How Can I Boost My Immune System Naturally?

The immune system interacts directly with the entire body by acting as the internal defense system.  Stress is a main contributor to decreased immunity.  Nutritional status greatly influences immune health.   A diet rich in vegetables, protein and whole grains, but low in fat and refined sugars is recommended.  Both obesity and elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels negatively impact the immune system by interfering with antioxidant activity.

Vitamins and mineral that are essential for immune health include: Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium.  These vital nutrients are best obtained as part of a healthy diet, but are also available in multivitamin supplements.

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.

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.

How Can I Naturally Lower My Cholesterol?

High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, is defined as elevated circulating lipids in the blood.  Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, and is discovered during routine screening blood work.  Left untreated, hyperlipidemia may lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.  Together, you and your physician can determine the best way to control your hyperlipidemia.  Along with diet and exercise, there are a number of vitamins, minerals and supplements that may be beneficial in lowering lipids.

  • Red Rice Yeast
  • Coenzyme Q 10
  • Omega 3
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B5
  • Carnitine
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Inositol
  • Choline
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Selenium

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.

Which Vitamins Can Help Hypertension?

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 1 in 4 American adults.  It occurs when the force of blood against the artery wall is too high; which may eventually lead to health problems such as heart disease or stroke.   Often, individuals have high blood pressure for many years without symptoms.  Fortunately, hypertension can be easily detected and treated.  Together, you and your physician can determine the best way to control your hypertension.   Along with diet and exercise, there are a number of vitamins, minerals, and supplements that are beneficial in helping to lower blood pressure.

  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Folate
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Garlic
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B2
  • Celery Seed Extract
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B6
  • Coenzyme Q10

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.

How Can Magnesium Help Me?

Magnesium is a very important mineral needed for a normal, healthy metabolism.  It is an essential mineral that is necessary for numerous functions within the body.  It helps reduce immune reactions and malabsorption related to celiac disease.  Magnesium is a component of mineralized bone, it works together with calcium and vitamin D to help keep bones and teeth strong, and also promotes proper muscular development.  It supports normal functioning of muscle and nervous tissue, and is required for release of energy.  It also helps the body handle stress.   Individuals suffering from headaches and/or insomnia have reported reduction of symptoms with magnesium use.  Last, but not least, magnesium promotes cardiovascular health by facilitating normal platelet activity and helping to regulate cholesterol levels.

Magnesium is found in the following foods:  dark leafy green vegetables, bananas, avocados, nuts, soy products, whole grains, and beans.  Adult females should consume between 310-320 mg daily and adult males should consume between 400-420 mg daily.

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.

Natural Help For Weight Loss

According to the National Institutes of Health, 78 million Americans are considered obese.  Obesity has been linked to a number of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.  Your weight is linked to a number of factors – genetics, your metabolism, your environment and your lifestyle choices.  Obesity does not happen overnight; it happens over time.   If the energy taken in by eating is not balanced with the energy burned from exercise, weight gain occurs.

A number of vitamins and minerals have been shown to be beneficial to help with weight loss.  Zinc helps regulate hormones that control appetite.  Vitamins D and K are essential for carbohydrate and sugar metabolism respectively.  Vitamins E, A, and calcium reduce the size of fat cells, as well as inhibit their formation.   Niacin and chromium both assist the body with building lean muscle mass.  Magnesium, biotin, glutamine and lipoic acid all improve glucose uptake into the muscles – which reduces fat mass and increases lean muscle mass.

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.