Tag: holistic internal medicine

Isoflavones For Menopausal Symptom Relief

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Isoflavones are water-soluble chemicals found in plants that act as phytoestrogens – they exert effects on the body similar to estrogens.  Some isoflavones can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia.  However, use of isoflavones should always be done under the direction of a physician as their use may be more harmful than beneficial in some patients.  This is especially true of women who have had breast cancer.

The most investigated isoflavones are genistein and daidzein, these are found in the soy products and the herb red clover.  These isoflavones may not only relieve menopausal symptoms, but have also been shown to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive assessment and treatment for menopausal symptoms.  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 Phytoestrogens?

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Phytoestrogens are plant based substances that have estrogen-like properties.  They are often used in holistic treatment for menopause to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes.  Phytoestrogens exert their action by attaching to an estrogen receptor site, thus they mimic the effects of the missing estrogen.

Phytoestrogens are commonly found in soybeans, flaxseed, alfalfa, hops, thyme and whole grains.  Isoflavones and lignans are the 2 types of phytoestrogens found in these foods.  Observational studies have identified decreased risks of breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate cancers.  However, these effects have not been replicated in placebo controlled studies.  Further information on isoflavones can be found in a supplemental blog.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.   Comprehensive hormone testing and menopausal treatment is offered in the office.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Ashwagandha For Adrenal Support

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The ashwagandha root and leaf is utilized by the Ayurveda to modulate the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the body.  It restores vigor in individuals suffering from overwork and exhaustion.  Ashwagandha is believed to reduce elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulate the stress response hormones from the adrenal glands.  Thus, energy levels and metabolic function are improved; and stress levels are decreased.  Ashwagandha may also improve sleep quality and mental cognition.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing for adrenal fatigue, as well as, vitamin and hormone 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.

 

 

Sermorelin For Weight Loss

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Sermorelin is a Synthetic Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH).  It stimulates the pituitary gland to release Growth Hormone (GH).  Thus, the body produces increased levels of Growth Hormone.  Patients who utilize Sermorelin as part of a dietary and life style change can expect the following results:  reduced body fat, increased muscle and lean body mass, increased energy, as well as improved skin elasticity and sleep patterns.

Although there are many favorable effects of Growth Hormone, too much GH can increase bone thickness, cause muscle weakness, and result in insulin resistance.  For these reasons, it is important to have your blood levels monitored regularly throughout therapy.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician. She offers numerous weight management options at her weight loss clinic, including Sermorelin. 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.

Lead Toxicity

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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.

Low Testosterone

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Low testosterone, or “low T” occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.  It is also referred to as hypogonadism.  Signs and symptoms of  low testosterone include:  fatigue, lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, low libido and a decrease in beard and body hair growth.   Laboratory blood tests are used to make the diagnosis of hypogonadism.  If your levels are found to be low, you and your physician will determine the best course of treatment.  Testosterone can be replaced in numerous ways including via: gel, cream, injections or a patch.

Replacement therapy can also be achieved with the use of bio-identical hormones that are compounded in a pharmacy, or with pellets that are placed under the skin.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers testing and replacement therapy for low testosterone 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?

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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.

How Does Vitamin D Affect My Health?

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Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risks of malignancies including: prostate, endometrial, skin, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, hypertension, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are also necessary for the maintenance of healthy bone.  Deficiency of vitamin D leads to decreased calcium levels in the bone, which may lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Risk factors that can contribute to vitamin D deficiency include: inadequate sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, having a dark complexion, and increased age.

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

 

Advanced Lipid Testing

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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.