How Can Sublingual Allergy Therapy Help Me?

Allergies occur when your body perceives irritants such as dust, molds, or pollens as threats and an immune response is launched.  Reactions can include sneezing, runny nose, skin rashes, and wheezing.  Prescription and over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms, but do not relieve the causes of the allergies.  Immunotherapy, which includes sublingual (under the tongue) allergy therapy, desensitizes your body to these irritants or antigens.   Very small doses are introduced to your body via serum.  As treatment progresses the concentration of antigens in the serum increases.  Thus  your immune system learns to ignore the antigen.

Sublingual therapy has been popular throughout the world for over 50 years, and is now becoming popular in the United States.  The serum that you place under your tongue is the same serum that is used in allergy shots.  Within a few months, you should realize a significant reduction in the need for allergy medications.  By the end of four years of sublingual therapy use, your environmental allergies should be in remission!

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers sublingual allergy therapy to her patients.  Locations 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.

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

What Is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is the use of injections directly into the mesoderm for localized fat reduction and treatment of cellulite. The mesoderm describes tissue such as fat, cartilage, muscle and bone. This therapy has been used for many years in Europe and South America, and is now becoming popular in the United States. The injections are well tolerated and have minimal side effects with no down time. Acceptable treatment areas include the chin, arms, abdomen, thighs, saddlebags, flanks and love handles. Typically, a high protein/low fat diet is recommended in conjunction with mesotherapy treatments for better results.

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. 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.

How Do Chelation Suppositories Compare To IV Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy works by pulling heavy metals from damaged hearts and heart valves, as well as the kidneys and blood vessels. IV chelation therapy is given into the vein through a needle. Each dose is given slowly over three or four hours. This is generally done two to four times a week over 30-60 weeks. Chelation is usually more than $150.00 per session and patients must spend time away from work. Also, because a high dose of chelation is delivered over a short time period, stress is placed on the kidneys.
An alternative delivery method of chelation is through a rectal suppository. The suppository is absorbed through the sigmoid colon (during sleep) and works gently to detoxify any heavy metals. Utilizing a suppository formulation places less strain on our organs, including the liver and kidneys. Untreated toxic levels of lead and mercury may cause symptoms such as memory loss, muscle pain, numbness and tingling, fatigue, irritability and tremor.
Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers heavy metal toxicity testing as well as chelation therapy to her patients. Dr. Hermann 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.

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

Dermanpen Skin Therapy

The Dermapen is an automated fractional micro-needling device that is used for multiple skin conditions.  By puncturing the skin and creating a small dermal injury, the body responds with a physiological process that improves the skin.  This is a natural process, thus Dermapen is a holistic skin therapy approach.

Treatment applications include skin rejuvenation, tightening and lifting, reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, improvement of stretch marks, minimization of pore size, and improvement of surgical, keloid and acne scars.  It is as effective as laser therapy, but side effects as well as the recovery period are significantly reduced.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers Dermapen to her patients.  Dr. Hermann 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.

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

Can Acupuncture Help Me Be Less Stressed?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress.  This ancient Chinese therapy actually reduces levels of a protein that is linked to chronic stress.  Scientists have recently been able to measure the amount of protein neuropeptide Y which is secreted during the “flight or fight” response to acute stress.  In studies, electro-acupuncture has been shown to block the chronic stress-induced elevations of these proteins.  Electro-acupuncture is a more intense form of therapy than manual acupuncture; it is also commonly used for pain management.  During this type of therapy, a small painless electrical charge is delivered through the acupuncture needle.  Electro-acupuncture can also be effective utilizing “needle-less” acupuncture.  With this method, a small hand-held micro-current stimulation device is used on acu-points instead of needles.

Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and elevated blood pressure amongst other conditions.  Stress has also been linked to premature cell aging.  It is thought that stress accounts for approximately half of the healthcare-related expenses in America.  In addition to acupuncture, recommendations to decrease stress levels include eating regular balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and daily exercise.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann also offers comprehensive acupuncture services 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.

Can Vitamin E Help Protect Against Obesity Health Effects?

A recent study out of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has found that vitamin E may help alleviate symptoms of obesity dependent liver disease.  Approximately 63 million Americans are at risk for developing obesity-related liver disease.  During the study mice with nonalcoholic  steatohepatitis (NASH) responded favorably to vitamin E supplementation.  NASH is a common complication of obesity that causes fat accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.  It is a major cause of cirrhosis (liver tissue scarring) that can lead to liver failure and cancer.  The vitamin E supplementation averted the majority of NASH-related symptoms in the mice during the study, proving that simple dietary changes may benefit at risk individuals.

The majority of American adults do not consume the recommended amount of vitamin E as established by the National Institute of Medicine.  The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams daily.  Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens and fortified breakfast cereals are all excellent sources of vitamin E.

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.  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 Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin, but does not use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas; it plays a major role in metabolism. Insulin helps cells throughout the body absorb glucose and use it for energy. Many individuals who have insulin resistance do not know until they develop type 2 diabetes. It is believed that the major contributors to insulin resistance are excess weight and physical inactivity. Sleep apnea, family history of diabetes, being of a certain ethnicity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, having polycystic ovarian syndrome, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and tobacco use have also been found to increase the risk of developing insulin resistance.

To determine if you have insulin resistance, your physician will order blood work. If you are found to be insulin resistant, your physician will recommend lifestyle changes including losing 5 to 7 percent body weight. Weight loss for most people can be achieved through increased exercise and decreased caloric intake. Physical activity and weight loss help the body utilize insulin more efficiently.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers a variety of weight loss programs to her patients. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition. Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. 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.

How Can B Vitamins Improve My Health?

The B vitamins are a group of vitamins which include B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12.   All of the B vitamins assist with vital health functions including cognitive stabilization, mood optimization, energy production and cardiovascular health.  To determine your vitamin levels, your doctor will order blood work.  If deficiencies are identified, a B complex vitamin or single B vitamins may be prescribed.

Folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels.  Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Elevated homocysteine levels have also been identified as a risk factor for hip fractures in postmenopausal women, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer.  Vitamin B 12 is well known for its ability to boost energy.  It is a key nutrient in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates for energy, red blood cell formation and nerve protection.  Research has also shown that folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6 improve mood, decrease the risks of wheezing, allergies and asthma and are beneficial in migraine treatment and prevention.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. 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.

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.