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.

 

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?

High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, is defined as elevated circulating lipids in the blood.  High concentrations of cholesterol or triglycerides, which mainly occur due to saturated fat consumption,  can lead to increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.   Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, and is discovered during routine screening blood work.  Foods high in saturated fats often come from animal sources – whole milk, butter, cheese and meat.  Additionally, tropical oils such as palm and coconut are also high in saturated fats.  These oils are commonly used in processed foods.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most recommended diets for cardiovascular health.  It is the traditional diet consumed in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Southern Italy.  It is traditionally high in the consumption of:  fruits and vegetables, legumes and plant proteins, whole grains, fresh fish, nuts and olive oil.  It has been proven beneficial in the reduction of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, blood sugar levels and cognitive decline.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double-board certified in internal medicine and nutrition.  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 B Vitamins Improve My Health?

The B vitamins are a group of vitamins which include B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12.   All of the B vitamins assist with vital health functions including cognitive stabilization, mood optimization, energy production and cardiovascular health.  To determine your vitamin levels, your doctor will order blood work.  If deficiencies are identified, a B complex vitamin or single B vitamins may be prescribed.

Folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels.  Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Elevated homocysteine levels have also been identified as a risk factor for hip fractures in postmenopausal women, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer.  Vitamin B 12 is well known for its ability to boost energy.  It is a key nutrient in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates for energy, red blood cell formation and nerve protection.  Research has also shown that folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6 improve mood, decrease the risks of wheezing, allergies and asthma and are beneficial in migraine treatment and prevention.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing 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.