YOUR HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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

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.

Is there really anything that cures psoriasis without side effects?

We do not have a cure for psoriasis. However, there are treatments available that can help patients keep their psoriasis quite clear and minimize the number of flare-ups they have. We have treatments ranging from creams to light treatments to pills to injections. These treatments come with various side effects with creams and light treatments having the fewest side effects. Steroidal creams, which are often used when treating psoriasis, are well tolerated. However, if overused, they can thin or lighten the skin. Light treatments consistent of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light, so their main side effects are similar to getting too much sun – mainly a sunburn-like reaction such as itching and dryness. Pills and injections often come with more potential side effects, such as lowering the immune system and an increased risk of infection, but overall the risk is low and the medications are well tolerated by most patients. Desiree Bobino Thomas, M.D., Neurology

Is there scientific evidence that brain and memory supplements help improve memory?

Most supplements have not been clinically proven to help memory, and the ones with “proven benefits” only make a small difference.

Supplements are not regulated and can have unexpected ingredients that interact and adversely affect other medications you are taking. Proceed with caution and talk to you doctor before taking any supplements.

Does playing puzzle games help with memory retention/strength?

Yes. Puzzles, cards, mind teasers, and other games can help to improve memory. The use of memory phone apps may also help preserve brain function.

Is loneliness a risk factor for dementia?

Yes. Humans are social beings. Lack of social interaction is harmful to our brains. It’s important to stay connected to family, friends, or even pets to help our emotional well-being, which in turn helps our thinking/memory.

SLEEP

Puneet Patni, M.D., Pulmonary Medicine

Sleep doesn’t come easily for nearly half of older Americans, and more than a third have resorted to medication to help them doze off at night, according to new results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.

But most poll respondents said they hadn’t talked to their doctor about their sleep, even though more than a third said their sleep posed a problem. Half believe — incorrectly — that sleep problems just come naturally with age.

Are melatonin or sleep aids a safe, long-term solution?

Many believe sleep problems come naturally with age, but this is not true. Some older adults may need slightly less sleep than when they were younger and some may experience a little bit of a circadian phase shift. If you’re having difficulty sleeping or you’re experiencing frequent awakenings or excessive daytime sleepiness, you should discuss this with your doctor or a sleep specialist. Fortunately, Kelsey-Seybold has a dedicated Sleep Center to diagnose and treat individuals dealing with sleep deprivation.

Melatonin and other sleep aids are acceptable for long-term use and can have a small benefit for insomnia but shouldn’t be used alone. These supplements can have a beneficial role when used in a more comprehensive approach that may include cognitive and behavioral strategies, addressing other medical and psychological issues, and improving sleep hygiene.

Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone the brain makes to naturally control sleep cycle. Melatonin levels, which rise after the onset of darkness, are tenfold higher at night than during the daytime. Studies show that melatonin can have an effect on the time it takes to fall asleep and total sleep time.

John Colen, M.D., Urology

Prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates 248,530 new cases in 2021. As serious as prostate cancer can be, it’s treatable and survivable when detected in the early stages. Educating men on the condition and having regular checkups are important for optimal outcomes.

How often and at what age should you be tested for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screening is a fairly controversial topic. Most importantly, before screening for prostate cancer, it’s important for each man to have a thorough discussion with their physician regarding the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. Currently, the American Urological Association recommends men at a higher risk begin screening at age of 40. This higher-risk group may include African Americans or men who have a family history of prostate cancer. For men at average risk, screening should start at age 55. The screening process involves a blood test called the PSA and a digital rectal examination to evaluate the prostate for nodules. Testing should be performed every one to two years.

Is testicular cancer more common now than it was 20-30 years ago? What are the signs to look for?

The incidence of testicular cancer has been increasing over the last several decades, but this increase has begun to slow down. It’s not entirely clear why the rate of new cases has increased. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a palpable, firm mass in the testicle. For this reason, it is important for a man to do monthly testicular exams. If any new masses are detected, an appointment should be made with a urologist. Many lumps in the scrotum are not cancer, but this determination should always be made by a medical professional.

Is regular sex or masturbation recommended for a healthy prostate?

Although some men would prefer regular sex or masturbation to help with prostate health, this is simply a preferred truth or urban legend and should not be taken as medical advice. There is no evidence to suggest that regular ejaculation will lead to a decreased risk of prostate cancer or other benign prostate associated conditions.

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