Managing Frequent Bowel Movements: Dietary and Lifestyle Solutions
Long-term issues with bowel movements? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my bowel movement issues. While others are usually troubled by constipation, I am concerned about having very large bowel movements. I often experience gastrointestinal discomfort from even slightly o...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding your concerns, it seems to be quite troubling for you. Based on your symptoms, I would recommend that you first visit a gastroenterology clinic to check for any issues related to intestinal digestion or motility. It would be helpful to know the characteristics of...[Read More] Managing Frequent Bowel Movements: Dietary and Lifestyle Solutions
Is Chewing Chicken Bones Safe? Understanding Nutritional Risks
Likes to crush bones? Hello, doctor. I enjoy biting into chicken legs to crush the bones and eat the marrow inside (not sure what it's called). However, sometimes I wonder if the chicken isn't of good quality, could this habit harm my health? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Chicken bone marrow does not have any special nutritional components; however, there is a possibility of contamination with heavy metals or antibiotics. It is advisable to pay attention to the freshness and safety of the food sources. The body has a certain metabolic mecha...[Read More] Is Chewing Chicken Bones Safe? Understanding Nutritional Risks
Do You Need to Lose Belly Fat Before Building Abs?
Regarding abdominal muscle training? I heard on television that if you have a protruding abdomen, you must lose the belly fat before training your abdominal muscles; otherwise, it may cause your stomach to become larger (possibly due to fat accumulation). Is this statement correc...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Xin! The accumulation of fat is due to excessive caloric intake. When caloric expenditure increases, the body can reduce fat accumulation, as body fat is not only located in the abdominal area. When more calories are burned, other areas of the body with fat will also ...[Read More] Do You Need to Lose Belly Fat Before Building Abs?
Soft vs. Semi-Solid Foods for Dementia and Dialysis Patients
Elderly patients with dementia who are also dialysis patients and have only two natural teeth and one denture should be provided with soft foods or semi-solid foods? Elderly patients with dementia who are also undergoing dialysis and have only two natural teeth and one denture sh...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Mr. Chuang! Dialysis patients have limited fluid metabolism, so it is generally necessary to restrict fluid intake. Therefore, it is advisable to consume soft foods as much as possible, considering any issues with chewing. For staple foods, soft rice is a good option. For v...[Read More] Soft vs. Semi-Solid Foods for Dementia and Dialysis Patients
Can Massage Help Burn Fat and Slim Your Belly?
The claim that massage can burn fat? Hello, doctor. I am the one who previously asked about slimming the abdomen. I would like to inquire further. I heard that massage can help burn fat, so can massage also achieve weight loss effects? (For example, women often massage their calv...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding abdominal massage, its primary function is to stimulate intestinal peristalsis, which may help with bowel movements. There is no medical basis for the claim that massage can burn fat; the focus should be on overall caloric balance! Wishing you good health. This r...[Read More] Can Massage Help Burn Fat and Slim Your Belly?
Effective Exercises to Slim Down Your Belly: Targeted vs. Full-Body Workouts
Exercise to Slim the Abdomen I've heard that it's possible to lose belly fat through exercise. Should I focus on abdominal exercises like sit-ups or hula hooping, or can I also do full-body exercises like jogging, swimming, or playing basketball?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The storage locations of body fat vary from person to person, and the muscle definition also differs based on individual activity levels. Generally, areas with less activity, such as the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms, are more prone to fat storage. As long as there is a ...[Read More] Effective Exercises to Slim Down Your Belly: Targeted vs. Full-Body Workouts
How Long Can Baked Goods Last in the Refrigerator?
How many days can food be stored in the refrigerator? Hello! I would like to ask about how long baked goods like bread or pastries can be stored in the refrigerator without going bad. For instance, if they are kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, will they still be safe to eat? Th...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiaofang! Whether food goes bad depends on how long it has been since it was manufactured when you bought it, whether it has been opened, if it was stored properly in the refrigerator, and if it was kept separate from other foods. Generally, opened food stored in the refri...[Read More] How Long Can Baked Goods Last in the Refrigerator?
Is Morning Running on an Empty Stomach Safe? Insights from Military Routines
Regarding the issue of morning running and breakfast? Hello, doctor. I noticed that the military routine typically involves morning runs followed by breakfast. How is it that running such long distances on an empty stomach doesn't harm the body? (If it were harmful, it shoul...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Generally, food takes about 2 to 6 hours to be emptied from the stomach after digestion, so it is normal to feel empty in the morning after proper digestion. The human body operates under various regulatory mechanisms; for instance, blood sugar levels are maintained in a b...[Read More] Is Morning Running on an Empty Stomach Safe? Insights from Military Routines
Can Vitamin C Help Improve Health for Night Shift Workers?
Regarding Vitamin C Hello, nutritionist. Due to my irregular work schedule and poor sleep, which requires me to stay focused, would consuming more vitamin C-rich foods or vitamin C supplements be beneficial for my health? (I understand that vitamin C alone is not sufficient, but ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Zhi! Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help reduce free radicals during periods of physiological stress. However, the body's redox processes rely on a series of mechanisms, and relying solely on a single nutrient has limited effects. If you feel fatigued, supp...[Read More] Can Vitamin C Help Improve Health for Night Shift Workers?
Best Bedtime Snacks for a Full Stomach Without Upsetting Your Gut
Before bedtime Sometimes I feel very hungry before going to bed, to the point that I can't sleep. Could you please provide some suggestions for what to eat before bedtime that won't harm my stomach and will still provide a feeling of fullness? Ideally, it shouldn't...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiaohua! I'm not sure if you have any inflammation in your stomach, but I recommend that you eat small, frequent meals. Try not to eat too much for dinner, and you can have a light snack before bed. It's best to avoid coarse and hard-textured foods. Instead, choo...[Read More] Best Bedtime Snacks for a Full Stomach Without Upsetting Your Gut
Is Late-Night Snacking Bad for Your Stomach? Expert Insights
Eating before bedtime? Hello, doctor. Many physicians advise against eating three hours before bedtime, but for me, that's nearly impossible because I get hungry easily. Therefore, I still eat something before going to bed, but I usually choose lighter foods like bread or pu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Generally speaking, eating before bedtime may not be suitable for weight control and for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Do you currently have any issues with your stomach? If you have GERD or a gastric ulcer, it may be best to avoid fermented bread a...[Read More] Is Late-Night Snacking Bad for Your Stomach? Expert Insights
Boosting Appetite and Maintaining Balanced Nutrition During Illness
How to Eat When Experiencing Poor Mental Health Recently, due to a cold and gastrointestinal discomfort, my mental state has not been very good. I have a bit of a loss of appetite and don't feel like eating foods that require chewing, like rice or noodles. Sometimes I think ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, during periods of cold or gastrointestinal discomfort, it is advisable to consume light and easily digestible foods to reduce the burden on the digestive system, as the body's digestive capacity may be compromised. Congee, due to its high water content, has a relative...[Read More] Boosting Appetite and Maintaining Balanced Nutrition During Illness
Best Drinks for Tonsillitis: Warm vs. Cold and Saltwater Benefits
Dietary Recommendations for Tonsillitis Is it okay to drink salted soda when experiencing tonsillitis? Also, should one drink warm or cold beverages (water) during tonsillitis? Lastly, does drinking saltwater really help with tonsillitis? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding tonsillitis, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and avoid irritating foods, such as those that are too hot, too cold, or spicy. Carbonated drinks like soda can also be too irritating for the tonsils and should be avoided as much as possible. Gargling...[Read More] Best Drinks for Tonsillitis: Warm vs. Cold and Saltwater Benefits
Effective Weight Gain Strategies for Teen Girls: Nutrition Tips
Hello! Weight gain issues? I am a middle school girl with a height of just over 150 cm and a weight of less than 35 kg, approximately between 31 to 35 kg. I was not naturally thin; I used to be a bit chubby. Later, I lost weight by eating less, which is why I ended up like this. ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Since you can control your caloric intake to lose weight, I believe you understand that to gain weight, you need to increase your caloric intake as well! I hope that when you were controlling your diet, you also paid attention to maintaining a balanced diet while increasin...[Read More] Effective Weight Gain Strategies for Teen Girls: Nutrition Tips
Can Hula Hooping for 30 Minutes Daily Help with Weight Loss?
Weight loss issues? Hello, Doctor: 1. If I continue to use a hula hoop for half an hour every day, will it help me lose weight? 2. If I lose weight, will my face also slim down? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. Weight control depends on the balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Using a hula hoop increases calorie expenditure, but it is also important to monitor calorie intake; if you consume too much, relying solely on hula hooping will not lead to weight loss. 2. Ea...[Read More] Can Hula Hooping for 30 Minutes Daily Help with Weight Loss?
Boosting Brain Activity: The Power of Peaches and Nutrition Tips
Increase the speed of neural activity in the brain? Hello, I remember that when I ate peaches, it stimulated my brain and enhanced my memory. I have tried chicken essence and B vitamins, but none were as effective as peaches; the effect was immediate. For a period, I lacked a nor...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! You mentioned that a period of inadequate nutrition could lead to low blood sugar levels, which can certainly cause mental fatigue and difficulty concentrating. During this time, consuming water-rich and sugary fruits like peaches can help maintain your energy levels. Chic...[Read More] Boosting Brain Activity: The Power of Peaches and Nutrition Tips
Understanding Acidic and Alkaline Foods: A Guide for Your Family's Health
excuse me? Dr. Tsai: My family member just returned from the hospital, and the doctor advised avoiding "acidic" foods. Could you please tell me which foods are acidic and which are alkaline? If possible, could you also indicate strong acids, moderate acids, weak acids, ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I'm not sure about the reason for your family member's hospitalization, but the acidity and alkalinity of food can be divided into the intrinsic acidity of the food itself and the impact it has on the blood pH after digestion and absorption in the body, which can...[Read More] Understanding Acidic and Alkaline Foods: A Guide for Your Family's Health
Healthy Meal Plans for Seniors with Hypertension and Diabetes
Some dietary menus? Hello, Dr. Tsai! My grandfather has hypertension, diabetes, and gout, and he may soon develop kidney disease (a doctor told me to take good care of him in the next six months, or he might need dialysis; his current index is three, and I heard that eight requir...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Currently, your grandfather's kidney index likely refers to his creatinine levels. If these levels are elevated, adopting a low-protein diet is advisable to help slow the progression of kidney disease. Additionally, aside from protein, it is important to control the i...[Read More] Healthy Meal Plans for Seniors with Hypertension and Diabetes
Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Easy Ways to Estimate Protein Intake
Low-protein diet Hello Dr. Tsai, in recent years, there has been a decline in kidney function. The doctor has advised against excessive protein intake, but it is difficult to estimate the protein content in food. Is there a simple way to reference this? For example, one bowl of w...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Foods that contain protein include dairy products, eggs, legumes, fish, and meats, with dairy products and eggs, legumes, fish, and meats having a higher protein content. Dairy products contain 8 grams of protein per 250 cc, while eggs, legumes, fish, and meats contain 7 g...[Read More] Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Easy Ways to Estimate Protein Intake
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 Nutrition
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