Understanding Body Fat Scales and Visceral Fat Index: Key Insights
Questions about body fat scales and visceral fat index? Hello, Dietitian Tsai: Today, I visited a medical facility to measure various body data using a "bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)" scale (similar to a regular scale, which can simultaneously measure weight, b...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
1. The principle of body fat scales is based on the use of a small electrical current passing through the body, which estimates body composition by measuring resistance. Since hydration levels can affect conductivity, measurements may vary due to environmental and dietary factors...[Read More] Understanding Body Fat Scales and Visceral Fat Index: Key Insights
How to Lower LDL Cholesterol on a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet
How to Lower Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol on a Lacto-Vegetarian Diet Hello, Nutritionist: A few days ago, my mother was informed by her endocrinologist that she has high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C=160, HDL-C=46.5). However, during the consultation, my mothe...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Regarding the issue of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increasing research indicates that egg yolks are not the primary cause of elevated blood cholesterol levels. Most cholesterol in the blood is produced by the body itself, while saturated fatty acids in ...[Read More] How to Lower LDL Cholesterol on a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet
Is Burdock Tea a High-Calcium Health Drink? Nutritional Insights
Burdock root juice or tea? Is burdock juice or tea considered a high-calcium health supplement? What is the calcium content? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Burdock root, when juiced, contains approximately 46 mg of calcium per 100 grams, which is relatively high among root vegetables. However, when prepared as burdock tea, the calcium content in the tea itself is quite low. Burdock is rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficia...[Read More] Is Burdock Tea a High-Calcium Health Drink? Nutritional Insights
Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Managing Type 2 with Nutrition
What should be taken into consideration? My grandmother is a patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. She never allows us to accompany her to doctor visits. I would like to ask: 1. Does she need to check her blood sugar every day, or how often is it recommended? 2. She enjoys eatin...
Dr. Wu Yunxuan Reply:
Hello, I think Grandma is very fortunate (especially with your help in monitoring her diet). Since some information in the letter is unavailable (such as her current blood sugar control status, kidney function, glycated hemoglobin, height, weight, medications, and appetite), I wi...[Read More] Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Managing Type 2 with Nutrition
Understanding Weight Loss and Exercise: Expert Insights for Healthy Habits
Correct concepts of exercise and weight loss issues? Hello, Doctor: I am a male, currently 176 cm tall, and my weight has decreased from 82 kg to 76 kg over the past three months by avoiding fried foods, spicy foods, sugary drinks, and exercising. My current exercise routine cons...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the components of the human body related to nutrition include body fat, protein, minerals, water, small amounts of carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. To determine whether weight loss is due to an increase in body fat or muscle, a more objective measurement can be ob...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Exercise: Expert Insights for Healthy Habits
Managing Blood Sugar: Chicken Soup, Salad Dressings, and Tuna Pancakes
Gestational diabetes mellitus 1: Doctor, I would like to ask if drinking chicken soup and fish soup will raise blood sugar levels. 2: Does eating a convenience store salad with Japanese-style dressing help lower blood sugar? 3: Does a tuna pancake count as a serving of carboh...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding gestational diabetes, the most important aspect is the limitation of total carbohydrate intake throughout the day, and it is recommended to consume smaller, more frequent meals while discussing appropriate portion sizes for each meal with a nutritionist. 1. Gen...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar: Chicken Soup, Salad Dressings, and Tuna Pancakes
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?
Effective Strategies to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels in Your Diet
How to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol? Hello, Nutritionist: My BMI is around 18.6, and I consider my diet to be light, but my total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels have not improved. My most recent test results are: triglycerides ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, it appears that your current diet may contain a higher amount of saturated fatty acids from foods such as butter, crackers, and bread. Additionally, dining out on weekends often leads to higher cholesterol foods, such as beef, pork offal, and cooking oils. It would be advi...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels in Your Diet
Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Vitamins and Heavy Metal Detoxification Hello, doctor. There is a type of vitamin C called esterified vitamin C, which is said to be both water-soluble and fat-soluble. Due to its fat-soluble nature, it can remain in the body for a long time. I would like to know if this fat-solu...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello Anna! Esterified vitamin C is a product that has undergone processing and fat esterification, commonly used in cosmetic products and dietary supplements. Currently, there is no supporting evidence found in the relevant literature, so it is generally recommended to obtain nu...[Read More] Understanding Esterified Vitamin C and Heavy Metal Detoxification
Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
What is the difference between soybean lecithin and egg yolk lecithin? Recently, due to high work stress, I was considering that lecithin might enhance memory and other functions. However, I found that lecithin is divided into soy lecithin and egg yolk lecithin. Since I am male, ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, lecithin is a nutrient that contains fatty acids, glycerol, phosphate, and choline. Phospholipids can help repair cells, aid in the digestion and metabolism of fats, and can be converted into acetylcholine, which is beneficial for neurotransmission. It is an essential nutr...[Read More] Soy Lecithin vs. Egg Lecithin: Which is Better for Memory and Health?
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
Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Athlete weight loss Hello, doctor. I am an athlete (in wrestling) and I need to control my weight due to competitions. However, I previously made a friend who taught me an extremely unhealthy method (inducing vomiting). Although I know it is very harmful, it allowed me to eat wit...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Inducing vomiting is a harmful method for the body, and it is recommended that you choose healthier ways to control your diet. Athletes can opt for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach to weight management. Excessive carbohydrate intake is still a primary cause of wei...[Read More] Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
The body eliminates PFCs (perfluorinated compounds)? Hello, doctor. The non-stick cookware material we previously used at home is made of PTFE and PFOA, which are long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs can accumulate in the blood and are excreted through urine. However,...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! According to data from the National Health Research Institutes, PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are synthetic chemicals that provide water and oil resistance. They are commonly used for surface protection on carpets and clothing, as well as in paper coatings or cardboard p...[Read More] Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
Nutrition Tips to Prevent Stroke Recurrence: What to Eat and Avoid
About Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) My girlfriend has had a stroke before. She mentioned that it was due to hereditary small blood vessels. She previously had a stroke because of long nights and smoking. I would like to know what she can eat to help prevent another stroke and w...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
After a stroke, the risk of having another stroke is higher than that of the general population, so it is essential to take special precautions to prevent a recurrence. Here are some recommendations: 1. **Dietary Adjustments**: Adopt a low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar, and high-fi...[Read More] Nutrition Tips to Prevent Stroke Recurrence: What to Eat and Avoid
Breakfast Choices for Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Healthy Options Explained
Regarding breakfast choices for patients with type 2 diabetes? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask about recommended breakfast options for patients with type 2 diabetes. I usually eat out, and I was recently diagnosed with this condition. In the past...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello: The primary cause of type 2 diabetes is being overweight, which leads to excess body fat that affects insulin sensitivity. Therefore, weight loss can help with blood sugar control. Eating out frequently and being less active are also major contributors to type 2 diabetes. ...[Read More] Breakfast Choices for Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Healthy Options Explained
Nutritional Strategies for Tube Feeding in Elderly Patients with COPD
Enteral feeding Hello, nutritionist. I have an 84-year-old male patient weighing 35 kg and standing 160 cm tall. He has been bedridden for a long time and is diagnosed with COPD and a history of stroke. He is currently receiving enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube, with a dail...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! An 84-year-old male, weighing 35 kg and standing 160 cm tall, has been bedridden for a long time and is diagnosed with COPD and a history of stroke. He is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube, with a daily intake of 1250-1500 calories from a nutritional formu...[Read More] Nutritional Strategies for Tube Feeding in Elderly Patients with COPD
Are Oats and Unsweetened Soy Milk Safe for Diabetics?
Are oats and unsweetened soy milk suitable for diabetic patients? Dear Nutritionist, My father currently has diabetes, and his glycated hemoglobin level is above 7. I would like to know if it is suitable for him to frequently consume oatmeal soaked in unsweetened soy milk. Than...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! For diabetes patients, the most important aspect is the total carbohydrate intake throughout the day, so it's not strictly necessary to avoid certain foods or only eat specific ones. Oatmeal with unsweetened soy milk contains carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, and can...[Read More] Are Oats and Unsweetened Soy Milk Safe for Diabetics?
Effective Strategies for Managing Weight and Digestive Health
Improvement of Overweight Conditions I am currently in my senior year of high school, and my height is only 155 cm. I have always had a tendency to gain weight easily. Last year, I experienced difficulty walking and my weight reached 57 kg. Recently, I weighed 54 kg, and I hope t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! As you are in your senior year, this is a critical time, and weight management is a long-term battle. I suggest starting with a balanced and regular diet to establish healthy eating habits, which may gradually resolve weight issues. Here are several points to consider: 1....[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Weight and Digestive Health
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