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Organic Foods or Not?
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The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses
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Ask an Expert
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
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, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What are good snacks to eat throughout the day? Also - I don't like the taste of water. What can I substitute?
Snacking is a great way to help you feel more energetic. Most people need to eat something every three to four hours to keep their blood sugar levels steady.If you plan to eat your meal within one to two hours,... continue reading about What are good snacks to eat throughout the day? Also - I don't like the taste of water. What can I substitute?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Can a person be overweight and still be in good health?
Can you be overweight and still be healthy?It is important to remember that the number on the scale is not the only key to your wellness. Regular physical activity is an essential component in maintaining a hea... continue reading about Can a person be overweight and still be in good health?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Is it healthy for children to be vegetarians or vegans? I am a vegetarian, but I have some concerns that my children (4 and 8) might not get enough nutrients.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegetarian and vegan diets can meet all nutrient needs for infants and children. Diets for infants and children should contain enough calories to support gro... continue reading about Is it healthy for children to be vegetarians or vegans? I am a vegetarian, but I have some concerns that my children (4 and 8) might not get enough nutrients.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I've been diagnosed with diverticulitis (no longer acute) and have been told to avoid nuts and seeds. Do things like peas, beans, corn count as seeds? What is a good diet to avoid another bout of diverticulitis? (I'm also lactose intolerant.)
In the past, many doctors recommended that people with diverticulitis avoid nuts and seeds. It was thought that these small particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation (which is diverticulit... continue reading about I've been diagnosed with diverticulitis (no longer acute) and have been told to avoid nuts and seeds. Do things like peas, beans, corn count as seeds? What is a good diet to avoid another bout of diverticulitis? (I'm also lactose intolerant.)
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?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Are commercial smoothies healthy?
Smoothies can be a healthy way to get some of your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables for the day. It really depends on what type of smoothie you order or buy. Most smoothies from the market or a smo... continue reading about Are commercial smoothies healthy?
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.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Is low carbohydrate or complex carbohydrate the best diet nutritionally?
The best diet nutritionally is a balanced diet which includes carbohydrates, protein and fat in the correct proportions. Carbohydrates offer an immediate source of energy for the body. They provide the fuel for... continue reading about Is low carbohydrate or complex carbohydrate the best diet nutritionally?
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