Is Prometrium A Bio-Identical Hormone?

prometriumPrometrium is progesterone replacement that is synthesized from plant source material and is chemically identical to progesterone made in the human ovary. Thus, it is considered to be bio-identical. Bio- identical hormones can be used and metabolized as our body was designed to do, thus potentially minimizing side effects. Prometrium tablets can be prescribed alone, or as part of a bio-identical hormone treatment regimen in combination with other hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and DHEA.

Decreased levels of the hormone progesterone can cause insomnia, brain fog, irritability, and menstrual irregularities. Progesterone is also prescribed to counteract “estrogen dominance” and to minimize the risk of endometrial cancer in women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann prescribes bio-identical hormones to her patients for a variety of reasons. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Be Friendly To Your Bones!

bone healthNearly 52 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis or low bone density.  One out of every two women and one out of every four men will suffer a bone fracture because they have osteoporosis.  Bone density can be built until approximately age 30.  During menopausal hormone shifts, bone density starts to decrease.  If there are not adequate reserves, you are at a greater risk for developing osteopenia or osteoporosis.

How Can I Increase Bone Density?

Bone friendly foods include dairy products, soy, dark leafy greens (spinach and kale), orange juice, grain cereals and almonds.  Calcium from food sources are better absorbed than calcium from a supplement.  Approximately 250 mg of calcium can be absorbed at one time.  The recommended dosage of calcium is 1000-1200 mg daily.   Vitamin D is another important component of bone health as is magnesium, which helps regulate vitamin D levels.  The main way our bodies process vitamin D is from sunlight.  Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish and dairy products – experts recommend 800-1000 IU daily.  Magnesium is found in a wide variety of foods such as avocados, black bean, bananas, and almonds.   The recommended daily intake is approximately 320 mg.  Vitamin K also plays a role in bone health.  Food sources include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts and broccoli – try to ingest 90mcg daily.

Weight bearing exercise is also essential to building bone density.  Weight bearing exercises include walking, jumping, dancing and strength training.

Dr. Anne Hermann, is board certified in internal medicine and is also a physician nutrition specialist.  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.

 

 

Is There A Connection Between Hay Fever And Food Allergies?

oral allergyOral allergy syndrome is caused by protein substances that are found in pollen and on some raw fruits and vegetables. The body’s immune system recognizes and reacts to these substances causing an allergy syndrome.   Even if the proteins are not identical, they can be similar enough to fool the immune system.  Up to a third of individuals with hay fever (seasonal allergies) will develop oral allergy syndrome.  Common cross-reactions include:  1.  birch pollen and apples, carrots, celery, almonds, kiwis, cherries, pears, peaches, hazelnuts and plums.  2.  ragweed pollen and cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini and bananas.  3.  grass pollen and melons, oranges, tomatoes, peaches and celery.

The main signs of oral allergy syndrome (a localized allergic reaction to food) include swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips and an itchy feeling in your throat or ears. Peeling of the offending fruit or vegetable may help, as the offending protein is often located in the food’s skin. Consuming the produce after it has been canned, baked or microwaved is also beneficial as cooking the foods helps to deactivate the offending protein substance.  However, the best treatment is simply avoiding the offending food.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers seasonal allergy and food sensitivity testing to her patients.   There are multiple treatment options including acupuncture, dietary modifications and sublingual immunotherapy.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

How Does Magnesium Help Me?

Magnesium is a mineral that is required for numerous anti-aging processes.  Decreased levels of magnesium may lead to symptoms such as:  hypertension, heart palpitations, constipation, elevated blood sugar, wheezing and muscle cramps.  Foods rich in magnesium include beans, seeds, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.  The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 400mg daily.

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

 

How Does Vitamin K Help Me?

Vitamin K is essential for cardiovascular and bone health.  Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bone weakening, increased blood pressure and arterial plaque formation.  The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin K is approximately 100mcg.  However, optimal levels for cardiovascular, nutritional needs and bone health is 250-1000mcg daily.  Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and brussels sprouts.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board-certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact 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.

 

Relief for Seasonal Allergies

Allergies are a group of diseases such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.  They are characterized by an immune system overreaction to foreign bodies that are normally harmless; such as dust, pollen and animal dander.  The body produces a histamine response to these substances – resulting in symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

Allergy season is getting longer – tree pollen runs from January to June, grass from May to June and weeds from August to November.  Many individuals also react to indoor irritants such as pet dander, mold and dust mites.  While over-the-counter allergy medications can help, some individuals will need allergy skin testing to receive prescription sublingual allergy drops.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers allergy skin testing to her patients.  After the identification of specific allergens, allergy immunotherapy (sublingual drops) can be specifically formulated.  Often, several years of therapy is necessary for full symptom relief.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Is Cryotherapy Right For Me?

Cryotherapy involves the use of liquefied nitrous oxide to freeze and destruct unwanted tissue.  It is appropriate for a variety of dermatologic conditions including: acne, keloids, verruca vulgaris (warts), and keratosis actinica.  The lesion is frozen to the cellular level.  No anesthetic is required for the cryotherapy procedure.  After the procedure, a scab will form over the treated area and peel away within 1-3 weeks.  The number of treatments required is dependent on the size and depth of the lesion.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers a number of cosmetic treatments and procedures to her patients, including cryotherapy.  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.

 

What Are Xenoestrogens?

Xenoestrogens are compounds that mimic natural estrogens.  They can be either natural or synthetic chemical compounds.  The synthetic xenoestrogens such as BPA and Atrazine are of particular concern.  BPA or Bisphenol A is used as a lining in most food and beverage cans.  Atrazine is a widely used herbicide/pesticide.  These substances and other chemicals have been linked to the development of conditions including early puberty, reproductive difficulties, and certain forms of cancer.  Xenoestrogens may also elicit hormonal disruptive effects on wildlife and affect the environment.

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

What Are GMO Foods?

GMO is the abbreviation for genetically modified foods.  Foods are modified in an effort to increase crop  production.  Typically both herbicides and pesticides are used.  Foods that are frequently genetically modified include corn and soybeans.  Genetic modification of foods has been linked to an increase in food allergies and a decrease in good gut flora.  Additionally, many pesticides have known endocrinology effects.  Currently the United States does not require genetically modified foods to be labeled.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Testing offered to patients includes food sensitivity testing and allergy skin testing 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.