Have you been convinced by the constant barrage of HCG diet testimonials? The diet has recently become the talk of the Internet, even though it was developed over 60 years ago. The HCG diet claims this: HCG (or human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone found in pregnant women, is supposedly responsible for releasing stored fat to feed the baby in utero. By restricting your caloric intake while Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And this week she's discussing how to deal with an unplanned cesarean birth based on her own experience. Hello to all the readers out there! After a six-week hiatus, I’m back after having a beautiful baby boy and ready to answer your questions! However, this week, I’d like to share my birth story, which includes an unplanned cesarean section, so I will be offering Read more

DrSugar is in the house! To celebrate National Coffee Day, she's answering an age-old question about how your cup of java affects your day. DrSugar, I am confused about coffee. I remember reading somewhere that coffee is only a mild diuretic and doesn't contribute to dehydration. But after I drink a cup of coffee or an espresso drink, my mouth feels dry and I need to pee more frequently. So I am Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar, A few years ago, I started going to a new primary care physician, who I really like. But I was surprised when she listened to my heartbeat and told me I had a heart murmur. She said it was nothing to worry about, just something you "have," and that it probably wouldn't ever lead to any complications. I've Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. DrSugar, I just read your post about getting off of the pill and having irregular periods afterward. I am thankful for your article as I had experienced two to three months of no period! I am looking to conceive possibly in the next three to four years and wondering if you were able to do so after being on the pill for Read more

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's teaching us about digestive issues. In last week’s column, I answered a great question from a reader who was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her physician. I addressed her question regarding Candida infection of the gastrointestinal system but felt that a separate column on IBS was warranted, given its common prevalence and media Read more

We're pretty familiar with how to prevent catching a regular cold or the flu, but the swine flu seems like a whole new ball of wax (or phlegm, in this case). Since swine flu seems to be spreading quickly, you want to do whatever you can to keep from catching the H1N1 virus. Here are some precautions you can take. Wash your hands often with soap and hot water (don't just rinse with water). Read more

I can think of plenty of reasons going to the doctor annoys me. I hate the long wait, I spend more time talking to the nurse than the actual doctor, and when I do see the doctor, he's always so quick to write out a prescription and send me on my way. Who knew, though, that doctors find us frustrating, too. Here are five things MDs hate about their patients. Patients who lie about their Read more