Understanding Carbohydrates: What Foods Contain Them Beyond Sugar?
Carbohydrates Hello, could you please tell me what foods contain carbohydrates? I used to think it was just "sugar," but it seems there are more than that. Thank you!
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Carbohydrates are classified into four main categories: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides (which cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler sugars) include glucose, fructose, galactose, and mannose. Disaccharides (composed of two...[Read More] Understanding Carbohydrates: What Foods Contain Them Beyond Sugar?
How to Lose 9-12 kg in 3-4 Months: A Teen's Guide to Healthy Weight Loss
How to lose 9-12 kilograms in 3-4 months? Hello, doctor. I am a 16-year-old high school student. Since I was young, I have always been teased for being big-headed, which has made me feel quite uncomfortable. I am currently 175 cm tall and weigh 83 kg. I really want to lose 9-12 k...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! I can truly understand your desire to lose weight, but weight loss requires persistence. It involves not only dietary adjustments but also exercise, especially since you are still in a growth phase. Exercise is crucial for both weight loss and height increase. Aim to dedic...[Read More] How to Lose 9-12 kg in 3-4 Months: A Teen's Guide to Healthy Weight Loss
Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
I want to gain weight? Hello, Doctor: I am a 23-year-old male, 175 cm tall and weighing 49 kg. My weight has been stuck at 49 kg, and people I know say I am too thin. I really want to gain weight but have been unable to for a long time, which has been troubling me. I used to be q...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Your ideal weight range is between 60 to 73.7 kilograms, so your current weight of 49 kilograms is indeed on the lower side. It is mentioned that you are currently serving in the military, which may limit the variety of food available for your meals. Therefore, in addition...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
Nutritional Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms and Health Issues
Menopausal care? Hello Doctor: My mother is 53 years old and is currently going through menopause. She frequently experiences hemorrhoids and has mild hypertension. Recently, my mother visited a doctor who mentioned that she has a condition characterized by deficiency in the uppe...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The text mentions that the doctor informed you that your mother has a deficiency in the upper body and excess in the lower body, which likely indicates a consultation with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner. I wonder if the practitioner is a qualified TCM ph...[Read More] Nutritional Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms and Health Issues
Does Making Homemade Cheese with Lemon Juice Waste Nutrients?
Calcium - milk & lemon juice If you are making cheese by adding lemon juice to boiling milk, the liquid you are discarding is called whey. While whey does contain some nutrients, the majority of the protein and calcium are retained in the cheese itself. However, whey is also ...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Brenda: The liquid contains nutrients. If you discard the liquid, you waste nutrition. Sincerely, Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Does Making Homemade Cheese with Lemon Juice Waste Nutrients?
Why Does Ensure Taste Medicinal? Understanding Nutritional Supplements
Why does Ensure have a medicinal taste? Hello, nutritionist: I have a question to ask you. My mother has a poor appetite, and based on a friend's recommendation, she started drinking Ensure (regular formula). However, my mother has noticed a medicinal taste. Could you please...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello: General nutritional supplements often have a medicinal taste due to the various nutrients they contain. Some supplements add flavoring agents, such as orange, vanilla, or chocolate flavors, to mask the original taste of the nutrients, making them less noticeable. Therefore...[Read More] Why Does Ensure Taste Medicinal? Understanding Nutritional Supplements
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Stomach Ulcers and Polyps
Regarding the diet for "gastric ulcers," what menu options should be considered? Hello, if you find out that you have a gastric ulcer and a small polyp during an endoscopy, how should you arrange your diet to avoid further discomfort in your stomach? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! For dietary recommendations for gastric ulcers, please visit the following website, which contains detailed information: Department of Health Food Information Network (or access through Taiwan e-Hospital → Nutrition Classroom → Healthy Eating → Food Information Network) / ...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Stomach Ulcers and Polyps
Health Impacts of Eating Cold Leftovers: What You Need to Know
What is the impact of consuming cold food and leftover meals on health? Hello Dr. Shi: I often save leftover lunch boxes to eat around five or six in the evening as dinner. Since I don't have any heating equipment, I eat them cold. I would like to ask if this could have a si...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Frequently leaving lunch boxes out until dinner can indeed pose food safety issues, which can affect health. Food that has been cooked and left in the danger zone (between 45°F and 140°F) for more than 4 hours is at risk of causing foodborne illness. Therefore, leftover fo...[Read More] Health Impacts of Eating Cold Leftovers: What You Need to Know
Are Health Supplements and Weight Loss Products Really Trustworthy?
Are dietary supplements reliable? Hello.. Recently, there have been some products marketed as health supplements or weight loss products. Are they credible? They all claim to be effective health foods... for example, "Tian Tea" related website: http://www.23herbs.com/he...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! I am glad that you are verifying some suspicious advertised products; being cautious about advertisements is the best way to protect your health. If you are interested in health supplements, the best approach is to visit the Department of Health's website to check the...[Read More] Are Health Supplements and Weight Loss Products Really Trustworthy?
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Heart Disease Management
Dietary Issues Related to Heart Disease Hello, my uncle has recently been diagnosed with either left ventricular hypertrophy or valvular hypertrophy (I'm not sure which is the correct term) and angina. I would like to ask what dietary considerations he should keep in mind (w...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! It is recommended to follow the principle of eating small, frequent meals to avoid placing excessive strain on the heart from large meals. Additionally, caloric intake should be limited to maintain body weight within the ideal range. It is advisable to avoid excessive salt...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Heart Disease Management
Nutrition Tips: Foods to Avoid for Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
May I ask the doctor? 1. If kidney stones are identified as calcium oxalate stones, it is advisable to limit the intake of foods high in oxalates. These include spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and certain berries. Additionally, reducing sodium and animal protein in...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! If calcium oxalate stones are already confirmed, both calcium ions and oxalate in the diet need to be restricted simultaneously, with the latter being more important. Generally, calcium oxalate stones are difficult to control; sometimes, even with strict dietary restrictio...[Read More] Nutrition Tips: Foods to Avoid for Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
Recommended Books on Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health and Diet Management
Please consult relevant books? Could you recommend books related to cardiovascular diseases (I have high triglycerides and cholesterol) and the nutritional aspects of food intake? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello: You may refer to the book "Dietary Therapy" (there are many different publishers and authors who have published books on this subject, so you can choose one that you like). Additionally, you can check the following websites for detailed information: Department of...[Read More] Recommended Books on Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health and Diet Management
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Eggs: How Many Should You Eat?
The pros and cons of "eggs"? Dear Director Shi, I hope this message finds you well. I would like to ask you a question. During my high school years, I had high cholesterol, which led me to control my diet significantly. I limited many foods, especially seafood and orga...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello: For adults, it is recommended to limit egg consumption to no more than 3-4 eggs per week. As for children, they can consume one egg daily to provide protein, iron, and B-complex vitamins. Regarding asthma patients, it is advisable to avoid cold foods, nuts, chocolate, shri...[Read More] Understanding the Pros and Cons of Eggs: How Many Should You Eat?
Weight Training for Teens: Nutrition and Workout Tips for Success
Weight training Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I am 13 years old and want to do weight training at home to help with weight loss, but I'm not sure how to schedule it. I am available on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday (Wednesday evenings, and all day...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. Regarding weight training issues, it is beyond my expertise, and I recommend consulting a rehabilitation physician. 2. Based on your age, the dietary recommendations are as follows: drink 1-2 cups of milk daily, consume appropriate amounts of staple foods (such as r...[Read More] Weight Training for Teens: Nutrition and Workout Tips for Success
Healthy Eating Tips for Managing Hypertension and Weight
Eating for Health Hello, Nutritionist. I am a 43-year-old adult. Due to work-related stress, I often eat out. I have hereditary hypertension, weigh 75 kg, and am 173 cm tall, which seems to indicate that I am overweight. I would like to ask you how to eat healthily and what foods...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Currently, your body weight is classified as overweight, and you have a hereditary predisposition to hypertension. Therefore, it is important to monitor your salt intake in your diet. Try to choose fresh foods and avoid pickled, processed items, as well as baked goods such...[Read More] Healthy Eating Tips for Managing Hypertension and Weight
Boosting Fiber Intake: Can Fruits Replace Vegetables for High School Students?
Vegetables and fruits As a high school student who spends all meals at school, it seems that my fiber intake is a bit low. However, due to being at school, the amount of vegetables I consume is limited. What can I do to address this? Can I substitute fruits for vegetables, and wh...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Although both fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and fiber, fruits have a higher carbohydrate content compared to vegetables. Therefore, they belong to two different categories in food classification and cannot be used interchangeably. It is best to consume more than t...[Read More] Boosting Fiber Intake: Can Fruits Replace Vegetables for High School Students?
Debunking Salt Myths: Cooking, Cleaning, and Food Storage Tips
Salt Issues Hello, I would like to ask about the following points circulating on the internet: 1. Is it true that salt should not be added to scrambled eggs or steamed eggs before cooking? 2. Is it true that grapes or other fruits should not be washed with salt? 3. If cooking wit...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! 1. There are no reports indicating that salt should not be added to scrambled or steamed eggs beforehand, so there is no need for concern. 2. Most pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables can be largely removed by rinsing with plenty of water or soaking them in water, a...[Read More] Debunking Salt Myths: Cooking, Cleaning, and Food Storage Tips
Understanding Carotid Artery Blockage: The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Carotid artery occlusion Hello, my relative was diagnosed with 80% carotid artery blockage at Taichung Hospital. Why did the doctors at Taichung Hospital not recommend taking "deep-sea salmon oil"? Isn't unsaturated fatty acid beneficial for the health of new blood...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The patient has 80% blockage in the carotid artery. At this point, it is crucial to follow the physician's recommendations and treatment. While deep-sea salmon oil is rich in EPA and DHA, it is fundamentally still a type of fat. Normal diets inevitably include fat int...[Read More] Understanding Carotid Artery Blockage: The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Brown Sugar vs. Powdered Sugar: Which is Better for Menstrual Health?
Brown sugar Hello: What is the difference between brown sugar powder and block brown sugar? A merchant mentioned that it is better to consume block brown sugar during menstruation because it undergoes desulfurization. Is this true?
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The brown sugar powder or brown sugar cubes you mentioned should refer to black sugar powder and black sugar cubes. The main difference between black sugar powder and black sugar cubes lies in the degree of moisture removal, with minimal differences in nutritional componen...[Read More] Brown Sugar vs. Powdered Sugar: Which is Better for Menstrual Health?
Can Eating Sweet Potatoes Daily Lead to Weight Gain?
Eating sweet potatoes every day: Will the sugar content lead to obesity? Eating sweet potatoes daily: Will the sugar content cause weight gain?
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Sweet potatoes and sugar are rich in carbohydrates. If you have already consumed enough staple foods, additional intake of sweet potatoes and sugar can not only lead to weight gain but also increase the risk of other chronic diseases (such as elevated triglycerides in the ...[Read More] Can Eating Sweet Potatoes Daily Lead to Weight Gain?