I refer my patients to registered dietitians especially if I know their insurance will cover the visits.

As far as referring my patients to registered dietitians, I have never hesitated about doing that, especially if I know their insurance will cover the visits. However, some of these patients are self-pay and unable to pay for those visits. To what other resources can I refer these patients, besides giving them the simple...

I need nformation on aspiration testing. We currently use a blue dye in our tube feedings.

I logged onto your site in hopes of finding information on aspiration testing. We currently use a blue dye in our tube feedings. We have heard of a glucose test. I cannot find any information on that subject in reference to aspiration testing. From a physiological viewpoint I do not understand how a glucose...

Does foods belonging to the nightshade family increase stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

I have rheumatoid arthritis and I have found that by eliminating foods belonging to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and chili) I no longer have the morning stiffness that I found quite painful. Apparently, it is the solanine in these foods which caused the morning stiffness (for me anyway). However, these foods...

I have high blood pressure. If I get put on Cortisone, is this going to cause more problems?

Thanks for your speedy reply. My question too is why is my thyroid now hyperactive? I am to get a second opinion, but asked my doctor to repeat the tests before getting a second opinion. Unfortunately (I forgot to mention this) I already have high blood pressure. If I get put on Cortisone this is...

Young father was told he has cirrhosis and needs to be on a 2-gram sodium diet.

As an RN (registered nurse) in a school health setting, I serve the family with children birth to 3 years of age. It is a home visitor program. One family is our concern. One young father (35 years of age) has been told he has cirrhosis and needs to be on a 2-gram sodium diet....

What foods to avoid feeding a person with gout?

I need to know what foods to avoid feeding a person with gout. It isn't protein that is limited, but foods high in purines many of which are also good sources of protein. Organ meats like liver, kidney, sweetbreads, brains, meat gravies and extracts, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, scallops and most wild game are not...

Where can I find a dietitian who works with kidney disease or high potassium blood levels?

Where can I find a dietitian who works with kidney disease or high potassium blood levels? The Renal Dietitians dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association specializes in working with patients with kidney disease and elevated blood potassium levels. You can find a dietitian at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Include your zip...

Bladder & Urine Infections

  For women and men with interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections or an overactive bladder, I want to provide you with good resources from a dietitian. Please consider "Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet" and "Confident Choices: A Cookbook for IC and OAB" by Julie Beyer, dietitian.          

I am a quadriplegic and wish to lose weight.

I am a quadriplegic living in a health care center in Arizona. I am concerned with my weight and wish to lose weight. I am 32 years old and weigh 220 pounds and six feet tall, but the dietitian here is concerned with my protein level. She has me on a protein powder and...

A friend reported getting a headache so severe he had to stop until it passed in a few minutes.

A friend of mine recently reported getting a headache so severe during intercourse that he had to stop what he was doing until it passed in a few minutes. It was so bad that he is afraid it may be serious. Any ideas on what it might be? I would highly recommend your friend see...