Understanding Slightly Elevated Potassium Levels: What You Need to Know
Slightly elevated serum potassium? Hello, Director Fan. Due to a family history of thyroid issues, I have been regularly getting blood tests every three months (fasting). Recently, one of the results showed potassium: serum potassium slightly elevated at 5.1, which is above the n...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: The normal potassium ion concentration in serum is typically between 3.5 and 5.1 mEq/L. Your test result is 5.1, which is at the upper limit of the normal range. It is recommended to pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive intake of high-potassium foods such as swee...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Elevated Potassium Levels: What You Need to Know
Nutritional Supplements for Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers and Families
Nutritional Supplements for the Elderly The elder is a 61-year-old female with the following health conditions: 1. Enlarged thyroid gland, currently under regular medical supervision and medication. 2. Impaired renal metabolic function, with foamy urine; the physician has determi...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello, due to the uncertainty regarding the elder's usual dietary habits and medication regimen, and considering the elder's impaired kidney function, it is advisable to primarily focus on a balanced diet consisting of whole foods. It is important to avoid high-fat, hig...[Read More] Nutritional Supplements for Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers and Families
Post-Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Can You Take Chicken Essence and Ginseng?
Nutritional supplements after thyroid nodule surgery? After a family member has undergone surgery for a thyroid nodule, I would like to ask the doctor if it is safe to consume chicken essence and ginseng for energy.
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: After thyroid nodule surgery, it is permissible to consume chicken essence and ginseng. Please be mindful of the sodium content, as it is unclear whether it is seasoned with iodized salt or comes from the ingredients themselves; therefore, it is recommended to limit to one...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Can You Take Chicken Essence and Ginseng?
Dietary Recommendations for a 62-Year-Old Woman with Calcium Deficiency
Dietary Recommendations for a 62-Year-Old Woman with Calcium Deficiency Hello, Dietitian Fan. Recently, I noticed that my mother's nails have prominent white horizontal lines. After visiting a dermatologist, the doctor indicated that this is caused by calcium deficiency. The...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello, your mother's usual dietary habits have not been specifically mentioned. If her diet is unbalanced, she may easily lack trace elements in her body. If you are concerned about nutritional imbalances, it would be advisable to review her dietary intake to ensure it align...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for a 62-Year-Old Woman with Calcium Deficiency
Can Medications Help with Weight Gain for Those with IBS?
Are there any medications that can help with weight gain? Hello, doctor. I am very thin, with a BMI of only 18.2, but I eat three meals a day (lunch/dinner/snack). However, I have ongoing gastrointestinal issues, specifically diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, which c...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can influence weight, including genetics, physical activity, stress, thyroid function, and gastrointestinal issues. If your doctor has ruled out other disease factors, you can consult a nutritionist to discuss and assess whether your dietary nut...[Read More] Can Medications Help with Weight Gain for Those with IBS?
Managing Prediabetes: Nutrition Tips for Weight Gain and Blood Sugar Control
Prediabetes Hello, doctor. I am 173 cm tall, and my weight has decreased from 45.2 kg in March to 41.4 kg in May. Today, on June 7, it has increased to 42.2 kg. I have always had difficulty gaining weight, with my highest weight being 47 kg. Due to my continuous weight loss this ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, your height is 173 cm, weight is 42.2 kg, fasting blood glucose is 96 mg/dL, and HbA1c is 5.7%. Your thyroid antibodies are normal. Do you have a family history of diabetes? Do you have any gastrointestinal issues? What is your usual level of physical activity? Currently, ...[Read More] Managing Prediabetes: Nutrition Tips for Weight Gain and Blood Sugar Control
Should You Use Iodized Salt with Thyroid Nodules? A Nutritional Guide
The issue of iodized salt in relation to thyroid nodules? Hello, about seven years ago, I discovered numerous small thyroid nodules. I have been monitoring them annually, and my doctor mentioned that my nodules are due to my constitution and that I should coexist with them peacef...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, there is not a significant relationship between thyroid nodules and iodine, so there is no need to avoid consuming iodized salt. Iodine is a key ingredient in the production of thyroid hormones. When iodine intake is insufficient, it can stimulate thyro...[Read More] Should You Use Iodized Salt with Thyroid Nodules? A Nutritional Guide
How Long Does It Take for Muscle to Be Lost During Caloric Deficit?
How long does it take for muscle to be depleted? Hello, nutritionist. I am currently working out and going to the gym for strength training 5 to 6 times a week. I control my calorie intake and protein supplementation every day, but yesterday I was too busy and ended up eating ran...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a reduction of 1,100 calories is estimated to result in a weight loss of 1 kilogram. However, have you noticed that sometimes eating a little more food can quickly lead to weight gain, while other times, after being hungry all day, your weight remains u...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Muscle to Be Lost During Caloric Deficit?
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?
Struggling with Appetite and Low Weight: Seeking Nutritional Guidance
Frequent loss of appetite and being underweight? Hello, I am 152 cm tall and weigh 33 kg. I have been underweight since childhood, managing to maintain around 36 kg while studying. After entering the workforce, due to working night shifts, I developed a habit of skipping breakfas...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! As you mentioned, the inability to gain weight is due to stress. We can make adjustments in several areas, including engaging in stress-relief activities during high-stress times, such as walking or jogging for 30 minutes daily, and practicing yoga or other calming exercis...[Read More] Struggling with Appetite and Low Weight: Seeking Nutritional Guidance
Can Excess Starch Consumption Cause Palpitations?
Excessive starch intake can cause palpitations? I have undergone a total thyroidectomy and have been regularly following up for monitoring. Previously, I experienced palpitations due to hyperthyroidism, but since the surgery, that has resolved, and my thyroid levels are well-cont...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: 1. The normal range for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the general population is approximately 4-6%, and your HbA1c level is within the standard range. 2. The principles of healthy weight loss focus on a balanced diet consisting of six major food groups, including whole gr...[Read More] Can Excess Starch Consumption Cause Palpitations?
Can Ginseng Tea Help Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Can patients with hyperthyroidism consume ginseng? Hello, my husband has been diagnosed with thyroid nodules, enlargement, and exophthalmos, which are symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I would like to help him replenish his energy. Is it okay to give him ginseng tea?
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, when confirming whether thyroid enlargement is caused by iodine deficiency, it is important to use iodized salt in addition to avoiding foods that may lead to thyroid enlargement, such as: cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, corn, chestnuts, cassava, bamboo sh...[Read More] Can Ginseng Tea Help Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Kidney Dialysis Diet: Calcium Intake and Food Recommendations
Dialysis Diet Hello, nutritionist. My father undergoes dialysis and has blood tests every month. Last month's report indicated a loss of calcium. I would like to know if he can drink fresh milk to supplement calcium, as I am concerned that it might increase his phosphorus le...
Dr. Huang Yuru Reply:
Hello: Patients undergoing dialysis may experience hypocalcemia due to renal insufficiency, as the kidneys are responsible for activating vitamin D, which facilitates calcium absorption, and abnormal parathyroid function cannot maintain calcium-phosphorus balance. When kidney fun...[Read More] Kidney Dialysis Diet: Calcium Intake and Food Recommendations
How to Gain Weight for Those with a Fast Metabolism: Tips and Foods
How can individuals with a fast metabolism gain weight? I am 160 cm tall and weigh 43.8 kg. I have been very thin since childhood, and even when I eat a lot or consume high-calorie foods, it is still difficult for me to gain weight. However, in the past few months, I noticed that...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, factors affecting weight loss include not only a reduction in caloric intake but also an increase in caloric expenditure, stress, increased physical activity, and other physiological factors. Additionally, endocrine factors can also influence weight, such as thyroid functi...[Read More] How to Gain Weight for Those with a Fast Metabolism: Tips and Foods
Why Being Underweight May Increase Your Risk of Frequent Colds
Being underweight can make one more susceptible to colds and result in poor physical stamina? Hello, I am currently 22 years old, with a height of 157.43 cm and a weight of 44.1 kg, resulting in a BMI of 17.9 and a body fat percentage of 24.7. My basal metabolic rate is 1043 kcal...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! Currently, you are exercising regularly, which is beneficial for your health. In terms of diet, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring adequate intake of calories and protein. Try to consume natural and diverse food sources. Avoid staying up late, as well as...[Read More] Why Being Underweight May Increase Your Risk of Frequent Colds
Dietary Considerations for Thyroid Tumors: Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism
Thyroid tumor Hello, what should I pay attention to in my diet? Is it related to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Dear Jamie, Hello! If you are undergoing radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid tumors, it is important to follow a low-iodine diet. You should avoid consuming seaweed, marine algae, seafood (such as sea fish, lobster, shrimp, and shellfish), iodized salt, as well as limit you...[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Thyroid Tumors: Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism
Dietary Tips for Managing Hypothyroidism: Foods to Include and Avoid
Dietary Recommendations for Hypothyroidism Hello, Dietitian Tsai! I have a question. My previous health check-up blood report indicated that I have hypothyroidism. After several follow-up tests, when I asked the doctor, he only mentioned that I should change my eating habits and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! If the cause of hypothyroidism has been confirmed to be due to iodine deficiency, in addition to supplementing with foods such as kelp, nori, and iodized salt, it is also advisable to avoid excessive intake of cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, ca...[Read More] Dietary Tips for Managing Hypothyroidism: Foods to Include and Avoid
Post-Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Nutritional Supplements and Recommendations
Post-operative supplements after partial thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules? Hello: My mother is about to undergo a partial thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule. I would like to help her with post-operative nutrition and would like to ask a nutritionist if she can consume chicken es...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Chicken essence contains amino acids, and generally, if there are no other chronic health issues, it can help restore energy and alleviate fatigue after surgery when appetite is low. As for bird's nest, although it is quite expensive, the nutritional components it con...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Nutritional Supplements and Recommendations
How to Maintain Your Weight: Tips for a Healthy Diet
How to control body weight? Dr. Tsai, I am 144 cm tall and weigh 40.2 kg, giving me a BMI of 19.4. What should I eat to maintain my weight at 40 kg? This is my biggest concern.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! At your young age, if your lifestyle and diet are regular, your weight should not fluctuate rapidly. To maintain weight, it is essential to balance calorie intake with calorie expenditure. However, certain health conditions, such as thyroid issues, can affect weight mainte...[Read More] How to Maintain Your Weight: Tips for a Healthy Diet
Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello! How can I gain weight? Hello, Director Shi. This issue has been troubling me for a long time. Since the second grade of elementary school, I have never been overweight because I experienced severe enteritis that required hospitalization. Since then, my weight and body comp...
Dr. Shi Guimei Reply:
Hello! According to the latest daily dietary guidelines from the Department of Health, it is recommended to consume six major food groups in the following amounts: 1. Grains and tubers (e.g., rice) should be consumed in amounts of 1.5 to 4 bowls daily. 2. Legumes, fish, meat, a...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain: A Comprehensive Guide