Can Lemon Juice and Milk Help Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Improvement of uric acid levels? Hello Dr. Tsai! I would like to ask you a few questions regarding uric acid: 1. Can long-term consumption of lemon juice help improve uric acid levels? 2. Can regularly drinking milk help improve uric acid levels? Thank you for your explanation on...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. The causes of high uric acid levels are due to either abnormal excretion by the body or excessive production within the body. Elevated uric acid can lead to urinary stones or kidney damage. 2. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can improve blood pH levels and r...[Read More] Can Lemon Juice and Milk Help Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Carotid Artery Blockage: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Carotid artery occlusion Hello Dr. Tsai, My father is 65 years old and has a hereditary history of hypertension. A few days ago, he felt dizzy, and after a hospital examination, it was found that he has carotid artery blockage. I would like to ask: 1. Is there medication avail...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding your father's arterial blockage, it would be best to consult the physician who conducted the examination for more clarity on the cause. Have there been any tests for lipid levels or diabetes? Generally, to prevent stroke, it is important to control lipid lev...[Read More] Understanding Carotid Artery Blockage: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Essential Nutritional Supplements for College Students: A Guide
Regarding suitable health foods for students? Hello Doctor: I have some questions regarding health supplements. I am a 19-year-old female student, and I want to know if it is necessary to take health supplements to compensate for nutritional deficiencies, as it can be quite chall...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding your question, it is recommended that you visit a nutrition consultation clinic where a dietitian can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation. This response is from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen at Nantou Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Essential Nutritional Supplements for College Students: A Guide
Diet Tips for Managing Gallstones: Eating Out and Healthy Choices
Gallstones Hello, Doctor: I have gallstones and have not yet undergone surgery. How should I eat? If I often eat out, what dietary recommendations should I follow?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! If gallstones do not cause bile duct obstruction, doctors generally may not recommend surgical removal. However, if obstruction occurs, it can lead to cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Typically, individuals with a family history of related conditions, obesity, multiple pregn...[Read More] Diet Tips for Managing Gallstones: Eating Out and Healthy Choices
Effective Strategies for Targeted Weight Loss and Body Shaping
Weight loss Hello: I used an online calculator and found that your BMI is 24.22, and your ideal weight is between 57.22 to 69.94 kg. Your body shape is very standard! However, if you are not satisfied with your body shape and would like to ask the following questions: 1. If the ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. Abdominal fat accumulation is common, and to address abdominal obesity, it is essential to reduce overall body weight, along with incorporating abdominal exercises for a toning effect. The amount of facial adipose tissue varies among individuals; some people tend to acc...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Targeted Weight Loss and Body Shaping
Can Hula Hooping for 30 Minutes a Day Help You Lose Weight?
Hula hooping for weight loss? Using a hula hoop for 30 minutes a day, five times a week, can contribute to weight loss, but the extent of weight loss will depend on various factors such as your diet, overall physical activity, and individual metabolism. Regular aerobic exercise l...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Weight loss requires dietary control and exercise, and diet plays a crucial role in weight loss. Therefore, using a hula hoop without dietary control is unlikely to be effective! I recommend that you visit a nutrition consultation clinic to consult with a nutritionist and ...[Read More] Can Hula Hooping for 30 Minutes a Day Help You Lose Weight?
Are Growth Supplements Effective for Kids Starting School?
Korean Ginseng Growth Factors I would like to ask: Recently, there has been an advertisement for a growth hormone supplement on television. Is it really as effective as it claims? Is it suitable for children who are entering first grade this year? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I'm not sure what you mean by "growth factors." Generally speaking, even health foods should not claim to help with height increase or similar effects. Foods provide the necessary nutrients for the body. What children need is a balanced diet, adequate protei...[Read More] Are Growth Supplements Effective for Kids Starting School?
Is Sleeping Hungry a Healthy Weight Loss Strategy?
Sleeping on an empty stomach? Hello, doctor. I heard on television that a good method for weight loss is to go to bed hungry at night, and they also mentioned that this is a way to promote health. I would like to know if this practice could harm the stomach in the long run, or if...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Humans need to intake various nutrients to provide the body with the necessary nourishment, so it is important to have a balanced diet throughout the three meals. For those who are accustomed to having late-night snacks, it can certainly put a strain on the gastrointestina...[Read More] Is Sleeping Hungry a Healthy Weight Loss Strategy?
Does Eating Too Many Bananas Cause Muscle and Joint Pain?
I've heard that eating too many bananas can cause muscle and joint pain. Is that true? Hello, Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen: I heard that eating too many bananas can cause muscle and joint pain. Is that true?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Many elderly people often mention that eggplants are toxic and that eating too many bananas can cause soreness. From a nutritional standpoint, a diverse diet can provide balanced nutrition. Some individuals may have allergies to certain nutrients, which can lead to discomf...[Read More] Does Eating Too Many Bananas Cause Muscle and Joint Pain?
Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Teens
Want to grow taller? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am currently 17 years old, 162 cm tall, and weigh 71 kg. I am a male, and since graduating from junior high school, I have not grown taller. I would like to ask if I still have a chance to grow taller. Also, what should my ideal weight be? R...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The factors that may influence your height include genetics, nutrition, and exercise. Therefore, I cannot determine if you will grow taller. I recommend that you increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, such as drinking two cups of milk a day, and engage in sports like ...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Teens
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Consume Health Supplements?
Can a person with hepatitis B consume health supplements? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and would like to know if it is safe for me to consume health supplements containing spirulina and chlorella, as well as foods beneficial for bone health that contain the foll...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Zhen! Hepatitis B does not have specific restrictions on certain nutrients. The dietary principle is based on a balanced diet, which can include high-calorie and high-protein foods. Health supplements are generally acceptable, but the key is to avoid excessive intake....[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Consume Health Supplements?
Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
Low-protein diet What is considered a low-protein food? How much protein content should be less than in 100g to qualify as low-protein? My mother has chronic kidney disease, and her urine protein levels have been consistently high. Is the commercially available San-Duo low-protei...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! A general balanced diet typically consists of protein making up about 12-14% of total caloric intake. A low-protein diet, on the other hand, has protein contributing approximately 6-8% of total calories. Protein is an essential substance needed by the body. Under normal ci...[Read More] Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Healthy Weight Gain in Teens
Skinny Doctor: I am in the third year of junior high school, 165 cm tall, and weigh 49 kg. I have always struggled to gain weight. Could it be related to stress? How can I gain weight and become stronger?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your height of 165 cm, your ideal weight should be 59.8 kg. Currently, your BMI is 18, which is still within the standard range. Your ideal weight range is between 53-65 kg. For moderate activity, the daily caloric requirement based on your ideal weight is calcu...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Healthy Weight Gain in Teens
Managing Anemia and Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Diet for Anemia Hello, I would like to ask about my mother who has diabetes but keeps her blood sugar around 120. Recently, her blood test showed a hemoglobin level of only 9.5. The doctor mentioned that she has anemia and nutritional deficiencies. What dietary recommendations ca...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Pip! Regarding your mother's anemia, one possible cause could be the need to adjust her dietary habits, and another reason may be poor kidney function, which can lead to lower hemoglobin levels. The kidneys play a crucial role in hematopoiesis, and when kidney function...[Read More] Managing Anemia and Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Better Health
Understanding Feeding Routes: NG vs. PEG Explained
Enteral route?! The term "enteral feeding route" refers to the method of delivering nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal tract. It is not the same as "nasogastric (NG) feeding" or "percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding," which are...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The routes of administration include oral-nasal intubation or enterostomy. 1. Oral-nasal intubation methods include nasogastric tubes, nasoduodenal tubes, and nasojejunal tubes. 2. Enterostomy procedures include gastrostomy, jejunostomy, and pharyngostomy, among others. Th...[Read More] Understanding Feeding Routes: NG vs. PEG Explained
Effective Dietary Tips to Relieve Constipation and Sculpt Your Body
Want to sculpt the body? Hello, nutritionist. I would like to ask a question regarding my constipation, which causes my abdomen to be quite large. What foods can I eat to ensure daily bowel movements? I tend to gain weight in my abdomen and thighs. Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The causes of constipation may be related to an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, excessive stress, and irregular lifestyle factors. It is recommended that you first identify the main cause and adjust your daily routine and dietary habits. 1. Hydration: The daily water ...[Read More] Effective Dietary Tips to Relieve Constipation and Sculpt Your Body
Understanding Abdominal Obesity and Leg Pain: When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension with thin legs, accompanied by leg pain? Hello Doctor: My father's abdomen is getting larger, but his legs are becoming thinner, which gives a feeling of atrophy. The overall proportions look strange. Additionally, this year he has started experiencing p...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I'm not sure if your father has undergone an adult health check-up. For individuals aged 40 to 65, a general health check-up can be done once every three years for free. Alternatively, he can visit a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic for consultation and trea...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity and Leg Pain: When to Seek Help
Is Drinking Lemon and Salt Water on an Empty Stomach Harmful?
Drinking lemon water with coarse salt on an empty stomach can be harmful to the body? I saw a celebrity online claiming that the key to weight loss is changing one's body composition. They suggested drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice (from one lemon) mixed with a tablespo...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Lemon and salt are both types of food, and for healthy individuals, consuming them in moderation should not affect health. However, for those with gastrointestinal issues or conditions such as inflammation or ulcers, it may exacerbate the burden on the digestive system. Th...[Read More] Is Drinking Lemon and Salt Water on an Empty Stomach Harmful?
Identifying Issues in My Weight Loss Plan: Seeking Expert Advice
Where did my weight loss plan go wrong? Hello, Doctor: I am currently following a weight loss plan, but the results are not very noticeable. I would like your advice on where I can improve. Breakfast: 2 slices of whole wheat toast + 350cc of Milo (chocolate drink) --> eaten ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your height, your ideal weight is 54.2 kg. According to your description, I would like you to pay attention to the following: 1. Has your weight remained the same since you started adjusting your diet, or did you lose a few kilograms and then plateau? 2. Are you c...[Read More] Identifying Issues in My Weight Loss Plan: Seeking Expert Advice
Understanding Health Risks of Green Tea for Hypertension and Heart Disease
Every* Healthy Green Tea Hello, nutritionist. Recently, many health green teas on the market have noted that they are not suitable for individuals with hypertension and heart disease. Could you please explain the basis for this? Does it refer to primary (essential) hypertension o...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding the product, no ingredients have been found to affect patients with hypertension and heart disease. The only thing to be cautious about is that some patients with hypertension and heart disease may need to limit their fluid intake if they experience fluid retenti...[Read More] Understanding Health Risks of Green Tea for Hypertension and Heart Disease