Diet and Exercise - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about diet & exercise.

QUESTION: Exercise and Foot Cramps
Whenever I exercise, I get cramps in my feet, specifically my toes. I can sometimes feel a cramp coming on and bending my toes backwards can prevent or release the cramp. I've heard this is due to some nutritional deficiencies or dehydration. Is this true? What do your recommend I do about this condition?
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QUESTION: Running and Pneumonia
I am a runner who is recovering from my first (and hopefully last) bout with pneumonia. How long is the recovery period, and when can I get my running shoes on again? I am quite concerned about overdoing it too early, even though I feel okay.
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QUESTION: Triglyceride Diet
What type of diet can lower triglyceride levels?
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QUESTION: IBS and Weight Loss
I have IBS with constipation. I'm also about 20-25 lbs overweight. What kind of diet do I need to follow to address both of these issues?
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QUESTION: Internal Cleansing
What is your opinion on "internal cleansing" procedures to detoxify your internal organs and to stimulate proper functioning of the colon? I just purchased an internal cleanse for the first time and according to its accompanying literature it is actually healthy for an individual to have a bowel movement two to three times a day, and the reason such frequency not common is because of all the toxins in our body and buildup in our colons. Is this true?
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QUESTION: MorbidObesity-GastricBypass
How does a morbidly obese person know whether it would be necessary to have gastric bypass surgery, or whether to keep trying diets?
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QUESTION: Prednisone and Weight Loss
What is the most effective method for weight loss/management while taking prednisone?
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QUESTION: Neuropathy and Diet
My mother is not diabetic, but has neuropathy in her feet. Sometimes her feet become so painful she can hardly walk. Does diet affect neuropathy?
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QUESTION: Exercise-induced Hives
What is the best way to treat exercise-induced hives? Also, is this a condition that will eventually just go away? I've been living with it for about four years now -- I get hives everyday when I work out if I don't take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
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QUESTION: Diet After Bowel Obstruction Surgery
What kind of diet should I be following after bowel obstruction surgery?
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QUESTION: Nutrition and Testosterone
Does eating soy products on a daily basis adversely affect testosterone levels? Does eating a low-carb, high-protein diet affect testosterone levels? Are there foods that should be avoided or consumed by a person with low testosterone levels?
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QUESTION: Children and Treadmills
My 7-year-old son wants to use our treadmill daily to get exercise. He is normal weight and very active. What guidelines should we set so that he does not injure himself? What about his 5-year-old brother?
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