Month: September 2020

Supplement Highlights

Posted on September 22, 2020

We have several supplements that we keep in-office.  Today we wanted to highlight a few of those!

When we age, our testosterone levels drop, naturally increasing our estrogen levels. Too much estrogen can cause significant damage to our bodies. Studies have shown that people with high levels of estrogen have a higher risk of increased weight gain, bloating, water retention, and other complications.

DIM, short for diindolylmethane, is a hormone balancer. Our DIM hormone therapy supplement is derived from broccoli and pomegranate. However, it is not a plant estrogen or an estrogen mimic, like soy isoflavones. DIM stimulates more efficient metabolism for estrogen, meaning it helps regulate the ratio of healthy to less healthy estrogen.

Methylation is a critical biochemical process that significantly impacts the body’s ability to regulate its cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems. BioTE METHYL FACTORS+ contains five essential methylation nutrients, in their most bioavailable forms, including methylfolate (5-MTHF), active B6, active B2, active methyl B12, and betaine.

Osteocalcin is a protein secreted in bones that assists with remodeling our bones by both reabsorbing older bone and laying down new healthy bone. Vitamin D3, the “sunshine vitamin,” is vital in producing osteocalcin and may improve the absorption of calcium. However, D3 needs help from the vitamin K2, a cofactor that is essential for normal bones and is also known to help with blood circulation. Vitamin A, an antioxidant, supports these two vitamins, as well as the immune system.

This BioTE supplement includes vitamin A as retinyl palmitate, vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol, and vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7. BioTE ADK 5 contains 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule, and BioTE ADK 10 contains 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule.

Probiotics are living microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, that reside in our gut and are vital for the body to function properly. Probiotics help maintain a healthy immune system, hormone and pH balance, weight management, and a steady digestive system. Life Enzyme Blend unlocks the nutrients in your food to contribute to better nutrition and overall health. Life combines the benefits of vegetarian full-spectrum enzymes, stabilized probiotics, and prebiotics for complete digestive support.

Call us to find out about any special pricing! 205-879-8206

Immune System Optimization

Posted on September 14, 2020

As a medical provider, we can help “flatten the curve” of the Coronavirus by ensuring that patients build up their immune systems. This approach starts with optimizing hormones to ensure that the body is working at optimal levels. Hormones, like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, help modulate various components of the immune system by acting on the cells themselves and helping them communicate. Ensuring that the body has hormone support can help promote its ability to function at optimal levels, reducing strain on essential processes, like the immune system. Once hormones are optimized, this is a great time to boost the immune system using supplements and nutraceuticals.

Testosterone and Immune Function 

Testosterone plays a well-documented role in regulating the immune response. Just like estrogen enhances the immune response, testosterone is essential in keeping this response in check. Without sufficient testosterone, many men are susceptible to overactive immune responses aimed at trying to fight infection. This response, termed a “Cytokine Storm,” can have disastrous effects on an already sick patient and may be fatal in some cases. A recent study conducted on 45 patients in Hamburg, Germany, discovered a link between low testosterone and patient susceptibility to COVID-19.
Testosterone is further important to the body’s ability to fight infection through its role in managing stress and promoting sleep. Imbalances in estrogen and testosterone may affect a patient’s emotional state, which can have a negative impact on the immune system. Moments of high stress can increase anxiousness and can make it difficult for patients to fall and stay asleep. Insufficient sleep can drastically weaken the immune system and undermine patient health. On the other hand, sufficient sleep can increase infection-fighting antibodies and other health-promoting cells.
As we age, andropause in men and menopause in women can cause hormone imbalance and make sleeping soundly a challenge. In men, balancing testosterone levels using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may help promote restfulness. During sleep, the body releases pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins, which are essential for fighting infection. Studies have shown that sleep plays a role in how these proteins promote the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T helper cells and may play a role in the formation of immunological memory.
Estrogen, Progesterone, and Immune Function 

Women have been shown to have a heightened immune system as compared with their male counterparts. This difference in immune response may be tied to estrogen levels. Estrogen interacts with immune cells, mostly through estrogen receptors. These receptors affect multiple aspects of immune cell function, including T cell activation and multiplication. T cells are especially important because they help the body fight infection. Estrogen is also responsible for helping to regulate and boost other cells in the immune system, including neutrophils and natural killer cells. Estrogens can also alter the function of macrophages, the white blood cells that help remove foreign particles, bacteria, and viruses from the bloodstream.

While vitamin D has long been known to be essential to immune response, there may also be a relationship between progesterone, vitamin D, and the immune system. Within the immune system, vitamin D helps regulate protective T cells. Progesterone may increase T cell reception of vitamin D. This increased sensitivity to vitamin D may boost the production of these protective cells, thus creating a more robust immune system overall.

Next Steps

As a BioTE Certified Provider, we understand that optimizing hormones is necessary to create a strong foundation for long-term health. Providing the body with the right tools is an essential step in building a strong immune system, allowing the body to fight off infection, and perform well in stressful situations. Once hormones are balanced, patient health can be further optimized using our clinical-grade nutraceuticals and supplements.

205-879-8206

3125 Independence Drive #300A

Birmingham, AL 35209

Perimenopause

Posted on September 3, 2020

A natural decrease in hormone production causes the three phases of menopause (perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause). As hormone levels begin to decline, a variety of symptoms may present themselves. During the perimenopause stage, estrogen levels start to rise and fall at different rates, which may cause one of the following symptoms:

8 Symptoms of Perimenopause
1. Irregular Periods
Many report that the duration and regularity of periods may begin to change. As perimenopause progresses, periods may become further and further apart.
 
2. Decreased Bone Density
With declining estrogen levels, many women may begin to lose bone density.
 
3. Increased Cholesterol Levels
As estrogen levels decline, many patients may experience an increase in LDL, “the bad cholesterol” and a decrease of HDL “the good cholesterol.” This may increase the risk of heart disease.
 
4. Hot Flashes
Many women experience flushing of the skin and difficulty controlling their body temperature as metabolism changes occur.
 
5. Difficulty Sleeping
Many women report difficulty sleeping and lower energy levels, even after a good night’s sleep.

loss of sleep

6. Vaginal Discomfort
As estrogen levels decrease, vaginal tissue may lose moisture and tone, contributing to discomfort. These symptoms may be most noticeable during sexual intercourse.
 
7. Loss of Libido
During perimenopause, sexual arousal and desire may change.
 
8. Low Mood
Low mood or mood fluctuations, including irritability, may be related to a hormone imbalance, and may also be caused by associated perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and trouble sleeping. 

6 Ways to Help Manage Perimenopause
1. Eat Healthy
Consuming healthy, nutrient-dense foods is essential to help the body get what it needs. Avoiding highly processed foods that are high in calories may also help manage weight, as many women report a drop in metabolism during perimenopause.

healthy eating

2. Fill the Gaps With Nutraceuticals
As the body is put under stress during perimenopause, it is vital to ensure that it receives all the nutrients it needs to function properly.  Nutraceuticals, like ADK, can help fill nutritional gaps for patients, and may even promote bone strength.
 
3. Exercise Regularly
As muscle mass may decrease along with a slowed metabolism during perimenopause, regular exercise focused on aerobics and muscle building is essential to maintaining health.

active lifestyle

4. Stop Smoking
Most patients are already aware of the dangers of smoking and its harmful effects on their health. These effects may be even more pronounced during perimenopause, as smoking may sap the body of vitamins and minerals that it needs to thrive.
 
5. Manage Stress
Unmitigated stress can exacerbate symptoms of perimenopause, including insomnia, hot flashes, and irritability. Activities like meditation and yoga that promote mindfulness can be a great resource. Talking to a mental health professional or family and friends can also help.
 
6. Get Better Sleep
Always be trying to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Anyone experiencing difficulties falling or staying asleep should also avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Addressing Symptoms Through Hormone Optimization

Ask your Doctor questions

Many of the changes that women experience during perimenopause are a result of decreasing estrogen. As a Lifestyle Medicine provider, we test for and treat hormone imbalance. By optimizing estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as testosterone, we are helping restore balance to several important biological systems.

By regularly testing and adjusting hormone levels, and addressing patient symptoms as they occur, we provide a personalized, compassionate level of care that is ideal for managing the symptoms associated with this substantial life change.

Call us today for your first consult that is covered by most all major insurances!  205-879-8206