Can You Eat Raw Nuts and Seeds? A Guide to Safe Consumption
Regarding the consumption of stone fruits? Hello, nutritionist. I would like to ask about the consumption of raw nuts. Today, I purchased some nuts from a food supply store, which I usually add to my breakfast cereal. I have eaten several packages without any issues, but today I ...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: You have previously purchased raw almonds, raw walnuts, raw pumpkin seeds, and raw wheat germ. Can these foods be eaten raw? From a nutritional standpoint, consuming these foods raw or cooked has a slight impact on vitamin and mineral content, but it does not signi...[Read More] Can You Eat Raw Nuts and Seeds? A Guide to Safe Consumption
Nutritional Support for Seniors: Boosting Appetite and Health
Nutritional supplementation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 77 years old. Recently, her appetite has been decreasing, and she seems to lack energy when speaking. Her weight is also decreasing. She has diabetes (not on insulin injections) and is con...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Grandma has blood sugar issues, so it's important to monitor her blood sugar levels. If her blood sugar is very high, no matter what she eats, it won't help restore her energy because the problem lies in poor blood sugar control. I recommend accompanying Grandma ...[Read More] Nutritional Support for Seniors: Boosting Appetite and Health
Post-Pancreatectomy Dietary Guidelines for Optimal Recovery
Pancreatectomy Hello Dietitian Huang: I have a female colleague whose father underwent a pancreatic resection. What dietary considerations should he be aware of?
Dr. Huang Shuli Reply:
Hello! The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function is primarily related to glucose metabolism, while the exocrine function is associated with the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If surgery affects the endocrine function, pancreat...[Read More] Post-Pancreatectomy Dietary Guidelines for Optimal Recovery
Do Enzymes Really Cure All Ills? A Guide for Chronic Disease Management
Do enzymes really cure all diseases? Is it true that premium enzymes sold in the market can cure various diseases? They are said to be alkaline foods suitable for chronic illnesses. I would like to ask about my mother, who is a dialysis patient with high blood pressure and diabet...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Pipi, Hello! If premium enzymes sold in the market claim to have therapeutic effects, it is advisable to report them to the local health department. Given that your mother is undergoing dialysis and has diabetes and other conditions, it is best for a nutritionist from her o...[Read More] Do Enzymes Really Cure All Ills? A Guide for Chronic Disease Management
Understanding Fermented Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Enzymes
The issues related to fermented fruit and vegetable liquids and enzymes? Hello, I would like to ask the nutritionist what is meant by fermented vegetable and fruit liquid? After enzymes are ground into powder, do they still retain their natural components? I would also like to kn...
Dr. Liu Qiaoyun Reply:
Hello. You mentioned three items: 1. "fermented fruit and vegetable liquid." 2. "enzyme" powdered form. 3. wheatgrass juice. I am not familiar with these products you mentioned, and they fall outside the realm of nutrition that I am well-acquainted with (which...[Read More] Understanding Fermented Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Enzymes
Is Collagen Supplementation Necessary for a Balanced Diet?
Supplementing collagen? Hello, nutritionist: Is it true that supplementing with collagen ultimately just breaks down into proteins and amino acids for absorption? If that's the case, is collagen supplementation unnecessary? Additionally, if someone is on a balanced diet and ...
Dr. Tang Weili Reply:
Hello! Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is a structural protein that the body synthesizes on its own. You are correct that collagen molecules are large and must be broken down by digestive juices and enzymes; at best, they can only serve as one of the r...[Read More] Is Collagen Supplementation Necessary for a Balanced Diet?
Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Green papaya Hello, I heard that green papaya contains enzymes that can help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If I want to cook beef tendon and pork/beef, would adding a bit of green papaya help with digestion? Or is it better to eat green papaya as a fruit instead o...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Both green papaya and ripe papaya contain papain, which can indeed be used to tenderize meat by mixing the discarded and cleaned papaya skin and flesh together for a period before cooking. Raw green papaya has a more astringent taste and is generally used for soups. If you...[Read More] Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Do Enzymes Really Help with Weight Loss? Myths and Risks Explained
Do dietary enzymes really help with weight loss? Many television stations sell enzymes claiming they can aid in weight loss. Is this true, or is the weight loss merely a result of eliminating waste? Could it lead to weight loss in undesired areas? What are the risks associated wi...
Dr. Tang Weili Reply:
Dear Feifei: Weight loss products come in various forms and always attract those looking to lose weight. The yo-yo effect you mentioned continuously occurs among these customers. The principle of weight control fundamentally lies in caloric balance; when caloric expenditure (thro...[Read More] Do Enzymes Really Help with Weight Loss? Myths and Risks Explained
Can Lactose Intolerance Be Treated or Managed Effectively?
Is lactose intolerance curable? Hello, doctor. I think I might have what is known as "lactose intolerance" because I easily get diarrhea after drinking milk, especially when paired with food! Although it's not 100%, it happens more than 90% of the time. I also expe...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Lactose intolerance, also known as lactose malabsorption or lactose digestion deficiency, refers to the condition in which the body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. The main symptoms include diarrhea and bloating after consuming l...[Read More] Can Lactose Intolerance Be Treated or Managed Effectively?
Are Co-Q10 and Q10 the Same? Understanding Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
Q10 and Co-Q10 Are the Co-Q10 and Q10 sold in the market referring to the same substance? Are they both Vitamin Q? Thank you.
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Some people refer to Coenzyme Q10 as Q10, but Coenzyme Q10 is not a vitamin. This is a response from Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department at Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Are Co-Q10 and Q10 the Same? Understanding Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
Foods to Avoid for Ovarian Cancer Patients: Hormone-Rich Diet Concerns
Ovarian cancer patients should avoid foods that are high in hormones? Hello, my mother is an ovarian cancer patient who has completed surgery and chemotherapy, and is currently undergoing check-ups every three months. She is taking B vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, calcium supplements, a...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear SEAN, Hello! After surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, it is important to maintain a balanced diet. It is advisable to avoid excessive intake of fats, especially animal fats, and to consume a variety of colorful vegetables and a moderate amount of fruits, along wit...[Read More] Foods to Avoid for Ovarian Cancer Patients: Hormone-Rich Diet Concerns
Ensuring Food Safety: Concerns About Nutritional Products in Taiwan
Food Safety and Hygiene Hello: This incident occurred on August 31, 2008, when I was taken by a vocational school classmate to a direct sales (Wei Xin) company in Taipei. I won't go into the details of that process, but before receiving those products, I had to sign a volunt...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! According to the information provided, the direct sales products you received are classified as general food. General food is self-regulated by manufacturers and cannot claim any therapeutic effects, nor can it be labeled as health food, as health food must undergo strict ...[Read More] Ensuring Food Safety: Concerns About Nutritional Products in Taiwan
Can Eating Apples Really Boost Your Memory and Brain Power?
Can apples help with memory? Hello, I recently came across several articles online stating that apples are nicknamed "memory fruits." This is because apples are rich in zinc, which is an essential element for the formation of nucleic acids and proteins closely related t...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Ding Ding, Hello! Zinc is involved in the activity of many enzymes in the body and plays a role in almost all enzymatic processes related to nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Long-term zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, poor wound healing, and anemia. Foods r...[Read More] Can Eating Apples Really Boost Your Memory and Brain Power?
Understanding Fructooligosaccharides and Mannooligosaccharides: Key Differences and Benefits
Fructooligosaccharides and Mannooligosaccharides? Hello: I have a few questions that I would like to ask you. Could you please explain: 1. What are fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides? 2. What are the differences between fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Mr. Yu, Hello! Fructooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides both belong to the category of oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharides linked together and are found in plants or microorganisms. Although they are present in low quantities, t...[Read More] Understanding Fructooligosaccharides and Mannooligosaccharides: Key Differences and Benefits
Is Slim Doctor Safe for Postpartum Weight Loss? A Nutritional Guide
Regarding the PhD Slimming Program? Hello. I gave birth about seven months ago, and I have been struggling to lose weight around my abdomen and hips. I still have the stubborn "muffin top" that I can't seem to get rid of, and I have to buy new clothes and pants. I ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! There are many misleading advertisements for weight loss products on the market, which not only lighten your wallet but can also harm your health. The ingredients of the products you mentioned do not seem to have any special weight loss properties; they can only be classif...[Read More] Is Slim Doctor Safe for Postpartum Weight Loss? A Nutritional Guide
Should You Eat Fruit Before or After Meals? The Best Timing Explained
Is it correct to eat fruit before or after meals? Hi, I would like to know whether it is correct to eat fruits before or after meals. I have heard many different opinions online. For example, 1A. The correct concept is to eat fruits before meals. Fruits consumed after meals may...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! The explanations for 3A. Fruits can be eaten before and after meals and 3B. Fruits can be eaten before and after meals are very detailed and align with nutritional theories, which can serve as a reference for you. Sincerely, Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutriti...[Read More] Should You Eat Fruit Before or After Meals? The Best Timing Explained
Red Yeast Rice and Natto: Best Timing and Cold Medication Guidelines
Red yeast rice natto Dear Supervisor Tsai, I have been experiencing elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Currently, I am taking red yeast rice and natto supplements. Could you please advise whether it is more effective to take these supplements before or after meals? Ad...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Regarding your issue of high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, it is important to first understand whether your dietary habits are contributing to elevated lipid levels. If you frequently eat out, consume excessive seafood, meat, or fried foods, these dietary habits nee...[Read More] Red Yeast Rice and Natto: Best Timing and Cold Medication Guidelines
How to Properly Combine Nutritional Supplements for Optimal Health
How to combine nutritional supplements for consumption? 1. Iron supplement with enhanced formula for blood nourishment 2. L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) + Vitamin E tablets 3. Grape seed extract Vitamin C tablets 4. Collagen PLUS tablets 5. Coenzyme Q10 capsules How shoul...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello: Generally, healthy adults who follow a balanced and nutritious diet do not need to supplement with any nutritional supplements. If dietary adjustments are necessary due to health conditions, it is best to provide relevant test reports to a nutritionist for appropriate diet...[Read More] How to Properly Combine Nutritional Supplements for Optimal Health
Nutritional Guidance for Leukemia Patients: Essential Foods and Supplements
Nutritional supplementation for leukemia? Dear Director, My mother was diagnosed with leukemia in February of this year. Her overall health has not been very good, and her condition has worsened due to the illness. She is currently 70 years old, approximately 145 cm tall, and we...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Here are the dietary recommendations for your mother: 1. Adopt a frequent, small meal approach: Three main meals and three snacks. The main meals should consist of natural ingredients, ensuring daily intake from the six major food groups (dairy, grains, meat, fish, eggs,...[Read More] Nutritional Guidance for Leukemia Patients: Essential Foods and Supplements
Why Does Taking Vitamins Turn Urine Yellow? Understanding Nutrient Absorption
Issues After Taking Vitamins Why does urine turn yellow after taking vitamins (similar to vitamin B)? Is it because the vitamins have not been fully absorbed by the body and are being excreted? Are the effects of DHA and ginkgo biloba the same? Which one would you recommend for s...
Dr. Hu Yuqing Reply:
Hello, it is possible that after taking vitamin B complex, your urine may turn yellow due to metabolism. DHA has some health benefits in dietary supplements, but it seems to differ from your request. Please refer to: http://food.doh.gov.tw/life/health/qualify_food.htm. Ginkgo bil...[Read More] Why Does Taking Vitamins Turn Urine Yellow? Understanding Nutrient Absorption