Archives

DEAR DR. BLONZ: You have addressed the use of vinegar to help blunt the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. I want to know what white distilled vinegar is made from. And how is it made? Is ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Are the natural flavors the same as what you would find in that actual food? For example, orange is one of my favorites; when a food labeled "all natural" says it is made with actual o... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Please explain more about placebos and controls and whether they can actually bring about health benefits. -- G.B., Anderson, South Carolina... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: As an Oakland, California, resident, I appreciate each of your columns in the East Bay Times. The recent column on protein was timely, as I am a 71-year-old, just over a hip replacemen... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: This is about a solution to the stomach problems that were experienced by my daughter. We were not sure whether it was some medical condition, stress, or even a food allergy. At a peri... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: We had great-tasting grilled frozen swordfish steaks at a friend’s place, prepared according to the package instructions. I would appreciate your comment on whether this is a good fish... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have been eating more nuts and seeds, and also adding them to our children's lunches. Walnuts are a favorite. I would like to know their effect on blood lipids and triglycerides. In ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have a question concerning recommended servings of foods, how they have been determined over the years and the confusion with food labels. It can be unclear when checking serving siz... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Our son, now 13, has grown about four inches in the past year. Lately, he has mentioned experiencing some muscular pains when playing soccer, often stating that the soles of his feet h... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: The talk at the gym among my 50-something crowd is that protein needs are especially important for those seeking to build muscle. A popular drink at the cafe has a vitamin and collagen... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I recently read an article about the cancer risks associated with cooking food on the grill, but I have always wondered if these same cautions apply to both charcoal and gas BBQs. We a... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is there any concern about the different forms of ascorbic acid in many vitamin C supplements, that some are not the best form for the body? I read that rose hips should be used for vi... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am limiting foods with added simple carbs in my diet, but I am concerned after learning that maltodextrin is all over and considered the worst kind of carbohydrate. I checked and fou... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: My regular enjoyment of cashews was put at risk when I heard someone say at a party that they never ate them since they learned cashews contain a toxin and must be avoided. I was skept... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know that if you are predisposed to kidney stones, consuming foods high in oxalates is not a good idea. But I also read that oxalates will accumulate in the body. And they are descri... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: In a recent column about digestion and gas, I felt you should have mentioned probiotics. I have friends who swear a daily probiotic has changed their lives. I take one also and have ha... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I respect your expertise and skepticism, but feel the need to vent about your rejection of all that's alternative, much in the same way that medical doctors do. I hear about many succe... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I would appreciate your thoughts on the discussion about aluminum foil that occurred at a recent dinner event. There was acknowledgment of its many uses and the plus that it is recycla... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: With increasing weather and power emergencies, I have been keeping an emergency supply of food that needs to be rotated periodically. I prefer having foods that we use regularly rather... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I found an unopened pint of ice cream in my freezer that had been buried for about a year. I was disappointed to see that it had ice crystals, just like another container I had opened ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have tried intermittent fasting, but I want to know your thoughts on going on a multi-day complete fast for energy, cellular renewal, detoxification and immune system strength. Water... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have been focusing on whole foods and reducing my consumption of processed fats in my diet, as well as that of my family. I do want to address the diets of my children, aged 9 and 14... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: What is known about how our digestive system can renew itself? Can materials normally eliminated end up stuck for several months and cause various problems? There are "cleanse" service... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I was concerned to hear that some meat manufacturers and stores inject their meats and poultry with water and other substances to increase their weight for sale. This seems a bit sneak... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I would like clarification about cancers and the difference between a mutagen and a carcinogen. I am inquiring about any connection between liquid smoke flavoring and the risk of cance... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is there a way to lessen or control the diuretic effects of alcohol on the body? On the rare occasion that I have drinks with friends, I am then up all night urinating, which takes all... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: What you eat is obviously involved with gas in the intestines, but it seems to remain a problem no matter what I try. I once went to a specialist in natural medicine and tried various ... more

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Some time ago, I became interested in assuring myself an adequate supply of soluble and insoluble fiber. I bought reasonable quantities of oat bran, wheat bran, wheat germ, flaxseed an... more