Understanding High Total Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions
Elevated total cholesterol? 1. Height: 176.5 cm 2. Weight: 77 kg 3. Body Mass Index (BMI): 24.7 4. Total Cholesterol: 238 mg/dL 5. Triglycerides: 116 mg/dL 6. Fasting Blood Glucose: 78 mg/dL 7. SGPT (ALT): 247 U/L 8. Blood Pressure: 124/77 mmHg a. What should be ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
High cholesterol levels can easily lead to vascular sclerosis. Dietary control (low-fat diet) and regular exercise can help lower cholesterol. If there is a presence of diabetes or heart disease, cholesterol-lowering medication may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding High Total Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Examination report issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that my urine has been yellow for a while and hasn't improved. Additionally, I've been experiencing lower back pain, so I thought there might be an issue with my kidneys. I went to a laboratory to have my urin...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I will address only the issues related to uric acid and blood lipids. A complete answer regarding other data requires a visit to an internist to review all reports (blood and urine). Elevated uric acid levels are a precursor to gout, and if it...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Why do I keep gaining weight? Hello: My mother has been a diabetic for over ten years. In the past year, her weight has increased significantly (currently weighing 60.5 kg; height approximately 150 cm). Are there any other health issues that could be causing this? By the way, my ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. The reasons for weight gain include dietary habits, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism. It is essential to first consider and evaluate the impact of diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environmental factors bef...[Read More] Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Does Drinking Water Cause Edema and Weight Gain? Expert Insights
Can drinking water cause edema? Drinking water can lead to a temporary increase in body weight due to water retention, but this is not the same as gaining fat. The body can retain water for various reasons, including dietary salt intake, hormonal changes, and physical activity le...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If bodily functions are normal, drinking water typically does not lead to edema. Consuming 4000cc of water in a day is considered excessive, and part of this may be due to underlying medical conditions.[Read More] Does Drinking Water Cause Edema and Weight Gain? Expert Insights
Can People with High Uric Acid Levels Consume Clam Extract?
Can individuals with elevated uric acid levels consume clam extract? Hello, Dr. Yang. My husband recently received his health check-up report, which indicated that his uric acid levels are elevated. I would like to ask you, Dr. Yang, whether individuals with high uric acid can st...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
The purine content in clams ranges from 25-150 mg per 100 g, but there is currently no analyzed data on purines in Taiwan. While the purine levels in salmon, tuna, and snapper cannot be definitively classified as low or high, seafood is still considered a source of protein that c...[Read More] Can People with High Uric Acid Levels Consume Clam Extract?
Managing Eye Pain at Night for Patients with Thyroid Disease
Protruding eyes can cause pain during the night? Hello, Director Yang. I would like to ask for your advice. My father is 64 years old and has been suffering from thyroid disease for over ten years, which has been managed with medication, and his condition is stable. However, he h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A small number of patients with thyroid eye disease may require special treatment (such as the use of corticosteroids), and an evaluation by an ophthalmologist is recommended. Patients with thyroid disease can take glucosamine without any impact on their condition.[Read More] Managing Eye Pain at Night for Patients with Thyroid Disease
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Risks, Diet, and Inheritance
Thyroid nodule My mother has a thyroid nodule, and the doctor said it is benign. I would like to ask if it can become malignant. What dietary precautions should be taken to prevent it from becoming malignant? Can thyroid nodules be hereditary? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
It was originally thought to be a benign nodule, but a small percentage may eventually be diagnosed as malignant tumors. Diet is likely not significantly related to malignant transformation, and thyroid diseases have a hereditary tendency.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Risks, Diet, and Inheritance
Understanding Bowel Issues: From Diarrhea to Constipation Solutions
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea, with my stools appearing a clay-like yellow color, mixed with remnants of the food I ate in my last meal. I have a history of constipation, where I would have bowel movements about 2 to 4 times a wee...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, based on your situation, it seems that your bowel habits have changed. Therefore, I recommend seeing a gastroenterologist. If you have experienced constipation for more than five years, a colonoscopy is necessary. Additionally, to promote daily bowel movements, it is essen...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: From Diarrhea to Constipation Solutions
Understanding Rapid Gastrointestinal Motility: Dietary Tips and Tea Effects
Could you please clarify the issue of rapid gastrointestinal transit? A female friend of mine went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor said she has rapid gastrointestinal motility. Are there any dietary restrictions for rapid gastrointestinal motility? Additionally...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Generally, when we talk about rapid gastrointestinal motility, we refer to the colon rather than the stomach or small intestine. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water, so even if motility is fast, it is not a concern. Another commonly used term is "irritable b...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Gastrointestinal Motility: Dietary Tips and Tea Effects
Understanding Skin Pain Associated with Cold Symptoms
Skin pain caused by a cold? Hello Dr. Zhao, I have a question regarding a cold: Over the past year, whenever I catch a cold, in addition to the usual symptoms of runny nose, nasal congestion, mild dizziness, excessive phlegm, and general discomfort, I have been experiencing &qu...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
What you are referring to is abnormal sensation, which is known as paresthesia in English. It can be caused by poor blood circulation throughout the body, atherosclerosis due to deposits of cholesterol or thrombosis, vitamin deficiencies, poor nutritional status, diabetes, hypoth...[Read More] Understanding Skin Pain Associated with Cold Symptoms
Does Menstruation Cause Anemia? Understanding the Connection
Can menstruation cause anemia? I would like to ask whether menstruation can cause anemia.
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
If a girl has a normal diet, menstruation will not cause anemia. However, if she already has anemia, menstruation can exacerbate the severity of the condition.[Read More] Does Menstruation Cause Anemia? Understanding the Connection
Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
The calculation of creatinine clearance (CCR) can be done using the following formula: \[ \text{CCR} = \ Hello Dr. Yang: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and currently suffering from nephrotic syndrome. My albumin levels have been around 2.8 to 3, and my ch...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the causes of nephrotic syndrome. Treatment must focus on controlling the underlying disease (SLE) and reducing kidney function damage. A low-salt and low-protein diet is a method to slow down prote...[Read More] Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Managing High Cholesterol After Pregnancy: Essential Tips and Guidance
High cholesterol Hello Doctor: I am currently five months postpartum, 175 cm tall and weigh 82 kg. Due to discomfort (shortness of breath and palpitations), I underwent blood tests. The results showed that everything else is normal, but my total cholesterol is 354 mg/dL (the doct...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your cholesterol levels are indeed too high. It is best to test again. If they remain high, you should focus on dietary control, increase physical activity, and lose weight, in addition to considering medication treatment.[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol After Pregnancy: Essential Tips and Guidance
Managing Adrenal Hormone Deficiency: Side Effects and Natural Alternatives
Adrenal hormones Hello. I have a deficiency in adrenal hormones, with normal test values ranging from 5 to 25, but mine is only 0.25. Therefore, my doctor prescribed a corticosteroid at a dosage of 0.25 mg once daily. However, I am experiencing side effects such as weight gain, i...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
1. The use of supplemental doses of steroids is not expected to produce the side effects you mentioned. 2. Long-term supplementation is usually required, and whether lifelong use is necessary depends on the cause of adrenal insufficiency. 3. There should be no need to rely on oth...[Read More] Managing Adrenal Hormone Deficiency: Side Effects and Natural Alternatives
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:
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
Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Frequent urination with low urine volume? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year. She exercises regularly, and her blood sugar levels are well-controlled, typically ranging from 80 to 120 mg/dL (she measures her blood sugar after exercising). Howev...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your mother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and exercise can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. If her fasting blood glucose level is between 80-120 mg/dL, that is acceptable; however, it is also recommended that she monitor her postprandial blood gluco...[Read More] Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
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:
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
Why Am I Gaining Weight Despite My Diet and Exercise Efforts?
Why do I keep gaining weight despite trying to lose it? I am 166 cm tall and weigh 63 kg. Since starting my regular weight loss plan a week ago, I have noticed that my weight has not only failed to decrease but has actually increased. I am currently not working and attend night c...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! If tumors grow within the body, their unlimited growth can deprive normal cells of nutrients, causing weight loss rather than weight gain. There are many causes of obesity; in addition to diet and exercise, the medical community has identified at least six genes associated...[Read More] Why Am I Gaining Weight Despite My Diet and Exercise Efforts?
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Complications of diabetes mellitus? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is currently 60 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for nearly 20 years. He has been managing his blood sugar levels with insulin injections. Recently, we have noticed that his feet are swollen and his vision...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years, and symptoms like edema and blurred vision are typically among the complications of diabetes. He should pay attention to potential issues such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications. Regarding the w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
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:
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?