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.

Vitamin C For Healthy Skin

Portrait of teenage girl holding lemonVitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy and resilient skin.  As we age, we naturally lose this nutrient; other factors such as exposure to pollutants, UV light and cigarette smoke can also cause a loss of vitamin C.

Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a protein that gives your skin its elasticity.  Optimizing your skin’s level of vitamin C can help to counteract wrinkle formation by increasing collagen production amounts.

Another common skin concern that can be corrected with vitamin C is age spots caused by sun damage.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant; it can reduce the amount of sunburned cells and reduce age-related damage to cells.  Although vitamin C does not replace sunscreen, it may protect against further sun damage and repair discoloration and fine lines.

Topical vitamin C is the best formulation (rather than supplement or food sources) to target signs of aging.  When purchasing vitamin C, look for products that contain between 3%-10% of the active ingredient ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.  Apply topical vitamin C once a day, ideally after exfoliation in the morning.  You can expect to see a noticeable difference in your skin within 4-8 weeks of beginning topical vitamin C.  Maximum benefits are achieved with 6 months of use.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers full aesthetic services and numerous skin care treatment regimens to her patients.  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.

 

Do I Need Iodine Supplementation?

Closeup of sea salt on rustic wooden backgroundIodine is a naturally occurring mineral that until the 1940’s was routinely used for a number of health concerns/conditions.  In the 1920’s iodine was added to table salt to reduce the incidence of goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).  Your thyroid gland requires iodine to function normally.  Iodine deficiency typically results in low circulating thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism.

Iodine deficiency can also lead to autoimmune disease of the thyroid and may increase the risk of developing certain cancers (thyroid, prostate, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers).  Iodine deficiency is a common world health problem.  The most recognized form of deficiency is the goiter.  Iodine deficiency is also thought to be the most preventable cause of mental retardation.

Foods rich in iodine include sea vegetables (kelp), shrimp, scallops, eggs, and yogurt.  Adults require 150mcg of iodine daily for optimal health.

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

 

Do I Have Adrenal Fatigue?

adrenal fatigue1The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol is our stress (“fight or flight”) hormone. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body is under chronic stress and the adrenals are unable to keep pace with the demands of a constant fight- or- flight state of arousal. Thus, the adrenals do not function at their optimal state – they are unable to produce enough of the hormones you need to feel your best.

Signs of adrenal fatigue include: difficulty arising in the morning, continued fatigue, lack of energy, craving salty foods, decreased libido, difficulty coping with stress, increased PMS symptoms, difficulty focusing (brain fog), and decreased productivity.

To heal adrenal fatigue, it is crucial to decrease stress levels and optimize your health. This can be achieved by eating a whole food diet, avoiding processed foods, and keeping a regular sleep schedule – preferably 8 hours. The following supplements are also beneficial: B complex, vitamin D, vitamin C, adrenal support or licorice root, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann offers patient care for adrenal fatigue as well as acupuncture, comprehensive vitamin testing and food sensitivity testing. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedual an appointment.

Can Eating More Fruits and Vegetables Help Me Lose Weight?

Planning of a dietIt is commonly thought that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is beneficial while attempting to lose weight. However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that increased fruit and vegetable consumption does not reduce body weight. Interestingly, the study results also showed that increased servings do not increase weight either, but can in fact add essential vitamins and fiber to one’s diet.

In essence, energy reduction seems to be the most essential mechanism to weight loss; to reduce weight, you must reduce caloric intake. There are approximately 3,500 calories in a pound of stored body fat. Thus, in order to lose one pound of body weight, you must create a 3,500 calorie deficit. This is best achieved through diet and exercise. Sustained weight loss is difficult or impossible without increased regular exercise. For body fat loss, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 1200 calories a day for women and 1800 calories a day for men. However, check with your physician prior to starting any weight loss program.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is also a physician nutrition specialist. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract for Oncology Nutrition

wheat germFermented wheat germ extract was developed in Hungry in the 1990’s.  Numerous clinical trials and studies have proven many health benefits of use including:  anticancer, antimetastatic, and immunomodulatory effects.  Cell metabolic regulation is supported, immune system modulation is promoted, and immune balance is maintained.   The active components of wheat germ extracts are benzoquinone compounds.   This product is frequently recommended as an important component of oncology nutrition and health optimization.  Before starting any supplementation, check with your doctor or health care professional.

Animal studies have also suggested that wheat germ extract can reduce cardiovascular symptoms due to obesity, diabetes and hypertension and that it may also mitigate symptoms from certain auto-immune disorders.  It has also been shown to enhance the effects of  some chemotherapy regimens.  However, patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should use wheat germ extract with caution as it can potentiate estrogen receptor activity.  Adverse reactions include mild diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, constipation and dizziness.  Wheat germ extract should be taken at least 2 hours before or after vitamin C consumption.

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

 

 

How Can Chia Seeds Improve My Health?

chia seeds and wordChia seed has been used as a nutritious dietary staple in Mexico and Central America since ancient times.  Chia seed oil contains 60% alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cardiovascular health.  It is also an excellent source of iron and fiber.

Recent research has also studied how chia seeds may be utilized as a weight-modifying food.  Patients within the studies who consumed foods containing chia seeds rated their satiety (fullness) levels higher and had reductions in both body weight and waist circumference.  Also of note, participants receiving chia seed products in the studies had decreases in their serum triglycerides (cholesterol) and glucose (blood sugar) levels.

Chia seeds are available in a variety of forms including whole seeds, oil, chia meal, and “chia snacks”.  There is no standardized recommended dose, but a typical serving of seeds (whole or ground) is a quarter-cup.

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 a number of weight loss and dietary counseling services to her patients.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

 

Holistic Help For Depression

depression holisticApproximately 50% of patients newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder relapse after achieving remission on the first antidepressant prescribed.  There are multiple factors associated with relapses such as:  prior history of depression or anxiety, ethnicity and prior functional status.

There are many classes of antidepressant medications that can be utilized for treatment.  There are also many natural agents/therapies that can be useful in treating depressive symptoms.  These include L-methylfolate, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), creatinine, B complex vitamins, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, and acupuncture.   Often times, these therapies are used as adjuncts with prescription medications for depressive symptoms.

L-methylfolate is a nutritional food (neutraceutical) that spurs the production of more neurotransmitters.  These neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine which help regulate our moods and alleviate depression.

SAMe is a crucial component of three metabolism pathways.  One of these pathways boosts levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Creatinine plays an important role in brain energy metabolism balance; studies have shown that altered cerebral energy metabolism may be a precursor to depression development.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  She offers many natural treatment options for depression, including those discussed above and  acupuncture.   For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

 

 

Adult Hypertension

High Blood PressureNew guidelines recently released from the Joint National Committee proposed less restrictive BP targets for certain individuals.  These include adults aged 60 years or older, as well as individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

The new 2014 guidelines have increased the blood pressure treatment goal from less than 140/90 to 150/90 for individuals aged 60 and older.  For adults with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, the new blood pressure guidelines are 140/90.  This is an increase from the previously recommended blood pressure guideline of 130/80.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery wall as it circulates through your body.  Hypertension (high blood pressure) typically has no warning signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced.  It is estimated that 67 million American adults have high blood pressure – 1 in every 3 adults.  Having hypertension greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.

It is important to keep your blood pressure within the target range for optimal health, and to limit the risk of serious health complications.  Measures you can take to maintain your blood pressure include keeping a healthy weight, limiting sodium (salt) intake, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and as a physician nutrition specialist.  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.

Can Zinc Help Alleviate Common Cold Symptoms?

zincOral zinc therapy initiated within 24 hours of common cold symptom onset, may reduce duration of the common cold in healthy people.    The common cold is caused by human rhinoviruses that attach to the inside of the nasal passages.  Zinc ion blocks this attachment.  Thus, an antiviral effect is elicited.

In one recent multi-country study, zinc was associated with shorter duration of cold symptoms but not severity.  Zinc formulations included in the study were syrup and lozenges.  Prophylactic zinc use in children resulted in reduced cold incidence; prophylactic use was not studied in adults.  The study was unable to quantify a recommended dosage of zinc as release of the zinc ion varies across formulations (syrup and lozenges).  Side effects were minimal, study participants reported bad taste and nausea with zinc lozenges use.

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