Understanding the Side Effects of Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know
Side effects of β-carotene? Hello Dr. Tsai, I usually take 25,000 IU of beta-carotene daily. Recently, I came across some side effects of beta-carotene online, including headaches, joint pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. Could you explain why beta-carotene might cause these three sid...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Yi! Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble vitamin and a precursor to vitamin A. It must be absorbed and metabolized to be converted into active vitamin A. However, there is no upper limit for beta-carotene intake, and it does not exhibit toxicity at high doses. In contrast, ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know
Struggling to Recover After Illness: Nutritional Guidance for Better Health
Unable to recover after being ill? I am 153 cm tall and weigh only about 39 to 38 kg. I previously suffered from gastroenteritis for a month, and despite taking Western medicine, my condition did not improve. Everything I ate was expelled from my body. Although I feel a bit bette...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! After gastroenteritis, the intestines require smaller nutrient molecules for better digestion and absorption. It is recommended to consume finer-textured foods, such as congee, chicken soup, and fish soup, in small, frequent meals. Before main meals, you can have small amo...[Read More] Struggling to Recover After Illness: Nutritional Guidance for Better Health
Why Tube Feeding with Nutritional Milk Can Raise Uric Acid Levels
Why can enteral feeding lead to elevated uric acid levels? Hello, I would like to inquire why elderly individuals who are on tube feeding (with Ensure milk) may experience elevated uric acid levels.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! There are many reasons for elevated uric acid levels, including metabolic conditions, infections, kidney function, and medication use, all of which can affect uric acid levels. It is advisable to consult your physician during your follow-up visit to discuss the possible fa...[Read More] Why Tube Feeding with Nutritional Milk Can Raise Uric Acid Levels
Essential Supplements and Care Tips After a Car Accident Recovery
Inquire about supplements to take after a car accident? My boyfriend was in a car accident and has stitches on his head, abrasions on his arms and legs, and a mild liver laceration. After being discharged from the hospital, what should we pay extra attention to? Can he take chick...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! After a car accident, the body requires high protein intake for tissue repair. It is recommended to supplement with high-protein foods such as fish, chicken, and milk, which are rich in protein. Chicken essence contains trace amounts of amino acids; these small molecules a...[Read More] Essential Supplements and Care Tips After a Car Accident Recovery
Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Hello, doctor. I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. Can I consume berries (such as blueberries, acai berries, blackberries, etc.) every day? I am having difficulty understanding the difference between isoflavones and flavonoids, and I would apprec...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Flavonoids are a class of plant pigments and are a type of cyclic compound. To date, over four thousand different flavonoids have been identified, which are widely found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, roots, bark, tea leaves, and red wine. Flavonoids can be subdivide...[Read More] Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Understanding Beta-Carotene and Its Role in Vitamin A Supply
beta-Carotene Hello Dr. Tsai, when the body needs vitamin A, can the liver utilize beta-carotene stored in other organs? Also, regarding the bottle of B-complex vitamins at home, there are small yellow spots on the surface of the pills, but none inside. Do those small yellow spot...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and while it is essential, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, which may result in symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, liver enlargement, and blurred vision. On the other hand, while beta-carotene is not toxic ...[Read More] Understanding Beta-Carotene and Its Role in Vitamin A Supply
Is It Safe to Eat Fruit Right After Meals? Debunking Common Myths
There are claims online that eating fruits..? There is a common belief online that eating fruit immediately after a meal can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating and diarrhea, due to the fructose in the fruit being digested last, potentially fermenting into harmful substanc...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! This statement is likely based on the digestion rates of the three macronutrients. According to Taiwanese dietary habits, it seems that everyone might be experiencing daily diarrhea. The timing of fruit intake should be adjusted based on individual digestive conditions. Th...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Fruit Right After Meals? Debunking Common Myths
Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
Postoperative Diet After circumcision, is it okay to eat nuts such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, or macadamia nuts? I found conflicting information online; some say you shouldn't eat pumpkin seeds after surgery, while others say it's fine, so I'm asking here. Also, si...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Unless you have an allergy to pumpkin, there is no need to restrict its consumption. Pumpkin is rich in nutrients and beneficial for health. When using plastic bags for pasta with vinegar, be cautious, as the vinegar may leach harmful substances from the plastic. Therefore...[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Underweight Individuals
I am too thin and want to gain weight; I feel severely underweight? Hello, Doctor. I am Xiao Lin. I am currently 180 cm tall and weigh 50 kg. I am a male and have completed my military service, but my BMI is only 15 or 16, which is insufficient, so I could only serve for 2 weeks ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Based on your description, if you have already undergone an examination, it is recommended that you consult a nutritionist for a detailed assessment of your dietary intake. They can analyze the nutritional content and caloric value of your foods. It is possible that the fo...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Underweight Individuals
Is It Safe to Drink Fresh Milk After Breakfast? Nutritional Insights
Fresh milk, following up on the previous question? So if I have a Taiwanese egg pancake for breakfast and then immediately go to a convenience store to drink about 300cc of fresh milk, that should be fine, right? My weight and BMI are within the normal range, and I am generally h...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, your current body position is standard. If there are no other symptoms, it indicates that drinking fresh milk does not have a significant impact on you. Wishing you peace and health. This response is from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen at Nantou Hospital, Ministry of Health and W...[Read More] Is It Safe to Drink Fresh Milk After Breakfast? Nutritional Insights
Essential Vitamin Questions: Do You Need Vitamin D and Breakfast?
About vitamins? Hello, I would like to ask three questions: 1. Since I work indoors at home and hardly get any sunlight exposure, do I need to take vitamin D? 2. Is it okay to take a multivitamin like Centrum long-term, or is it better to take it every few days? 3. I often he...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, 1. Vitamin D is found in many foods, such as eggs, mushrooms, milk, fish, papaya, mango, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, so there is no need for additional supplementation. 2. If your diet is not well-balanced, it is accep...[Read More] Essential Vitamin Questions: Do You Need Vitamin D and Breakfast?
Essential Nutrients for Eye Health: Protecting Your Vision
Nutrients Beneficial for Eye Health Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me what foods or nutrients are beneficial for the lens, vitreous body, and retina of the eyes? Specifically for individuals with myopia, what nutrients can help delay the onset of floaters and aid in the pre...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Nutrients that affect eye health include Vitamin A: A deficiency can lead to night blindness, and long-term lack can cause dry eyes, fatigue, corneal abrasion, and vision impairment, which are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Vitamin B1 and Niacin: A deficiency can result in ...[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Eye Health: Protecting Your Vision
The Best Time to Drink Fresh Milk for Optimal Nutrition and Sleep
Regarding the timing of consuming fresh milk? I have read online that some people say breakfast should be consumed with fresh milk, while others suggest that fresh milk is best consumed within 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. Some say it can be consumed about 3 hours after breakfast...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Regarding the timing of drinking fresh milk, generally speaking, individuals with normal digestive function will not be affected by consuming liquids in terms of digestion and absorption. Drinking milk during the day will not impact sleep, and if your weight is maintained ...[Read More] The Best Time to Drink Fresh Milk for Optimal Nutrition and Sleep
Understanding Vitamin B2: Eye Health and Daily Intake Recommendations
Vitamin B2 Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about vitamin B complex. I read online that studies show taking more than 10 mg of B2 daily can harm the eyes when exposed to sunlight, and it is recommended to wear UV-protective sunglasses. Additionally, cataract patients should not...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. The metabolism time of vitamin B2 varies from person to person, depending on individual digestion, absorption, and renal metabolism rates. 2. Vitamin B2 is water-soluble and cannot be stored in the body. 3. There has not been any research indicating that excessive vitam...[Read More] Understanding Vitamin B2: Eye Health and Daily Intake Recommendations
Understanding Beta-Carotene: Dosage, Risks, and Recommendations
Beta-carotene Hello, Doctor! I have a few questions to ask: 1. The beta-carotene supplements on the market are typically 25,000 IU per capsule, which is 500% of the daily requirement for the human body. If a person is already obtaining beta-carotene and vitamin A from their die...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Excessive intake of vitamin A can be toxic, whereas beta-carotene does not exhibit such toxicity. It has been mentioned in some articles that the half-life of vitamin A in the body is approximately 128 to 154 days, thus the necessity for additional supplementation of vitam...[Read More] Understanding Beta-Carotene: Dosage, Risks, and Recommendations
Nutritional Concerns for Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Nutritional supplementation issues in stage four chronic kidney disease? Hello, Nutritionist: My mother is already in stage 4 chronic kidney disease. I would like to ask: 1. Is it safe for her to consume general vitamin supplements sold at pharmacies? 2. My father recently bought...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, in stage 4 kidney disease, due to impaired renal metabolism, it is recommended to supplement with water-soluble vitamins and to avoid comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent additional strain on the kidneys. Regarding the consumption of American ginseng te...[Read More] Nutritional Concerns for Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Why Am I Nutritionally Deficient Despite Eating Regular Meals?
Eating three meals a day but still experiencing malnutrition? Hello, doctor! I am 157 cm tall and weigh 50 kg. I would like to ask, if I normally eat three meals a day, for example: (Breakfast: tuna egg toast, milk tea) (Lunch: two vegetables, tofu or eggs, meat, white rice, a bo...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, spoon-shaped nails are commonly seen in clinical practice and are often associated with iron deficiency anemia. Women may experience anemia more frequently after their menstrual period. It is recommended to supplement with foods that are high in heme iron, such as beef, la...[Read More] Why Am I Nutritionally Deficient Despite Eating Regular Meals?
Dietary Concerns for Chronic Kidney Disease: Managing Anemia and Phosphorus Levels
What are some dietary issues related to chronic kidney disease? Hello Doctor: My mother previously suffered from a myocardial infarction that affected her kidney function. Last month, her blood test showed a creatinine level of 2.23, and the doctor said this indicates stage 4 chr...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! Anemia caused by kidney disease first requires confirmation that caloric intake is sufficient; otherwise, simply supplementing iron will only address the symptoms, not the root cause. If caloric intake is adequate, animal-based iron sources such as beef and lamb can be inc...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Chronic Kidney Disease: Managing Anemia and Phosphorus Levels
Transforming Your Diet: A Guide to Healthier Eating Habits
Improving dietary habits Hello, doctor! I have never liked eating vegetables (almost never) and I also eat very few fruits. I often snack (almost every day), consume meat, and eat fried foods 2 to 3 times a month. Recently, I have become aware of the risks associated with my diet...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! It's great that at your age, you're considering adjusting your diet to maintain your health. Being young, your body's cells are in good condition and have a strong ability to recover. There's no need to worry too much. A balanced diet with a variety of ...[Read More] Transforming Your Diet: A Guide to Healthier Eating Habits
Does Drinking Milk and Eating Rice Daily Harm Brain Health?
Food Issues Is drinking milk regularly and consuming a lot of rice at every meal harmful to brain health? I drink a cup of milk every day, and I eat a lot of rice at each meal. Could this lead to excessive sugar intake?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, I am unsure of the source of your information, but there has been no research exploring the relationship between milk and rice in relation to brain damage. The purpose of a balanced diet is to obtain a variety of nutrients, so one should consume foods from the six major fo...[Read More] Does Drinking Milk and Eating Rice Daily Harm Brain Health?