Foods That Boost Your Mood
What you eat can reduce stress, increase focus and protect your mental health.
Easy Ways to Drink More Water and Less Sugar
Stay hydrated without sacrificing flavor with these tips on how to enjoy more water.
Breaking Your Caffeine Habit
It may feel like caffeine is unavoidable, but these tips can help you reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.
Fiber in Your Diet: Why You Need It
Learn which foods to mix into your diet to boost soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Lower Cholesterol with Food
By cooking at home and monitoring portions, you can lower your cholesterol.
The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses
There are many misconceptions about fasts and cleanses – before starting one, check out what experts in the Sutter Health network have to say.
Nutrition Topics
Recipe Hub
Sutter Health's team of doctors and dietitians have come together to provide patients with tools to cook healthy and delicious meals.
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Sutter health coach Jamie Dougherty shows how to craft a fennel, citrus and radish salad to rev your metabolism.
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6 Ingredients and You're Set!
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How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays
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Portion Distortion: How to Plan Healthy Meals
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Ask an Expert
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
So many frozen fish entrees consist of pollock. How nutritional is this fish compared to cod, salmon, tuna, etc.?
Almost everybody eats Alaska Pollock but hardly anybody knows what they are eating. Alaska Pollock is known as the fish that doesn't get any respect. Pollock is the preferred fish of many restaurants, taquerias... continue reading about So many frozen fish entrees consist of pollock. How nutritional is this fish compared to cod, salmon, tuna, etc.?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
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?
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?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.
A number of studies have shown that supplemental calcium is linked to both heart attack and kidney stones in some people. For this reason, women are encouraged to get their calcium from food and dairy products ... continue reading about I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
My first thought goes to the possibility of lactose intolerance (the diminished ability to properly breakdown lactose in the intestinal tract). Lactose intolerance can occur when people age and may also occur i... continue reading about I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What exactly is a complex carbohydrate diet?
I am not familiar with a diet that consists of only complex carbohydrates. A balanced diet contains complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables with lots of color, lean protein, and good fats like olive oil an... continue reading about What exactly is a complex carbohydrate diet?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
I do not think that your diet contributed to your condition of hyperthyroidism. There is no relation between the two conditions that I am aware of. Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in th... continue reading about I recently was diagnosed with Graves's disease. I also have gluten intolerance and have been eating some gluten foods. Do you think that my diet contributed to hyperthyroidism?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Is low carbohydrate or complex carbohydrate the best diet nutritionally?
The best diet nutritionally is a balanced diet which includes carbohydrates, protein and fat in the correct proportions. Carbohydrates offer an immediate source of energy for the body. They provide the fuel for... continue reading about Is low carbohydrate or complex carbohydrate the best diet nutritionally?
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Thank you for this very interesting question. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loose bowel movements or constipation. Patients with lactose intolerance and ... continue reading about Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
Eating healthy takes planning. It is important to keep healthy choices at home that you will eat. If you want a sweet treat like a cupcake, cookie, or ice cream, go out for it. Don't keep it in your house. That... continue reading about How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
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