Managing Skin Allergies: Herbal Remedies and Dietary Tips for Relief
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine for Skin Allergies Management Hello Director Shi, Seven years ago, I discovered that my skin develops rashes with blisters after sun exposure, and the affected area increases the more I scratch it. After consulting with a physician, there was n...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello, Xiao Zhu! If you are sensitive to light, in addition to consulting a dermatologist or an allergist, you can also consider using traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. However, it is important to seek a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure safety, and avoid taking unve...[Read More] Managing Skin Allergies: Herbal Remedies and Dietary Tips for Relief
Managing Dry Mouth from Dialysis: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Dry mouth caused by dialysis? Is there any way to help my mother, who is experiencing dry mouth and insomnia due to dialysis, aside from sucking on ice cubes? It’s hard to see her so upset. Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Dialysis can indeed often cause dry mouth issues. Patients can use the following methods to quench their thirst and achieve fluid control: 1. Use a fixed container to measure out the daily required water intake. 2. Consume ice cubes made with a small amount of lemon juice....[Read More] Managing Dry Mouth from Dialysis: Tips for Better Sleep and Comfort
Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Dietary Restrictions and Weight Gain Tips
Dietary Issues Hello, Doctor: I recently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and would like to ask you: 1. What foods should I avoid? 2. What foods should I eat in moderation? 3. How can I nourish my body? Additionally, I would like to ask: My weight is only 38 kilograms, whic...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Currently, you should avoid greasy and fried foods; instead, opt for a light diet and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals (such as three main meals and three snacks). Your posture is related not only to your diet but also to your lifestyle and stress levels. If yo...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Dietary Restrictions and Weight Gain Tips
Bananas and Honey: Nutritional Myths and Facts Explained
Bananas and honey? Hello, nutritionist: I have a few questions. 1. Is it true that people with weak bones should avoid eating bananas? What is the reasoning behind this? 2. Can honey be added to hot foods? For example, can honey be mixed into freshly made hot milk? Thank you!
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to prove that eating bananas has a negative impact on bones. 2. Honey can be added to hot foods, such as in the preparation of honey cake, which involves high temperatures. For individuals with obesity, high blood sugar, or high...[Read More] Bananas and Honey: Nutritional Myths and Facts Explained
Are Grape Seed Supplements Safe? Understanding Estrogen Effects and Risks
Grape seed Hello, Nutritionist: I am a 35-year-old woman who has been taking 300 mg of grape seed extract capsules daily for two years. Recently, I read in a magazine that grape seeds contain estrogen, and consuming them in excess may lead to uterine fibroids or breast tumors (br...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Xiao Li, Hello! Grape seeds are valued for their antioxidant components, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Many foods in nature contain antioxidants, with traditional antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium. More recently, ot...[Read More] Are Grape Seed Supplements Safe? Understanding Estrogen Effects and Risks
Nutrition Solutions for High Hemoglobin, PSA, and Thyroid Issues
Nutritional issues related to diseases 1. If hemoglobin levels are elevated, what dietary changes can be made to improve this condition? 2. If PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels are high, what dietary changes can be made to improve this condition? What should be increased i...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! If the elevated hemoglobin you mentioned refers to high mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) or high mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), it may be caused by pernicious anemia, which is primarily due to a deficiency of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in ...[Read More] Nutrition Solutions for High Hemoglobin, PSA, and Thyroid Issues
Is Aloe Vera Safe for Hormone-Sensitive Patients After Ovarian Cancer?
Aloe vera Hello, my mother completed her ovarian cancer treatment last year and now only needs to have check-ups every three months. The doctor advised her to avoid foods rich in hormones (such as soybeans and yam). Since my mother heard that aloe vera can help stabilize mood and...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear SEAN, Regarding dietary recommendations after cancer treatment, the principle should be to maintain a balanced and diverse diet while minimizing oily and fried foods. Natural foods contain various nutrients that are beneficial for health; some have been identified, while ma...[Read More] Is Aloe Vera Safe for Hormone-Sensitive Patients After Ovarian Cancer?
Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Green papaya Hello, I heard that green papaya contains enzymes that can help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If I want to cook beef tendon and pork/beef, would adding a bit of green papaya help with digestion? Or is it better to eat green papaya as a fruit instead o...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Both green papaya and ripe papaya contain papain, which can indeed be used to tenderize meat by mixing the discarded and cleaned papaya skin and flesh together for a period before cooking. Raw green papaya has a more astringent taste and is generally used for soups. If you...[Read More] Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Is Cheese Beneficial for Gut Health? Exploring Its Effects on Digestive Disorders
Cheese Hello, is cheese really good for the digestive system? However, I've also heard that its effects are minimal. If it is indeed beneficial for digestion, what specific gastrointestinal diseases does it help with?
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Kanny, Hello! Cheese is a dairy product that not only contains high-quality protein from milk and helps protect the stomach lining, but it also often has added salt during the processing, resulting in a higher sodium content. Additionally, it is mostly made from whole milk,...[Read More] Is Cheese Beneficial for Gut Health? Exploring Its Effects on Digestive Disorders
Benefits of Drinking Warm Honey Water Before Breakfast
Honey for breakfast? Hello, what are the benefits of drinking a cup of warm water with honey first thing in the morning before breakfast? (Usually one teaspoon of honey) Is this beneficial for the stomach? Since honey is still sugar, will drinking warm water with honey in the mor...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Sam, Drinking honey water on an empty stomach is not beneficial for the stomach. If you already have gastritis or a peptic ulcer, it is not advisable, as consuming sweet foods on an empty stomach can lead to excessive gastric acid secretion. There are many causes of diabete...[Read More] Benefits of Drinking Warm Honey Water Before Breakfast
Does Eating When Hungry Improve Nutrient Absorption?
I'm hungry? Is it true that when you're hungry, your body absorbs food better than usual? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello: Eating when you are hungry may lead to faster gastrointestinal motility, which can accelerate digestion. However, if you eat quickly and in large quantities during this time, it may cause excessive gastrointestinal motility, resulting in discomfort. After food is digested,...[Read More] Does Eating When Hungry Improve Nutrient Absorption?
Understanding Balanced Nutritional Supplements: What You Need to Know
What is a "balanced nutritional supplement"? Hello, Doctor. Previously, I asked about "what methods can help with gastrointestinal absorption (weight gain)." You replied that "balanced nutritional products can be consumed during snack time to supplement c...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Balanced nutritional products refer to those that provide a certain amount of calories daily (generally between 1500 to 2000 calories) and include essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to meet the body's daily requirements. ...[Read More] Understanding Balanced Nutritional Supplements: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Differences Between Roasted and Burnt Black Sesame: Health Implications
Black sesame seeds I usually buy black sesame powder in jars or packages, and when I open them, they have a pleasant aroma (not a burnt smell). It is also labeled as roasted. Today, I bought a package of black sesame powder that was freshly ground for me, and the staff said it wa...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Black sesame contains a small amount of saturated fatty acids, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the highest proportion being polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are susceptible to rancidity due to high temperatures, humi...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Roasted and Burnt Black Sesame: Health Implications
Can Excess Dietary Fiber Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies?
Dietary fiber Hello, I heard that consuming too much fiber can hinder the absorption of other nutrients. Could this lead to malnutrition? Additionally, does excessive fiber intake impede the absorption of fats and carbohydrates, potentially resulting in insufficient caloric intak...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Fiber plays an important role in gastrointestinal motility and the prevention of chronic diseases. The impact of fiber on the absorption of other nutrients is minimal, as it acts on different parts of the digestive tract. Currently, the average fiber intake among the popul...[Read More] Can Excess Dietary Fiber Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies?
Tips to Enhance Digestive Absorption for Healthy Weight Gain
How to help the gastrointestinal tract absorb nutrients? Hello, doctor. I have a body type that struggles to gain weight, but I really want to put on some pounds. Are there any methods to help improve nutrient absorption in my digestive system? For example, are there any exercise...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Your ideal weight range is between 54 to 66 kilograms, and your current weight of 50 kilograms is indeed underweight, so you need to gain weight. Exercising about an hour before meals can help increase your appetite, but avoid overly intense workouts to prevent fatigue tha...[Read More] Tips to Enhance Digestive Absorption for Healthy Weight Gain
Effects of Milk and Lemon Juice on Skin and Health: What to Know
Milk + Lemon Juice What happens to the body when drinking milk with lemon juice? Are there any issues or health benefits related to the body or facial acne? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Milk is rich in calcium, and calcium absorption can be enhanced in an acidic environment. Therefore, gastric acid is beneficial for calcium absorption, and lemon juice can also provide an acidic environment, which is advantageous for the absorption of calcium in milk. For ...[Read More] Effects of Milk and Lemon Juice on Skin and Health: What to Know
How to Improve Your Health: Tips for Nutritional Wellness
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, Dr. Shi: I feel that my constitution is not very good, as I often get sick (colds). I am short and thin (malnourished), with a height of less than 165 cm and a weight of less than 55 kg. I hardly look lik...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Xiao Wei, Hello! If an adult's height is 165 cm, their ideal weight range is between 54 to 66 kg. The best approach to health is to maintain a balanced diet with a variety of foods. Regarding the issues you mentioned, such as gout, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and ...[Read More] How to Improve Your Health: Tips for Nutritional Wellness
Is Long Boiling of Bone Broth Harmful to Your Health?
Is it not advisable to simmer bone broth for too long? I heard that if bone broth is simmered until the soup turns grayish-white, it can be harmful to the body. Is this true? If so, does this mean that street food like rice noodle soup is also not good for us?
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Xiao Wei, Hello! If the broth from boiling large bones turns grayish-white, it may be due to the denaturation of proteins when exposed to heat, which is harmless to health. However, if the bones themselves are contaminated with heavy metals (commonly lead), prolonged boilin...[Read More] Is Long Boiling of Bone Broth Harmful to Your Health?
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Individuals 168cm and 117kg
How to lose weight? 168 cm, 117 kg
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! You can visit the "Food Information Network" of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and click on: Nutrition and Health → Balanced Nutrition → Obesity and Weight Control (http://sp1.cto.doh.gov.tw/doctor/Hosp_manage/index.php). There is a menu at the top where you...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Individuals 168cm and 117kg
Do Black and Green Tea Boost Immunity and Reduce Cancer Risk?
Black tea and green tea? Hello Doctor, I read online that black tea and green tea have immune-boosting effects. Green tea can reduce the incidence of cancer, while black tea can help with sore throats, among other benefits. Are these claims supported by medical evidence? Thank yo...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Green tea contains polyphenols, which are believed to be associated with cancer prevention; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclusively demonstrate a reduction in cancer incidence. Recent studies in the United States have found that black tea contains...[Read More] Do Black and Green Tea Boost Immunity and Reduce Cancer Risk?