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It's common for us to get stuck in a rut sexually at one point in our lives. It affects more people than you think! How are you taking control of your sexual health and treating sexual dysfunction? In the video above, Shane takes us through different treatment options provided by our partners at Age Rejuvenation. Let's take a look at which one could be right for you. Are you suffering from sexual dysfunction? This is a common problem in fact 43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction. So with those staggering numbers, it's incredible that most people aren't treated for symptoms because they are embarrassed to bring it up with their medical provider. However, these are signs you want to look for before it negatively affects your relationship. Low Libido. This is common in both men and women and could be caused by a hormonal imbalance Sexual arousal disorder. If you're engaging in intimacy and finding it difficult to be aroused physically Orgasmic disorder. You have trouble reaching climax or do not reach climax at all during intercourse Sexual pain disorder. You have pain during intercourse What are my treatment options? The first step is reaching out to your provider. There are many options for both men & women so finding the right one for you is crucial. During your initial consultation, we will discuss what you're suffering from and decide the best course of action to treat symptoms. Here are our most popular treatments at Age Rejuvenation HRT ( Hormone Replacement Therapy) As we age our hormones are fluctuating dramatically. Imbalanced hormones can cause loss of libido in both men & women. In women, it can also cause an inability to achieve orgasm., Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse. Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse. In men Inability to achieve or maintain an erection, Absent or delayed ejaculation. This therapy is customized to your individual needs and releases a steady stream of hormones in the body creating balance and addressing hormonal issues. The O-Shot & P-Shot The O-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood to stimulate the growth of new cells in your vagina walls and clitoris. The P-Shot uses PRP to rejuvenate the aged and damaged tissues in your penis. Benefits of The O-Shot: Healthier vaginal tissue that helps decrease discomfort during sex. Increases level of arousal and lubrication with stronger and more frequent orgasms Benefits of The P-Shot: Stronger, firmer erections that are easier to achieve and maintain. Better overall blood flow to the penis resulting in increased sensations. O-Wave For women, the O-Wave uses soundwave technology to break up any micro-plaques or calcifications in the bloodstream, thus restoring blood flow. This new balance of blood flow carries nutrients and works to restore damaged, aging tissue. Here are some of the benefits: Improved sensation and stimulation Increased lubrication Greater laxity in the skin More sexual pleasure Stronger orgasms Ready to take control of your sexual health? Visit Our Featured Partners at Age Rejuvenation Florida Locations Winter Park 125 North Orlando Ave. Suite 115 Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 606-6746 Brandon 1155 Nikki View Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 681-8624 Westchase 10116 Montague St, Suite 8 Westchase, FL 33626 (813) 749-7550 South Tampa 220 North Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 254-6141 Wesley Chapel 1821 Bruce B Downs Blvd Suite 114 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 558-9500 Want to learn more about Age Rejuvenation? Click here!

Waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat? Hot flashes can come on suddenly & really put a damper in your day & overall mood. They can often be accompanied by a pounding heart and rapid breathing. Although hot flashes aren’t dangerous to your health, they can make life very uncomfortable for women who experience them frequently or severely. What causes the body to feel like it's burning up? Let's take a look! Hot flashes & menopause Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. They typically begin a few years before or after a woman's last period. Hot flashes are caused by the drop in estrogen levels during this time, which causes blood vessels to narrow and then expand rapidly, causing heat sensations that can be felt on the skin. The hot flash occurs when your body temperature rises and you start sweating, often with goosebumps on your skin as well. Although hot flashes can be uncomfortable for some women, they are not dangerous and do not cause any serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes (unless you already have these conditions). Estrogen levels aren’t the only thing that affects hot flashes. If you’re experiencing hot flashes, you may be tempted to blame the sudden increase in your body temperature on menopause or aging. But many factors can cause them, including: stress weight gain/loss medications (steroids and anti-depressants) being overweight or underweight One big trigger is stress. One big trigger for hot flashes is stress. Stress can be mental or physical, and it can come from many different sources. It could be a job that's too demanding, a family member who makes you anxious, or even a health condition. All these things can make you feel anxious, which can cause your body to release adrenaline and other hormones that lead to hot flashes. Some foods and drinks can also play a role. Certain foods and drinks can also play a role in your hot flashes. Spicy foods: Hot chili peppers, such as jalapenos, cayenne pepper and chili powder can trigger hot flashes. Studies show that eating spicy food may increase body temperature by up to 0.4 F (0.2 C), which may cause you to sweat more and experience a higher heart rate than normal. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can raise your body temperature, dehydrate you, and increase blood flow to the skin — both of which make it easier for you to feel warm or overheated during a hot flash episode. The more alcohol you drink, the longer it will take for your body temperature to return to normal after drinking stops (this process takes about 2-3 hours). Managing symptoms Hot flashes are a normal part of menopause, and there’s no way to avoid them completely. However, you can reduce your risk by making some lifestyle changes. Eating a low-fat diet, getting plenty of sleep and exercising regularly. Because your hormones play a vital role in hot flash episodes, it's important to ensure they are balanced to manage these symptoms. Bio-identical hormone optimization releases a steady stream of hormones to help you feel younger & contribute to your overall well-being. Could Bioidentical Optimization Therapy Right For You? Bioidentical hormone optimization may be the answer you've been looking for if you want to safely & naturally help with menopause symptoms & hormone imbalance. Call For Information: 888-681-6521

Dieting is a vicious cycle and generally a waste of time. They last for 8, maybe 12 weeks, and then what? Do you know what to do to maintain the weight you’ve lost? What happens if you put it back on? The process starts all over again. It’s time to untangle this mess. Established patterns can be hard to break, but you can make small changes to the way you approach food that will help you keep off excess pounds without ever having to go on a diet again: 1. Stay hydrated. The suggested amount of water to consume every day is half of your body weight in ounces. Often when we think we are hungry, we’re actually just thirsty. Water is a natural appetite suppressant. It takes up space in the stomach, triggering feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. A glass of water before or alongside a meal can help you eat less. Your body is composed of about 60% water, and it plays an important part in biological functions within the body including digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, and maintaining body temperature. It also helps transport nutrients and aids in the removal of waste. Water is an essential part of lipolysis – the process of metabolizing stored fat – and it helps in the biochemical breakdown of proteins, lipids and carbs. There’s also research indicating water can help burn calories by causing temporary increases in metabolism. To stay hydrated, drink high-quality water such as bottled spring or mineral water. If you’d rather avoid bottled water, add more electrolytes to your tap water with a dash of sea salt. Electrolytes are lost during workouts and sweating, so be sure hydrate appropriately afterward. The best sports drinks are designed to contain the optimal concentration of sodium and potassium and sea salt contains 84 minerals and nutrients. Our bodies need and crave these minerals and nutrients on a daily basis. Just a pinch of sea salt will do the trick. 2. Establish a routine. Try eating small, regular meals and snacks, like breakfast, lunch, dinner and one or two healthy snacks in between. Research suggests that eating a larger number of small meals may be associated with improved diet quality and lower BMI. Having meals at regular times also helps to curb episodes of binge eating because your hunger pangs are better controlled. The hungrier we are, the harder it is to make healthy choices. Don’t starve yourself. When you do, the body panics and goes into starvation mode. It begins retaining every calorie it can, storing them in the form of fat cells. Energy levels drop, and the body can become resistant to insulin. Think of food as an opportunity to nourish your body with energy and nutrients that can prevent chronic disease. However, it’s important to listen to your body. Our appetites are all different, and yours will vary from everyone else’s. For example, some people who fast might be satisfied eating only once or twice a day, while others feel energized eating four meals per day. You should eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Consider your metabolic rate, activity level, and exercise regimen. Prioritize the quality of your food over quantity. 3. Give yourself permission to eat. Many dieters think that if they just had enough self control, they could reach their target weight. In a 2011 survey, 27% of respondents reported a lack of willpower as the greatest obstacle to achieving their goals. A diet that’s too restrictive can make you feel deprived of your favorite foods, and those feelings of deprivation can chip away at your willpower leaving you open to unhealthy food choices. To avoid cravings stemming from feelings of deprivation, eat what you want instead of what you think you should. In theory, telling yourself you can’t have something gives it undeniable power and allure. But if you give yourself permission to have pizza whenever you want, you’re less likely to eat too much of it. By removing the forbidden food’s “restricted” status, you’re taking away its power of temptation. 4. Eat mindfully. Tune out the world and tune into your food. That means switching off the TV, putting away your phone, and focusing on the taste, texture, sight, and aroma of each bite. It’s too easy to get distracted during mealtimes and miss out on fully experiencing the food before your body even has a chance to enjoy it. Generally, it takes your stomach about 10 minutes to signal to your brain that you’re full. Slowing down gives your body a chance to communicate with your brain that you’ve had enough. Distracted eating can lead to overeating when you don’t allow yourself the opportunity to experience a meal to satisfaction. If you’re not satisfied, you’re much more likely to continue eating past the point of satiety. Since mindful eating slows you down and lets you truly taste the food, you prolong your eating experience. 5. Watch portion sizes. Portion sizes are getting larger in the U.S. Studies show that the rise in obesity rates over the past 30 years are paralleled by increases in portion sizes, especially in restaurants. Anyone who’s eaten in a restaurant knows that large portions are the norm; in fact, restaurant serving sizes are at least twice the size of a standard portion and can be up to eight times larger. You can prevent overeating away from home by asking for a half portion, ordering an appetizer instead of a main course, and staying away from buffets. When you’re eating at home, using smaller dishes is an easy way to cut back on the amount of food you eat, and you’ll probably feel just as satisfied. Eat when you’re hungry and stop eating when you’ve had enough (remember, it takes your stomach at least 10 minutes to tell your brain that you’re full). 6. Avoid sugar and alcohol. Kicking a sugar addiction is a real challenge because the addiction isn’t emotional – it’s biological. Hormonal changes brought on by a high-sugar diet create the perfect environment for adding body fat. What’s more, sugar drives up insulin levels, and when insulin is elevated often enough, our cells become resistant to it over time, forcing the body to produce ever higher levels to drive blood sugar back down. This is called “insulin resistance,” and if left unchecked, the result is Type 2 diabetes. Finally, sugar triggers inflammation, and research shows that inflammation and obesity go hand in hand. The American Heart Association recommends no more than nine teaspoons of added sugar a day for men and only six teaspoons a day for women, but many people consume more than they realize. Look on food labels for corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, honey, invert sugar maltose, and lactose – all of these are code words for sugar. Eat fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products from the grocery store or from a healthy meal delivery service. It’s OK to save a little room for a sweet treat, but it’s also important to limit yourself. The less sugar you eat, the less you’ll crave it. Drinking alcohol affects your hormones as well. Alcohol increases cortisol and modifies steroid metabolism in the liver, which changes androgen levels in both sexes. Women with high levels of androgens and men with lower levels are equally at risk for gaining belly fat, and for men, lower androgen levels mean less testosterone is produced. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not converted to fat; it’s a fat-burning suppressor. Not only does it provide “empty calories” that are devoid of nutrition yet still need to be stored or burned, alcohol also turns off the fat burning process while you’re metabolizing it. We also tend to crave more junk food when we drink alcohol or when we’re hungover – and that’s a bad combination that leads to metabolic damage. Here are three tips to remember when drinking alcohol: Avoid mixed drinks. Think vodka or tequila and club soda with a lime. If you must sweeten, use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or Stevia. Drink in moderation. One or two drinks will not significantly affect athletic performance the next day. Drink water in between drinks. Add lemon or lime to help your liver keep up with the influx of toxins. The juice provides minerals and bioflavonoids which can improve elimination from the body. Dieting is mentally and physically exhausting. That’s why you should never do it again. By adopting these simple lifestyle tweaks, it’s possible to lose weight and keep it off while fostering a healthy relationship with food. Call TODAY to if you're ready to make long-term changes to your life! Check out our Featured Functional Medicine Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave., Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com Article originally posted by metabolicmeals.com.

Throughout the past 20 years, a lot of brain health research has focused on vitamin D and cognitive function. Through these studies, researchers have discovered that healthy levels of this essential fat-soluble micronutrient help transfer information between neurons, support cellular immune factors in the brain, and even protect the structure and function of neurons—which is especially vital as we age. The science is clear: Vitamin D is a key player when it comes to everyday function of the nervous system. Vitamin D Sufficiency While we know vitamin D deficiency is inversely related to brain health parameters, studies analyzing cogni tive function in those who have achieved vitamin D sufficiency are few and far between. Thus, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study explored the relationship between cognitive performance and vitamin D levels in healthy middle- to older-aged adults. Women in the study had an average serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [i.e., 25(OH)D] level of 31 ng/ml while men averaged 34 ng/ml—both slightly above the clinical cutoff for vitamin D insufficiency of 30 ng/ml. All participants had 25(OH)D levels above 20 ng/ml (which is considered the cutoff for vitamin D deficiency) and were tested for these vitamin D levels and cognitive health and performance metrics throughout the study. The Results Women with sufficient levels of vitamin D had better global cognition (i.e., overall cognitive function) and longer attention spans/attention accuracy. Interestingly, improvement of attention accuracy plateaued around 25(OH)D levels of 32 ng/mL. In men, sufficient vitamin D levels were also associated with improved attention accuracy. Sufficient vitamin D levels are associated with improved attention accuracy. Thanks to the patterns of association between cognitive performance and vitamin D status, researchers determined that a dose-response relationship (i.e., increasing levels of the "sunshine vitamin" to help promote and preserve cognitive function) may exist—especially in women. This data supports that maintaining vitamin D sufficiency throughout the lifespan is crucial to supporting brain health (and a host of other aspects of our health) now and as we age. The Takeaway This important study adds to the ever-growing evidence that achieving (and maintaining) sufficient vitamin D levels supports multidimensional aspects of cognitive function and overall brain health. That being said, it's nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D from sunshine and food alone daily and throughout life. (That's where a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement comes in.) Call TODAY to schedule a your wellness visit! Check out our Featured Functional Medicine Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave., Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com Article originally posted by mindbodygreen.com.

More than one in three adults in the United States are considered to have medical obesity. Having a higher weight can increase the risk of a variety of health problems, leading to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression. Being overweight can reduce one’s quality of life, and one study found that obesity can also shorten one’s lifespan by as much as fourteen years. Understanding how to lose weight can seem daunting, but collaborating with a doctor on a medical weight loss plan can provide an ideal way to lose weight. More than one in three adults in the United States are considered be medically obese. What is Medical Weight Loss? Medical weight loss is the process of losing weight with the help and guidance of a healthcare professional, typically a doctor. The doctor uses their knowledge and medical experience to help the individual attempting to lose weight to create a realistic plan that meets their unique circumstances. Doctors can also help you find and keep the weight loss motivation that you need to succeed. There are three main components to medical weight loss - the initial consultation, behavior changes and weight loss medications. 1. Initial Consultation The doctor will meet with you to learn more about you and your goals. During this initial consultation, the doctor will discuss your ideal weight and work with you to create a plan that will help you to meet your goals, while also working with your lifestyle. This initial consultation will provide you with the opportunity to get to know your doctor and provide the doctor with the information necessary to help you. 2. Behavior Modification Changing behaviors is the best way to lose weight. Essentially, extra weight is stored energy that the body is saving as fat tissue. Weight is gained when there is more energy being taken in through food than is being expended through activity. Weight is lost when more energy is used during activity than is taken in through food. The key behaviors that influence weight loss are eating foods that are lower in energy and having a higher level of activity. Diet Energy in food is typically measured in calories. During a medical weight loss treatment, your doctor will create a diet plan for weight loss that includes foods lower in calories. Calories from different sources will also affect how you gain or lose weight, and your doctor will be able to walk you through some of the different diets that are used for weight loss, such high protein diets, low carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting. Your doctor will help recommend a healthy diet plan that includes foods that promote weight loss and eating schedules that help your body to burn more of the energy that you get through eating. Exercise Exercise is very important when losing weight. Extra activity helps your body to burn the energy that it is storing as fat and helps your body to more effectively use energy from the food that you eat. Your doctor can recommend various workouts to lose weight and find weight loss exercises that best work with your desired lifestyle. Behavioral changes are most effective when they are individualized to meet your unique lifestyle and personality. By following a medical weight loss plan created by your doctor that incorporates exercise and healthy foods to lose weight, you will have a plan that is optimized for your specific lifestyle and needs. 3. Weight Loss Medications Weight loss medication may be prescribed by your doctor to help complement the weight loss diet or exercises that he or she recommends. Weight loss medications can help your body to burn extra energy; however, there are some potential negative side effects that can be caused by these medications. Because of these side effects, these medications will typically be used to complement other weight loss behaviors and will not be the only method of weight loss used. Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you are using these medications to ensure you are healthy while taking them. Why Does it Work? Medical weight loss can be a very effective way of losing weight for several reasons. Having a trained physician create a weight loss plan and monitor your progress provides a unique, individualized weight loss program that is specific to your needs. Focused on the Individual Having a plan that is personalized to help fit your unique goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences helps the plan to be more successful. Not only is it easier to implement a personalized plan, but it is also much easier to stay on the plan than it is to adhere to a one-size-fits-all diet or weight loss program. Managed by a Doctor Medical weight loss plans are unique in that they are designed and monitored by a licensed physician. Doctors typically have 11 to 18 years of education and will be far more knowledgeable about the topic of weight loss than any fitness professional or wellness coach. They will also be able to help identify and treat medical barriers that may prevent you from losing weight as well as you could. Support Throughout the Process Some weight loss plans have health coaches that will help hold people accountable, but the individualized attention of an experienced physician provides an outstanding benefit that other weight loss programs cannot match. Having the personalized support that a doctor offers makes medical weight loss programs an invaluable method for achieving a healthy weight. Is It Worth It? Losing weight may seem daunting, initially. With so many weight loss programs and fad diets making extraordinary claims, it can be difficult to know what the best option is. By trusting the education and knowledge of a doctor and pursuing a medical weight loss program, you can rest knowing that you are receiving professional, individualized care and a plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Following a medical weight loss program set by your doctor will provide you with the best opportunity to lose weight and achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire. Call TODAY to schedule a Medical Weight Loss consultation! Check out our Featured Medical Weight Loss Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave., Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com Article originally posted by nooranimedicalcenter.com.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is typically used as people age and hormone levels drop, particularly for women who are in perimenopause or menopause. It’s used to increase the levels of the hormones that have dropped and improve moderate to severe menopause symptoms. Some common symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones include: Hot flashes Loss of energy or fatigue Loss of interest in sex or painful intercourse Mood changes Memory loss or confusion Night sweats Problems sleeping Vaginal dryness Weight gain Traditional vs. Bioidentical Hormones Bioidentical hormones are manmade hormones derived from plant estrogens that are chemically identical to those the human body produces. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among those most commonly replicated and used in treatment. The hormones used in traditional hormone replacement therapy are made from the urine of pregnant horses and other synthetic hormones. Benefits of BHRT Patients who receive customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy commonly report an improved quality of life. Some of the benefits BHRT can provide include: Stronger sex drive Better mental clarity Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression Increased sense of wellbeing Improved ability to lose fat and build muscle Thicker hair growth Healthier skin Reduced bloating More energy during the day Ability to sleep more soundly at night Fewer hot flashes and night sweats In addition, hormone replacement therapy may also reduce your risk for diabetes, tooth loss, and cataracts. There’s also some evidence that it can help improve skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity, and even reduce wrinkles. For those with cancer who have undergone treatments that affect their estrogen levels, BHRT has been shown to be effective in improving their general well-being and quality of life. In one study, people with cancer who underwent BHRT found relief from treatment-related symptoms such as migraines, incontinence, low libido, and insomnia. The study also found their recurrence rate of breast cancer was no higher than average. BHRT may also be used to treat conditions such as: insulin resistance adrenal and thyroid disorders osteoporosis fibromyalgia Are you ready to start living a more balanced and happier life? Call us TODAY to find out more about BHRT! Check out our Featured BHRT Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave., Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com

Peptide therapy is a smarter, safer, and more effective alternative to human growth hormone replacement - and known for the healing and regenerative benefits it can offer. What Are Peptides? Peptides are the building blocks of proteins. They are made from the naturally occurring amino acids our bodies need to function. Those amino acids merge to form chains which, when combined, create peptides. Peptides naturally enhance and stimulate your body’s own production of growth hormone. How Do Peptides Work Exactly? Peptides bind to receptors on cell surfaces to signal for health improvement. When peptides are missing, they can’t interact with the cells. Peptides tell your body there's an area in need of repair - triggering your body to start producing more of what you’re specific peptide is signaling it needs. Peptides trigger your body's tools to replenish what it needs to increase vitality. What Are The Potential Risks? Peptides are pure amino acids which the body easily breaks down. PeptideTherapy results in fewer adverse reactions than alternative medication. Occasionally, the following has been reported: Increased hunger Increased cortisol (feeling anxious) Increased blood pressure Bloating and water retention Could Peptide Therapy Be Right for You? Since peptides are able to improve a number of very precise concerns, they offer a wide range of benefits for overall health and appearance, including: Boosts energy, sharpens memory and cognitive focus Builds muscle and burns fat, increasing weight loss Enhances physical performance and improves appearance Repairs muscles and tendons Increases sex drive Enhances sleep quality Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals and options with a trained, experienced medical professional. We'll help you determine the best peptides to utilize to achieve your desired goals. Check out our Featured Peptide Specialist Call 712-218-3743 5402 Morganside Ave. Suite B Sioux City, IA prosperdirecthealth.com

Exceptional healthcare begins with you and your story. Direct Primary Care Providers' vision of healthcare takes a whole-person, whole-life approach, built on a personalized care plan that closely aligns with your needs and your goals. What is Direct Primary Care (DCP)? Direct primary care helps Medical Providers better care for their patients by removing all the barriers that were in place with traditional medical practice models and provides patients with more direct attention from their physician when they need it. Building a relationship with your doctor is nothing revolutionary; it’s just the best path to better health. By working directly with patients and cutting out the middleman, DPC Providers are able to lower costs while simultaneously improving access to care by providing more time to patients and decreasing waiting times. This gives patients more one-on-one attention at affordable cash pricing. Appointments last up to an hour, ample time to fully explain any health problems and receive the proper hands-on care. This ensures enough time to truly understand problems and explain treatments. A Better Way: Low Cost Monthly Memberships In medicine, relationships matter. Membership plans create space for a more personal provider-patient dialogue — one that lets your provider be there for you in your most cherished and most challenging moments. And as the years unfold, you’ll stay right at the center of our practice. Patients simply pay a monthly membership, which provides access to their Provider through telemedicine and office visits to answer any questions or discuss immediate health concerns. How is DPC different? Direct primary care gives you unprecedented access and convenience to your trusted physician. DPC members benefit from low cost labs, generic medications, and medical imaging. DPC providers specialize in function medicine, which looks beyond coughs and colds. Functional Medicine providers take a long view of wellness, with an eye on the quality of your life in the decades to come and will be more than your first stop when you’re ill; they’ll be your first step in creating an expansive plan for a longer, fuller life. Check out our Featured Direct Health Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave. Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com Learn more about Prosper Direct Health

Article originally posted by mindbodygreen.com Prepare for a wild understatement: Hormones are often misunderstood. They're so complex, in fact, that it can be difficult to pinpoint which one is out of whack (for what it's worth, hormones work together in a symphony, so it's unlikely you have an imbalance with just one). What's even more misunderstood is the connection between hormones and weight. Unbalanced hormones have the potential to keep you (specifically women) from burning fat, so it's important to understand what's going on under the hood. Below, Gottfried provides some baseline knowledge. Here's what she wants you to know about hormones and weight: 1. Hormones can influence weight. We'll start with a broad stroke: "Hormones influence weight," says Gottfried. "A lot of people miss that piece because they think about hormones in terms of mood, sex drive, or even muscle mass—they don't realize that your hormones are so important when it comes to weight." Let's not forget, the infamous stress hormone cortisol can stimulate the ​​blood sugar roller coaster, which tells your body that you need to eat—and right now. This, in turn, can turn insulin secretion on overdrive, which makes you store fat. Estrogen and progesterone play a role, too, since estrogen dominance (where your body is either producing too much estrogen or you're not getting rid of it properly) can contribute to weight loss resistance, and a drop in progesterone can lead to increased appetite for some. 2. The keto diet can affect hormonal imbalance. A ketogenic diet has its benefits—one of them being weight management—but Gottfried says the restrictive eating plan has the potential to affect your hormones. "I went on keto with my husband," she recounts. "He dropped 20 pounds in a short amount of time, and I gained weight. I had some initial success, but then it just seemed to reverse the deeper I got into ketosis. I realized that keto is definitely affecting your hormones and not always in a positive way—at least not classic keto." Specifically, the diet seems to affect the leptin hormone: Women, generally, have more leptin sensitivity than men, so they can be more sensitive to when leptin levels decline too low, which can influence anxiety, low-quality sleep, and uncontrollable hunger over time. "It's not that women can’t experience the benefits [of keto]," says Gottfried. "It's just that we need some workarounds." To ensure leptin levels don't get depleted, she recommends introducing more carbs into the diet than "classic keto" might allow. "Even though I was told that was not the way to do keto, I found that many patients are able to get into ketosis focusing on net carbs," she says. (Read all about carb cycling on keto here.) 3. Supporting detoxification is key. Gottfried mentions that some hormones really need detoxification in order to work optimally, like insulin, estrogen, and your hunger hormones, leptin and ghrelin. To support your body's natural detoxification process, she recommends eating your greens—and lots of 'em. "Eating dark leafy greens is a great way to inactivate some of those excess estrogens," she says. Plus, "getting cruciferous vegetables can help you with liver detoxification, and getting allium vegetables (things like garlic, leeks, and onion) helps you with making glutathione, which is part of this process of mopping up the toxins." Research backs her up: Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound that helps break estrogen down, which helps with detoxification. These vegetables, including the alliums, also support liver detoxification by increasing glutathione production, an antioxidant that's also important for reducing oxidative stress. The takeaway. Your hormones are important for a variety of reasons, not just weight management; but if you do find yourself unable to reach your goal, keep Gottfried's tips in mind to restore hormonal balance. You should always consult a doctor to figure out what works for you (as everyone's body is different), but Gottfried's plan is a great place to start. Check out our Featured Hormone Specialist Call 712-218-3743 5402 Morganside Ave. Suite B Sioux City, IA prosperdirecthealth.com

In the well-being space, we've made great strides when it comes to hormones—there's much more awareness and appreciation that hormones are, in fact, a key component of overall health. And yet, we're still not quite there with how to keep them balanced; after all, your hormones are involved in pretty much every bodily function, so it can be difficult to pinpoint which exact ones are giving you grief. That's why true hormone balance takes a daily commitment. As functional medicine doctor, Taz Bhatia, M.D., shares how lifestyle interventions can help support and/or reset hormone levels—you just have to stay consistent so they actually work. Here, she shares the habits she sticks to every single day for hormone balance: 1. Eat a fiber-filled breakfast. When we asked Bhatia about her go-to foods for hormone balance, she gave no hesitation: "Everybody needs to get a lot more fiber," she says. "[People are] falling really short of the 40 grams of fiber per day that we're recommending across the board, and specifically for hormone balance." See, fiber plays a critical role in estrogen balance, as it helps to excrete estrogen so it doesn't keep circulating in your body. To get your fill of fiber, Bhatia recommends getting six servings of fruits and vegetables per day. "And the way to do that is at every meal, half of your plate needs to really consist of that," she explains. Yes, even your breakfasts: Bhatia is a fan of the morning smoothie (she uses flaxseeds and chia seeds to give the concoction an extra punch of fiber), and she cooks veggie-packed omelets or breakfast casseroles when she has a little more time. "Some protein sources are also fiber sources," she says. "So getting in the beans, lentils, chickpeas—all of those things have fiber in them that can help your hormone balance." 2. Prioritize 20 minutes of mindfulness. According to Bhatia, mindfulness plays a very big role in hormone balance. It's a concept that originates from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine: "Stress, anger, and trauma all live within our cells and, more specifically, within certain organs," she explains. "If you're angry about something, it's going to sit in your liver, and the liver is one of the most important hormone organs. It helps us break down [waste] and helps us detox. As that emotion accumulates, it's almost like a mass congealing there and blocking energy. So then your hormones no longer do what they're supposed to do." That said, it's important to release those emotions any way you can—meditation, journaling, breathwork, what have you. "Some ritual in the morning where you can hole away for 20 minutes and just have your time before you look at the phone, check email, and interact with everybody else—that really does indeed set the tone for the day," says Bhatia. In fact, early research shows that mindfulness-based interventions like meditation can actually lower cortisol (the famous stress hormone) in your body. "Whatever it is for you, I think dumping these emotions out is a critical part of balancing your hormones," she adds. 3. Skip the midday coffee. We know—we were bummed, too. Yes, you can still have your morning cup of joe, but according to Bhatia, the midday coffee actually isn't doing you any favors for sustained energy. When you feel sluggish in the afternoon, it's likely because of a blood sugar slump, and that second cup of coffee only acts as a Band-Aid. "You are artificially elevating your blood sugar and insulin levels, then crashing back down," she explains. "Every time you reach for coffee to stimulate you that way, you're jumping on this merry-go-round of feeling better for an hour to two hours, then you're going to come back down again." And so you might reach for another cup—and the cycle continues. Rather, Bhatia recommends "leveling off that energy" but getting your nutrients optimized (so you don't experience that blood sugar dip midday). Again, let's circle back to the fiber point above, as a fiber-filled breakfast is top-notch for balancing blood sugar. (See here for recipe inspiration.) "Maybe [use] adrenal adaptogens that indirectly support cortisol balance," offers Bhatia, like ashwagandha and holy basil. "That might be a better option to keep you off this train of a big spike in insulin with a cup of coffee and then a big drop in blood sugar." The takeaway. Everyone's hormone-balancing journey ultimately looks different, but Bhatia's daily tips are simple enough to test for yourself. Just know that lifestyle interventions do take some time—it might take three months to see noticeable changes, says Bhatia. "It really takes that amount of time to reset hormone levels and change the wiring in the body," she notes. "You have to be patient with yourself." Call TODAY to if you're ready to make long-term changes to your life! Check out our Featured Functional Medicine Provider Prosper Direct Health 5402 Morganside Ave., Suite B Sioux City, IA Call 712-218-3743 prosperdirecthealth.com Article originally posted by mindbodygreen.com.

The key to losing inches & looking and feeling fit is muscle growth! If you have recently started to embark on a weight loss journey or just want to feel more fit & toned by building muscle be sure your hormones aren't going to hold you back. Let's explore how muscle growth & hormones relate and what you can do to help build muscle after 40. Muscle Growth & Hormones It's easy to take your hormones for granted or not pay them much attention until they stop functioning as they should & you start noticing the negative effects. Your hormones directly affect your metabolism which is the number of calories your body burns when doing absolutely nothing. While you're working out your body releases hormones either anabolic or catabolic. If you're looking to gain muscle you need a higher amount of anabolic hormones. Examples of these include: Insulin Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) Growth hormone (GH) Testosterone If there are a higher amount of catabolic hormones in the body it can make it harder to gain muscle. On top of that when these hormones are imbalanced you can actually start to lose the muscle mass you have already gained. How to spot a hormone imbalance Now that we know how important hormones are to muscle gain you might be wondering how you can tell if you in fact may have a hormone imbalance. As we age hormones are constantly changing. Hormones act as the body's chemical messengers even tiny changes of hormones can have major effects on your body. The symptoms of an imbalance vary according to which gland is affected and the sex of the person. Here are some symptoms to look out for, remember it's important to note just because you are experiencing one or all of these symptoms the only way to be sure of hormonal imbalance is by speaking with a medical professional & having blood work done: Mood swings Muscle loss Low libido Feeling groggy after a full night's rest Unexplained weight loss or gain Brittle bones or joint pain Cystic like acne Thinning hair Fatigue Still not sure? Take this FREE hormone quiz provided by our partners at Hormone Therapy Centers Of America. Tips to naturally balance hormones & increase muscle mass While there are certainly natural ways to improve hormone imbalance the most effective treatment is bio-identical hormone optimization. This treatment will deliver a constant stream of the hormones you need for hormone balance over the course of 6 months. In addition to Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy here are a few tips to get back on track: Try cutting out or limiting the number of carbs you intake to increase your growth hormones. Stop taking workout supplements as they could throw your hormones for a loop Keep your glucose levels up by drinking beverages with a high level of electrolytes Improve testosterone by eating protein after you workout Rest in between sets to increase testosterone production Try to do strength training in the late afternoon when your cortisol levels are at their peak. Keep workouts shorter than 1 hour Is Bioidentical Optimization Therapy Right For You? Take the first step by taking our hormone self-assessment quiz. for yourself or your partner. Bioidentical hormone optimization may be the answer you've been looking for if you want to safely & naturally help with menopause symptoms & hormone imbalance. Find an HRT Pellet Provider For Information: 855-939-4822 Email: info@ht-ca.com Want to learn more about Hormone Therapy Centers Of America? Click here!

Everyone wants a quick way to lose inches without dieting and exercise...but does that really exist? Doctors across the nation are reporting patients enjoying the tremendous benefits of this natural, non-invasive Red Light therapy - with visible results in as little as one 25 minute, relaxing session. PATIENT TESTIMONIAL "I absolutely loved the results from Contour Light therapy! In my first session, I lost 4.5 inches and my skin was visibly more firm - I could see my abs! Over the next three sessions, I lost an additional 7 inches. While losing inches was great- my favorite thing was how I mentally and physically felt better! I felt more relaxed, less joint pain and overall, HAPPIER. I recommend the Contour Light to all of my friends!" - Casey J, 38 Doctors like those at Tutera Medical are recommending patients use the Contour Light for not only losing inches, but also for these purposes: Weight Loss Depression Migraines & Headache Inflammation Aging Skin, Boosting Collagen Production Increased inches lost during diet/exercise obesity type 2 diabetes alopecia areata autoimmune thyroiditis psoriasis arthritis inflammation of the tendons WHAT IS INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY? Light in the infrared range of the spectrum can penetrate more deeply to reach muscle tissue and nerves. Infrared lights have a longer wavelength than red lights, so they are best suited to reach deep inside the body’s muscles. As the muscle’s cells absorb energy from infrared lights, they become more active and increase blood flow. Increased blood flow is shown to help reduce inflammation, and this action also supports natural cellular regeneration. This extra support speeds up the body’s natural healing processes and has been shown to help promote wound or injury healing. This is why infrared lights are an ideal choice for pain relief products. Due to the regenerative properties of infrared lights, the right dose of infrared lights can help reverse signs of sun damage or acne scarring. WHAT IS THE CONTOUR LIGHT? Contour Light is the latest advancement in light emitting diode (LED) technology and is exceptionally effective on all body areas due to its unique pad design. The large, soft and flexible pads will contour to the shape of the human body, allowing the light source to be as close as possible to the skin; the optimum way to deliver photonic energy. There is no other LED-based system available on the market that delivers and retains more mid-600nm and infrared light energy. ARE THERE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS? Red light therapy, like the type of light used in the Contour Light, is a completely natural process. It exposes the skin to levels of light that are not harmful — unlike UV light coming from the sun. Because of this, There is virtually no risk of side effects from undergoing Red Light Therapy. Products for use at home may lead to misuse, causing damage to the skin, burns, or damage to unprotected eyes, so it's best to receive therapy from a practitioner with professional equipment that is administered correctly. FEATURED CONTOUR LIGHT PROVIDERS: Tutera Medical PHONE: 480-874-1515 215 S Dobson Rd, Building J, Unit 3 Chandler, AZ 85224 8412 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 20325 N 51st Ave – Ste 106 – Building 1 Glendale, AZ 85308 Ultimate Solutions Med Spa 1767 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06905 PH: 203-409-2622 Happy Healthy Thin 4821 Merlot Ave., Ste. 230 Grapevine TX 76051 PH: 817-908-7877 Center for Holistic Healthcare 1420 Main Street Ste 124 Glastonbury, CT 06033 860-821-9833 Westlake Body Contouring 30423 Canwood St, Suite #205 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Mediterranean 1 Building (818) 852-7352

The Ground-Breaking research behind the PULS Cardiac test is now enabling doctors and patients to detect their risk of suffering a heart attack within their next five years. The PULS Test measures the #1 Cause of Heart Attacks and provides the knowledge to make lifestyle changes and get additional vital tests that saves lives. Did you know that... 50% of Cardiac victims have "NORMAL" cholesterol levels? and another sobering fact: 2/3 of Cardiac victims PASS their Stress Test. PULS Cardiac Test Should be the Next Standard of Care for Healthcare The problem with standard testing including Stress Tests, Plaque Tests and Cholesterol Levels is that these simply do not measure or detect the NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF HEART ATTACK. The PULS Test is the ONLY blood test that measures and detects endothelial damage which is what causes the majority of heart attacks. Patients who have the PULS test are given a true picture of their cardiac health, including risk assessment and needed lifestyle modifications. The PULS Cardiac Test is also an important and useful tool for Physicians to provide better care for patients. Ask your doctor for the PULS Cardiac Test. If your provider isn't currently offering the PULS Cardiac Test, click here to request a test. Want to learn more about this test? View Our Featured Partner Page for PULS

A leading Cardiologist from Los Angeles, Dr. "Rico" explains the easiest ways to improve your cardiac health with what he calls "The 25 Rule." The Doctor says it's time to make improvements in your heart health, but where do you start? Lifestyle and diet modifications for heart health can often feel overwhelming, but Dr. Rico says "Start with the small stuff." When it comes to making changes to improve your health, even the most minimal day-to-day changes can add up to big results. Dr. Rico's "25 Rule" makes it easy to know where to begin... #1 Limit Your Daily Sugar to 25 grams or less Why should you limit your sugar? Read this from Harvard Publishing... In a study published in 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Hu and his colleagues found an association between a high-sugar diet and a greater risk of dying from heart disease. Over the course of the 15-year study, people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar. "Basically, the higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease," says Dr. Hu. How sugar actually affects heart health is not completely understood, but it appears to have several indirect connections. For instance, high amounts of sugar overload the liver. "Your liver metabolizes sugar the same way as alcohol, and converts dietary carbohydrates to fat," says Dr. Hu. Over time, this can lead to a greater accumulation of fat, which may turn into fatty liver disease, a contributor to diabetes, which raises your risk for heart disease. Consuming too much added sugar can raise blood pressure and increase chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways to heart disease. Excess consumption of sugar, especially in sugary beverages, also contributes to weight gain by tricking your body into turning off its appetite-control system because liquid calories are not as satisfying as calories from solid foods. This is why it is easier for people to add more calories to their regular diet when consuming sugary beverages. "The effects of added sugar intake — higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease — are all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke," says Dr. Hu. #2 Limit Your Fat Intake to 25% of Your Daily Diet Most of us know that eating less fat can help your heart...but what is the best way to do this? Simple changes in your diet can lead to big results. Here are 14 Simple ways to Reduce Fat in Your Diet: 1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. 2. Eat more fish and chicken. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Remove the skin from chicken before cooking. 3. Eat leaner cuts of beef and pork, and trim as much visible fat as possible before cooking. 4. Bake, broil, or grill meats; avoid frying. Avoid breaded meats and vegetables. 5. Use fat-free or reduced-fat milk instead of whole milk. Instead of sour cream, try nonfat plain yogurt or a blend of yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese. Use low-fat cheeses. 6. In recipes, use two egg whites instead of one whole egg. 7. Avoid cream and cheese sauces, or make recipes with low-fat milk and cheese. 8. Instead of chips, snack on pretzels or unbuttered popcorn. 9. Limit hydrogenated fats (shortening, lard) and animal fats (butter, cream) if you can. Use liquid oils, particularly canola, olive, safflower, or sunflower. 10. Read the nutrition labels on all products. Many “fat-free” products are very high in carbohydrates, which can raise your triglyceride levels. 11. Compare the fat content of similar products. Do not be misled by terms like “light” and “lite.” 12. When eating in a restaurant, ask that the sauces and dressings be served on the side. 13. Look for hidden fat. For example, refried beans may contain lard, or breakfast cereals may have significant amounts of fat. 14. Try cooking with herbs, spices, lemon juice, etc., instead of butter or margarine. #3 Limit Sodium to 2.5 Grams per Day Our bodies need a little salt for optimal health, however the typical American diet can contain two or three times the amount needed. Too much salt causes the body to retain water. This increase in fluid in the body increases blood pressure which puts a strain on blood vessels, the heart and kidneys. As a result, people with high blood pressure have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. How to Limit Sodium in Your Diet Ideally, eating more fresh foods that are prepared at home rather than packaged foods can make a big difference not just in salt consumption but in your overall health. And when cooking at home, use more herbs and spices for flavor and less salt. For recipes and meal plans, there are a lot of free resources you can find online by looking up the DASH Diet. When buying packaged foods, read the labels and look for lower sodium alternatives. It really doesn’t take long for your tastes to adjust to less salt and you’ll soon find that some foods taste way too salty. Certain foods are known for containing a lot of salt, and unfortunately, they are American favorites: pizza, sandwiches, soup, breads and baked goods, cold cuts, poultry, cheese, and of course condiments and sauces. People tend to ignore the nutritional labels on condiments, but soy sauce or barbeque sauce, for example, can really blow up your daily sodium intake. There are ways to make some of these salty favorites less salty and more healthy like getting the thin crust pizza with more vegetables, half the cheese and an uncured meat instead of pepperoni. However at the very least, limit your portions of salty foods.

Tiffany Hendra stops by to interview Bella Excellence's Dr. Yvette Suarez to have an intimate chat about her own journey to finding a passion for helping her patients look better and feel better, inside and out. What is Metabolic Medicine? ARE YOU “SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED?” ~ FANNIE LOU HAMER Are you tired of being prescribed more pills? Are you looking for a different approach to your health? An approach that will actually get to the bottom of why you aren’t feeling well? Metabolic and functional medicine might be what you are looking for. Providers specializing in metabolic and functional medicine use the latest scientific research to understand the chemical processes that the body relies on to function optimally. They study how and why those processes break down and cause problems that can lead to a variety of health problems. They are then able to use natural remedies to bring the body back into balance and optimal functioning again. How Metabolic Medicine Works Metabolism refers to the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes, and new material is assimilated to form new cells. Metabolic medicine is the treatment of disease using the body’s natural biochemistry along with current scientific research to support the body’s best functioning and the optimal health of patients. Metabolic medicine essentially refers to healing from the inside out. Our metabolism is made up of thousands of chemical processes that are taking place – without our consciously being aware of them. The cells of the body convert the food that we eat into both energy to fuel these processes as well as new proteins to keep us alive and well. A metabolic disorder can arise that will eventually lead to a disease if … The body doesn’t have the correct fuel to perform these functions There are genetic defects in the enzymes that are responsible for these processes There are toxins on board that prevent the body from functioning properly. Metabolic and functional providers look for the underlying reason why someone is not feeling well. Is it toxins? Is it diet? Is it nutrient deficiency? Is it a genetic defect? We are like detectives on the case, turning over every stone to piece together the puzzle of a patient’s health. We understand that each person has a unique genetic makeup that will react differently to the environment. We utilize extensive lab testing and look at optimal values rather than normal values to determine what is not working well for that person. We then make individualized recommendations regarding what foods work best with your body and what supplements will optimize its functioning. You might think this describes all physicians, but in reality, traditional medicine (or allopathic medicine) uses man-made pharmaceuticals to alter the natural process of a patient’s metabolism. The drugs prevent unwanted symptoms from being expressed, creating artificial health, rather than truly fixing the underlying problem. Metabolic medicine is one of the fastest-growing medical subspecialties in the world. It’s known by many names, including: Functional medicine Anti-aging medicine Integrative medicine Why Turn to Metabolic and Functional Medicine? So why do so many patients prefer metabolic and functional medicine to prevent and treat disease as opposed to traditional healthcare? Metabolic and functional medicine providers look at the body and mind as a whole. They understand that many factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, nutrition intake, and hormone balance can deplete the body’s natural reserves, affecting how patients think and feel. Traditional doctors target a single condition, without considering overarching factors that could be negatively affecting the patient’s overall health. A metabolic and functional medicine provider identifies where the normal metabolic process breaks down, why disease has settled in, and then seeks to restore optimal health by prescribing missing or deficient nutrients or hormones. They suggest lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, and stress reduction to help restore the balance that is missing in the body. Finally, they recommend a personalized regimen of supplements to fix the underlying metabolic imbalance, strengthen the body naturally, and attempt to prevent the same problem from happening again. The entire process from the initial consultation to experiencing positive results takes more time and careful review than a traditional medical visit, but the results are impressive and well worth the time and effort. Visit Our Featured Partners at Bella Excellence South Tampa 220 North Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606 (813) 254-6141 Article originally posted on drleila.com