Healthy Talk

Uncovering the underlying mechanisms in Alzheimer's dementia provides insight into ways of preventing this devastating disease.You may not be worried about having to deal with Alzheimer's right now, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of what Alzheimer's can do to your health. Alzheimer's is a progressive mental deterioration that occurs in middle- to old-age due to the degeneration of your brain. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse with age. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease; however, there is a lot of research looking into ways to prevent and counterbalance Alzheimer's. Non-traditional research has uncovered oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance, infections and inflammation as major pathological processes involved in Alzheimer's dementia. Counteracting them with targeted nutrients may offer hope in preventing this devastating disease. There are some ways you can counterbalance these mechanisms including monitoring your oxidative stress. Making sure your stress levels within your brain are not constantly reacting is crucial. Taking specific antioxidants can help minimize free radicals which can cause unwanted stress. The first antioxidant is pregnenolone, a hormone that is involved in the steroidogeneis of pregestogens. The second is turmeric, a root powder spice that is known for fighting infections and healing other ailments. Using turmeric can help fight stress in your brain as well.  What are some other steps you can take to prevent Alzheimer's disease? Dr. Mike shares five steps to preventing Alzheimer's, as well as why this is beneficial to your health now and in the future.

Nutrient dense foods contain few calories but are high in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and protein. Are you getting enough?You may think that healthy food is boring and that no matter how you try to cook it, it doesn't taste as great as you had hoped and wanted. However, eliminating processed, high-fat foods from your diet could have a rewarding affect. Whether you have been told by a doctor to eat healthier, or you have just taken matters into your own hands, eating "cleaner" can have a significant impact on your health and longevity. For optimal health, nutrient dense foods are the best way to go. These foods contain few calories and have a high source of vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats. What are some nutrient dense foods you should be incorporating into your daily routine? You might think nutrient dense foods only include fruits and veggies; but many other nuts, seeds and meats can also be great sources. For example, substituting almond flour for your normal flour gives an added bonus of protein and healthy fats, both of which can reduce inflammation. What are the benefits of eating nutrient dense foods? When you eat nutrient dense foods, you're not only obtaining more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but you're also "tricking" your body to feel fuller faster and longer. Substituting nutrient dense foods for fast, processed foods takes away your cravings for sugar, carbs or salty snacks. What are some healthier nutrient dense snacks to always keep handy when you find yourself in a deep food craving? Radio Host, Frankie Boyer, joins Dr. Mike to share why you should switch to eating nutrient dense foods, what healthier options there are when cooking and the benefits of nutrient dense foods.

What cumulative effect are GMO foods having on your health?If food has the possibility to make you sick, then doesn't food hold the power to make you healthy? GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) started to hit the food market as early as the 1990s; however, awareness has increased greatly in the past few years. And, even though the topic GMOs has gained notoriety in health articles and news conversations, many people are still unaware of foods that contain GMOs. Blame it on the fast, chaotic pace of life you're living... now more than ever you're relying on quicker food options, which causes you to think less about what you're putting in your mouth and the potential health hazards. Also, you may not know that you're the reason for the GMOs in your food. Relying on fast and processed foods and constantly spending money on these options creates a higher demand for these products. As a result, certain crops are more likely to become genetically engineered to keep up with the demand. These foods include corn, soy and animal products (milk, meat, eggs). Aside from GMOs, don't forget about the packaged goods that contain extreme amounts of sugar and preservatives to ensure a longer shelf life. What cumulative effect is this having on your health? Radio Host, Frankie Boyer, joins Dr. Mike to discuss how your eating habits directly affect your health and why you should be aware of the food you're feeding yourself and your family members.

So far, there have been over 500 reported cases of MERS and 145 deaths. How can you protect yourself and your loved ones?The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus MERS-coV. The virus was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Since then, MERS has spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. In May 2014, the first and second U.S. cases of MERS were confirmed. MERS is very dangerous and has extreme health risks. So far, there have been over 500 reported cases and 145 deaths. Those who are infected with MERS have a 30 percent chance of death. Before you lock yourself in your apartment, there are some important details you should know about MERS. Where did this illness come from? Since MERS is a coronavirus, it is capable of infecting both humans and animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scientists and researchers don't know for certain where the virus came from, but they believe it is linked to an animal source. How is MERS spread? Unlike a common cold, MERS is spread from direct contact with an infected person. For example, if someone sneezes and you happen to be right next to him and a little saliva sprays onto your face, that can cause you to become infected. What are the symptoms of MERS? Those who have been infected with MERS developed mild to severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, muscle aches, cough and shortness of breath. How can you prevent yourself and your loved ones from contracting MERS? It is not recommended that you cancel your travel plans, but rather take precaution. Wash your hands frequently and use a separate hand towel if someone in your household is ill. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose without washing your hands first. It's also important to clean frequently touched surfaces like counter tops and doorknobs. What else do you need to know about MERS? Dr. Mike discusses what the MERS virus is, what symptoms to look out for and ways to prevent the MERS virus from getting to you and your family.

Don't worry, the pros of having a pet will always outweigh the risk of potentially getting sick.You love your four-legged companion like they are part of your family. You share everything with them: your food, your kisses and oftentimes, your bed. But here's something to think about... your dog loves to run in the mud, jump in rivers and ponds and lick unidentifiable objects on the ground that pick up all sorts of germs, which he then tracks back through your house. Do you truly know where that tongue and those paws have been? Can all those pet germs actually make you sick? Prevention magazine reported that there's a certain amount of ickyness you have to accept when you bring home a pet. Don't worry though; the pros of having a pet will always outweigh the risk of potentially getting sick. And it certainly doesn't mean that you have to give your dog up, just that you may have to use a bit of preventative care to stay healthy. One parasite found in your pets that can be transmitted to you is ringworm. Ringworm is the most contagious infection and can live without a host for more than three weeks. Ringworms cause skin lesions, patches of missing hair and scaly skin with a red dot in the middle. To prevent ringworm, make sure you're washing sheets or any blankets on which your pet lays and sleeps. Hookworms are another potential parasite that can be transferred to you via your pet. These worms cause bloody, loose stools. If a hookworm transfers to a human, the most common symptom is an itchy rash among your abdomen. Making sure you pick up after your pet is crucial in order to avoid transference. What are other sicknesses you should be aware of? Dr. Mike discusses if your pet is making you sick, types of infections to look out for, ways to prevent these infections and treatment options.

The sexes are more different than just the obvious anatomical differences, even when it comes to food.The sexes are far more different than just the obvious anatomical differences. What's good for a man may not necessarily be good for a woman. In general, women need fewer calories than men because of the differences in body structures. This also means that women and men need different types of foods and nutrients. What foods should women be eating? Women generally need foods that are rich in iron, especially when you're menstruating. Such foods include fish, meat, poultry and spinach. To better absorb iron, you should be pairing it with vitamin C. Calcium is crucial for aging women to help lower risk of osteoporosis. If you aren't a fan of milk products, there are other types of food sources that provide calcium such as soy, rice or almond milk. What foods should men be eating more of? For men, it's important to eat foods that are healthy and can lower health risks such as prostate cancer. For example, foods that contain lycopene, a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, red carrots and watermelons, are essential. Are there specific foods that men and women should be avoiding? Clinical nutrition manager at Medifast, Jennifer Christman, RD, LDN, shares why food affects men and women differently, as well as the types of food that men and women should eat and which they should stay away from.

Did you ever consider that what you're fueling your body with could be the reason you're up and down all night?You're fully aware of the numerous benefits sleep has on your health, but do you really get the right amount of shut-eye each night? It's doubtful; not many people do. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling insufficient sleep a public health epidemic. What's causing insufficient sleep? You may think you've heard all the possible reasons why you're getting horrible sleep at night: You're watching TV or Netflix on your computer in bed, you're constantly checking your phone, you've had too much caffeine in the day or you're stressed about the days to come. What about your diet? Did you ever consider that what you're fueling your body with could be the reason you're up and down all night? Let's face it, how you eat during the day strongly influences the sleep quality you'll be getting at night. If you eat a heavy meal before you sleep, it can cause discomfort and keep you up throughout the night. Dieting habits can also play a role in your unhealthy sleep patterns. Making sure you're drinking water throughout the day and eating every couple of hours will help you sleep better at night. What types of foods should you be eating to get a good night sleep? Oatmeal is rich in fiber, helps you stay full and provides a tiny amount of melatonin, a natural sleep aide. Fish like tuna, halibut and salmon are high in vitamin B6, which your body needs to make melatonin and serotonin. What are other foods that affect the way you're sleeping? Clinical nutrition manager at Medifast, Jennifer Christman, RD, LDN, joins Dr. Mike to discuss why your diet is affecting your sleep pattern and ways to get back to a healthy sleep pattern.

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability.A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," happens when blood flow to a part of your brain stops. This can cause brain damage and even death. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability. If preventing a stroke isn't entirely possible, is there anything you can do to prevent damage to your brain and body? Fish oil is one option. Quickly diagnosing if a stroke is happening and increasing blood flow to those parts of the brain could prevent permanent, untreatable damage. In a study published in the Public Library of Scientists in 2013, scientists administered DHA, a component of fish oil, to mice and found that it reduced the damage inflicted by a stroke. The scientists looked at ischemic stroke, which is a type of stroke resulting from a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to your brain. The mice and divided into three groups. One group received a collection of omega-3 fats, a second group was given omega-6 fats and the last group was given a saline solution. In general, the group given omega-3 fatty acids showed 43 percent smaller infarction 90 minutes after the stoke was induced. When they added fish oils, it decreased infarction volume by 53 percent. Fish oil can be obtained by eating fish or by taking a supplement. Aside from these stroke-related benefits, fish oils can have numerous health benefits relating to the heart and blood system. Should you be taking fish oil to reduce your risk of a stroke? Dr. Mike discusses the research and if you should be taking fish oil supplements to help lower your risk of stroke.

Age-related bone loss is a serious condition. The good news is that it can be prevented in most cases.Age-related bone loss is a serious condition. It not only increases the risk for fractures, but it also increases the risk for death; especially if bone loss occurs quickly. This is why it's important to stay active as you age, as this can preserve bone mass and strength. Staying active with weight bearing and resistance exercises is a great way to build up bone density. It's also important to take supplements that are high in vitamin D and vitamin K2. Calcium is important, but if you're low in vitamin D and K2, the calcium doesn't work properly in your body. Have you thought about using melatonin to help with bone density? You might think melatonin is only used to help promote natural sleep, but melatonin has also been shown to improve your bone health. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that's produced in the pineal gland under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the light/dark cycle. Melatonin also plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, immune function and now has been linked to bone remodeling. PEW Research in March 2014 looked at effects of bone mass and volume with the use of melatonin in 22 month old rats. The first group of rats was treated for 10 weeks with melatonin, the other group was not. The study looked at proteins in bones, minerals in bones, bone strength, flexibility and density. What the study found was no surprise that melatonin can help improve your bone health. The rats treated with melatonin had higher bone volume and stronger bone density and bone strength than those rats that didn't take melatonin. Dr. Mike discusses what happens to your bones as they age, why it's important to support bone health and how melatonin can improve your bone health.

Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing health management, offering potential solutions for a myriad of diseases and conditions.Regenerative medicine is the emerging process of replacing (regenerating) human cells, tissues or organs in order to restore and establish normal function with just a small piece of your own skin tissue. Regenerative medicine may become the most powerful tool to improve the human condition by finding ways to boost the body's innate ability to repair itself. This new approach is revolutionizing health management, offering potential solutions for a myriad of diseases and conditions. You now have the opportunity to save your skin cells at a cell bank. A cell bank is a facility that stores stem cells of a specific genome for the purpose of future use in a product or for medicinal needs. Cells are taken from a small sample of the skin and are then reset to the beginning state of the cell production. These skin cells are processed into stem cells that are frozen and then are stored for future use to repair damaged organs, rebuild tissue, and fight disease. Dr. Mike discusses what regenerative medicine is, what this means for the future of medicine and the type of human conditions which could be treatable.

If you're given a zero percent chance of survival, could you still beat cancer?If you or a loved on has been diagnosed with cancer or been through the cancer treatment process, you know it's an ordeal that takes a lot out of the patient. There is always a heavy emphasis on the unfortunate outcomes cancer can have; but what about those who survive cancer? Despite medical evidence of the existence of statistically unexpected, or "spontaneous remission," from cancer, Kelly Turner, PhD oncology, was shocked to learn that no one was studying cases of people who recovered from cancer against all odds... without the help of conventional medicine, or after conventional medicine had failed. Radical remission is when you heal from cancer and that healing process is medically inexplicable. For instance, when your doctor tells you that you're not going survive, but against all odds, you do. Dr. Turner's dissertation included 10 years of research, traveling to 10 countries, 50 interviews with alternative healers and discussions with 20 Radical Remission cancer survivors about their healing techniques. She found that not only was this the first time someone was asking about radical remission, but the stories of the survivors were too good not to retell. What are the nine most prevalent factors involved in documented cases of radical cancer remission? Changing your diet Herbs and supplements Taking control of your health Follow your intuition Release suppressed emotions Increase positive emotions Embrace social support Deepening spiritual connection Have a strong reason for living A researcher, lecturer, and counselor in the field of Integrative Oncology whose specialized research focus is the radical remission of cancer, Dr. Turner joins Dr. Mike to discuss her research on radical remission.

If you're constantly tired, cranky and sluggish, maybe it's time to change your fuel.Have you ever heard the saying, "you are what you eat?" What you are putting into your body is quickly transformed into energy. It only makes sense, then, if you eat a high-calorie, fatty, sugary breakfast you're going to feel sluggish, tired and hungry again within a few hours. As a nation, we are eating pre-packaged foods loaded with sugars, salts and artificial ingredients, colors and flavorings. What cumulative effect is this having on our health? It's a no-brainer. It's not a surprise that as a country, our health is a growing concern. Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are all on the rise. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, 3,600 youth are newly diagnosed with type-2 diabetes annually. Nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes and 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes. It's time to change the way you eat, live and play. Do you know the difference between processed foods and real foods? When you walk into most grocery stores, anything placed in the middle is processed, including bread, crackers and chips, cereals, etc. Real foods are typically placed on the outside aisles (fruit and veggies). You don't necessarily need to completely cut the middle aisles out of your shopping trip, but it's time to recognize what this food is doing to your health. What about some ingredients that are being added into your foods? One major ingredient that's being added into your food is trans fat. Trans fats (trans fatty acids) are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make food more solid. Trans fats raise your LDL cholesterol levels (your bad cholesterol). There is no healthy level of trans fat that you can eat. Two types of preservatives you should be avoiding are Butylated hydroxyanisole, or what is put on food labels as BHA. BHA is used in products that contain fats and oils to prevent them from going bad. The second preservative is propyl gallate, an artificial food additive that is found in foods containing fats such as vegetable oil, mayo and chips. This additive also helps maintain freshness in foods. Dr. Mike explains why the foods you're eating are making you feel so sick, the difference between organic and natural foods and which food additives to avoid.

Newer tests and treatment options are proving quite promising for men with prostate cancer.When it comes to prostate cancer, recent advances may help you avoid unnecessary surgery or radiation. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind lung cancer. Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland, an organ that forms a ring around the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Usually, in order to test for prostate cancer, you would have to go undergo a PSA exam or, Prostate-Specific Antigen. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and this test is used to measure the level of PSA in your blood. In the past, doctors have treated prostate cancer aggressively, since there were few accurate tests to determine the location and size of the cancer. Today, however, there are better tests that can change the direction of your treatment. Color Doppler ultrasound and the prostate-specific MRI can help identify the size of the cancer and if it has spread beyond the prostate. What is a vital test to determine prostate cancer? A newer test, PCA3 (prostate cancer gene three), is a gene-based test carried out via a urine sample. When prostate cancer cells are producing more than your normal cells, your PCA3 protein level is high and will leak into your urine. What are some nutrients to take while going through treatment? Two key nutrients that you can take throughout all stages of prostate cancer are Boron, a mineral, and lycopene, a bright red carotene and carotenoid that is found in tomatoes and other red fruits and veggies. Both are able to reduce the growth of prostate cancer. Dr. Mike discusses prostate cancer, past screenings on prostate cancer and natural treatments for the disease.

Food sensitivities are very common and have a more serious impact on your health than previously thought.Has it ever occurred to you that fatigue, weight gain, abdominal discomfort, headaches and aging skin could be due to food sensitivity? Eating the same food every day increases your risk of developing an immune reaction, which raises inflammation and might be the underlying cause of some of your symptoms. The problem is, you may not know which foods are causing you to feel this way. Just to be clear, the difference between a food allergy and food sensitivity can be confusing. A food allergy is a dangerous immune reaction involving the immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody to a particular food. An example of this is a peanut allergy. A food sensitivity is completely different. Even though it is also an immune reaction, a food sensitivity is an unpleasant reaction to certain foods. This reaction can cause you to develop acid reflux, nausea or abdominal cramps. If you've gone to several physicians and they are either prescribing anti-inflammatory medicines or telling you it might be in your head, it's time to take matters into your own hands. What can you do? Consciously think about the foods you're eating, especially foods you're eating every day. You need to look at your Immunoglobulin G (IGG levels), which is related to food sensitivities. Dr. Mike shares the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities, symptoms of food sensitivities and tests you can take to determine food allergies and food sensitivities. For more information, you can go to Life Extension to research some at-home allergy tests.

Learn some healthy home tips for relieving allergy symptoms.Medicine and supplements can help prevent and treat allergy symptoms, but did you know there are natural remedies found in your home and office that can help reduce your miserable allergy symptoms as well? For instance, simply removing all nylon curtains and vinyl shower curtains can decrease symptoms. It's important to remember that springtime is one of the most common seasons for allergies. The weather is changing, flowers are blooming and allergens flow freely through the air. In certain areas, you may need to turn on your AC due to the warmer weather. Sometimes, your indoor air conditioner can be worse for you than being outdoors. Think about it; you've been sealed in a confined space for more than a couple months. Another tip? Open your windows and doors for at least 20 minutes a day. During those winter months you might have used spray air fresheners or cooked on your stove top without turning the vent on. All these toxins need a place to escape. You should also take your shoes off at the front door. Do you know where your shoes have been? It's not called spring cleaning to get you excited for a new season. Cleaning out your closest gets rid of dust that can trigger your allergies. Wash your pillows, pillowcases and bed sheets. What are some other ways you can combat allergies? Special guest, Robin Wilson, joins Dr. Mike to share ways you can relieve your allergy symptoms within your home. Wilson is an expert focused on allergy/asthma related issues in indoor quality and has served as an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America since 2011.