Holistic Seasonal Allergy Help

Allergy season is a trying time of year for many individuals.  There are a number of holistic remedies which may be beneficial for symptom alleviation.  Normal saline spray is an excellent nasal sinus rinse.  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.  Quercetin is a natural antioxidant.  Foods such as cherries, broccoli, blackberries and parsley are high in these nutrients.  Butterbur works as a leukotriene inhibitor which helps prevent swelling of the nasal passages.  Acupuncture has also been shown in many studies to have beneficial effects on allergy symptoms.  Always check with your physician prior to beginning  any new medication, supplement or vitamin.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers skin allergy testing and sublingual drop immunotherapy treatments 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.

 

Relief for Seasonal Allergies

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?

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.

 

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

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?

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?

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?

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

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.

Rosacea Treatment in Tampa

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing, redness and prominent telangiectases of the face.  The cause of rosacea is unknown, but is thought to occur from an exaggerated vasodilatory response.  This response can occur from such causes as: exposure to hot temperatures, spicy foods,  and alcohol consumption. Treatment usually consists of prescription creams or gels applied to the affected areas, along with avoidance of triggers.

Laser therapy has also been shown to be beneficial to help treat persistent erythema (redness) and telangiectases. At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness we have the ability to effectively treat rosacea with both a medicinal and aesthetic approach.  Our IPL laser limits erythema and reduces the appearance of telangiectases.  For more information please contact the office at: (813) 902-9559.  Office locations are in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Can Garcinia Cambogia Help Me Lose Weight?

Garcinia Cambogia is a small pumpkin-shaped fruit native to Indonesia and Southeast Asia.  It is often used in traditional Asian curries and chutneys.   Garcinia Cambogia  is often added to meals in an effort to make them more “filling”.  The active ingredient that functions as an appetite blocker is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), and is found in the rind of the fruit.  HCA helps increase weight loss by acting as an appetite suppressant and blocking fat.  Garcinia Cambogia is available as a nutritional supplement – recommended dosage is 500-1000mg prior to each meal.  The average expected weight loss with one month of use is 2-4 pounds.

Dr. Anne Hermann is board-certified in internal medicine and nutrition. She offers many nutritional and weight loss options to her patients. These options include meal planning, nutritional counseling and the HCG diet. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Tampa location of Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness, please call (813) 902-9559.