Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV May 25/99
NUTRITION QUESTIONS FROM THE NOON NEWS HOUR

1) Jason from Surrey asks:
Does stress cause a lack of appetite? And if you suffer from a lack of appetite, what can you do?

Usually stress causes an increase in appetite via a rise in a hormone called cortisol. When the stress is over, we usually feel hungrier. However, in people with a low weight and light appetite to begin with, stress may decrease appetite. To increase appetite, eat small amounts regularly all day. Don’t displace appetite with excessive amounts of fluids. If trying to gain weight, eat 3 large meals a day with all 4 food groups included and put snacks in between.

2) Rose from Coquitlam asks:
Is there a link between aspartame, nutrasweet and various cancers?

This idea has been getting widespread attention on the web lately. Aspartame is made of 2 amino acids, although it is a synthetic product. It has been proven safe at a level of 40 mg/kg body weight per day. This translates into about 16 cans of diet pop per day! Although considered safe, I feel strongly that since it is not a substance which occurs naturally in nature, our intake of it should be kept low. In animal studies, there does seem to be a link between aspartame and certain tumors. People with a condition called Phenylketonuria must avoid aspartame.

3) Is there anything I can do to promote continuation of my milk supply when breast feeding? My supply has been reduced.

This may be due to a lack of total calories (energy). Make sure you are eating enough. Many new moms are so focused on baby’s schedule they forget to eat enough. Also, check your hydration status. Ensure you drink at least 8 cups of hydrating fluids per day. This can include water, milk, soy milk, real fruit juices or weak teas.

4) Richard from West Vancouver asks:
Should I throw out an imported can of fruit salad that smells like zinc (minerals)?

Yes. The rule of thumb is “If in doubt, throw it out.” If anything looks or smells off, it’s not worth eating it.” If the can looks corroded or damaged in any way, the contents may contain unsafe amounts of certain minerals like lead. Even though its a loss of money, your health is worth far more!

5) Leanne from Port Coquitlam asks:
My son has burned himself with hot chocolate and I’ve been told that protein will help his wound heal more quickly. What can I feed him in addition to peanut butter and meat?

Good sources of protein include: soy protein, tofu, legumes like beans and lentils, eggs, lean meat, fish, chicken, nuts, peanut butter, milk, cheese and yogurt. Vitamin C is also important in wound healing. All fruits and vegetables – especially oranges, peppers, strawberries and kiwi fruit are good sources.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!

Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission