Your Nutrition Questions Answered
Dr. Allan Spreen answers your nutrition and supplement questions:
Q: I'm a 52 yr old white male. I'm confused on what kind of vitamin supplements to take. I've had an ongoing stomach and lower colon disorder for years.
A: The first thing I think of with reflux and ongoing digestive problems is lack of the normal 'good guy' bacteria (probiotics) that should be in the gut area in large numbers. These are also called acidophilus.
I start with 1/4 tsp of acidophilus powder before meals and bedtime, but I also give it anytime someone 'needs' an antacid. It tends to have the same affect but without killing the acid we all need to adequately digest food.
I noticed a pile of medications in your history. Most people feel better if they can handle at least some of those problems naturally. I've seen diet bring down highly elevated triglycerides, agents like magnesium or Sleepy Time tea (Celestial Seasonings) or melatonin (3mg) permit comfortable non-drugged sleep, and other fixes along natural lines. You might try finding a nutritionally oriented practitioner and see what's recommended. In any case, a doc should be monitoring.
Good Health,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
Q: I am a 16 year old male and I want to know if there is a pill or something to make me gain weight.
A: The best thing I've seen in gaining weight for teenagers is the addition of digestive enzymes to a higher protein diet, though the former doesn't seem related to the problem.
My observation has been that poor digestion from eating too quickly or without adequate enzymes for absorption (and eating too much junk that doesn't help make muscle), keeps you from building up adequate muscle tissue.
I came up with this in myself first, and found it successful in my practice, though results are slow (the way they should be).
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly;
- Avoid sugar and white flour products that quickly kill appetite and offer 'naked' calories that are useless for gaining desirable weight;
- Eat multiple high protein snacks during the day, such as nuts, seeds, cheese, etc., not chips, fries, etc.
I use Super Enzyme, by TwinLab® 2 at mid-meal, since this product has all the enzymes at once.
Good Health,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
