Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Diabetics and Lactose Intolerant Patients
Postoperative Diet for Diabetic and Lactose-Intolerant Patients Hello, Nutritionist: My mother-in-law underwent a discectomy for a herniated disc a month ago. After the surgery, she has been resting at home. Due to her diabetes, the healthcare provider recommended nutritional sup...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
Dear Ms. Jiang, There are a few issues to consider: 1. Is blood sugar control adequate? 2. Are there any diabetes-related complications, such as peripheral neuropathy? You may want to consult your physician, as diabetic neuropathy can also lead to alternating constipation and...[Read More] Post-Surgery Nutrition Tips for Diabetics and Lactose Intolerant Patients
Understanding Height and Weight Concerns in Teen Nutrition
Height and weight issues? Hello, doctor! I am 15 years old, 162 cm tall, and weigh 47 kg. My family often complains that I am too thin. Does being too thin affect my height? I have poor absorption in my stomach and I don't seem to absorb the food I eat. I hope to find ways t...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Milk does not cause the growth plates to close prematurely; rather, its high calcium content supports growth. There are many factors that influence height, including genetic factors, lifestyle stress, diet, and exercise, among others. In terms of diet, it is important to c...[Read More] Understanding Height and Weight Concerns in Teen Nutrition
Dietary Guidelines for Duodenal Ulcer and Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Dietary Issues Related to Duodenal Ulcers Hello Doctor, I recently underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy, which revealed a duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. I have just completed a triple therapy and have been taking pantoprazole for nearly a mo...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai, Hello! Currently, a gentle diet should be adopted, with the following dietary principles: 1. Develop good eating habits by eating at regular times and in appropriate portions; avoid binge eating. 2. Ensure adequate nutritional intake by focusing on the six major ...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Duodenal Ulcer and Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Understanding Growth Potential and Nutritional Concerns at 20
Health condition consultation Hello, I would like to ask if there is still a possibility for me to grow taller since I am already 20 years old. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent inflammation in my legs, and it feels like my nerves are misfiring, causing significant pain...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
1. For foot pain issues, consult a qualified orthopedic physician at a reputable hospital to identify the underlying problem, which may also be related to spinal issues. 2. Bone hardness is not something that can be felt. 3. Dietary issues—an unbalanced diet is a concern; it is r...[Read More] Understanding Growth Potential and Nutritional Concerns at 20
Maximizing Allicin: Should You Crush Garlic or Let It Sit?
The best way to obtain the maximum amount of allicin from garlic is to crush or chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking or consuming. This process activates the enzyme alliinase, which converts alliin into allicin, the compound responsibl...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Ah Kai, Hello! The allicin in garlic needs to be cooked to be beneficial for human absorption. Excessive intake of garlic may lead to some side effects, such as allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, urticaria), gastrointestinal side effects...[Read More] Maximizing Allicin: Should You Crush Garlic or Let It Sit?
Understanding Small Frequent Meals for Gastritis Management
Frequent small meals? Hello, Director Shi. Last week, I went to Chang Gung for an endoscopy, and the doctor told me that I have gastritis and prescribed medication for me. However, I still experience stomach pain while working, even though I am taking the medication as prescribed...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsai, Hello! Each individual's gastrointestinal tolerance to various foods can vary, so it is advisable to avoid foods known to cause discomfort. The diet should limit foods that are high in spices to reduce gastric irritation; regardless of whether they contain ca...[Read More] Understanding Small Frequent Meals for Gastritis Management
Struggling to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Underweight Teens
High school students are too thin? Currently, I am 168.8 cm tall and my weight fluctuates between 51 to 53 kg. I really want to gain weight because I feel very thin. I have a history of allergies and my sleep quality is not very good; I often experience insomnia. My daily routine...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear A-Jun, Hello! Poor gastrointestinal function can indeed affect the absorption of various nutrients, making it difficult to gain weight. Your daily routine is good, so please continue to maintain it. In terms of diet, you should avoid greasy, fried, and spicy foods to preven...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Underweight Teens
How to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
I really want to gain weight? I am 151 cm tall and weigh 39 kg. I used to weigh between 48 and 50 kg. I have given birth to two children, and sometimes I experience severe stomach pain. I want to know what I can eat to gain weight, as I seem to lose weight no matter what I eat. I...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Monica, Hello! You previously weighed between 48 to 50 kilograms, but your weight has dropped to 39 kilograms, and you are experiencing severe stomach pain. This may indicate a health issue that requires attention. I recommend that you visit a hospital for an examination. I...[Read More] How to Gain Weight: Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Increase
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
Effective Nutrient Absorption Tips for Aging Parents
How to intake nutrients to enhance absorption rates? Hello, nutritionist! My health is generally okay, but I really want to help my elderly parents absorb nutrients more effectively. I have organized the following questions: 1. Green tea is said to have antioxidant properties, ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Akai, Hello! 1. Various types of tea contain tannins, which can slow down gastrointestinal motility and affect the absorption of iron and protein. Therefore, older adults should limit their tea intake, and those with poor kidney function should avoid it altogether. 2. If...[Read More] Effective Nutrient Absorption Tips for Aging Parents
Effective Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
Weight Gain Nutritional Consultation Hello, doctor. I am 169 cm tall and weigh 46 kg. I would like to gain some weight. My appetite for three meals is normal, but I have difficulty gaining weight. Sometimes I experience bloating, and drinking too many cold beverages can make me f...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Based on your height, your ideal weight range is between 57 kg and 69 kg, while you currently weigh only 46 kg, which classifies you as "underweight." It is recommended that your daily diet includes a balanced intake from the six major food groups: whole grains (...[Read More] Effective Nutrition Tips for Healthy Weight Gain
Does Smoking Stunt Growth? Understanding Height Potential at 14
Does smoking really affect height growth? I am 14 years old, 143 cm tall, and weigh 40 kg. Does smoking really affect my height? Are there any ways to grow taller? My mom is 158 cm, and my dad is a bit shorter than her. Do I still have a chance to grow taller? I really want to be...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Yi-En, Hello, smoking hinders the gastrointestinal absorption of nutrients, and the nicotine in cigarettes also reduces appetite. Additionally, smoking is associated with the occurrence of many cancers. Therefore, quitting smoking before puberty is crucial for development a...[Read More] Does Smoking Stunt Growth? Understanding Height Potential at 14
How to Gain Weight Healthily: Tips for Underweight Individuals
I can't gain weight! Hello, my current height and weight are 172 cm and 48 kg, resulting in a BMI of approximately 16. I would like to know how to gain weight. It seems that I also lack sufficient body fat. I have tried eating fried foods and late-night snacks, but it has ha...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Mina: Hello, I understand that you are currently 19 years old. The national guidelines recommend the dietary reference intake for nutrients, revised in the seventh edition, for individuals aged 19-30 as follows: for males: 1800-2650 calories; for females: 1450-2100 calories. Ther...[Read More] How to Gain Weight Healthily: Tips for Underweight Individuals
Impact of Coffee Consumption on Health for High School Students
Coffee consumption Hello, I am currently a senior in high school. I have had a habit of drinking coffee since middle school. At first, I mostly drank lattes, but since entering high school, I have mostly switched to American coffee. Sometimes I have one cup a day, and less freque...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
1. To determine how many CCs are in a cup, traditionally, people enjoyed coffee for its flavor, with a small cup being 180 CC. In contrast, modern coffee servings typically range from 500 to 700 CC, which is a significant difference in volume. 2. Aside from its stimulating effe...[Read More] Impact of Coffee Consumption on Health for High School Students
Can Pregnant Women Take Probiotics? Benefits and Considerations
Probiotics for Pregnant Women Hello, my wife has been experiencing a loss of appetite for some time. I took her to see a gynecologist, and her condition has improved a bit. However, I would like to ask Nutritionist Hsieh if pregnant women can take probiotics. Thank you. What are ...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello, Yide: It is indeed concerning that your wife is experiencing difficulty eating during the early stages of her pregnancy. We appreciate your care and attention as her husband. Regarding the issue of probiotics, their benefits include: 1. Increasing beneficial bacteria and...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Take Probiotics? Benefits and Considerations
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
Can Liquid Fish Oil Be Administered via Nasogastric Tube?
Regarding enteral nutrition products? Hello, Dietitian: I would like to ask if liquid fish oil can be administered through a nasogastric tube. My family member previously experienced brain hypoxia and is currently not fully conscious. I thought about supplementing fish oil (as I ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The nutritional components of fish oil include omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Some studies have found that it has effects such as reducing platelet aggregation and inhibiting inflammatory responses. However, it is important to be cautious with intake, as excessiv...[Read More] Can Liquid Fish Oil Be Administered via Nasogastric Tube?
Is Vitamin C Effervescent Tablet Safe? Understanding Absorption and Oxidation
Vitamin C effervescent tablets Hello, nutritionist. Recently, I have been taking effervescent vitamin C tablets, but someone told me that vitamin C, being an antioxidant, is prone to oxidation itself. Therefore, it should not be consumed in a way that involves contact with water,...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Keke, Hello! Vitamin C is indeed unstable and can be easily destroyed by light, heat, oxygen, alkalis, and metals such as iron. It is also highly soluble in water. Vitamin C effervescent tablets or capsules often contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which can lead to excessiv...[Read More] Is Vitamin C Effervescent Tablet Safe? Understanding Absorption and Oxidation
Does Grinding Affect the GI Value of Whole Grains?
Could you please clarify what you mean by "GI直"? Hello, nutritionist. I usually drink grain powder for breakfast, and I've recently learned about the glycemic index (GI). I want to incorporate more low-GI foods into my diet. Could you please tell me if the GI of gr...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
The so-called GI value, or glycemic index, indicates the speed at which the carbohydrates in food raise blood glucose levels after digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, the GI value of food is influenced by factors such as the type of starch present, ...[Read More] Does Grinding Affect the GI Value of Whole Grains?
Garlic and Cancer: Benefits, Risks, and Best Consumption Methods
Garlic and Cancer Hello, many people say that garlic contains sulfur compounds that can help fight cancer, but for individuals with cancer, garlic may also trigger inflammatory responses. So, does it really count as an anti-cancer food? Should cancer patients use it regularly? Wh...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Achieving health benefits, cancer prevention, and anti-cancer effects through natural ingredients such as vegetables and fruits should still be based on a balanced diet and maintained consistently, rather than consuming large amounts of a specific type of food, as this cou...[Read More] Garlic and Cancer: Benefits, Risks, and Best Consumption Methods