How Can Chia Seeds Improve My Health?

chia seeds and wordChia seed has been used as a nutritious dietary staple in Mexico and Central America since ancient times.  Chia seed oil contains 60% alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cardiovascular health.  It is also an excellent source of iron and fiber.

Recent research has also studied how chia seeds may be utilized as a weight-modifying food.  Patients within the studies who consumed foods containing chia seeds rated their satiety (fullness) levels higher and had reductions in both body weight and waist circumference.  Also of note, participants receiving chia seed products in the studies had decreases in their serum triglycerides (cholesterol) and glucose (blood sugar) levels.

Chia seeds are available in a variety of forms including whole seeds, oil, chia meal, and “chia snacks”.  There is no standardized recommended dose, but a typical serving of seeds (whole or ground) is a quarter-cup.

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 and offers a number of weight loss and dietary counseling services to her patients.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

 

Adult Hypertension

High Blood PressureNew guidelines recently released from the Joint National Committee proposed less restrictive BP targets for certain individuals.  These include adults aged 60 years or older, as well as individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

The new 2014 guidelines have increased the blood pressure treatment goal from less than 140/90 to 150/90 for individuals aged 60 and older.  For adults with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, the new blood pressure guidelines are 140/90.  This is an increase from the previously recommended blood pressure guideline of 130/80.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery wall as it circulates through your body.  Hypertension (high blood pressure) typically has no warning signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced.  It is estimated that 67 million American adults have high blood pressure – 1 in every 3 adults.  Having hypertension greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.

It is important to keep your blood pressure within the target range for optimal health, and to limit the risk of serious health complications.  Measures you can take to maintain your blood pressure include keeping a healthy weight, limiting sodium (salt) intake, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and as a physician nutrition specialist.  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.

 

Advanced Lipid Testing

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.

 

 

How Can I Naturally Lower My Cholesterol?

High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, is defined as elevated circulating lipids in the blood.  Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, and is discovered during routine screening blood work.  Left untreated, hyperlipidemia may lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.  Together, you and your physician can determine the best way to control your hyperlipidemia.  Along with diet and exercise, there are a number of vitamins, minerals and supplements that may be beneficial in lowering lipids.

  • Red Rice Yeast
  • Coenzyme Q 10
  • Omega 3
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B5
  • Carnitine
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Inositol
  • Choline
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Selenium

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, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing 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.

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?

High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, is defined as elevated circulating lipids in the blood.  High concentrations of cholesterol or triglycerides, which mainly occur due to saturated fat consumption,  can lead to increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.   Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, and is discovered during routine screening blood work.  Foods high in saturated fats often come from animal sources – whole milk, butter, cheese and meat.  Additionally, tropical oils such as palm and coconut are also high in saturated fats.  These oils are commonly used in processed foods.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most recommended diets for cardiovascular health.  It is the traditional diet consumed in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Southern Italy.  It is traditionally high in the consumption of:  fruits and vegetables, legumes and plant proteins, whole grains, fresh fish, nuts and olive oil.  It has been proven beneficial in the reduction of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, blood sugar levels and cognitive decline.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double-board certified in internal medicine and 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.