HOME
ABOUT
BHRT
Weight Loss
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Testimonials
BLOG
CONTACT
+
Home Holistic HealthFunctional Medicine

Category: Functional Medicine

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots Los Angeles
21Feb

What Are The Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots?

Do we get enough vitamin B12 in our diet or is it necessary to take supplements? We all know that it is important to take in the right amounts of vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy, right? And, you would have to live in a cave not to be constantly assaulted with news reports about the lack of nutrients in today’s diet. Genetic modification, pesticides, pollutants in the air and water and who-knows-what added to the food consumed by cows, pigs and chickens make it extremely difficult to have faith that what ends up on our plates is actually good for us. 

What do we do? Most of us periodically prowl the aisles of health food stores or the section with vitamins in our local supermarket. Good intentions soon turn to frustration. There are long shelves lined with displaying the alphabet. Which ones do we need? What is a healthy dose versus one that may cause more harm than good? 

Too often, we end up being overwhelmed and head for the ice cream aisle! Not to knock the benefits of an occasional frozen treat but there is a better way. That Klondike bar may make you feel better for a moment, but consistently supplying your body with the nutrients it needs will do far more. Your choices are to either spend some time educating yourself on the subject of vitamins or consulting with a healthcare professional who can get you on the right track. 

What is The Importance of Vitamin B12?

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Shots Los Angeles

This investment in your health will pay off in every area of your life. There may be no better example than the importance of making sure you maintain the optimum level of vitamin B12. There are a whole series of B vitamins, but B12 is one of the most important. It is essential in producing DNA and red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning of the nervous system and other processes throughout the body. 

The human body is an amazing biomechanical organism, but it cannot do everything all by itself. It requires B12, but, like most vitamins, the body must get them from an outside source. Because of the above-mentioned issues with our modern diet or through poor eating habits or other issues, many people do not take in the necessary amount of B12. Vegans are particularly vulnerable, as are older people, those with gastrointestinal absorption issues and anyone who has had weight-loss surgery. 

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

los angeles vitamin b12 deficiency

It can be difficult to detect B12 deficiency because the signs and symptoms are all over the map and are often mistaken for something else. Plus, the onset can be gradual, with the level of intensity increasing slowly over time, or they can come on all of a sudden. Some of the symptoms associated with a deficiency of B12 include:

  • fatigue or general tiredness
  • anemia
  • depression, paranoia or even hallucinations
  • weakness
  • numbness in hands and feet
  • tingling or burning sensation in hands and feet
  • coordination and balance issues when walking
  • difficulty focusing or having memory loss
  • sleep issues
  • hair loss
  • constipation
  • loss of appetite
  • swollen tongue

What determines the need for supplements?

taking vitamin b12 los angeles

In a perfect world, we would all have an abundant supply of organic, farm-to-table food that is loaded with every possible vitamin and mineral. Since most of us do not currently live in that world, the next best option is supplementation. If your healthcare professional has determined that you need additional B12, you can choose oral supplements or B12 injections. Both are effective, but oral supplements are slower and not all of the nutrient is absorbed by the body. 

If your B12 deficiency is at all significant, your physician may recommend a series of B12 injections to return this important nutrient to its proper levels as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be at increased risk of a compromised immune system and susceptible to a wide range of diseases and medical issues. 

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form. 

Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

Los Angeles Memory Loss and Chronic Inflammation
27Jun

Can memory loss be a side effect of chronic inflammation? 

We all forget where we put our keys once in a while and even find ourselves walking into a room and not remembering why we thought we needed to be there at that moment. These are normal lapses that everyone experiences and can generally be chalked up to not paying attention or having far too many other things on our minds. When they start happening more often or we realize that we are consistently having difficulty recalling names or “losing” words that were previously familiar, it can make us wonder if we are suffering a more serious type of memory loss.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have become familiar fears, especially as longevity increases. There are a lot of things that we fear about aging but probably none more than that of losing our memory. Research has been ongoing in an attempt to understand why some are affected so much more than others and, hopefully, discover ways to stop or at least slow it down. One recent study done by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, found that there may be a connection between chronic inflammation that develops in midlife and memory loss in our later years.  

chronic inflammation memory loss

The Johns Hopkins study lasted for 20 years and included more than 12,000 participants who began the study in their mid-50s. Taking into account factors like education and health issues, like heart disease, blood pressure rates and cholesterol levels, it was determined that the greater the amount of chronic inflammation in the beginning and throughout the study, the more pronounced the cognitive decline after the 20 years. 

More On Alzheimer’s Disease

Since there is presently is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, disease prevention is a strategic research focus. Previously, a number of studies link regular, moderate coffee consumption with a possible reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Arfram Ikram, from Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam (The Netherlands), and colleagues investigated compounds in coffee, identifying caffeine and polyphenols as key candidates.

How Caffeine May Aid In Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

Caffeine appears to help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain – two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to this, both caffeine and polyphenols may reduce inflammation and decrease the deterioration of brain cells – especially in the hippocampus and cortex, areas of the brain involved in memory. The lead investigator comments that: “The majority of human epidemiological studies suggest that regular coffee consumption over a lifetime is associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.  An optimum protective effect occurs with three to five cups of coffee per day.”

Source:
Di Marco LY, Marzo A, Munoz-Ruiz M, Ikram MA, Kivipelto M, Ruefenacht D, et al. “Modifiable lifestyle factors in dementia: a systematic review of longitudinal observational cohort studies.” J Alzheimers Dis. 2014;42(1):119-35.

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

chronic Inflammation los angeles

Chronic Inflammation Vs. Acute

Inflammation is not always a bad thing. Acute inflammation, which is short-term, is part of the immune system’s arsenal that is called into action to help deal with an injury or fight an infection. This type of inflammation only affects the area where there is a problem and, once the crisis is over, acute inflammation disappears.

Chronic inflammation is not localized, nor is it short-term. Because it is spread throughout the body, the perception of the level of inflammation that is experienced may not be as extreme as acute inflammation, but it can last for months and, often, years. This type of long-term, ongoing inflammation can take a huge toll on the body, resulting in damage to joints, tissue and organs. It can also be a contributing factor in the development of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer. 

There are a wide range of causes of chronic inflammation, from autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, all the way to physical stressors. Symptoms often present as joint pain and stiffness, excessive tiredness or fatigue and digestive issues. 

It has always been known that chronic inflammation was unhealthy, but with these new findings linking it to memory loss, there is even more urgency in doing whatever possible to eliminate or, at least, better control it. The recommended steps for doing that will sound familiar because they are the same lifestyle changes we are constantly being urged to do: get more exercise, eat a cleaner and healthier diet, maintain an optimal body weight and reduce stress.

As familiar as that last litany of health suggestions might be, it isn’t always easy to actually do the things we know will make us feel better and give us a better chance of living a happier, healthier life. It often requires help and advice to get us on the right track. 

Treating Chronic Inflammation & Memory Loss

At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we understand the importance of protecting against memory loss, including from the effects of chronic inflammation. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, vitamin and antioxidant status, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can offer help with memory issues while creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life.

To learn more about memory loss and or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.  

Related Content

Functional Medicine Doctors in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Inflammatory Bowel Disease
21Jan

Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome, IBS. Because it affects more than 40 million people, irritable bowel syndrome has become a more familiar condition, but it is not caused by inflammation in the digestive tract nor does it damage tissue in bowel, as is common with IBD. Irritable bowel syndrome requires long-term management, but the symptoms are rarely severe.

In the past, inflammatory bowel disease was believed to be an autoimmune disease, but current research is suggesting that it may be related to the immune system but in a less traditional way. Instead of the body launching an attack on itself, as with most other autoimmune diseases, with IBD the attack is kicked off by something the immune system would normally ignore. This might be food somewhere in the intestines or a harmless bacteria or virus. The result is chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and damage to the bowel.  

 

What Are The Types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?

There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative Colitis

The long-lasting inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum, as well as causing ulcers along the digestive tract.

Crohn’s disease

This condition causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It cannot be cured and may even lead to complications that are potentially life-threatening.
Symptoms common to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include:

  • Fever
  • Ongoing and severe diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain or cramping in the abdomen
  • Bloody stool
  • Unexpected weight loss

Potential Complications Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

malnutrition person los angeles

The complications that are possible with either type of IBD can be serious. Some of the more common ones are:

  • Malabsorption
  • Malnutrition
  • Perforation or rupturing in the bowel
  • Dangerously heavy bleeding resulting from ulcers in the intestines
  • Narrowing and obstruction of the bowel (this is with Crohn’s disease)
  • Fistulae, which are abnormal connection or passages that are formed between body parts, like between two loops of intestine or from the intestine to the bladder. When they involve the anus, it is called perianal disease. Fistulae can occur with both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis but are most often found with Crohn’s.
  • Toxic megacolon, generally associated with ulcerative colitis, is where the colon becomes dilated to a dangerous degree and can even be fatal.

Other Symptoms and Complications of Irritable Bowel Disease

In addition to those complications already listed, other organs in the body may be affected by IBD. Arthritis is probably seen the most often, as well as issues that involve the eyes, skin and joints. There may be bone loss, kidney or liver disorders and, with ulcerative colitis in particular, the risk of developing colon cancer increases.

How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated?

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease focuses on reducing the inflammation which is responsible for triggering the symptoms and causing the damage. This has traditionally been done with drug therapy or surgery. Currently, lifestyle changes are being recommended in hopes of providing more long term results. These include vitamin supplements, stress management and dietary changes, particularly those which are designed to reduce inflammation.

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. We use a wide range of advanced testing and analysis, including food allergy testing, to ensure the best results for our clients.

To learn more about our programs or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by filling out our convenient online form below.

Related Content

Functional Medicine Doctors

Understanding Food Allergies Los Angeles
20Dec

If a food usually gives you indigestion, does that mean you have a food allergy?

Food allergies seem to be getting more common all the time. Experts agree that this is true but are currently not clear on exactly why it is happening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4% of adults are affected by food allergies and even more children; as many as 6%. Possible reasons for the increase range from pollution, vitamin deficiency and gastrointestinal tract issues to changes in the weaning practices of babies. 

There is a difference in food intolerance and an actual food allergy. Lactose intolerance, a reaction to dairy, is a good example of food intolerance. It creates digestive issues, which can also be symptomatic of an allergic reaction, but a true food allergy affects the body’s immune system. Even a tiny amount of a particular food can be perceived as a threat by the immune system which immediately mobilizes to protect the body by creating antibodies specifically for that food. The next time it is eaten the resulting reaction can create a range of symptoms that can reach the level of life-threatening.

In the U.S., roughly 200,000 people end up in the emergency room every year due to food allergies, with the most common reaction being to peanuts. The other foods that top the list of common allergens are shellfish, cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and tree nuts.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Food Allergy Symptoms Dizziness Los Angeles

Symptoms can vary, depending upon the individual and type of food, but some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded
  • Swelling, typically in the lips, tongue and throat, but can be experienced in other areas of the body
  • Tingling in the mouth
  • Itching sensation in the mouth
  • Hives
  • Eczema
  • Difficulty breathing, sometimes experienced as wheezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Types Of Food Allergy Reactions

The most serious and frightening result of a food allergy is anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically involve a closing of the airways, severely swollen tongue, rapid drop in blood pressure and the possibility of coma and even death if not treated in time. Anaphylaxis is more commonly seen with peanut and nut allergies. 

We have come a long way on our journey of discovering how the different parts of the human body work together. While there is no question that this is true, there is a real paradox in effect because it seems that the more we know the less we understand. Perhaps this isn’t true with medical professionals, but it sure feels that way for most everyone else. Headlines today are disputing, if not totally disproving, what were deemed to be the recommended practices of yesterday.

This confusion is true with general health topics and, perhaps, even more so when it comes to food issues, especially weight loss, which we at least now understand is far more complex than simply cutting calories and getting on the treadmill. Overwhelmed with conflicting health programs and diet books and discouraged from failed attempts to get body weight under control, many people are seeking professional guidance in understanding their metabolic profile. Discovering food allergies is a part of this process.  

The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. We strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition, along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. We use a wide range of advanced testing and analysis, including food allergy testing, to ensure the best results for our clients. To learn more about our programs or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by filling out our convenient online form below.

Related Content

Holistic Health & Functional Medicine @ SoCalBHRT

chronic fatigue syndrome | functional medicine doctors LA
12Mar

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

A quarter of a century has passed since the last episode of the Golden Girls was filmed, but reruns of the award-winning sitcom can be found playing almost every day. Who would have thought that a series about four older women sharing a home in Florida would be so popular? But, it was. In fact, it won four Golden Globes and 11 EMMYS. A lot of the reason for that was that the writers and talented actors were able to not only make it extremely funny but also incorporate important storylines that deeply affected viewers.

One such memorable episode was actually a two-parter with the title “Sick and Tired” and was about chronic fatigue syndrome. Dorothy, played by Bea Arthur, had been struggling for months with what she believed to be a case of the flu that would not go away. She described how she felt as being too exhausted to get out of bed, lift her arms to wash her hair in the shower and, sometimes, even speak. She went from doctor to doctor, unable to get a diagnosis. Finally, finding someone familiar with chronic fatigue, she was able to understand what was actually going on. Even without there being a cure, simply being accurately diagnosed made a world of difference. One of the best scenes was her confrontation with a specialist who had been dismissive of her symptoms:

“Doctor Budd, I came to you sick, sick and scared and you dismissed me. You didn’t have the answer and instead of saying ‘I’m sorry I don’t know what’s wrong with you’, you made me feel crazy, like I made it all up. You dismissed me, you made me feel like a child, a fool, a neurotic who was wasting your precious time.”

The “Sick and Tired” episode was written nearly 30 years ago by Susan Harris, a television comedy writer and producer, who had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome herself. Since that time, the disorder has been given a new name, myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but there is still no known cause, diagnostic test or cure. There are theories that are being investigated and treatment recommendations for the various ME/CFS symptoms.

MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME CAUSES

me cfs los angeles

As stated, there is currently no known cause for ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is believed by many that there is a genetic component of some sort and that some people have a predisposition for chronic fatigue. Potential triggers that may be responsible for activating that trigger include:

  • Viral infections – some of those being studied as possible links include Epstein-Barr, herpes virus 6 and certain forms of leukemia viruses.
  • Impaired immune system – not nearly enough evidence to conclusively tie these together but it does seem reasonable that someone with a compromised immune system would be more susceptible.
  • Hormonal imbalances – it is known that those with ME/CFS often show abnormal levels of hormones, particularly those produced in the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary and adrenal glands. How these are connected is currently unknown, but research is ongoing.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis may be a mouthful, but it may also be helpful to call this potentially disabling condition something that sounds more “real” than chronic fatigue, which people can sometimes dismiss as someone just being tired all of the time. Those struggling with ME/CFS experience severe and unrelenting fatigue, no matter how much rest they get, as well as deep muscle and joint pain, headaches, memory issues, depression and a host of other symptoms. It is important that they be taken seriously and that they receive treatment for their symptoms, even if there is currently no cure for their condition.
At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we believe correcting imbalances and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help with symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, while also helping to create the foundation for a healthier and happier life.
To learn more about hormonal imbalance or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

healthy woman los angeles

Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

Vitamin B12 and Depression Los Angeles
7Feb

How are low levels of Vitamin B12 and depression linked?

While most of us are guilty of making an offhand remark about depression from time to time, like “Yeah, I’m a little depressed today”, true depression is a significant, potentially life-changing condition that affects millions of people. It’s also very complicated; much more so than simply calling it a chemical imbalance.
While having too much or too little of certain chemicals in the brain can be a factor in depression, there are actually many possible causes, such as genetic predisposition, stressful or traumatic experiences, medical problems and reactions to drugs and medications. Inadequate levels of vitamin B, vitamin B12 in particular, may also be linked to depression. Researchers have yet to determine exactly why a lack of B12 leads to mood disorders, increased anxiety levels and depression, but it is believed that there may be a connection to the role it plays in the synthesis of mood-regulating brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the body. Its presence is necessary for the production of red blood cells and functions associated with nerves, DNA and other bodily processes. Despite how necessary B12 is, like most other vitamins, the body cannot make its own and must rely on food or some other form of supplementation. This can often result in a B12 deficiency, especially in older people. Many individuals simply do not consume the necessary amounts and others have gastrointestinal absorption issues and cannot absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. Vegans and those who are strict vegetarians are prime candidates for vitamin B12 deficiency, because it is not found in vegetables or other plants; only in meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and other foods that come from animals. Anyone having weight-loss surgery is also at risk, because the operation hinders the body’s ability to extract the vitamin from food.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Los Angeles

Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest with a wide array of symptoms; sometimes all of a sudden and other times gradually, with intensity levels growing over time. One of the reasons that this condition is often misdiagnosed is that there is such a range of symptoms, making it easy to attribute to something else. Some of the symptoms include:

  • numbness, tingling, burning or other strange sensations in hands, legs or feet
  • staggering, coordination or balance problems when walking
  • constipation
  • appetite and weight loss
  • anemia
  • a swollen, inflamed or smooth tongue
  • jaundice
  • cognitive difficulties or memory loss
  • paranoia
  • hallucinations
  • physical weakness
  • fatigue

Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain function and, besides the other possible physical symptoms, deficiency can result in depression, psychosis, mania and dementia. For those who are unable to maintain an adequate level of vitamin B12, it is important that they consult with a healthcare professional and initiate a corrective plan. Suggestions for accomplishing this may include a change in diet, supplement recommendations or vitamin injections.

At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we know how important nutrition is to health and well-being. Today’s diets are depleted of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other nutrients due to the decreasing quality of our food supply, poor soil and busy lifestyles.   Vitamins are a crucial factor to feeling energetic, maintaining a strong immune system, and decreasing risk factors for many diseases. Once we have diagnosed your particular case through carefully administered testing, we will make our recommendations for dietary changes or supplementation, such as highly absorbable vitamin injections, based on your individual needs.

To learn more about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

healthy person los angeles

Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone