Could I Have Celiac Disease?

celiac word in letterpress typeCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that interferes with the body’s ability to digest gluten.   Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley and rye.   It is an abnormal immune reaction to gluten and a disease of malabsorption.  Currently 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease.  However, there are estimates that an additional 2.5 million more are affected but have not yet received a diagnosis.

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly amongst individuals.  Digestive symptoms are more common in young children and may include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating and weight loss.  In adults, the following symptoms are more likely:  iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, depression, anxiety, dermatitis herpetiformis and canker sores.   Some patients with celiac disease have no symptoms.  Even if no symptoms are present, long-term complications include liver disease, malnutrition and cancers of the intestine.  Treatment for celiac disease involves eliminating all gluten from the diet.  This is a lifetime requirement.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers celiac and food sensitivity testing 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.


 

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

The Paleolithic or “Paleo” diet is based upon the consumption of foods that were available prior to the agricultural era. It consists of organic lean meats, fish, nuts, fruits and leafy vegetables. In addition, dairy, refined cereals, margarine, and refined oil/fats are avoided. The diet is low in sodium and extremely high in fiber, vitamins, proteins, folic acid, magnesium and potassium.

Studies have shown that the Paleo diet promotes antioxidant activity and healthy weight. Thus, the incidences of prevalent illnesses in Western societies such as: diabetes, stroke, heart disease and certain cancers may be reduced by following the principle components of the Paleo diet.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who is also board certified in nutrition.
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- Dose Naltrexone For Cancer Treatment

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.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy  is a popular cosmetic procedure that eliminates superficial “spider veins” and slightly deeper reticular “blue veins”.  A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein with a small needle.  This solution irritates the vein wall, and the goal of the procedure is to achieve closure of the vein.  The number of treatments needed will vary based on the severity and number of veins identified.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers sclerotherapy to her patients. Dr. Hermann and her staff also perform numerous other cosmetic procedures. These include: Botox and cosmetic filler injections, laser hair removal, facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, cellulite reduction and a variety of aesthetic services. 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.

Can Plant Sterols Reduce My Cholesterol?

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.

 

Lead Toxicity

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.

How Can Food Sensitivities Affect My Skin?

Common skin conditions such as eczema and acne have been associated with food intolerance.  Scientists have theorized that when intolerances or sensitivities are the cause of these conditions the mast cells in the lower layer of skin are the problems. Certain factors are released when these mast cells break down, causing the surrounding capillaries to leak.  This leakage leads to fluid pooling, swelling and inflammation.  When the intolerant foods are eliminated, the skin becomes noticeably smoother with less dryness, flaking and irritation.  Acne has also been shown to markedly improve once chronic inflammation is decreased.

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.

 

 

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement therapy (BHRT) is the therapeutic use of hormones that are identical to the hormones made naturally in the body.  One popular type of formulation is in a cream base.  These hormone creams are typically used to treat symptoms of perimenopause, and menopause.  The hormones predominantly used include testosterone, estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone.

Compounded bio-identical hormone dosages can be titrated to meet individual specific needs.  Side effects of use can potentially be minimized, as the hormones can be used and metabolized in a more natural way by the body.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, prescribes bio-identical hormones to her patients.  She has many years of experience prescribing bio-identical hormone replacement, and has participated in research studies on the topic.  One such New York Times article published in 2004 was centered around Dr. Hermann’s study.  Please click on the link below to access the full article. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/30/health/possible-peril-found-in-menopause-cream.html

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.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Cosmetic Filler?

Products such as Radiesse, Perlane, Juvederm, Belotero and Restylane are cosmetic fillers.  These substances provide volume and restore smoothness to help produce a more youthful appearance.  These fillers are FDA approved to correct facial wrinkles and folds, and generally last from 9-12 months.  The injections are generally well tolerated with minimal side effects or reactions.  The area to be treated can also be numbed (anesthetized) to further minimize discomfort.  Ice will also be applied to minimize any residual swelling to the site.

The offices of Dr. Anne Hermann offer comprehensive aesthetic services, including cosmetic fillers.  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

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.