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You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what foods are good for liver health and to keep ast and alt in normal range? | some of that depends on the cause of the elevated enzymes. but in general for liver health maintaining a healthy weight helps. some research shows liver enzymes may go up slightly after weight loss but it's usually transient. focus on eating a healthy balanced diet. studies show a mediterranean diet may be best ( see this article for specifics). such a diet is rich in fruits and veggies beans whole grains nuts seafood healthy fats like olive oil and includes small amounts of meat and dairy. sugar refined carbs (white bread cake cookies) fried foods and alcohhol should be limited. and last but not least work in regular exercise. it will not only help your liver it will boost your energy. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can proper nutrition help kidney disease. someone said that the foods you eat can slow down the progression of kidney disease. is this possible? | diet is one component of slowing down kidney disease but so are regular visits to your doctor and taking prescribed medications. for example keeping blood sugar under control if you are diabetic will help your kidneys as will keeping blood pressure in normal range. that is a mix of diet and medications. it's also important for you to understand what you doctor or dietitian recommend in terms of protein potassium sodium fluid and phosphorous levels in your diet. recommendations will vary depending on whether or not you are on dialysis and your labs. make sure you have a good healthcare team to help you out. also see kidney disease: changing your diet good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i was diagnosed with uc in 2011. i'm obese and considering gastric bypass. can i have the surgery with my condition? . i have tried every diet out there but nothing has worked for me. i would like some facts on if this is safe. | the best thing to do if you are serious about weight loss surgery is to visit a bariatric surgeon's office. these clinics have a team of people including the surgeon dietitian psychologist and nurse. the doctor can inform you if he things you are a candidate from a safety perspective and sometimes insurance requires a 6-month program first. these professionals are experienced in helping people like you make the right decision. also see i s weight loss surgery for you? good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my son was born a noneater but he changed at 6 (now 12) and now overeats. i was wondering how and why this happened.? . my son was born a nonfood enthusiast. he was always the last person to wrap up lunch in preschool and it was never done. his blood sugar was low and he weighed little. he felt sick at the sight of food. all that changed in grade 1 and we were all delighted that he would eat. by the end of the year though he was overweight and he overate. i thought it was a phase since he was not by nature like that; it was sudden. he is still however and i was wondering how it could suddenly change. | there could be many reasons. first off kids experience increases in their appetite around school age and they also start to lose some of that fear of food they had that research shows peaks between 2 and 6. it could be that because he has always been told to eat that once he got more of an appetite he didn't know how to listen to his body. in his mind more is better. this happens often as parents worry their young child doesn't eat enough or even doctors tell parents to get in as much food as possible. at school age children also become more influenced by their food environment and often want to eat what their friends are eating. food advertising also plays a role. the key is to get on track now. structure balanced meals at the table and encourage him to listen to his body -- using hunger and fullness to guide eating. regular activity of an hour a day is also recommended as is good sleep at night. avoid restrictions or making a big deal of his weight -- the whole family should have healthy habits. also see 10 ways to raise food smart kids a lot will depend on why he didn't like to eat in the first place. if he didn't want to eat because of a neurotransmitter imbalence for example maybe it reversed itself too far the other way. like he always felt full before but now he always feels hungry. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should liver cancer patient consume significantly less water per doctor's instruction? why is this? . the male patient is very old age 98 and has liver cirrhosis with digestion issues. the doctors advised not to consume more than 1 liter liquid per day including all contents of liquid in the various forms of meals that are consumed. why is water is not good for liver with problems? dehydration and weakness due to loss of energy with reduced food intake and water consumption is questioned. water intake should help body to retain strength and energy. your response would be appreciated. | often times with liver disease like cirrhosis edema or what is often referred to as ascites occurs which means fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity putting pressure on other organs including the kidneys. while the patient can still be dehydrated too much water can cause the fluid accumulation to worsen. sodium levels can also decrease and fluid is then restricted. if you are not interested in aggressive therapy at this point in his care talk to his doctor about other treatment options. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i have started a low-sugar and low-wheat diet and i keep going to the toilet more than normal. is my diet the reason? | the question is how else has your eating changed? if your low sugar and no wheat diet also includes more fruits and vegetables and other sources of fiber like beans then you have your reason (fiber makes food go through the intestine faster). i don't think just removing sugar and wheat would cause you to go to the bathroom more but its likely due to any other changes you are making. if you feel the changes are a problem see your healthcare provider. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what fruits/vegitables can i mix in a blender to make a healthshake that has all the viamins/nutrients of a multivitamin. i'm wanting to make a shake that is 20oz or less that has all the vitamins and nutrients i need. i read that multivitamins like centrum or shakes like ensure are somewhat ineffective because the vitamins don't absorb as well as they do from natural foods. . so what i want to do is make a drink that will replace my daily multivitamin. i want it to be made from as few ingredients as possible and not taste too horrific. any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated. <positive_smiley> | i think what you may have read is its better to get nutrients from food because of the other health benefits such as fiber and antioxidants. it's true that you will likely absorb more from food because the nutrients are not provided in one dose like a multivitamin. for example calcium is better absorbed when giving through out the day instead of one big dose. it would be impossible to put together a drink with food that had 100% daily value of vitamins and minerals like a multivitamin has. instead work to get the recommended amount of food in your daily diet. smoothies with fruits vegetables and yogurt can help you meet your produce goal (5 or more daily). to figure out your needs based on your indiviual needs go to choosemyplate. gov |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is paleo diet recommended by doctors? . i am very interested in this diet but i am not sure if its safe. what is opinion of professionals? | the paleo diet is not mainstream yet meaning most doctors probably wouldn't recommend it. this may change as the research grows. the benefits of the diet include a focus on whole foods over those that are highly processed such as cookies. it also focuses on vegetables and fruit along with lean meats fish and nuts. the question part is that it excludes two food groups and one class of protein foods -- dairy products grains and beans. according to one assessment a carefully planned paleo diet can meet most needs except for calcium (671mg) and vitamin d but provides 4 times the rda for protein and less than is recommended for total carbohydrates. supplementation may be needed. and we don't know the long-term risk of a diet so high in animal protein as some research suggests it may have adverse health risks (see latest study). also there's the reality that while it may bring great results in terms of weight loss it may be challenging to adhere to long-term especially if you like the foods that aren't allowed. view this <link> |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | its been 14 years since i had weight loss surgery. i am 190lbs 5' tall can i have surgery again? | your best bet is to get follow up either from your doctor who did the surgery or another surgeon. they will check in with your labs diet and offer suggestions. the bariatric team (consisting of rd psychologist rn and surgeon) can weigh in on whether or not another surgery is necessary. an important part of the follow up will be for the surgeon can check to see if there are any problems with your original surgery etc. regular follow up is really important for anyone who has had weight loss surgery so that is the best place to start. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can taking biotin cause yeast infections? . i have been taking biotin (5000mg) once a day for the last 3 weeks since i have been taking it i have noticed 2 things my urine smells extremely bad and i have been experiencing symptoms close to yeast infections burning when urinating. i notice it happens after i take the pill in the morning would it help to take it at night? . . i am taking it as a routine vitamin for hair and nails. not medically necessary | that is a large amount to take considering the recommended amount for adults is 30 micrograms. i would check with your healthcare provider on the amounts and possible medical connections. i can find no reason to think it would cause a yeast infection. for side effects and more info see this webmd listing. i too have had a similar experience with taking the biotin. i don't typically suffer yeast infections and the only new thing added to my regime has been the addition of biotin (5 000 mcg) yet i'm undergoing what i'm sure is a yeast infection! i'm thinking to stop taking it. what did you decide to do? |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can black pepper be used on low redidue diet? | because a low residue diet is one that is low in fiber pepper is not typically excluded. if you have specific questions about your individual needs ask your doctor or dietitian. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my 14 yr old daughter has high cholesterol but normal triglycerides. also rapid weight gain at puberty stretch mark. her body seems puffed much like someone who is overfed starches. her legs and arms are also hard not fatty at all. as soon as puberty hit she rapidly gained weight and has numerous stretch marks. her energy level is also low. | there's a lot going on at puberty that could be contributing to your daughter's weight eating and cholesterol. first off weight gain especially around the middle for girls is normal and to be expected as she is going through the second largest growth spurt of her life. but if she is not being fed well balanced meals at regular intervals excess weight and unhealthy habits can occur. also this is a time when iron deficiency risk increases with the onset of regular periods which can cause low energy. i suggest you visit her doctor and get blood work done including iron levels to check to see if she is deficient. second providing regular balanced meals at the table and involving her in meal preparation should help get her eating on track. regular physical activity is important too. but please avoid dieting and making weight an issue as research shows it backfires. for more on healthy eating during the teen years see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what can i do to prevent perimenopause weight gain. i've been working out at the gym for over a year now and i've been watching what i eat (weight watchers at home) and i'm still struggling to loose weight and its been frustrating what am i doing wrong? | there is a difference between preventing weight gain and losing weight. research shows exercise of about an hour a day is protective for weight gain during midlife. also resistance training is key to help maintain muscle mass because gradual muscle loss is part of the reason women gain weight with age. i guess the question is is your weight in a healthy range now? if it is it might not be realistic to expect it to stay the same throughout this time or lose it to be at a weight you used to be. if your numbers are good (cholesterol etc. ) and your blood pressure is normal overly focusing on weight may not be helpful to your health or quality of life. but if you feel the extra weight isn't good for you or you have risk factors than i highly suggest you see a registered dietitian. you can find one in your area at eatright. org also see weight loss menopause and exercise tips |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | besides medication for blood pressure what is my next move? . recently my blood pressure has spiked up and my weight has well. i know exercise is needed. what else can i can do besides taking blood pressure medication. | in addition to exercise what you eat can help a great deal. the dash has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and it focuses on the following: a variety of fruits and vegetables a diet low in saturated fat and red meat protein sources such as fish lean poultry and nuts whole grains (whole wheat brown rice) over refined grains (white bread white rice) reduced sodium and less sweets in the diet for more recommendations on how to follow the dash diet see this post. good luck! talk to your family doctor and make appointment to see a nutritionist. you are what you eat and having high pressure means you should decrease your salt intake and less greasy or fried food. and there are certain food you should avoid and other you should eat to help lower the blood pressure. if you are not eating right your condition won't improve just from medication. if the condition get worst you might need surgery |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | am i getting too much vitamin a? . for the last couple of months i have been on a unusual diet of mostly ceasar salad and yams. now i eat around a full heart of romaine lettuce a day and a large yam a day. the diet works great but i didn't look at the vitamin count. i recently noticed that i have been consuming a large amount of vitamin a. i don't take any supplements but i am now worried that i might have vitamin a toxicity. i looked up some of the symptoms and i don't think i have any but should i stop this diet? | while it may turn your skin yellow/orange vitamin a from fruits and vegetables is not toxic. but you do need to worry about missing out on other key nutrients. if all you are eating are yams and romaine lettuce you may not be getting enough fat protein and are at risk for other vitamin/mineral inadequacies like vitamin d. i suggest seeing a registered dietitian to develop a balanced eating plan to help you be healthy and lose weight if needed. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what can i do to increase my potassium? . i already take a potassium supplement. so i am taking two a day now. i also was already eating several bananas a week. i am eating at least one a day now. i already eat pretty much all of the foods that contain potassium so i don't know what to do. i am doing this by doctors orders but am now more tired than ever and having soft stools and frequent urination too. i go back for more tests in a few days but don't feel better at all (worse actually). what else can i do? ! | having low potassium is not always due to diet but fluid balance. that's because potassium along with sodium helps regulate body fluids (they are called electrolytes) so when fluid changes occur with certain disease states or medications like diuretics it can go too low or high. diet cannot always correct changes in potassium so working with your doctor on the appropriate medical management will be key. if you are getting worse call your doctor to see if you need to go in earlier. it is important to know which foods have potassium and how to balance your intake which this webmd article discusses in detail. also eating well moderate exercise and good sleep will only help you feel better. hope you feel better soon! finding the cause for your low potassium needs to be the first objective. here is a list of some possible reasons for low potassium: 1. ) sometimes low potassium is a symptom of some other problem. for example having low magnesium l evels can be a contributing cause for low potassium. it may be difficult in these cases to stabilize potassium levels until magnesium levels are increased. routine serum blood studies do not always uncover low magnesium. 2. ) consuming foods that are insufficient or lacking in nutrients necessary to maintain potassium at an optimal level can be a real challenge. yes consuming foods that are rich in required nutrients is a worthy objective. but due to hectic life styles and the frequent fast eating of fast foods your diet may come-up lacking in potassium. 3. ) some medications can cause low potassium levels. be especially careful in taking laxatives and diuretics which can deplete potassium levels. 4. ) electrolyte imbalances as seen with vomiting and diarrhea can also cause potassium levels to plummet. 5. ) some digestive irregularities as seen in conditions like crohns disease gluten sensitivity issues and irritable bowel syndrome can cause fluid loss and ultimately to cause low potassium levels. 6. ) drinking alcoholic beverages to excess drinking large amounts of tea coffee and soda can cause excessive urination and result in potassium depletion. here are my recommendations as a lay person who has had family members suffering the negative effects of having low potassium levels : - start a food diary listing as best you can (with only a few days until your follow-up appointment) all foods and beverages that are being ingested. also annotate any physical or emotional symptoms like excessive sweating feeling anxious muscle cramps lightheadedness thirst and overall body weakness. - for the immediate time follow your doctor's plan of action. keep that appointment with your doctor to follow -up with the results achieved. - show your diary to the doctor along with an updated list of all prescription medications and over the counterdrugs. that person has been highly trained in nutrition pharmacology and medical conditions. digestive problems absorption defects low magnesium levels and many other problems may be uncovered by your physician who is also a diagnostic detective. - once the cause of your low potassium level is determined then an effective treatment plan may be started. hi this first bit is from the uk paper the daily mail. this is an interesting question because although potassium is rarely in the limelight we actually need it in higher amounts than any other mineral - around 3 500mg a day by adult men and women. potassium plays a fundamental role in maintaining the fluid and acid/alkaline balance of the body. it is vital for the transmission of nerve impulses and helps the heart to beat regularly. it also counterbalances sodium in the body and is known to help lower blood pressure. to get enough you need to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables which are especially good sources because they also provide a low level of sodium. (health-wise it's a high potassium to sodium ratio that really counts). however several other foods also provide potassium including whole bread and pasta brown rice milk fish and meat. the dietary and nutritional survey of british adults (hmso 1990) showed that the average intake of potassium is 3 187mg in males and 2 434mg in females. compared with the daily recommendation of 3500mg intakes they are therefore low. to make up the difference eat an extra banana or two daily - each banana contains around 400mg. people most at risk of marginal potassium include the elderly athletes and manual workers who sweat out a lot of potassium and people taking certain diuretic drugs. heavy coffee and alcohol drinkers may lack the mineral and should try to increase their dietary intake i think from this and other stuff around with your supplements you should be getting there but keep of any fast foods junk foods and sodas just keep eating healthy. do hope this helps good luck ps the extra urination is from all the fruit your eating same as the soft stools. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i need to be on a low potassium and low protein diet. i would like to know what food am i allowed to eat? . i have celiac disease and chronic kidney disease | here is a good tutorial to help you limit potassium and protein in your diet. be sure to stay in touch with your doctor as your diet needs may change depending on your kidney function or various treatments (like starting dialysis). potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables including potatoes tomatoes oranges dark green leafy greens pumpkin and cantaloupe. focus on low potassium produce like apples carrots corn mushrooms blueberries and cucumbers. as for protein be sure to ask your doctor or dietitian how many grams you are allowed which is usually based on weight. one ounce of meat has about 7g of protein but you'll want to read labels on other food items. if you go on dialysis your protein needs will increase. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | could you provide a few links to the major studies showing excessive saturated fat is unhealthy? . this website and the american heart association continue to recommend a diet low in saturated fat. but the current buzz on the internet is that there is really little evidence for that position. in fact france eats a diet high in saturated fat yet has a low rate of deaths from heart disease (<link> <link> ). can i see links to the original studies showing sf is harmful? | most helpful answer there has been a backlash against low fat diets leading people to go in the opposite direction embracing diets high in saturated fat diets. the truth is diets low in saturated fat won't reduce heart disease risk if the saturated fat is being replaced with refined carbs. this decreases hdl (good cholesterol) and can increase triglycerides and the blood sugar response. but as both of the review studies below demonstrate when saturated fat in the diet is replaced with plant and fish sources of fat (omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) it decreases heart disease risk -- hdl increases and ldl (bad cholesterol) decreases. <link> <link> this is basically the mediterranean diet -- low in saturated fat high in fruits and vegetables and healthy fat sources like olive oil and nuts. while the french may have diets higher in saturated fats they also tend to be leaner walk more and eat other heart healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. while the evidence continues to evolve there isn't enough to recommend a diet high in saturated fat to reduce heart disease. yes some propit change to lipid and make your belt bigger. see more here hi for those who have interest in saturated fat have a good read through this one site there is lots on it. <link> just copy link into google to the www. to open and read. should help some of you. good luck our old belief was that saturated fat have the ability to raise cholesterol levels and give us heart attacks but s everal recent review studies that combined data from multiple other studies found that there really is no link between saturated fat consumption and heart disease h owever it's a fact that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats reduced the risk of cardiac events by 14%. so it's always better to stay away from a fatty body. i had a very fatty body from my childhood it self but by doing a plastic surgery procedure at montreal omar fouda neel clinic i reduced overall body fat and there by weight. i think the links you have are pretty awesome. sf's are great just really need to have them in moderation i would think. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can vitamins or supplements help bradycardia? i have bradycardia from exercising. thanks. detected through annual physical exam. low heart rate exercise stress test. | i don't know of any vitamins or supplements that help bradycardia. in some cases low heart is not a problem if it is due to being fit but only your doctor can tell for sure. this webmd article provides more information on potential causes. sometimes bardycardia is caused by an electrolyte imbalance (potassium and sodium levels become out of whack). if you haven't already you can get your blood work checked to determine if any of your levels are too low or high. you can also check iron vitamin d and vitamin b12. if any of your levels are low supplementation may be needed. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how to daily chart salt intake. i need to reduce the amount of salt in my diet yet i know the body needs some amount to maintain health. i'm looking for a chart i can plot what i eat to determine how much salt i'm ingesting. . i'm 70 years old in excellent health except for this darn bp problem. i'm been a ballet student for 40 years currently dancing 2 days a week for 1 1/2 hours in an advance ballet class. i see my health professionals regularly and always great dental checkups. thanks for helping me with my need | the american heart association has this sodium tracker: <link> there are also various apps you can use if you have a smart phone. just do a search online and read review to pick the best one. make sure you get nutrition information from restaurants and read labels. here are some articles that might help: range of sodium content for common foods reduce salt in your diet low sodium recipe tips i use fatsecret. com. you can log in your foods and choose the settings you would like (for instance) protein fat sugar sodium fiber. it will allow you to track 5 at one time. it will give you how many grams you are eating per day based on the foods you input. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | foods to bring down your blood sugar naturally. i would like to know what foods to eat to bring down my blood sugar naturally. i do not want to take any of the shots as they cause cancer and there is enough cancer in my family line now. | by shots i assume you mean insulin. the key to bringing down your blood sugar is to track your carbohydrates since they are what raise blood sugar. foods rich in carbohydrates include bread/grains beans fruit milk and yogurt and added sugars such as those in sweet foods and beverages. foods rich in protein and fat do not raise blood sugar like carbohydrates do. protein foods include lean meats poultry fish eggs and tofu. fats are items like butter vegetable oil nuts and seeds and avocado. vegetables are typically recommended because they are low in carbohydrates but high in nutrients. so they can be consumed in large amounts. the key is to include healthy carbohydrates in controlled amounts while including protein vegetables and healthy fats with meals. if you consume sweetened beverages switch to water. i highly recommend seeing a diabetes educator to help you put it all together. below are some articles that might help: healthy diabetes diet 6 foods that may help control your blood sugar how does my diet affect diabetes? cinnamon fenugreek garlic avocados and nuts blueberries which are also a great source of soluble fiber and a number of other important nutrients red cherry vinegar can help you in lowering the blood sugar. <link> top essay writing service |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can i take a multi vitamin with adipex-p. i have been taking a multi-vitamin and b-12 for a while now and the dr just recently put my on adipex-p for my weight loss can i still take my vitamins? | i see no reason why you cannot take your multivitamin and b12 but you should always share what you are taking (drugs/supplements/herbal remedies) with your doctor. here you can see more about precautions and interactions when taking adipex-p. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | are there certain foods that should be avoided after ones gall badder is removed? | because the gallbladder is a storage space for bile that breaks down fat (originally produced in the liver) you'll need to watch your fat intake. while the body eventually adjusts to not having a gallbladder every person is different in how their body reacts. you'll want to keep the following points in mind for your diet moving forward: consume small frequent meals over large infrequent ones. avoid greasy foods high in fat such as fried food and creamy sauces. and when you do choose to eat these foods consume them in small amounts. gradually increase fiber in your diet (fruits vegetables and whole grains) to help move food through your intestines. keep a food dairy to note foods that may not be tolerated. some people who have had their gall bladder removed notice foods like dairy are more difficult to tolerate. if you are noticing many symptoms see a registered dietitian for help. i t have removed my gallbladder 8 months ago and i always feel pain when i consume meals high in fat. and its true that every person reacts in different way to food. so just monitor your food intake and your reaction to it. if you ever felt uncomfortable then you should lower its intake. saturated fats. everyone should avoid these! saturated fats are the fats that at room temperature solidify. such as bacon grease the fat in the pan of ground beef melted margarine that cools down and becomes solid again. these are some of the fats that get into the arteries and eventually clog them causing heart attacks and strokes cut out or at least down on the cholesterol too as well as the triglycerides. as many physicians and nurses recommend consult with a dietitian they will help. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | which food that i should take and avoid to banishing belly fat? . i often run on treadmill 20 mins everyday but there's no changes in my belly fat. i'm 22 years old 64kg and my belly size is now 80 cm. | although there aren't specific foods that are known to reduce fat around the belly following overall healthy diet will help. you also need to manage how much you are eating and keep up regular exercise. here are some tips: include more fiber in your diet including fruits vegetables whole grains and beans and legumes. listen to feelings of hunger and fullness stop eating when comfortably full and eat regular meals and snacks. watch for excess intake of beverages with excess calories like beer soda and coffee drinks. gradually add more exercise -- an hour of moderate activity is recommended on most days. strength training can also help. if you have trouble doing it on your own find a registered dietitian in your area by going to eatright. org. for more on belly fat and what you can do see this webmd article |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is my diet effecting my hair? help please! . i have always had bone straight hair. i am 36 years old no kids. after a month or two of dieting my hair turned wavy and unmanageable. my diet consists of chicken almonds sunflowers an apple a day salads tomato basically protein vegetables and eggs. no carbs no bread no fruit other than an apple a day. i exercise (mostly walking) daily. i drink plenty of water. is this diet causing the change to my hair? it seems my hair went from bone straight to wavy/unmanageable over night. | following a low carb diet and restricting calories can cause hair loss or changes in growth which could be why your hair has changed. hair needs sufficient calories and nutrients to grow. it's important when you cut out food groups like fruit and grains that you replace nutrients in those foods like b vitamins and vitamin c. extreme low carb diets are not recommended long-term. remember that carbohydrates are thebody's preferred fuel source and it plays an important role in good health. for more on how dieting effects hair health see this article also of interest may be top 10 foods for healthy hair |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can a panic attack/hyperventialing cause blood sugar to rise? . my son had his glucose test for cf yesterday and while he was waiting for the 2 hour results he had a panic attack and began sobbing uncontrollably and hyerventilating because he was hungry and realized he couldn't eat for 2 hours (the clinic messed up and they had to put off his initial drinking of the glucose for 3 hours after he had already been there). anyway his fasting glucose was 86 his a1c was 5. 2 but when they did his post fasting it was 206. | i cannot find anything linking panic attacks to high blood sugars. it seems plausible that increases in stress hormones during a panic attack could temporarily increase blood sugars. your son's a1c and fasting glucose are normal so the high blood sugars are not caused by diabetes. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i have tried claritin and today took the last of zyrtec. i still have allergy symptoms. should i try benadryl? | you haven't been on one medication long enough for it to get into your system to work. diphenhydramine the active ingredient in antihistamines like benadryl would be a last resort due to the side effects that include a "hangover" feeling dry mouth constipation and dizziness. do you tune into your weather forecast to check the pollen counts? if they are high you will continue to have your symptoms. stay on one product during the allergy season and if after a week or so you do not seem to be getting better see your doctor or health care provider; you may need prescription medication. this is an example of something you can talk to your pharmacist about. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what foods or drinks can help my blood pressure? | there is a well researched diet for high blood pressure called the dash diet standing for dietary approaches to stop hypertension. here are the basics of the diet: low in sodium no more than 2300mg sodium (the average sodium intake in the american diet is 3 500). reading labels is key. plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain potassium an important nutrient to help lower blood pressure. try including sources at every meal. some ideas include cutting fruit up ahead of time for quick meals fruit and veggie smoothies in between meals and green salads with lunches and dinners. 2-3 servings of low fat dairy foods such as milk yogurt and low fat cheeses. nuts seeds and legumes most days of the week healthy fat sources such as olive oil instead of butter limited amounts of sweets no more than 5 times per week alcohol in moderation -- no more than 2 per day for men and 1 for women for more details on this diet see this webmd article. there's a lot you can do to lower your blood pressure. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how often can i use medicated sprays or drops? | it depends on which products you are using. over-the-counter (otc) products have directions on the label with age-specific dosage instructions as well as uses warnings and possible side effects and storage information. decongestant ointments and sprays can cause rebound nasal congestion if used for an extended period of time. if you ever have questions about over-the-counter medications be sure to ask your pharmacist. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | biotin & digestion. after stumbling upon an article in my health textbook i found that biotin is actually essential to digestion & also produced in the colon! i thought the biotin was what was causing my digestive issues (being constipated after the morning 'go). how is this possibl? . omy doc says i could have irritable bowel because my mother has it. i am 19. don't want to ask my dr. cause i want a second opinion on this. | biotin is involved in the breakdown of carbs protein and fat but i have never heard it being used to treat digestive issues. additional biotin would only help if there was a deficiency which is not common (see this article for symptoms). you could always take a multivitamin which would cover you. i recommend addressing your diet and how to improve it to help your symptoms. getting a second opinion and seeing a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive issues can help. good luck! read more: constipation digestive disorders i bs with constipation |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | will replacing full sugar soda with diet soda help one lose weight? . i keep seeing the same study cited over and over again claiming diet soda causes one to crave sweet things and may induce people to overeat. this has not been my experience and replacing sugar soda with diet soda has helped me lose weight and keep it off. is there any scientific consensus about this? just searching "diet soda and weight" on google gives a bunch of pages that keeps citing the same few studies. | t his article on webmd explains the science and that yes websites and blogs tend to focus on the diet soda and weight gain and weight gain angle even though the evidence is scant. studies show that when used with a reduced calorie diet non-caloric drinks help people lose weight. there is some concern that regular diet soda consumption increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. but more studies are needed to confirm a relationship. if you find it works for you then that's all that counts. just keep an eye out for research on the health effects. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my child wants to eat constanly and is on concerta for adha. dont know if symptom or eating disorder. she use to have curbed appetite being on the medicine but now eats non stop. gorges herself and thinks she is hungry non stop. | most helpful answer although the medication she is on often decreases appetite it can increase appetite in some people. i would visit a pediatric dietitian for an evaluation to make sure nothing else is going on. you can find a dietitian near you at eatright. org. in the meantime here are some things you can do at home: structure meals and snacks at the table and don't allow grazing between meals. provide a variety of food groups at meals (2-3 at snack and 4-5 at meals) especially protein rich foods and fiber (fruits vegetables whole grains beans) that help increase feelings of fullness. allow treats but provide them less often. encourage her to listen to feeling so fullness and remind her she can have more food at the next meal etc. allow at least an hour of day for physical activity. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i weigh 180 pounds and i want to lose 30 pounds. what is the fastest yet halthiest way i can achieve this? . i can barely go to the gym because of my hectic schedule and when i do its only for about 20 minutes because that is seriously all i can afford. people have suggested this thing called the 3 day diet but i think after that i will just gain it all back. people have also suggest a no carb no sugar diet but i really have no idea what that consists of. before i went to college i weighed 130 pounds i want to meet somewhere in the middle and be 150 which is a normal weight for being 5'9. . please help | there are lots of healthy ways to lose weight but the key is to determine why you gained weight the the first place and work on that. is it a lack of activity? stress? not planing meals? poor cooking skills? diets work short-term but are more difficult to sustain over the long haul when those same issues that cause the weight gain come back. why go to the trouble of losing weight if your likely to gain it back? i suggest seeing a registered dietitian (you can find one at (eatright. org). a dietitian can help you figure out why you have gained weight and develop a realistic plan for moving forward and gradually losing weight. good luck! for more reading see: 5 surprising reasons you're gaining weight |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what is ideal level of hydration? is there a formula regarding height and weight? | there are no recommendations of fluid by weight. it is generally accepted that drinking to thirst should be adequate unless you have certain medical conditions participate in intense or prolonged exercise or live in hot climates. the institute of medicine does have general fluid guidelines -- 11 or more cups per day for women and 15 or more for men. this includes fluid from food and beverages (even caffeinated drinks like coffee). see this article for more information. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is vitamin k the same thing as potassium. the reason i ask this question is because i have been taking lisinopril 20 mg twice a day. plus omega 3-6-9 twice daily. plus alive vitamin for women 50+ once a day. and i am worried about getting too much potassium. i did not know if vitamin k is the same thing as potassium. this vitamin does not list potassium or iron. so i figured it would be safe for me to take. also since i take 40 mg daily of lisinopril. would it hurt me to eat an occasional banana.? | i just checked the alive vitamin for women 50+ and it does not appear to have potassium added. vitamin k is not the same thing as potassium. potassium is usually not added to multivitamins. you need to talk to your doctor about whether or nor you can have potassium rich foods like bananas while you are on lisinopril. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is 105 mg of vitamine b12 a dangerous dosage? . i am taking a multivitamin tablet that contains 100 mg with methycobalmin? and 5 mg of b12 as methycobalmin andadenosylcoalmin? am i taking too much daily of this vitamin? | i think you mean micrograms (mcg) instead of milligrams (mg). if you really are taking 105mg that would equal 105 000mcg. the recommended amount of vitamin b12 for adults is 2. 4mcg. but there is no upper limit set by the institute of medicine because no adverse effects have been found with taking excess vitamin b12. because it is a water soluble vitamin it's potential for toxicity is low. most people get enough from diet unless they are vegetarians older or have a health condition that decreases the absorption of vitamin b12. for more on proper dosing and side effects see this webmd page. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is gaining weight and hemorroids a sign of menopause? . does weight gain and hemorrhoids have anything to do with menopause? i have gained a lot of weight and just recently got hemorrhoids. i haven't had my period since february 2013. is it possible for someone only 32 yrs old to go through menopause? | it is possible to go through premature menopause before 40 but only a doctor can say for sure. weight gain especially in the midsection is related to menopause because the ovaries no longer produce estrogen and this changes the way fat is metabolized. hemorrhoids are not commonly associated with menopause and can happen to anyone especially if they are inactive drink little water and consume a diet low in fiber. not getting your periods is a serious manner so i highly recommend you see a doctor to rule out menopause or other health issues that could be going on. don't delay! for more on premature menopause see this webmd article |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can u give a child simply garcinia. that is 75 pounds over weight | i would not rely on a supplement to help a child lose weight. first off dietary supplements aren't regulated by the fda and their safety is not known. second no supplement alone can solve a weight problem. you need to find out why your child is carrying extra weight and work to change it. i highly recommend you see a pediatric dietitian who can help you learn not just what to feed your child but how to feed them. children are still growing so special care needs to be taken when it comes to diet and how they are treated about weight to prevent disordered eating. you can find a dietitian in your area at eatright. org |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is mineral water good for your diet. can mineral water replace vegetables in a healthy diet | all water is beneficial for health. the amount of minerals in mineral water is minimal and should not be considered substitute for eating fruits and vegetables. fruits and vegetables contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals but also contain fiber and antioxidants that help maintain good health. here's some help getting started eating fruits and vegetables. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i am confused because my dr says to stay on a low protein diet because my ammonia level is 151. . however my total protein test is low at 5. 6 won't this effect my total protein result? | usually when ammonia is high there is trouble with the liver since it is the organ that breaks down protein to ammonia. it is no longer standard practice to subscribe very low protein diets with liver disease (i'm not sure how much your doctor is recommending). the key is to eat the right amount of protein -- not too much but not too little. the total protein measures the amount of protein in the blood which could be affected by your diet. i recommend seeing a registered dietitian who can explain to you the amount of protein you need and how it relates to all of your blood levels. read more: total serum protein ammonia blood test |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can you please tell me daily doses for vitamins and daily servings of foods to increase low blood platelet counts? | low platelets also called thrombocytopenia happen for a variety of reasons such as certain diseases and medications. the way to correct it is to treat the reason it is occurring by working with your doctor. in some cases deficiencies of vitamin b12 and folate can be the cause so supplements may be recommended. there is no one diet or specific foods that has been shown to increase platelets. for more on thrombocytopenia see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | do i have ibs? 3 bowel movements a day. i'm a 20 year old male and lately i have been having about 3 small(not too small but smaller) bowel movements daily usually after each meal. . i eat a lot of fiber 35-40 grams per day and usually drink a lot of water. is this normal for my high fiber/lots of water diet or is this progression a sign of me possibly developing ibs or colitis? . for the record this bowel movement increase does coincide with a rise in my fiber intake prior to the rise i usually had a bowel movement daily. | only a doctor can diagnose you with ibs or another related gastrointestinal disorder. but from what you have shared it seems your increase in bowel movements is due to your increase in fiber. especially if you are not feeling abdominal pain or bloating and your bowels are not hard or really loose. for more on the symptoms of ibs see this webmd article. if your daily bowel movements are due to increasing your fiber as i suspect your bowels will likely evolve to less frequent as your body adapts. if you feel something is wrong though don't hesitate to see your healthcare provider. best of luck to you! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does sugar feed cancer? | according to the american cancer society's website: "no sugar intake has not been shown to directly increase the risk of getting cancer or having it get worse (progress). still sugars and sugar-sweetened drinks add large amounts of calories to the diet and can cause weight gain which we know can affect cancer outcomes. " it makes sense to eat a healthy whole food based diet with cancer which would naturally be low in added sugars but no one can say for sure if it feeds cancer. for more on diet see this webmd article. the american caner association is either being extremely negligent evasive or just plain ignorant when it comes to cancer. according to german doctor otto wartberg the "crux of his nobel thesis was that malignant tumors frequently exhibit an increase in anaerobic glycolysis -- a process whereby glucose is used as a fuel by cancer cells with lactic acid as an anaerobic byproduct -- compared to normal tissues. 1 the large amount of lactic acid produced by this fermentation of glucose from cancer cells is then transported to the liver. this conversion of glucose to lactate generates a lower more acidic ph in cancerous tissues as well as overall physical fatigue from lactic acid buildup. 2 3 thus larger tumors tend to exhibit a more acidic ph. 4 this inefficient pathway for energy metabolism yields only 2 moles of adenosine triphosphate (atp) energy per mole of glucose compared to 38 moles of atp in the complete aerobic oxidation of glucose. by extracting only about 5 percent (2 vs. 38 moles of atp) of the available energy in the food supply and the body's calorie stores the cancer is "wasting" energy and the patient becomes tired and undernourished. this vicious cycle increases body wasting. 5 it is one reason why 40 percent of cancer patients die from malnutrition or cachexia. 6 hence cancer therapies should encompass regulating blood-glucose levels via diet supplements non-oral solutions for cachectic patients who lose their appetite medication exercise gradual weight loss and stress reduction. professional guidance and patient self-discipline are crucial at this point in the cancer process. the quest is not to eliminate sugars or carbohydrates from the diet but rather to control blood glucose within a narrow range to help starve the cancer and bolster immune function. " to read more go to the april 2000 issue of nutrition science news or www. mercola. com/article/sugar/sugar_cancer. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how does chemo effect blood sugar levels? . the morning after chemo treatment my blood sugar was 208 i'm usually in range under 120 with an occasional 140. my type 2 diabetes is diet controlled. | some chemo drugs can elevate blood sugar levels. it's important to talk to your doctors about whether or not you need to add medication during your cancer treatment to help keep blood sugars controlled. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how to eat flax seeds | one of the easiest and convenient ways to add flax-seeds to your diet is by using flax-seed meal. most grocery stores sell it -- the seeds are already ground up for you. simply add spoonfuls to cereal like oatmeal baked goods (like pancakes and muffins) and in smoothies. it really doesn't have a taste (a bit nutty) and it's a great way to get more omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. for more recipes and info on the benefits of flax-seeds see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | despite regular cardio exercise and eating healthy i can't seem to lose weight? . okay maybe i can't lose weight is misleading but i am losing muscle and gaining fat. my exercise includes running for an hour at least four times a week for over a month and eating includes eating salads eggs fruits and white meats like chicken (and none of the junk i won't even allow myself cheat days). in spite of the fact that i have lost 20lbs i don't look any thinner. in fact i've gained fat and it's becoming increasingly harder to continue keep the same running time and pace. | it sounds like you are losing weight and your body is changing. here are some tips that might help: consider working with a certified personal trainer to help you incorporate strength training exercises to help build muscle while monitoring your body fat. try yoga as another way to build muscle mass. eat some protein with small amounts of carbohydrate after working out to help stimulate muscle growth (e. g. protein bar peanut butter on whole wheat toast greek yogurt with almonds). see this article for more on what to eat before and after workouts eat balanced meals which includes all the food groups -- fruit vegetables healthy fats whole grains low fat dairy and lean protein. a registered dietitian can help you develop an eating plan that helps you lose weight in a healthy way. to find one go to eatright. org even though it's hard try to be patient. it takes time to find a healthy lifestyle that works for you. get the support you need! i would suggest you visit this site - how to get ripped. there you can find a customized nutrition and weight training plan based on details you fill in. like age weight height metabolism and body type. you can also read my story it contains information about my struggle. meybe you will find it heplful. good luck the body responds to what is known as the said principle. specific adaptations to imposed demands. when you look at marathon runners they are generally thin but actually have a higher body fat % than sprinters. this is an adaptation when you run for long periods your body needs energy. if your exercise program has no variation your body adapts and begins to hold on to it's fat so that it has energy stores to be used during long runs. running/cardio is fine but mix in resistance training. muscle burns more calories than fat. this doesn't mean you will get bulky if that's a concern but by activating more muscle fibers your body will burn more calories helping to lose weight. circuit training can be a useful tool for this you will burn a lot of calories your heart rate will get up and you will increase muscle. the key is variation most personal trainers or at least good ones progress your workout through different stages to keep your body adapting. using simple tools like exercise selection # of sets # of reps time of rest in between can all help. one final piece of advice most supplements out there are junk. don't waste your money on false promises. a registered dietician can help you with meal planning if you need it. hope this helps if anyone want to loose the weight than exercise is the best way for him/her to losse the weight or to maintain the body. but in this busy life sometimes we wont get the time to do the workout or jogging etc. many people are asking here that without doing exercise we can loose the weight. there are many ways through which you can loose the weight one of the way to loose the weight is eat healthy and fresh food drink the healthy tea like green tea. green tea benefits-it is healthy tea it helps one for lossing weight is also helps to cure from diseases. so i think now you know that without doing the exercise you can also loose your weight by maintaining your diets by taking healthy food. you may be losing inches! not just lowering your number on the scale! <positive_smiley> |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | if you have had most of large intestine removed could you develop a vitamin definciency? how would that be detected? | even though the small intestine eventually adapts to the loss of the large intestine it is possible to have a nutrient deficiency or become dehydrated. it's a good idea to take a multivitamin drink adequate fluids and get blood work done per your gastro-intestinal (gi) doctor's recommendation. common nutrient (vitamin and minerals) deficiencies they would check for through blood tests include iron (anemia) b vitamins like b12 and vitamin d. be sure to check with your doctor on the type of tests you need. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | will niacin raise blood sugar? | when the amounts of niacin taken exceed 3 grams (3000 mg) one of the potential side effects is high blood sugar. do not take such high levels without a doctor's supervision. for more on uses dosage and side effects see this webmd page. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | finger tips crack/malnutrition? . my daughter has had problems with eating disorders for at least 15 years. her hair is getting thin and i wondered if the cracking of her finger tips could be a sign of not enough fat in her diet. she eats only about 3-5 grams of fat per day on an average. she is 32 years old. periods late. she did have a healthy child 3 years ago but has been unable to conceive again. she doesn't binge and purge. she's 5'5" and about 105 lbs. we had her at counseling when she was a teen but nothing works. | yes brittle nails is a sign of inadequate nutrition along with thinning hair low body weight irregular or missed periods and always feeling cold. her diet does not sound adequate in fat or calories. it sounds like your daughter needs help before she would even consider having another child. maybe now that she is older and is a mom she can see the benefit of getting help. so i highly recommend encouraging her to go for treatment. for more on signs of an eating disorder/malnutrition see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does microwaving infant formula destroy all the nutrients? . my boyfriend and i have been microwaving the formula for a few seconds just enough to make it warm. i mostly breast feed but i have had problems producing enough milk so when we supplement with formula we microwave it. my mom says it kills all the nutrients i say i don't think it does but im not a doctor! please help. i want to know so that if it does kill the nutrients i can stop doing that and do it a different way that will benefit my child. | most helpful answer heating formula in the microwave will not destroy the nutrients but it is not recommended. the reason is it does not heat the milk evenly potentially resulting in milk that is hot in some areas and cold in others. a better way to warm up formula is by running it under warm water or placing it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. just make sure the bottle is not to hot when you give it to your baby. congratulations on your baby |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i am restricting food and i've been feeling exhausted as well as having a low pulse. does this mean i'm anorexic? . i still have my period and i haven't been working out that much though. | most helpful answer it is difficult to say whether or not you have anorexia based on the limited information you provide but what you are doing is problematic and could lead to an eating disorder. the signs and symptoms of anorexia include but are not limited to restricting food fear of gaining weight body weight of 85% ideal or less and exercising too much. here are more of the signs including physical symptoms. i suggest you get a physical and take care of yourself. if you are asking the question it is likely you could use some support either form a dietitian or psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. while you may not have an eating disorder disordered eating (eating too much or too little/obsessing about food) is very common and can have negative effects. don't delay getting help! your health and well being depend on it. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i notice that sugars are supposed to be under 25 grams per day. how is that possible when milk has 7 grams per glass? . isn't it best to get your calcium from foods rather than supplements? how can you eat any sugar at all and still meet the guidelines when you have 3 cups of milk per day for your health? | the types of sugar people should limit in the diet are added sugars. sugars that are naturally occurring in milk yogurt and fruit would not count. added sugars would be the sugar that is added to a meal or drink (sugar to coffee or syrup on pancakes) or the addition of sweeteners during processing (granola/energy bars and soda). you can check the ingredient line for sources of added sugars such as brown rice syrup high fructose corn syrup malt syrup molasses corn sweetener honey syrup evaporated cane juice and fruit juice concentrate. for more on added sugars see this webmd article detailing the american heart association recommendations. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what happens when glucose levels go over 250? my husband's is reading 500. he was recently diagnosed with diabetes. | 500mg/dl is a very high blood glucose that needs attention from a health professional. the american diabetes association recommends the following blood glucose levels for people with diabetes: 70 to 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl after meals. when blood sugar levels remain too high ketoacidosis can result (click on the link for more info) but that is more likely to occur in someone with type 1 diabetes. over time having high blood sugars puts people at risk for various complications. it's important you work with your doctor to lower your blood glucose level as is working with your dietitian/diabetes educator to make changes to your meal plan and/or medication. don't delay getting help! there is quite a learning curve when diabetes is first diagnosied but once you get it it will become easier. for more on blood sugar control see this webmd article |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | just as there is "good" cholesterol (hdl) and "bad" cholesterol (ldl) there are also "good" triglycerides. explain? . i recently was made aware of good triglycerides. so i did some research and found this paper online <link> can a medical professional or scientist please explain what triglyceride remnants means in layman terms. need clarification on t"he mechanisms by which "bad" triglycerides develop explain why elevated triglycerides and low hdl--and patients with the metabolic syndrome--warrant special attention" why is this? | none of the major health organizations emphasize good or bad triglycerides -- the study you found was from 2002 and i have found nothing more recent to support it. the key is to think of heart disease risk like a puzzle with many different pieces. risk factors include high triglycerides high total cholesterol high ldl (bad cholesterol) and low hdl (good cholesterol) high blood pressure hyperglycemia and abdominal fat. someone with metabolic syndrome has a cluster of all these risk factors (instead of just one or two) putting them at even higher risk. for more on how to lower triglycerides see this article and for more on optimal blood lipid levels see this one. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is there a special diet for acid reflex? | while there isn't one diet for reflux there are some general diet recommendations. first you want to avoid caffeine found in beverages like coffee and tea and foods like chocolate. alcohol often makes reflux worse so keep intake minimal. you'll also want to note which foods make your symptoms worse. common triggers include fatty foods spicy foods citrus fruits and products made with tomatoes. some people can eat small amounts of certain items without an issue. keep a food journal to be sure. for other lifestyle changes you can make see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | total cholesterol 268- triglycerides 238- hdl 49- vldl cholest cal 48- ldl 171- are these counts serious? | according to the american heart association a total cholesterol over 240 doubles your risk of heart disease compared to someone with a total cholesterol of 200. what adds to your risk is your high triglycerides combined with a high ldl (bad cholesterol). your hdl doesn't put you at increased risk but having a high hdl (60 or higher) is protective against heart disease. so yes you should take these numbers seriously. the good news is there's much you can do to improve your numbers including eating a healthy diet exercising and watching added sugars and alcohol consumption. for cholesterol basics see this article and for more on what those numbers mean see this one. take care of yourself! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does dry mouth often go along with constipation? | while dry mouth is not considered a symptom of constipation it could be related because inadequate fluid/water intake is often one of the causes of hard stools. if the body needs more water it will reabsorb it from the stool in the colon making it more hard and dry. for more on constipation signs and causes see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | with gastroparesis: is liquid food like jevity good? already follow jackson siegelbaum diet for gastroparesis. | jevity is typically used as a tube feeding but other oral supplements like ensure or glucerna (if you are diabetic) can be used. the jackson siegelbaum diet has three steps the first being liquids. there may be times you go back to liquids when symptoms worsen. liquids and low fiber foods tend to be tolerated the best for people with gastroparesis. oral supplements also make sense when weight and nutrition is a concern due to inability to eat regular meals. if you are concerned about your nutrition you can always see a dietitian -- you can find one at eatright. org. for more on diet for gastroparasis see this webmd article. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how much biotin should i take to loose weight? . i have a back injury so i need something that will help me loose weight. | although biotin plays a role in metabolism there are no studies to show it helps with weight loss. the key for weight loss is to make changes to diet and exercise. you can see a registered dietitian (go to eatright. org) or you can create your own plan here. for more on biotin uses see this webmd article. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | will multi vitamin help with celiac disease? . my husband has been on a gluten free diet for celiac disease less than a week. i want to start him on a multivitamin but it will not work until the small intestine is healed enough to absorb the vitamins. question: how long after starting gluten free diet will the small intestine start to absorb nutrients? | there is no reason to wait to introduce a multivitamin as symptoms of celiac disease usually improve in a few days to weeks and this means absorption of nutrients increases as well. it will take longer for the intestines to completely heal and studies shows this varies from individual to individual (can take 2-5 years in adults and some may not experience full regeneration of the intestinal villi). it's also beneficial to get lab work done to see if there any specific nutrient deficiencies such as iron folic acid and vitamin d. in some cases additional supplementation will be needed. always consult your doctor. for more on diet and supplements for celiac disease see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should i give my 3 year old omega 3 supplement on top of her pediatrician prescribed vitamin? | it depends on if your child is getting some through her diet. if she is eating fish at least twice a week she doesn't need to supplement with omega 3s. but if she eats no fish then it is unlikely she is getting enough docosahexaenoic acid (dha) and eicosapentaenoic acid (epa) which plays an important role in brain development. when looking at supplements check the specific amount (milligrams) of dha and epa in the product. the world health organization recommends 2-4 year old's get 100-150 milligrams of dha and epa (combined) daily. studies show most children only get 45 milligrams. always check with your healthcare provider. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can being over weight cause arthritis in your feet? | while excess weight doesn't necessarily cause arthritis in places like your feet it can exacerbate it or make it progress in a more rapid fashion. excess weight puts additional stress on joints making arthritis symptoms worse. losing weight will not cure arthritis but it can help slow down the progression of the disease. for more details on how this works see this webmd article. weight bearing joints like knee and ankle are most likely affected by arthritis. being overweight is a known risk factor of arthritis and even putting on 10 pounds may worsen the arthritis. while treating arthritis in obese and overweight individuals weight loss is considered as an important strategy. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can the paleo diet raise my cholesterol. my wife is on the paleo diet and i have joined her (to some degree). i eat two eggs every morning along with 2 pieces of bacon. i use coconut oil along with real butter to cook with. could these factors be raising my cholesterol? | research shows that over the short-term low carbohydrate/high protein diets have beneficial effects on blood lipids especially raising the good kind of cholesterol hdl. it's important to note that some of the benefits seen in cardiovascular risk factors may be due to the weight loss that accompanies such diets. there isn't much data regarding the long-term effects on cholesterol especially ldl. some of the foods avoided on paleo help keep cholesterol (ldl) down such as oats and beans. so it is possible that your cholesterol could go up especially once you are done losing weight. i recommend getting lab work done so you can track your blood lipid levels. best paleo recipes books for good health<link> |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | in the morning before i leave for work should i eat before exercising & how long do i wait before i start exercising? . i want to excersise in the moring before i leave for work but i am unsure if i should eat before exercising and if i eat should i wait before i start exercising. . | while it's a good thing to eat before exercise eating in the morning will depend upon how much exercise you are getting. if you are going for a 30 minute run first thing you may be able to skip it. but if you are working hard for over an hour you'll need some energy such as a carbohydrate-rich small banana toast or half of an energy bar. try different strategies to see what works best for you. does that fuel first thing give you more energy? or does it bother your stomach? with time and trial and error you'll figure it out. see this webmd article for more on what to eat before during and after exercise congrats on your commitment to exercise! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why am i always hungry? . i am a 17 year old girl and i'm always hungry. i primarily eat healthy. no soda or chips. i eat 3-5 full meals a day. i eat oatmeal fruit veggies and meat. i drink over 10 glasses of water a day. i don't gain weight. i am 5'8 and 130lb. i am physically active. why am i so hungry? what can i do to stay full longer? | most helpful answer here are some tips on how to stay full longer: make sure you get plenty of fiber to meals. fiber is found in fruits vegetables and whole grains. beans are really high in fiber and make great additions to salads and are good as a side dish. protein is also very filling so include a source at each meal -- nut butters meat eggs beans (fiber and protein) and tofu are all good sources. fat is very satisfying and adds extra calories so make sure you have a fat source at each meal. that might be nuts on your oatmeal avocado on a salad or sandwich or olive oil when roasting veggies. healthy fats such as those from plants and fish are the best health wise. dairy and/or non-dairy alternatives are important as your calcium needs are high. try greek yogurt with nuts milk in your oatmeal and cheese in sandwiches and mixed dishes. the key is to add as many food groups as possible for satisfaction nutrition and to manage your hunger. for more ideas see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | does biotin help reduce lactic acid build up. i started kick boxing and doing a lot more activity in an effort to get back into shape. i was told biotin would help break down the lactic acid build up in my muscles | although biotin does play a role in amino acid metabolism there are no studies (that i can find) that show taking biotin decreases lactic acid production. if someone is deficient in biotin it could limit performance or muscle formation but that is unlikely. if you are getting enough through diet you probably don't need to supplement. for more on lactic acid and biotin see these articles: exercise and lactic acidosis biotin supplement guide |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my son is 3 years old and his level is 19. 3. he is now taking 800iu daily but what what could cause his levels to drop. my son's vitamin d level continues to drop and he is always getting sick. the dr recently increased his intake to 800 iu of vitamin d when his levels dropped to 19. 3. i took him back to the dr for further testing in an attempt ot find out why his levels were dropping but his dr couldn't figure it out. since his level has dropped from 24. 6 to19. 3 he has been sick twice. i know that his level was still too low but it had been going up then it dropped again. | there are a variety of factors that can cause vitamin d blood levels to drop. first off if he's getting less sunlight or using more sunscreen than usual that could decrease the amount he gets exposed to. also if he is eating less food and drink with vitamin d (like milk) that could decrease it. if he carries excess weight that can also decrease blood levels of vitamin d. remember that the recommended daily allowance for his age is 600iu. when levels are low doctors usually give higher than recommended amounts while monitoring blood levels. the key is to work with your doctor on the right level of supplementation that will keep his levels up. for more on vitamin d deficiency in sick kids see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | should post menapausal women take pre natal vitamins | post menopausal women should not be taking prenatal vitamins because their nutritional needs are different. for example iron needs after menopause are 8mg compared to 27mg during pregnancy. calcium needs are higher in post menopausal women then pregnant women due to changes in bone synthesis. so make sure you take a multivitamin or individual supplements that match your needs. this webmd article describes how nutritional needs change during the life cycle. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i don't eat meat but i will eat fruit and veggies at times not very often. what vitamins should i be taking daily? | fruit and veggies are full of vitamins and minerals like vitamins a and c. meat contains protein and minerals like iron and zinc. without knowing your age and what else you are eating it sounds like you could use a daily multivitamin with minerals if you don't eat much meat or fruit and veggies. find one that that provides 100% of the daily value for most vitamins and minerals. you can also get lab work done to see if you need additional iron or vitamin d. for more on how much to take see this webmd article. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why have i all of a sudden started uncontrollably eating? . i am a 22 year old female. i'm 5 foot 3 inches tall i weigh 115 pounds i never can eat all my food. i usually eat like a bird. the last two weeks i've been eating like crazy i just can't seem to get full. my boyfriend think i need to go take a pregnancy test. | there could be a variety of reasons your appetite is high. you can troubleshoot by asking some key questions: are you exercising more than usual? is there more stress in your life? are you getting less sleep? has your diet changed? some foods do a poor job of filling us up and this can be a factor in hunger (see article for filling foods below). pregnancy could be a factor but appetite usually doesn't increase until later. see articles: sleep less eat more? foods that curb hunger stress and eating |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | mom has demensha i just saw something about grainbriain diet is it worth changing her diet now she is 83. this diet is low carb gluten free and suggets these 7 suplements from dr. david pealmudder. 1. dha. 2. resveratrol. 3. turmeric. 4. . probiotics. 5. . coconut oil. 6. . alpha-lipoic acid. 7. . vitamin d | helping your mother improve her diet can certainly help. i believe grain brain may be referring to research that shows people with celiac disease have a higher risk of getting alzheimer's the most common form of dementia but i haven't read the book. i'm not saying a low carb gluten free diet won't be beneficial but it is not standard practice for treating dementia. the alzheimer's association and dementia. org recommend a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables that's low in saturated fat and includes healthy fats like those found in vegetable sources like olive oil and nuts. and some research shows a diet full of healthy carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (fruits vegetables and whole grains) may help with alzheimer's. from the supplements you mention coconut oil is often used even though there is no evidence its beneficial -- it may be worth a try as there's anecdotal evidence it helps. low levels of vitamin d has been linked to higher risk of dementia so it makes sense to get her levels checked. if she is low taking vitamin d is important. there has been some research showing that dha (and eating fish 3 times per week) can help but more research is needed. as people age the good bacteria in their gi tract decreases so a probiotic may be beneficial. before giving supplements check with her doctor. see this list of vitamins and supplements that may be beneficial for dementia. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my mom suffers w/diverticulitis & is afraid to eat anything lest she aggravate the symptoms would ensure be beneficial? . she is 86 years old and under a dr's care. however because she fears making the symptoms worse she eats very little and has become very weak. she is down about 30 lbs. from what she was just a few months ago (down to about 110 lbs. ) | dietary supplements like ensure can be beneficial for someone who is not getting enough nourishment through food. in addition to ensure i suggest taking your mother to see someone who can instruct her and what she can and cannot eat which might help to alleviate her fears. it's important she keep her weight and strength up. to find a dietitian near you go to eatright. org for more on diet and diverticulitis see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | is it true that calcium makes garcinia cambogia ineffective? | there is no research i can find that shows that calcium makes garcinia cambogia ineffective. it seems companies add potassium and calcium to increase its absorption. again i can find no studies that show that calcium increases or decreases absorption. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how can you measure a serving of cooked pasta if the serving is 7 ounces when dry? | while it varies depending on the type of pasta 8 ounces of dry pasta is anywhere from 3. 5 cups to 5 cups when cooked. my guess is 7 ounces is about 3 cups of cooked pasta. i hope that helps! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how should you add organic ground flaxseed to your diet? . one week my question is how to add organic ground flaxseed to my breakfast to. reduce:. bloating. gas. bowel movement smears | although flaxseed makes a great addition to a healthy diet i am not aware of a specific amount that has been found to decrease the symptoms you mention. it's best to see a dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal (gi) issues or a doctor. for more on potential causes gi distress see this webmd article. that being said to get flaxseed into your breakfast you can add spoonfuls to cereal like oatmeal baked goods (like pancakes and muffins) and to smoothies. it really doesn't have a taste (a bit nutty) and it's a great way to get more omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what can i take for allergic conjunctivitis? | allergic conjunctivitis one of the conditions that causes "pinkeye " requires a diagnosis from your health care provider as well as a prescription for treatment (steroids antihistamines decongestants). there are no over-the-counter products i recommend. non-treatment tips include good hand-washing hygiene avoid rubbing your eyes and avoid sharing eye products (makeup contact lenses). |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i have dry sinuses. what otc products will be the most helpful? | saline nasal sprays or mists can be applied to the nasal cavity. avoid sharing spray bottles with other members of the family. there are many types of nasal sprays available in the otc aisle; be sure to ask your pharmacist for help with product selection. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | for top health how many mgs of each amino acid should a woman be taking daily? | the institute of medicine which sets daily reference intakes for macronutrients like protein do not specify specific amino acids. instead they recommend the diet containing 10-35% of protein. the rda for women is 46g and 56g for men. there is a total of 20 amino acids that come from protein sources -- 9 considered essential because the body cannot make them. people who consume animal products and soy do not need to worry as they contain all the essential amino acids. vegans in particular (no animal products) need to vary their protein sources to get all the amino acids they need. plant sources of protein when combined are considered complementary proteins because together they contain all the essential amino acids. examples include rice and beans and tortillas and beans. for more details about complementary proteins s ee this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how do i lose the last 10 pounds? i eat relatively health vegetarian and stay active. am not overweight but not ideal. i've been a vegetarian since i was 10 and love vegetables and naturally low-fat foods. i exercise 3-4 times a week and enjoy hiking and walking as well and have since childhood. i've never been overweight but i've never been able to get to my "ideal" weight either. i'm 5'5' and 147lbs. my goal is 135. the closest i've ever managed was 140 (and i was practically starving myself). i do have mild hypothyroidism but it's under control. . any advice or notes on something i could change? | we all have a genetic blueprint to how our big or small are body is supposed to be. when we eat healthy eat mindfully (meaning we don't eat past fullness often) and are active weight tends to take care of itself. if you are healthy (good blood pressure cholesterol etc. ) and not overweight there is no reason to get to an ideal weight. if you need to starve to get there then that tells me that is not the right weight for you. we are not all meant to be small and there is nothing magical about the ideal weight numbers. so my advice is that you focus on your healthy lifestyle and accepting your body as it is. you could focus more on different exercises and ways to increase fitness such as feeling stronger but i see no reason why you need to lose weight. i know our society says otherwise but spending all that energy on a weight that seems right for you may not be the best use of your time. best of health to you! i am not a fitness expert although i work for them but i wanted to offer an answer from my own personal experience. i had this same question not to long ago. i exercise 3-4 times a week eat healthy have 4 kids and 3 dogs who i run after or with all day long! but i was stuck at my target weight. i'm 5'6 i wanted to be 145. made it down to 165 from almost 190 about 6 months ago. my trainer also a good friend of mine said i needed to stop looking at the scale and focus on what was most important. being healthy and enjoying life. just as the last expert answer states. everyone is different. i stopped looking at the scale and put my efforts into enjoying the activities i love best and eating healthy but not limiting myself from foods i love or starving myself. i also change up my exercise routine regularly. i started doing hiit (you can google it) high intensity training classes. wow definitely felt the difference. about a week ago i went to my annual physical and weighed in for the 1st time in months. i was 155. i must be doing something right but what's different now is my outlook on my body and lifestyle. weight is just a number what's important to me is how i feel and having the energy to keep up with my very active family. it sounds like you are on the right path to a healthy fit life style. i wish you all the best and don't sweat the small stuff. enjoy life and save the sweat for the gym! <positive_smiley> -angel |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why do vegetables taste so awful? . if vegetables are so healthy why do they taste so bad? i thought taste was our bodies' natural way of telling us what we should and shouldn't eat. i've always found a majority of vegetables to be unpalatable and try as i might to eat more of them it's a real challenge when i have to force them down my throat. i want to eat healthier but i don't want to constantly be eating things i don't like either. | it could be that you are a super taster which means you are more likely to taste bitter compounds in vegetables. for more on this see this article. the key is to try different preparation methods until you find a vegetables you enjoy. here are some tips: try raw veggies with a dip you like such as ranch or hummus add vegetables like greens cucumber and celery to fruit smoothies (a high-powered blender is needed for harder vegetables) try greens in a salad with fruit nuts and a favorite salad dressing. roasting veggies brings out their natural sweetness -- two of my favorite vegetables to roast are broccoli and cauliflower. here are some recipes and tips. add vegetables to dishes you already like such as stir fries and casseroles. for more tips see this webmd article. the key is to experiment until you find enjoyable ways to eat veggies. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can you have hyperglycemia without being a diabetic? . my husband just had his physical and they administered blood tests after an 8-hour fasting. after seeing elevated blood sugar levels his doctor administered more extensive tests to check for diabetes. his mother and his brother were/are diabetic. his lab review stated the following "the glycohemoglobin was 6. 0 which indicates hyperglycemia but is not indicative of diabetes. " then there were suggestions of watching his diet losing weight (which he has lost about 15 lbs. in the last 2 years) | a glycated hemoglobin a1c of 6. 0 (5. 7-6. 4 range) is considered pre-diabetes meaning your husband has elevated blood sugars and is at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. according to the centers for disease control 15-30% of people with pre-diabetes will be diagnosed with full blown diabetes in 5 years. so watching his diet moving more and losing weight if needed can help prevent the development of diabetes. to better understand glycated hemoglobin see this webmd article and for more on what to do after a pre-diabetes diagnosis see this one. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | during weight gain does a persons skin streach or does it grow to accomodate the extra fat? . i am curious to know if a persons weight gain causes the skin to grow or to stretch. i am already aware that rapid weight gain can cause the skin the tear leaving stretch marks. i am asking more in regards to morbidly obese people that weigh around 400-700 pounds. i am curious to know if the skin actually can stretch that much or if the adult body is forced to grow the skin as it stretches. | skin contains elastic fibers that allow it to stretch during weight gain or recoil or shrink during weight loss. so someone who gains a large amount of weight does not grow new skin. their skin stretches to accommodate the accumulation of fat tissue. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what type of food should be eaten if you have hemochromatosis | below are general recommendations for diet and hemochromatosis. be sure to check with your healthcare provider for specifics on your condition. avoid alcohol any supplement with iron (such as a multivitamin with minerals) and iron-fortified cereals/food products do not take vitamin c supplements as it increases the absorption of iron drink vitamin-c rich juices (citrus) between meals consume less heme iron (meat/chicken/fish) than nonheme (plant sources of iron) -- see this article for sources of iron. heme sources are better absorbed which is why those should be consumed less often. avoid raw fish as people with hereditary hemochromatosis are at increased risk for infection. tea and coffee may decrease absorption of iron |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when to stop losing weight. question is. 4-5 months ago i weighed 231lbs. i'm 41 5'11. i started. excersising 5-6 days a week bout an hour a day. started eating more fruits and nuts. mainly for breakfast and normal dinners just lower portions. i now weigh 188lbs. people tell me to quit losing weight? when. do i know to stop losing weight? | i think it's important for you to get a physical and lab work done. you want to see what your blood lipids are (cholesterol etc) blood pressure and other health indicators. this will help you figure out the state of your health. you can also track your bmi here based on your age and gender to see where you fall. together with your healthcare provider you can decide when it's time to focus on weight maintenance instead of weight loss. there is no magic number and it's important to keep up your healthy habits to maintain good health and the weight loss you've achieved to date. you just need to make an informed decision. congrats on your weight loss! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i never know when to take an antihistamine or decongestant so i end up buying a product with both. is that a good idea? | it depends on your symptoms. antihistamines generally relieve allergy-type symptoms like itchy and watery eyes runny nose sneezing and itchy throat. decongestants are helpful to relieve sinus congestion and pressure as well as nasal congestion. rule of thumb: you want to take the smallest number of medications to treat most of your symptoms and to minimize the number of potential side effects. so if you have runny nose and watery eyes and no congestion an antihistamine-only product is a good choice. if you ever have questions about which over-the-counter medication to choose ask your pharmacist. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when i eat spicy food within 15 minutes i get loose-motion. it is a real problem for me. please advice a solution. when i eat spicy food within 15 minutes i get loose-motion. also a growling sound comes from my stomach. it is a real problem for me. please advice a solution. | it sounds like you have a sensitivity to spicy foods that is causing diarrhea (loose motion? ) after eating. although some people's gastrointestinal tract (gi) can't handle spicy foods without any side effects others are more sensitive. spicy foods can irritate the gi tract. if you want to avoid the loose bowels and stomach growling then it makes sense to avoid spicy food. if you really love spicy food you can cut back or manage your body's reaction. here are some tips on how to manage diarrhea. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | hello i'm a female 5'3 and going to be 19 next month is there anyway i can grow about 2 to 3 inches taller? | girls are done growing earlier than boys usually by age 18. that doesn't mean you won't see any growth but it's just unlikely. i would focus on accepting your body size and keeping it healthy. see webmd fit teen 's section for tips on healthy eating and physical activity. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | ive been trying to loose wgt for mths with no results. i exer. have made my eat habit healthier. why cant i loose weight. i had my thyroid checked i changed my eating habits ive started exercising and i have not lost a pound. why? i am getting very depressed and somedays i feel that i'd rather be dead then fat. im 51 and extremely sad over my weight. i have never been this weight other then when i was preg. my normal weight is around 120 im 5'2" i have gotten to 160 and i hate it. help please. | first off if you are thinking the thoughts you mentioned in your question seek help from a mental health professional. without knowing how much and what you are eating it's tough to say why you aren't losing weight. while eating healthy is good total calories are key to bringing weight down. i highly recommend you see a registered dietitian. he or she will work with you on your current diet changing habits that caused the weight gain and individualizing it all to your lifestyle and preferences. you can find a dietitian in your area at eatright. org. research also shows that body dissatisfaction and being hard on yourself is linked to weight gain over time. as tough as it be try to think more kindly towards your struggles and your body. practicing self care and self compassion are important (but overlooked) factors in successfully managing health and weight. hang in there! there might be some problems with your diet. try the zeltiq in nyc or visit www. bodytreatmentcenter. com for an effective way to reduce fats. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | can you give a 10 month old rice milk instead of formula? . my 10 month old granddaughter is prohibited from having any dairy or soy. she is currently on a special formula that is extremely expensive and has to be special ordered (not available in any stores). if she should run out before the next shipment arrives do you think it would be okay to give rice milk or have rice milk alternately with the formula to reduce the amount of formula she consumes. she is eating food prepared by mom and processed in the "baby bullet". | it is not recommended that children under two consume rice milk or other alternatives to milk or soy unless directed by a pediatrician or pediatric dietitian. the problem are these products are not designed to meet baby's needs and they low in fat protein and other key nutrients like iron. keeping her on formula is important until she turns one. after that you can discuss other options with her pediatrician depending on what else she is consuming. nutritionally rice and almond milk are not equivalent to cow's milk besides the fortification of calcium and vitamin d. for some kids older than one that may be okay but you need to check with a pediatrician. parents of children with two or more food allergies really should see a pediatric dietitian to ensure that their are meeting nutritional needs. the first two years are the most important in terms of nutrition as it is the time the brain is developing and growth is at it's highest. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what fruit and veggies are high in fiber and good for diabetes? | all fruits and vegetables contain fiber and are beneficial for diabetes. non-starchy vegetables are especially beneficial because they contain little carbohydrate (and calories) for lots of fiber and vitamins and minerals. this includes leafy greens like spinach and kale broccoli green beans peppers and cauliflower. fruits are great to include with meals but make sure to count them a carbohydrate serving. fruit choices include strawberries apple pears dried fruit berries and cantaloupe. beans (black kidney pinto) are also rich in fiber and great to substitute meat at meals because they also contain protein. but they too count as carbohydrates so make sure you keep them in. for more about foods that help control blood sugar see this webmd article. and for more on carb counting check out this resource. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i am 16. can i drink ensure gold choclate flavoured? . i started to drink it from yesterday. | i'm not sure which product is ensure gold as i just checked their website and couldn't find it. ensure is a liquid supplement targeted to older individuals or people who are sick who have a tough time getting enough nutrition from food. while it is not harmful for you to drink them the bigger question is why. if you want to gain wait eating real food is always the better option. if you look at the ingredient line you will see that there is quite a bit of added sugars. so once and while is fine but look to whole foods to get the bulk of nutrition in your diet. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | when you can't digest food. my daughter is 38 and when she eats the food just sits in her stomach and rots making her sick. she can't hardly eat anything yet her weight still climbs. she had her gallbladder removed several years ago and has had this problem ever since. dr. put her on reglin (she is off that now) but all it did was make her feel like she had chronic fatigue syndrome. help. | i'm sorry your daughter is having a hard time. i think it's best for her to get checked out by a gastroenterologist to rule out any underlying problems. you can also have her see a registered dietitian to check for food intolerances and diet concerns related to gallbladder removal. here are some other things that might help: eat smaller more frequent meals. avoid high fat foods such as high fat meats full-fat dairy and fried foods. keep portions of fat (oil butter nuts/seeds) small at meals. get adequate fiber through fruits vegetables and whole grains. if fiber intake has been low gradually increase it. watch for individual items that are hard to digest such as dairy products and beverages like caffeine. have your daughter keep a journal to note which foods bother her (and in what quantities) and if possible troubleshoot with a dietitian. good luck! speaking to a medical practitioner has to be the best thing that you have to advise your daughter. do an action now before it is too late. it is just like the same quick action that you have to do in dealing with unwanted fats. you can also check out www. bodytreatmentcenter. com for a fat removal in nyc. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i am prone to recurrent uti. what can i change about my diet to prevent and treat urinary tract infections? . i am trying to alter my diet in order to better prevent urinary tract infections. i already am limiting caffeine and alcohol and am drinking lots of water. . i need a list of foods that are good for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. | here are some foods that may help prevent urinary tract infections: cranberry products such as cranberries cranberry juice and cranberry extract. blueberries fresh berry or fruit juices fermented dairy products with probiotic bacteria (ask your doctor about probiotic supplements) cinnamon foods rich in vitamin a like sweet potatoes carrots spinach and kale for more on prevention see this webmd article. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what are normal b-12 levels in the blood? | normal blood vitamin b12 levels are between 200-835 picograms per milliliter ( pg/ml). for more on blood levels see this article. and for food sources and recommended daily allowances see this one. |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | i m 26 year 54kg 168cm height guy my bone mass n strength not imprving even i have taken all calcium also do gym daily | it looks like you are working hard to gain muscle strength and bone mass. as for bone mass you also need vitamin d because without it calcium cannot be deposited into bone. the best thing to do is get a blood test to see if you have enough vitamin d in your blood. your healthcare provider can help you decide on the appropriate level of supplementation if your vitamin d is low. without knowing your workouts and diet it's difficult to comment on your muscle strength goals. this webmd article will provide you with the basics. you can also see a certified personal trainer for additional help. good luck! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | my wife weighs 242lbs she only eats about 1500 calories a day and excercises. why can't she lose weight? . . my wife is 5ft 4inches tall weighs 242lbs and is a size 14-16 in pants sizes. she only eats about 1500 calories a day and exercises about 90+ minutes a day burning 800-1200 calories. she has been doing this for about 2 months and hasn't lost any weight. she has been diagnosed with ibs. she also has be test for hypothyroids and was negative. . . | it's difficult to say exactly why your wife isn't losing weight without more information but here are some things to consider: how is she tracking her calories? it is possible that she is getting more than she thinks she is. seeing a registered dietitian can help her examine her food intake for hidden calories. high levels of activity mixed with low calorie intake may increase cortisol (levels stress hormone) and cause weight to stay where it is. this is a theory but i have seen it many times. your wife can experiment with cutting back the exercise or increasing her calorie intake. unless she's enjoying the exercise it likely isn't sustainable so i suggest she focused on doing something she enjoys. if your wife did not exercise at all before it is possible she is gaining some muscle mass and losing fat even the scale isn't moving. other factors can cause weight to plateau such as stress and lack of sleep. see this webmd article for more ideas. weight loss -- and especially weight loss maintenance -- can be a challenging task. i suggest your wife get help and support with the process. the key is to address the reasons for the weight gain in addition to tackling food and exercise. i had the same issue. 1-2hours a day in the gym cardio and weights 4-5 days a wk eating 1200 calories only lost 2 lbs in 4 months. turns out there is so much msg in food that it was hindering my progress. i switched to eating only organic food with light exercise and lost 5 lbs. in one week. i also stopped getting head aches and back aches. i even gained energy and improved disposition. (msg is an excitotoxin used to get mice fat and stay that way in order to research diabetes. -there are over 40 types of msg under different names and it is in 95 percent of foods you find in stores. ) <link> |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | what do i need to expect when starting my sugar-free diet? . i've been wanting to quit sugar for awhile now ( i consume entirely too much! snack cakes sodas cereal etc) i was wondering about any dangers or anything that might help me to avoid the cravings that have tripped me up so often in the past. thanks. | most people who eliminate up sugar have a hard time the first week or so and then feel better after that. the problem is that eventually most everyone who gives up sugar will eat it again -- and that is when the problems start. a better strategy might be to cut back on sugar -- and try to find more wholesome forms of sweet foods. instead of fighting against your sweet tooth which may cause the eventual "over-consumption " honor sweet cravings by finding more wholesome options. you can try a few squares of dark chocolate (be mindful and savor it) or bit of honey in your oatmeal that is topped with fruit and nuts. the result will be a diet that is much lower in sugar but higher in satisfaction. for more tips on dealing with sugar cravings see this webmd article. good luck with your health journey! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | why do i bloat up after dinner? we don't overeat and we eat a good diet but my wife and i bloat up hours every evening. this starts around thirty minutes after dinner and lasts up to a couple of hours. doesn't seem to matter what we eat. we usually take our multivitamin and fish oil tablets and then eat. we have tried cutting back but it still happens and has been going on for months possibly a year. | there could be a few different reasons why you bloat. here are some ideas: too much sodium can cause water retention that makes you feel bloated. check the sodium of the meals you are consuming. eating quickly (and too much) can also cause abdominal distention. fat or rich foods that take longer to digest can increase bloating. it could be due to a lack of healthy bacteria in your gastro-intestinal tracts. try adding fermented foods like yogurt and kefir or even a probiotic to see if it helps. there are certain foods that may be making you feel bloated. see this webmd article for more of the details. if the bloating causes you problems and isn't helped by any dietary changes you should see your healthcare provider to rule out any medical causes. best of luck to you! |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how do i keep from waking up hungry? . i usually eat dinner between 6 and 8 at night but i'm always ravenously hungry when i wake up (between 5-6 on weekdays and 7-8 on weekends). sometimes i even wake up and struggle to get back to sleep due to hunger. i eat protein with every meal and eat several small meals a day the largest always being dinner in hopes of not waking up hungry. it's not a thyroid problem i've had that tested twice in the past 2 years and i'm 30 pounds overweight (failing to lose weight for 3 years now). | in some cases waking up hungry would not be a problem but it sounds like it is affecting your quality of life. in addition to your protein source at dinner try including a big salad and/or soup whole grains and some healthy fat (olive oil avocado etc. ). eating from all the food groups helps increase feelings of fullness. you can also try a bedtime snack of something light like fruit with peanut butter or whole grain crackers and cheese. if you are staying up late this can increase hunger so getting to sleep early can help. you also want to make sure you get enough to eat earlier in the day including a good breakfast and lunch with in between healthy snacks. also make sure you are hydrated so that isn't being confused with hunger. for more tips on managing your hunger see this article. good luck! make sure that you are eating healthy for the whole day. have a packed breakfast with a glass of milk or fruit juice everyday and have a good dinner too. you may have your dinner earlier at night so you can sleep earlier but make sure that you don't sleep right after dinner at once. you may meditate before you go to sleep to get rid of stress. no surgery fat off - <link> |
You are a medical knowledge assistant trained to provide information and guidance on various health-related topics. | how do you get a chiled to eat healthy during the preoperational stage by using preoperational thought? . what are some characteristics of preoperational thinking that i can use with my child to get her to eat more healthy? | the pre-operational stage between ages of 2 and 6 can be tough as there is a lot going on both physical and cognitively. children have slowed growth (and appetite) so their eating is erratic this is also the time that food neophobia (fear of new foods) peaks increasing picky eating. here are some things parents can to do encourage healthy eating: set structure at meals. that means eating regular meals and 1-2 snacks between in a focused way (preferably the kitchen table). children who graze on snacks may eat poor at mealtime because they have small bellies. follow the ellyn satter division of responsibility of feeding where parents decide the what when and where of feeding and children decide the whether and how much of eating. pressuring children to eat actually makes them eat less so allow your child to take the lead and you'll be surprised how much better they do over time. battles make mealtime a negative and eating suffers. eat together and model healthy eating habits. children learn by watching others eat -- encourage touching food or smelling it to get a child comfortable with new items. have children help with meal preparation and get them involved as much as possible. hands on leaning is always best at this stage as telling a young child a food is "healthy " translates to "it must taste bad. " always tell them it tastes good! build on foods the already accept. so if they like a certain sauce try a healthy item in that familiar sauce. if they like a certain dip try a new veggie with it. if they like breaded chicken try breaded veggies like zucchini. make sure there is always something at the table your child likes so they aren't overwhelmed with new food. they will be more likely to try something if they feel there is safe food there. it is not that tough to meet a child's nutritional needs at this stage. remember that a varied fruit intake can make up for low veggie intake. 2-5 year old's only need 2-3 ounces of protein per day. and always look at their eating over a week and not one day. it usually evens out. the good news is after 6 children become more open to food especially if mealtime has been a positive experience with them. never label them as picky and always have an expectant attitude when it comes to eating. good luck! |