Qsymia- A New Medication For Weight Loss Management

qsymiaQsymia is an FDA approved combination medication of phentermine and topiramate (Topamax) indicated for chronic weight management. Although the precise mechanisms of action are not known, multiple mechanisms regulate hunger. Qsymia works on multiple pathways to help achieve and maintain weight loss. According to the CDC nearly 40% of adults in America are obese or extremely obese.

Qsymia is indicated as an adjunct to increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake in obese and overweight individuals.  Eligible patients should have a  body mass index (BMI) of 32 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with a weight -related comorbidity – such as high cholesterol, hypertension or type 2 diabetes.  Qsymia is prescribed for once daily dosing in the morning.  Physician follow-up is usually monthly.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and nutrition.  She offers many weight loss and nutritional treatment options to her patients, including Qsymia.  Office locations 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.

 

 

 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Brain Health

Research has found that eating a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids boosts brain health, especially networks involved in thinking and attention.  Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel.  The particular omega-3 fatty acid found to be important for brain health is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  600-1000mg of DHA daily is recommended for optimal health.

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 vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Does Magnesium Help Me?

Magnesium is a mineral that is required for numerous anti-aging processes.  Decreased levels of magnesium may lead to symptoms such as:  hypertension, heart palpitations, constipation, elevated blood sugar, wheezing and muscle cramps.  Foods rich in magnesium include beans, seeds, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.  The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 400mg daily.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers 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 Vitamin K Help Me?

Vitamin K is essential for cardiovascular and bone health.  Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bone weakening, increased blood pressure and arterial plaque formation.  The recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin K is approximately 100mcg.  However, optimal levels for cardiovascular, nutritional needs and bone health is 250-1000mcg daily.  Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and brussels sprouts.

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 Can Licorice Root Help Me?

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.

The HCG Diet

HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. During the HCG diet, Caloric intake is restricted to 500-1000 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods. Typically, HCG is delivered via an injection in your physician’s office. A moderate exercise program is also recommended to enhance weight loss during the diet. At Dr. Anne Hermann’s office the HCG diet is just one of the weight loss programs offered. We typically recommend beginning a successful weight loss program with a 30 detox diet, which limits the craving for sweets. The detox diet eliminates processed foods and promotes the consumption of whole foods, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Hermann also offers the Optifast full liquid meal replacement diet for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Typically patients with diabetes and/or hypertension are able to stop their insulin and blood pressure medications with the weight loss achieved. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and thus is able to offer meal planning services to her patients. Office locations 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. This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Celiac Disease Testing

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating foods that contain gluten.  It affects approximately 1% of the population.  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.  When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body responds by creating antibodies that attack the small intestine.  Thus, nutrients that are eaten are not absorbed.  Celiac is a hereditary disease, and is common among first degree relatives.  Left untreated, individuals with celiac disease are at a higher risk to develop other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and anemia.  Once diagnosed with celiac, a strict gluten free diet must be followed.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach Florida, offers non-invasive celiac testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.   Comprehensive vitamin testing is another offered service, many individuals with celiac suffer from vitamin insufficiency/deficiency.  Please call the office at 813-92-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, is a condition similar to celiac disease.  However, the affected individuals do not test positive for celiac.  There is no immune reaction or intestinal damage that is present.  Related symptoms include:  abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue.  Symptoms improve and are often effectively treated with the elimination of gluten containing products from the diet.  There is no cure for gluten sensitivity, treatment is to simply avoid gluten containing products.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida offers testing and treatment for gluten sensitivity.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  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.