How Does Vitamin D Affect My Health?

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.

 

How Do Neurotransmitters Affect Mental and Physical Functioning?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that control communication between neurons (nerve cells).  When neurotransmitter levels are out of balance, such communication can be altered and a wide variety of clinical symptoms can result.  These effects can be both physical, emotional.  Mood, mental performance, and energy level can all be affected.  Resulting symptoms can include:  anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, inability to concentrate, and appetite changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who offers a wide array of specialty laboratory 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.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement therapy (BHRT) is the therapeutic use of hormones that are identical to the hormones made naturally in the body.  One popular type of formulation is in a cream base.  These hormone creams are typically used to treat symptoms of perimenopause, and menopause.  The hormones predominantly used include testosterone, estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone.

Compounded bio-identical hormone dosages can be titrated to meet individual specific needs.  Side effects of use can potentially be minimized, as the hormones can be used and metabolized in a more natural way by the body.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, prescribes bio-identical hormones to her patients.  She has many years of experience prescribing bio-identical hormone replacement, and has participated in research studies on the topic.  One such New York Times article published in 2004 was centered around Dr. Hermann’s study.  Please click on the link below to access the full article. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/30/health/possible-peril-found-in-menopause-cream.html

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.

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non- invasive method of skin exfoliation.  It utilizes a suctioning and vacuuming technique that stimulates blood and lymph flow.  Skin pores are cleaned of debris; this renews the surface of the skin.  Microdermabrasion leaves the skin supple and vibrant.  This treatment is used to diminish the appearance of scars, facial spots, acne and wrinkles.  No downtime is required after treatment, and normal activity can be resumed immediately.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers comprehensive aesthetic and cosmetic services to her patients.  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.

Advanced Lipid Testing

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.

 

 

What Is Cosmetic Filler?

Products such as Radiesse, Perlane, Juvederm, Belotero and Restylane are cosmetic fillers.  These substances provide volume and restore smoothness to help produce a more youthful appearance.  These fillers are FDA approved to correct facial wrinkles and folds, and generally last from 9-12 months.  The injections are generally well tolerated with minimal side effects or reactions.  The area to be treated can also be numbed (anesthetized) to further minimize discomfort.  Ice will also be applied to minimize any residual swelling to the site.

The offices of Dr. Anne Hermann offer comprehensive aesthetic services, including cosmetic fillers.  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.

 

 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial for numerous health conditions. An anti-inflammatory diet decreases acidity and increases alkalinity. Decreasing acidity helps with joint pain, rashes and general malaise. It has also been used for patients with multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory diet eliminates gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, yeast, soy, beef, pork, and veal. Other holistic anti-inflammatory agents are curry cumin and omega 3 or flax seed oil.

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

Latisse Ophthalmic Solution

Latisse is an FDA approved prescription medication for eyelash growth – making them fuller, thicker and longer.  It is used in the treatment of hypotrichosis, or inadequate or not enough eyelashes.  Latisse is thought to work by prolonging the active growth phase of your eyelashes.  The onset of effects is gradual, but significant improvement is usually seen within 2 months of beginning treatment.  Latisse is usually well tolerated, but individuals with glaucoma or eye pressure problems should not use it.

Dr. Anne Hermann is pleased to offer latisse, as well as multiple other cosmetic products and aesthetic services to her patients.  Offices are located in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

What Is MTHFR?

mMethylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, or MTHFR is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine. Laboratory testing can be done to determine if an individual has a mutation in the MTHFR gene. Mutations may lead to other health problems. Medical conditions that have been linked to the variant mutations include: chronic pain, thyroid dysfunction, insomnia, depression, anxiety, atherosclerosis, allergies and infertility. Nutrition plays a substantial role in keeping the methylation pathway healthy. The B vitamins, folate, zinc, vitamin C, choline, copper, magnesium and selenium all play an essential role.

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

Optifast Diet Program

Optifast is a clinically proven weight management program offered at our weight loss clinic. The Optifast program is a full liquid meal replacement diet, restricting food options for a limited time. This is known as stimuli narrowing and provides the scientific rationale for a full meal replacement diet. Typical caloric intake during the 12 weeks of the program is 800-1200 calories per day. The Optifast formulas provide 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamins and minerals. Because the program is medically guided, participants are monitored at least bi-weekly during the program. Two years after program completion, 1 out of 4 patients maintained 75% of their weight loss. Five years after program completion, 50% of patients maintained medically significant weight loss.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers the Optifast diet program to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call (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.