Category: Holistic Medical Treatments

Can Garcinia Cambogia Help Me Lose Weight?

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Garcinia Cambogia is a small pumpkin-shaped fruit native to Indonesia and Southeast Asia.  It is often used in traditional Asian curries and chutneys.   Garcinia Cambogia  is often added to meals in an effort to make them more “filling”.  The active ingredient that functions as an appetite blocker is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), and is found in the rind of the fruit.  HCA helps increase weight loss by acting as an appetite suppressant and blocking fat.  Garcinia Cambogia is available as a nutritional supplement – recommended dosage is 500-1000mg prior to each meal.  The average expected weight loss with one month of use is 2-4 pounds.

Dr. Anne Hermann is board-certified in internal medicine and nutrition. She offers many nutritional and weight loss options to her patients. These options include meal planning, nutritional counseling and the HCG diet. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Tampa location of Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness, please call (813) 902-9559.

Low- Dose Naltrexone For Cancer Treatment

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Low-dose Naltrexone is currently under study at the National Institutes of Health as a possible complimentary – alternative treatment for patients diagnosed with certain malignant conditions (cancers).  Naltrexone is typically prescribed for alcohol or opioid dependence.   It acts to block opiod receptor sites, thus decreasing craving and dependency.  It is also currently used for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.  It is believed that at lower doses Naltrexone can effectively increase the number of endorphins released by the brain.  Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  She offers a variety of complimentary treatment options to her patients, including low-dose Naltrexone.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Can Plant Sterols Reduce My Cholesterol?

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Eating plant sterols have been proven to be an easy way to lower your LDL cholesterol , which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease.  However, they do not affect HDL or triglyceride levels.  Sterols occur naturally in many grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.  Manufacturers have also started to add sterols to foods such as margarine and orange juice.

Sterols work by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream.  In essence, they block the absorption of cholesterol.  The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that individuals with high cholesterol get 2 grams of sterols daily.  Sterols are also available as a pill or powder.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician.  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 Can Licorice Root Help Me?

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Licorice  root can be used for various digestive system complaints such as stomach ulcers, heartburn and colic.  It can also be used for osteoarthritis, liver disorders, and lupus.  Licorice  root also has indications for adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal fatigue can occur when the body is under chronic stress, which in turn disrupts the hormone response which regulates the stress.  Licorice root facilitates adrenal support and cortisol production.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing and treatment for adrenal fatigue.  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.

Isoflavones For Menopausal Symptom Relief

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Isoflavones are water-soluble chemicals found in plants that act as phytoestrogens – they exert effects on the body similar to estrogens.  Some isoflavones can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia.  However, use of isoflavones should always be done under the direction of a physician as their use may be more harmful than beneficial in some patients.  This is especially true of women who have had breast cancer.

The most investigated isoflavones are genistein and daidzein, these are found in the soy products and the herb red clover.  These isoflavones may not only relieve menopausal symptoms, but have also been shown to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for menopausal symptoms.  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.

What Are Phytoestrogens?

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Phytoestrogens are plant based substances that have estrogen-like properties.  They are often used in holistic treatment for menopause to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes.  Phytoestrogens exert their action by attaching to an estrogen receptor site, thus they mimic the effects of the missing estrogen.

Phytoestrogens are commonly found in soybeans, flaxseed, alfalfa, hops, thyme and whole grains.  Isoflavones and lignans are the 2 types of phytoestrogens found in these foods.  Observational studies have identified decreased risks of breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate cancers.  However, these effects have not been replicated in placebo controlled studies.  Further information on isoflavones can be found in a supplemental blog.

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

 

 

 

Ashwagandha For Adrenal Support

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The ashwagandha root and leaf is utilized by the Ayurveda to modulate the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the body.  It restores vigor in individuals suffering from overwork and exhaustion.  Ashwagandha is believed to reduce elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulate the stress response hormones from the adrenal glands.  Thus, energy levels and metabolic function are improved; and stress levels are decreased.  Ashwagandha may also improve sleep quality and mental cognition.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing for adrenal fatigue, as well as, vitamin and hormone 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.

 

 

Sermorelin For Weight Loss

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Sermorelin is a Synthetic Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH).  It stimulates the pituitary gland to release Growth Hormone (GH).  Thus, the body produces increased levels of Growth Hormone.  Patients who utilize Sermorelin as part of a dietary and life style change can expect the following results:  reduced body fat, increased muscle and lean body mass, increased energy, as well as improved skin elasticity and sleep patterns.

Although there are many favorable effects of Growth Hormone, too much GH can increase bone thickness, cause muscle weakness, and result in insulin resistance.  For these reasons, it is important to have your blood levels monitored regularly throughout therapy.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician. She offers numerous weight management options at her weight loss clinic, including Sermorelin. 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.

Lead Toxicity

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Lead toxicity occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period of months to years.  Individuals who work in automotive shops or preform home renovations may be especially vulnerable.  Lead based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings is also of concern.

Evidence of lead toxicity often is not apparent until levels are very high.  Symptoms include:  headache, high blood pressure, numbness and tingling in the extremities, abdominal pain and memory loss.  Toxicity can be diagnosed by a simple blood or urine test.  Treatment is usually with chelation therapy, which binds to the lead so it can be excreted in the feces and/or urine.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers lead toxicity testing and treatment 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.

Low Testosterone

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Low testosterone, or “low T” occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.  It is also referred to as hypogonadism.  Signs and symptoms of  low testosterone include:  fatigue, lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, low libido and a decrease in beard and body hair growth.   Laboratory blood tests are used to make the diagnosis of hypogonadism.  If your levels are found to be low, you and your physician will determine the best course of treatment.  Testosterone can be replaced in numerous ways including via: gel, cream, injections or a patch.

Replacement therapy can also be achieved with the use of bio-identical hormones that are compounded in a pharmacy, or with pellets that are placed under the skin.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers testing and replacement therapy for low testosterone 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.