Tag: immune system

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.

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.

How Does My Gut Affect My General Health?

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Our GI tract is a main component of our immune system.  Gut health determines what nutrients and toxins our body absorbs.  It also determines which allergens and microbes should be kept out of our bodies.   Gut bacteria – the good bacteria – must be balanced for optimal health.  These bacteria not only promote immune balance, but they also extract vitamins and minerals from your food to promote health at the cellular level.

Probiotics are essential to help restore the “good gut bacteria”.  There are many different brands of probiotics; high-quality products are usually fermented to combine different strains.  Popular strains include:  Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Breve and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers testing to assess and restore optimal gut health.  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.