Weight reduction - Did you ever notice that the more you try to lose weight through different diets and exercise the more you end up back where you started? The problem is that there are multiple causes for weight gain besides calories in and calories burned. Other issues include stress management and reduction of circulating cortisol levels, getting adequate sleep (during sleep a hormone called melatonin is released which also lowers cortisol levels), identifying food allergies which cause us to retain fluid, determining if you have a gluten sensitivity, identifying if you have a heavy metal exposure or a hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, menopause or andropause. Where to start? I personally start each day with a whey protein drink or soy protein based smoothie drink that can be purchased from Metagenics on my web store. Feel free to add yogurt or your favorite fruit to the drink. Berries are especially nutritious and high in antioxidants. Drink lots of water (half your body weight in ounces during a 24 hour period) which helps fill you up while helping your body detoxify. Have lunch between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM when your insulin levels are rising. The lunch should be a protein the size of your hand (chicken, fish, meat, tofu, pork, etc.) with vegetables or salad. Repeat at dinner. Avoid simple carbohydrates especially sodas that contain lots of sugar and all foods containing high fructose corn syrup. Also avoid diet drinks. They are 200 times sweeter than sugar and increase your craving for sweets. If you need to snack consider high fiber foods such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, apples, etc. A small piece of dark chocolate late in the day is excellent for energy and to suppress your appetite until dinner. Get out there and exercise and see if you start losing at least a pound per week for good! If you need more help, consider contacting a Board certified Anti-Aging physician in your area who can be found at the www.worldhealth.net.

Insomnia- There are multiple reasons for an inability to sleep. Common problems include poor sleep hygiene from light pollution, distractions in the bedroom from watching TV or working on the computer. First of all, the bed should only be used for sleep and sex. Retire at the same time, avoid bright lights which causes your melatonin levels to drop. Leave your problems at the bedroom door. You can write them down and revisit them in the morning when you wake up. Avoid caffeine after 6 PM. Avoid exercising after 6 PM. Consider a hot bath. It will relax you and raise your growth hormone level which is a reparative hormone. Consider 1-2 Mg of melatonin at night, 200 mg magnesium maleate or 200 Mg of L-theonine at bedtime. These items can all be purchased in my on-line store or at your local health food store. Always contact your primary care physician if you have any questions.

Vitamin D Therapy- Research has shown that adequate intake of Vitamin D can reduce the incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in children, breast and colon cancer in women and colon and prostate cancer in men. The problem is that up to 70% of the population may be deficient in Vitamin D. People of color are at increased risk for even lower Vitamin D levels which should be in the 40-60 gram/dl blood levels. A simple blood test for 2-hydroxy Vitamin D will tell you what your level is. Treatment with 1000 mg per day for children age (6 months-10 years) and 1000-2000 mg per day for adults should be adequate. Contraindications to Vitamin D therapy includes a history of lymphoma, sarcoidosis, kidney stones, hypersensitivity to this drug class and elevated blood calcium levels. If you have any questions you should always consult your personal physician. A high quality Vitamin D with calcium supplement can be purchased from Metagenics on my web store.

Male menopause or andropause- Just like woman, men's hormones also decline as we age. Probably 50 per cent of men are in andropause by the time that they reach 60 years of age. Symptoms include decreased energy, depression, loss of interest in sex (Decreased libido), loss of your edge, joint pains, loss of muscle tone. Andropause is probably the cause for the expression "grumpy old men". Diagnosis is based on a simple blood test for total serum testosterone and sex binding globulin. Treatment can include testosterone creams applied to the skin, self testosterone injections or testosterone capsules placed into the buttocks every three months or so. For further information contact your primary care physician or a Board Certified Anti-aging Physician. A physician locator service is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.worldhealth.net" www.worldhealth.net.

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