Are Growth Supplements Effective for Kids Starting School?
Korean Ginseng Growth Factors I would like to ask: Recently, there has been an advertisement for a growth hormone supplement on television. Is it really as effective as it claims? Is it suitable for children who are entering first grade this year? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! I'm not sure what you mean by "growth factors." Generally speaking, even health foods should not claim to help with height increase or similar effects. Foods provide the necessary nutrients for the body. What children need is a balanced diet, adequate protei...[Read More] Are Growth Supplements Effective for Kids Starting School?
Managing Dietary Potassium Intake in SLE Nephritis Patients
Lupus nephritis Hello: Regarding SLE nephritis, with a consistently high proteinuria (24-hour urine protein of 12 grams) and low serum albumin levels at 1.8, how should dietary potassium intake be managed, and what is the recommended limit?
Dr. Huang Shuli Reply:
LILY: Hello! Due to nephritis, there is a significant loss of protein in the urine, leading to low serum albumin levels. It is important to consume an appropriate amount of protein in your diet, which is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. If urine output decreases or if potas...[Read More] Managing Dietary Potassium Intake in SLE Nephritis Patients
Choosing Between Goat Milk and Cow Milk for Your Toddler: A Nutritional Guide
Is it better for a 1 year and 2 month old to drink goat milk formula or cow's milk? Hello Dr. Tang: My son is currently unsure about which formula to choose, whether to drink cow's milk (Talon Tani) or goat's milk (Talon Tani)! Since birth, I have been giving him &...
Dr. Tang Weili Reply:
Hello Pagy: First, I want to clarify that your son, who is 1 year and 2 months old, is in the growth stage of childhood rather than infancy. The nutrients necessary for his growth must come from a combination of different foods, including filling staple foods (such as rice, noodl...[Read More] Choosing Between Goat Milk and Cow Milk for Your Toddler: A Nutritional Guide
Ensuring Balanced Nutrition for Vegetarian Kids: A Guide
Vegetarian children Hello, I have a 4-year-old nephew who is vegetarian because my sister follows a vegetarian diet. However, I am concerned that he may not be getting enough nutrients. How can I ensure that he has a more balanced nutrient intake? Thank you!
Dr. Huang Ruipei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Hello! My nephew is currently consuming about 1.5 cups (approximately 360cc) of milk per day, along with 2 bowls of rice (whole grain rice is preferable, with a sprinkle of black sesame), 1.5 servings of soy products (such as tofu, dried tofu, or soy buns), prote...[Read More] Ensuring Balanced Nutrition for Vegetarian Kids: A Guide
Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Teens
Want to grow taller? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am currently 17 years old, 162 cm tall, and weigh 71 kg. I am a male, and since graduating from junior high school, I have not grown taller. I would like to ask if I still have a chance to grow taller. Also, what should my ideal weight be? R...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The factors that may influence your height include genetics, nutrition, and exercise. Therefore, I cannot determine if you will grow taller. I recommend that you increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, such as drinking two cups of milk a day, and engage in sports like ...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Nutrition and Fitness Tips for Teens
Does Cutting Out Carbs Completely Harm Your Liver and Kidneys?
Completely eliminating carbohydrate-rich foods can harm the liver and kidneys? I want to lose weight, but I've heard that completely eliminating carbohydrates can harm the liver and kidneys. I would like to know why this can damage the liver and kidneys, how long such a weig...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
1. Certain organs and tissues in the human body require glucose as a source of energy. If one does not consume grains, the liver still needs to synthesize glucose to meet the body's needs. The liver is the organ responsible for nutrient metabolism, and it must work harder to...[Read More] Does Cutting Out Carbs Completely Harm Your Liver and Kidneys?
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?
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Consume Health Supplements?
Can a person with hepatitis B consume health supplements? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and would like to know if it is safe for me to consume health supplements containing spirulina and chlorella, as well as foods beneficial for bone health that contain the foll...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhen! Hepatitis B does not have specific restrictions on certain nutrients. The dietary principle is based on a balanced diet, which can include high-calorie and high-protein foods. Health supplements are generally acceptable, but the key is to avoid excessive intake....[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Consume Health Supplements?
Can You Determine Growth Plate Closure at Home? Key Insights
Can one independently determine whether the growth plates have fused? Hello, doctor. I heard that if the growth plates fuse, a person will no longer grow taller. Is it necessary to go to the hospital for an examination to determine if the growth plates have fused? Is there any wa...
Dr. Xie Huimin Reply:
The growth plates are located at the ends of the bones and are stimulated by growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which continuously promotes the proliferation of cartilage. The newly formed cartilage undergoes calcification to become hard bone, resulting in the length...[Read More] Can You Determine Growth Plate Closure at Home? Key Insights
Managing Morning Sickness: Nutritional Tips for Expecting Mothers
Morning sickness Hello, my wife is currently about 6 weeks pregnant and started feeling nauseous a couple of days ago! If she eats, she ends up vomiting everything! This is her second pregnancy; during her first pregnancy, she experienced nausea and vomiting until the day before ...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Rojeo, Hello! From your letter, it is evident that you and your wife share a deep affection for each other. I believe that with your attentive care, your wife will soon overcome or alleviate the discomfort of morning sickness. During this period, a pregnant woman's tas...[Read More] Managing Morning Sickness: Nutritional Tips for Expecting Mothers
Are Soy Products Harmful to Men's Health? Myths and Facts Explained
Is soy bad for men???? Hello, nutritionist. I heard from a friend that soy products are not good for men because they contain a lot of female hormones. Eating too much of them can negatively affect male reproductive health and overall well-being. Is this true? Also, my scalp tend...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Zac, What you are concerned about is likely the soy isoflavone extract. The value of pure isoflavone supplements available on the market may be far less than that of regular soy products, and there are even concerns that excessive absorption could lead to negative effects. ...[Read More] Are Soy Products Harmful to Men's Health? Myths and Facts Explained
Nutritional Breakdown of Penghu Handmade Noodles: Calories, Proteins, and More
Penghu Handmade Noodles Hello... Could you please tell me the caloric content, protein, fat (including trans fats and saturated fats), carbohydrates, and sodium levels in the handmade noodles from Penghu? The ingredients are usually listed as just flour, salt, and water, so I...
Dr. Hu Yuqing Reply:
Hello: From the Taiwan Food Nutrition Composition Database http://www.doh.gov.tw/ufile/doc/Grain_030607.xls Code Food Name Calories Moisture Crude Protein Crude Fat Carbohydrates Crude Fiber Dietary Fiber Ash Cholesterol Vitamin A Activity Vit...[Read More] Nutritional Breakdown of Penghu Handmade Noodles: Calories, Proteins, and More
Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
Low-protein diet What is considered a low-protein food? How much protein content should be less than in 100g to qualify as low-protein? My mother has chronic kidney disease, and her urine protein levels have been consistently high. Is the commercially available San-Duo low-protei...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! A general balanced diet typically consists of protein making up about 12-14% of total caloric intake. A low-protein diet, on the other hand, has protein contributing approximately 6-8% of total calories. Protein is an essential substance needed by the body. Under normal ci...[Read More] Understanding Low-Protein Diets: Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
Nutrition Insights: Fresh vs. Dried Black Fungus and Toddler Diet
Regarding nutritional issues? 1. Is there a nutritional difference between fresh black fungus and dried black fungus? 2. My daughter is currently 1 year and 4 months old and is still breastfeeding. Since she doesn't like eating rice, I prepare a meal for her using pork bon...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Ann, Hello! Fresh black fungus and dried black fungus both belong to the vegetable category, and their nutritional components are roughly similar when considering one serving of vegetables. Since your baby is over one year old, in addition to dairy products, it is important...[Read More] Nutrition Insights: Fresh vs. Dried Black Fungus and Toddler Diet
Understanding Metabolism: Addressing Nutritional Concerns and Symptoms
Metabolism Thank you for your response amidst your busy schedule. Actually, I have already been to the hospital's metabolism department for an examination, and my kidney function, urine protein, and thyroid function are all normal. The doctor only prescribed me some diuretic...
Dr. Huang Ruipei Reply:
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! I apologize for the delay in responding to your question due to a business trip and a few consecutive holidays. Congratulations! Since it is not a thyroid function issue, you might consider starting with exercise. Sitting or standing does not count as e...[Read More] Understanding Metabolism: Addressing Nutritional Concerns and Symptoms
Boosting Appetite and Managing Symptoms After Throat Cancer Surgery
Laryngeal cancer Hello, I would like to ask about my father, who underwent surgery for throat cancer last year. He is currently experiencing a loss of appetite and is unsure why he can't eat much. What methods can I use to help improve his appetite? Additionally, he sometime...
Dr. Tang Weili Reply:
Dear Zhuxuan, Thank you for your hard work! It is common for cancer patients to experience poor appetite. Since we do not have information about your father's treatment outcomes, it is difficult to discuss the reasons (it would be best to consult the attending physician). G...[Read More] Boosting Appetite and Managing Symptoms After Throat Cancer Surgery
Nutrition Tips for Optimal Wound Healing After Surgery
Nutritional care is essential for optimal wound healing? Dear Doctor, I have a good friend who underwent a hysterectomy and oophorectomy two weeks ago and is experiencing intestinal adhesions. I would like to ask for your guidance on the following suggestions that have been made...
Dr. Huang Ruipei Reply:
Hello Nancy, Your friend has been quite weak since the surgery and needs sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is recommended to supplement with foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Unless there are allergies to certain foods, it is best to maintain a bal...[Read More] Nutrition Tips for Optimal Wound Healing After Surgery
Dietary Recommendations for Osteoporosis and High Uric Acid in Post-Surgery Patients
Dietary Recommendations for Patients with Osteoporosis, Elevated Uric Acid, and Arthritis After Fracture Surgery 1. **Calcium-Rich Foods**: Include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods to support bone he...
Dr. Huang Shuli Reply:
Dear Concerned Daughter-in-law, Hello! The primary goal of nutritional care one week after orthopedic surgery is to promote wound healing, followed by maintaining good nutritional status to aid rehabilitation. The nutrients most essential for wound healing are protein and vitami...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Osteoporosis and High Uric Acid in Post-Surgery Patients
Boosting White Blood Cells and Platelets After Chemotherapy: Dietary Tips
How to promote the rapid recovery of white blood cells and platelets after chemotherapy for lymphatic swelling? Hello Director Shi, I apologize for taking up your valuable time. I am a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma type B. Last month, due to chemotherapy, I experienced a defi...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Chemotherapy patients often experience delays in their treatment due to insufficient recovery of white blood cells and platelets to meet the standards for proceeding to the next phase of chemotherapy. At this time, it is crucial to relax, avoid stress and anxiety, and enga...[Read More] Boosting White Blood Cells and Platelets After Chemotherapy: Dietary Tips
How to Gain Weight and Manage Body Fat as a Vegetarian Athlete
How to eat to gain weight and issues related to body fat? Hello Dr. Shih: I would like to ask how I can gain weight, as I am an athlete and feel too thin without sufficient muscle strength. I have been trying to gain weight to help with my muscle training. My height is 178 cm and...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Animal-based foods not only contain rich, high-quality protein but also provide many vitamins and minerals. Some types of vitamins and minerals found in animal products are more abundant and have higher bioavailability compared to plant-based foods. Additionally, vitamin B...[Read More] How to Gain Weight and Manage Body Fat as a Vegetarian Athlete