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Nutrition

Improve your diet and overall health with these nutrition tips, facts and guidance from experts in the Sutter Health network.

Breaking Your Caffeine Habit

It may feel like caffeine is unavoidable, but these tips can help you reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.

Easy Ways to Eat Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy lifestyle choice. We have a guide to make it an easy one, too.

Fiber in Your Diet: Why You Need It

Learn which foods to mix into your diet to boost soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.

Lower Cholesterol with Food

By cooking at home and monitoring portions, you can lower your cholesterol.

Organic Foods or Not?

Learn which fruits and vegetables are worth the splurge.

The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses

There are many misconceptions about fasts and cleanses – before starting one, check out what experts in the Sutter Health network have to say.

    Nutrition Topics

    • Nutrition Basics
    • Special Diets
    • View all Nutrition Articles

    Nutrition Guides

    • Sample Menu for Patients with Diabetes
    • Diet Comparison Guide
    • Energy-Boosting Diet Plan
    • Gluten-Free Diet Plan
    • Lactose Intolerance Guide
    • Mediterranean Diet Plan
    • Sugar Detox Diet
    • Thanksgiving Planning Guide

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    How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

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    Ask an Expert

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

    It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading  about  My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

    Ravin Agah

    Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Is it safe to take a low-dose iron supplement if you're not anemic? My teenage daughter is a distance runner, and her coach recommends them for girls on the cross country team.

    Generally it is not recommended to take low-dose iron if you're not anemic. Excessive iron can be deposited in the liver and can cause problems. Runners often get "runners anemia" which is why some coaches reco... continue reading  about  Is it safe to take a low-dose iron supplement if you're not anemic? My teenage daughter is a distance runner, and her coach recommends them for girls on the cross country team.

    Gary F. Milechman

    Gary F. Milechman, M.D.

    California Pacific Medical Center

    My husband had triple bypass surgery last August and in December, a defibrillator was implanted. He's having problems gaining weight. They said that he can eat anything as long as he limits salt. Can he eat high-fat meals?

    It sounds like your husband has been through a lot in the last year. There are several layers to your question and to your concerns.Generally, patients need to avoid salt if they have congestive heart failure o... continue reading  about  My husband had triple bypass surgery last August and in December, a defibrillator was implanted. He's having problems gaining weight. They said that he can eat anything as long as he limits salt. Can he eat high-fat meals?

    Katerina P. Shetler

    Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?

    Thank you for this very interesting question. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loose bowel movements or constipation. Patients with lactose intolerance and ... continue reading  about  Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?

    Deborah Kurzrock

    Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    Is Stevia real sugar or is it a substitute? Sometimes I feel weak and shaky after being off sugar for a few days, and when I start using it again, I feel fine. Could I start using Stevia instead of sugar? Are there any real health benefits in doing this?

    Stevia is a sugar substitute. It is made from the stevia herb, a plant that is native to northeast Paraguay and a member of the chrysanthemum family. Stevia is currently grown in many places including Brazil, J... continue reading  about  Is Stevia real sugar or is it a substitute? Sometimes I feel weak and shaky after being off sugar for a few days, and when I start using it again, I feel fine. Could I start using Stevia instead of sugar? Are there any real health benefits in doing this?

    Brian G. Tang

    Brian G. Tang, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?

    Food jags, or when a child will only eat one food item at a time, is a common behavior in early childhood. It usually represents a way for children to show growing independence and is a normal part of their dev... continue reading  about  My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?

    Deborah Kurzrock

    Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    Is drinking too much soda harmful? And how much is too much?

    Sweetened beverages range from carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks to vitamin and other sweetened waters and energy drinks. Here are some facts about sweetened beverages:People who drink sodas, juices and... continue reading  about  Is drinking too much soda harmful? And how much is too much?

    Deborah Kurzrock

    Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?

    I do not think that your diet contributed to your condition of hyperthyroidism. There is no relation between the two conditions that I am aware of. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in th... continue reading  about  I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?

    Sue Hazeghazam

    Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.

    Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

    My kids drink those energy drinks every day. Is this bad for their health? How would I convince them of that?

    Energy drinks are advertised to give a person a boost of energy. A lot of that claim comes from the effect of the caffeine and sugar content of the drink. Sugar content in energy drinks vary by brand, but somet... continue reading  about  My kids drink those energy drinks every day. Is this bad for their health? How would I convince them of that?

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