ASK A NUTRITIONIST

My stomach is suddenly bothering me after dairy intake? What are the chances I am lactose intolerant?

Lactose intolerance is more common than we think, however, labeling yourself lactose intolerant due to one symptom isn’t the best idea. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach pain and cramps, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea and bloating. The severity of intolerance differs from person to person. Some people are able to have limited amounts of dairy while some cannot even have milk in their tea. It’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before completely eliminating dairy as it is an important source of calcium and vitamin D. There are lots of lactose-free dairy substitutes like almond milk, soy yogurt and more available for people with lactose intolerance.

What is gluten and should I be avoiding it?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and its derivatives. Gluten is what gives dough its classic texture and sort of acts like a glue. You don’t need to avoid or eliminate gluten from your diet unless you have coeliac disease or are gluten sensitive or intolerant.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

A dietitian will commonly alter a client's nutrition based on a medical condition and/or individual goals.

A nutritionist is anyone that offers general nutrition advice. Many nutritionists have advanced degrees and will pass nutritionist certification boards to obtain the protected title of certified nutrition specialist.

I am 24 years old and I have PCOS. What diet changes should I be making?

The best and really the only effective way to deal with weight gain in PCOS is to address insulin resistance, which is also influenced by physical activity. Not every woman with PCOS is carb sensitive and most will even respond to a normal healthy eating approach. If you’re overweight, losing weight by even 5% can drastically improve your symptoms. Women that are carb sensitive, can benefit from slightly lower intake of carbohydrates. Most of their carb intake should come from whole grains and foods high in fiber to achieve good glucose regulation. These carbohydrates should be paired with proteins and heart healthy fats. Staying physically active and incorporating some form of exercise is also equally important.

I am thinking of quitting sugar for the whole family, including kids. Is stevia safe for kids?

Stevia has been proven safe for adults so we can assume it is safe for kids too. Since nobody does research on children due to ethical conduct, we just have to go by assumptions, however, I believe that instead of teaching our children an all or nothing approach, we should teach them moderation along with the health benefits that come with eating every food group in moderation. There’s nothing wrong with sugar unless you don’t over indulge.

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