Vitamin D and Protection Against Autoimmune Disorders

3d vitamins.Exposure to UV radiation seems to protect against autoimmune diseases such as MS and Type 1 diabetes.  Studies have shown that the closer you live to the equator, the less likely you are to develop an autoimmune disease.  Individuals who reside in the southern United States are less frequently diagnosed than individuals who reside in Canada and the northern United States.  The early years matter also, if you lived in the south your first 10 years, you have a reduced risk of developing MS even if you move to a northern state or area and reside there the rest of your life.

The production of vitamin D is triggered by ultraviolet B rays from the sun.  Vitamin D helps modulate your body’s defense system.  Studies have shown that in individuals who have the potential for developing autoimmunity, vitamin D reduces the risk and may in fact slow the progression of certain autoimmune disorders in their early stages.  2000-4000 IU’s daily of vitamin D is recommended by most experts.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin and nutritional testing to her patients.  As well as alternative treatment options for many health conditions, including autoimmune disorders.  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.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial for numerous health conditions. An anti-inflammatory diet decreases acidity and increases alkalinity. Decreasing acidity helps with joint pain, rashes and general malaise. It has also been used for patients with multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory diet eliminates gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, yeast, soy, beef, pork, and veal. Other holistic anti-inflammatory agents are curry cumin and omega 3 or flax seed oil.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician. 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.

The HCG Diet

HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. During the HCG diet, Caloric intake is restricted to 500-1000 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods. Typically, HCG is delivered via an injection in your physician’s office. A moderate exercise program is also recommended to enhance weight loss during the diet. At Dr. Anne Hermann’s office the HCG diet is just one of the weight loss programs offered. We typically recommend beginning a successful weight loss program with a 30 detox diet, which limits the craving for sweets. The detox diet eliminates processed foods and promotes the consumption of whole foods, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Hermann also offers the Optifast full liquid meal replacement diet for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Typically patients with diabetes and/or hypertension are able to stop their insulin and blood pressure medications with the weight loss achieved. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and thus is able to offer meal planning services to her patients. Office locations 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. This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

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.

What is a Detoxification Diet?

 

An anti-inflammatory diet, or detox diet, has been shown to be beneficial for a number of chronic and acute health conditions.  Toxins may be introduced into our bodies in a variety of ways, including pollution or pesticides from our food sources.  Our detox organs are the liver and kidneys.  Improper digestion and metabolic by-products put undue stress on these organs and on the digestive system.  This may lead to an overgrowth of bacteria, which can increase inflammation.

Symptoms that have been shown to improve from a detox diet include:  general malaise, skin rashes and irritation, headaches, joint pain and poor concentration.  The detox diet lessens the acidity of the body, which in turn decreases inflammation.  Weight loss resistance has also been shown to improve during the diet.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers the detox diet as a treatment option to her patients for certain health conditions.   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.

How to Achieve Natural Beauty

Posted by Anne Hermann on Fri, Feb 24, 2012 @ 03:38 PM

Anne Hermann, MD

Vitamins for Skin, Hair and Nail Health:  Vitamins C, E, Niacin, Zinc, Selenium, CoEnzyme Q10 and Biotin are powerful anti-oxidants that prevent collagen breakdown.  Vitamin K reduces bruising under the eyes.  Retinols, derived from Vitamin A, exfoliate the skin and prevent skin cancer in addition to fighting fine lines and discoloration.  Alpha lipoic acid and Omega 3 are natural skin plumping agents. Studies show that these vitamins are the most effective when they are all used together, rather than one at a time.  Omega 3, Selenium and Biotin are best taken in oral preparations, while Vitamins C, E, Niacin, zinc, Alpha-lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10 are very effective when used topically.

You are what you Eat:  Detoxification:  Detoxification diets can clear up acne and rosacea, jump start weight loss, reduce inflammation and energize the body.  We accumulate toxins in our body through air, food, smoke, pesticides, and medications.  Just like your car needs an oil change once in a while, you need to clean out your system.  The best way to do this is a detox diet, which is an organic diet devoid of toxic substances.  Typically, you should follow the diet for one to four weeks depending on your goals.  After a detox program, most people have less inflammation which means they feel less aches and pains.  Often people lose 10 to 20 pounds and radiate with vitality.

Natural Skin Tightening:  Radiofrequency is technology similar to laser treatments that is FDA approved for removing fine lines, wrinkles, cellulite and skin laxity.  The beauty ofradiofrequency is that it is comfortable, noninvasive and leaves no scars or down-time.  The procedure uses heat to break up collagen.   As the collagen remodels, skin becomes firmer and tighter.  Radiofrequency technology can be used anywhere on the body or the face to turn back the clock naturally.

Hormone Balance:  Hormone fluctuations are a big part of aging.  Thyroid, cortisol, and reproductive hormone imbalances will affect energy level, weight, hair growth, sex drive, skin health, and even mood. A holistic medical doctor can correct imbalances through nutrition, supplements and bio-identical hormone replacement when indicated.

Acupuncture Facelift:  Our St. Petersburg Acupuncturists trained in this technique, insert tiny needles to increase circulation and open blockages of the channels of the face. The treatments decrease wrinkles and sagging naturally without negative side effects. There are many other benefits of acupuncture, including improvement in sleep and energy.

The integrative medical offices of Dr. Anne Hermann, MD, are conveniently located in St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL.  To schedule your appointment, call (813) 902-9559.

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