Tag: Ann Hermann MD

Is The Secret To Weight Loss In Your Gut?

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Continued, regular intake of fried, fatty and refined foods can cause chronic systemic inflammation within the body.  Studies are currently under way to determine if this inflammation can also be linked to disruption in the delicate balance of our gut function – eventually leading to diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.  Inflammatory markers in the blood were measured as elevated up to five hours after consuming a meal high in sugar and fat in one study.   This new research has the potential to drastically change how obesity and related health conditions are approached and treated.

To decrease systemic inflammation:

  • Reduce your consumption of processed, fatty and refined foods.
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  These foods assist the gut in decreasing inflammation.
  • If you do eat “junk food”, accompany it with fiber and vitamin rich whole foods (fruits and vegetables).  Add color to your diet!

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

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

Vitamins And Minerals For Healthy Hair

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Certain vitamins, when taken on a daily basis, can help with hair loss, brittleness and dullness.  Daily vitamins and supplements help fill gaps in or diets that can form from restriction of carbohydrates and fats in an effort to lose weight.   However, systemic issues such as chronic anemia or thyroid problems can also lead to hair loss.  Together, you and your physician can determine the cause and best treatment options for your hair loss.  Listed below are vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to affect hair health.

  • Iron – Iron carries oxygen to hair and promotes growth.  Many women of child-bearing age and individuals who do not consume a lot of red meat are iron deficient. Iron- rich foods include: chicken, spinach, lentils and egg yolks.
  •  Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for hair follicle cycling.  Vitamin D – rich foods include:  salmon, mushroom and fortified grains.
  •  Zinc – Zinc is an excellent hair growth mineral.  Foods rich in zinc include:  turkey, lamb, chocolate and pumpkin seeds.
  • B-Complex Vitamins – Biotin, niacin, and cobalamin all help restore shine and thickness to hair.  Eggs, avocados, whole grains and legumes are all rich in B-complex vitamins.
  •  Vitamin C, vitamin E and Copper are also essential for hair health.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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

Do I Have Hypothyroidism?

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If you have hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone.  Hypothyroidism is more common in women, especially over the age of 60.  Left untreated, underactive thyroid may result in obesity, heart disease and joint pain.   When the thyroid is not functioning properly, the hormonal reactions in your body may be affected.  Symptoms of underactive thyroid include:  fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity, dry skin, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, joint pain and depression.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck.  Thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).  These hormones affect all aspects of metabolism in your body.  Your doctor will order blood tests to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly.  If you are found to have hypothyroidism, the hormones can be replaced with daily synthetic or natural replacement medication.  Treatment is usually lifelong; your physician will order periodic thyroid hormone levels to assess for any needed dosage changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive thyroid testing and treatment management to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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

How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

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How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

May is national osteoporosis prevention month; osteoporosis, which affects over 10 million Americans, is a disease that weakens the bones.  This can lead to bone fractures from minor falls.  It is estimated that half of all women over age 50 and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  The fractures are more common in the hips, spine and wrists.  This disease may also affect your height and posture.

Risk factors for osteoporosis development include: being over the age of 50, female gender, post-menopausal status, positive family history, low body weight/small body frame, tobacco use, inactive life-style, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and low dietary consumption of calcium and vitamin D.

Your physician may order a DXA scan test to screen for osteoporosis and determine your bone density.  This is a type of X-Ray that measures bone mass in your spine and hip.  To prevent osteoporosis, it is recommended to consume 1200-1500mg of calcium with 800mg of vitamin D daily.  Your physician may also recommend vitamin K and magnesium supplementation.   Daily weight bearing exercise also helps strengthen bone mass.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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