How Do Neurotransmitters Affect Mental and Physical Functioning?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that control communication between neurons (nerve cells).  When neurotransmitter levels are out of balance, such communication can be altered and a wide variety of clinical symptoms can result.  These effects can be both physical, emotional.  Mood, mental performance, and energy level can all be affected.  Resulting symptoms can include:  anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, inability to concentrate, and appetite changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who offers a wide array of specialty laboratory testing to her patients.  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.

What Is MTHFR?

mMethylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, or MTHFR is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine. Laboratory testing can be done to determine if an individual has a mutation in the MTHFR gene. Mutations may lead to other health problems. Medical conditions that have been linked to the variant mutations include: chronic pain, thyroid dysfunction, insomnia, depression, anxiety, atherosclerosis, allergies and infertility. Nutrition plays a substantial role in keeping the methylation pathway healthy. The B vitamins, folate, zinc, vitamin C, choline, copper, magnesium and selenium all play an essential role.

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

Celiac Disease Testing

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating foods that contain gluten.  It affects approximately 1% of the population.  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.  When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body responds by creating antibodies that attack the small intestine.  Thus, nutrients that are eaten are not absorbed.  Celiac is a hereditary disease, and is common among first degree relatives.  Left untreated, individuals with celiac disease are at a higher risk to develop other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and anemia.  Once diagnosed with celiac, a strict gluten free diet must be followed.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach Florida, offers non-invasive celiac testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.   Comprehensive vitamin testing is another offered service, many individuals with celiac suffer from vitamin insufficiency/deficiency.  Please call the office at 813-92-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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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.

Vitamins And Minerals For Healthy Hair

Certain vitamins, when taken on a daily basis, can help with hair loss, brittleness and dullness.  Daily vitamins and supplements help fill gaps in or diets that can form from restriction of carbohydrates and fats in an effort to lose weight.   However, systemic issues such as chronic anemia or thyroid problems can also lead to hair loss.  Together, you and your physician can determine the cause and best treatment options for your hair loss.  Listed below are vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to affect hair health.

  • Iron – Iron carries oxygen to hair and promotes growth.  Many women of child-bearing age and individuals who do not consume a lot of red meat are iron deficient. Iron- rich foods include: chicken, spinach, lentils and egg yolks.
  •  Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for hair follicle cycling.  Vitamin D – rich foods include:  salmon, mushroom and fortified grains.
  •  Zinc – Zinc is an excellent hair growth mineral.  Foods rich in zinc include:  turkey, lamb, chocolate and pumpkin seeds.
  • B-Complex Vitamins – Biotin, niacin, and cobalamin all help restore shine and thickness to hair.  Eggs, avocados, whole grains and legumes are all rich in B-complex vitamins.
  •  Vitamin C, vitamin E and Copper are also essential for hair 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 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 Can Vitamin C Do For Me?

Vitamin C is essential for normal growth and repair of tissues in the body; it forms an important protein to make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.  It helps form scar tissue, heal wounds, and repair/maintain bones, teeth and cartilage.   Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that assists to block damage caused by free radicals.  Free radicals are formed from exposure to radiation or tobacco smoke, and when your body breaks down food.  They are thought to play a role in heart disease, cancer and arthritis and are responsible for the majority of the aging process.

Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, left over amounts are excreted from the body.  Thus, a continuous dietary supply is needed.  Dietary sources include:  citrus fruits, mango, kiwi fruit, pineapple, watermelon, berries, broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and tomatoes.  The best sources are uncooked/raw fruits and vegetables.  Side effects from too much vitamin C are rare, but doses greater than 2000 milligrams a day may lead to diarrhea and stomach upset.  Vitamin C deficiency may lead to anemia, easy bruising, dry skin, decreased ability to fight infection, and nosebleeds.  According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women.

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.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide in adults and children. Vitamin D can be consumed as a nutrient through food or supplements, and is synthesized through the skin from sunlight exposure.  Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.  There are also many foods that are fortified with vitamin D.  However, the majority of an individual’s circulating vitamin D is synthesized in the skin from UV light exposure.

Vitamin D deficiency in severe cases can result in rickets (skeletal abnormalities) and osteomalacia (bone pain and tenderness).  Deficiency may also increase the risk of chronic diseases including certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and upper respiratory tract infections.

Your vitamin D level can be determined by a blood test.  Based on the results your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplementation, either over-the counter or prescription strength.  Individuals who may be vulnerable to develop vitamin D insufficiency include the elderly, people with increased skin pigmentation, and individuals who use certain medications or have inadequate sun exposure.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer vitamin D testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete 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.

How Can Vitamin and Nutritional Testing Help Me?

 

Our society perpetuates unhealthy eating habits due to our busy culture.  Often, we are not obtaining the proper type or amount of vitamins, minerals or amino acids.  Our bodies are bombarded daily with pollution and toxins which may leave the immune system vulnerable.  Nutritional imbalances can affect your body in many ways, some of which are outlined below.

Amino and fatty acids affect our emotional and cognitive well-being; early detection of imbalances may help prevent chronic illnesses from developing.  Dietary minerals help regulate many of our body’s processes and also serve as “building blocks”.  Minerals such as magnesium and manganese have been proven to be beneficial in alleviating joint pain and anxiety.   Antioxidants help protect our body from oxidative stress or free radicals.  Oxidative stress has been linked to neurological diseases and premature aging.  Testing can also be performed for heavy metal  ( such as  lead and mercury) toxicity.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer vitamin and nutritional 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.