Tag: holistic internal medicine

Holistic Seasonal Allergy Help

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Allergy season is a trying time of year for many individuals.  There are a number of holistic remedies which may be beneficial for symptom alleviation.  Normal saline spray is an excellent nasal sinus rinse.  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.  Quercetin is a natural antioxidant.  Foods such as cherries, broccoli, blackberries and parsley are high in these nutrients.  Butterbur works as a leukotriene inhibitor which helps prevent swelling of the nasal passages.  Acupuncture has also been shown in many studies to have beneficial effects on allergy symptoms.  Always check with your physician prior to beginning  any new medication, supplement or vitamin.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers skin allergy testing and sublingual drop immunotherapy treatments 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.

 

Relief for Seasonal Allergies

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Allergies are a group of diseases such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.  They are characterized by an immune system overreaction to foreign bodies that are normally harmless; such as dust, pollen and animal dander.  The body produces a histamine response to these substances – resulting in symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

Allergy season is getting longer – tree pollen runs from January to June, grass from May to June and weeds from August to November.  Many individuals also react to indoor irritants such as pet dander, mold and dust mites.  While over-the-counter allergy medications can help, some individuals will need allergy skin testing to receive prescription sublingual allergy drops.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers allergy skin testing to her patients.  After the identification of specific allergens, allergy immunotherapy (sublingual drops) can be specifically formulated.  Often, several years of therapy is necessary for full symptom relief.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Can I Boost My Immune System Naturally?

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The immune system interacts directly with the entire body by acting as the internal defense system.  Stress is a main contributor to decreased immunity.  Nutritional status greatly influences immune health.   A diet rich in vegetables, protein and whole grains, but low in fat and refined sugars is recommended.  Both obesity and elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels negatively impact the immune system by interfering with antioxidant activity.

Vitamins and mineral that are essential for immune health include: Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium.  These vital nutrients are best obtained as part of a healthy diet, but are also available in multivitamin supplements.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin 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.

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

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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.

What Are Xenoestrogens?

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Xenoestrogens are compounds that mimic natural estrogens.  They can be either natural or synthetic chemical compounds.  The synthetic xenoestrogens such as BPA and Atrazine are of particular concern.  BPA or Bisphenol A is used as a lining in most food and beverage cans.  Atrazine is a widely used herbicide/pesticide.  These substances and other chemicals have been linked to the development of conditions including early puberty, reproductive difficulties, and certain forms of cancer.  Xenoestrogens may also elicit hormonal disruptive effects on wildlife and affect the environment.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician with offices 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.

 

Rosacea Treatment in Tampa

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Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing, redness and prominent telangiectases of the face.  The cause of rosacea is unknown, but is thought to occur from an exaggerated vasodilatory response.  This response can occur from such causes as: exposure to hot temperatures, spicy foods,  and alcohol consumption. Treatment usually consists of prescription creams or gels applied to the affected areas, along with avoidance of triggers.

Laser therapy has also been shown to be beneficial to help treat persistent erythema (redness) and telangiectases. At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we have the ability to effectively treat rosacea with both a medicinal and aesthetic approach.  Our IPL laser limits erythema and reduces the appearance of telangiectases.  For more information please contact the office at: (813) 902-9559.  Office locations are in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Low- Dose Naltrexone For Cancer Treatment

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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.

Can Plant Sterols Reduce My Cholesterol?

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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.

 

How Can Licorice Root Help Me?

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Licorice  root can be used for various digestive system complaints such as stomach ulcers, heartburn and colic.  It can also be used for osteoarthritis, liver disorders, and lupus.  Licorice  root also has indications for adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal fatigue can occur when the body is under chronic stress, which in turn disrupts the hormone response which regulates the stress.  Licorice root facilitates adrenal support and cortisol production.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing and treatment for adrenal fatigue.  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.