Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Starch digestion time 1. If a person consumes two slices of toast with a little strawberry jam, is it possible for most adults to have digested and emptied about 40% of that amount within 30 minutes from the start of eating? If it is not possible to digest and empty around 40% of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I am unclear about what you mean by "emptying" and which part you are referring to. After 30 minutes, most of the food is still in the stomach, and the proportion that enters the duodenum can vary significantly depending on individual physiology, making it diffic...[Read More] Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: What Your eGFR Results Mean
Kidney function tests Hello, doctor. During my health check-up last May, tests for urine protein, urine glucose, urine blood, kidney ultrasound, blood sugar, and blood pressure showed no abnormalities. My blood urea nitrogen was 12.0 mg/dL, creatinine was 0.79 mg/dL, and uric aci...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Currently, the test results are normal, and there is no need to limit protein and potassium intake. Focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For health supplements, use well-known and certified brands.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: What Your eGFR Results Mean
Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Feeling dry in the mouth and experiencing bitter phlegm when coughing? A few days ago, I had nasal congestion, but recently I've started to feel a bitter taste in my phlegm (which is clear), although the nasal congestion has improved. I've also begun to notice a bitter ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person experiences a dry and uncomfortable mouth that does not improve with drinking water, and this has only lasted a few days, it could be due to medication side effects (such as those from decongestants or antihistamines), upper respiratory tract inflammation, or dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
What should be done if creatinine levels fluctuate and increase over a short period? In January 2020, the urea nitrogen level was 0.88, in July 2020 it was 1.22, in January 2021 it was 1.14, in February 2021 it was 0.98, and in April 2021 it was 1.26. There was foamy urine, but t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the calculated e-GFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) values are 95, 66, 70, 84, and 63, which indeed show some variation. Recommendations are as follows: 1. If there is no proteinuria, a low-protein diet is not necessary at this time, but a ...[Read More] Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
If blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are elevated, should I monitor it regularly or seek immediate medical attention? 1. If you wish to continue a high-protein (both animal and plant-based) and low-carbohydrate diet while also increasing your water intake, it is generally acceptab...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
If creatinine levels remain unchanged and there is no proteinuria, but only elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), it may be related to a high-protein diet and not necessarily indicate worsening kidney function. Increasing water intake can lead to more urine output, which may help e...[Read More] High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Managing Blood Pressure Medications: Safe Combinations and Timing
Blood pressure, drug interactions? Dear Doctor, I would like to ask some questions regarding medication usage. I have already started taking antihypertensive medication (Suhuo 5/40 mg) and I am also taking "Xunli Ning" concurrently. However, I am unsure about the order...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, it is recommended to take chronic disease medications at least 30-60 minutes apart from dietary supplements for optimal results. The order of intake does not significantly affect the outcome, but due to the common issue of patients forgetting to take th...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Medications: Safe Combinations and Timing
Can Symptoms of Hypothyroidism from Hyperthyroidism Treatment Return to Normal?
Can symptoms of hypothyroidism that occur during the treatment of hyperthyroidism return to normal? I have had hyperthyroidism for over ten years, during which I did not actively seek treatment and did not restrict my diet, resulting in consistently high levels (TSH undetectable,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is important to lower thyroid antibodies, as this can reduce the risk of developing heart disease or osteoporosis in the future. As for symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and poor mental clarity, a consultation with a neurologist may be advisable.[Read More] Can Symptoms of Hypothyroidism from Hyperthyroidism Treatment Return to Normal?
Can You Take Supplements While on Hyperthyroid Medication?
Hyperthyroidism medication issues? Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask if I can take dietary supplements while currently on medication for hyperthyroidism. Will there be any interactions? If there are no interactions, how long should I wait between taking the two? Thank you, Dr. L...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please take dietary supplements at least two hours apart from antithyroid medications.[Read More] Can You Take Supplements While on Hyperthyroid Medication?
Understanding Low Platelet Count: Effects of Menstruation and Dietary Solutions
Slightly low platelet count? During menstruation, I underwent a health check, and the results showed a platelet count of 134. I would like to know if menstruation can affect platelet levels. Can a low platelet count be improved through diet or exercise? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, during menstruation, continuous bleeding may cause fluctuations in platelet counts. If there is a significant difference compared to previous health check-up platelet values, it is recommended to schedule a follow-up blood test with a family medicine or general internal me...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Count: Effects of Menstruation and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Regarding blood sugar and the kidneys? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, I visited a nearby clinic due to a urinary tract infection. My postprandial blood glucose was measured at 217 (more than one hour after eating). After a blood test, my hemoglobin A1c was found to be 5...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your situation is complex, and it is difficult to convey through text, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist in endocrinology, nephrology, or urology. Thank you. 109.12.24[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Bruising and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I recently noticed sudden bruising, sometimes on my thighs and sometimes on my ribs. After blood draws, the swelling takes about a week to gradually subside. I would like to ask about the coagulation function values and whether they are abnorma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in this report, the parameter related to coagulation function is PLT: Platelets, which is normal. However, more relevant to coagulation are PT/aPTT, which are not included in this report. You have mild anemia, but it is not severe and is likely not significantly related to...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by bowel sounds? Hello, recently I have been experiencing sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen, feeling like needles stabbing and knives cutting, occurring intermittently along with bowel sounds and a sensation of moveme...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms. Than...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Esophageal sensitivity? Hello, doctor. I have a question about a friend who seems to be using vomiting as a weight loss method. I'm curious if eating food without any liquids makes it difficult to vomit. Even if she can vomit, would it only be a small amount because the food...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, inducing vomiting can be easy primarily due to the sensitivity of the throat, which varies from person to person. Long-term vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, resulting in esophageal burns. Prolonged injury to the esophagus may increase the risk of esophageal ca...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been continuously declining? I would like to inquire about my health check report. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 78, creatinine is 1.09, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 13.2, and uric acid is 4.9. All other reports are normal, and th...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a variable value. If the GFR is <60 ml/min and persists for more than three months, the likelihood of a diagnosis of renal failure is high. If the GFR is >60 and there are no other pathological findings (such as renal biopsy), ...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Am I at risk for diabetes? I am 179 cm tall and weigh 54 kg. Since I contracted pneumonia at the age of 12, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. No matter what I eat, I can't gain weight. After a car accident at 14, I began to show symptoms of traum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of diabetes is very complex and includes factors such as body composition and genetics, which cannot be generalized. However, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary beverages and increase physical activity, as these measures can indeed lower the risk. Ad...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Clarifying Injection Infection Testing Concerns and Dietary Impact
Needle puncture infection testing follow-up questions? Hello Dr. Hong, I have follow-up questions regarding the infection testing for the 163244 needle stick. 1. Since you mentioned that theoretically food and medications do not affect the test results, does this mean that even...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes, it will not have an impact. 2. A normal test result that indicates a problem is referred to as a "false positive," while a test result that shows normal when there is an issue is called a "false negative." Both of these are potential errors in t...[Read More] Clarifying Injection Infection Testing Concerns and Dietary Impact
Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Lumbar issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Today, while using the restroom, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain on the left side of my back (approximately at the kidney area) halfway through. After finishing, the pain improved somewhat, but I still feel a lingeri...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing an episode of kidney stones. You may want to schedule an appointment with a urologist for further evaluation to clarify your condition. Thank you for your inquiry. The Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital i...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Urine Odor: Causes and Dietary Influences
The odor of urine? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if urine generally has a smell. Recently, I have been staying up late until dawn occasionally, and I notice that my urine has a stronger odor the next day after some DIY activities. Drinking more water helps alleviate this. How...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the odor of urine is primarily related to food intake and hydration levels; however, a strong urine odor does not necessarily indicate a problem. Further examination is still needed. Your blood test results for kidney function are indeed normal. Maintaining a regular routi...[Read More] Understanding Urine Odor: Causes and Dietary Influences