Q&A with Top Doctors

How to replenish low white blood cell count through diet

Low white blood cell count can be improved through dietary intake of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help promote the production and function of white blood cells. For example, animal liver, lean meat, fish, eggs, and soy products are rich in high-quality protein and minerals such as iron and zinc, which can promote hematopoietic function. Fresh vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, carrots, oranges, and kiwifruit, are rich in vitamin C and folic acid, which help enhance immunity and promote white blood cell production. Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells.

To better improve white blood cell levels through diet, it is recommended to maintain a diverse diet and balance the intake of various nutrients, avoiding picky eating habits. Increase moderately the consumption of foods rich in protein and iron, such as lean meat, fish, and soy products. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, as these habits can impair hematopoietic function. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, can help enhance immunity. If white blood cell counts remain persistently low or other discomfort symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly and undergo examination and treatment by a qualified physician.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 24, 2025
What are the functions of the live combined spores of Clostridium butyricum?

Compound live Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus powder mainly functions to regulate intestinal flora, improve digestive function, alleviate diarrhea and constipation, enhance immunity, and promote nutrient absorption. This medication helps restore the balance of intestinal microecology by supplementing beneficial intestinal bacteria, thereby relieving various gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms. Additionally, it can produce certain beneficial metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids, which help maintain intestinal health. Moreover, Compound live Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus powder also has certain anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce intestinal inflammatory responses and thus alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Clinically, this medication is commonly used to treat intestinal disorders such as acute and chronic diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

When using Compound live Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus powder, follow the doctor's instructions. It is generally recommended to take it after meals to reduce the impact of gastric acid on the live bacteria. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice promptly. In addition, maintaining good dietary habits and lifestyle practices, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, engaging in moderate exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep, can also help improve intestinal health. If you have any questions about the medication or experience adverse reactions, contact your doctor immediately. Also, pay attention to proper storage conditions for the medication, avoiding high temperatures and humid environments to ensure its activity and effectiveness.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 24, 2025
Will eating too much beef cause hair growth?

Eating excessive beef does not directly cause increased body hair growth. Body hair growth is primarily influenced by genetic factors, hormone levels, and individual constitution, and is not directly related to beef consumption. Beef is a high-protein, nutrient-rich food; moderate consumption benefits the body by providing essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and other nutrients that aid in muscle growth and repair. However, excessive beef consumption may lead to caloric surplus, resulting in fat accumulation and affecting body shape and health.

To maintain good health and an ideal body shape, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume various nutrients in appropriate amounts, and avoid excessive intake of any single food item. Increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to ensure adequate dietary fiber intake. Engage in regular physical activity to promote metabolism and help control weight. If abnormal body hair growth or other health issues are noticed, timely medical consultation is advised for professional examination and recommendations. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding excessive stress and staying up late, is important, as these factors may also influence hormone levels and body hair growth.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 24, 2025
How many meters long is the large intestine and how many meters long is the small intestine in the human body?

The length of the large intestine in adults is usually around 1.5 meters, while the small intestine measures approximately 5 to 7 meters. This difference in length is adapted to their respective functional requirements. The small intestine is the main site for digestion and absorption; its greater length provides sufficient time for food breakdown and nutrient absorption. In comparison, the large intestine mainly absorbs water and eliminates waste, thus not requiring excessive length. The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, each performing specific digestive tasks, while the large intestine includes the cecum, colon, and rectum, which collectively handle waste processing. The length and structural design of both reflect the efficient division of labor within the human digestive system.

If there are concerns regarding gastrointestinal health, symptoms may be improved through adjustments to the diet. Increasing dietary fiber intake can help promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation. Moderate physical activity can also strengthen abdominal muscles and assist the digestive system in functioning more efficiently. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation and examination are recommended to rule out potential diseases.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 24, 2025
What are the key points to note during the late stages of pregnancy?

In the late stage of pregnancy, which is the last trimester, it is important to pay close attention to physical changes, arrange daily activities appropriately, maintain balanced nutrition, keep a positive mindset, and understand the signs of labor. Specific recommendations are as follows:

1. Closely monitor physical changes

Count fetal movements at fixed times each day, once in the morning, afternoon, and evening, for one hour each time. Multiply the total count from the three periods by 4; fetal movements within 12 hours should be more than 30. If fetal movement suddenly decreases or increases significantly, seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal development and assess the placenta and amniotic fluid levels through tests such as fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound.

2. Arrange daily activities appropriately

Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor should be avoided to prevent premature rupture of membranes. Be cautious when walking up and down stairs or walking to prevent falls.

3. Maintain balanced nutrition

Control weight gain. Reduce intake of high-calorie and high-fat foods, and consume more foods rich in protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber to prevent constipation. Limit salt intake to avoid worsening edema.

4. Maintain a positive mindset

In late pregnancy, anxiety may arise due to fear of childbirth. Family members should provide more care and companionship. Pregnant women themselves can relieve stress by listening to music, talking with friends, or engaging in other relaxing activities.

5. Recognize signs of labor

When experiencing regular uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding (show), or rupture of membranes, promptly go to the hospital to prepare for delivery. Especially after rupture of membranes, lie flat immediately, elevate the hips, and avoid activities that could lead to umbilical cord prolapse, which can endanger the fetus.

Pregnant women should bathe regularly and change undergarments frequently to maintain personal hygiene and prevent infections. Additionally, avoid exposure to toxic or harmful substances to prevent adverse effects on fetal health.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
May 24, 2025
How to prepare traditional Chinese medicine

There are specific methods for decocting traditional Chinese medicine, which generally consist of five steps: preparation of utensils, soaking the herbs, decocting, filtering the medicinal liquid, and combining the decoctions. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Step 1: Preparation of utensils. It is best to choose ceramic pots, casserole dishes, or similar vessels, as these materials are chemically stable and less likely to react with the herbs.

Step 2: Soaking the herbs. Place the herbs into the pot and add an appropriate amount of clean water, preferably covering the herbs by 2–3 cm. Soak them for about 30 minutes to allow sufficient water absorption, which helps extract the active ingredients effectively.

Step 3: Decocting. Bring the water to a boil over high heat first, then reduce the heat and simmer slowly. Generally, the initial decoction takes 20–30 minutes, and the second decoction takes 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Filtering the medicinal liquid. After decocting, strain the liquid using gauze or a sieve to avoid mixing in the herb residue.

Step 5: Combining the medicinal liquid. Combine the liquid from the first and second decoctions and take it in two doses, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Some special herbs may require specific methods of decoction, such as prior decoction, delayed addition, or wrapped decoction. Follow the instructions provided by your physician.

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Dr. Sun Lianqing
May 24, 2025
What does it mean when the baby is engaged (in the pelvis)?

Fetal head engagement refers to the process in late pregnancy when the fetal head enters the maternal pelvic cavity through the pelvic inlet, which is an important preparation for natural childbirth.

As gestational weeks increase, the fetus gradually grows and the uterine space becomes relatively smaller. Under the influence of hormones, the pregnant woman's pelvic joint ligaments relax, creating conditions for fetal head engagement. The fetal head is wedge-shaped, and during engagement, it enters the pelvic inlet along the occipito-frontal diameter. The head is partially flexed and engaged along the occipito-frontal diameter, with the sagittal suture positioned along the right oblique diameter of the pelvic inlet, and the occiput located in the left anterior part of the pelvis. This indicates that the fetal position becomes relatively fixed, laying the foundation for a smooth delivery. The timing of engagement varies among individuals; for primiparas, it generally occurs one to two weeks before the due date, while for multiparas, it may happen only after labor has begun.

After fetal engagement, pregnant women may feel relief in the upper abdomen and improved breathing, but they may also experience symptoms such as frequent urination, lower abdominal pressure, and back pain, which are all normal. It is recommended that pregnant women engage in appropriate physical activities, such as walking or prenatal yoga, to help the fetus engage better and facilitate subsequent delivery, although strenuous exercise should be avoided.

At the same time, adequate rest and sufficient sleep are important. Family members should offer more care and psychological support to alleviate the pregnant woman's anxiety. Additionally, close attention should be paid to fetal movements and regular prenatal checkups maintained. If signs of labor such as regular contractions, spotting, or rupture of membranes occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
May 24, 2025
How long after a meal is it better to take medication?

The timing of taking medication after a meal depends on the characteristics of the drug and the individual's physiological condition. Generally, digestive aids can be taken immediately after eating; drugs that irritate the gastric mucosa should be taken 15-30 minutes after a meal; and lipid-soluble drugs should be taken half an hour to one hour after eating. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Some medications may interact with components in food, thereby reducing their effectiveness, while other medications are better absorbed by the body when taken with food. Additionally, individual differences can also lead to variations in drug absorption and response. For medications that irritate the gastric mucosa, it is recommended to take them 15-30 minutes after a meal to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Lipid-soluble medications, such as vitamin A and vitamin D, are better dissolved and absorbed when taken half an hour to one hour after a meal, when the dietary fats are being digested and absorbed, thereby enhancing the drug's therapeutic effect.

For digestive aids, such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, it is generally recommended to take them immediately after a meal in order to achieve timely therapeutic effects. If you are unsure about the timing of medication, always read the drug instructions carefully or consult your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the instructions strictly and never change the timing or dosage arbitrarily.

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Dr. Yang Ziqi
May 24, 2025
What does "over-the-counter medication" mean?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines refer to medications that consumers can self-assess, purchase, and use to primarily relieve common mild symptoms. These medicines have usually undergone long-term clinical verification and are considered relatively safe, but must be used according to medical advice.

Although OTC medicines do not require a prescription, they should still be used with caution. For example, stomach pain may be caused by gastritis, peptic ulcer, or indigestion, and the treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. If stomach pain persists or worsens, it is advisable to seek medical attention first to determine the exact cause. Long-term self-administration of painkillers may damage the gastric mucosa and exacerbate gastric disease.

OTC medicines carry either a red or green label. Red OTC medicines can be sold only in pharmacies, while green OTC medicines can also be sold in supermarkets, hotels, and other locations, indicating relatively higher safety. Compared with prescription medicines, OTC medicines are characterized by safe application, definite therapeutic effects, stable quality, and convenient usage. Their package inserts are detailed and easy to understand, and adverse reactions are relatively fewer, milder, and well known.

When self-purchasing and using OTC medicines, it is essential to carefully read the instructions and follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medicine, or if new symptoms appear, medical attention should be sought promptly.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
May 24, 2025
Is coughing a symptom of COVID-19 infection?

Coughing is not a specific symptom of COVID-19 infection; various diseases can cause coughing, and a comprehensive evaluation combining other clinical manifestations is necessary. Before a clear diagnosis is made, do not take medication on your own to avoid delaying treatment or causing adverse reactions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

The typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection are mainly dry cough, fever, and fatigue, with some patients experiencing loss of smell or taste, muscle pain, nasal congestion, and sore throat. If coughing is the only symptom without fever or other symptoms, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is relatively low.

Coughing can also be caused by common colds, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. For example, the common cold often presents with nasal congestion and runny nose; asthma patients may experience wheezing and chest tightness; allergic diseases may be accompanied by rashes and itchy eyes. When coughing occurs, one should not hastily self-diagnose as having COVID-19 but should consider personal exposure history, epidemiological investigation results, clinical judgment by a physician, and necessary laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause.

If the cough persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), shortness of breath, or weight loss, other serious diseases should be considered. In daily life, it is recommended to keep indoor air humidified and avoid irritants such as smoke and dust; drink plenty of water, and try honey water to soothe a sore throat. Individuals with suspected symptoms are advised to seek timely medical attention, take personal protective measures, and avoid cross-infection.

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Dr. Ren Yi
May 24, 2025