How Can Food Sensitivities Affect My Skin?

Common skin conditions such as eczema and acne have been associated with food intolerance.  Scientists have theorized that when intolerances or sensitivities are the cause of these conditions the mast cells in the lower layer of skin are the problems. Certain factors are released when these mast cells break down, causing the surrounding capillaries to leak.  This leakage leads to fluid pooling, swelling and inflammation.  When the intolerant foods are eliminated, the skin becomes noticeably smoother with less dryness, flaking and irritation.  Acne has also been shown to markedly improve once chronic inflammation is decreased.

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

 

 

Can Food Intolerance Cause Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches are severe, chronic and recurring. These debilitating headaches are often accompanied by vision sensitivities, nausea, fatigue and depression. Until recently, migraines were theorized to be attributed to hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, stress or emotional issues. However, migraines may also be exacerbated by sensitivities to food.
Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain is thought to be one of the contributing factors to migraine formation. Immune reactions due to consumption of foods to which one is intolerant can worsen this level of inflammation. The offending foods are the most unsuspected, and are consumed the greatest frequency. Identification and elimination of these offending foods will usually help alleviate symptoms.
Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers food sensitivity testing to her patients. Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Does Vitamin D Affect My Health?

Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risks of malignancies including: prostate, endometrial, skin, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, hypertension, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are also necessary for the maintenance of healthy bone.  Deficiency of vitamin D leads to decreased calcium levels in the bone, which may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Risk factors that can contribute to vitamin D deficiency include: inadequate sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, having a dark complexion, and increased age.

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

 

Natural Methods to Decrease Inflammation

Constant or chronic inflammation can trigger illnesses such as arthritis, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.   Toxins may be introduced into our bodies in a number of ways, including pollution and pesticides.  A detox diet may be beneficial in lowering the acidity of the body, which in turn decreases inflammation.  There are also a number of vitamins, minerals and supplements that are beneficial in decreasing systemic inflammation.

  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Selenium
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Glutathione
  • Cysteine
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Glutamine
  • Lipoic Acid

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.

Could My Weight Gain Be From Food Sensitivites?

Studies have linked being overweight with an inappropriate response to food.  Often, food is used as a coping mechanism when we feel stressed, bored, or depressed.  This phenomenon has been correlated with serotonin  (a neuro-transmitter in the brain)  excretion when we eat high carbohydrate foods such as ice cream, bread and pasta.  Serotonin is our “feel good” hormone that helps us feel better emotionally.  However, processed foods that are high in refined sugar may also cause an increase in other hormones – ultimately leading to obesity.

If an individual with food sensitivities consumes foods to which they are sensitive, this may actually stress the body and decrease the level of serotonin in the brain.  In turn the immune system is activated, and other areas of the body – such as the skin, intestines, joints and sinuses may be affected as well.  Food sensitivities may also lead to malnutrition by interfering with the metabolism of fat for energy.  This is due to poor intestinal absorption of nutrients.   Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their symptoms.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive food sensitivity testing at her St. Petersburg weight loss clinic. 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.

Why Am I So Fatigued?

 

Fatigue is a commonly mentioned symptom of many diseases and illnesses.  Persistent fatigue can be debilitating,  and has a negative effect on one’s quality of life.  Fatigue may be an early warning sign of food intolerance or sensitivity.  Usually, the fatigue is worse in the early morning, and will occur with other symptoms such as migraines, eczema or irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers have theorized that sensitivities to foods may produce fatigue as part of a generalized immune reaction.   The chronic inflammatory response or immune reaction overburdens our bodies.  This leads to oxidative stress, which in turn affects the mitochondria or energy –producing parts of our cells.  Thus, excessive fatigue ensues.  Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their energy level.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann 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.

Am I Sensitive to Certain Foods?

 

One of the most common reasons for physician office visits is “stomach problems.”  These problems may include: abdominal pain and bloating, excess gas production, diarrhea and constipation.  Often, the symptoms can be linked to certain foods that are causing an inflammatory response within the gut.  These foods may trigger chronic activation of the immune system.  Conditions that have been linked to chronic immune activation  include:  skin disorders, chronic fatigue, obesity, allergic rhinitis, and neurological diseases.

Your physician may recommend a blood test to determine if you have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods.  The offending foods are then eliminated from your diet for a period of 3-6 months.  During this time period the gut is allowed to heal, and an improvement in symptoms should be achieved.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann 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.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

 

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the lining of the intestines become damaged as a result of chronic inflammation.  Research has shown that chronic inflammation can result from a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet.  Once the body is primed for inflammation, certain foods, stress, and medications may trigger a response that damages the intestinal lining.   The lining must then be allowed to heal by omitting the offending foods or agents and replacing the integrity of the intestines.

Leaky gut syndrome has been linked to disorders such as:  depression, insomnia, abdominal bloating, eczema, and migraines.  Your physician may recommend a blood test to determine if you have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods.  These foods are then eliminated for a period of 3-6 months to improve symptoms and allow healing.

Dr.  Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann 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.