DEAR DR. BLONZ: I've been a coffee drinker for most of my adult life, but have now read that coffee absorbs calcium -- that it can even pull calcium out of bones and lead to osteoporosis. Is that true... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your column about grilling foods. When I was much younger, I would barbecue two or three times a week using charcoal. That went on for at least ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I was told to take a calcium supplement, but the one I purchased says to consult your doctor if you are taking estrogen, which I am. Why is that? -- J.D., Anderson, South Carolina... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: If using olive oil in foods, are the health benefits limited to extra-virgin olive oil? We found that the flavor of the extra-virgin oil we were getting was often too strong or bitter ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Many people I encounter seem to take it as a given that cow's milk is not a healthy choice and that any other choice -- oat, almond, soy -- is better. I don't drink milk, but I do use ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I just turned 60, and I seem to tear tendons and ligaments with what I think is unusual regularity. I am fairly active -- walking and yoga daily, plus hiking on the weekends -- and I a... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Are you aware of any research about the health benefits of tupelo honey, particularly in regard to diabetes? An article promoting its use said that its "high-levulose, low-dextrose rat... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I appreciated your recent column on blood glucose and the hemoglobin A1C test. I have a follow-up question based on videos I have seen on social media: People are using wearable patch ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I enjoy my generally vegetarian diet, but I remain a bit confused about beta carotene in plant foods. As I understand it, it plays a role as an antioxidant and also becomes vitamin A. ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: After my annual physical, I discovered that my hemoglobin A1C was in the prediabetic range, although my glucose reading was in the mid 90s. I have been cutting way back on sugar, eatin... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I was diagnosed with goiter after my recent annual checkup, and am now on low-thyroid medication. I was told to maintain a normal intake of iodine -- there was no recommendation to tak... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: My cooking class instructor mentioned that broths or gravies should never be covered with an airtight lid until they are cold, because botulism toxins can form in anything lukewarm and... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Do you know if there is any special value in drinking those "green powder" supplements, other than supplying antioxidants? The company says the nutrients in their greens are more effic... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am concerned about using aluminum cookware and foil, as they present a danger of aluminum leaching into my food and causing health problems like Alzheimer's or autism. -- H.G., Chica... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: You, and other experts, always say to "wash your fruits and vegetables." But I haven't seen much about what that really means: Splash them with water? Run water over them for an amount... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: A natural health practitioner was a guest at a recent dinner engagement. She declined the water offered, saying that drinking water with or immediately after the meal dilutes the enzym... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Our only child just turned 13. He continues to grow, but there is a bit more of him than we would like. Our doctor has mentioned that he is in the upper percentiles for his age, but di... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and go with organic produce whenever possible. But increasing food costs are making this difficult. I have a good relationship with the head of the... more
DEAR READERS: Often, the letters I receive reflect the rise in diet and health advice found online and through social media. While I welcome the increase in helpful, evidence-based information, it has... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: My partner and I are planning to start having children. My diet is fairly healthy, but far from ideal. I don't always eat all the fruits and vegetables I am supposed to every day, and ... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Please address the variety of weight-loss programs out there: They all seem to rely on very different approaches, but all claim success and have celebrities pushing them. Questioning s... more
DEAR DR. BLONZ: My parents, now in their 80s, tell me their appetite is nothing like it used to be. Eating seems to be more of an obligation or a social requirement than something driven by hunger. I ... more