Ask Dr. Mike: Raw Milk, Supplements, Water Consumption & Blood vs. Saliva Testing

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

Listen in, because what you come to know and learn helps ensure healthy choices you can actually live with!

This week on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:

What's more accurate for testing hormones: saliva or blood?

Using saliva and blood tests to look at your hormones both have advantages and disadvantages. However, Dr. Mike likes to use blood tests since it is a better way to look at all your hormones. Blood tests are reliable, and doctors are better able to interpret your numbers. Doctors still don't know exactly what saliva or urine numbers mean when testing your hormones.

Why do I have ridges in my nails?

Some experts strongly believe that your nails, skin and eyes are windows to what is happening inside your body. If the outside feels and looks abnormal, there could be a bigger issue happening inside.

There could be a number of reasons why you could have ridges, holes or divots in your nails. Horizontal ridges could indicate some iron issues, mineral issues, or metabolic issues. It would be wise to set up an appointment with your doctor to have further testing done so you can better address the health problem going on inside your body.

Should I stop all supplements before surgery?

No. The only supplements that you should stop before a surgery are those that are thin your blood. Blood-thinning supplements are often used to help prevent your blood from clotting, and you definitely don't want this going into surgery. Check your supplements before surgery and always ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Is it really necessary to drink eight glasses of water a day?

No. There's no research or conclusive evidence in any peer review publication that a specific number of glasses of water should be consumed each day. However, it is very important to stay hydrated throughout your day.

If you're drinking a glass of water when you get up in the morning, before (or at) each meal, and before bed that's roughly five or six already. It could be for some people that six to eight glasses of water is needed each day... but some people may need more, while others may need less.

What's your take on raw milk?

Raw milk is milk that comes straight from animals' udders and has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Some believe there are risks associated with drinking raw milk because it still contains dangerous bacteria. However, others also believe that pasteurized milk is the root cause for a lot of allergies and that because raw milk has not been pasteurized it has healthier benefits.

If you DO decide to consume raw milk, make sure you drink it within a couple of days after purchase, because it will spoil faster than pasteurized milk.

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.