Ask Dr. Mike: Hawaiian Spirulina vs. Chlorella & Bicycling Prostate Concerns

Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans.

Listen in because what you know helps ensure healthy choices you can live with. Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:

If I ride my bike, will that make my enlarged prostate worse?

This has been debated back and forth for many years. Some doctors will tell you that it doesn't damage your prostate, while other doctors will tell you it does. Dr. Mike thinks that if your prostate is normal size, there's no issue with riding a bike.

However, if you have prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate, you might exacerbate and cause more symptoms.

A study on Health Day's website looked into bike riding and men's health. Researchers found that cyclists who ride more may face a higher risk for prostate cancer, but not a greater chance of infertility or erectile dysfunction.

Is Hawaiian spirulina the best source, and is it better than chlorella?

Yes, Hawaiian spirulina does seem to be the best sourced. Spirulina is a blue-green algae; it doesn't have a cell wall and has more of a complete protein. Chlorella is more like a plant and is better for heavy metals. So, depending on what you're trying to do will determine whether to use spirulina or chlorelia.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com or call in, toll-free, to the LIVE radio show (1.844.305.7800) so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.