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Ask an Expert
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Lactose is the sugar found in milk. If you have been told you are lactose intolerant, you are unable to digest this sugar. Some people can eat or drink small amounts of lactose, while others can not tolerate an... continue reading about Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
My first thought goes to the possibility of lactose intolerance (the diminished ability to properly breakdown lactose in the intestinal tract). Lactose intolerance can occur when people age and may also occur i... continue reading about I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Sutter Amador Hospital
I have been dealing with chronic pain from a back injury for a number of years. I read recently that vitamin D can help reduce pain. Is this true, and if so should I start taking a supplement?
Vitamin D can help with certain types of chronic pain, especially muscle and joint pains. However, before you start taking vitamin D supplements, it is important that you have your vitamin D level checked to se... continue reading about I have been dealing with chronic pain from a back injury for a number of years. I read recently that vitamin D can help reduce pain. Is this true, and if so should I start taking a supplement?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
That sounds like a product too good to be true and I would imagine persons suffering from celiac disease and lactose intolerance would be very receptive. Unfortunately these are two very different problems whic... continue reading about I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
Pam Noonan, MS, RN, CDE
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Will eating too much sugar increase my risk for diabetes?
The short answer is no. There is no direct link between and eating too much sugar, but the question isn't as simple as it seems. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes... continue reading about Will eating too much sugar increase my risk for diabetes?
Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children?
Growing children should be encouraged to follow a healthy diet that includes all the food groups: lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Low-carb diets are restrictive in many of the nutrients ch... continue reading about With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I know I should eat more vegetables but I hate veggies! Especially those super healthy ones like broccoli and cauliflower. Are there good supplements I can take or some kind of yummy chocolate shake with hidden vegetables in it?
A vitamin supplement, or even a chocolate vitamin shake, usually contains 25% or more of some vitamins or minerals that our bodies need. However, most lack the natural beneficial ingredients from the plants the... continue reading about I know I should eat more vegetables but I hate veggies! Especially those super healthy ones like broccoli and cauliflower. Are there good supplements I can take or some kind of yummy chocolate shake with hidden vegetables in it?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
If you are a healthy person in her sixties, what is a safe number of eggs one can eat each week?
Eggs can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Eggs have gotten a bad rap in the past because of their high cholesterol content. A single egg contains around 210mg of dietary cholesterol. The American Heart ... continue reading about If you are a healthy person in her sixties, what is a safe number of eggs one can eat each week?
Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.
Blood sugar levels tend to rise in the morning for some people with diabetes. This is in response to the natural hormonal changes occurring in the early morning hours.In addition, the liver releases glucose dur... continue reading about Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.
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