Have Health Questions? Ask Dr. Mike

Since the beginning of the Life Extension Foundation, and especially over the past eight years, Dr. Mike has received many health and wellness questions in emails, letters and calls.

Dr. Mike wants to address these inquiries in a weekly segment to help answer your personal health questions and concerns.

Every week, Dr. Mike will take your questions and try his best to provide you with in-depth and helpful replies.

1. Why do you prefer fish oil over flaxseed for omega fats?

Dr. Mike's segment, "Omega-3s" Healthy or Unhealthy," discusses omega-3 fatty acids: which ones are healthy and unhealthy and why he prefers that you take omega-3 supplements. Omega-3's are associated with easing inflammation, reducing the fats in your blood and boosting your brain health. Plant-based omega-3's (flaxseed oil, seaweed) do not provide you with the long chain omega-3s (EPA, DHA) found in fish.

2. I want to take DHEA for metabolic support and immunity, but I'm concerned if I start taking DHEA my body will stop making it. HELP!

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an anti-aging hormone made naturally in your body that produces male and female sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen). As you age, the DHEA levels in your body decrease (quicker if you're female).

There is a risk your body will stop producing hormones naturally if you begin to take synthetic hormones. If your DHEA levels are low or nonexistent, Dr. Mike suggests taking hormone replacements.

3. What's the truth about vaccines?

The theory behind taking vaccines is to improve your immunity against specific diseases. Your immune system needs to be invaded in order for it to work. This means that your body needs a certain virus or other foreign agent (virus or bacteria) so that your immune system will recognize it and can begin to build a response.

Basically, your immune system is getting primed so when a nastier disease comes along, your body is able to fight it. However, some vaccines over the years have been shown to have side effects or not even work at all.

4. Should I stop taking my calcium supplements?

In the simplest answer, NO! Calcium is a mineral in your body that is responsible for the growth and strength of your bones. Calcium is also needed in your body to help protect your nerves and muscles, as well as to prevent blood clotting.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who were taking calcium supplements significantly increased their risk of heart disease. However, there were several flaws within that particular study. The women used in the study also had low vitamin D and vitamin K2.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him so he can help give you support and helpful advice.