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Ask an Expert
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.
A number of studies have shown that supplemental calcium is linked to both heart attack and kidney stones in some people. For this reason, women are encouraged to get their calcium from food and dairy products ... continue reading about I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.
Dorothy M. Coleman-Riese, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
The short answer to your question is that for healthy kids, melatonin is probably safe and effective in small doses, under the direction of a physician, for two to four weeks. Outside of these conditions, thing... continue reading about My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm a 55 year old woman. Is non-fat milk or 1 or 2 percent milk better for me?
I would suggest non-fat milk if you are not trying to gain weight and you are drinking milk as a good source of protein and calcium. All three varieties have the same amount of calcium and protein per serving. ... continue reading about I'm a 55 year old woman. Is non-fat milk or 1 or 2 percent milk better for me?
Ronesh Sinha, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What's the latest on cholesterol in the diet? Are eggs safe to eat? If so, how many in a week?
I am a proponent of the intake of natural and healthy sources of cholesterol, such as eggs, for most people. Eggs are an excellent protein source with all nine essential amino acids and less than 0.5 grams of c... continue reading about What's the latest on cholesterol in the diet? Are eggs safe to eat? If so, how many in a week?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I would like to get the most nutrition from my greens. Would I get more if I cook all the greens on the day that I buy them and eat them at several meals? Or keep the greens in the fridge and pull out only the ones I will cook and eat at that one meal?
Once picked, raw vegetables begin to lose nutrients. Store vegetables in the refrigerator and only purchase the amount you can use in a few days. Buy your produce as fresh as possible to make sure you are at le... continue reading about I would like to get the most nutrition from my greens. Would I get more if I cook all the greens on the day that I buy them and eat them at several meals? Or keep the greens in the fridge and pull out only the ones I will cook and eat at that one meal?
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?
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I had lap band surgery and I have lost 65 pounds, but I am getting discouraged because my weight seems to have stopped there. How many calories should I have a day? I am limited to about a cup of food three times a day.
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss so far! Unfortunately, weight loss plateaus are a frustrating and all-too-common occurrence, even with weight loss surgeries. If you hit a plateau in the first ... continue reading about I had lap band surgery and I have lost 65 pounds, but I am getting discouraged because my weight seems to have stopped there. How many calories should I have a day? I am limited to about a cup of food three times a day.
Pam Noonan, MS, RN, CDE
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My husband has type 2 diabetes. He heard that tomatoes have too much sugar in them, however, most recipes for diabetics contain tomatoes or tomato products. How do tomatoes fit into a diabetic diet?
Tomatoes often get a bad rap for having “too much sugar.” I hear this myth often in my diabetes education practice. Carrots are another vegetable that seems to suffer the same reputation. Tomatoes a... continue reading about My husband has type 2 diabetes. He heard that tomatoes have too much sugar in them, however, most recipes for diabetics contain tomatoes or tomato products. How do tomatoes fit into a diabetic diet?
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?