Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain: Tips and Foods
How to gain weight? I have always been underweight since childhood, but I didn't pay much attention to my weight because I haven't had any significant health issues. However, recently I feel that I am excessively thin—168 cm and 45 kg, which looks very unhealthy. There ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Being very thin since childhood and not experiencing any physical discomfort does not necessarily indicate a disease state. Currently, there are no medications that can help, and food can be consumed freely.[Read More] Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain: Tips and Foods
Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Dry Mouth, and Digestive Concerns
It is unclear what disease it is? Dear Doctor, I have been feeling very fatigued and sleepy for the past two months. I also experience dry mouth, despite drinking a lot of water. After eating, I often feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Occasionally, I notice a protrusion in ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue are symptoms to consider for diabetes. The protrusion in the lower right sternum needs to be evaluated in person for accurate assessment. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Dry Mouth, and Digestive Concerns
Managing Hyperthyroidism During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
I am experiencing hyperthyroidism and I am pregnant; I really don't know what to do? Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and a week ago, I found out that I am 25 days pregnant. My husband and I really want to have a child, and after trying for three months...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is a relatively common condition. Although it does increase some risks, in most cases, it does not necessitate the termination of the pregnancy. In the majority of situations, medication can still yield favorable outcomes.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Considerations
How to Check for Zinc Deficiency as a Cause of Bad Breath?
How to check if the body is deficient in zinc? Dear Dr. Yang, I have been suffering from halitosis for many years, and despite numerous examinations across various specialties, no cause has been identified. This issue has greatly troubled me; while it does not cause physical dis...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
There is no definitive evidence that zinc deficiency causes bad breath, and general hospitals typically do not conduct this test, so it may not be very helpful for your concern.[Read More] How to Check for Zinc Deficiency as a Cause of Bad Breath?
Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Weight Gain: Is It Hormonal Imbalance or Dieting Effects?
Obesity I would like to ask a question. I previously drank weight loss tea and took weight loss pills, but it has been a while since then. Recently, in the past month, I have gained nearly six kilograms. My usual food intake is not large. Could this be due to hormonal imbalance, ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Weight regain after stopping a diet is commonly observed. Most cases of obesity are not due to endocrine disorders and can be addressed in a metabolic clinic.[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain: Is It Hormonal Imbalance or Dieting Effects?
Understanding Weight Gain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Weight loss issues~~ Due to my continuous weight gain (currently 155 cm / 105 kg), I have normal meals, but I tend to eat more for dinner (before 8 PM). I exercise very little, and after each meal, I have a bowel movement within half an hour, at least two to three times a day. So...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Obesity can be addressed by a metabolic specialist. Most cases of obesity are classified as simple obesity, while a minority may be caused by other underlying conditions. The physician will assess your symptoms to determine whether further tests are necessary to rule out other di...[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Hair Loss, Anxiety, and Health Concerns
Hyperthyroidism issues? Dear Dr. Yang, About last November, I experienced some scalp inflammation and mild hair loss, which made me quite worried. After several visits to the dermatologist, I still feel anxious about my condition. I discussed my situation with the dermatologist...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
The main symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, tremors, anxiety, sweating, and weight loss. Hair loss occurs occasionally and is not a typical manifestation. Your symptoms do not resemble those of hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Hair Loss, Anxiety, and Health Concerns
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Dietary Tips and Lifestyle Changes
Hyperthyroidism Hello, doctor. 1. My father recently went to the hospital for a check-up due to significant weight loss and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Should he consume iodine-free salt for this condition? (I can't find the iodine-free salt sold by Taiwan Salt; ar...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Iodine-free salt has some benefits for patients with hyperthyroidism; however, current antithyroid medications are quite effective for hyperthyroidism, and it is not strictly necessary to use iodine-free salt. Generally, avoiding foods with the highest iodine content, such...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Dietary Tips and Lifestyle Changes
Managing Weight Gain and Anemia in Patients with Thyroid Issues
Disease 4 I gained 4-5 kilograms over a year ago and have been unable to lose the weight. I had thyroid surgery over 20 years ago and also have a congenital anemia that I cannot seem to improve. How should I diagnose and treat these issues?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
After more than 20 years post-thyroid surgery, weight gain and pelvic bleeding should raise the suspicion of post-surgical hypothyroidism, and blood tests should be considered for evaluation.[Read More] Managing Weight Gain and Anemia in Patients with Thyroid Issues
Do Nasal Mucus Contain Sugar? Exploring Health Concerns and Symptoms
Is it possible for nasal mucus to contain sugar? Is it possible for nasal mucus to contain sugar? I accidentally left some nasal mucus wrapped in tissue and forgot to throw it away, and the next day it attracted ants. Additionally, my waist feels numb. Could this indicate a probl...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
A blood sugar level of 70-80 mg/dL between meals should not indicate a problem with diabetes, and experiencing numbness in the waist is less likely to be a manifestation of kidney disease.[Read More] Do Nasal Mucus Contain Sugar? Exploring Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the posterior neck? I have noticed two asymmetrical small lumps on the back sides of my neck, which feel soft and movable. They become visible when I turn my head to the sides, and they are about 1 cm in size. This condition has been present for ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
There may be a condition of lymphadenopathy, and the medication does not seem to have much relevance. If the symptoms persist, it may be advisable to consider seeing an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Conflicting Advice on Thyroid Medication After Partial Thyroidectomy
I have a big question~~~ Hello, Dr. Yang. I would like to ask about my situation. I have a malignant thyroid tumor, so I had half of my thyroid removed (please don't scold me for not having the entire thyroid removed). Although only half was removed, the endocrinologist said...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Removing half of the thyroid should not lead to post-operative thyroid insufficiency. The supplementation of thyroid hormones is intended to suppress the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If there are residual cancer cells, inhibiting TSH can reduce stimulati...[Read More] Conflicting Advice on Thyroid Medication After Partial Thyroidectomy
How to Improve Endocrine Health for Weight Management and Sleep Issues
How to improve endocrine function? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor to help me answer the following questions: 1. I am someone who easily gains weight and often find myself gaining almost 10 kg in a month without realizing it. However, my diet is light and normal, and I main...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Obesity and irregular menstruation can be caused by certain endocrine disorders, so it may be advisable to consult a metabolic medicine clinic.[Read More] How to Improve Endocrine Health for Weight Management and Sleep Issues
Comparing Market HGH vs. Pharmaceutical HGH: Usage and Testing Guide
The efficacy of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) available on the market compared to pharmaceutical-grade HGH? Hello Dr. Yang, 1. What is the difference between commercially available HGH (human growth hormone) and pharmaceutical-grade HGH? Is it safe to use HGH in daily life at a dos...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Human growth hormone is a very special medication that should not be used arbitrarily. Growth hormone deficiency accounts for only a small portion of cases of short stature. Diagnosing growth hormone deficiency requires a rather complicated process and cannot typically be determi...[Read More] Comparing Market HGH vs. Pharmaceutical HGH: Usage and Testing Guide
Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Tips for Height and Health
Will I still grow taller? I want to grow taller..? Hello, doctor. I was born in 1988, and I am currently a 17-year-old high school junior (I just turned 17 last month). My height is 174 cm. Although I am the second tallest in my class, I still feel it's not enough (the talle...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there are no proven methods to increase your height. It is essential to get adequate sleep, as there are no specific medical interventions that can meet your needs.[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Tips for Height and Health
Understanding Metabolism Issues: Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Fatigue
Is this a problem related to metabolism? Hello Doctor, I am experiencing symptoms such as muscle cramps and weakness in my hands and feet, frequent dizziness, and a feeling of weakness in my legs. Recently, I often forget things that just happened, have difficulty concentrating...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Your symptoms are nonspecific and do not seem to correlate with your known medical history. This situation may not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of a specific disease; however, it is advisable to visit an internal medicine outpatient clinic, as sometimes physicians can identify...[Read More] Understanding Metabolism Issues: Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Fatigue
Can Gout Patients Drink Yogurt and Probiotic Beverages?
Can gout patients drink yogurt? Can gout patients drink yogurt, Yakult, and other probiotic beverages?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
There are many claims suggesting that fermented dairy products like Yakult are harmful to gout, but there is a lack of conclusive evidence in this regard. Some articles indicate that dairy products do not have adverse effects on uric acid levels and may even lower them. Due to th...[Read More] Can Gout Patients Drink Yogurt and Probiotic Beverages?
Understanding Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Regarding radioactive iodine therapy? Hello, Director. I have a few questions to ask you: (1) Is radioactive iodine treatment mandatory after thyroid cancer surgery? Can we first use other methods to scan for any residual cancer cells or metastasis? If there are no cancer cells i...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Generally, taking 30 mCi of radioactive iodine should not cause significant salivary gland dysfunction, as 30 mCi is considered a relatively low dose; traditional doses are typically around 100 mCi. The recurrence rate after radioactive iodine treatment is generally lower, but if...[Read More] Understanding Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer: Key Questions Answered
Post-Thyroidectomy Treatment: Understanding I-131 Therapy and Its Side Effects
Postoperative treatment for thyroid surgery? Hello, Doctor: I am a thyroid cancer patient and have undergone a total thyroidectomy. I am now scheduled for I-131 treatment. (1) I would like to ask what side effects it may have. (2) The doctor mentioned starting with a dose of 30 m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
The side effects are generally not significant; however, some individuals may experience reduced saliva secretion. In Taiwan, doses greater than 30 mCi require radiation isolation. Therefore, for relatively uncomplicated thyroid cancer, a post-operative radioactive iodine treatme...[Read More] Post-Thyroidectomy Treatment: Understanding I-131 Therapy and Its Side Effects