Some men as they age do not feel as vital, youthful, and often feel sluggish with limited energy to go to the gym, if any. The effects of job obligations wear them down with work and life demands. Many people are moving to a more complementary and integrative approach to their healthcare adopting a more self-empowered approach to their health and well being. A man’s tendency is to seek healthcare in the event of a crisis situation with a view they are strong and healthy enough to skip their check-ups and neglect recommended screenings. According to the research, many men are less likely than women to seek help for healthcare related challenges, both on a physical as well as emotional level. Many men are raised with the idea they must be tough and independent by staying in control of themselves while hiding vulnerability. Therefore, they view themselves as invisible and almost protected from developing a disease process even if they are neglecting their health. Many men fear that friends and family will interpret their visit to the non-emergency healthcare provider as a sign of them being weak or unmanly. This is fueled from primitive times where any sign of weakness conveyed to a neighboring tribe could be a safety risk especially if the man is a primary protector of the clan or community. Even still, men often avoid healthcare if the men around them are also not participating.
If the man in your life is avoiding health care perhaps a holistic approach is the answer. We have a non-threatening and family environment where we listen to our practice members and guests. It is less intimidating with a softer more feminine approach. We appreciate the men in your life and are willing to educate, motivate, and empower them to live a healthy life. One of the things that we do not do is shame them for their life habits, and choices. Many men feel shamed for their lifestyle habits as well as their emotions, as a result, they tend to close off from their loved ones and do not communicate their health needs. We remove that barrier while encouraging them through simple, palatable, small steps. General preventative health screenings that are important for men to complete are the following: BMI – height, weight, and body mass index, blood pressure, prostate health, and colon screening. Evaluating healthy lifestyle issues such as smoking, drinking, nutrition, diet, exercise, and stress reduction are key to overall health. We encourage a visit to the practice as a guest, either for a class or a class to get a feel for the practice to see if it is a right fit for the men in your life, young or old.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
As men age, they can begin to feel not as strong, youthful, and sometimes feel less of a man as their vitality begins to wane. Without consistent effort, and transformational health can deteriorate leaving a person feeling less optimal. It is important for men to maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar level while monitoring and eliminating any abdominal obesity from excess calories. Refined foods, such as flour and sugar products in combination with excesses of alcohol can cause a higher risk for disease processes. Health and longevity can be protected if we maintain exercise and fitness. Sedentary lifestyles coupled with overeating can create higher risks of disease with a shorter lifespan in general. As a man, many men want to feel strong and viral just as in their youth. Without effort, health can deteriorate and avoidance is not the answer. Sometimes men avoid their health out of shame, coupled with unrealistic expectations of themselves and how they “should” be with their health.
As we age many things change, including hormonal levels as well as lower functions. Hormones begin to lower over time especially as it relates to testerone, but also thyroid and adrenal hormones, yet less of estrogen and progesterone levels. In our office, we measure salivary hormone levels when assessing male practice members especially when they over 40 years old. Testosterone levels, estradiol. DHEA, whole blood thyroid levels as well as salivary 4 point cortisol levels are useful if the person is fatigued. Topical hormone creams can be provided as an easy solution to improve hormone levels that can affect energy, mood, strength, and sexual function. There is much controversial information regarding the use of synthetic hormone supports to improve stamina and vitality however recent reports suggest that testosterone may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. There is still much conflicting information circulating so it is imperative that you speak with your doctor in regards to this treatment if it is in your best interest.
A common disease process that affects men over 50 years old involves the prostate sex organ along with the colon. The western lifestyle consumed with stress and sitting, using food to cater to emotions, eating high amounts of animal products, consuming sugar and refined foods, as well as excess alcohol sets the stage for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, arthritis, as well as enlarged prostates, and prostate cancer. A simple blood test can measure an antigen that is created by prostate cancer cells, called PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen and if elevated prostate cancer may be present. Having a digital exam from your primary care to assess prostate enlargement as well as running your PSA number to assess inflammation or infection is an important aspect of prevention. PSA numbers elevate as a response to infection and inflammatory process. Looking deeper with a comprehensive stool panel, as well as an organic acids profile is key to determining the overall health of the body and determining where the infections may be present in the body.
The best overall plan is to stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips in order to maintain health. Avoiding overeating of processed and refined foods Maintaining a healthy weight Eating fresh veggies, fruits with quality lean proteins Regular movement and exercise Stretching the body Meditation and Yoga practice Listening to your body to address underlying imbalances Annual physical checkup A practice of forgiveness, finding a balance between work and relaxation, gratitude, and joy every day, nurturing creativity while staying connected to friends and family.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
Metabolic health relates to your metabolism and how you break down, process, and assimilate nutrients for energy production. As we age, our vigor fades from the impact of failures, emotional stresses, children, marriages, career, and life. If your waist has begun to extend past your belt line you can clearly determine that your metabolic health is being affected. It begins with the food that you eat and the inactivity that is lacking to burn off the food. Over time the blood sugar rises, which can then lead to clogged arteries which can block blood flow. As the blood sugar levels continue to build belly fat, regardless of the activity levels of the person. The visceral fat begins to collect around the internal organs acting like a giant gland pushing chemicals around the midsection creating an ever rounder, softer, and a more feminized appearance. The chemicals of aromatase convert testosterone to estrogen, creating man boobs. Hormones called adipokines promote insulin resistance, which causes you to gain even more weight. As fat begins to build the body becomes more inflamed. High levels of inflammation double the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. These inflammatory diseases deteriorate as you become older, possibly creating a burdened relationship with health.
Shifting unhealthy lifestyle habits is the key to maintaining a quality of life. By creating an accountable strategy for one’s health with structure and discipline health can be achieved effortlessly with consistent attention and focus. Scheduling an annual check-up that includes evaluation of lifestyle risk factors is helpful when determining how to create a healthy long lasting life. In addition, paying attention to key metabolic health markers can create a healthier metabolism. This month our promotion for men’s health month is a $50 Men’s Health Physical that includes a comprehensive physical, symptom assessment, and muscle testing to understanding current bioenergetic risk factors. If you would like to take it a step further and review a more comprehensive lab review, our CLIA certified lab is capable of running many non-waived lab tests including HS-CRP, an inflammatory marker, HGA1C, a blood sugar marker, and many other lab tests to look at kidney liver function, and immune system function. We also work integratively with your allopathic providers including primary care physicians as well s specialists to help support you and your health.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys in your lower back, they are two glands combined as one. The purpose of the adrenal glands is to manage the stress in the body. Stress comes as a result of infections, external factors, heavy metals, chemical stressors, etc. These causatives begin to stress the body’s overall function and the adrenal glands respond to the stress on the system. The center of the gland generates adrenaline or epinephrine and is managed by the autonomic nervous system. The outer part of the gland, the cortex, produces the many hormones to manage stress such as cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, testosterone, estrogen, pregnenolone, aldosterone, and progesterone; to name a few hormones that are related to the adrenal glands.
Cortisol raises blood sugar as well as blood pressure levels while modulating immune function. Cortisol levels if low create fatigue, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, increase in allergies, and an inability to deal with stress. This hormone also relates to weight gain for many individuals.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine is the stress response and often can be triggered based on emotional as well as mental stressors. These are often perceived threats from the outside world. These can be small perceptions of stress, prolonged stress as well as short-term stressors. In the event of acute stress the body, the body prepares for fight or flight mode which can raise heart rate as well as blood pressure while blood is being diverted from less needed areas such as the digestive system, the heart, the brain, etc.
The primary hormones released by the adrenal glands are glucocorticoids, which can shift biological functions of the body. These hormones mobilize proteins, fatty acids while increasing the liver’s ability to process glucose. These actions primary end result is to raise blood sugar. When stabilizing the health of the body it is imperative to have stable adrenal glands and thus stable blood sugar. Without the stabilization of these two organs, it is very difficult to build health.
The sympathetic nervous system continues to respond to the stressors thus now triggering the pituitary gland to begin secreting ACTH, which drives DHEA. The body attempts to respond to the excess cortisol production and thus begins to downregulate the sensitivity to cortisol. This can lead to a whole host of symptoms. Some common symptoms include insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and elevated lipids in the bloodstream. Excess fatigue, depression, headaches, inability to tolerate alcohol, sensitivity to carbohydrates, and inflammation in the body are all additional signs of adrenal hyperfunction.
Symptoms:
Fibromyalgia
Fatigue
Recurrent Infections
Recurrent Sore Throats
Crashing during stress
Achiness
Hypoglycemia
Low blood pressure
Dizziness upon standing
Chronic Fatigue
Thyroid Imbalances
Causes:
Prolonged external stress factors such as excessive work, marital problems, relationship concerns, financial stress, divorce, etc
Chronic infections such as bacteria, viruses, molds, yeasts, and parasitic infections untreated or underlying
Lifestyle factors such as not getting enough sleep, hydration, and food. Also eating heavily processed foods, and drinks, artificial sweeteners, and chemical foods.
Heavy metal as well as toxic chemical exposures from our environment. We are littered with numerous endotoxins to which create imbalances in the system both mentally as well as biological
Contributing Factors:
Some would consider that adrenal fatigue does not exist. HPA dysregulation, physical overload emotional overload, fatigue, and burnout are all symptoms relating to an underlying cause. The adrenal glands are responding to the underlying imbalances in health so stabilizing these although important is not the underlying cause of why the adrenal glands are hyperfunctioning. As we get those stabilized, temporarily, we are able to center the body to allow for deeper understanding to be had, in terms of causative. Sometimes just the stabilization of electrolytes and mineral balances can stop the body from spinning long enough to catch clues as to what is going on deeper in the tissues. Even if a person is unconscious to the adrenal imbalances doesn’t mean that they do not exist. People that often are type personalities, always doing and seldom being, fast-paced, and imbalanced are also not immune to underlying causes that can be driving their health in the opposite direction towards disease. The disease is the breakdown and accumulation of imbalances and not a destination. One does not wake up and have a disease but merely generates it over time through a series of imbalances in health.
Childhood trauma and experiences also contribute to a person’s adrenal gland imbalance. Often high DHEA and off-centered cortisol and epinephrine, as well as norepinephrine tests, can reveal the long-term effect of childhood trauma. Through shifting one’s perception from a place of fear, and trauma to a place of freedom and joy a person can then shift their biochemistry. The adrenal glands are to help us cope and survive stress and therefore secrete precise, minute, balanced, steroid hormones. They are programmed to respond to inner physical, emotional, and psychological environment which is based on perception and not always reality. It is very subtle and therefore modern medicine does not acknowledge its existence because it occurs subclinical and is based on contributing factors such as chronic infections, environmental stressors, etc.
People with adrenal fatigue often use coffee or colas to get through the day with a feeling of unwell or “gray” feelings. It then creates the foundation for other conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, diabetes, allergies, etc. These people may appear lazy or unmotivated but in actuality are having to push themselves much harder in order to complete day to day tasks. The hypoadrenal function can create anxiety as well as depression generating increased fears, apprehension, confusion, concentration difficulties, with less memory recall. A person may have all or just a select number of these symptoms. Erratic or abnormal blood sugar also ensues in addition to tendencies towards more arthritic pain and decreased immune response.
Those driving him or herself constantly who does not get enough rest as well as relaxation to enjoy life can be subject to this condition. Perfectionists or those who are never satisfied under constant pressure can also lead to adrenal imbalances. People who feel trapped and helpless, who feel overwhelmed by many difficulties, who experience severe or chronic emotional or physical traumas also have some degree of adrenal imbalances.
Testing:
Many lab tests are available to measure the adrenal gland function. I prefer salivary cortisol panels over blood as salivary panels are considered the gold standard when testing hormone function. Basic lab work can also give indications as to imbalances in the adrenal glands.
Chronic elevated or depressed WBC (white blood cells) can indicate chronic infections. Low-grade infections are chronic stress to the body and can be in the form of bacteria, viruses, molds.
RBC or low red blood cell counts can indicate chronic iron deficiencies from diet or malabsorption issues such as SIBO, Chrohns, Colitis, etc
Low level of platelets can point to heavy metal toxicities, vitamin d deficiencies, as well as potential autoimmune conditions.
High levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT can point to etiology in the liver
High levels of BUN or creatinine can also point to etiology in the kidneys
The kidneys and the liver both are primary filters for the body and stress on these organs can indicate heavy metal or chemical stressors.
Treatment
Treatments vary depending on the person, the causes, and particular case history. These recommendations are made not to replace a trained healthcare professional, yet only to enlighten the individual on the possibilities of natural healthcare options. Rebalancing the adrenal glands is a bit of an art and is very different for everyone. A type a person is going to be treated very differently than a person to which internalizes stress.
Diet begins everything. Eliminating processed sugars, dyes, colors, additives, etc is key. Decreasing stimulants while increasing fresh fruits and veggies is critical to building anyone’s health. Supplemental support may be necessary for terms of Vitamin C, Electrolytes, Minerals, B6, Pantothenic acid, etc.
While some botanical medicines such as adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola are also beneficial for balancing the adrenal glands overall health.
Lifestyle factors such as getting to bed by 10 pm at night; sleeping until 9 am whenever possible or at least maintaining 8 solid hours of sleep is critical. Moving the body as well as breathing deeply can also be beneficial while managing stress.
Keeping a journal, meditation, tapping, and exercise are all great things in order to do in order to manage chronic stress responses in the body.
Avoiding being harsh or criticising oneself, getting overtired, coffee, pushing yourself and being around those that are emotionally or energetically draining are also contributing factors to adrenal fatigue and adrenal imbalances.
We often work with people with a multitude of stages of adrenal fatigue and guide them through a process and journey of self-healing. It truly takes time and effort in order to restore these glands. It is a practice and one that can be overwhelming to begin, however, Dr. Erica Steele, Naturopathic Doctor, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner has trained both in the science as well the art of healing in order to help you to get back to your path to recovery. We encourage you to attend one of our seminars or come in for a 15-minute complimentary wellness visit in order to discover how natural healthcare can change your life for the better.
Book your wellness visit or consultation today by clicking here.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
It is that time of year again. The beginning of running noses, coughing throats, and high fevers. Every one of which has not supported any weaknesses in their immune system are now prone to attack by the many microbes that lurk within our environments. Bacterias, Viruses, Parasites, and even Molds are now lurking around waiting for an unsuspecting host. There must be a way to which one can fend off these critters without having to run to the nearest doctor for an antibiotic. Additionally over the last few year research is being presented regarding antibiotic resistance and the need for more reserved antibiotic prescriptive approaches. The majority of the antibiotics are prescribed in primary care settings and very few times are the prescriptions as a result of a test to confirm the source of the infection. Strep tests and once-overs are typically the cure-alls to in-depth diagnostic testing and children as well as adults alike leave with a scrip in hand for the local antibiotic of the week. Staggering numbers of people approach their primary cares in an effort to find relief from a cough, cold, and flu symptoms with little questioning as to the efficacy of their treatments. Common pathogens causing these conditions in children is Streptococcus Pneumoniae which can concert into a covert serious pathogen in both children as well as the elderly. IN common treatment, Penicillin is often recommended in addition to Amoxicillian. Pre or probiotics are seldom prescribed as an addition in order to reinoculate the microbes in the GI system. Once an antibiotic bomb is sent into the system, it takes approximately two years for the microbes to regenerate themselves, in kind. In a recent Swedish study examining children’s upper respiratory infections and the treatment of which through antibiotics it was founded that although the antibiotics were still seen to be effective the results did prove that continued antibiotic treatment increases bacterial resistances to the antibiotics and therefore continuous work still needed to be made in an effort to reduce antibiotic prescribing as a priority. Antibiotics do serve a place in the management of microbes as long as additional precautions have been made in order to support the bodies immune systems. We still are very much a reactive species in terms of reacting to the disease process only when it becomes a systemic issue. Very few of us work towards preventing disease rather than managing it, however, we are noticing a great shift in healthcare as time goes on. This is seen to be true in the case of H.Pylori, which is a type one carcinogen, most often triple combination antibiotics are being used to treat this super bug, however, in the recent years, it has become more resistant to antibiotics. It is currently estimated that H.Pylori infects more than half of the population; over 80% in developed countries and 25% in underdeveloped countries. H.Pylori, although is still being treated effectively using a triple antibiotic therapy has shown residency towards several antimicrobial agents, specifically clarithromycin or metronidazole.
So what is a person suppose to do in the day in age of antibiotic resistance and fears of susceptibility? The first thing is clear as we leave the era of reactivity we stand firmly into proactivity, especially in the area of our health. It is vital that we work on building the health of the body rather than waiting for and fighting disease. Innovative methods of a cough, cold, and flu prevention have been presented as a means to help support the bodies ability to heal while reserving the need for antibiotics for more serious situations or surgical procedures to which infection possibility rates are high. Probiotic cocktails are provided to boost the microorganisms of the digestive system in an effort to fight infections as they are presented to the body. If all the doors and windows are locked when an intruder steps forth the greater the likelihood of keeping the bad guys out. Keeping a healthy digestive system, which houses the majority of the immune system, is key to keeping all the windows and doors locked in your house. Stimulation of IgA that targets both bacterial as well as viral invaders is key to preventing any pathogens from gaining access to your precious immune system. Strains of L.plantarum, L. Rhamnosus, B. Lactis proved to be protective in a recent three-month study against a placebo where subjects were asked to report daily respiratory cold symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, bronchitis, etc.
Aggressive actions the first time cough, cold, or flu symptoms are demonstrated is also critical to the advancement of health instead of the fighting of disease.
800 Mg Cimetidine
9,000 Mg of Garlic
200 Mg DHEA
1,200 Mg Lactoferrin
32 Mg Zinc Acetate Lozenges
10 Mg melatonin at bedtime
3,600 mg of Garlic extract
Dose of Tamiflu
The above-mentioned protocol is concerned the nuclear bomb of any flu cells in the body leaving little life within it. This protocol should only be taken over a short period of time, based on the toxic nature of some nutrients if taken over periods of time. Consulting with your holistic family doctor in regards to your needs is beneficial as well as recommended as this is only a general protocol and one may need more or less of many one nutrient.
Herbs like slippery elm, elderberry syrup, and old Indian wild cherry bark have been known for centuries to help ease sore and dry coughs that may be raw from coughing. While essential oils such as thieves, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus all have notable antimicrobial properties.
Natural remedies for treating children with a cough, cold, and flu include:
Regular hand washing
Good Nutrition
Restful Sleep
As well as this nutrient supports
Probiotics – Depending on the age probiotic strains are provided in order to help support the immune system.
Vitamin D3 liquid in a lower dose than what is provided to adults (500-1,000IU)
Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc – In the first onset of a cough, cold, or flu symptoms these should be given immediately to help support the immune system and aid int he ability to heal.
Black Elderberry – This can help reduce duration as well as possible symptoms of the cold or a cough-
There may be a time to which seeing your holistic doctor may be indicated and recommended:
If you or a loved one has difficulty breathing
Difficulty keeping foods or liquids down
Fever higher than 100C lasting more than three days
A cough or nasal congestion that does not improve after 14-21 days
Depleted energy reserves
Our office provides antibiotic free holistic and naturally cough, cold, and flu support using applied kinesiology or muscle testing as a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of the symptoms. Sometimes it is not a pathogen at all that is creating the symptoms so it is important to have a qualified healthcare professional evaluate the individual to determine what treatments are recommended for the immune system. Heavy metal, as well as chemical agents, could also be the cause even though the body is manifesting cold-like symptoms. Also, when working with supporting a person’s immune system sometimes less is more because anything out into the system will distract them body from getting well on its own. We are delighted to help you and your family in your healthcare journey in order to be proactive instead of reactive in a cough, cold, and flu season. Practice members and guests are treated at our practice and sick care appointments are available during office hours as well as after hours for practice members only. There is a relief as well as all natural healthcare support is only a phone call away. 757-685-4325
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.
