Can Supplements Help Me?

Yes they can.  Three words I could shout from the highest rooftop.  Supplements have been proven to help especially when you know  what to do with them and how much you should take.  The Miami Herald Newspaper addressed this week  at the UN talks they are going to discuss that heart disease, diabetes and obesity are surpassing HIV and Flu spread for a high percentage of deaths world wide.  That 9 out of 10 Americans have these nutritionally based problems.

Every area of your entire body has cells.  Those cells run on fuel known as vitamins, minerals, amino acids etc.   When these levels are not sufficiently supported through food choices, the cells look to get fuel from other areas.  They act like a two year old and expect to be taken care of.  This looks and sounds to you as the doctor checking your blood work, weighing you, and critiquing all aspects of your life…including your age.  You leave that office feeling like old age with a hand full of prescriptions that you recognize from your parents medicine chest.  Wake Up Call!  Your Primary Doctor is not going to offer you natural remedies as they are not educated in that direction.  They promote pharmaceuticals so don't ask them and feel completely rejected when they pooh pooh the idea of you not using their expensive choice of side effect filled medications. 

You have every right to a team of experts to help you get healthy.  Your one doctor working alone is not it!  Today, you should be in charge and research experts for everything from an open minded MD to your financial help.  You can be in charge of where you are at in life. 

Can Supplements Help Me?

Yes supplements can help you.  Once you get the copy of your blood work, take it to your nutritionist (versed in supplement use and not just a dietician) or your Functional Anti-Aging Doctor (make sure they are Board Certified and not just saying they can help in anti-aging).  There are some things you can do on your own to get the ball rolling. 

1. Try to Balance your electrolytes for energy and stamina.  Extremely important for better days, improved sleep and prevention of strokes, arthritis and many other areas of common concern.

2. Trace Minerals are preferred over a Multi Mineral as most over the counter Multi Vitamin Mineral combinations offer too many items and not enough of the ones that are truly needed.   Safe for those that know nothing about taking supplements but can be just as harmful to liver and kidney processing.

3. Digestive Enzymes especially if you are over 20.  Some need it long before but in general everyone's digestive track is in distress.

4. Speaking of Stress….pamper your adrenals as they are at the base of most problems in our lives.  Sinus infections, allergies, sinus headaches, stomach pain, low back and the dreaded sugar lows.  Adrenal Fatigue is real and your Functional Medicine Specialist will know exactly how to deal with it and won't tell you your symptoms are not related.

5. Antioxidants…I have particular ones that are specifically directed at anti-aging or preventing diabetes, heart issues and some cancers but for general use at least take an A,C & E combination

How Else Can Supplementation Help Me?

Higher amounts of Supplementation or use of Prevention or Reduction for chronic problems should be under the supervision of someone who knows and understands how to put them together with meds or without.  High doses can be of therapeutic use in chronic ailments.  Blood Work and Saliva Testing as well as the use of MRT (Muscle Resistance Testing) can offer the best guidance.  I have seen Cholesterol levels, CRP levels, Fibrinigin, insulin, glucose numbers as well as cancers come down and be in normal ranges due to supplementation in therapeutic levels.

Is There Anything I Can Do Now other than Supplementation?

Yes, you can start analyzing your food and fluid intake.  Eating right for  your blood type is a good start that is not as stressful to implement.  Drinking one half your body weight in ounces of clean water per day would help. Lower the amount of stress in your life by looking at one area that you can reduce or handle differently right now.

To handle more severe changes I highly recommend that you call for an appointment with the Anti-Aging Doctor or Nutrition Consultant versed in Supplementation Help…..anyone you know?

Please feel free to comment on this blog or tell your story of how it helps you!!

Dhea  or 7 Keto DHEA – Can it make a Difference?                            

Clearing up information regarding the utilization of DHEA or 7Keto DHEA which is a necessary hormone made by the adrenal glands and that you need to know their differences. 

Why should you be interested?

The way we handle stress has a lot to do with our type of personality as well as our genetics.  Even those that proclaim to be okay and feel they are not affected by external stress suffer from more of the invisible, internal imbalances.  Some just have a hard time admitting anything that has to do with the word stress. 

So, if you feel that you are free of emotional and mental stress let your Anti-Aging Doctor prove that your body stress is in balance also.  They are able to do this through specific blood work and saliva testing.  Your traditional doctor may not offer any help in this matter as it does not fall under the usual look see areas.

Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Levels seem to be the new kids on the block and are at the base of all our ailments.  The other hormone produced by the adrenal glands and depressed by stress is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).  DHEA is considered the most abundant of all the steroid hormones and is commonly referred to as The Anti-Aging hormone.  As we age, the production of cortisol rises and the DHEA decreases which leaves us more likely to experience heart disease, depressions, weight problems, cancer and diabetes.

What does DHEA do?

• ·         Bone Building (stimulates osteoblasts)
• ·         Skin renewal (fibroblasts)
• ·         Protects the Brain from aging decline (neurotransmitter production)
• ·         Regulates  and supports Immune Function
• ·         Low levels can be associated with Impotence
• ·         Increases Muscle Mass
• ·         Reduces high levels of Cortisol
• ·         Lowers Triglyceride Levels
• ·         Enhances Thermogenics
• ·         Increases Conversion of Stored Fat to Energy

What are the benefits of balancing the levels of DHEA?

• ·         Enhanced Energy and Relieves Fatigue
• ·         Improvement in handling stress
• ·         Better Moods
• ·         More relaxed
• ·         Better Sleep
• ·         Enhanced Memory
• ·         Helps Depression
• ·         Reduces Inflammation (arthritis, lupus)
• ·         Improves Gut Issues
• ·         Helps Balance Thyroid
• ·         Helps overcome Insulin Resistance
• ·         Fights Allergic Reactions
• ·         Cholesterol Reduction

The 7-Keto DHEA is a non-toxic version of DHEA.  It declines with age and can be a major culprit in the later part of life.  Urinary excretion studies show a 50% loss by age 50.  Upping your level of 7-Keto DHEA helps prevent and improves many signs of aging. 

It is a natural metabolite or converted form of DHEA and is unable to be utilized to make Testosterone or Estrogen.  The 7-Keto DHEA is also better at promoting loss of stored fat.  In an article by Dave Tuttle, May 2005 Life Extension wrote about how when 7-Keto DHEA is low that age-related declines in cellular immunity have an impaired response to flu vaccine, making them susceptible to catching the flu, even after flu shots.

DHEA is a very important component that is rarely acknowledged in traditional medicine.  Your doctor may look at a DHEAS which is the sulphated level in blood tests, find it to be too low and not know what to do with it. Over the counter supplements can help but please do it with guidance.  Low DHEA, like low Thyroid hormone, is a major marker of Aging and is necessary in our bodies.

What Time of Day Should DHEA or 7-Keto DHEA Be Taken?

Take all amounts in the AM hours with or without food as the body’s natural production of DHEA peaks in the morning.  If you take it at night you may stimulate your brain activity and experience bouts of insomnia.

If you or someone you love relates to any of the above indicators, don’t hesitate to pursue knowing your DHEA levels.  I suggest you find a specialist in the area of Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine as they will listen, test and advise what would be the best bio-identical direction for you to achieve Optimal Health

Living with inflammation is otherwise known to some as challenging.  The inability to do the things you have always done in the way you use to do them.   The flexibility of your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments develop a mind of their own.   You can’t function any longer with ease.  I’ll bet you have chalked it up to age.  I do not believe that we should accept that as normal.

How can you take back control of your life?  Start by taking full responsibility for where your life is at this moment.  Somehow you have arrived at this point of stiffness and inflexibility through your daily choices.  The food choices, lack of physical exercise, mental attitudes and even unforeseen accidents all seem to play a major role in the outcome you currently are in. 

Take a moment to access yourself and decide to take control of your life and its outcome. 

Start looking at your foods.  If your weight is more than it should be adjust the amounts and types of food you consume.  You don’t need a program.  You could do something as simple as the grocery list for your particular blood type and cutting your consumption in half or use a smaller plate when eating meals.  Cutting down calories will produce weight loss.  Don’t forget to cut down the salt (sodium) consumption as well.  Water retention and High Blood Pressure result from too high of an intake of sodium foods and raise acidity level.

How often do you exercise?  You don’t need to join a gym if that is uncomfortable.  You do need to move.  I chose to get an at home WII fit.  I work out every day with my little puffed up MII.  We do Yoga, Kung fu, Balance, Step and mind games to keep me at more desirable cyber age.  It also acknowledges every level I achieve.  You can walk outdoors or jump rope, ride a bike or get out your skates and hula-hoops.  Some form of movement and exercise to stretch those tight muscles helps on a daily basis.  Thirty minutes can burn over 100 calories.

Become your own best friend.  Get tapes and books that boost positive feelings and motivation.  Learn to be good to yourself.  Treat that reflection in the mirror the same way you support your family and friends.  You need to see the best in yourself.  When you see it, so do others. 

Search out a Board Certified Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine Doctor.  They understand that there are other factors involved with ailments and it is not just how old we are.  It is more the age of our organs and that there are ways to care for them.  Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy is a fantastic use of medicine.  Helping to prevent the negatives of aging is a phenomenal achievement in Integrative Medicine.  They can request blood work to check inflammation markers and utilize Saliva Testing to determine the adequacy of your hormone levels.  These are areas that are not usually acknowledged by Traditional Doctors.  You are never too old to achieve a better quality of life!

If you live in an area that has any type of Medical Spa Beds, they are wonderful heat and massage providers that usually include aromatherapy and pre-set programs for pain management or stress relief.

Take your important vitamins every day.  Keeping up electrolytes, base minerals, Vit D3, Digestive help and Fish Oils are minimal.  If you have a reliable Nutrition Consultant, they can offer more help for specific situations.

Become pro-active in this very vital long term relationship you have with yourself.   You are important, loving and you have a lot to offer others.  I suggest you start with yourself.  You will never achieve that quality of life just sitting around.

ASK THE DOCTOR 3 Dr. Leila Kirdani Adresses: BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES  Why would I need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

• Do you feel tired all the time?
• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• Are you irritable or moody?
• Are you gaining weight?
• Have you lost your passion for life?
• Do you just want to feel like yourself again?
• You could be suffering from hormonal imbalance!

Dr. Leila Kirdani Explains: WHAT ARE HORMONES? Hormones are substances that are produced in special tissues in the body and then released into the bloodstream.  They travel to cells in other parts of the body where the hormone then exerts a characteristic effect. Our human hormones include:

• Estrogen
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Cortisol
• Thyroid
• DHEA
• Vitamin D

Dr. Leila Kirdani Describes: The Purpose of Hormones Hormones are responsible for the vital functioning of our bodies.  For example, estrogen has over 400 functions in a woman’s body, and testosterone has the same for men.  When we lose our hormones, we lose our ability to function efficiently on all fronts. From a disease perspective, we have an increased risk of heart disease due to increased blood pressure, blood sugar and poor cholesterol profiles.  Mentally, we can no longer make all the neurotransmitters we need to feel good, so we are irritable, anxious, and depressed.  We lose short-term memory.  Our bones become thinner and our muscle tone decreases.  We feel our aches and pains more because we have now lost one of our biggest anti-inflammatories – Estrogen.  Our energy levels are low and so is our libido. Basically, we fall apart! Dr. Leila Kirdani Addresses: The Myths of Hormones “I HEARD HORMONES WERE BAD FOR YOU– CAN ESTROGEN AND TESTOSTERONE CAUSE CANCER?” Well, that gets us into the discussion of bio-identical hormones versus traditional hormone-replacement therapy (HRT).  Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are made from plants to be the exact same molecule that our bodies naturally produce.  Because they are identical in structure to what we make, Bio-identical hormones are not able to be patented. Traditional HRT uses hormones that are NOT the same molecule.  Our bodies are very complex and need the exact key to fit our molecular “locks”, or receptor sites on cells.  If you think that small changes in structure don’t matter, think about this:  The only difference between testosterone and estradiol are two chemical bonds and two hydrogen atoms.  These small differences comprise the entire molecular difference between men and women! Hormones that are not bio-identical can have many more differences than just a few bonds and a few hydrogen atoms.  These differences cause them to act very differently in the body. For example, for many years the most commonly prescribed form of HRT for women was Premarin.  Premarin, or Conjugated Equine Estrogen, is derived from pregnant horse urine, and contains over 27 different estrogen compounds that are molecularly different from our own estrogens.  Our bodies can only use two of these compounds, and then need to break down the other 25 which are not useable. Side effects of synthetic estrogens including Premarin include:

1. Breast tenderness
2. High blood pressure
3. Vaginal bleeding
4. Gallstones
5. Blood clots
6. Headaches
7. Leg cramps
8. Insulin resistance
9. Worsening of uterine fibroids and endometriosis
10. Jaundice and even cancer.

Premarin has been shown to cause DNA damage and therefore increase the risk of breast and uterine cancers. For years the most commonly prescribed progestin in the United States was Provera, or medroxyprogestin acetate. Progestins act very differently from progesterone in the body.  Progestins actually counter many of the positive benenfits we receive from our own natural estrogens.  They increase inflammation and the risk of strokes. They are contra-indicated in pregnancy due to causing birth defects.  Provera has been shown to cause cancer! What changed all this significantly were the findings of The Women’s Health Initiative.  This study, which included over 150,000 women showed that women taking Premarin and Provera together had an increased risk of cancer, blood clots and heart disease. When this study was published, millions of women stopped taking their HRT, and sales of synthetic hormones dropped by over $1 billion annually! Unfortunately, a lot of confusion was generated on the part of the pharmaceutical companies so that doctors and patients began to think that ALL estrogens were bad.  This is definitely not the case.  More recent evidence has shown that bio-identical hormones when used in the correct balance actually prevent cancer! Dr. Leila Kirdani Explains: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ME FEEL BETTER? It is important to start with lifestyle changes to help balance hormones because of the effects that stress and diet have on hormonal dysregulation.  There are also many herbs that help balance hormones as well, including Dong Qui, black cohosh and chasteberry. For many women, however, these measures are just not enough.  Fortunately, for these women there is Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).  By using BHRT we are trying to bring the body back in balance by imitating the body’s natural processes as much as possible.  We replace hormones to the extent that we are alleviating the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in production of hormones.  Of course it is best to find a provider who is trained in the use of bio-identical hormones, but even more important is to educate yourself as to the various options out there. Read reference books and articles.  Listen to your body.  Document changes you are experiencing, and talk with your health professionals.  If they won’t listen try to find yourself a Doctor Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine.

Related show

• Artist: Dr Leila Kirdani, MD
• Date: Wednesday, May 18th 2011
• Time: 7:00pm
• City: Dr Leila Kirdani, MD in Rochester
• Venue: Bio Identical Hormones for Women
• Address: 2300 Elmwood Ave
• Venue phone: 585-787-4251
• Country: United States
• Admission: $10.00
• Age restrictions: No Minors
• Notes: Starts promptly at 7 Last in series until Fall
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

ASK THE DOCTOR SERIES  #2 Dr. Leila Kirdani Asks:

Questions about Adrenal Fatigue

• Do you feel exhausted?
• Burned out?
• Do you crave sugar and caffeine?
• Do you get frequent colds and upper respiratory infections?
• Are you gaining weight despite diet and exercise?
• Do you have muscle and joint pain?
• Have you been to your doctor and told there was nothing wrong?
• You could have adrenal fatigue!

Dr. Leila Kirdani Describes:

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a condition where the adrenal glands are unable to produce the amount of cortisol, or stress-hormone, our bodies need to function during the day. 

Where Does Adrenal Fatigue Come From?

Adrenal fatigue can arise from prolonged stress, or after a major stressor such as surgery, a car accident, or even a divorce. Think of it this way: Our bodies were built for danger, not for chronic stress.  We were designed to stay alive in the face of mortal danger. 

Example: The tiger jumps out of the bush at us and our cortisol (fight or flight hormone) immediately increases to compensate.  This also causes an increase in blood sugar, so our muscles and brain have fuel to run from the tiger.  Part of our immune system is activated to produce inflammation so that if the tiger bites us we can clot well and keep running. Another part of our immune system is suppressed – the part that helps us to fight cancer, because who is worried about cancer when we are facing a tiger?  Additionally, blood flow to our intestines decreases, because we are not concerned with digesting and absorbing food when in front of a tiger.

 Dr. Leila Kirdani Explains: 

What Happens?

While these changes are important for our survival when faced with mortal danger intermittently and for short periods of time, over the long run they cause detrimental changes in the body.   In the 21^st century we are facing “tigers” all of the time. Our tigers today are childhood trauma, relationships, finances, time, job stress, car accidents, and a toxic environment. Chronically increased blood sugar leads to weight gain.   Chronically increased inflammation leads to numerous medical problems;

• including hypertension
• asthma, allergies
• arthritis
• diabetes or insulin resistance
• obesity
• muscle and joint pain.

With chronically suppressed natural killer cells we have an increased risk of cancer.  Low blood flow to the intestines over time can cause constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel.  After years of overproducing cortisol, the adrenal glands can’t keep up.  They start to tire and then they don’t produce enough cortisol. 

All of the above changes occur if cortisol levels are too high or too low. 

Without enough cortisol, we feel exhausted all the time.  We may be irritable, anxious or depressed.

Dr. Leila Kirdani on the Traditional Doctor’s View!

Most doctors do not look for adrenal fatigue.  Doctors are trained to watch out for elevated cortisol levels, but rarely do we look for low cortisol.  There is a distinct bias in the medical community when it comes to adrenal fatigue.  For some reason doctors think that either your adrenal glands are perfectly fine, or they have ceased to function, a condition known as “Addison’s Disease” which lands you in the Intensive Care Unit.

Dr Leila Kirdani Explains:

WHAT TO DO FOR ADRENAL FATIGUE?

The good news is that there is help for adrenal fatigue!  Working with a Board Certified Doctor who is trained in adrenal fatigue is optimal, especially to obtain a proper diagnosis and direction.  However, the basic things you learned as a child can help as well.  Getting enough sleep, moderate exercise, proper diet, supplements and calming exercises like meditation are essential to healing adrenal glands.  A Functional Doctor considers the Whole Person and not just the symptom.

Ask the Doctor Series 1 – Thyroid Dr. Leila Kirdani:  ASKS?

• Do you feel tired all the time?
• Do you have mental fog?
• Do you feel depressed?
• Are you constipated?
• Are you sensitive to temperature extremes?
• Is your hair falling out?
• You could have thyroid disease!

Dr. Leila Kirdani Explains:  WHAT IS THE THYROID? The thyroid is a gland that sits at the base of our necks that is responsible for controlling the metabolic rate of our entire bodies.  Thyroid hormone controls how fast our cells work, how much work our cells do, and how many molecules of energy our cells produce. Without an optimally working thyroid gland we feel sluggish, we may have trouble loosing weight or our thought processes may become more difficult.  In essence, we believe we “slowed down” or started that “adult aging” process.   Thyroid hormone is required for the proper functioning of all cells, including the brain and the heart.  Low thyroid has been implicated in heart disease, especially congestive heart failure. Dr Leila Kirdani Educates: HOW DOES THE THYROID WORK? As with all glands and hormones, the thyroid gland is a finely tuned organ that responds to feedback mechanisms from throughout the body.  Here’s how it works: the pituitary gland in the brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.  This travels through the blood to stimulate the thyroid to produce thyroxine, or T4.  T4 is a protein with four iodine molecules attached to it, and is not the active form of thyroid hormone.  It needs to be taken up by the cells in the body and have an iodine molecule cleaved off, converting it to T3.  The conversion of T4 to T3 takes zinc, selenium and iodine, so if you are low in minerals this conversion will not be adequate.  T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that travels through the body stimulating the metabolic rate of all of our cells.  Here’s the kicker: T4 can also be converted to a molecule called REVERSE T3.  Reverse T3 is the MIRROR IMAGE of T3, and as such, can bind to the T3 receptor sites.  Instead of producing stimulation, reverse T3 just sits there and does nothing.  It actually prevents T3 from binding, so reverse T3 makes your entire metabolism slower.  If you have a lot of reverse T3, even if your TSH looks good, you will still feel hypothyroid (slow thyroid).  Reverse T3 is caused by three things: stress, heavy metal toxicity, and an elevated serum insulin level. Dr. Leila Kirdani Offers: WHY ARE THYROID PROBLEMS SO PREVALENT? Our 21st century world is very hard on our thyroid glands.  We are all over-stressed, which affects our thyroids.  Toxins in our environment also affect the thyroid.  These include heavy metals and bromide.  Bromide is a chemical used in fabrics as a fire-retardant, and it displaces iodine in the thyroid which inhibits thyroid function. Dr. Leila Kirdani Offers : HOW CAN I FIX MY THYROID? Because most doctors do not recognize reverse T3, it is important to work with a doctor who is trained in anti-aging or functional medicine.  It is very important to look at your level of stress treatment.  Minerals and especially iodine are also extremely helpful for correcting thyroid function.  Detoxifying heavy metals in the system.  A complete review along with saliva and blood work gives a better direction to pursue for each individual is unique and reacts differently.