More] Diabetes-Friendly Diet: Adjusting Kung Pao Chicken for Better Health
Diet Tips for Underweight Diabetic Patients on a Vegan Diet
Hello, I would like to ask about the diet for patients with diabetes? Dear Nutritionist, I have a family member of a diabetic patient who is currently taking antidiabetic medication. She follows a strict vegan diet and is underweight (height 150 cm, weight 35 kg, BMI 15). I woul...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Regarding dietary considerations for diabetes, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. For vegetarians, it is recommended to substitute fish and meat with eggs and legumes. For a person who is 150 cm tall and weighs 35 kg, the daily caloric intake should be approximat...[Read More] Diet Tips for Underweight Diabetic Patients on a Vegan Diet
Pre and Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Duodenal Ulcer and Polyp Removal
Diet Before and After Surgery My husband was diagnosed today with a duodenal ulcer and a 4 cm polyp in the colon, which the doctor suspects to be malignant. He is scheduled for hospitalization and surgery to remove the polyp on Sunday. Additionally, my husband has been experienci...
Dr. Huang Shuli Reply:
Hello! 1. If you have scheduled surgery for the colon, please adjust your daily routine to improve sleep quality and restore normal bodily functions. The hospital will likely provide bowel preparation medications. In terms of diet, a low-residue diet is recommended, avoiding high...[Read More] Pre and Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Duodenal Ulcer and Polyp Removal
Post-Cesarean Bleeding: Should Traditional Chinese Medicine Be Stopped?
Should traditional Chinese medicine be discontinued if there is uterine bleeding after a cesarean section? Hello! I have a friend who will return for a follow-up appointment 7 days after her cesarean section. The doctor mentioned that she has a condition of uterine hematoma and a...
Dr. Tang Weili Reply:
Ms. Chen: For Chinese medicine, please consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner. Wishing you good health. This response is provided by Dietitian Hu Yu-Ching on behalf of Dietitian Tang, who is on leave. 100.4.26[Read More] Post-Cesarean Bleeding: Should Traditional Chinese Medicine Be Stopped?