About Dr. Gourmet

My name is Timothy Harlan and I am both a physician and a chef. This blog is a general collection of information and random ideas on eating great food and eating healthy.

You can find more at the Dr. Gourmet web site. Link to http://www.drgourmet.com.

Eat well, eat healthy, enjoy life!

Recent Posts


Vitamins; Diets for Multiple Conditions; More : Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: Is the product Vitamin Water Zero a hoax or does it have some redeeming value?

A: My opinion is that this is a scam. There’s no reason to take multivitamins except in some very specific cases and there’s no [...]

What information is there about Coumadin (warfarin) interaction with grapefruit?

Q: There is information about cranberry juice interacting with Coumadin (warfarin), however, I would like to request information about the interaction of grapefruit with Coumadin (warfarin) and if it is contraindicated.

A: While cranberry juice is safe with Coumadin (warfarin), [...]

Sweets; Raspberries; More: Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I have a terrible sweet tooth and my blood sugar is normal. I’m otherwise healthy and have no blood pressure problems. Can too many sweets cause me to become diabetic? Should I be concerned?

A: It is a myth [...]

Pesticides; Soy and Cancer; More : Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I am concerned about pesticides on foods. How does one avoid the “dirty dozen” and protect infants and children, while still eating a balanced diet?

Do any safe, cleansing agents get rid of pesticides on food? What solid research [...]

Probiotics and Coumadin : Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I am on warfarin (Coumadin) and a restricted fat and cholesterol diet. The legumes I use in my diet now cause me some digestive upset. I stopped using probiotics because they might change my warfarin level. I see Align advertised on your web page, would that [...]

Ginger, Garlic and Coumadin (warfarin) : Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I am now taking Coumadin and just learning what’s okay and not okay. Is it okay to include the combination of fresh ginger and fresh garlic in stir-fry cooking?

A: Sure. Both of these are going [...]

Agave Nectar; Garlic; More: Ask Dr. Gourmet

Dear Dr. Gourmet,

Q: Can you shed any light on the benefits or misconceptions of agave nectar especially as it relates to Type II diabetics and the glycemic index? Is it just a bunch of hype or can agave nectar (when used properly) be a useful and safe [...]

Thyroid, Cholesterol and Coumadin : Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: My 85 year old mother was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol and advised to start taking a statin to bring her levels down. My mom is also on Coumadin and is taking medication for her thyroid. The problem is that to lower her [...]

Resveratrol and Coumadin (warfarin): Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I have been hearing a lot about the positive affects of Resveratrol. Could I take that supplement along with Coumadin (warfarin)?

A: There’s no evidence at all that resveratrol is beneficial. None, nada, zip. There is [...]

Vitamin K in Stevia: Ask Dr. Gourmet

Q: I need to watch my blood sugar and I am also on Coumadin. Stevia seems to potentially be a good sugar substitute, but since it’s made from green leaves, I am wondering if there is any Vitamin K content in it?