Does Your Engine Need a Tune Up? Adrenal Fatigue May Be Cause
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Food for the Man in You
by Nancy Mehlert, MS
Staying strong and young requires maintaining muscle and bone mass as well as a healthy sexual desire. Testosterone is the chairman of the board in the male body when it comes to staying strong. Foods that support healthy testosterone levels in the body include those high in zinc. Oysters, roast beef, pumpkin seeds, 72% dark chocolate, peanuts, and crab are several great sources for zinc.
The right fats are essential for boosting testosterone levels. Research shows that a diet with less than 40% of energy as fat leads to a decrease in testosterone levels. Wise fat choices include grass-fed butter, grass-fed meats, coconut meat and oil, avocado, cold pressed olive oil and olives, nuts, and seeds.
Staying mentally sharp and young requires taking care of the central command center for the body, otherwise known as the brain. This is your hard drive. It needs protection and back up in the form of essential antioxidants and plenty of oxygen. Foods that increase oxygen flow to the brain and provide mega-loads of antioxidant power are the best. Ideal choices include most organic raw fruits and vegetables; however, the most powerful are berries, grapes, apples, leafy greens (examples include spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, bok choy, romaine, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, field greens), and avocados.
Eat well and live well!
Low Testosterone?
Wellness and hormones aren’t just for women. Men develop hormonal imbalances and deficiencies as well. Have you developed ‘Grumpy Ole Man Syndrome’? Are you too pooped to play with your kids? Have you lost your game? Have you lost your drive? Have you developed a beer belly? Might be time to optimize your hormones and test for adrenal fatigue.
Have you had your testosterone level checked and it’s always in normal range? Besides the fact that the normal reference range for testosterone is quite large, there are many factors that can affect how your body is utilizing testosterone. If you are overweight or are eating a particular diet, you may have excess estrogen in the body, which then blocks testosterone function. If you have adrenal fatigue (click link for list of symptoms), your body may be shunting hormone production to make more cortisol instead of making adequate testosterone. If you are deficient in certain nutrients, e.g. zinc, your testosterone may be metabolizing into estrogen at an excessive rate, causing a downward spiral in testosterone function. (Click link for low testosterone symptoms).
Call 281-298-6742 and give yourself the best gift there is-the gift of good health! Testing for low T is as simple as taking this quick, online questionnaire as an initial step.
The Healing Code
The Healing Code: Address Your Stress
I first learned about a book called The Healing Code from a patient of mine and I think this is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read in a long time. This book gives hope.
The premise of the book is that all disease stems from physiologic stress. If you deal with psychological stress, you can be assured that your body is experiencing physiologic stress; however, even if you do not feel anxious or stressed, it’s still likely that your body is under physiologic stress.
So what does this all mean? Well, for starters, when you are under physiologic stress, your body is in survival mode (aka “fight or flight”). This involves activating your sympathetic nervous system which raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, stresses your adrenal glands, and overrides the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for digestion and for maintenance and repair of the body.
Instead of your body worrying about cancer cell over here, and virus over there, and digesting the food in your stomach, it’s worried about surviving the next few minutes. This means that people with chronic stress are bound to have digestive issues and are adversely affecting their body’s ability to heal itself.
The author of The Healing Code, Dr Alex Loyd, spent years trying to help his wife recover from depression. He even went back to school to get a PhD in Psychology to try to figure things out for her. One day, while flying home from a conference, he tells how this information appeared to him, and he knew how to help his wife when he returned home to her. He performed what he now calls the healing code with his wife and apparently she’s been great ever since. The co-author of the book, Ben Johnson, MD, DO, NMD, was diagnosed with ALS (a typically fatal auto-immune disease affecting the nervous system) and, knowing his fate, was seeking out alternatives when he came across the healing code. He began a diligent regimen of the healing code and reports that he cured his illness in 3 months.
In the book it’s explained how we accumulate memories, both good and bad, and that the bad memories can be constantly reactivated, even at a subconscious level, keeping you in a state of physiologic stress. Let’s say, for example, that you were in a terrible car accident 15 years ago with a red car. Ever since then, every time you see the color red, it may be causing you stress, whether you feel it (e.g. a random panic attack) or not (e.g. chronic high blood pressure or digestive issues without obvious cause).
The goal of this book is to teach you how to neutralize your body’s physiologic stress response with a simple 6 minute exercise done once daily which in turn would dampen the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and allow the parasympathetic nervous system to take over again, thereby improving digestion and allowing the body to heal itself.
What have you got to lose? Maybe $15 for the book and the time to read it? I’ve already received positive feedback from others to whom I’ve recommended the book, such as lower blood pressure, less anxiety, resolving reflux, better sleep, etc. Whatever ails you, why not give it a try?
L-Theanine
Did you know?
- Can improve mood, reduce stress and help focus
- Non-sedating improved alpha wave activity, the brain activity present when you are alert
- Role in helping reduce cholesterol
- May improve the efficacy of cancer treatments
- Rats fed a high Theanine diet showed a significantly lower body weight, blood
- plasma fat and overall body fat accumulation
- Reduces blood pressure
- Accelerates metabolism of alcohol metabolites which helps protect the liver from alcohol effects
L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid and has unique and almost amazing properties. L-Theanine can cross the blood brain barrier and hence has psychoactive properties and is found in the tea plant. Green tea is felt to have the greatest concentration of L-Theanine.
L-Theanine can improve mood, reduce stress and help focus and particularly when working with caffeine. Moreover, individuals taking Theanine also showed improved alpha wave activity, the activity present when you are alert but not stressed and for most people the most desirable awake state. Unlike many supplements where research is still in its infancy there is a large base of clinical trials done by the Japanese to indicate that Theanine is not only effective but also safe. Japan approved Theanine as a universally safe supplement as early as 1964 and permitted unrestricted amounts in all foods except those for infants.
While Theanine is widely touted as a mind relaxant, and for good reason, it also has some other very attractive properties. Theanine has been found to increase dopamine in humans. Dopamine is the naturally occurring chemical in the brain, which is released during pleasant activities such as eating, sex and for some…chocolate. Dopamine produces a sense of well being.
Additional research indicates even more L-Theanine benefits including that it plays a role in helping reduce cholesterol and that Theanine also may improve the efficacy of cancer treatments by decreasing the amount of cancer drug in healthy cells while focusing the drug on cancerous cells. The calming benefits of L-Theanine were also stressed in this study. Rats fed a high Theanine diet also showed a significantly lower body weight, blood plasma fat and overall body fat accumulation. There appear to be many L-Theanine benefits and not many negative L-Theanine side effects. However, as with any supplement there are some interactions with medications that might be significant to note. Theanine is known to reduce blood pressure and if taking Theanine supplements with blood pressure medication the potential exists to reduce blood pressure too far. Medically prescribed stimulants may interact with L-Theanine and reduce the effectiveness of the prescription. Although no case studies have been done specifically nor is there any indication it may prove harmful, it is worth noting when considering L-Theanine supplements.
The exact safe or “recommended dosage for an L-Theanine supplement is perhaps the most difficult to effectively guess. The scientific community has been unable to come up with any indication that there is an “unsafe” level of Theanine. As with any supplement, it is always best to check with a medical professional before using the supplement in the case of children, pregnant women or individuals with severe health issues. Frequently prescribed doses range from 50-200mg, 2 to 4 times daily. It is wisest to follow label directions and consult with your physician if unsure of the appropriate dosage.*
*The information above is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult with your health care provider. Information for this article obtained from ltheanine.net
Trans-fats linked to irritability and aggression
One of the most disheartening aspects of being about the business of nutrition today is that the majority of the food available in the market place today does not jive with my idea of real, whole food. There is a lot of fake food out there. I’m sure you have heard about trans fats for example. The majority of trans fatty acids in our food come from an industrial process that partially hydrogenates unsaturated fatty acids to stabilize the oil and prolong shelf life, thus starting with an all natural fat as it occurs in nature, and literally de-naturing it by changing the molecular structure. Real food becomes man-made, man-altered, fake food. Inside our human body, our cells really struggle to put unnatural, fake food to any good use! In fact damaged foods cause a multitude of problems.
To make the point, a recent study published online in March of 2012, reports “dietary trans fatty acid intake is associated with irritability and aggression in adults. The investigators found that greater dietary trans fatty acid intake was associated with greater aggression. Furthermore, dietary trans fatty acid intake was a more consistent predictor of aggression than the other aggression predictors evaluated. Even after adjusting the data to account for confounders such as sex, age and ethnicity, the correlation remained significant. The investigators concluded that this study provides the first evidence linking dietary trans fatty acids with behavioral irritability and aggression. “ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22403632)
These trans fatty acids are also known to be artery clogging fat and the cause of much of our cardiovascular disease today. It is no surprise that heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity ride the top of the charts for the reasons for death in America today. Trans fatty acids are found in margarine and shortening and in fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, donuts and most fast foods, and packaged baked goods. With the popularity and availability of these foods, is it any surprise that we also are finding more children and adults with behavioral issues? Healthy, undamaged, all natural fats, such as butter from grass fed cows, avocado, expeller pressed coconut oil, nuts and olives are good examples of undamaged, natural fats that contribute to good mental health and well being. Eat Well! Live Well!
Depressed?
Depression comes in many forms and has many possible causes. Rather than band-aiding your depression with an anti-depressant medication, The Woodlands Institute aims to detect and correct the underlying causes of your depression. Causes may be anything from a simple nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance to a reaction to a food. We’ll help you understand common depression signs so that you may identify depression symptoms in yourself, a family member or a friend. Then, we can also help you determine the best depression treatment for you.
We invite you to read our online article “Depression Symptoms & Treatments” for details on how depressed feelings affect all types of people and can be easily addressed with the right attention. Talking to a trained professional about your depressed feelings or those of a loved one is critical to resolving these feelings. Whether you’re a teen struggling with depression, a new mom who may be challenged with postpartum depression or a father who just isn’t energized about the things he once was, The Woodlands Institute is here for you.
Test yourself for hormonal imbalances that may be causing or contributing to your depressed moods. One culprit of your depression could be low thyroid, which we can also help address.
Contact us and we will call you or call 281-298-6742 now for a free consultation with one of our wellness consultants.
Thyroid Symptoms
Wondering if there’s a problem with your thyroid?
If you feel that you have thyroid problems, but your labs are always normal, you are not alone. There are many factors that contribute to low thyroid function. It’s not a simple matter of whether your thyroid labs are in range or out of range. The range that is acceptable and right for one individual could be quite different for another. For instance, we know that a person showing within the “normal range” for thyroid may be on the lower end of that “normal range”. By helping this person with small adjustments to their thyroid, we often see thyroid symptoms disappear.
Natural Response to Thyroid Symptoms
At The Woodlands Institute, our goal is to correct the underlying causes of your low thyroid function, which are usually a combination of nutritional deficiencies, food allergies/sensitivities, yeast overgrowth (dysbiosis), other hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, and toxins. We treat our patients, not their lab results.
Whether you’re struggling with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or another related issue, we’re here to help you identify the real problem and get to solutions that make you feel better. Patients are often amazed how some simple tweaks to their nutrition impacts their thyroid and metabolism. Clients feel better overall.
Online Test for Thyroid Problems
Test yourself using our online questionnaire that guides you through typical symptoms and helps you identify whether or not there are concerns to address. Then we encourage you to contact us and we will call you or call 281-298-6742 for a free consultation.
We also encourage you to watch a short video on thyroid fatigue.
Supplement of the Month: Methylselenocysteine
A Supplement that Addresses Thyroid Problems and More
Methylselenocysteine is a more active form of selenium which functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase activity, which requires selenium for activity, facilitates the recycling of vitamins C and E, in optimizing the performance of the antioxidant system. Low levels of selenium have been linked to a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions associated with free radical damage, including aging and cataract formation. Selenium is also essential for healthy cell-mediated immune function, stimulating immune properties of lymphocytes. Selenium is also needed for the activation of thyroid hormones.
Chronic low selenium intake is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, cancer and depressed immune function. Selenium appears to provide protection against heart disease and stroke. Selenium supplementation (100 ugm/day) increases the ratio of HDL to LDL and inhibits platelet aggregation. Selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity are low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and most inflammatory conditions. This is related to the increased synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Immune system function is enhanced by selenium, by contributing to higher natural killer cell (NKC) activity. Natural killer cells have the ability to destroy cancer cells and bacterial and viral agents. Heavy metal toxicity symptoms may be alleviated by selenium, acting as an antagonist. Selenium deficiency may also contribute to male infertility.
Selenium is safe at the level generally used for supplementation (100-200 mcg/day). However, taking more than 750 mcg of selenium per day may cause toxicity Reactions such as loss of fingernails, skin rash, and neurological aberrations. In the presence of iodine deficiency goiter, selenium supplementation has been reported to exacerbate low thyroid function. Selenium is available in several different forms. Studies indicate that inorganic salts like sodium selenite are less effectively absorbed and not as biologically active as organic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine or high-selenium content yeast. Righest sources of dietary selenium are found in:
- Wheat Germ
- Bran
- Brazil Nuts
- Red Swiss Chard
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Oats
- Brown Rice
- Turnips
The adult RDA for selenium is 50ug/day.
Information obtained by Spectracell Laboratories.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also referred to as EEG Biofeedback, is a non-invasive, pain-free computer-based technique which retrains the brain to produce brainwave patterns that are beneficial to better functioning. Our brains are 2% chemical and 98% electrical. That means that 100% of medications are only addressing 2% of our brain function. The electrical part produces different types of brainwaves (i.e., alpha, beta, theta, delta) and are distributed all throughout our brain. If our brainwave distribution becomes out of balance (much like our hormones), symptoms may result such as anxiety, depression, lack of energy, foggy thinking, etc.
When the electrical system (brainwaves) is modulated through neurofeedback, the brain becomes more flexible, calming the brain and helping the client to have better control of his or her emotions, feelings and thoughts.
During a session, sensors are placed on the head in specific locations to monitor the brainwave activity, much like the electrical activity you see when having an EKG. This activity is displayed onto the therapist’s computer monitor. On a separate screen, the client plays a video game that is generated using his or her brainwave activity. Each time a healthy brainwave is achieved, the client is rewarded via graphics and auditory sound. As healthier brainwaves are achieved, a healthier state of mind (e.g., focused, relaxed, less anxiety) is learned. Unlike medication, once the training stops, the results are enduring.
Neurofeedback is a safe, long-lasting, drug-free alternative to treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, sleep disorders, panic attacks, learning disorders, foggy thinking, stress, obsessive thoughts, compulsions, depression, migraines, and other conditions. The overall goal is to help the client manage his or her symptoms and improve his or her performance in whatever area of life s/he desires such as school, work, or relaxation.
For more information regarding neurofeedback, go to www.springhill4counseling.com