Tag: Anne Hermann MD

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.

Advanced Lipid Testing

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Cholesterol is carried in the body by molecules called lipoproteins.  It is these lipoproteins that can clog the arteries, not the amount of cholesterol in them.   Research has shown that there are different sizes of LDL and HDL particles; some are much more dangerous than others.   Advanced lipoprotein testing identifies these particles and gives your doctor more information to help make an effective treatment decision to reduce your risk of heart disease.  According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, 50% of people who have a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels.    This type of advanced testing is especially recommended if there is a personal or family history of diabetes; you’re LDL, HDL, and/or triglyceride levels are elevated; you are overweight; you have metabolic syndrome; or you are taking cholesterol lowering medications.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician offers advanced lipoprotein 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?

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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.

Optifast Diet Program

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Optifast is a clinically proven weight management program offered at our weight loss clinic. The Optifast program is a full liquid meal replacement diet, restricting food options for a limited time. This is known as stimuli narrowing and provides the scientific rationale for a full meal replacement diet. Typical caloric intake during the 12 weeks of the program is 800-1200 calories per day. The Optifast formulas provide 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamins and minerals. Because the program is medically guided, participants are monitored at least bi-weekly during the program. Two years after program completion, 1 out of 4 patients maintained 75% of their weight loss. Five years after program completion, 50% of patients maintained medically significant weight loss.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers the Optifast diet program to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call (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.

Autumn Leaves Can Lead To Mold Allergies

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Leaves left on the ground during the fall season decompose and allow mold spores to grow. These spores then become airborne and can trigger sinus problems, asthma symptoms and swelling around the eyes. Climate change and super storms are causing mold counts to climb higher and linger for longer. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, rising counts of the mold Alternaria have been directly linked to asthma exacerbations. Another type of mold called Aspergillis is also a common cause of allergic sinusitis and asthma symptoms. Allergy skin testing can determine if mold is a trigger for symptoms that patients may be experiencing. If the testing comes back positive, allergy immunotherapy utilizing sublingual drops may effectively eradicate negative symptoms.

Dr. Anne Herman offers allergy testing and sublingual immunotherapy to her patients. 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.

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

The HCG Diet

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HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. During the HCG diet, Caloric intake is restricted to 500-1000 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods. Typically, HCG is delivered via an injection in your physician’s office. A moderate exercise program is also recommended to enhance weight loss during the diet. At Dr. Anne Hermann’s office the HCG diet is just one of the weight loss programs offered. We typically recommend beginning a successful weight loss program with a 30 detox diet, which limits the craving for sweets. The detox diet eliminates processed foods and promotes the consumption of whole foods, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Hermann also offers the Optifast full liquid meal replacement diet for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Typically patients with diabetes and/or hypertension are able to stop their insulin and blood pressure medications with the weight loss achieved. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and thus is able to offer meal planning services to her patients. Office locations 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. This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

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.

Gluten Sensitivity

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Gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, is a condition similar to celiac disease.  However, the affected individuals do not test positive for celiac.  There is no immune reaction or intestinal damage that is present.  Related symptoms include:  abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue.  Symptoms improve and are often effectively treated with the elimination of gluten containing products from the diet.  There is no cure for gluten sensitivity, treatment is to simply avoid gluten containing products.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida offers testing and treatment for gluten sensitivity.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  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.