Tag: Food sensitivity testing

Can Exercise Help Improve My Gut Health?

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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.

Could I Have Celiac Disease?

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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 Are GMO Foods?

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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?

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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.

 

 

Can Food Intolerance Cause Migraine Headaches?

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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.

Could My Weight Gain Be From Food Sensitivites?

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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.

Why Am I So Fatigued?

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Fatigue is a commonly mentioned symptom of many diseases and illnesses.  Persistent fatigue can be debilitating,  and has a negative effect on one’s quality of life.  Fatigue may be an early warning sign of food intolerance or sensitivity.  Usually, the fatigue is worse in the early morning, and will occur with other symptoms such as migraines, eczema or irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers have theorized that sensitivities to foods may produce fatigue as part of a generalized immune reaction.   The chronic inflammatory response or immune reaction overburdens our bodies.  This leads to oxidative stress, which in turn affects the mitochondria or energy –producing parts of our cells.  Thus, excessive fatigue ensues.  Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their energy level.

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

Am I Sensitive to Certain Foods?

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One of the most common reasons for physician office visits is “stomach problems.”  These problems may include: abdominal pain and bloating, excess gas production, diarrhea and constipation.  Often, the symptoms can be linked to certain foods that are causing an inflammatory response within the gut.  These foods may trigger chronic activation of the immune system.  Conditions that have been linked to chronic immune activation  include:  skin disorders, chronic fatigue, obesity, allergic rhinitis, and neurological diseases.

Your physician may recommend a blood test to determine if you have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods.  The offending foods are then eliminated from your diet for a period of 3-6 months.  During this time period the gut is allowed to heal, and an improvement in symptoms should be achieved.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete 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 Leaky Gut Syndrome?

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Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the lining of the intestines become damaged as a result of chronic inflammation.  Research has shown that chronic inflammation can result from a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet.  Once the body is primed for inflammation, certain foods, stress, and medications may trigger a response that damages the intestinal lining.   The lining must then be allowed to heal by omitting the offending foods or agents and replacing the integrity of the intestines.

Leaky gut syndrome has been linked to disorders such as:  depression, insomnia, abdominal bloating, eczema, and migraines.  Your physician may recommend a blood test to determine if you have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods.  These foods are then eliminated for a period of 3-6 months to improve symptoms and allow healing.

Dr.  Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete 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.