Is Nutritional Deficiency Causing My Tongue Inflammation?
Nutritional Counseling Recently, I have been experiencing issues with glossitis that haven't improved, and I suspect it may be due to malnutrition. I hardly eat red meat, rarely consume nuts, and do not eat seafood. The most I have is cheese, an egg, and a hamburger bun from...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to glossitis, and it also affects the skin and oral cavity (lips, tongue). Foods rich in vitamin B2 include pork, beef, liver, eggs, and yeast. As for zinc deficiency, it can cause fatigue, muscle loss, loss of appetite, and poor wound healing. Food...[Read More] Is Nutritional Deficiency Causing My Tongue Inflammation?
Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Vitamins and Heavy Metal Detoxification Hello, doctor. There is a type of vitamin C called esterified vitamin C, which is said to be both water-soluble and fat-soluble. Due to its fat-soluble nature, it can remain in the body for a long time. I would like to know if this fat-solu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello Anna! Esterified vitamin C is a product that has undergone processing and fat esterification, commonly used in cosmetic products and dietary supplements. Currently, there is no supporting evidence found in the relevant literature, so it is generally recommended to obtain nu...[Read More] Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Understanding Sodium Intake: What is the Recommended Minimum Amount?
Recommended Sodium Intake What is the lower limit for sodium intake? The Food and Drug Administration only specifies an upper limit of 2400 mg, while in the United States, the upper limit is recommended to be no more than 2000 mg. However, not consuming any sodium can also lead t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The recommended amount of salt is 6 grams, which is equivalent to 2400 mg of sodium. Generally, natural foods without added salt contain about 3 grams of sodium. Therefore, it is suggested that the intake of salt for seasoning food should be at least 3 grams to meet the bo...[Read More] Understanding Sodium Intake: What is the Recommended Minimum Amount?
Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
What is the difference between soybean lecithin and egg yolk lecithin? Recently, due to high work stress, I was considering that lecithin might enhance memory and other functions. However, I found that lecithin is divided into soy lecithin and egg yolk lecithin. Since I am male, ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, lecithin is a nutrient that contains fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and choline. Phospholipids can help repair cells, aid in the digestion and metabolism of fats, and can be converted into acetylcholine, which is beneficial for neurotransmission. It is an essential nutr...[Read More] Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
How to Balance Your Daily Intake of Protein Sources: Beans, Fish, Meat, and Eggs
Portion sizes of beans, fish, meat, and eggs? If you want to consume six servings of protein sources in a day, you can consider the following distribution: 2 servings of legumes, 1 serving of eggs, 2 servings of fish, and 1 serving of meat. This way, you increase your intake of p...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Soy products indeed lack methionine, but when consuming meals, other foods will also be included, which can compensate for the insufficient amino acids. For example, rice contains methionine. Unless one is on a long-term single-food diet, it is unlikely to experience defic...[Read More] How to Balance Your Daily Intake of Protein Sources: Beans, Fish, Meat, and Eggs
Understanding Triglycerides: Nutritional Guidance for Health Improvement
Triglycerides Hello, nutritionist! I would like to inquire about something. I am creating a nutrition form, and I have a section for users (patients) to input their biochemical test values, which will inform them about any nutritional deficiencies. I have selected the following b...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, the portion sizes of food should be based on individual activity levels, height, and weight, and should also be adjusted according to personal dietary habits and food choices. Regarding abnormal biochemical indices, merely controlling food portions may not effectively lowe...[Read More] Understanding Triglycerides: Nutritional Guidance for Health Improvement
Can You Take Lutein, Vitamin D, and B Complex Together After Breakfast?
Lutein and vitamin D can be taken together? Can I take one B-complex vitamin, one iron supplement, one 20mg lutein (which includes 1mg zeaxanthin), and one 800 IU vitamin D3 together after breakfast in the morning?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, B vitamins are water-soluble, while lutein and vitamin D are fat-soluble, so taking them after meals can be beneficial for lutein and vitamin D absorption. The recommended dosage for vitamin D is 100 IU, so whether daily supplementation is necessary should be discussed wit...[Read More] Can You Take Lutein, Vitamin D, and B Complex Together After Breakfast?
Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Sesame and red meat? Hello, is sesame difficult to digest? Is it true that nutrients can only be absorbed if it is ground into powder or paste? What is the correct way to consume it: raw, cooked, ground into powder, or made into paste? Additionally, sesame is high in calcium and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Sesame is rich in nutrients, including sesamin, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The alpha-linolenic acid found in unsaturated fats can reduce inflammatory responses in the body and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sesamin can decre...[Read More] Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Tips for a Healthier Waistline
Obesity issues Hello, nutritionist: I am a 23-year-old male who appears to be thin. My friends generally think I am slim and do not need to lose weight. However, I have particularly large abdominal girth, which has been a concern for me for a long time. Currently, I am 180 cm tal...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello. Controlling your diet and exercising is a great approach to weight loss. Regarding a larger abdomen, it's important to consider that everyone's body shape is different; you might want to check if your family members have similar body types. Your BMI of 22.5 is co...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Tips for a Healthier Waistline
Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Athlete weight loss Hello, doctor. I am an athlete (in wrestling) and I need to control my weight due to competitions. However, I previously made a friend who taught me an extremely unhealthy method (inducing vomiting). Although I know it is very harmful, it allowed me to eat wit...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Inducing vomiting is a harmful method for the body, and it is recommended that you choose healthier ways to control your diet. Athletes can opt for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach to weight management. Excessive carbohydrate intake is still a primary cause of wei...[Read More] Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
The Dual Role of Carotenoids: Antioxidants or Prooxidants?
Carotenoids Hello, the carotenoids are strong antioxidants, but under certain conditions where other oxidants are present, they can also act as prooxidants. β-Carotene, due to this property, has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers when taken in high d...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Some studies have found a correlation between high doses of beta-carotene and cancer incidence, with current research primarily focusing on high-dose nutritional supplements. The mechanisms behind these findings remain unclear; therefore, it is advisable to adhere to the r...[Read More] The Dual Role of Carotenoids: Antioxidants or Prooxidants?
Does Aspartame Damage Brain Cells? Debunking Common Myths
Issues with Aspartame Is consuming aspartame harmful to brain cells? Does it make you less intelligent? There is a lot of information online, but each source varies. I would like to ask for a correct answer.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is approved as a food additive internationally. Current research reports indicate that its use does not have an impact on human health. However, individuals with the genetic disorder "phenylketonuria" should exercise caut...[Read More] Does Aspartame Damage Brain Cells? Debunking Common Myths
Sweet vs. Salty: Which is Worse for Fatty Liver After Evening Workouts?
What are the effects of consuming too much salt or sugar? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask if, after exercising at night, it is worse for the body to eat something sweeter or saltier when I feel a bit hungry. Due to my moderate fatty liver condition, I run for 30 minutes every ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Weight gain occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. Therefore, regardless of whether the food is salty or sweet, consuming excess calories will lead to weight gain. As for fatty liver, excessive intake of carbohydrates (such as grains, fruits, flour, and br...[Read More] Sweet vs. Salty: Which is Worse for Fatty Liver After Evening Workouts?
Understanding Lutein: Metabolism, Dietary Sources, and Recommendations
Lutein in food Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous explanation about lutein. I have some more questions I would like to understand! Is it true that lutein supplements require the liver for metabolism, and does lutein absorbed from food also need to be metabolized by the li...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, regarding lutein from food, all nutrients ingested by the body need to be metabolized by the liver. Currently, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the maximum daily intake limit for lutein in capsule or tablet form is 30 milligrams. However,...[Read More] Understanding Lutein: Metabolism, Dietary Sources, and Recommendations
Daily Lutein Intake: How Much is Safe for Your Liver?
Daily intake of lutein? Hello, doctor. Why can excessive intake of lutein harm the liver? The recommended daily intake of lutein is 6 mg, but the absorption rate from supplements is only about 10-20% (depending on the formulation). Does this mean that taking 30 mg is necessary to...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The absorption rate of nutrients must take into account the characteristics and molecular conditions of the nutrients, so the absorption rates vary. The recommended amount of lutein is 6 mg, and according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's regulations on food add...[Read More] Daily Lutein Intake: How Much is Safe for Your Liver?
Is It Safe for Stage 4 CKD Patients to Eat Plain Rice Balls?
Is it suitable for a patient with stage 4 chronic kidney disease to eat glutinous rice balls (without filling)? Hello, Nutritionist: My mother is currently in stage 4 chronic kidney disease. In addition to her regular three meals a day, she also consumes 2 packets of nutritional ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! The ingredients for plain tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) are glutinous rice flour. Generally, for patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease, it is recommended to reduce the intake of flour-based foods (such as noodles and bread) and to increase the consumption of low-n...[Read More] Is It Safe for Stage 4 CKD Patients to Eat Plain Rice Balls?
Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
The body eliminates PFCs (perfluorinated compounds)? Hello, doctor. The non-stick cookware material we previously used at home is made of PTFE and PFOA, which are long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs can accumulate in the blood and are excreted through urine. However,...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! According to data from the National Health Research Institutes, PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are synthetic chemicals that provide water and oil resistance. They are commonly used for surface protection on carpets and clothing, as well as in paper coatings or cardboard p...[Read More] Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
Can a 16-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Growth Insights
Is there still a chance to grow taller at the age of 16? I am 16 years old and have had poor digestion and absorption since childhood, which has made me quite thin. I had surgery for intestinal obstruction when I was in the first year of junior high school. I am currently 168 cm ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Factors that influence height include genetics, diet, exercise, and sleep. In terms of diet, it is important to consume foods rich in calcium and adequate amounts of protein, such as small dried fish, fresh milk, and tofu. Additionally, foods that can negatively affect cal...[Read More] Can a 16-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Growth Insights
How Often Should You Take Beta-Carotene Based on Your Fruit and Veggie Intake?
How often should beta-carotene be taken? Hello Dr. Tsai, thank you for your previous answer regarding whether mixing beta-carotene with water and storing it in the refrigerator would lead to nutrient loss. You suggested taking 25,000 IU of beta-carotene every few days, so I would...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Yi! Natural foods are the best, and I encourage you to consume natural foods daily for supplementation. As for beta-carotene, if you must supplement, it is advisable to take it every two weeks for safety. Opening the capsule may affect digestion, absorption, and relea...[Read More] How Often Should You Take Beta-Carotene Based on Your Fruit and Veggie Intake?
Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?
Beta-carotene Hello, Dr. Tsai. Thank you for your previous response regarding the side effects of beta-carotene! Each beta-carotene capsule contains 25,000 IU, which is quite a high dosage. Therefore, I dissolved the beta-carotene capsule in room temperature water, mixed the beta...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, regarding β-carotene extraction, there are many enzymes that can rapidly break down carotenoids. Additionally, carotenoids contain numerous unsaturated double bonds, and both light and heat can accelerate their degradation, resulting in poor stability. It is usually necess...[Read More] Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?