Healthy Talk

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition. What if there was a way to ease your symptoms naturally?As you age, your joint cartilage begins to wear away (the main protector of your joint), causing your bones to rub against each other and resulting in inflammation, excruciating pain and damaged joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects roughly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. What if there was a way to ease your symptoms naturally? A new field of study links chronic inflammation not only to the development of arthritis, but also to all other lifestyle diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. There is no doubt that both short- and long-term health requires constant attention to a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. If you're suffering from arthritis or any kind of pain, the first thing you should do is change your diet from acids (alcohol, red meats, saturated fats) to alkaline (fruits and veggies, specifically lemon and watermelon). Another important step is to begin taking supplements that contain glucosamine sulfate. A multi award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Gary Null, PhD, shares his favorite foods to heal your arthritis pain in a natural way. Foods To Add To Your Diet:  Coconut oil Flaxseed oil Strawberries Watermelon Lemon Blueberries Rice Cabbage Juice Parsnips Rutabaga Any C veggie (celery, cucumber, chives, etc.) Miso soup Beans Grape seed extract Omega-3 fatty acids Green Tea Aloe Vera Ginseng

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects roughly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone.Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more of your joints that causes stiffness, joint damage and pain. Did you know that arthritis is referred to as a single disease but has more than 100 medical conditions? These medical conditions all affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically your joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects roughly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, due to aging and wear and tear on your joints. Even though Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, you can prevent it before turning 60. Multi award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Gary Null, PhD, joins Dr. Mike to share his approach to give positive results to ease arthritis pain. Dr. Null's simple yet life-changing protocol is proved to provide consistent, positive results in just 3-4 weeks for 85% of the participants in his study, as reported in his new book, Reverse Arthritis and Pain Naturally: A Proven Approach to a Pain-Free Life.

What might change if you taught your kids the importance of food, where it comes from and why you need certain food groups to fuel your body?Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you to eat your fruits and vegetables? Sitting at the dinner table until your plate was clear of leafy greens was like torture. If this method didn't work out for you, it probably isn't going to work on your own kids. As a society that is constantly on the go, it's no surprise that the distance between food education and nutrition is growing. Children mimic those within their daily environments. That means if you're not eating healthy, your eating habits are rubbing off on your kids. A new study from Business Insider claimed that children with strict parents are more likely to be overweight. What if you taught your kids the importance of food, where it comes from and why you need certain food groups to fuel your body? Dr. Mike shares why you should educate your children on healthy foods and 10 tips for helping your kids eat healthier. 10 Tips for Helping Kids to Eat Healthier Read about food together Play games Encourage farm-to-school and environment-based curricula Engage kids in community gardens and farms Understand the importance of proper nutrition Start a school campaign dedicated to food security issues Start a family garden Watch educational programs Include kids in meal planning Establish family meal times

Low on sleep? You could be losing brain cells because of it, according to the results of a new study.Do you have problems falling and staying asleep? You're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic. But did you know you might be losing brain cells from lack of sleep? Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania placed mice on different sleep schedules to study the effect it had on their brains. What they found was somewhat surprising. Not only did the lack of sleep prove to be damaging, the outcomes turned out to be worse than expected. Lack of sleep increases oxidative stress and kills neurons. The researchers broke up the mice into three sleeping groups: those that mimicked shift workers, one group was allowed to sleep normal and the last group was kept up past their typical sleep schedule for a short period of time. The group that experienced short-term sleeps deprivation, where the mice were woken up on occasion, produced a protein from a gene called SERT Type-3. The mice representing the shift workers did not produce this protein and through extensive amounts of sleep deprivation the alertness and brain function was also damaged. In fact, these mice lost about 25 percent of brain cells. Protect your brain with these tips before getting some shut eye: No electronics past 9:00 pm (this means your Smartphone too!) Get under low lighting Read before bed Try to have the same sleep cycle every day Monday-Sunday (catching up on sleep during the weekend has been found to not help your brain or overall health) No eating or hanging out in your bed When you get up in the morning, look out the window and allow natural light in your eyes and skin Dr. Mike discusses the sleep study, what this means for those who have trouble sleeping and ways you can get better sleep.

The M.I.N.D. protocol is a disease treatment strategy that targets the proposed causes of Alzheimer's disease.If you know someone with Alzheimer's disease, you know that one day his or her mind can be functioning exceptionally well. Then, on other days, you notice memory loss or confusion. Constant development in research has found numerous factors why you or someone you know could develop Alzheimer's. There are also just as many sources to help prevent Alzheimer's. This could be metabolism and core factors contributing to dementia, inflammation and infections damaging brain cells, nutritional deficiencies, and drug use and over-medication; aka M.I.N.D. The M.I.N.D protocol, designed by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, targets the primary causes of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. For the metabolism, you have to optimize adrenal, thyroid and testosterone function. For inflammation and infections, you may experience mental fogginess, the most common cause is Candida. To ease inflammation in your brain you can add curcumin into your diet. Curcumin is an Asian spice that is within the ginger family. Nutritional deficiencies are common with Alzheimer's patients. Vitamin supplements or powders, specifically energy nutrients, can help patients with Alzheimer's. The M.I.N.D. Protocol is currently in a clinical trial. If you or know someone with mild cognitive dysfunction, dementia or Alzheimer's, you can join the trail by calling 410-573-5389. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, joins Dr. Mike to discuss the M.I.N.D Protocol and how it can help prevent and treat people with Alzheimer's.

New discoveries in the causes of Alzheimer's disease is opening the door for exciting new treatment options.Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells. This leads to memory loss, changes in brain function and thinking. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than five million Americans are living with this disease and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Over 85% of all Alzheimer's cases occur in the United States, Western Europe and developed Asian countries. This has led many experts to research the impact pollution, toxins and cellular health has on developing Alzheimer's disease. What are some of the biochemistry research developed for Alzheimer's? Research emerges frequently about new developments in the treatments and links to Alzheimer's. In fact, researchers are now looking into cognitive impairment and energy levels. Another development in Alzheimer's is that attacks on the mitochondrial protein by a free radical, nitric oxide, which causes a chemical reaction called S-nitosylation. What about genetic research? The newest findings claim that blood tests can predict if you will have Alzheimer's. Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center and the University of Rochester School of Medicine reported that a panel of 10 lipids could one day predict Alzheimer's. Is there any way to lower your risk? Exercise has been emphasized to help lower your risk. This includes both physical and mental exercise, such as doing a crossword puzzle or striding on the elliptical. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, joins Dr. Mike to discuss the latest research on Alzheimer's, as well as promising new treatments.

Swishing a small amount of oil in your mouth for several minutes may improve your overall health.Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurveda practice that has gained popularity in the U.S over the past couple of years. This method involves placing a tablespoon of oil into your mouth, swishing it around and pulling it through your teeth and gums for 20 minutes. Oil pulling claims to remove unwanted bacteria, plaque and toxins from your mouth. Many people are touting the health benefits of oil pulling, claiming it treats conditions like diabetes, asthma, acne, migraines, and allergies. Oil pulling has also been shown to help with gingivitis and bad breath. But what is the real scoop on this ancient practice? Is it really some kind of a "cure-all" as it's claimed to be? According to studies found on the National Institutes of Health Database, oil pulling was equally effective as prescription mouth rinses and fighting bad breath. What oils are the best to use and at what time of day should you do it? It is recommended to swish the oil around in your mouth in the morning on an empty stomach, with cold pressed oils. These include sesame, coconut and sunflower oil. What about the other conditions oil pulling is claimed to help fight against? Dr. Mike discusses this latest trend in oral health care, the benefits and if YOU should be participating in this ancient practice.

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food" - HippocratesYou've heard the saying, "you are what you eat" throughout your life. Is this actually true? Or just some clever advertisement to get you to buy healthy foods? Put it to the test. If you were to stop right now and acknowledge how you're feeling, what would you say? Have you ever considered that what you're eating could directly affect the way that you're feeling? Foods can actually make a big difference in the way you feel. Take coffee, for example. Did you know that Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than anything else? According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, coffee drinkers have been shown to have lower depression levels than those who don't drink coffee. Now make a note, this doesn't include your heavy dose of International Delight coffee creamer or your three spoonfuls of sugar. Spicy foods have also been shown to release endorphins, a brain chemical produced during excitement, exercise or pain. What are some other foods that can cause a boost in your mood? Dr. Mike shares six foods that can lift your spirits and exactly why you should be adding these foods to your daily eating routine. 6 Foods For a Better Mood: Coffee Spicy Foods Fruits and Veggies Dark Chocolate Curcumin (tumeric) Yogurt

Despite huge profits made by Big Pharma on anti-hypertension drugs, hypertension continues to silently kill.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of the people in the U.S. have hypertension. Unfortunately, half of the victims don't even know they have suffer and could run the risk of heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening emergencies. Hypertension occurs when you have abnormally high blood pressure that causes your arteries to persistently have elevated blood pressure. You can have hypertension for many years without any symptoms, giving it the name the "Silent Killer." However, there are some symptoms to watch out for if your blood pressure readings come back higher than normal. For instance, if you're constantly feeling dizzy or get light headed when you stand up, if you're ankles are swollen, if you wake yourself up from snoring gasping for air or if you have chronic nosebleeds, you might be suffering from hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, you need an action plan. Talking to your physician about what your blood pressure should be for you to be your healthiest, making sure you know your blood pressure, measuring your medications, and losing some weight can all help you lower your blood pressure. Dr. Christine Lee joins Dr. Mike to discuss the warning signs, foods that can raise blood pressure, and an action plan for making simple changes that can lower your blood pressure naturally.

Green and red foods are detox powerhouses and are essential for getting healthy. Which ones should you be eating?Super foods are known as nutrient-rich foods that are extremely beneficial for your health and well-being. You may know that by eating certain super foods, you can maintain your weight, fight disease and ultimately live a longer life. You may think that you need to go to some "secret" health food store in order to find super foods. That is not the case; super foods are amongst you in your everyday grocery store... it may just take some extra digging to find these hidden green and red gems. Do you know which green and red super foods you should be eating to help boost your health? One red super food is Goji berries. Known as one of the most nutritionally rich foods, this berry is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. A hidden benefit from these super foods is their detox power. Researchers from Tufts University in Boston have found that by adding red and green super foods into your diet, you're reducing the risk of degenerative diseases by 66 percent. What are some other red and green super foods you should be eating? Author of Greens Are Good For You, Tony O'Donnell, ND, joins Dr. Mike to share the benefits of adding green and red super foods into your diet. Green and Red Super Foods:  Goji Berries Mangosteen Strawberries Wheat Grass Spirulina 

Melatonin is well known as a natural sleep aid, but what about its other benefits?Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep? You're not alone. According to the CDC, sleep insufficiency is a growing problem and considered a public health epidemic. According to the The Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institute of Health, about 30-40 percent of adults say they suffer from chronic insomnia. Instead of taking a prescribed sleeping pill, you may want to try a more natural remedy: melatonin. Since it is produced in your brain, taking small doses can help regulate sleep. But did you know that melatonin isn't just for sleep? Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland, a tiny gland in your brain. This hormone is mainly in charge of regulating your sleep and wake cycles. But, Melatonin also has other health benefits. Melatonin is also used to help slow digestion, calm your brain waves and relax your muscles. A study conducted a team of researchers of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paolo, Brazil, found that taking 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before your bedtime can help sooth your migraines. Are there any other hidden benefits? Dr. Mike explains how melatonin works, why it helps promote natural sleep and the other hidden benefits.

Probiotics can help your tummy feel better, but can they slim your stomach too? A new study suggests they might.Every day there seems to be a new diet trick out there to help you lose unwanted weight, especially in those hard-to-reach areas like your tummy. What about using probiotics that naturally target your gut health to help the process? Probiotics are essential in your body's nutrition and contain the same healthy bacteria found naturally in your gut. This healthy bacteria is used to help prevent gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics can also be taken as a supplement to help replenish your gut when you run low on that healthy bacteria. Might probiotics have other benefits? A recent study conducted and published in the British Journal of Nutrition wondered the same thing: can probiotics help you lose weight? The study took 125 overweight men and women, randomly splitting them into two groups: one was given a probiotic, the other was given a placebo. All subjects were on a similar 12-weel weight-loss diet plan. The study found that women who took probiotics lost an average of 10 pounds compared to four pounds in the women in the placebo group. The men, however, didn't lose any significant weight and any pounds dropped was relatively similar in both groups. Dr. Mike discusses the study in depth and if probiotics can in fact help you lose weight.

Just because it's yummy to you, doesn't mean it's good for your pet.Foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption, as well as other animals, may be toxic and even poisonous to your pet, causing a serious threat to its health and well being. Even though your pet might be begging, or giving you that cute look, it's important to understand that not all foods are okay for your pet to consume. Not all animals are affected the same way by the foods you feed them, but would you want to take that risk? For example, did you know that feeding your dogs grapes causes kidney insufficiency? Some other foods that you should avoid giving your dog are raisins, chocolate, garlic, onions, chives, xylitol and avocados. Cats are very curious and can smell, lick and eat almost anything. Flowers and plants are something to be extremely careful about. Certain plants and flowers like lilies are poisonous to cats and can immediately cause difficulty breathing. A tricky food that people automatically think is okay for their cats to consume is milk (blame the movies). Consuming milk can cause upset stomach, skin irritation, vomiting and diarrhea. Pet Health Network is a great source for determining which foods your pet can or cannot eat. Emmy Award winning veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Werber, joins Dr. Mike to discuss which foods not to feed to you dogs and cats.

Low vitamin D plays a role in all age-related diseases, specifically those afflicting African Americans.Optimizing vitamin D through diet and supplements can help reduce the risk and prevent the development of age-related diseases so prevalent within the African American population. These individuals, for various reasons, have a hard time maintaining adequate blood levels. All of the cells in your body have a Vitamin D receptor, so when your cells are Vitamin D3 deficient, your cells are not working the way they should. This can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and adrenal disease. The majority of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D; but within the African-American population, 98 percent are affected by vitamin D deficiency. Why is this sunshine vitamin so important to everyone's health, and especially within the African-American population? The pigmentation of your skin can prevent the conversion of vitamin D to vitamin D3. In order for this process to occur, your skin needs to let ultraviolet rays in. Dr. Richard Walker joins Dr. Mike to discuss the benefits of vitamin D3 and its impact on this at-risk population.

Did you know African Americans are more likely to develop more illnesses and diseases than any other race?African Americans are more affected by high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and cancer than any other race. This population is three times more likely to die from asthma than white Americans. Did you also know that roughly 42 percent of African American men and more than 45 percent of African American women age 20 and older have high blood pressure? What are the factors that separate African Americans from any other race on such a huge level? Even though lifestyle factors can play a role in determining almost any health risk in any race, that is not just the case with African Americans. There is also a genetic and a nutritional component to the disparity. However, changing lifestyle choices and replenishing and supplementing your body with food and nutrients can help reduce these health risks dramatically. What are some other solutions to lower health risks within the African American population? Richard W. Walker Jr., MD, joins Dr. Mike to raise awareness by discussing the major differences that are affecting African American health and the solutions to help decrease these health risks.