Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Diet for Kidney Disease I would like to ask: My mother has had diabetes for 25 years, developed hypertension two years ago, and has had kidney disease for the past six months. Her blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL (fasting), blood pressure is 150 mmHg, B.U.N. is 35 mg/dL, and creati...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
The doctor's advice is generally correct. In individuals with long-standing diabetes, some complications may gradually appear, with diabetic nephropathy being one of them. The dietary principles for diabetes emphasize low salt, low sugar, and low fat. Adhering to these dieta...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Understanding Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: Dietary Treatment Differences
Diverticular disease What is diverticulosis and diverticulitis? What are the differences in dietary treatment for the two conditions?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Diverticular disease is a quite common condition, with an increasing prevalence as age advances. Diverticulosis is characterized by abnormal thickening of the colonic muscle, leading to narrowing of the lumen and increased luminal pressure, often due to aging or straining ...[Read More] Understanding Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: Dietary Treatment Differences
How to Boost Your Platelet Count Through Diet
Thrombocytopenia Hello: My platelet count is approximately 120,000/μL, which is below the normal range (150,000/μL to 400,000/μL). I do not experience any discomfort. What dietary recommendations do you have to help increase my platelet count? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, unless diagnosed by a physician with thrombocytopenia (generally defined as a platelet count <100,000), it is also important to monitor for any other abnormal indices. The primary function of platelets is to assist in blood coagulation. If there are no other abnormaliti...[Read More] How to Boost Your Platelet Count Through Diet
Weight Loss Programs for Obesity: Join Classes at Taipei Hospital
Moderately obese individuals Hello! My weight is 85 kg and my height is 165 cm, which exceeds the ideal range. I would like to ask if Taipei Hospital offers weight loss programs. If so, how can a first-time patient participate? Also, does being moderately obese lead to certain he...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 31.25. The standard range for BMI is 18.5-24; a BMI over 24 is considered overweight, and over 27 is classified as obese. According to statistics, more than 85% of adults with a BMI over 27 have obesity-related metabolic disorders. Metabolic s...[Read More] Weight Loss Programs for Obesity: Join Classes at Taipei Hospital
Best Low-Purine Foods for Gout Patients to Boost Blood Health
How can gout patients replenish their blood? Doctor: Hello everyone. I would like to inquire about a male patient who recently sought medical attention for gout but neglected an ulcer, resulting in acute bleeding. His hemoglobin was only 8.5, and his blood pressure once dropped t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! I am not sure if this gentleman is still hospitalized or if he has received a blood transfusion. Generally speaking, in cases of anemia caused by significant blood loss, the primary focus should be on addressing the bleeding issue. It is important to monitor the site and c...[Read More] Best Low-Purine Foods for Gout Patients to Boost Blood Health
Effective Weight Loss Tips for New Moms After Eight Months
Is it still possible to lose weight more than eight months postpartum? Hello Doctor: I have been eight months postpartum, but I still haven't been able to regain my pre-pregnancy body. I'm wondering if there are any methods to lose weight quickly, as I don't enjoy ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The postpartum period is indeed a crucial time for weight loss. Generally, we recommend breastfeeding, as it can enhance the baby's immune system and also burn more calories, aiding in weight reduction. Controlling your diet after childbirth is also very important; it...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Tips for New Moms After Eight Months
Optimal Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio for Pregnant Women’s Diet
The recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio during pregnancy is typically around 1:1 to 2:1? I have heard that during pregnancy, it is important to increase calcium and iron intake! However, I also heard that excessive phosphorus intake can affect calcium absorption! Therefore, I...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) revised by the Department of Health in Taiwan for the year 2002, the recommended daily intake of calcium for women aged 31 and above is 1000 mg, and for phosphorus, it is 800 mg, resulting in a ratio of 1:0.8. When selecting prena...[Read More] Optimal Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio for Pregnant Women’s Diet
Why Does My 7-Month-Old Baby Keep Spitting Up Milk?
The baby is continuously vomiting curds? I have been very troubled; my baby is 7 months old, but after drinking milk, about an hour later, he/she vomits a white solid substance that resembles tofu pudding. Previously, when I switched to Kabeikou formula, this phenomenon decreased...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The lower esophageal sphincter of infants is not fully developed, which makes them prone to spitting up. This can be diagnosed by a pediatrician to determine if there are any related issues. Infants may have individual responses to commercially available infant formulas, s...[Read More] Why Does My 7-Month-Old Baby Keep Spitting Up Milk?
Are There Vegan Calcium Supplements? A Guide for Plant-Based Nutrition
Are there vegetarian calcium supplements? Hello, nutritionist: Due to my father's vegetarian diet, I would like to supplement him with calcium tablets. However, I have heard that the vitamin D3 in calcium tablets is of animal origin, while D2 is plant-based. Is it sufficient...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Vitamin D helps with the absorption and utilization of calcium, which is why many commercially available calcium supplements are fortified with vitamin D. There are two types of vitamin D: one is vitamin D3, found in animal liver oil, and the other is vitamin D2, produced ...[Read More] Are There Vegan Calcium Supplements? A Guide for Plant-Based Nutrition
Should You Eat Before Bed? Tips for Late-Night Snacking
Eating before bedtime It is generally advised not to eat anything within four hours before bedtime. However, if you feel very sleepy after two or three hours and cannot stay awake for the full four hours before sleeping, what should you do?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The reasons for not recommending food before bedtime are twofold: first, the body consumes fewer calories during sleep, and excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity; second, eating before sleep may result in decreased intestinal motility, which can affect digestion. Of...[Read More] Should You Eat Before Bed? Tips for Late-Night Snacking
Healthy Weight Loss: Meal Planning and Exercise Tips for You
Weight loss Hello~~ I would like to ask how I can healthily lose 3 kilograms by focusing on my diet. What should my three meals consist of, and what kind of exercise should I do? My height is 165 cm and my weight is 46 kg. Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, with your current height of 165 cm, your ideal weight range should be between 53.9 kg and 65.9 kg. Your current weight is already underweight, and further weight loss may negatively impact your health. If you are dissatisfied with your body shape, you can enhance your exer...[Read More] Healthy Weight Loss: Meal Planning and Exercise Tips for You
How Many Calories Should You Eat Daily to Maintain Weight?
Caloric intake for weight maintenance diet? Hello: My height is 153 cm and my weight is 43 kg. I no longer need to lose weight; I just want to maintain my current weight. I ride a bicycle for 40 minutes each way to and from work, with a stable route that has few hills. I eat thre...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your current weight of 43 kg and light daily activities, your estimated caloric requirement is about 1290 calories. Additionally, considering your daily commute by bicycle for 40 minutes each way, which burns approximately 175 calories, your total estimated calori...[Read More] How Many Calories Should You Eat Daily to Maintain Weight?
Long-Term Effects of Metformin: What Diabetics Should Know
Diabetes mellitus Hello Director Tsai: I am currently taking metformin for diabetes management. What are the potential side effects of long-term use, and how might it affect my body? Thank you, and I wish you good health.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Metformin belongs to the biguanide class of medications, and its use in some patients may lead to lactic acidosis, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 40,000. The side effects of metformin include nausea and vomiting; however, the symptoms of lactic acidosis also inclu...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Metformin: What Diabetics Should Know
Can Pumpkin Help Manage Diabetes? Exploring Nutritional Benefits and Risks
Diabetes mellitus Hello Director Tsai: I came across a report online stating that pumpkin is beneficial for diabetes. Do the trace elements chromium and nickel found in pumpkin help with diabetes? Does the sugar in pumpkin raise blood glucose levels? Is it beneficial for diabetes...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Pumpkin indeed contains a variety of nutrients. In 100 grams, it has 2.4 grams of protein, 14.2 grams of carbohydrates, 1.7 grams of dietary fiber, and 574 RE of vitamin A, along with various vitamins and minerals. As a staple food, pumpkin is a good source of carbohydrate...[Read More] Can Pumpkin Help Manage Diabetes? Exploring Nutritional Benefits and Risks
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder: Struggles and Solutions
Binge Eating Disorder I would like to ask if I have developed binge eating disorder. I can eat continuously all day long, even when I'm very full, but I just can't stop eating. This behavior started after I lost weight. I really dislike this part of myself, but whenever...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Binge eating disorder is often influenced by psychological factors. If you are experiencing significant stress, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist for assistance, as it may be more helpful. Wishing you peace and good health. This message is from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-...[Read More] Understanding Binge Eating Disorder: Struggles and Solutions
Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetic Patients After Heart Attack
What are the precautions for patients with diabetes and myocardial infarction? Hello! I would like to ask about my dad who has diabetes (50 years old) and recently underwent cardiac catheterization due to an acute myocardial infarction. One artery is still blocked, and he has dia...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! In the case of acute myocardial infarction, the most important aspect is to reduce the burden on the heart. Dietary adjustments should primarily focus on a low-calorie diet, approximately 1200-1500 calories per day. Once the condition improves, food intake can be gradually...[Read More] Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetic Patients After Heart Attack
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Dietary Considerations for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) My father is 50 years old and has a family history of polycystic kidney disease. In addition to a diet low in protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, what other dietary considerations should he be aware of? Thank you ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Here are the precautions for polycystic kidney disease: 1. Blood pressure control. 2. Prevention of urinary tract infections. 3. Appropriate exercise. 4. Follow a diet based on natural foods, avoiding high-sodium foods and irritants such as spicy foods and caffeinated be...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Exploring the Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom for Anxiety and Sleep
The effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom)? Hello, I hope you're doing well. Recently, I read in a book that the benefits of reishi mushrooms include anti-aging properties, the ability to reduce central nervous system excitability, treatment for insomnia and neurasth...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) contains various components such as triterpenes, polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, fiber, and various amino acids. Research has shown that Ganoderma lucidum has calming effects, expectorant properties, and can help low...[Read More] Exploring the Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom for Anxiety and Sleep
Does Vitamin C Help Soften Blood Vessels for Diabetic Patients?
Diabetes mellitus Hello Director Tsai: I am a patient with diabetes. Could you please tell me if taking 1500mg of vitamin C daily will help soften my blood vessels? Thank you for your guidance, and I appreciate your help.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 100 milligrams, with an upper limit of 2000 milligrams. Among the chronic complications of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases are significant. Vascular sclerosis may occur due to high blood sugar and high blood lipids,...[Read More] Does Vitamin C Help Soften Blood Vessels for Diabetic Patients?
Does Rubbing Ginger Really Promote Faster Hair Growth?
Ginger application? Does applying ginger really help hair grow faster?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Ginger contains gingerol, which can stimulate the skin's pores when applied topically, potentially leading to increased hair growth. However, it may also cause pore inflammation, resulting in hair loss. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for hair-related issue...[Read More] Does Rubbing Ginger Really Promote Faster Hair Growth?