Tag: Saint Petersburg Beach Florida

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.

Is Cryotherapy Right For Me?

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Cryotherapy involves the use of liquefied nitrous oxide to freeze and destruct unwanted tissue.  It is appropriate for a variety of dermatologic conditions including: acne, keloids, verruca vulgaris (warts), and keratosis actinica.  The lesion is frozen to the cellular level.  No anesthetic is required for the cryotherapy procedure.  After the procedure, a scab will form over the treated area and peel away within 1-3 weeks.  The number of treatments required is dependent on the size and depth of the lesion.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers a number of cosmetic treatments and procedures to her patients, including cryotherapy.  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 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Holistic Neurotransmitter Support

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Brain neurochemistry can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, stress, dietary intake, exercise levels, and medication consumption.   Many individuals do not synthesize neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine properly.  Serotonin controls sleep, depression, anxiety, anger, and hunger.  Dopamine is known to control anger, cravings and addictive behaviors (such as tobacco abuse).

The B vitamins help promote energy, serotonin and dopamine formation.  Taurine helps calm the body by regulating neurotransmitters.  5 HTP helps with melatonin and serotonin formation.  5HTP also reduces appetite (carbohydrate) cravings.

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

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.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

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Sclerotherapy  is a popular cosmetic procedure that eliminates superficial “spider veins” and slightly deeper reticular “blue veins”.  A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein with a small needle.  This solution irritates the vein wall, and the goal of the procedure is to achieve closure of the vein.  The number of treatments needed will vary based on the severity and number of veins identified.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers sclerotherapy to her patients. Dr. Hermann and her staff also perform numerous other cosmetic procedures. These include: Botox and cosmetic filler injections, laser hair removal, facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, cellulite reduction and a variety of aesthetic services. 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.