Your Health Questions Are Answered GENERAL Michelle Udayamurthy, M.D., Internal Medicine Is there any benefit to taking a daily vitamin or nutritional supplements such as vitamins C and D, or is it better to get these essential nutrients from foods? The only vitamin I recommend to patients is vitamin D, usually 2000 IU per day. For other vitamins and supplements, we can usually get these from eating a normal, nutritious diet. If you have specific dietary restrictions or certain medical conditions, it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any other supplements or vitamins. Is taking a small dose of aspirin daily recommended for better heart and overall health? It’s recommended for certain individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. However, an aspirin regimen isn’t advisable unless directed by your doctor because of the potential risk of damage to the stomach and intestinal linings. Is testosterone replacement or enhancement therapy a good strategy for more energy and better health? Not necessarily. If you believe you have symptoms due to low testosterone, it’s best to be evaluated by a urologist or endocrinologist. They can determine if testosterone replacement is needed. There are multiple factors that can contribute to low energy levels and worsening health. Moreover, testosterone replacement can lead to serious adverse side effects.
DIET Shane Magee, M.D., Internal Medicine Do prebiotics and probiotics supplements work, or is eating healthy better? It’s important to remember that the everyday things we eat affect the bacteria in and on our body. Therefore, it’s more important to eat a well-balanced, plant-based diet. Most evidence to support probiotics centers around digestive problems. Is fasting a good way to lose weight? Fasting will help some people lose weight quickly, but there is a high rate of weight regain. Although intermittent fasting may improve insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes, I would rather my patients 14 | Mv | May + June 2021
by our group of specialists from Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
make sustainable lifestyle changes and remember that slow but steady weight loss usually is longer lasting. Is detoxing your body regularly a good idea? There is no evidence to support detoxing. Detoxing can refer to many different procedures people often try to rid their bodies of toxins, but to the best of my knowledge, I know of no specific health benefits. I attribute any positive changes from a detox to a healthier diet rather than a so-called detox regimen. People who eat healthy do feel better. How important is your BMI (body mass index) to your overall health? The BMI offers a quick insight into your body composition. It’s easy use makes it slightly error prone. Fortunately, for the vast majority of nonprofessional athletes, it is a good marker. There is a negative correlation between increasing BMI and obesity-related conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and abdominal cancers, not to mention increased mortality.
SKIN Anita Mehta, M.D., F.A.A.D., Dermatology Are there certain foods or creams that enhance or reduce your skin’s aging process? Eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods (fast food, white sugar, candy, soda, etc.) is definitely good for your skin. They are less inflammatory, and the less inflammation you have in your body, the better for skin will look. Using sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 will decrease the amount of sun damage you develop, which will help decrease sunspots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Products that have retinol in them also decrease fine lines, wrinkles, and help even out skin tone. In that way, retinol products can slow the aging process of your skin.
