Can Pregnant Women Take Lecithin and Lutein Supplements?
Nutritional Supplements - About Lecithin and Lutein Hello, nutritionist: May I ask if pregnant women can take supplements of lecithin and lutein? Do they benefit fetal growth? When is the best time to start taking them? I have many questions, and I would greatly appreciate your c...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Jerry, Hello! During pregnancy, it is best to consume a variety of foods in a balanced manner. Aim for 2 cups (240cc each) of dairy products daily. If you wish to take supplements, a multivitamin is sufficient; I do not recommend additional products. Wishing you safety and...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Take Lecithin and Lutein Supplements?
Can Drinking High-Calorie Beverages Make You Gain Weight?
Calorie If I only consume high-calorie liquids (like soups or drinks) without eating solid food, will I still gain weight? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear TJF, Hello! Regularly consuming high-calorie soups or beverages without eating solid food can easily lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances, posing significant health risks. This can result in various chronic diseases and deficiencies in essential nutrients for the ...[Read More] Can Drinking High-Calorie Beverages Make You Gain Weight?
Effective Ways to Lose Belly Fat: Is Hula Hooping a Good Option?
Inquire about weight loss? Hello! What are the best ways to lose weight around the abdomen? Is using a hula hoop effective?
Dr. Ke Qiuliang Reply:
Hello: After a year, I believe many people have similar questions. What I would like to share is that a more appropriate weight loss method requires a combination of exercise, diet, and certain behavioral modifications, which makes it easier to achieve weight loss goals. I am not...[Read More] Effective Ways to Lose Belly Fat: Is Hula Hooping a Good Option?
Is Eating Cold Leftovers Harmful to Your Health?
Is it good to frequently eat cold food? During winter, I often find that my food gets cold while I'm still eating because I eat slowly. Additionally, I frequently consume leftover food (without reheating). Will this have any long-term effects on my health? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear HH, Hello! Food left at room temperature for more than 4 hours is prone to bacterial growth, which can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, if not consumed immediately, it should be stored in the refrigerator or kept hot at above 60°C (140°F). If the food has coole...[Read More] Is Eating Cold Leftovers Harmful to Your Health?
Is It Safe to Rely on Nutritional Injections for Elderly Patients?
Is it beneficial to receive nutritional injections? My father has recently lost his appetite due to his old age. He can eat, but he hardly consumes any food! It's difficult to persuade him, and recently he has also experienced diarrhea and some dehydration. He has received s...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Your father has a low food intake and is experiencing nutrient loss (diarrhea). Simply injecting B-complex vitamins is not sufficient. In addition to continuing to encourage your father to eat small, frequent meals and providing him with his favorite foods, it is advisable...[Read More] Is It Safe to Rely on Nutritional Injections for Elderly Patients?
Do You Need to Increase Food Intake for Hardgainers?
excuse me? Hello, nutritionist. I have seen many people (including you) suggest that individuals with a fast metabolism should increase their physical activity. I would like to know if, in addition to increasing exercise, it is also necessary to increase food intake? Or should th...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! When increasing physical activity, the calorie expenditure naturally increases, leading to a natural response in the body to feel hungry. For those who need to gain weight, it is acceptable to eat during non-meal times, and the additional calorie intake at this time usuall...[Read More] Do You Need to Increase Food Intake for Hardgainers?
Understanding Chitosan and Chitin: Benefits, Risks, and Dietary Considerations
Regarding chitosan? Chitosan is a functional food that is derived from chitin, which is found in the shells of crustaceans. It is often marketed for its potential benefits in weight management and cholesterol reduction. Chitosan is believed to bind dietary fats and cholesterol, p...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
1. Chitin, chitosan, and chitin derivatives are categorized based on company technology and quality analysis. These are high molecular weight substances extracted from crustaceans, and due to their properties, they are primarily used in health supplements or weight loss products....[Read More] Understanding Chitosan and Chitin: Benefits, Risks, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Konjac: A Low-Calorie Food for Weight Management
Konjac Hello, nutritionist: People often say that eating konjac won't make you gain weight. What exactly is konjac made of? Is it classified as a vegetable or a starch?
Dr. Ke Qiuliang Reply:
Hello: Konjac is rich in dietary fiber and some trace elements. Konjac yam is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Araceae family. Konjac has a strong water absorption capacity, which easily creates a feeling of fullness, and it is low in calories. Therefore, it is often...[Read More] Understanding Konjac: A Low-Calorie Food for Weight Management
Is Natto Extract Safe for Patients with High Blood Pressure and Brain Hemorrhage?
Single-component natto extract dietary supplement? Hello Dr. Chang, I have a few questions to ask you. My mother-in-law has a history of hypertension and has been on medication for a long time. On January 10th, around 7:30 PM, while dining at my sister-in-law's house, she s...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Xiaofen, Hello. Regarding long-term care: 1. When feeding via a nasogastric tube, it is important to monitor for any residual food during aspiration. 2. If the endotracheal tube has been removed, it is necessary to perform suctioning and reposition the patient at regular i...[Read More] Is Natto Extract Safe for Patients with High Blood Pressure and Brain Hemorrhage?
Overcoming Severe Malnutrition: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Severe malnutrition Dear Dr. Shi, Hello, I am an ordinary office worker, 155 cm tall. I have been experiencing back pain for the past 4.5 years, which has gradually led to a loss of appetite. I used to weigh around 50 kg, but now I weigh only 35 kg. My menstrual cycle stopped a ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear SILK: Based on your dietary analysis, your main issue is a lack of protein and caloric intake. When preparing noodles for breakfast, in addition to the noodles and vegetables, you should include protein-rich foods such as eggs, beans, fish, and meat. For lunch and dinner, it...[Read More] Overcoming Severe Malnutrition: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Belly and Hip Fat
Weight loss, weight loss? I am 172 cm tall and weigh 88 kg. I eat two meals a day, but my weight continues to increase. Additionally, my bowel movements are infrequent. The areas where I am gaining weight are my abdomen and hips. What should I do to lose weight?
Dr. Liu Qiaoyun Reply:
Hello! With a height of 172 cm, your ideal weight is approximately between 53-71 kg. Of course, it also depends on whether you have a muscular build. If you are physically fit, then you may not be considered overweight! The number of meals you eat in a day is not the biggest fact...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Belly and Hip Fat
Dietary Guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
excuse me? Consult a nutritionist. What should patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic nephritis eat, and what should they avoid?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Some studies suggest that fish oil can reduce inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional Chinese medicine has many dietary restrictions, but nutrition still recommends a balanced diet. For chronic nephritis, it's important to monitor kidney function i...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Can Women Planning Pregnancy Safely Consume Job's Tears?
Job's tears Many people say that pregnant women should avoid eating Job's tears. Can mothers who plan to become pregnant consume it?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) are considered a staple food and are rich in fiber. Some studies suggest that Job's tears may help regulate blood lipids, but there is currently no research indicating any harm to pregnant women, and the actual physiological effect...[Read More] Can Women Planning Pregnancy Safely Consume Job's Tears?
Can You Eat Longan When Sick with the Flu? Nutrition Tips Inside
Can I eat longan during the new flu? Hello, I often hear people say that longan should not be consumed in excess, with a limit of five pieces at a time. However, I tend to eat dried longan in larger quantities. Is this a concern? Additionally, I am currently suffering from the fl...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Miss Guangmei, Hello! 22 grams of dried longan is equivalent to one serving of fruit, but it has a slightly higher potassium content. Therefore, patients with kidney disease or diabetes should limit their intake, while healthy individuals should avoid excessive consumption....[Read More] Can You Eat Longan When Sick with the Flu? Nutrition Tips Inside
Understanding Buckwheat Allergens: What You Need to Know
The allergenic substances in buckwheat are primarily proteins, specifically the proteins known as fagopyrin and other related proteins. These proteins can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals? Dear Nutritionist: I previously read in a book that buckwheat contains c...
Dr. Hu Yuqing Reply:
Hello Kelly: According to the information found at http://tdares.coa.gov.tw/view.php?catid=1769, buckwheat contains red fluorescent pigments, particularly abundant in its flowers. Some individuals and animals may experience photosensitivity (also known as buckwheat disease) or al...[Read More] Understanding Buckwheat Allergens: What You Need to Know
Is Cow Chaste Mushroom Really That Beneficial for Health?
Is Niu Chang Zhi really that good? Hello, although I have seen on television that Antrodia camphorata (Niu Chang Zhi) is very beneficial, I recently started to learn more about it. The information I found online suggests that it is good for health. I would like to ask if there ar...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Han! Antrodia camphorata, known for its medicinal properties and high economic value, grows on the trunk of the Cinnamomum kanehirae tree. However, due to the high demand for wild Antrodia camphorata fruiting bodies, the efficacy of liquid fermented mycelium still req...[Read More] Is Cow Chaste Mushroom Really That Beneficial for Health?
Do Enzymes Really Cure All Ills? A Guide for Chronic Disease Management
Do enzymes really cure all diseases? Is it true that premium enzymes sold in the market can cure various diseases? They are said to be alkaline foods suitable for chronic illnesses. I would like to ask about my mother, who is a dialysis patient with high blood pressure and diabet...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Pipi, Hello! If premium enzymes sold in the market claim to have therapeutic effects, it is advisable to report them to the local health department. Given that your mother is undergoing dialysis and has diabetes and other conditions, it is best for a nutritionist from her o...[Read More] Do Enzymes Really Cure All Ills? A Guide for Chronic Disease Management
Understanding the Color Change in Urine After Taking B Vitamins
Issues related to the consumption of vitamin B complex? Recently, I have been taking high-dose B vitamins. At first, my urine was yellow, but later the color returned to what it was before I started supplementing with B vitamins. Then, a pharmacist suggested that I switch to anot...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello Miao Miao: Your methods of hydration, vitamin intake, and daily routine are not clearly outlined, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive explanation. Regarding your question: When the body has not yet received these high doses of vitamins, it can only absorb and met...[Read More] Understanding the Color Change in Urine After Taking B Vitamins
How to Manage a Fast Metabolism and Improve Digestive Health
No matter how much I eat, I can't gain weight? I have a body type that doesn't gain weight, no matter how much I eat; my BMI is below the standard! Additionally, I often experience diarrhea after eating. I'm unsure how to improve this situation. Thank you!
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Ah Kai, Hello! Your BMI is below the standard, which may be significantly related to your tendency to have diarrhea. I recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. Currently, dietary advice includes avoiding greasy and fried foods, consuming ...[Read More] How to Manage a Fast Metabolism and Improve Digestive Health
Are Dried Vegetables Nutritious? Exploring Nutritional Value of Carrots and Cabbage
Is dried vegetables nutritious? Hello, I would like to ask if it is currently the peak season for vegetables such as carrots, daikon radish, and cabbage. If I shred the carrots and then dry them for preservation, will the nutritional components be lost? Is it good to make pickles...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! In Taiwan, various vegetables are in season throughout the year, and each type has different nutritional components. By diversifying the intake of seasonal vegetables, one can achieve a balanced nutritional profile. However, making pickles or fermented vegetables can lead ...[Read More] Are Dried Vegetables Nutritious? Exploring Nutritional Value of Carrots and Cabbage