Archives

DEAR DR. BLONZ: After several years of failed attempts, paying dearly for missteps, I have managed to quit smoking. It was the patch that worked for me, along with counseling. Since quitting, I have r... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is it possible that consuming local honey can help build an immunity to local allergens? -- S.T., Berkeley, California... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate are sold as supplements to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. I would appreciate your help in understanding the advantages or disadvanta... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have always wondered about the letters and numbers used to identify vitamins. Why do they skip some letters, and why are there so many different B's? -- S.Y., San Jose, California... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: How real is the danger from the lead content in calcium supplements? One company promotes its products by saying it contains no lead, but it is unclear how much of an issue this is wit... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am in my junior year of a nutrition and dietetics program, and I am confused as to what path I should take for graduate school. I could see myself working for a food company -- devel... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Can you help us understand the World Health Organization's (WHO) announcement on cancer and meat? Did the WHO study control for processed meats with and without nitrites? A nutritionis... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I understand why they put vitamin D in milk, as it aids in the absorption of calcium, which is plentiful in dairy. But why do they put vitamin A in milk? What is the connection? -- R.R... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: As a teacher, I am concerned about what some parents give their children for lunch at my school. When I ask the children, some say that they have these types of foods at home, as well.... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: A friend told me to take guarana pills for alertness, better concentration and faster learning. I've also heard that guarana is used as a cure for impotence. What can you tell me about... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: In my 20s and 30s, I was able to maintain a reasonable weight with diet and exercise. Now, at 43, I have maintained my activity, but have been gradually gaining weight. I now find myse... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Assuming I will eat the same number of calories from the same types and amounts of foods, is it better for me to have those calories earlier in the day, or later? -- A.C., Dallas... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am an advocate of farmers markets. While shopping at one organic booth recently, I overheard a discussion that there are more nutrients in homegrown and market produce than in the it... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am on a weight-loss program that involves counting calories. I remember reading that the calories in carbohydrates should count for less, because they require energy to be used. If t... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have been reading about our bodies' need for enzymes. While the companies selling enzyme supplements certainly have an interest in promoting their importance, I'm concerned that ther... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Our school year is now underway, and I am again being pressured by my sons to include too-sugary snacks in their lunch boxes. I have volunteered in the lunchroom, and have noticed that... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: The bread offerings at my market continue to expand with not only white and various types of wheat, but other grains and a variety of gluten-free options. I have no issues with gluten,... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I must begin monitoring my intake of foods that raise my blood sugar level. Could you please provide some basic info about blood sugar? -- Y.M., Berkeley, California... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: We've begun offering nonfat frozen yogurt bars as a snack for our child. The package says there are only 90 calories and, of course, no fat. The package also says "no preservatives," b... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I grew up with warnings about saturated fat, but in recent years, there have been positive health reports about chocolate -- which contains saturated fat. Am I missing something, or ha... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I read that orange-, pink- or red-fleshed fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene, but I wonder just what it is and how it got its name. I also recall you mentioning another antiox... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is it best to stick with foods that say "no preservatives added" on the label? -- F.F., Los Angeles... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: How do the nutritional needs of an older athletic individual -- that's me -- differ from one who has chosen a sedentary lifestyle? My lifelong friend, who happens to be the same approx... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have an interest in "real food" supplements, specifically soy supplements, and would appreciate your opinion. You recently wrote about soy and thyroid hormones, but I am interested i... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: What are your thoughts about using pork fat (like uncured bacon or pork belly) to prepare foods? I find the taste infinitely superior to butter for most cooking needs, and there is no ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Many articles on health and sugar make reference to insulin as an evil contributor to obesity. But we need insulin to live, and diabetes is when you don't make enough. My husband was d... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Calories are listed on the Nutrition Facts panel of foods, so are they considered nutrients? What's the best way of figuring out how many calories we need? And is there an explanation ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: How long will I be affected by the caffeine I consume? If I have it at lunch, is there any reason it would cause sleep problems at night? -- J.C., San Jose, California... more