How Does My Gut Affect My General Health?

Our GI tract is a main component of our immune system.  Gut health determines what nutrients and toxins our body absorbs.  It also determines which allergens and microbes should be kept out of our bodies.   Gut bacteria – the good bacteria – must be balanced for optimal health.  These bacteria not only promote immune balance, but they also extract vitamins and minerals from your food to promote health at the cellular level.

Probiotics are essential to help restore the “good gut bacteria”.  There are many different brands of probiotics; high-quality products are usually fermented to combine different strains.  Popular strains include:  Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Breve and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers testing to assess and restore optimal gut health.  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 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.

Is The Secret To Weight Loss In Your Gut?

Continued, regular intake of fried, fatty and refined foods can cause chronic systemic inflammation within the body.  Studies are currently under way to determine if this inflammation can also be linked to disruption in the delicate balance of our gut function – eventually leading to diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.  Inflammatory markers in the blood were measured as elevated up to five hours after consuming a meal high in sugar and fat in one study.   This new research has the potential to drastically change how obesity and related health conditions are approached and treated.

To decrease systemic inflammation:

  • Reduce your consumption of processed, fatty and refined foods.
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  These foods assist the gut in decreasing inflammation.
  • If you do eat “junk food”, accompany it with fiber and vitamin rich whole foods (fruits and vegetables).  Add color to your diet!

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.  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 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.