In excess, yes. The numbers:1 gram (1,000 mg) sodium = 2.5 gram of salt = 1 teaspoon of table saltHarmful = more than 5-6 grams, and probably less than 1.5 grams a dayAmerican Heart Association recommendation =... continue reading  about  Does salt raise blood pressure?

It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading  about  My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

Calcium is important for your bones and teeth, but also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Calcium needs vary with age, and it is important to consume enough calcium every day. Besides dair... continue reading  about  I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?

Here are some general guidelines on food intake during pregnancy:Fish/Seafood:Eat no more than 12 oz of cooked fish a weekLimit tuna to once per weekAvoid shark, tile fish, or king mackerelAlcohol:Not recommend... continue reading  about  What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?

Unfortunately, studies on most nutritional supplements, such as Saw Palmetto, are not as robust as the average clinical research study. From what I have reviewed in the literature, we still don't know the exact... continue reading  about  Is there any benefit to taking supplements such as Saw Palmetto to help reduce or prevent prostate cancer? I have read conflicting articles. I am 70 years old and have been on active surveillance for prostate cancer since early 2010.

First off, great job for trying to improve your health and eating healthy! Weight loss is really comes down to calories in and calories out. Eating healthy is a good start but for weight loss, how many calories... continue reading  about  My daughter and I are vegans. We are knowledgeable and eat a very healthy diet. She is about 40 lbs overweight and I need to lose 10 lbs. She has significantly reduced her food quantity, but it's hard to get nutrition and diet at the same time. Any tips?

Congratulations on the hard work of addiction recovery. Sugar cravings are a problem for many people and can become all the more difficult when recovering from alcoholism. Research on food, mood, substance abus... continue reading  about  I am a 49-year-old recovering alcoholic and have three years of sobriety. Since I got sober I have not been able to control my sugar cravings. Is there any thing I can do?

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?

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?