Why Probiotics Lose Effectiveness Over Time: Understanding Your Gut Health
Probiotics become less effective the more you consume them? Hello, nutritionist. Probiotics are often advertised as needing to be taken long-term for effectiveness, but I've noticed that when I start taking probiotics, they seem to work initially, but over time, their effect...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
There are numerous probiotic products available on the market, each with different claims and functions. Probiotics can be influenced by various factors such as the condition of the gut environment, lifestyle habits, dietary habits, the timing of probiotic intake, the strains and...[Read More] Why Probiotics Lose Effectiveness Over Time: Understanding Your Gut Health
Can Enzymes Help You Gain Weight? Exploring Nutritional Myths
Can taking enzymes lead to weight gain? Hello, I have trouble gaining weight, with a BMI of only 18. I have undergone various health checks, and my body is normal. Since I know that enzymes can aid in digestion and absorption, would supplementing enzymes after meals help increase...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, not gaining weight means that the caloric intake is less than the caloric expenditure, resulting in a negative caloric balance (weight loss). Therefore, aside from any underlying health issues, one should investigate the daily caloric intake and activit...[Read More] Can Enzymes Help You Gain Weight? Exploring Nutritional Myths
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Plateaus and Hormonal Effects
I want to lose weight? Hello, nutritionist. I am currently 155.6 cm tall and weigh 52 kg. Although I am within the normal range, I still feel that I look a bit overweight. From June to September 2022, I lost weight, going from 55 kg to 47 kg, but I started eating a lot during the...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
Hello! You are still in your growth phase and need various nutrients that support development. It is crucial not to pursue rapid weight loss! However, if you wish to achieve a good physique without excess weight, you can follow two main principles in your daily diet and lifestyle...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Plateaus and Hormonal Effects
Probiotics for Managing Diarrhea: Finding the Right Strain for You
Probiotics for the treatment of diarrhea? Hello, I have noticed that most probiotics on the market are designed to aid gastrointestinal motility and promote bowel movements. However, I personally experience rapid gastrointestinal motility, which makes me prone to diarrhea. Is the...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that rapid gastrointestinal motility can lead to diarrhea, especially when excluding physiological or psychological causes of diarrhea. 1. Probiotics promote the balance of gut microbiota, helping to maintain healthy intestinal function and reduce issues like...[Read More] Probiotics for Managing Diarrhea: Finding the Right Strain for You
Struggling with Nutrition: Overcoming Cravings and Health Challenges
Food issues Hello, I am currently seeing a psychiatrist regularly, have moderate fatty liver, weigh about 67 kg, and am 161 cm tall. I have a strong preference for bubble tea, consuming about two 1250 cc bottles daily. I do not exercise, believing that my work-related physical la...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Hand-shaken beverages can indeed quench thirst and provide a refreshing and enjoyable feeling when you're thirsty. However, try to supplement your daily intake with at least 1000cc of cold water. If you are working 20 hours a day, it must be quite exhausting. If you c...[Read More] Struggling with Nutrition: Overcoming Cravings and Health Challenges
Can Medications Help with Weight Gain for Those with IBS?
Are there any medications that can help with weight gain? Hello, doctor. I am very thin, with a BMI of only 18.2, but I eat three meals a day (lunch/dinner/snack). However, I have ongoing gastrointestinal issues, specifically diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, which c...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can influence weight, including genetics, physical activity, stress, thyroid function, and gastrointestinal issues. If your doctor has ruled out other disease factors, you can consult a nutritionist to discuss and assess whether your dietary nut...[Read More] Can Medications Help with Weight Gain for Those with IBS?
Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Sesame and red meat? Hello, is sesame difficult to digest? Is it true that nutrients can only be absorbed if it is ground into powder or paste? What is the correct way to consume it: raw, cooked, ground into powder, or made into paste? Additionally, sesame is high in calcium and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Sesame is rich in nutrients, including sesamin, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The alpha-linolenic acid found in unsaturated fats can reduce inflammatory responses in the body and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sesamin can decre...[Read More] Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Why Am I Nutritionally Deficient Despite Eating Regular Meals?
Eating three meals a day but still experiencing malnutrition? Hello, doctor! I am 157 cm tall and weigh 50 kg. I would like to ask, if I normally eat three meals a day, for example: (Breakfast: tuna egg toast, milk tea) (Lunch: two vegetables, tofu or eggs, meat, white rice, a bo...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, spoon-shaped nails are commonly seen in clinical practice and are often associated with iron deficiency anemia. Women may experience anemia more frequently after their menstrual period. It is recommended to supplement with foods that are high in heme iron, such as beef, la...[Read More] Why Am I Nutritionally Deficient Despite Eating Regular Meals?
Struggling with Appetite and Low Weight: Seeking Nutritional Guidance
Frequent loss of appetite and being underweight? Hello, I am 152 cm tall and weigh 33 kg. I have been underweight since childhood, managing to maintain around 36 kg while studying. After entering the workforce, due to working night shifts, I developed a habit of skipping breakfas...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! As you mentioned, the inability to gain weight is due to stress. We can make adjustments in several areas, including engaging in stress-relief activities during high-stress times, such as walking or jogging for 30 minutes daily, and practicing yoga or other calming exercis...[Read More] Struggling with Appetite and Low Weight: Seeking Nutritional Guidance
Why Can't I Gain Weight? Exploring Nutrition and Exercise Solutions
Hello, I would like to ask why I can't gain weight no matter how much I eat. Would exercising help? Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh 38 kg. I have normal meals three times a day and have seen a doctor at Chang Gung Hospital, where I had blood tests tha...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! You are indeed too thin. If your doctor has checked and found no issues, you can feel more at ease. Regarding weight gain, first and foremost, if you smoke, it is essential to quit. Maintain a regular daily routine, avoid staying up late, and try to relax to minimize stres...[Read More] Why Can't I Gain Weight? Exploring Nutrition and Exercise Solutions
Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Bone Fracture Recovery
Postoperative Diet for Fractures Doctor: I would like to ask you about postoperative dietary recommendations. A few days ago, my grandmother had a car accident resulting in fractures of the tibia, fibula, and ankle, along with a deep wound on her lower leg. She just underwent ext...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Ms. Chen: Hello! Due to your grandmother's advanced age and her recent fracture, it is important to pay special attention to her caloric and protein intake. In terms of diet, she should eat whatever she can tolerate, but it is essential to ensure that each meal includes suff...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Bone Fracture Recovery
Effective Strategies to Improve Internal Hemorrhoids and Prevent Bleeding
How to improve? How to improve internal hemorrhoids and bleeding during bowel movements? I drink 2500 to 3000 ml of water daily and I tend to sweat a lot.
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai, Hello! It is recommended that you seek medical attention for your internal hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding (you may consult a colorectal surgeon) so that the physician can identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment. In terms of diet, in addition to ensur...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Improve Internal Hemorrhoids and Prevent Bleeding
Boosting Height: Nutrition Tips for Protein, Calories, and Absorption
Height growth issues Could you please tell me where to obtain high-protein sources, what foods to consume for high calories, and how to improve my body composition to enhance nutrient absorption?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, high-protein foods include milk, soy milk, meats, eggs, and fish. To achieve a balanced caloric intake, it is important to increase the consumption of various food types evenly. To address absorption issues, you can consume digestive-friendly fruits such as papaya and pine...[Read More] Boosting Height: Nutrition Tips for Protein, Calories, and Absorption
Post-Surgery Bloating and Diet Tips After Sigmoid Colon Resection
Resection of the sigmoid colon? I underwent a resection due to a sigmoid colon twist on March 1st, but I am still experiencing abdominal bloating and discomfort, including nausea. I'm unsure how long this condition will take to improve. After my discharge, my mother provided...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
1. Start with a normal diet, following dietary guidelines: consume 1-2 cups of milk daily, 2-3 bowls of rice, 3-6 ounces of beans, fish, meat, and eggs, 3 small servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of fruit, and ensure adequate hydration. 2. You can observe which types of food ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Bloating and Diet Tips After Sigmoid Colon Resection
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:
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
Addressing Pregnancy-Related Digestive Issues: Tips for Relief
Several questions? Hello, nutritionist: My wife has been experiencing bloating and excessive gas, especially at night, over the past couple of days. Her bowel movements have been limited to small amounts. Given her current condition, will this have any impact on the fetus? My wif...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, Since your wife is 22 weeks pregnant, her dietary intake should gradually increase to meet the needs of the second trimester. As you have not mentioned her dietary quantity or content, and considering that she may be experiencing some gastrointestinal discomfort rec...[Read More] Addressing Pregnancy-Related Digestive Issues: Tips for Relief
How to Gain Weight Healthily: Tips for Teens with Low BMI
I am too thin? I am 15 years old, almost 16, and I am a freshman in high school. My BMI is only 14; I am 175.5 cm tall but weigh only 45.8 kg. I do not have any dietary restrictions and eat three regular meals a day. I have been very thin since childhood, but during my three year...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, if you are unable to gain weight, it is important to consider whether your caloric intake is too low, whether you are expending too much energy, or if there are any issues with digestion and absorption. It is recommended that you ensure your main meals are sufficient, with...[Read More] How to Gain Weight Healthily: Tips for Teens with Low BMI
Addressing Nutritional Concerns for Male Vegetarians: Acne and Weight Issues
Vegetarian Issues 2 Hello, I am the vegetarian who asked a question yesterday. I am a male, about 165 cm tall, and my weight has always been below 55 kg. I do not have constipation issues as long as I stay above 50 kg, and I have regular bowel movements every morning. I have cons...
Dr. Jiang Yu Reply:
So your body type is on the thinner side. There is a saying: "You are what you eat." The human body is composed of various nutrients, and since you are in a developmental stage, some effects can be long-lasting. Don't let childhood picky eating habits go uncorrecte...[Read More] Addressing Nutritional Concerns for Male Vegetarians: Acne and Weight Issues
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Dietary Guidance from Nutritionist Tsai
Thank you, Dietitian Tsai? Hello, Dietitian Tsai: Today I returned to the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose is 96 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c is 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello. Currently, the diagnostic criteria for diabetes in the country include: 1. Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 126 mg/dL on two occasions, 2. Random blood glucose levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, 3. Hemoglobin A1c exceeding 6.5%. Therefore, since both of your blood test resu...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Dietary Guidance from Nutritionist Tsai
Does Frequent Bowel Movements Affect Nutrient Absorption?
Is frequent bowel movement associated with nutrient loss? Hello, I have always been slim (165 cm/50 kg), and I usually have bowel movements twice a day, typically after meals. Could this frequent bowel movement be the reason I am unable to gain weight? Is it possible that the nut...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Your current Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated from your height and weight is 18.3. The standard BMI range is 18.5-24, indicating that you are underweight. Having bowel movements 1-3 times a day is acceptable as long as they are not watery diarrhea or accompanied by abdomin...[Read More] Does Frequent Bowel Movements Affect Nutrient Absorption?