Healthy Talk

Listen in as Dr. Mike provides the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions.Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans. Listen in, because what you come to know helps ensure healthy choices you can actually live with! Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know: How can I enjoy birthday cake without all of the guilt? Sometimes, the best part of a birthday is being able to eat cake. If you've recently indulged in a few slices, it's important to know that's okay. Don't beat yourself up; it happens to everyone. The next time you're at a party, try not to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach. This is easier said than done, but it can help you from feeling like your pants button might pop off... not to mention a little less guilty. A trick Dr. Mike utilizes is to first look at the normal serving size, then he cuts it in half and eats the half of anything sweet. However, Dr. Mike suggests moving away from the other half of the cake (and any other pieces) before you overindulge. There's also a way you can minimize the amount of sugar that comes into your blood by taking transglucosidase, or green tea phytosome. My doctor refuses to give me testosterone because he says it increases heart disease risk. But you said low testosterone was a risk factor for heart disease. I'm confused! A little over a month ago, Dr. Mike did a segment on 17 risk factors for heart disease. Unfortunately, many doctors are believing the evidence produced in a flawed study, which may be happening in your case. Back in November 2013, health headlines were published saying that testosterone treatments were linked to heart risks. In the study, it stated men who used testosterone were 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or to die during a three-year period than men with low hormone levels who didn't take any testosterone supplements. But, there were many issues with how this study was conducted. First, there was an inadequate testosterone replacement. In studies designed to test the impact of testosterone therapy, you have to think about how much you're giving a person, how much you're changing the testosterone levels already present in the blood, etc. But, in this study, only 60 percent of the study subjects receiving testosterone had follow-up blood tests to actually assess testosterone levels. Another flaw was the failure to account the impact of estrogen. When men age, they convert testosterone into estrogen. When there is a lowering of testosterone and estrogen levels, there tends to be a handful of problems, including cardiovascular risk factors. If you want to take testosterone, Dr. Mike suggests seeing a different doctor and getting your blood tested. If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.

No, beer is not the secret to losing weight. One ingredient may certainly help, however.No, beer is not the secret to losing weight. One ingredient may certainly help, however. Brewer’s yeast, or saccharomyces cerevisiae, is commonly used in winemaking, brewing, and baking. It’s also been used to treat a handful of health issues including boils, infections, acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and even type-2 diabetes. In the quest to raise bigger and better chickens, one group of researchers accidentally discovered in 2007 that brewer’s yeast might also help lower belly fat.   Yes, It Started with Chickens The study, published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, split chickens up into two groups; one was fed a normal diet, while the second group had a normal diet supplemented with the yeast. In just seven weeks, the chickens that were given the saccharomyces diet experienced a significant decrease in fat, specifically around the abdominal area.   Since then, further studies have been conducted in an effort to determine what exactly might have caused this. Could it be a specific compound or protein within the yeast organism that has this effect? If so, can that protein be isolated and turned into something more concentrated for human consumption?   Can Humans Benefit from Brewer’s Yeast? One study seems to have gotten closer to the answer. Originally published on the NutraIngredients website, the study gathered 54 obese men and women and split them into two groups. Both groups ate a controlled diet, and participated in walking exercises for 10 weeks. One group consumed 0.5 grams of saccharomyces 30 minutes prior to eating breakfast or dinner every day. Results showed the brewer’s yeast group lost an average of six pounds over the 10-week period, while the group that didn’t have any yeast only lost an average of 1.8 pounds; even though everything else remained the same. The most interesting result of all is that each group’s lean body mass stayed the same, which meant that muscle tissue didn’t drop during the six-pound weight loss. When an obese individual loses weight, it’s common for muscle loss to occur along with fat loss, but the muscles here remained well preserved. Listen in as Dr.  Mike discusses this study and the impact brewer's yeast may eventually have on weight loss in humans.

What are some steps you can take to clear away toxins and improve your health?Unfortunately, there's no denying the environment is toxic. Chemicals and toxins are found everywhere; your food, the water, even the air you breathe. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are over 70,000 industrial chemicals used in U.S. products. Scientists, researchers and doctors have been arguing the pollutants you're surrounded by can cause some serious health problems. Is there a way you can have any chance of staying healthy? Always read labels on ALL your products. Use toxic-free and chemical-free hair and body products. Use organic hand soaps, dish soaps, detergents. Go green as much as possible. What are some other ways you can stay healthy in a toxic world? Actress, author and health-advocate, Suzanne Somers, joins Dr. Mike to discuss detoxification steps.

Some hormone replacement therapies can completely stop working for certain women. Why is that?Women oftentimes experience a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels during or after menopause. This drop in hormone levels causes several unpleasant symptoms including vaginal dryness, urinary problems, night sweats and trouble falling asleep, thinning hair, weight gain, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy  (HRT) is commonly used to combat these symptoms but many women are beginning to experience hormonal therapy failure, causing symptoms to reemerge.   A Link Between HRT Failure and Your Liver Actress, author, and health advocate, Suzanne Somers, says that imbalance and inappropriate application of HRT can often lead to hormone failure. Somers also believes that your liver has a big role in HRT failures.   In order to be digested properly and enter the bloodstream, your hormones need to pass through your liver. If your liver is being overworked, it may eventually cause an unregulated flood of hormones to enter the bloodstream. This sudden overdose of hormones may be responsible for causing your symptoms to return.   Hidden Agents Take a Toll According to Somers, we are all under “a massive toxic assault” and our bodies are paying the price. She cites toxic household cleaners, skincare products, and fluoridated water as major contributors to an overworked liver that is constantly trying to filter out chemicals.   Many women may not realize their livers are being damaged. Somers recommends cleaning out your liver using colonics on a regular schedule, beginning with three the first week, two the second week, and once a week for several weeks thereafter. If this schedule cannot be maintained, mixing vitamin C, some water, and three capsules of R-lipoic acid can also be an incredible detoxifier. The end goal here is the same: to unclog the body’s plumbing and clean the liver for HRT to remain effective. Tune in as Somers and Dr. Mike discuss HRT and why it may no longer be working for you.

Some doctors believe that mercury fillings cause hidden damage to your body.Do you remember the Mad Hatter from Alice In Wonderland and how crazy he seemed? He was labeled "mad" and acted nutty because of the high levels of mercury he was exposed to while felting hats. Even though he is a fictional character, his side effects of mercury poisoning were spot on. Mercury exposure has been linked to serious health conditions like autoimmune diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that can be extremely damaging to your body and health. It is released into the air via power plants and industrial facilities and can even be found in certain fishes, thermostats, and light switches. Mercury has been used for decades to fill cavities and prevent tooth, nerve and bone decay. However, health professionals and doctors have started to wonder if you should get rid of your mercury fillings. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mercury is mixed with silver, tin, or copper to help bind together and create a strong and solid filling for your tooth. Dentists have said that since there is a small amount of mercury used in the filling, it shouldn't cause any health concerns. But, if you're someone who has a more than a few cavities, all that mercury can add up. In an article published by the American Nutrition Association, Dr. Seymour Gottlieb reviewed findings on mercury fillings. The article states that on average, the silver fillings used contain enough mercury over a lifetime in the mouth to exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Adult Intake Standard. In fact, according to autopsy reports of those who had mercury fillings, high mercury levels were highest in the kidney, stomach, jaw and the liver. What else do you need to know about mercury fillings? Dr. Mike explores the latest research on mercury used for dental fillings, the harmful effects mercury can cause, and if you should remove your mercury fillings.

Listen in as Dr. Mike provides the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions.Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans. Listen in, because what you come to know helps ensure healthy choices you can actually live with! Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know: Is it true that a simple saline wash works for a runny nose? If you have a runny nose, it can be very annoying to have to wipe your nose every few minutes. To answer the question... yes a simple saline wash is very effective to help rid you of your runny nose. When you're squirting the salt into your nasal cavity, it makes its way up to your sinuses. The salt draws out the excess fluid from your mucosal cells, instantly relieving any sinus pressure and eliminating further drips from your nose. A huge benefit of using a saline wash is that you can use it as many times as you want. If you also want to help reduce inflammation in your nose, Dr. Mike recommends using curcumin and quercetin in your saline mix. When should I be concerned about dry skin and see my doctor? Even though your dry skin can feel uncomfortable, it really isn't that serious. Dry skin is very common throughout the winter months and is usually caused by the lack of moisture within the epidermis layer of your skin. Usually, if you stay clear of harsh chemicals used in soaps and cleaners, while also applying moisturizer to the dry areas, you can avoid the discomfort of dry skin. However, if your dry skin is patchy and covers various parts of your body, you should definitely get it checked out. I recently read that a new form of rice bran is treating cancers. Have you heard of this? Doctors and researchers have been following this closely to see if it's actually true or not. If you look at a piece of rice, located in the middle are hulls that are covered by fibers. If you extract the fibers out and add enzymes from shitake mushrooms, the enzymes break into small pieces when you ingest them, giving it the enzymatically modified rice bran. These boost the natural killer cells within your body. If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears, when no external sound is present.Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears, or in the head, when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping or clicking. According to Hearing Health Foundation, 50 million Americans experience hearing loss. In fact, tinnitus affects 20 percent of Americans, and hearing loss occurs in 90 percent of those cases. What are the symptoms of tinnitus? The classic symptoms of tinnitus are listed above (ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking), but it also includes high and low pitches in one or both ears. Sometimes, the noises you hear can become so loud that they interfere with your ability to focus on other tasks. When should you go see your doctor? If you begin to notice a ringing in only one of your ears and you haven't been exposed to any loud noises (construction work, a concert, blasting music in your headphones), it's typically a sign of a more serious problem, like a tumor. Another thing you want to keep an eye on is how uncomfortable the tinnitus is. If it's really bothering you and getting in the way of your daily life, then you might want to see a specialist. What are the eight ways to reduce and eliminate tinnitus? Get your hearing checked Reduce your stress Avoid aspirin, or any products containing salsalate Clean your eyes thoroughly Avoid excess caffeine and stimulants Explore further testing Try tinnitus retraining therapy Look into stress-relieving medications or use biofeedback therapy What else do you need to know about tinnitus and how you can eliminate the condition? Dr. Timothy Frantz joins Dr. Mike to discuss eight simple ways to reduce and eliminate tinnitus.

Herbal extracts provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits.Inflammation is your body's natural response to an injury, pathogen or irritant. Chronic inflammation can occur when something engages your immune system and inhibits your body's ability to shut this response off. This could manifest into a disease, such as arthritis, bronchitis or heart disease. Conventional doctors like to prescribe powerful anti-inflammatory medications, but they all come with many side effects. Are there any safe and effective herbs you could use instead? Using herbs, spices and teas is a more natural way to reduce the inflammation in your body without causing any damaging side effects. The first powerful spice is curcumin. Curcumin drastically improves inflammation, protects your respiratory system, increases the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, and is also a strong antioxidant. What are some other teas, spices or herbs to help relieve inflammation? Ginger Green and black tea Boswellia What else do you need to know about natural ways to help treat your inflammation? Dr. Mike shares why excess inflammation could be damaging to your health, as well as the best teas, spices and herbs you can use to help ease your inflammation.

Listen in as Dr. Mike provides the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions.Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans. Listen in, because what you come to know will help ensure healthy choices you can actually live with! Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know: Are there any supplements for tinnitus? Tinnitus occurs when you have ringing or other sharp-pitched noises within your ear, but there is no external sound present. According to the American Tinnitus Association, one in five people experience this condition. Even though doctors aren't quite sure why you may be experiencing tinnitus, there are some sources that could be contributing to the problem. These sources include head or neck trauma, exposure to extremely loud noises (concerts, music blasting loudly in your headphones, construction work, etc.), wax build-up, cardiovascular disease, jaw misalignment, a tumor, or hyperthyroidism. There are some supplements that may be able to help. The first Dr. Mike recommends is actually a hormone called Adosterone, which helps regulate your fluids. In some studies, Adosterone has been shown to improve hearing loss. Other supplements you may want to try are those that boost your overall nerve health such as CoQ10, omega-3 oils, B vitamins, Angelica Root, and ginger root. I heard the flu vaccine isn't as effective this year. Is this true? The flu vaccine has been a controversial subject for many years. Some believe that the vaccine will do more harm than good for your health and that you don't really need it. It has also been speculated that the flu strain created for this year's vaccine is not the correct strain. Flu vaccines are essentially created by studying the flu patterns of the southern hemisphere, since it's winter down there while it's summer up here. The CDC looks at strains of viruses in the southern hemisphere that people might be getting infected with. So, the vaccines that are given to North Americans are based off of the strains that were seen in the southern hemisphere. This, unfortunately, can be a guessing game; ultimately, they don't really know which influenza strains will be prominent in the northern hemisphere. If you're looking to improve your immune system, there are several natural ways you can do it. For example, you can take vitamin D, andrographis paniculata, lactoferrin, and garlic. If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.

Did you know losing your sense of smell is linked to increased mortality?No one can predict with absolute certainty how long you'll live; but there are certain factors that may provide an indication. For instance, your ability to smell may actually give a hint, according to the results of a new study published in PLOS One. Researchers found that older people with an impaired sense of smell were more likely to die within a five-year period. In the study, researchers tested the olfaction of roughly 3,000 older volunteers aged between 57-85. These volunteers were interviewed at their homes and asked to identify five odors (rose, fish, orange, peppermint and leather) that were in felt-tipped pens. The results were rated by a total loss of olfaction, some decline, and normal function. Five years after the study was conducted, the researchers examined the mortality rates of the volunteers. Researchers found 39 percent of the volunteers with no sense of smell had died, compared to 19 percent of the volunteers who had a decline in smell, and 10 percent with those who had normal function. What are some tips to help improve longevity? One crucial step is eliminating the stress in your everyday life. It can seem hard in fast-paced, chaotic society, but if you have too much stress within your life, your health will begin to decline. Incorporating more plant-based, wholesome foods into your diet can also help increase your longevity. What else do you need to know about improving your time on Earth? Dr. Mike discusses the study, as well as steps you can take reduce your risk for early death.

A diet rich in certain foods can dramatically improve thought, memory and mood.Being part of a society that's never able to slow down -- one that has processed and unhealthy foods on every corner -- it may seem that everyone's brains are inflamed, stressed-out and polluted. This unhealthy brain environment can make it hard to think clearly and remember relatively simple things, like where you last placed your keys. If something isn't done to reverse the current conditions of the functioning of the society we live in, the poor cognition and memory problems that result will increasingly give way to dementia and other devastating disorders. So, what's the first thing that needs to be done? Eating the right foods is a great place to start. It can be hard to find realistic time in your day to fully plan meals for seven days a week. It can also be a challenge to find foods that offer exceptional nutrition at a reasonable price. You may be well aware of the effects sugar has on your health, but what about other foods that you should stay away from? Unfortunately, there is no short answer to this question. Have you ever tried reading a food label and found yourself scratching your head while pulling up a Google search on your phone to figure out what the heck an ingredient is? There are many unnecessary (and unidentifiable) added ingredients that serve no healthy purpose. What are some foods that you should be incorporating in your diet? Foods that are rich magnesium, lysine, and B vitamins are a great way to increase energy levels, fight off infection and improve memory function, mood and your overall health. What are some other foods that can help improve your overall quality of life? Dr. Jon Leff joins Dr. Mike to discuss how wholesome, healthy foods can help improve your memory, mood and overall health.

Learn effective nutritional strategies for remembering where you put your keys.When you think about staying fit, you may typically think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, and even sleeping. The good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthy as you age. You might have been told that as you age, your brain deteriorates. However, your brain is very powerful and is able to adapt and change at any age. If you're looking to stay sharp, or even just slightly improve your memory, there are several things you can do. What are the five ways you can increase your memory? Sleep Exercise Use it (learn a new language, read, brain exercises, etc.) Food Exposure to nature Dr. Jon Leff joins Dr. Mike to discuss the five ways you can increase your memory function.

Activating one enzyme and boosting production of one energy co-factor can result in significant strides in living longer.Every year, the Life Extension Foundation releases its latest research in longevity medicine. This year, they focused on AMPK. AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), is an enzyme that exists in cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK contains three proteins -- that when combined -- make a functional enzyme. AMPK is found in your cells, plays a major role in your cellular energy balance, and is found in several of your body's tissues such as the brain, liver, and the skeletal muscles. AMPK also improves your longevity. How can you reactive AMPK to improve your health and longevity? Activating AMPK and boosting levels of the energy co-factor NAD are research-supported methods for living a healthier and longer life. One ingredient that can help reactive AMPK is gentamicin pentoxifylline, an herb that is traditionally used in Asian medicine that can also improve body weight, improve your lipid counts and increase fat burning potential. How often should you be taking this pill? A human trial showed optimized benefits with participants taking 450 milligrams daily; splitting up the doses by taking one in the morning and one during lunch. What else do you need to know about AMPK? Dr. Kira Schmid, Associate Director of Scientific Affairs for Life Extension, joins Dr. Mike to discuss the science behind these longevity targets.

Did you know losing your sense of smell is linked to increased mortality?No one can predict with certainty how long you'll live, but there are certain factors that may provide an indication. For instance, your ability to smell may actually give a hint, according to the results of a new study published in PLOS One. Researchers found that older people with an impaired sense of smell were more likely to die within a five-year period. In the study, researchers tested the olfaction of roughly 3,000 older volunteers aged between 57-85. These volunteers were interviewed at their homes and asked to identify five odors (rose, fish, orange, peppermint, and leather) that were in felt-tipped pens. The results were rated by a total loss of olfaction, some decline, and normal function. Five years after the study was conducted, the researchers examined the mortality rates of the volunteers. Researchers found 39 percent of the volunteers with no sense of smell had died, compared to 19 percent of the volunteers who had a decline in smell, and 10 percent with those who had normal function. What are some tips to help improve longevity? One crucial step is eliminating the stress in your everyday life. It can seem hard in fast paced, chaotic society, but if you have too much stress within your life, your health will begin to decline. What else do you need to know about improving your longevity? Dr. Mike discusses the study that suggests your sense of smell is linked to an increased mortality, and steps you can take reduce your risk. Incorporating more plant based, wholesome foods into your diet can also help increase your longevity.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, women make up 40 percent of hair loss sufferers.When you hear commercials, hairdressers and friends talk about hair loss, you might automatically think of men; particularly older men. But, bad news ladies... hair loss is increasingly affecting women, especially younger women. In fact, according to the American Hair Loss Association, women make up 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. How do you know if what you're experiencing is truly hair loss and not just shedding? It's important to know that the American College of Dermatology says you can lose 50 to 100 strands of hair each day, and up to 250 stands if you're washing your hair. Some studies have even suggested that during certain seasons, women have a higher risk for hair loss. This is fairly typical in most women. However, there are some signs to be looking for if you are suspecting that you're really losing your hair. For instance, if you're brushing your hair (without tugging) and a clump of hair comes out, if there are clumps on your pillow when you wake up in the morning, or if you notice bald spots on certain areas of your scalp (commonly among your hairline), you may want to consider seeing a doctor. What could be the reason for your hair loss? One particular reason for your hair loss is that it's simply in your genes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, heredity is the most common reason behind hair loss and a genetic predisposition occurs in 50 percent of women. There are other reasons such as certain medical conditions, like pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, menopause, or thyroid disorders that can be the reason for your hair loss. What is a Theradome? Theradome is a medical device used as a laser hair treatment that helps restore and grow your hair. It is the first and only Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter wearable laser treatment for inside your home. Patients have a high success rate, and results are often seen within just two treatments. What else do you need to know about hair loss in women and how Theradome works? Former NASA scientist, Dr. Tamim Hamid, joins Dr. Mike to discuss why hair loss in women is just as -- if not more -- common in women, as well as ways you can help prevent hair loss.