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.

 

 

 

Holistic Neurotransmitter Support

Brain neurochemistry can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, stress, dietary intake, exercise levels, and medication consumption.   Many individuals do not synthesize neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine properly.  Serotonin controls sleep, depression, anxiety, anger, and hunger.  Dopamine is known to control anger, cravings and addictive behaviors (such as tobacco abuse).

The B vitamins help promote energy, serotonin and dopamine formation.  Taurine helps calm the body by regulating neurotransmitters.  5 HTP helps with melatonin and serotonin formation.  5HTP also reduces appetite (carbohydrate) cravings.

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

Rosacea Treatment in Tampa

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing, redness and prominent telangiectases of the face.  The cause of rosacea is unknown, but is thought to occur from an exaggerated vasodilatory response.  This response can occur from such causes as: exposure to hot temperatures, spicy foods,  and alcohol consumption. Treatment usually consists of prescription creams or gels applied to the affected areas, along with avoidance of triggers.

Laser therapy has also been shown to be beneficial to help treat persistent erythema (redness) and telangiectases. At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we have the ability to effectively treat rosacea with both a medicinal and aesthetic approach.  Our IPL laser limits erythema and reduces the appearance of telangiectases.  For more information please contact the office at: (813) 902-9559.  Office locations are in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Can Garcinia Cambogia Help Me Lose Weight?

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.

How Can Licorice Root Help Me?

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

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?

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.

 

 

 

Sermorelin For Weight Loss

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.

Low Testosterone

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.

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.