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Ask an Expert
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss! I have no doubt there was a lot of hard work that contributed to your success, and it is extremely frustrating when all the effort that's gotten the scale to m... continue reading about I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
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?
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
How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
Eating healthy takes planning. It is important to keep healthy choices at home that you will eat. If you want a sweet treat like a cupcake, cookie, or ice cream, go out for it. Don't keep it in your house. That... continue reading about How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
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?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
How can I get enough calcium when I am lactose intolerant?
It is possible to get enough calcium in your diet without milk products, although it is more difficult. For absorption, calcium relies on other vitamins and minerals, so it is important to eat a balanced nutrit... continue reading about How can I get enough calcium when I am lactose intolerant?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I'm a very active pre-menopausal 50-year-old who eats right and works out four to six times a week. Why in the world can I not lose my belly cellulite and build more muscle? I'm ready to quit everything and just get fat and eat junk food!
Don't give up! As many women approach menopause they find themselves experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around the waist and hip areas, despite their best efforts to watch what they eat and to inc... continue reading about I'm a very active pre-menopausal 50-year-old who eats right and works out four to six times a week. Why in the world can I not lose my belly cellulite and build more muscle? I'm ready to quit everything and just get fat and eat junk food!
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?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I read recently that a vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased heart disease. Should I be tested for this deficiency, and if I'm low, would a supplement take care of this increased risk?
Your question is an excellent one, and a hot topic in the world of cardiology and preventive medicine.Vitamin D is not a true vitamin since we can manufacture it in our bodies, through the action of UVB rays th... continue reading about I read recently that a vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased heart disease. Should I be tested for this deficiency, and if I'm low, would a supplement take care of this increased risk?
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