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All About Nutrition

Nutrition Questions and Answers

Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Lesa Rusher, who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.

 

 

 

Q: How can I reduce the level of manganese as I have a high level of manganese

A: You can reduce manganese by using antagonistic minerals during absorption such as a calcium phosphate and iron. Please see a qualified naturopath in your area for more detailed advice and to provide you with the exact doses you require.

 

Q: if you have a vitamin b12 deficiency which is due to not enough 'intrinsic factor' being produced, what can be done to help this? Is there a way to get the body to produce enough / more of this intrinsic factor?

A: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by certain cells in the stomach.  It depends on the reason for the vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anaemia for example, is an autoimmune disease directed against the specific cells in the stomach that produce the intrinsic factor.  The aim when there is low intrinsic factor is to make sure you are getting enough vitamin B12.  This can be done via sublingual administration, as vitamin B12 can be better absorbed this way rather than a vitamin B12 supplement via the normal digestive route.  As far as boosting the intrinsic factor directly, there is not a known answer.  The reason for the development of the pernicious anaemia has to be ascertained (through medical tests), then other remedial treatments can be utilised, to encourage the absorption of vitamin B12.

 

 

Q: I am pregnant and am trying to eat healthy. I was told to eat complex carbohydrates. Can you tell me some examples of foods that are complex carbohydrates or an easy way to spot them?

A: You can view all the information you need to know about complex (and simple) carbohydrates at carbohydrates explained.

 

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Q: Is there anything I can eat that will help with my complexion or the health of my skin from breakouts?

A: Yes, but it depends on the cause of your problem.  Broadly speaking, fresh fruit and vegetables should always help if eaten on a daily basis.  Antioxidant foods such as watermelon, strawberries, parsley, green tea, wheatgrass juice and dark green leafy vegetables are the basic skin foods. Herbs such as Dandelion root, Nettle leaf, Calendula and Red clover are traditionally used in the naturopathic clinic, either as a herbal tea (1 cup 3 times per day) or taken in the form of herbal extract made up by your nearest herbalist.  

A combination of herbs and above mentioned foods have outstanding results.  If your skin problem is caused by hormonal fluctuations, you may have to see a natural therapist for more specialised treatment. Selenium may also be of benefit, but you would have to see an naturopath to recommend appropriative doses of herbs.

 

 

Q: If I am a strict vegetarian almost vegan then what can cause high production of eostrogen and how do I balance this through foods - ie vegetarian food?

A: Foods that have an eostrogenic effect are as follows:

As far as balancing your  hormones with foods, requires some more information from you.  I would suggest to have your personal diet analysed by a nutritionist/naturopath in your area.   If you are almost vegan now, and plan on cutting out eostrogenic foods, your diet will be too restricted and you risk malnutrition.   Traditionally speaking, everything in moderation is actually a wise choice.  

Herbal medicine is of greatest value when hormones are out of balance.  Wild Yam and Chaste Tree are the herbs which would alter a high eostrogen level in the body as they have an affect on progesterone levels.  Wild Yam cream is easy to apply to inner thighs as part of the daily routine.

 

Q: Just wondering if Tryptophan can still be purchased in Australia?

A: "Over the counter" Tryptophan cannot be purchased without a prescription from the GP in Australia. The precursor to tryptophan in the body is 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan, which can be obtained by your naturopath, it seems, in Queensland only.

 

Q: Pease tell me what are the calories for kids in grades k-8 schools?

A: You can view all the information you need to know about calorie requirements for all ages, at the recommended calorie intake page on this web site.

 

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Q: My husband ate some pink salmon last night and he kept burping afterwards. I told him to have a glass of milk. He disagreed with me saying he has been told that you should not mix the two. Is this correct?

A: If you start burping after consuming a certain food,  there may have
been a problem with the way your husband is digesting that particular
food.  A healthy digestive system will run smoothly, without any strange
symptoms. Perhaps a priority would be to have your husband see a
naturopath to address any underlying imbalance in the digestive
function.  As far as fish and dairy go, this is a poor food combination
together, but in a resilient digestive system there should be no adverse
symptoms.

 

Q: Are there any similarities between milk and coconut milk?

A: Cow's milk is considered a high quality protein food - which means it has adequate levels of all the 9 essential amino acids and it is low in saturated fats (even more so, if it is a low fat variety).

Coconut milk on the other hand, is a very highly saturated food (even the lower fat variety has over double the amount of saturated fat as low fat cow's milk), has a high kilojoule value and has a much lower amount of calcium than cow's milk.  Coconut milk is also considered a complete protein.

Cow's milk is produced from an animal (cows) and comes in several forms - no fat skim, low fat skim, and full fat.  Coconut milk comes from the coconut and comes in two forms - low fat and full fat.  The coconut and its milk are entirely suitable for all vegetarians, while cows milk is not suitable for vegans, who do not eat any meat or meat by-products such as milk or eggs.

 

Q: What is a good diet for under-active thyroid?

A: An underactive thyroid can cause a whole variety of both physical and mental symptoms as the endocrine system is closely tied with the nervous system. Feeling sluggish and depressed are common symptoms of an underactive thyroid. To diagnose an underactive thyroid, a simple blood test is taken to determine the degree of underactivity (sometimes it can be borderline, which means there is very little conventional medication that can be given).

The thyroid is particularly supported by two minerals - iodine, selenium and an amino acid - tyrosine. In fact, iodine is part of the structure of one of the thyroid hormones (T3: tri-iodo-thyronine). Your diet should should include foods high in these nutrients to help support the thyroid's function. You should also ensure your thyroid hormone levels are monitored with regular blood tests. You could also see a natural therapist who can advise you on the right course of action for your particular condition.

 

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Q: I was reading your article about Isoleucine and it states that high doses of Isoleucine may cause some side effects. I was hoping you could show me how much Isoleucine (as a supplement) would be considered a high dose?

A: Isoleucine is one of the essential amino acids, which means we need to take it in the form of the food we eat each day. Most people generally get enough isoleucine from their diet. If you want to take an isoleucine supplement, the RDA is 12 mg per kg of your weight (adults).

eg: a 90kg man = 12 mg/kg* 90kg = 1080mg = 1.08g

The upper limit is set at 5-10g, but some people may not need to reach that level to experience any side effects.

As isoleucine is an essential amino acid, it does not appear to have many dangerous side effects, but any supplementation should be taken at the lower dosage first and increased as long as you do not experience an adverse reaction, plus, you should always inform your doctor about all supplements you take, so they are aware of this, and can advise you according to your particular situation.

 

Q: I'm wondering about people taking several vitamins and adding gaba amino acids to that as well. For someone not eating a lot of proteins?

A: GABA is a non-essential amino acid, so it can be created in the body from the other essential amino acids. It's probably not necessary to supplement with GABA unless you have a specific deficiency of that particular amino acid.

You need to eat protein foods at each meal to ensure you get enough of the essential amino acids. The protein article on this site explains the necessity of eating protein. If you do not eat meat, there are vegetarian alternatives which will ensure you get all the necessary essential amino acids.

If you do not eat much protein, you should try to find a supplement that includes all the 9 essential amino acids. Talk to your doctor about supplementation. If you lack the essential amino acids in your diet, you are at risk of ill health.

 

Q: I am interested in trying my 26yr old son on GABA.  He has a totally controlled epilepsy, on Tegretol, but has a tendency to early sleep 'startles' Like a tendency to mild seizure.  What dose would you suggest for GABA and is it worth trying please?

A: Taking GABA amino acids is not worth it, especially when your son
is already on Tegretol.  The body actually synthesises its own GABA   from glutamate using glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid occurring in proteins.  Due to the fact that glutamic acid is "non-essential", the body actually recycles this amino acid.  Therefore, it doesn't really matter if the diet is low in dietary protein as the body can create its own. Tegretol or Carbamazepine affect the GABA receptors in the brain, so taking more GABA, is still not going to get through. GABA may not even cross the blood- brain barrier.

 

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Q: I am really finding it hard to work out what supplements my family and I need. We eat well, but think not all nutrients are absorbed from our food and maybe we do not eat enough fruit and vegetables. I would also know what supplements should be taken together and which ones apart. I take a good multivitamin supplement but I am not sure if I need more of specific nutrients.

A: You seem like you are doing everything right to keep yourself and your family healthy. If you eat a lot of natural foods (especially vegetables and fruits), plus whole grains, low fat dairy and protein, plus some good fats each day, then you are going a long way to preventing ill health and disease. Exercise should also be a regular feature of your daily activities. Taking a multivitamin supplement will only boost your levels of nutrients if they are too low or deficient in some way.

If you would like to know your levels of the vitamins and minerals, you can do a variety of blood tests, which your medical practitioner can organise for you. You can also do a hair analysis which tests for a variety of nutrients and also any heavy metals or other detrimental factors in your body. This test can be organised by an alternative health practitioner.

The pages above also list the tolerable upper levels of these nutrients, so you can see what is the potential maximum for each.

Just remember, with most water soluble vitamins, if your body does not require them, they are normally excreted through the urine. But, the fat soluble vitamins are stored in the fat cells, so can have a potentially negative effects if too high levels are taken over a long time. Please check the levels of all the supplements you take.

 

Q: I am 5'5" (1.65m) and weight one 138 pounds (63kg). I would like to weigh 125 pounds (57kg). How many calories should I eat a day??

A: I am assuming you are female and would like to lose a little weight judging from your height and weight.

If you would like to lose weight, the easiest way to do this is to exert a little more energy than you take in. You can do this through either diet or exercise, but a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to achieve weight loss.

Our recommended calorie intake shows the amount of calories you need to eat each day for each age group (and gender). Use this as a starting point for your weight loss plan.

Your diet should aim to include high quality protein at every meal, so that your body can get enough of the amino acids it requires to function properly and to help you burn fat - the more lean tissue you have, the more your body will burn fat, even when you are resting, compared to someone with less lean tissue. Our dietary guidelines show exactly what is considered to consist of a good diet - this is a guide only.

You should aim for 1-2 kg (2-4 pounds) of weight loss each week, in order to maintain this long-term.

 

Q: My daughter has had a number of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and has been recommended cranberry juice, but she does not like it. I found these chewable tablets called Solaray's cranactin chew but cant find information on whether they are appropriate for children, do you have any advice about these?

A: Cranberry supplement would be a much better option than cranberry juice as the juice is normally not 100% cranberry (it is usually 20-30%) and the cranberry supplement would give a standardised dosage.

Studies have shown that cranberry may decrease the number of UTI over a 12 month period for women. Cranberry juice lowers the ability of certain bacteria to stick to the urinary tract lining so prevents infection.

The package information for this product states:
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one chewable up to four times daily. For children, take one chewable up to two times daily.

Let your doctor know if you are having cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) as it can alter the effectiveness of some antibiotics.

If your daughter is having numerous UTIs, you need to take her to the doctor to determine the cause of it.

 

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Q: I do training at the gym and usually take Optimum 2222 amino acid supplement before training and then I take Ultimate Iso-Sensation whey protein after training. I just wanted to know if I am overloading my system with protein powder by taking these both on the same day. Is it ok for me to take these two powders?

A: You can take protein powder two times a day, but it's usually of the same formula (brand), as they are optimised to give you a specific amount of each amino acid.

When taking protein powder it is highly advisable to drink more water than you would normally drink without protein powder. Too much protein per day means that the kidneys have to work harder.

Some useful nutrition advice:

Taking 2 serves of protein powder per day for around 10 days, together with one meal consisting of a palm size portion of protein and salad and/or vegetables. Ideally, the protein shake is taken in the morning and one in the evening and the meal is at lunch time. After the 10 days, there should be 2 meals per day with vegetables and/or salad and one protein shake is taken in the morning or evening.

The brands you are talking about I'm not familiar with. I recommend Pharmafoods Isowhey in the clinic.

It is wise to take Omega 3 and an acidophilus supplement when on this diet plan.

 

Q: I am in my 60's and recent x-rays have shown an arthritic right hip.  How can i best prevent this from further deterioration and what supplements can help to repair cartridge.

The two main and best supplements recommended by doctors and alternative health practitioners alike for arthritis, are chondroitin and glucosamine. Chondroitin is a component of carriage, while glucosamine plays an important role in cartilage formation and repair.

The chondroitin and glucosamine supplements are available in chemists (pharmacies) and health food stores (and even some supermarkets). Try a good brand. Most of the arthritis supplementation includes both chondroitin and glucosamine together in the one tablet.

Another supplement that may help with the pain of arthritis is the essential fatty acid - Omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 may ease the pain of joint inflammation, as well as assisting with better blood flow to all areas of the body.

A good all-round multi-vitamin could be a good idea to start too.

There are some foods which can exacerbate the pain and inflammation of arthritis - some people do better not eating food from the nightshade family (potato, eggplant, tomato, peppers, capsicum), others do better reducing their level of protein from animal sources, while yet others do better avoiding dairy. You should try to monitor how you feel when you eat certain types of foods to try to help you get a better outcome.

Make sure you talk to you doctor before you start taking any type of supplement, to ensure it does not impact on any other medication you are taking, or any other condition you may have.

Always follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label and do not take more than is recommended.

 

Q:My child is 5 months old she has mild eczema - face, scattered on belly, back and arms. She is being breastfed only. What could I have been i eating that could contribute to her skin condition? Are there any foods that I should avoid? What are sollanaceous food?

Try taking Omega 3 in the form of "Pure" fish oil or organic
flaxseed oil yourself, to help deal with your daughter's intolerances.  
Wheat and dairy (cow's milk) are common reactionary foods.  It is wise
to avoid these foods  during pregnancy, as there is evidence that they
my contribute to the development of asthma and eczema in the child. 
Always supplement with Omega 3 during pregnancy, this may prevent
allergies in the future.

You can also try to eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are mainly oily fish such as salmon and trout. You should review this article on Omega 3 fatty acids to learn more about this vital nutrient.

 

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Q: I have had a throat exam and found out I am allergic to grains, rice, corn and sugar. I am a protein type person. I am having a hard time finding food to eat. i was told by the dr to eat 85% protein 10% vegetables and 5% carbohydrates. Can you help?

A super food to concentrate on is Quinoa (a seed native to South America originally).  Millet is also a low reaction food that is totally nutritious. Quinoa is particularly high in protein, so may be really suited to you and versatile in the kitchen.You should have more of a look on internet for suitable recipes. The question is, are you a vegetarian or meat eater? I recommend finding a nutritionist who is prepared to give you some sample daily menus so you can plan a proper eating regime with these tough restrictions. 

In Canberra, Australia we have a whole bakery devoted to quinoa, soya and tapioca.

The other approach is to get a session from a Bodytalk practitioner in your area to assess and treat your digestive system (and possibly other bodily systems), to find the real cause of your food intolerances.  You have to look outside the square, as everything in your body is linked to everything else.

 

Q: Two separate lab tests have shown my vitamin B6 levels are 53.4, but they should be in the range of 5-30. I do not take any vitamin B6 supplements, but I am taking a herbal spray that contains various herbs. Could my abnormally high vitamin B6 levels be due to the herbal spray or could it be something else that is causing it?

High vitamin B6 is paralleled by a higher protein intake.  Could this be what is happening? A low protein intake means there may be a deficiency in vitamin B6 - it is as simple as that.   The herbal supplement should not make a difference.  If the supplement does not contain any vitamin B6, then there should not be an issue with it. You should contact the manufacturer to make sure.

 

Q: Since I started to take a mixture of fruit & vegetable juice every morning for 3 months, I have found that I am losing too much weight. Am i over-dosing on juice?

Your answer, in one word - yes.

A fruit and vegetable juice drink can contain anywhere between 10-30 calories only. Consider this against a breakfast of cereal, milk and fruit or even eggs on toast (but really any substantial breakfast which includes foods from all the food groups) which can contain anywhere from 100-600 calories.

By drinking juice every morning instead of eating a proper breakfast, your calorie intake is greatly reduced. When you reduce your calorie intake, you will lose weight.

In addition to losing weight with your juice fast for breakfast, you could also be missing out on some of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are essential for your body to be strong and healthy.

 

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Q: I was wondering what the calorie intake should be for a 25 year old male?

The calorie intake for males 19-50 years is: 2,550 calories.

This is an average calorie intake, which does not take into consideration those males who are more active and who will need more calories.

To assist you with your particular requirements, we have added a calorie intake calculator.

 

Q: I would like to know a proper diet that I need to follow to reduce endometriosis. I have had surgery for this condition but the endometriosis still remains and fertility is a problem because of this condition.

Endometriosis best responds to herbal medicine (combined with some nutrients), if you want to control naturally.   

Herbs like dong quai, paeonia, ladies mantle and calendula would be used in combination to help with endometriosis. The herbs would be combined with essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and magnesium, as well as other herbs to support the liver and assist with liver clearance of the hormones. The B vitamins will also be required to reduce the amount of stress on the body.

The mode of action of the herbs and nutrients are: anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, astringent, antispasmodic and stimulates the circulation.  This means they help to get rid of the endometrial tissue that the condition produces in a safe and effective manner.

It is best if you see a naturopath or registered dietician who can help you formulate the best herbs, supplements and diet, for your specific condition and monitor you while you are in their care, to ensure your health improves and you heal from the endometriosis.

 

Q: I take Zocor every day for high cholesterol. I also take 1000mcg of kelp as I have heard it is a good supplement to lose weight. Is it ok to take this much iodine?

It may not be such a good idea to take that much iodine in the long term in the first place.

The upper level is the absolute most that a woman 19-50 years old can take on a daily basis for a very limited time and under medical supervision.

You should especially be aware that certain supplements can affect the way medication works and should consult your doctor to ensure your medication wont be affected by the kelp supplement. 

Iodine affects the thyroid which controls metabolism - this is why you have heard that iodine can help you lose weight. Unless you are deficient in iodine, it is not advisable to take that much iodine on a daily basis as it may adversely affect your thyroid. You should consult your doctor about other ways to lose weight.

Better ways to lose weight are the following strategies:

Take a look at the recommended diet guidelines for more information about the the amounts and types of foods you should be eating each day.

The above guidelines will not only help you lose weight, but will assist you in reducing cholesterol levels, so that in time, you may not have to rely on medication for your condition.

 

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Q: I am 35 years old and work in industrial construction. I work away from home living in a hotel for 10 days, then home for 4 days and the cycle repeats itself. I rarely seem to have or make time for breakfast and just eat something on the go. I have breaks at work at 9:30am, 12:00pm and 3:00pm, work until 5:00pm and have supper in the restaurant at 7pm. I would like to know what are some good healthy foods for me to pack to work to eat during my breaks, and at lunch, keeping in mind that the day is long and the work is labour intensive?

Basically you need to have lots of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the correct ratios so that you can sustain your strength in the construction (physical labour) work you are doing. You will need a higher percentage of carbohydrates because you are doing hard manual work, so try to ensure you get enough foods high in carbohydrate - vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, rice, legumes, soy, nuts and seeds.

Some snack ideas:

Breakfast


Lunch


Snacks

All of the above meal ideas for snacks, breakfast and lunch can either be pre-purchased or made the night before very quickly.

 

Q: I am wondering if you could clarify this fact about the protein. I would like to know if it is true that your body can only absorb 25 grams of protein in one go, which means that if your meal contains 40 grams of protein, then only 25g will be absorbed and the rest is excreted. Cant amino acids be stored in amino acid pool for future use or are they excreted?

The body does not excrete any nutrient that it needs - it always stores any excess nutrient for future use.

When protein is ingested, it is first broken down into its component amino acids, which are used by the body for various bodily processes. If there is an excess of protein ingested (and an excess of amino acids), these are then stored in an amino acid pool, which is stored in the muscles for future use. When the amino acids are required, they are unlocked from the amino acid pool and absorbed by the body to be used where required.

 

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Q: Is there a table of RDI (recommended daily intake) of vitamins anywhere out there? I am not sure what i should be aiming for. I am a 26yr old female.

Our site contains all the recommended daily intakes of all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids (as appropriate). The tolerable upper intake of all the vitamins is also listed, as well as the toxic/dangerous levels.

The links below will take you to the main page for each section and to review the amounts of each vitamin you require, just click on it. The foods that are highest in these vitamins/minerals/amino acids are also listed, as well as a comprehensive amount of information about each nutrient:

 

Q: I am a very thin male and no matter how much I eat, I do not gain weight. I brisk-walk for about 20 mins, 3 times a week. I would like to put on just a bit more weight to look healthier.

There are two reasons why you cannot put on weight:

1. You may have a very efficient metabolism, which runs at a higher speed than normal and this means you burn energy quite quickly and so cannot seem to put on weight. There is probably very little you can do about your metabolism other than wait until you are older, when it will naturally slow down and you will notice you put on some weight in your 40's and older.

In the meantime, you could try to incorporate more carbohydrates foods that have medium-high glycemic. This could help a little, for you to put on a some weight. The reason that these foods are suggested is that they have more energy than lower glycemic index foods and may help you retain this energy in the form of stored fat.

The glycemic index (GI) content of foods are defined as follows:


Foods which have a medium-high glycemic are the following:

Breads


Breakfast cereals


Fruits


Grains / Pasta


Legumes


Vegetables


You can find more information about GI from the University of Sydney's official web site about Glycemic Index.

You may want to check the GI of the foods you buy to see how high or low it is and make your decision from that point.

Just be aware, that it is more healthier to eat foods that have a low to medium glycemic index.

2. You may not be taking in enough calories for your activity level (and age/weight) to ensure you put on weight.

You should use our recommended calorie intake calculator, to calculate how many calories of food you require given your level of activity (and other parameters) each day.

 

Q: What is a good multivitamin for someone over 60 to take?

The US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has developed a new food guide pyramid for senior adults, as they have different nutritional needs than other adults.

Healthy adults ages 70 and over should follow different nutritional guidelines than other people, according to a new food guide pyramid developed by the US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. This will take you to an external link.

When you chose a multivitamin ensure it has the following:


In addition to this, you should be eating the following foods:

 

Q: Could you please let me know about vitamin B17? I know it assists in cancer prevention.

A: Vitamin B17 is also known as laetrile or amygdalin. It is not actually officially known as a vitamin as it is not vitally necessary for health. Laetrile and amygdalin both belong to a family of compounds called cyanogenic glycosides and even though both terms are used interchangeably they are chemically different substances.

Laetrile and amygdalin are both found in the kernels of apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines, apples, and almonds.

In 1980, the National Cancer Institute began a clinical study of laetrile in terminal cancer patients. "Conducted in collaboration with four major U.S. medical centers, the clinical tests showed that laetrile failed on four counts: it did not make cancer regress; it did not extend the life span of cancer patients; it did not improve cancer patients' symptoms; and it did not help cancer patients to gain weight or otherwise become more physically active. Laetrile and natural products containing it, such as apricot pits were thus found to be 'ineffective as a treatment for cancer.

In addition to this, there is concern about cyanide poisoning from the high cyanide content in the kernel of the food. Laetrile has been banned by the FDA because of the risk of poisoning from its cyanide content.

 

Q: My 13 year old son weighs 84 pounds and isn't a very good eater. This is the second year he has gotten mononucleosis. Is it possible he isn't getting enough nutrition therefore his immune system is low for his age. He is very active: he has soccer practice 2-3 times a week and plays two games each weekend.

A: It is very probably that your son's frequent mononucleosis infections are caused by his lack of good nutrition, due to not eating enough of the right foods. The immune system relies greatly on protein foods and the B vitamins to run properly. Your son needs to be eating foods rich in these nutrients every day.

There are many ways you can disguise foods he may not like in meals, so that he eats them and has enough of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids he needs. Some ways you can do this are:

Make sure that you let your child know that he needs to eat all the nutritious foods to help him play soccer much better. This is not only true, but it will help him realise that food is required. You can explain it like this:

The body is like the engine of a car - a car needs fuel to enable you to drive it, without fuel, the car wont run properly or at all and the engine soon goes awry.
The human body is the same - the body needs food to work properly (to walk, talk, exercise, do homework, etc) and without enough food, the body will not be able to work properly.

You can also see a registered dietician to review his diet, to ensure that he is eating enough of all the right nutrients.

Hopefully these tips will help your son back to good health.

 

Q: Can you give me nutritional information on the acai berry? Can it cause harm? Do you know anything about mona vie juice and positive or negative information?

A: Acai berry is a berry native to South America and the Amazon in particular. The acai berry is rich in the following nutrients:

There are a lot of claims made on the acai berry for its antioxidant properties, but the results of the studies performed on this berry have been variable. More studies are required to show its full potential. In saying this, the acai berry would be a good addition to a healthy diet.

Mona Vie juice is made up of 19 different fruit juices, of which acai berry is one of them. The others are: Apricot, Aronia, Acerola, Purple Grape, Passion Fruit, Camu Camu, Banana, Lychee Fruit, Nashi Pear, Kiwi, Pomegranate, Prune, Wolfberry, Pear, Bilberry, Cranberry, Blueberry and White Grape.

Mona Vie juice is probably quite good for you (as long as it doesn't contain too much added sugar), but you really should be getting your nutrients from the whole fruit because you will also get the fibre in the whole fruit, which is not available in the fruit juice. Mona Vie juice will not harm your health if you drink it.

 

Q: I would just like to enquire about how weight loss programs work with replacement protein shakes for meals? Is it healthy to be replacing your meals with protein shakes?

A: Protein shakes contain high levels of protein, adequate levels of carbohydrate and fats, plus all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for good health. The various protein shakes recommended by the weight loss companies have varying levels of all these nutrients.

Protein shakes are used as meal replacements for 1-2 meals each day. The energy (calories/kilojoules) of the protein shakes is less than what would normally be consumed at these meals and together with the higher protein levels, ensure that there is less energy going into the body enabling it to start burning fat for fuel. That is the basic premise of protein shakes as meal replacements.

Most dieticians would not recommend replacing meals with protein shakes, as they are not providing you with healthy eating strategies, nor are they providing you with all the nutrients in the whole foods you would be normally consuming at a meal.

The best way to try to lose weight is to have a calorie controlled diet plan created just for you by a registered dietician, limit processed foods and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.

 

Q: I was just wondering if I should stop eating a lot of vegetables (carrots especially) I usually eat, while taking the medication roaccutane because of the high vitamin A (retinol) in this drug which could cause vitamin A intoxication.

A: Good question.

The drug roaccutane if combined with Vitamin A supplements, can indeed cause vitamin A intoxication or vitamin A overdose and which may cause changes in the structure of the bones.

Vitamin A is naturally found only meat and animal products. It is not found in vegetables.

Betacarotene, which gets converted into vitamin A in the body when required, is naturally found only in vegetables, especially orange coloured vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables.

It is really very unlikely that you would eat enough vegetables to cause vitamin A intoxication (this is because the betacarotene in the vegetables needs to be converted to vitamin A and not all of the betacarotene in the vegetables eaten is converted).

You may want to limit your intake of beef liver, which contains very high levels of vitamin A, while you are taking this medication.

You may benefit from a consultation with a naturopath to help you find natural ways to improve your skin condition.

 

Q: I have seen there is a lot of zinc in raw poultry but when you cook it does the zinc count go down? I have no zinc in my body and i need to know what food i need to eat to get more zinc in my diet.

A: According to the USA Department of Agriculture, nutrient database, cooked chicken has moderately more zinc than raw chicken:

Chicken, while a good protein source, is not the best souce of zinc.

The best sources of zinc are as follows:


In addition to this, some types of breakfast cereals have zinc added to them, at varying levels, which are also a good addition to the diet for increasing zinc intake. When you go shoppping, have a look at the ingredients list and note if zinc is one of the ingredients (it will usually be near the end of the list). Breakfast cereals with added zinc will help boost your zinc intake, as you can eat them most days.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy better health!

 

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