Category: Vitamins and Minerals

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.

Forms Of Mercury Toxicity

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Mercury is a heavy metal occurring in several forms, all of which can be toxic in high doses.  The mercury in dental fillings is a blend of copper, silver and mercury that has been used for more than 150 years.  These fillings contain small amounts of inorganic mercury; which according to the American Dental Association is not easily absorbed.  The mercury in fish is methyl mercury which is more easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.  Thus, it is easier to develop mercury toxicity from our diet than from dental fillings.  Predatory fish such as tuna, swordfish, and mackerel contain the highest concentrations of mercury.

Signs and symptoms of mercury toxicity include:  sensory impairment (hearing, vision and speech), numbness and tingling, and lack of coordination.  Testing for mercury toxicity can be performed with blood or urine.  Chelation therapy is the standard of care to treat mercury toxicity; chelation can be achieved through various routes.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers heavy metal toxicity testing and chelation therapy in the form of suppositories 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.

How Does Vitamin D Affect My Health?

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Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risks of malignancies including: prostate, endometrial, skin, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, hypertension, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are also necessary for the maintenance of healthy bone.  Deficiency of vitamin D leads to decreased calcium levels in the bone, which may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Risk factors that can contribute to vitamin D deficiency include: inadequate sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, having a dark complexion, and increased age.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin 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.

 

How Do Neurotransmitters Affect Mental and Physical Functioning?

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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.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

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An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial for numerous health conditions. An anti-inflammatory diet decreases acidity and increases alkalinity. Decreasing acidity helps with joint pain, rashes and general malaise. It has also been used for patients with multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory diet eliminates gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, yeast, soy, beef, pork, and veal. Other holistic anti-inflammatory agents are curry cumin and omega 3 or flax seed oil.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician. 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?

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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

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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.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Natural Methods to Decrease Inflammation

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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?

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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?

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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.