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
How to Safely Combine Red Yeast Rice and Fish Oil for Health
Red yeast rice and fish oil? Hello, Dietitian Tsai! I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune condition known as Sjögren's syndrome. I have been taking red yeast rice with Coenzyme Q10 due to slightly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, I also wan...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, current research indicates that fish oil may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, based on the literature I reviewed, there is no significant difference in the context of dry eye syndrome associated with dry eye disease. It is generally recom...[Read More] How to Safely Combine Red Yeast Rice and Fish Oil for Health
Nutrition Tips to Boost Appetite for Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Nutritional Counseling Hello Doctor: I am currently taking medication for cirrhosis, but the side effects of the medication have caused me to lose my appetite and my weight is continuously dropping. What can I eat to counteract the side effects and regain my appetite, so that I c...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the side effects of medications for liver cirrhosis can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. It is necessary to return for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your physician whether medication adjustments are needed or if further examinations are required. In term...[Read More] Nutrition Tips to Boost Appetite for Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Best Supplements for Seniors: Comparing Silver Star and Coenzyme Q10
Which type of dietary supplements is more suitable for the elderly? Currently, my grandfather is 80 years old, has a poor appetite, easily fatigues, and experiences weakness in his legs, often leading to falls. Despite multiple suggestions, he is reluctant to see a doctor and is ...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is possible that your grandfather has long-term poor appetite, leading to nutritional deficiencies; it may also be due to an unbalanced diet, resulting in protein (muscle) loss. It is recommended to consult a family medicine physician. Dietary...[Read More] Best Supplements for Seniors: Comparing Silver Star and Coenzyme Q10
Do Multivitamins Cause Withdrawal Symptoms? Understanding Nutritional Habits
Inquire about multivitamin withdrawal issues? Hello, Nutritionist Zhang: Can there be withdrawal symptoms from multivitamins? I have been taking a fixed daily dosage for a long time, following the recommendations on the bottle. However, I stopped using them for a while because I ...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
Note: This question is not within the expertise of the Nutrition Department and is answered by Director Shih from the Pharmacy Department. Thank you. A normal and balanced diet can provide sufficient vitamins needed for the body's physiological functions. When the diet is i...[Read More] Do Multivitamins Cause Withdrawal Symptoms? Understanding Nutritional Habits
Is Salt Koji a Fermented Food or Pickle? Understanding Health Risks
Is salt koji considered a fermented product? Hello, is salt koji considered a pickled product or a fermented product? News reports suggest that pickled and fermented foods may increase cancer risk, but salt koji has recently become popular as a seasoning. I would like to know mor...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: Salted koji is a fermented product that consists of rice koji, salt, and water, which can be used as a substitute for table salt and can also be used to marinate meat, resulting in tenderized meat while providing the benefits of rice koji. Therefore, it has a significantly...[Read More] Is Salt Koji a Fermented Food or Pickle? Understanding Health Risks
Is It Safe to Eat Blackened Parts of a Banana?
Food Information Hello, nutritionist. I just ate a banana and accidentally consumed a small part that was blackened. Is that part safe to eat? Will it cause any issues? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding bananas, the peel contains enzymes that, when exposed to air for too long, undergo oxidation and turn black, leading to the appearance of dark spots on the peel. At this stage, the fruit flesh remains protected from air oxidation and is still edible. However, if ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Blackened Parts of a Banana?
Does Biotin Supplementation Lead to Weight Gain or Loss?
Supplementing with vitamin B7 (biotin) will lead to weight gain or weight loss? I saw online that one of the functions of vitamin B7 (Biotin) is to metabolize fats and assist in the synthesis of fatty acids. Does this mean that supplementing with vitamin B7 will lead to weight ga...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the most important factor in weight change is still the balance of calories. Biotin participates in the metabolism of various nutrients in the body, including fatty acids, amino acids, and pyruvate. Biotin acts as a coenzyme in the body, similar to a crucial screw needed f...[Read More] Does Biotin Supplementation Lead to Weight Gain or Loss?
Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?
Beta-carotene Hello, Dr. Tsai. Thank you for your previous response regarding the side effects of beta-carotene! Each beta-carotene capsule contains 25,000 IU, which is quite a high dosage. Therefore, I dissolved the beta-carotene capsule in room temperature water, mixed the beta...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding β-carotene extraction, there are many enzymes that can rapidly break down carotenoids. Additionally, carotenoids contain numerous unsaturated double bonds, and both light and heat can accelerate their degradation, resulting in poor stability. It is usually necess...[Read More] Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?
Can People with Hypothyroidism Safely Consume Green Algae Supplements?
Is it suitable for individuals with hypothyroidism to consume dietary supplements containing green algae? Twenty-three years ago, I underwent surgery for thyroid enlargement. In December 2016, during a health check-up, my doctor recommended that I get a thyroid ultrasound at a ne...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Hypothyroidism resulting from thyroidectomy requires regular follow-up examinations and medication management with a physician. Weight gain is also a common side effect of hypothyroidism, which necessitates medication, dietary control, and exercise for adjustment. Relying ...[Read More] Can People with Hypothyroidism Safely Consume Green Algae Supplements?
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
Concerns About White Kidney Beans and Chitosan: Dietary Impact on Health
White kidney bean and chitosan consumption issues? I would like to ask the doctor... I have been consuming Costco's white kidney beans and NOW's chitosan for almost a year. Because I have been using weight loss supplements, I have slightly indulged in my eating habits a...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The extract of white kidney beans contains components that inhibit starch enzymes; however, it is important to note that consuming raw white kidney beans can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Cooking white kidney beans destroys the components that inhibit starch absorption. C...[Read More] Concerns About White Kidney Beans and Chitosan: Dietary Impact on Health
Is Drinking Lemon Water All Day Effective for Weight Loss?
Several questions about lemon water? Recently, I started drinking lemon water to lose weight. First, I slice a lemon, putting about two slices into a 600cc cup, and then I pour in ice-cold water to drink. If I don't finish it, I store the remaining water in the refrigerator ...
Dr. Lu Guanqi Reply:
Hello, relying solely on lemon water for fat burning has no medical basis. If consumed incorrectly, it can even lead to stomach pain and enamel erosion. Having a normal diet along with lemon water will not lead to weight loss; a more accurate inference would be that lemon water r...[Read More] Is Drinking Lemon Water All Day Effective for Weight Loss?
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet Tips for Hypertension Patients
Dietary Recommendations for Patients After Hypertension and Gallbladder Removal Surgery Hello, nutritionist. I had my gallbladder removed in June last year (2013/06) due to gallstones, and since then my diet has become very bland. However, I occasionally experience diarrhea after...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! After gallbladder removal, the diet is generally recommended to be light to prevent digestive issues caused by suddenly consuming too much fat, which can lead to fatty diarrhea. Typically, fat intake can gradually return to a normal diet. Of course, a healthy diet is still...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet Tips for Hypertension Patients
Managing Ulcerative Colitis: Probiotics, Enzymes, and Dietary Choices
Ulcerative Colitis Hello: My ulcerative colitis relapsed in early March, and I just had a colonoscopy on March 25, which showed severe inflammation throughout the colon. I would like to ask if I can start taking probiotics and enzymes now? Is it okay to eat pig blood? Given my se...
Dr. Liu Qiaoyun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao, The letter mentions that you are currently experiencing severe intestinal inflammation and significant anemia. Here are my personal recommendations: 1. It is not advisable to use over-the-counter medications such as Yuan tablets. It is better to have a physician...[Read More] Managing Ulcerative Colitis: Probiotics, Enzymes, and Dietary Choices
Why Taking Digestive Enzymes Doesn't Lead to Weight Gain
Taking digestive enzymes does not lead to weight gain? I have been taking digestive enzymes after meals to help with digestion and nutrient absorption due to my gastrointestinal issues. However, after continuously using them for a month, I have not noticed a significant increase ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Peter, Hello! If you have gastrointestinal issues, you should consult a gastroenterologist for effective treatment of poor digestion and absorption. To address your concerns, it is essential to identify any underlying gastrointestinal problems or other health issues that ma...[Read More] Why Taking Digestive Enzymes Doesn't Lead to Weight Gain
Understanding Digestive Enzyme Effects: White Residue in Stool Explained
Response: How to Improve Digestive System Issues (2) Hello Dr. Tsai, I recently started taking Vida Comprehensive Digestive Enzymes, but I noticed that since I began using them, my stool has started to contain white substances mixed in. It doesn't seem like undigested food (...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding the use of rectal suppositories, are they prescribed by a physician or can they be purchased over the counter? What are the reasons for their use? If they are prescribed, it is advisable to consult your physician during your follow-up visit. Digestive enzymes sho...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Enzyme Effects: White Residue in Stool Explained
Improving Digestive Health: Tips for Managing IBS and Gut Issues
Response: How to Improve Poor Digestive Health Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously experienced frequent abdominal discomfort (sometimes just diarrhea and other times gastroenteritis), so I often visited doctors. Most of them diagnosed me with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. I once...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ming. Based on what you described, if the tests show no issues, it is possible that stress is the cause. Stress can lead to accelerated intestinal motility, which can negatively affect digestion. Some suggest drinking Yakult to replenish beneficial gut bacteria; howev...[Read More] Improving Digestive Health: Tips for Managing IBS and Gut Issues
Improving Digestive Health: Natural Solutions for Gut Issues
How to improve poor digestive health? Hello, doctor. I have digestive issues, and I'm not sure if they are congenital or acquired. Whenever I eat something slightly greasy, I often experience gastrointestinal discomfort (over 90% of the time I end up with diarrhea). I would ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ming. I assume your weight is not too heavy. I'm curious if your eating habits are good, such as whether you chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. Eating quickly and not chewing well, along with a preference for drinking soup after meals, may affect your dige...[Read More] Improving Digestive Health: Natural Solutions for Gut Issues
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Ulcerative Colitis and High Blood Sugar
Diet for Ulcerative Colitis and Hyperglycemia My husband was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in March of this year and has been taking Asacol and steroids. As a result, he was found to have high blood sugar in July. In August, due to disease exacerbation, he started on the immu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Regarding ulcerative colitis, it is important to follow a light diet. If you are still experiencing diarrhea, you may consider supplementing with glutamine to prevent intestinal villous atrophy and to increase protein intake, especially when liver enzyme levels are elevate...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Ulcerative Colitis and High Blood Sugar