Can Exercise Help Improve My Gut Health?

gut floraBritish researchers have recently reported that exercise can increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut, in turn boosting the immune system and positively affecting long- term health. Increasing dietary protein may also be beneficial for gut health. Life expectancy continues to increase, underscoring the importance of good health. Gut microbiota richness and diversity is essential for overall wellbeing.

Athletes involved in the recent British study had lower levels of inflammatory markers and better metabolic profiles than the control group. They also had greater diversity and quantity of good gut flora. In particular, the athletes had much higher numbers of one particular type of bacteria linked to reduced rates of obesity. Consuming a variety of foods including protein, vegetables and fruits was also identified in the study as essential for gut health and immunity.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers a variety of meal planning and weight loss services as well as food sensitivity 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.

Could I Have Celiac Disease?

celiac word in letterpress typeCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that interferes with the body’s ability to digest gluten.   Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley and rye.   It is an abnormal immune reaction to gluten and a disease of malabsorption.  Currently 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease.  However, there are estimates that an additional 2.5 million more are affected but have not yet received a diagnosis.

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly amongst individuals.  Digestive symptoms are more common in young children and may include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating and weight loss.  In adults, the following symptoms are more likely:  iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, depression, anxiety, dermatitis herpetiformis and canker sores.   Some patients with celiac disease have no symptoms.  Even if no symptoms are present, long-term complications include liver disease, malnutrition and cancers of the intestine.  Treatment for celiac disease involves eliminating all gluten from the diet.  This is a lifetime requirement.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers celiac and food sensitivity 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.


 

Sublingual Immunotherapy Now FDA Approved For Grass And Ragweed Allergies

iStock_000040681136SmallSublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses rapidly dissolving oral tablets or oral solution placed under the tongue to treat allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, offering convenience to the patient. It has been approved in Europe for many years, and is now available in the United States. The sublingual drops take the place of subcutaneous immunotherapy injections which have, until now, been the mainstay of allergy therapy.

SLIT for grass allergy is approved for patients aged 5-65, SLIT for ragweed allergy is approved for patients aged 18-65. Like conventional subcutaneous injections, SLIT prevents new sensitization and progression to asthma. It is a disease- modifying therapy. The optimal duration of SLIT is 3—4 years. Most patients will need retreatment in 7-8 years. Side effects of therapy are minimal and include itching of the mouth and throat and a sensation of swelling in the mouth.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive allergy treatments including sublingual immunotherapy 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.

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.

 

 

Can Acupuncture Help Treat Infertility?

Treatment by acupuncture. The doctor uses needles for treatment of the patient.Numerous studies have shown acupuncture may assist in boosting female fertility rates by increasing hormone levels and blood flow to the uterus.  In turn, the uterine lining is thickened which enhances embryo implantation.  Acupuncture is also beneficial for relaxation and stress.  Many infertility clinics promote acupuncture as an important component of the in vitro fertilization process.  Fertility regimens vary slightly, but the majority involve needling the abdomen, lower extremities and ears.  Sessions are usually performed two to three times weekly for several months.

For women who are under the age of 35 and are unable to conceive,  fertility experts recommend an examination by a physician to rule out structural abnormalities prior to beginning acupuncture treatments.  In women over the age of 40, experts recommend using acupuncture as an adjunct to standard treatment regimens.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers acupuncture to her patients for a variety of diagnoses including infertility.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 902-9559.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

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.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Brain Health

Research has found that eating a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids boosts brain health, especially networks involved in thinking and attention.  Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel.  The particular omega-3 fatty acid found to be important for brain health is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  600-1000mg of DHA daily is recommended for optimal health.

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 vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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.