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Ask an Expert
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.
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
The body regulates the blood calcium levels through complex mechanisms. Low calcium can be supplemented with vitamins and eating calcium-rich foods and dairy. High calcium, however is never from any specific fo... continue reading about My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?
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
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?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
The following can cause increased hair loss: poor nutrition, genes, hormones, age, certain medications, stress, rapid weight loss and some medical conditions.I will address the nutrition component. Listed are s... continue reading about I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm looking for a natural way to lower my cholesterol. Besides watching what I eat and exercising, is there anything else, like dietary supplements, that would work?
A Chinese food supplement called Red Rice Yeast has been shown by reasonable scientific studies to lower cholesterol as well as bad cardiovascular events by 15-30 percent. Suggested dose is one to four of the 6... continue reading about I'm looking for a natural way to lower my cholesterol. Besides watching what I eat and exercising, is there anything else, like dietary supplements, that would work?
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?
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, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I have been a vegetarian /pescatarian for over a year, and I keep reading that B-12 is one of the major vitamins that we lack on this diet. What foods can I consume that will help me sustain B-12 vitamins with a vegetarian/pescatarian diet?
The adult recommended intake for vitamin B12 is very low, but this is an essential nutrient so vegetarians (no meat) and pescatarians (include fish)should be aware of good sources. Vitamin B12 is needed for cel... continue reading about I have been a vegetarian /pescatarian for over a year, and I keep reading that B-12 is one of the major vitamins that we lack on this diet. What foods can I consume that will help me sustain B-12 vitamins with a vegetarian/pescatarian diet?
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