Vitamin D and Protection Against Autoimmune Disorders

3d vitamins.Exposure to UV radiation seems to protect against autoimmune diseases such as MS and Type 1 diabetes.  Studies have shown that the closer you live to the equator, the less likely you are to develop an autoimmune disease.  Individuals who reside in the southern United States are less frequently diagnosed than individuals who reside in Canada and the northern United States.  The early years matter also, if you lived in the south your first 10 years, you have a reduced risk of developing MS even if you move to a northern state or area and reside there the rest of your life.

The production of vitamin D is triggered by ultraviolet B rays from the sun.  Vitamin D helps modulate your body’s defense system.  Studies have shown that in individuals who have the potential for developing autoimmunity, vitamin D reduces the risk and may in fact slow the progression of certain autoimmune disorders in their early stages.  2000-4000 IU’s daily of vitamin D is recommended by most experts.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin and nutritional testing to her patients.  As well as alternative treatment options for many health conditions, including autoimmune disorders.  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.

Can Zinc Help Alleviate Common Cold Symptoms?

zincOral zinc therapy initiated within 24 hours of common cold symptom onset, may reduce duration of the common cold in healthy people.    The common cold is caused by human rhinoviruses that attach to the inside of the nasal passages.  Zinc ion blocks this attachment.  Thus, an antiviral effect is elicited.

In one recent multi-country study, zinc was associated with shorter duration of cold symptoms but not severity.  Zinc formulations included in the study were syrup and lozenges.  Prophylactic zinc use in children resulted in reduced cold incidence; prophylactic use was not studied in adults.  The study was unable to quantify a recommended dosage of zinc as release of the zinc ion varies across formulations (syrup and lozenges).  Side effects were minimal, study participants reported bad taste and nausea with zinc lozenges use.

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.

Be Friendly To Your Bones!

bone healthNearly 52 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis or low bone density.  One out of every two women and one out of every four men will suffer a bone fracture because they have osteoporosis.  Bone density can be built until approximately age 30.  During menopausal hormone shifts, bone density starts to decrease.  If there are not adequate reserves, you are at a greater risk for developing osteopenia or osteoporosis.

How Can I Increase Bone Density?

Bone friendly foods include dairy products, soy, dark leafy greens (spinach and kale), orange juice, grain cereals and almonds.  Calcium from food sources are better absorbed than calcium from a supplement.  Approximately 250 mg of calcium can be absorbed at one time.  The recommended dosage of calcium is 1000-1200 mg daily.   Vitamin D is another important component of bone health as is magnesium, which helps regulate vitamin D levels.  The main way our bodies process vitamin D is from sunlight.  Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish and dairy products – experts recommend 800-1000 IU daily.  Magnesium is found in a wide variety of foods such as avocados, black bean, bananas, and almonds.   The recommended daily intake is approximately 320 mg.  Vitamin K also plays a role in bone health.  Food sources include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts and broccoli – try to ingest 90mcg daily.

Weight bearing exercise is also essential to building bone density.  Weight bearing exercises include walking, jumping, dancing and strength training.

Dr. Anne Hermann, is board certified in internal medicine and is also a physician nutrition specialist.  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.

 

 

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 I Boost My Immune System Naturally?

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.

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.

Ashwagandha For Adrenal Support

The ashwagandha root and leaf is utilized by the Ayurveda to modulate the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the body.  It restores vigor in individuals suffering from overwork and exhaustion.  Ashwagandha is believed to reduce elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulate the stress response hormones from the adrenal glands.  Thus, energy levels and metabolic function are improved; and stress levels are decreased.  Ashwagandha may also improve sleep quality and mental cognition.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive testing for adrenal fatigue, as well as, vitamin and hormone 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 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.