Maximizing Allicin: Should You Crush Garlic or Let It Sit?
The best way to obtain the maximum amount of allicin from garlic is to crush or chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking or consuming. This process activates the enzyme alliinase, which converts alliin into allicin, the compound responsibl...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Ah Kai, Hello! The allicin in garlic needs to be cooked to be beneficial for human absorption. Excessive intake of garlic may lead to some side effects, such as allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, urticaria), gastrointestinal side effects...[Read More] Maximizing Allicin: Should You Crush Garlic or Let It Sit?
Post-Stroke Nutrition: Choosing Between Regular and High-Calorie Ensure
Postoperative Nutrition After Brain Surgery Hello: About a week after a stroke surgery, with a nasogastric tube still in place, I want to buy Ensure for nutritional intake. I'm not sure whether the regular Ensure or the Ensure Plus is more suitable.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Cai Wenzi, Hello! Currently, you are still on a nasogastric tube. If the physician has not instructed any fluid restrictions and you are completely reliant on the nasogastric tube for feeding, then there is no need to use Ensure Plus; regular Ensure will suffice. However, i...[Read More] Post-Stroke Nutrition: Choosing Between Regular and High-Calorie Ensure
Can I Still Grow Taller? Effective Tips for Height Increase in Teens
Height growth issues Currently, I am in my senior year of high school, with a height of 170 cm. My father is 168 cm and my mother is 161 cm. I would like to ask if it's possible for me to grow another 5 cm. I often exercise, such as skipping rope, but my growth seems slow, p...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Ouyang, Hello! You are currently in your senior year of high school, and it is possible for you to grow taller, but whether you can grow an additional 5 centimeters is truly unpredictable. There are no guaranteed methods for increasing height. At this stage, it is important...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller? Effective Tips for Height Increase in Teens
Replacing Salmon with Flaxseed: Is It a Healthy Omega-3 Alternative?
Replacing salmon with flaxseeds in nutrition? Director Shih: Hello! I would like to ask you about my concern regarding heavy metals in salmon. To obtain the necessary Omega-3 fatty acids, I have replaced salmon with half a tablespoon of flaxseeds daily. Is this appropriate? Of co...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Violet, Hello! It is feasible for you to use flaxseeds as a source of Omega-3 while reducing your daily fat intake. However, salmon not only contains Omega-3 but is also rich in protein, so it is important to ensure you obtain sufficient protein from other sources such as l...[Read More] Replacing Salmon with Flaxseed: Is It a Healthy Omega-3 Alternative?
Post-Operative Dietary Recommendations for Circumcision Recovery
Postoperative dietary recommendations? Hello Director Shi: I underwent a circumcision surgery on Friday. Due to the bandaging, I am hesitant to take in fluids and want to minimize urination to avoid moisture. Is this line of thinking correct? Additionally, could you please provid...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Secret: Hello! After circumcision surgery, a balanced diet is recommended, avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy fried foods. As for fluid intake, it is advisable to consult your physician, as they are more familiar with your specific condition. Wishing you health and happi...[Read More] Post-Operative Dietary Recommendations for Circumcision Recovery
Understanding Small Frequent Meals for Gastritis Management
Frequent small meals? Hello, Director Shi. Last week, I went to Chang Gung for an endoscopy, and the doctor told me that I have gastritis and prescribed medication for me. However, I still experience stomach pain while working, even though I am taking the medication as prescribed...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Mr. Tsai, Hello! Each individual's gastrointestinal tolerance to various foods can vary, so it is advisable to avoid foods known to cause discomfort. The diet should limit foods that are high in spices to reduce gastric irritation; regardless of whether they contain ca...[Read More] Understanding Small Frequent Meals for Gastritis Management
Post-Surgery Nutrition for Diabetic Patients: What to Eat After Cellulitis Treatment
Postoperative Diet Diabetic patients with cellulitis that has progressed from the little toe to the lower leg, with wounds extending from the sole to the calf, should focus on a diet that supports healing and maintains stable blood sugar levels. Post-surgery, it is important to c...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Currently, in addition to ensuring adequate nutrients to accelerate wound healing, it is crucial to pay attention to blood sugar stability. The patient should undergo debridement in the hospital, where there will be comprehensive patient data available, including all labor...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nutrition for Diabetic Patients: What to Eat After Cellulitis Treatment
Does Vitamin C in Milk Cause Acne? Understanding the Connection
Vitamin C Does vitamin C contain milk components, and will this cause acne? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Ms. Chien, Hello! Vitamin C is a nutrient found in certain foods, particularly abundant in fruits and vegetables. Milk is a food that contains various nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and the con...[Read More] Does Vitamin C in Milk Cause Acne? Understanding the Connection
Struggling to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Underweight Teens
High school students are too thin? Currently, I am 168.8 cm tall and my weight fluctuates between 51 to 53 kg. I really want to gain weight because I feel very thin. I have a history of allergies and my sleep quality is not very good; I often experience insomnia. My daily routine...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear A-Jun, Hello! Poor gastrointestinal function can indeed affect the absorption of various nutrients, making it difficult to gain weight. Your daily routine is good, so please continue to maintain it. In terms of diet, you should avoid greasy, fried, and spicy foods to preven...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Underweight Teens
Flaxseed Benefits: Antioxidants, Intake Recommendations, and Safety Concerns
Flaxseed meal/Antioxidant Hello, nutritionist. I have recently noticed reports about flaxseed products, but since they are not written by professional nutritionists, I would like to consult an expert! (1) There are reports indicating that flaxseed is a good antioxidant and anti-i...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E all possess antioxidant properties. Many vegetables and fruits are rich in carotenoids and vitamin C, while plant oils, nuts, legumes, and whole grains are also abundant in vitamin E. To maintain health, it is important not only to foc...[Read More] Flaxseed Benefits: Antioxidants, Intake Recommendations, and Safety Concerns
How to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
I really want to gain weight? I am 151 cm tall and weigh 39 kg. I used to weigh between 48 and 50 kg. I have given birth to two children, and sometimes I experience severe stomach pain. I want to know what I can eat to gain weight, as I seem to lose weight no matter what I eat. I...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Monica, Hello! You previously weighed between 48 to 50 kilograms, but your weight has dropped to 39 kilograms, and you are experiencing severe stomach pain. This may indicate a health issue that requires attention. I recommend that you visit a hospital for an examination. I...[Read More] How to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
Healthy Weight Gain Tips for Individuals with Medical Conditions
Healthy weight gain Hello, I am 170 cm tall and weigh 60 kg. Although my BMI is within the normal range, I still feel that I am too thin. I hope to gain about 5 kg in a healthy way and would appreciate the nutritionist's assistance. I have a history of serious illness and cu...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Jacky, If you wish to gain some additional weight, in addition to your current dietary intake, you can add one bowl of rice (you may also substitute with noodles, steamed buns, sweet potatoes, or other whole grain root vegetables instead of rice), 100 grams of lean meat (wh...[Read More] Healthy Weight Gain Tips for Individuals with Medical Conditions
Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Lumbar Spine Recovery
I underwent lumbar discectomy surgery at the end of last year and am currently in recovery. How can I use diet to aid my recovery? I underwent lumbar spine surgery at the end of last year and am currently in recovery. How can I use diet to aid my recovery? I had the surgery using...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Zhang Yun, Hello! After lumbar spine surgery, it is important to focus on a diet primarily composed of natural foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and achieving an ideal weight. Obesity can adversely affect the load on the lumbar spine and exacerbate conditions like lupus e...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Lumbar Spine Recovery
Tracking My Diet: Three Days of Eating Without Gaining Weight
Record of My Diet for the Past Three Days Without Gaining Weight Hello, I previously mentioned that my weight has been consistently on the lower side (165 cm / 48-52 kg). The doctor advised me to record my dietary habits for assessment. Here is my food intake over the past three ...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Aries, Hello! According to your records, your work schedule falls under the category of a late-night shift, so your lunch time serves as your first meal of the day. It is good that you are still consuming three meals daily. Based on your intake, your caloric consumption see...[Read More] Tracking My Diet: Three Days of Eating Without Gaining Weight
Managing GERD: Dietary Tips for Better Digestive Health
How to eat with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, nutritionist. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and I'm unsure about the severity of my condition (I'm hesitant to undergo an endoscopy). I would like to ask how I should structure my meals to al...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Mr. Tsai, Hello! Mild gastroesophageal reflux can be improved through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. However, if symptoms worsen, medical treatment is necessary. Obesity is one of the risk factors for the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux, as excess abdominal fat in...[Read More] Managing GERD: Dietary Tips for Better Digestive Health
Post-Fibroadenoma Surgery: Can You Eat Pumpkin?
Post-operative diet after fibroepithelial tumor surgery? I just had surgery for a fibroid adenoma, and my husband bought pumpkin for me to eat. However, my mother-in-law heard somewhere that "pumpkin should not be consumed after surgery." Is it really not advisable to e...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Yuna, Hello! You can eat pumpkin both before and after the surgery for a fibroepithelial tumor, even if you have diabetes. Pumpkin can be used to replace part of your rice intake. Just ensure that your diet is balanced with a variety of natural foods, sufficient vegetables,...[Read More] Post-Fibroadenoma Surgery: Can You Eat Pumpkin?
Will Height Increase After Age 15? Understanding Growth and Development
Height issues? A 9th grader with a height of 171 cm and no armpit hair may still experience growth. Growth patterns can vary significantly among individuals, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair, can occur at different stages of puberty. It&#...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Coke: Hello! Based on your current growth situation, it appears that you are still in the developmental stage, so it is important to pay special attention to a balanced diet, avoid picky eating, and refrain from staying up late and smoking. Maintaining a regular lifestyle an...[Read More] Will Height Increase After Age 15? Understanding Growth and Development
Understanding Daily Calcium Intake: Recommended Amount vs. Absorption Rates
What is the recommended daily intake of calcium? Hello, Director! May I ask if the daily recommended calcium intake of 1000 mg for adults, as announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration, refers to the amount of calcium consumed or the amoun...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! According to the seventh edition of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Republic of China, the recommended daily calcium intake for adults aged 19 and older is 1000 mg, with an upper limit of 2500 mg per day. Calcium absorption is influenced by various ...[Read More] Understanding Daily Calcium Intake: Recommended Amount vs. Absorption Rates
Can Type 1 Diabetics Consume High-Quality Plant Protein Supplements?
Can individuals with Type 1 diabetes consume high-quality protein supplements? Can individuals with Type 1 diabetes consume high-quality plant-based protein supplements? For a 50 kg woman with Type 1 diabetes, how many grams of high-quality plant protein can she consume in a day?...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Ms. Lin, Hello! For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, it is best to obtain a balanced diet from natural ingredients. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, as well as proteins from legumes, fish, meat, and eggs, are considered high biological value proteins, meaning th...[Read More] Can Type 1 Diabetics Consume High-Quality Plant Protein Supplements?
Managing Mediterranean Anemia and Uterine Fibroids: Dietary Tips and Remedies
Mediterranean anemia I would like to ask about my girlfriend who has thalassemia and uterine fibroids. I have researched some information online, which states that red blood cell lifespan is short and iron metabolism is poor, so she should avoid foods high in iron. I have also lo...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The dietary treatment principles for individuals with thalassemia are as follows: 1. Ensure adequate caloric intake and a balanced diet consisting of the six major food groups; 2. Avoid intentional iron supplementation to prevent excessive iron accumulation that could harm...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia and Uterine Fibroids: Dietary Tips and Remedies