The Difference of Belotero Balance

When you want to rid yourself of fine lines and wrinkles, you have a lot of options. There are many dermal fillers available that provide varying results for different target areas. Most dermal fillers are not appropriate for the very thin lines near the surface of the skin. Belotero is a unique dermal filler that is not only appropriate for these fine lines, but it also produces amazing, long lasting results.

What Is Belotero?

Like many other dermal fillers, Belotero uses hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and promote collagen production for a smoother, fresher look. Belotero Balance is injected just beneath the surface of the skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines on the forehead, smoker’s lines, marionette lines, laugh lines, lips, and mouth. Continue reading “The Difference of Belotero Balance”

Health Benefits of Fiber

Fiber is the part of plant foods that cannot be digested. It is divided into soluble and insoluble fiber.                                         The difference is solubleFibres examples fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel like substance where insoluble fiber does not. Soluble fiber slows down digestion, helping us to feel full longer and has been associated with reducing cholesterol. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool since it does not dissolve and helps food to move through the intestines more quickly maintaining a healthy intestinal tract.

Sources of fiber include: legumes, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Foods especially high in fiber include flax seed and psyllium. The FDA recommends on average of 20 to 30 grams of fiber in the diet; however, most Americans fail to reach this goal due to a diet high in refined grains. Refined grains have been milled to give grains a finer texture and to improve shelf life; however, in the process dietary fiber is also removed. Low fiber in the diet leads to constipation and the downstream effects from impaired elimination (removal of toxins from the body).

Bacteria that house our intestines feed on fiber and the by products are what keep our gut healthy. In particular, buytrate is a substance made by bacteria in the colon from fermentation of certain fibers and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the greater production of butyrate may explain why colon cancer is less common in native residents of Africa than African Americans. Although additional research is needed in this area, evidence is promising that butyrate made from fermentation of fiber may be protective against colon cancer.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we over comprehensive stool analysis that includes butyrate testing. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at 813- 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How to Prepare for a Testosterone visit at Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness

Feeling tired? Experiencing a low sex drive? Noticing a loss of muscle mass? You may be experiencing symptoms from low testosterone word in letterpresstestosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that is responsible for stimulating sperm production, maintaining sex drive, and building muscle in males. Low testosterone is diagnosed when levels fall below 300ng/dl. The normal range is from 300-1000 ng/dl.

Your initial visit for low testosterone will include a prostate exam to assess the heath of your prostate and blood work to check baseline CBC (blood counts), PSA level (prostate level), and free/total testosterone. Testosterone therapy can affect the prostate so a yearly prostate exam is required while on treatment as well as periodic blood work to monitor PSA levels. Testosterone therapy can also affect the red blood cell counts (hematocrit) causing them to increase thus is monitored regularly. Estradiol (estrogen) levels may be checked after testosterone replacement and sometimes an aromatase inhibitor will be given to reduce levels if found to be elevated. Labs are monitored every 3 months. Options for testosterone therapy include clomid, which is an oral medication that helps kick start the body’s own natural production of testosterone. This is a good option for young males to prevent sterility and is often used for only 3 to 6 months. Other options of testosterone replacement include gel, bioidentical cream, patch and injection. The best option will be selected during your visit.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we offer hormone testing and therapy. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What is Fosteum?

Fosteum is a medical food that contains cholecalciferol, genistein, and zinc.  It is used to manage bone loss, primarily in post-menopausal women.  A medical food are foods that are specifically designed with nutrients intended to treat a specific disease that cannot be met by the diet alone.  Genistein is the main active ingredient and is a natural isoflavone derived from soybean. Isoflavones have some estrogen activity and help in reversing bone effects of estrogen loss in Fresh Soy Beanspostmenopausal women. Genistein has been clinically proven to reduce bone resorption and increase bone formation.

Cholecalciferol is Vitamin D3, the natural form of Vitamin D that is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is important for reducing fracture risk and for enhancing the absorption of calcium from the intestines.  Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral and is important for mineralization (hardening and strengthening) of bones. The special combination of these ingredients results in a slowing of the metabolic processes the cause bone loss and ultimately osteoporosis in women. Overtime this improves bone mineral density and reduces the risk of fracture.

Fosteum is not for everyone and should be avoided in individuals with a history of breast or reproductive organ cancer.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we offer Holistic Primary care to our patients. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Health Benefits of Black Rice

Health Benefits of Black Ricegrains of rice

Carbohydrates in the diet provide a source of energy for our body and are found in food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Our body uses these foods to provide glucose (the body’s main energy source) to vital organs such the brain. It is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal. The best carbohydrates are those containing a high amount of fiber, which provide the most amount of nutrients and takes longer to break down into glucose. Refined carbohydrates have been processed to remove the beneficial fiber resulting in a rapid spike in blood sugar levels in the blood. Black rice is among one of the healthy carbohydrate options and has been linked to many health benefits. It turns to a beautiful, deep purple color when cooked and has a sticky appearance with a nutty flavor. It is also known as “Forbidden Rice” as historically it was cultivated in small quantities only for the consumption by the Emperor of China.

Scientists at the 240th National Meeting of the America Chemical Society reported that “a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants”.  Black rice is also a rich source of iron.

Considering the different options for rice, it is well known that brown rice is a healthy alternative to white rice. White rice is stripped of bran which is full of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Similar to brown rice, black rice is high in nutrients; however, contains even more antioxidants and protein. Black rice can be used in cold salads and is a great substitute for white rice and noodles.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we offer Holistic Primary care to our patients. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Can Meditation help reduce blood pressure?

One of the first things that happens when you enter a doctor’s office is your blood pressure is taken. Why is this Inward meditationimportant? Well, blood pressure is the measure of how much blood your heart pumps and the degree of resistance to blood flow that your arteries experience. Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers, for example 120/80. The top number, known as the systolic pressure, reflects the pressure in the arteries when your heart contracts. The bottom number, known as the diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed.  A normal blood pressure is considered less than 120/80 and ideal. High blood pressure is important because it is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and affects nearly every 1 in 3 adults.

The causes of elevated blood pressure are many; however, a most significant source is stress. When we experience or even perceive stress, our sympathetic nervous system (our ‘fight or flight’ response) becomes activated. This creates a more rigid tone in our arteries requiring our heart to contract with a greater force, over time leading to elevated blood pressure. Often high blood pressure presents with no symptoms and is commonly known as the “silent killer”. Understanding this becomes vital so we can find ways to manage our stress and the way we respond.

Several studies have shown that meditation can be helpful in reducing blood pressure, in particular Transcendental Meditation.  In Transcendental Meditation, you choose a meaningful mantra, sit quietly with eyes closed, and repeat the mantra silently for about 15-20 minutes twice a day. The idea is to promote a state of relaxed yet concentrated awareness, which allows you to let go of negative thoughts and distractions.

According to the American Heart Association, Transcendental Meditation is the only meditation practice that has been shown to lower blood pressure and should be considered in the treatment plan for individuals with high blood pressure. They further reported the finding that lowering blood pressure using the Transcendental Meditation technique is associated with a significant reduction in the rates of heart attack and stroke.

So, can meditation help reduce blood pressure? The research says yes. Consider spending a few minutes daily developing a practice in transcendental meditation.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we offer Holistic Primary care to our patients. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Turmeric: A healing remedy.

If this is the first time you’re becoming acquainted with the spice turmeric, it is a beautifully deep yellow, golden or orange color with a taste that is distinctly warm and bitter. It is the spice that gives curry powder its color. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a powerful medicinal herb and culinary ingredient in both India and China. The main component that gives turmeric its many health benefits is called curcumin. You may have come across this ingredient in natural health food stores or in various supplements.Ground turmeric and rhizomes

Turmeric has numerous health benefits.  One of the most noted benefits is its anti-inflammatory power. Studies show that long-term inflammation is often the cause of many chronic diseases. Furthermore, numerous studies show that turmeric outperforms many pharmaceuticals in its effects against chronic disease and in protecting the body from disease with virtually no side effects.  Turmeric is also a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals in the body that typically damage cells and cause aging. In addition, turmeric has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection, boost the immune system, and appears to block the division of cancer cells. It has also been shown that turmeric blocks the production of beta-amyloid, the substance that is found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a powerful plant that benefits every system in the body. This is just the beginning of many promising studies that are under way.

The content of curcumin in turmeric is about 3% by weight, which is not a significant amount. Most research uses extracts of curcumin with dosages exceeding 1 gram. Therefore, it would be difficult to attain this level by using turmeric in the diet alone. However, most people can benefit from this spice by using it in everyday meals to help prevent disease and infection. Those interested in supplementation should look for extracts in dosages of 500mg to 1000mg taken one to two times a day or as directed by the product. Turmeric is quickly metabolized by the gut so to enhance the absorption supplements should be contain black pepper. Piperine, a substance in black pepper enhances the absorption and bioavailability of turmeric in the body. Turmeric is best in raw form but is most widely used in the ground form. You can sprinkle on salads, vegetables, nuts, or add a spoon to your smoothies or juices.

 A great way to use turmeric is making turmeric tea, especially during the winter months and for the occasional cough. You simply bring 1 to 2 cups of water to a boil and add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of turmeric according to taste. Let the mixture simmer. Mix well and sip away. You can add fresh grated ginger for additional benefits. Like many herbs, turmeric will begin to lose its potency after about six months, so keep your supply fresh. This is a mere glimpse of the abundance of health benefits turmeric provides.  The next time you enjoy a curry dish think of all the benefits your body is reaping and remember we truly are what we eat.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we offer Holistic Primary care to our patients. Our offices are located in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Holistic Seasonal Allergy Help

Allergy season is a trying time of year for many individuals.  There are a number of holistic remedies which may be beneficial for symptom alleviation.  Normal saline spray is an excellent nasal sinus rinse.  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.  Quercetin is a natural antioxidant.  Foods such as cherries, broccoli, blackberries and parsley are high in these nutrients.  Butterbur works as a leukotriene inhibitor which helps prevent swelling of the nasal passages.  Acupuncture has also been shown in many studies to have beneficial effects on allergy symptoms.  Always check with your physician prior to beginning  any new medication, supplement or vitamin.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers skin allergy testing and sublingual drop immunotherapy treatments to her patients. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

The Paleolithic or “Paleo” diet is based upon the consumption of foods that were available prior to the agricultural era. It consists of organic lean meats, fish, nuts, fruits and leafy vegetables. In addition, dairy, refined cereals, margarine, and refined oil/fats are avoided. The diet is low in sodium and extremely high in fiber, vitamins, proteins, folic acid, magnesium and potassium.

Studies have shown that the Paleo diet promotes antioxidant activity and healthy weight. Thus, the incidences of prevalent illnesses in Western societies such as: diabetes, stroke, heart disease and certain cancers may be reduced by following the principle components of the Paleo diet.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who is also board certified in nutrition.
Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Hermann’s February Specials

The medical offices of Dr. Anne Hermann in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL offer some of their lowest prices in their monthly specials.  Prices on cosmetic treatments such as Botox, Radiesse, Belotero Balance and Accent skin tightening are a few of the specials that are currently offered.  Each month, Dr. Hermann presents a new list of specials, which offer some of the most competitive pricing in the area.  The following are Dr. Hermann’s specials for February, 2013:

  • DYSPORT $4.50 per unit
  • Liquid facelift special 2 syringes RADIESSE for $795
  • BELOTERO for fine lines $550
  • New pricing on Accent RF Skin tightening $190 per session or $399 for package of three
  • $50 BOTOX Instant Rebate  (while supplies last)

 

Located in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Anne Hermann MD, P.A. is a full-service integrative medical office offering acupuncture, nutrition, natural hormone balancing and anti-aging cosmetic treatments including Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Perlane, facials, peels, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency skin tightening and laser treatments for cellulite reduction.  To schedule your appointment, call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.