Can Exercise Help Improve My Gut Health?

gut floraBritish researchers have recently reported that exercise can increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut, in turn boosting the immune system and positively affecting long- term health. Increasing dietary protein may also be beneficial for gut health. Life expectancy continues to increase, underscoring the importance of good health. Gut microbiota richness and diversity is essential for overall wellbeing.

Athletes involved in the recent British study had lower levels of inflammatory markers and better metabolic profiles than the control group. They also had greater diversity and quantity of good gut flora. In particular, the athletes had much higher numbers of one particular type of bacteria linked to reduced rates of obesity. Consuming a variety of foods including protein, vegetables and fruits was also identified in the study as essential for gut health and immunity.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers a variety of meal planning and weight loss services as well as food sensitivity testing to her patients. 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.

Is There A Connection Between Hay Fever And Food Allergies?

oral allergyOral allergy syndrome is caused by protein substances that are found in pollen and on some raw fruits and vegetables. The body’s immune system recognizes and reacts to these substances causing an allergy syndrome.   Even if the proteins are not identical, they can be similar enough to fool the immune system.  Up to a third of individuals with hay fever (seasonal allergies) will develop oral allergy syndrome.  Common cross-reactions include:  1.  birch pollen and apples, carrots, celery, almonds, kiwis, cherries, pears, peaches, hazelnuts and plums.  2.  ragweed pollen and cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini and bananas.  3.  grass pollen and melons, oranges, tomatoes, peaches and celery.

The main signs of oral allergy syndrome (a localized allergic reaction to food) include swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips and an itchy feeling in your throat or ears. Peeling of the offending fruit or vegetable may help, as the offending protein is often located in the food’s skin. Consuming the produce after it has been canned, baked or microwaved is also beneficial as cooking the foods helps to deactivate the offending protein substance.  However, the best treatment is simply avoiding the offending food.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers seasonal allergy and food sensitivity testing to her patients.   There are multiple treatment options including acupuncture, dietary modifications and sublingual immunotherapy.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

What Are GMO Foods?

GMO is the abbreviation for genetically modified foods.  Foods are modified in an effort to increase crop  production.  Typically both herbicides and pesticides are used.  Foods that are frequently genetically modified include corn and soybeans.  Genetic modification of foods has been linked to an increase in food allergies and a decrease in good gut flora.  Additionally, many pesticides have known endocrinology effects.  Currently the United States does not require genetically modified foods to be labeled.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Testing offered to patients includes food sensitivity testing and allergy skin testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact 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.

 

 

Could My Weight Gain Be From Food Sensitivites?

Studies have linked being overweight with an inappropriate response to food.  Often, food is used as a coping mechanism when we feel stressed, bored, or depressed.  This phenomenon has been correlated with serotonin  (a neuro-transmitter in the brain)  excretion when we eat high carbohydrate foods such as ice cream, bread and pasta.  Serotonin is our “feel good” hormone that helps us feel better emotionally.  However, processed foods that are high in refined sugar may also cause an increase in other hormones – ultimately leading to obesity.

If an individual with food sensitivities consumes foods to which they are sensitive, this may actually stress the body and decrease the level of serotonin in the brain.  In turn the immune system is activated, and other areas of the body – such as the skin, intestines, joints and sinuses may be affected as well.  Food sensitivities may also lead to malnutrition by interfering with the metabolism of fat for energy.  This is due to poor intestinal absorption of nutrients.   Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their symptoms.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive food sensitivity testing at her St. Petersburg weight loss clinic. 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.

Allergy Drops in Tampa and St Pete

August 1, 2012, the Wall Street Journal published an article on sublingual immunotherapy. We have been offering allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, for years. The journal article did a good job describing what science knows about the drops:

1. The drops are made of the same liquid used in the shots. While the liquid is FDA approved, taking it by mouth is an off label but very effective means of taking the liquid.

 

2. Drops are as effective as the shots

3. Drops are much more convenient as they can be done at home. Patients who get allergy shots, must go to the doctor once or twice per week for injections.

4. Drops are safer than shots because there is less risk of severe allergic reaction.

5. Millions of doses of drops have been given worldwide, with no deaths.

6. Cost is similar with allergy drops as shots because while the drops are not covered by insurance, they still are less than the cost of all the doctor visits required for shots.

So, if you suffer from allergies and do not want weekly shots, this is the best way to go. For more information, see our blog allergy testing: http://www.doctorhermann.com/blog/bid/129091/How-to-Treat-Food-Allergies-in-the-Tampa-St-Pete-Area

Dr. Anne Hermann, M.D. is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your appointment, please call (813) 902-9559.

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

How to Treat Food Allergies in the Tampa-St Pete Area

Posted by Anne Hermann on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 01:30 PM

Dr. Anne Hermann

We all know that severe food allergies, caused by IgE antibodies, can be lethal.  But food allergies, caused by IgG antibodies, are more subtle.  We sometimes call the IgG allergy a food sensitivity because it will not kill you.  IgG allergies do cause sinus congestion, headache, achiness, constipation, diarrhea, rash, autism and a variety of vague symptoms.

There are two ways to determine whether you have a food sensitivity.  One is to do an elimination diet.  If, after eliminating specific foods from the diet, you feel better, then we know that something you are eating is causing your symptoms.  Then, we add back one food at a time to determine what food or foods caused the symptom.  The second and easiest way to determine whether you have a food sensitivity is blood testing.  A blood test will tell you if you have an allergy and how severe the allergy is.

In the old days (not too long ago), if someone had a food allergy, their only option was to eliminate that food from their diet.  This is difficult to do because certain foods, like soy, wheat, corn, dairy, and egg are found in small amounts in many food items.  Now, patients have the option of taking sublingual allergy drops by Allergy Easy.  These drops provide treatment for 59 different foods.  Allergy drops have allowed us to help many people who have multiple food allergies and have not been able to fully eliminate the foods they are allergic to from their diet.

We are proud to be offering the full spectrum of food sensitivity testing and treatment in a safe medical environment.  Anne Hermann, MD is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist.  She has been practicing in Tampa Bay since 2003.

To schedule your appointment in either our Tampa or St. Pete Beach office, please call (813) 902-9559.

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