What Is The AMD Prevention Pyramid?

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515448037491{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

What Is The AMD Prevention Pyramid?

AMD prevention pyramid

The AMD prevention pyramid, created by C. Armitage Harper III, M.D., is designed to provide you with a plan that could delay, and even prevent, age-related macular degeneration. The plan is based on documented scientific research studies and calls for a change in everyday lifestyle choices, diet, and daily habits to achieve optimal eye health. Each element of the pyramid is described below.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Eye Multivitamin

A specially formulated product called Sight Defense MV has been created by a physician to specifically meet the nutritional needs of the eye and the rest of the body. By combining an eye vitamin with a comprehensive multivitamin and healthy omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) all of the patient’s daily supplement needs are met by taking one small packet twice daily.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Fish Oil: an Essential Fatty Acid for Your Eyes

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA that can decrease your risk of developing AMD and promote the overall health of your body. The word “essential” means that these fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body; they must be obtained through food or supplementation. Experts recommend that high quality fish oil be consumed twice daily to maintain optimal eye health. Fish oils should be molecularly distilled to ensure that heavy metals and toxins are removed.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Margarine: The “Lucifer” of Oils

The hydrogenation process of oil converts healthy fats into unhealthy fats and destroys their ability to provide you with the building blocks for optimal eye health. Margarine contains 60% partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (also known as trans fats) and less than 5% of essential or health promoting fats. Use non-hydrogenated oils such as olive or nut oils to support your eyes with essential fatty acids.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Exercise: It May Help Slow or Prevent AMD

Studies have shown that patients with a high body mass index (BMI) or a higher waist circumference (representing excess body fat) experienced the fastest progression of AMD. This progression is significant in that those with high body mass index progress nearly twice as fast as those with a lower body mass index and smaller waists. People who began to exercise vigorously (3 times a week) saw a reduction in disease progression by up to 25 percent.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Exposure to Visible and UV Light Increases AMD Risk

In the Beaver Dam Eye 5 and 10 year study, it was found that teenagers and adults in their 30’s who spent their leisure time outdoors had a significantly higher risk of developing early AMD. Wearing hats and sunglasses provided effective protection against early development of AMD.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

The Amsler Grid: Test Your Eyes Daily

The Amsler Grid tests the macula for healthy function, and is made of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines with a small dot in the center for fixation. When the macula becomes unhealthy, the normally straight lines of the Amsler grid become wavy. It is recommended that people diagnosed with or at risk of AMD test their vision daily using this grid.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Smoking: A Cause of AMD That is Preventable

Smoking leads to the breakdown of the layer between the retina and the blood vessels that nourish it, reducing the delivery of blood and oxygen to the eye that are critical for its health. Smokers are up to five times as likely to lose their sight related to AMD in their lifetime.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Dark-green, Leafy Plants Support Eye Health

Studies show that the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin present in dark-green plants like kale, spinach, collards, and mustard greens play an important role in maintaining healthy vision. These nutrients act like sunglasses that filter out damaging UV rays, protecting the retina and the overlying macula. They also act as free radical scavengers. The macula is critical to vision as this is where color and central vision are produced. Experts recommend eating dark green vegetables at least once each day.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Eat Brightly Colored Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and help prevent AMD by providing protection against free-radicals and toxins. Antioxidant research supports the theory that higher intakes of vitamin C and E may help prevent or delay the development of AMD. Experts agree that eating brightly colored vegetables and fruits two to four times daily will help prevent AMD and provide support for optimally healthy eyes.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Eat Berries for Better Circulation to the Eyes

Berries contain a group of bioflavonoids known as anthocyanidins, which benefit the eyes by promoting the strength and elasticity of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the eyes and optic nerves. Research shows that berries improve circulation to the eyes and can slow the progress of AMD. Experts agree that people should consume berries at least three times a week.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”pb-lg”]

Cold-Water Fish is the Best Source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Deficiencies in essential fatty acids including omega-3 fats can lead to impaired vision. Studies suggest that prolonged deficiencies of these essential fats might lead to AMD. Experts recommend two-three servings per week of cold-water fish including wild salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Drink Green Tea

Green tea has ingredients that prevent the formation of abnormal blood vessels which can leak and destroy the macula in AMD. For this reason, drinking green tea could prevent and possibly treat macular degenerative eye disorders. Together with green tea’s high level of antioxidants, green tea is very beneficial and should be consumed twice daily.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

An alternative to the flu vaccine

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515777741119{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

An alternative to the flu vaccine

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Flu season is upon us and you may be thinking about getting a flu shot  hoping that it will lower your risk of getting the flu this winter season.  However, there are a few things to consider before making this decision.

It’s impossible to predict with certainty which flu strains will predominate over a given flu season, impacting the effectiveness of the flu vaccine from year to year.  In fact, according to the CDC, “During years when the flu vaccine is not well matched to circulating viruses, it’s possible that no benefit from flu vaccination may be observed.”

There are also potential side effects from the injectable flu vaccine or the nasal spray including:

In children

In adults

runny nose

runny nose

wheezing

headache

headache

sore throat

vomiting

cough

muscle aches

Body aches

fever

One of the most effective ways to stave off the flu, with or without the vaccine, is to ensure that your immune system is functioning at its peak.  A number of controlled studies have determined the  link between optimal vitamin D levels and a lower risk of upper respiratory tract illnesses, including influenza.

More than one half of U.S. adults have vitamin D levels that are insufficient (less than 30 ng/mL).  As is true for most people, if your levels are low, taking the recommended low dose of 600 IU (or 800 IU if you’re 70 or older) of vitamin D daily will not be effective in raising your levels to  the recommended 60-80 ng/mL that provides protection against the flu. Research has shown; however, that a single high dose of 100,000 IU of Vitamin D taken for 2 days can raise levels 15 ng/mL in only two days.

As an alternative to the flu vaccine, we are recommending 100,000 IU of vitamin D be taken for three days, under a doctor’s supervision and in conjunction with Vitamin D levels being measured through your physician. Most people will need to follow this with 5,000 IU of vitamin D taken once daily thereafter (again under a doctor’s supervision).  In addition, it is essential that you take vitamin K2 along with vitamin D as Vitamin K is critical for maintaining calcium in your bones rather than depositing it in the walls of your blood vessels when taking Vitamin D.  We carry both the high dose vitamin D supplements (50,000 IU’s) and K2 supplements in our office.

Please contact our office today to have your vitamin D levels checked to determine if is this protocol is right for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Breaking research and news for our clients!

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515777967431{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Breaking research and news for our clients!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I attended a seminar last week that focused on gastrointestinal health and its role in diseases such as:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Celiac
  • Colitis
  • Crohn’s
  • Hashimotos
  • Headaches
  • Hives
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • PMS
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

And symptoms such as:

  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • low blood pressure
  • menstrual cramps
  • runny nose
  • weight gain

Breaking Science

The good news is there is new diagnostic testing to determine how healthy your gastrointestinal tract is and whether you are at risk for developing the above diseases or symptoms as a result of gastrointestinal imbalances.

I was so impressed by the significance of this information that we are now offering advanced testing for the specific biomarkers that determine the health of your gastrointestinal tract.

What is the testing?

By performing a simple blood test, the first marker we test you for is zonulin- a protein that determines how leaky vs healthy your gastrointestinal tract is. The second biomarker is called diamine oxidase, or DAO, which breaks down histamine. Histamine is responsible for symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, menstrual cramps, asthma, headaches, diarrhea, low blood pressure, runny nose, allergies and hives.   In addition, we also measure your histamine levels.

What do I do with this information? 

In combination with zonulin testing, we have developed scientifically based protocols to normalize DAO and histamine levels to resolve disease and relieve the symptoms listed above.  If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms or disorders mentioned here and are interested in learning more about a protocol that may be right for you, call the office today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Prevention for Breast Cancer: What You Can Do!

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515778559821{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Prevention for Breast Cancer: What You Can Do!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The significance of breast cancer when discussing women’s health cannot be overemphasized. The lifetime risk of breast cancer has tripled in the last 4 decades with breast cancer now ranking as the second leading cause of death for women in the US today.

With 1.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, prevention for this disease should be of paramount importance. When discussing prevention, I often hear discussions recommending a woman perform regular mammograms and monthly self-breast exams. However, these are really early detection methods as opposed to true preventative interventions.

Preventative measures for breast cancer include understanding the role that various forms of estrogen play in breast cancer and learning how an optimally functioning liver supports healthy estrogen balance.

The Role of Estrogen in Breast Cancer

Hormones are often implicated in the development of breast cancer. Specifically, it is believed that exposure to higher levels of estrogen for a longer period of time in a woman’s lifetime increases her breast cancer risk.

Health proponents often question how and why something that the body naturally produces for health (estrogen) would create a risk for women such as breast cancer. The key may not be related to absolute exposure to estrogen itself, but rather exposure to unhealthy forms of estrogen that occur when the liver is not functioning optimally.

Healthy forms of estrogen are made daily in a woman’s body and are responsible for cell growth in the skin, bones and reproductive system. The body balances this cell growth by creating a pathway by which the active forms of estrogen are converted to inactive forms, signaling growth to stop.

This conversion from active to inactive forms of estrogen occurs in the liver and is critical for health. If the liver is not functioning optimally, metabolism from active to inactive forms of estrogen does not occur, and unhealthy forms of estrogen may accumulate leading to uncontrolled growth of breast tissue and cancer risk.

In support of this theory is the fact that breast cancer rates are the lowest when a woman’s estrogen levels are the highest (in her 20’s and 30’s) and conversely seem to increase as estrogen levels drop (in her 40’ s and 50’s).  During a woman’s 20’s and 30’s, her liver is healthy and functioning, not yet experiencing the decline  that often occurs with aging and time. Suboptimal liver function is frequent in a woman’s 40’s and 50’s.

This occurs from unhealthy eating, lifetime exposure to prescription medications that the liver must metabolize, as well as exposure to the ever-increasing number of toxins and chemicals in our environment that the liver is responsible for neutralizing.  The overburdened liver in a woman’s midlife has unfortunately become the rule rather than the exception. Without focused support for healthy function of this vital organ, by her 40’s a woman’s liver has sustained years of overuse and suboptimal function has resulted.

Diagnostic Testing to Determine My Risk

New diagnostic testing allows a woman to get critical information about how well her body is metabolizing active forms of estrogen to inactive forms. This test is called the Estronex Profile and measures estrogen levels and the healthy vs unhealthy forms of estrogen to help assess whether a woman is at risk of developing estrogen sensitive cancers. The test is easy-to-collect from a first-morning urine requiring no blood draw and can be done from your home!

Based on the results of the Estronex testing, healthy estrogen metabolism can be established and interventions recommended to improve the estrogen balance in a woman’s body. This will most often include recommendations on how to improve liver function with nutrients such as cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts) as well as support with nutritional supplements that support healthy liver function. Healthy liver function allows healthy forms of estrogen to predominate, reducing risks of breast cancer while allowing the benefits of healthy forms of estrogen to remain.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Natural Supplements to Prevent Aging of your DNA

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515778977056{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Natural Supplements to Prevent Aging of your DNA

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]DNA

The interest in DNA over the last 5 years has grown exponentially because it provides an additional tool to personalize both integrative health programs as well as provide preventative care for patients. Dr. Ruthie Harper used breakthrough’s from the human genome project to create SKINSHIFT, the only genetically designed skincare program that uses your genetic strengths and weaknesses to create a personalized skin care program just for you. The clinical results from approaching skincare in this way have been remarkable.

Shortly after launching SKINSHIFT, a DNA based macular degeneration test was released to help identify those at higher risk for vision loss related to this disease process. This further validated the value of looking at a person’s genetics to focus care. And now, we are seeing an increasing amount of research on how the length of our DNA or telomeres can affect how well we age and how long we live.

telomere

Telomeres are a critical region at the end of each DNA strand that provides protection for our DNA as our cells replicate. As our DNA replicates throughout our lifetime our telomeres shorten. Eventually, the telomeres become too short to allow cell replication, the cell stops dividing and cell death occurs. With cell death, aging occurs. The shorter our telomeres become, the less longevity we have and the more predisposed we become to the aging process and its associated diseases. So a goal for healthy aging and disease prevention is to keep out telomeres long and healthy.

An exciting new laboratory test allows physicians to document telomere length. Age adjusted telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age using structural analysis of the length of an individuals telomere. Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may then be implemented to slow aging and age-related diseases. By documenting telomere length with objective testing, healthy aging can be established for each individual and protocols to support healthy aging can be designed and objectively followed.

telomerescore

The good news is that telomere length can be impacted through nutritional supplementation. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2009 showed that women who took a daily multivitamin had longer telomeres. In addition vitamins C and E were specifically associated with longer telomere length. In addition, pterostilbene a natural supplement which contains a relative of the anti aging nutrient resveratrol appears to be able to protect telomere length. By combining pterostilbene with its sister compound resveratrol and a high quality multivitamin, the body is provided a higher level of support for healthy aging and preservation of telomere length. These nutrients have become an important part of both our nutrition programs and integrative health care services. Feel free to contact us to learn more about telomere testing, protecting your telomere length and protocols for healthy aging 512 402 6309.

Xu Q, Parks CG, DeRoo LA, Cawthon RM, Sandler DP, Chen H. Multivitamin use and telomere length in women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Mar 11. Published Online Ahead of Print.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Skin Cancer: What Is The Cause?

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515779313115{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Skin Cancer: What Is The Cause?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Energy from the sun actually is a form of radiation. It consists of visible light and other rays that people can’t see. Invisible infrared radiation, for instance, makes sunlight feel hot. UV also is invisible, and causes sunburn and sun tan.

UV rays damage DNA, the genetic material that makes up genes. Genes control the growth and overall health of skin cells. If the genetic damage is severe, a normal skin cell may begin to grow in the uncontrolled, disorderly way of cancer cells. UV also can cause sunburn, and other damage that makes the skin look prematurely old and wrinkled.

Two kinds of rays exist in ultraviolet radiation:

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA)
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB)

Scientists once thought that excessive exposure to UVB rays was the main cause of skin cancer. Now they think that UVA also is involved. That’s why it is important to use a sunscreen product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Some cases of skin cancer, however, may be hereditary and run in families. In those cases, skin cancer is caused by abnormal genes that children inherit from their parents. Genes make parents and children look somewhat alike. They also make them likely to get some of the same diseases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Speed Your Medical Weight Loss With A Personalized Workout Program

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515779371833{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Speed Your Medical Weight Loss With A Personalized Workout Program

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There are many different types of personalized work out recommendations in the exercise marketplace today. Each is designed to give you a different benefit or result. The goal of different programs may be to increase muscle mass, increase strength, build cardiovascular conditioning, or help with weight loss. Today we want to expose you to a new concept in exercise science called “The HGH Producer”.

“The HGH Producer” is the name of a particular type of workout that provides health benefits similar to that of a cardio workout, but offers some unique benefits not provided by any other form of exercise including cardio. The purpose of the HGH producer is to boost your natural growth hormone levels to give you the leaning, muscle building and metabolism boosting benefits of growth hormone. Growth hormone is a powerful anti-aging hormone that our body naturally produces to keep us young, lean and healthy. When done correctly, the HGH producer is designed to provide you with the maximum health and esthetic benefits of exercise in the shortest amount of time by boosting your natural growth hormone levels. The HGH Producer can be completed in 20 minutes a day and falls under the category of high intensity training or high intensity interval training.

The HGH producer is different from cardiovascular (cardio for short) exercise- the popular form of exercise designed to improve endurance and stimulate fat loss while exercising. Cardio exercises include anything from long distance running, skipping, biking or even power walking. All of these forms of exercise fall under the category of moderate intensity training because they typically last anywhere from a half hour to more than an hour with at a constant pace maintained during the exercise session (after a warm-up and followed by a cool down). While cardio exercise may burn calories while exercising and create some aerobic conditioning, The HGH Producer is much more powerful at creating long term health benefits because it-

1- Burns calories for the 24 hours following its completion. Not just while exercising.

2- Builds lean body mass unlike aerobic exercise

3- Provides both aerobic and anaerobic conditioning

4- Increases metabolic rate to create a better metabolism

5- Provides ant aging benefits because of its ability to support healthy growth hormone levels

No other from of exercise has such profound and life changing effects!

The HGH producer is part of our medical weight loss program and is an important part of boosting natural bioidentical hormones in your body. Email our office or come by and we are happy to share this fantastic program with you, or better yet set up a session where we personally coach you on how to do it! Boost your growth hormone levels with this unique new way of exercising and watch your body lean as well as your health improve![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

I’m a Young Woman, Why Should I Check My Hormone Levels?

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515779550053{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

I’m a Young Woman, Why Should I Check My Hormone Levels?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Most women believe that if they are having regular menstrual cycles their hormones are “healthy”. The idea of routinely checking for hormonal balance when they are young does not cross their mind until pregnancy or menopause occurs. However, many women experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance throughout all stages of life, even in their younger years.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance are common, occurring in 30% of 20-40 year old women. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance include irregular menstrual cycles, acne, fatigue, difficulty with weight management, lack of sex drive, longer than normal menstrual bleeding, intense menstrual symptoms such as painful cramping, excess bloating, and breast tenderness.

Because hormones are critical for feeling and looking your best, testing for balance throughout all stages of life is important. In addition, even if symptoms of hormonal balance are not present, testing your hormone levels when you are young to create a personal baseline for you is important. Having these levels to refer back to after children or menopause can be very helpful in reestablishing hormonal balance and creating a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy program if needed.

Dr. Ruthie Harper draws three important reproductive hormone levels to establish balance with her patients – estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Blood is drawn on Day 12 (estrogen peak) and Day 21 (progesterone peak) of the menstrual cycle to establish healthy function. Testosterone can be drawn on any day of the cycle. If levels are not optimal, a bioidentical hormone replacement program can be implemented with Dr. Ruthie Harper.

Testing and balancing your hormone levels can provide numerous benefits for any young women. Not only does it provide knowledge about personal hormonal baselines that can be used in later years, but it can also be used to implement a bioidentical hormone replacement program if hormones are not balanced resolving issues that take away from the quality of life. Look for our upcoming blog on the importance of stress hormones and adrenal health for feeling your best.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar show_bg=”false” sidebar_id=”sidebar_1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Feeling Depressed? It Could All Be In Your Head

/in /by

[vc_row type=”1″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1515780053487{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Feeling Depressed? It Could All Be In Your Head

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With summertime slowly fading, many of us move back into mayhem trying to manage endless work demands, school and sports schedules, family obligations, community commitments, sleep deprivation, and so much more. Although we all deal with some stress some of the time, a lot of stress much of the time or a significantly stressful event can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health—leading you right down the path to depression.
Why? Because when you are stressed, your body burns through brain neurotransmitters at an accelerated rate, depleting you of the critical neurochemicals required to metabolize fat, modulate mood, manage stress, and feel well. As we fall into autumn, if you’re feeling stressed and depressed, it could be due to the neurotransmitters in your head.

What are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in the brain that control how you think and feel. They directly affect your mood, how you make decisions, and your ability to handle stress. These naturally occurring chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and histamine. Each chemical, manufactured from amino acids in food, has a different effect on behavior and makes us to feel happy or sad, anxious or calm, and emotionally balanced or imbalanced.

Generally speaking, neurotransmitters are categorized as either excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the brain, while inhibitory neurotransmitters are calming and help regulate mood. Together, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters perform an intricate balancing act to give your body the right amount of energy and solace when you need it.

When your neurotransmitters are in balance, you typically feel good and tend to respond appropriately to life situations. When imbalanced, you typically feel bad and tend to feel emotionally unbalanced and respond inappropriately to life situations, such as over-reacting, under-reacting, or feeling a sense of numbness with no response at all. Following are the primary neurotransmitters, their functions in the body, and typical results of imbalance.

 

Neurotransmitter

Type & Function

Results of Imbalance
Serotonin Inhibitory; Stabilizes mood, helps control appetite, and balances excessive levels of excitatory neurotransmitters. Depression, anxiety, carbohydrate cravings, over-eating, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, difficulty sleeping.
Dopamine(Precursor to epinephrine & norepinephrine) Excitatory; Affects satiety, behavior, motor activity, cognition, and emotional response, and plays important role in the ability to experience pleasure (reward) and pain. Memory issues, problems staying focused, lack of motivation or zest for life, depression, extreme behaviors, over-eating, weight issues, and addictions.
Epinephrine Excitatory; Manages body’s fight or flight response, regulates metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. Anxiety, hyperactivity, and difficulty losing weight.
Norepinephrine Excitatory; Manages body’s stimulatory processes and converts epinephrine. Anxiety, moodiness, low energy, problems with concentration/focus issues, difficulty losing weight.
Histamine Excitatory; Controls sleep cycles and energy levels. Sleep disturbances, inflammation, and allergies.

Causes of Neurotransmitter Imbalance

So how do we get out of neurotransmitter balance in the first place? In our fast-paced society there are two primary paths to neurotransmitter deficiency: chronic stress and a poor diet. Those who tend to live in the fast lane—too much work, too much stress, and too little sleep—burn through neurotransmitters faster than their bodies can replenish them. This can signal the body to over-produce or under-produce levels of the various neurotransmitters. Either way, the result is usually the same: the body’s inability to maintain a healthy emotional state.

Eating nutritionally depleted foods (think processed) and not getting enough quality protein also affect your body’s ability to produce and maintain appropriate neurotransmitter levels. Regular calorie cutting, meal skipping, and emotional eating can also lead to neurotransmitter deficiencies. Just like chronic stress, a poor diet starves your body of the nutrients and amino acids essential for optimal health and emotional well-being.

In addition to these two primary causes of neurotransmitter imbalance, genetics and pharmaceutical drugs also affect neurochemical balance. Have you ever noticed how emotional traits seem to run in families? Your genes determine your body’s ability to produce certain mood-enhancing chemicals. And certain medications can deplete your body’s nutritional reserves, causing chemical imbalances that affect all metabolic functions of the body. Be aware that some medications can cause depression, such as antihistamines, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatory agents, birth control pills, corticosteroids, tranquilizers, and sedatives.

Neurotransmitters and Weight Loss

Neurotransmitters play a significant role in metabolism and weight loss by monitoring energy levels, energy expenditure, and current energy supplies. Because the brain doesn’t store energy, it must rely on energy stores from the body. When your body’s energy needs are sufficient, your brain stimulates the neurotransmitters that create satiety and help you feel full.

When your body’s energy needs are not sufficient, your brain stimulates the neurotransmitters that increase appetite. In a perfectly balanced body these neurochemicals orchestrate hunger and satiety like a harmonious symphony. Imbalance, on the other hand, leads to mis-signaling and causes inappropriate hunger, cravings, and over-eating. When this happens, calorie consumption can easily exceed your body’s energy demands, and the excess will be stored as body fat. Over a prolonged period, this brain neurochemistry imbalance will cause obesity.

One of the fastest ways to get a “mood lift” from imbalanced neurotransmitters is to feed your mood with food. Carbohydrates and refined sugars create an almost instantaneous boost of energy and make you feel happy and relaxed. Unfortunately, the effects are short-lived (sugar crash!) and the long-term results often lead to severe food cravings, eating disorders, and significant weight gain. The good news is eating a healthy, balanced diet supported by an optimal supplement program, will help fuel your body with the energy it needs and feed your brain with appropriate signaling for satiety and metabolism, as well as overall well-being.

Managing Depression

Preventing or recovering from depression involves taking care of yourself and finding ways to successfully manage stress and provide neurotransmitter support. To help alleviate stress and alleviate symptoms of depression, Dr. Harper recommends integrating the following tenets to your daily routine:

  • Get eight or more hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
  • Remove toxic chemicals like caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and sugar from your diet.
  • Eat a balanced diet of optimal protein, healthy fats, high fiber carbs, and non-starchy veggies in small meals and snacks every 3-4 hours to give your body the building blocks to rebuild neurotransmitters.
  • Build in downtime and fun activities to your routine.
  • Do appropriate cross-training exercise and not excessive cardiovascular exercise. (Outdoor exercise is great for increasing serotonin levels!)
  • Give your body the nutrients it needs to rebuild neurotransmitters and keep the stress hormones from going too high, including Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Phosphatidyl Serine, B Vitamins, and Vitamin C.

Neurotransmitter Testing

To treat neurotransmitter imbalance successfully, it is essential to test the various neurotransmitter levels and hormone levels because correlations between them are numerous and complex. Dr. Harper has developed a comprehensive program for assessing each patient’s individual levels, identifying areas of metabolic deficiency and imbalance, and then prescribing a customized plan for restoring mental and physical health. If you would like to learn more about neurotransmitter testing or schedule an appointment, please call our office at 512.343.9355.

10 Easy Ways to Burn Calories

With our fast-paced lives and hectic schedules, it can be challenging to work in a daily workout. When you can’t carve out time for a full-length session of crunches, cardio, or kick-boxing, consider incorporating a few of these 20-minute, calorie-consuming activities into your daily routine. Get your body moving and you’ll be surprised how the results can add up!

  1. Use the stairs.
  2. Mow the lawn.
  3. Ride a bike.
  4. Vacuum the house.
  5. Go for a walk.
  6. Work in the garden.
  7. Go dancing.
  8. Have sex.
  9. Wash the car.
  10. Play video games (think Wii™ Sports!).

Lucky 7

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and want to add some spice to your life? Now more than ever is the best time to get your creative juices flowing. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin say that adding creativity to your daily activities may help you live longer and stay healthier. Doing creative work that’s challenging and out of your ordinary routine exercises your brain through learning and problem solving, and these activities are shown to benefit your health in a way that’s equivalent to being seven years younger. So if you’re contemplating an interesting job change or wanting to embark on an exciting new hobby, then go for it! You just might feel younger and add seven years to your life!

Did You Know?

You can add an average of 14 years to your life by adopting four health-benefiting behaviors. A recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council surveyed a group of 20,000 men and women to determine the effects of implementing the following four healthy lifestyle habits:

  • Regular exercise
  • Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables
  • Drinking alcohol in moderation
  • No smoking

Between 1993 and 1997, participants reported their progress implementing and adhering to these behaviors and were scored accordingly. Researchers then tracked deaths among participants through 2006 and concluded that those who implemented these four healthy habits lived an average of 14 years longer than those who didn’t. In fact, those participants who adopted none of the behaviors were four times more likely to have died than those who made healthier lifestyle choices. Other individual factors most certainly affect our overall health, but these findings do indicate that making a few small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health and longevity.

So how do you manage making one or two of these changes—let alone three or four? Don’t get discouraged—any one change will certainly improve your health! Making the first step is the key and taking small steps, one day at a time, will get you moving quickly on the right track for living longer and healthier![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”2″ gap=”10″ margin_top=”50″ margin_bottom=”50″ padding_top=”25″ padding_bottom=”25″ css=”.vc_custom_1513015230624{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Ready to Book a Consultation?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Contact Us Today

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]