Foods That Boost Your Mood
What you eat can reduce stress, increase focus and protect your mental health.
Easy Ways to Drink More Water and Less Sugar
Stay hydrated without sacrificing flavor with these tips on how to enjoy more water.
Breaking Your Caffeine Habit
It may feel like caffeine is unavoidable, but these tips can help you reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.
Fiber in Your Diet: Why You Need It
Learn which foods to mix into your diet to boost soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Lower Cholesterol with Food
By cooking at home and monitoring portions, you can lower your cholesterol.
The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses
There are many misconceptions about fasts and cleanses – before starting one, check out what experts in the Sutter Health network have to say.
Nutrition Topics
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Ask an Expert
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
To reduce belly fat, I have read about diets that include using plant-based protein shakes or smoothies that are supposed to “melt away” belly fat. Is there any truth to this?
I wish I could say there was a magic formula to "melt away" any kind of fat, but it is not as simple as that advertisement. Nothing can selectively “melt away” belly fat. In a similar ad that I read... continue reading about To reduce belly fat, I have read about diets that include using plant-based protein shakes or smoothies that are supposed to “melt away” belly fat. Is there any truth to this?
Astrin Damayanti, R.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
What are your favorite snack ideas for people with diabetes?
Many diabetics will eat snacks during the day to keep blood sugar levels balanced, and keep meal portions under control. However, know that having diabetes does not mean that you have to snack, especially if yo... continue reading about What are your favorite snack ideas for people with diabetes?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I've been running for a number of years. I feel like I've sort of hit a plateau in my race times and performances. I'm considering taking dietary supplements, but I'm concerned about possible side effects. Should I be?
It is wise to be concerned about dietary supplements, since they are not regulated by the FDA. This then allows manufacturers of these products to make claims that are not well founded in medical science or stu... continue reading about I've been running for a number of years. I feel like I've sort of hit a plateau in my race times and performances. I'm considering taking dietary supplements, but I'm concerned about possible side effects. Should I be?
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?
Astrin Damayanti, R.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I love all the bags of vegetables that come pre-washed and provide directions for steaming in the plastic bag they are packed in. How safe is this? I'm microwaving in the same plastic bag used to transport and store the vegetables.
Plastic containers or bags are not created equal. Some are microwave-safe and some are not. The FDA carefully regulates these materials to ensure that they meet its standards and specifications. In addition, th... continue reading about I love all the bags of vegetables that come pre-washed and provide directions for steaming in the plastic bag they are packed in. How safe is this? I'm microwaving in the same plastic bag used to transport and store the vegetables.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
I do not think that your diet contributed to your condition of hyperthyroidism. There is no relation between the two conditions that I am aware of. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in th... continue reading about I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
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
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!
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