Ask Dr. Mike: Omega-3's, Lemon Water & Glucosamine

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:

I'd like to hear Dr. Mike's opinion on Omega-3's. Notable doctors state that omega-3 fish oils can be detrimental to heart disease. Their main points are its ability to go rancid even in the body and its instability due to it being an polyunsaturated oil.

Omega-3 is a fatty acid so it does have the potential to become rancid. Rancid means it's capable of becoming oxidized. It can also raise oxidative stress, but there are tons of studies that have been conducted over a span of a decade that use omega-3 oils and show how beneficial they are to your heart. Dr. Mike suggests certain preserves with the polyunsaturated omega-3 soft gel such as lignin, and olive oil.

Water and lemon seems like a new health trend. I know it's detoxifying, but what are the specific benefits of water with lemon and does it need to be freshly squeezed lemon or can it be lemon juice in a bottle?

Dr. Mike always suggests using fresh lemon juice instead of the lemon juice sold on the grocery shelf to add into your water. There is little research actually conducted on whether or not lemon water is good for you. However, many have said it helps with detoxing, can boost your energy levels, can boost your immune system, and can help clear your skin. Dr. Mike suggests looking into further research before giving this a try.

I've been having some soreness in my hip and I've been told to take glucosamine. Should I be taking it and how much?

Glucosamine is naturally found in your body but can also be taken in pill form to ease soreness or arthritic pain. Dr. Mike suggests you take 250-500 mg a day.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.