Category: Holistic Health

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.  

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 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.  

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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

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.

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Are there health risks related to the period known as post menopause?

Despite the fact that stand-up comedians and late night talk show hosts have always considered menopause or “the change” fair game for soliciting laughs, few women find the subject very funny. The anticipation of menopause, as well as its early stages, can produce a significant amount of anxiety related to not knowing what to expect and feeling totally out of control of the major changes happening within the body. Once menopause has actually set in, the symptoms associated with having a period are no longer a concern, but the new symptoms can range from mild to severe and include some or all of the following:

• Hot flashes that suddenly spread through the body like a wildfire and can strike at any time, day or night
• Night sweats that can result in the bedsheets becoming soaked with perspiration
• Cold flashes, a lesser-known side effect of menopause that are the result of decreasing estrogen levels causing the hypothalamus to trigger blood vessels in the skin to expand and cool the body to the point of shivering
• Vaginal dryness which makes sexual relations uncomfortable or painful
• Feeling an intense need to urinate and doing so far more frequently than normal
• Difficulty in falling and remaining asleep
• Emotional changes which can encompass a wide range of experiences, like mood swings, sadness, mild to extreme irritability, depression and memory issues
• Dryness experienced in the eyes and mouth, as well as on the skin

The period leading up to menopause, perimenopause, typically lasts around four years. The symptoms of menopause itself, which is officially diagnosed when periods have ceased for 12 consecutive months, last for an average of seven to eight years, although that number can range widely depending on race, ethnicity and when symptoms begin.
Post menopause is generally considered the stage after menopause and lasting for the rest of a woman’s life. Most of the symptoms of menopause are present in the beginning and gradually decrease during post menopause. During this period, women are at an increased risk of developing certain health conditions as a result of continued low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Some of these include:

• Cardiovascular disease – heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and when estrogen levels decrease the probability of developing cardiovascular issues increases
• Osteoporosis – this is probably the most well-known condition associated with menopause and is the result of a rapid rate of bone density loss due to lower hormonal levels
• Urinary incontinence – not only is the urge to urinate stronger and more frequent but the elasticity of the urinary tract changes, resulting in loss of control
• Sexual function changes – vaginal dryness and lowered libido are associated with decreased hormonal levels
• Weight gain – a common result of the slowing of the metabolism

While it would be hard to find any positives on the above list, the good news is that there are a wide variety of methods and treatments available to alleviate these symptoms and conditions. These include some combination of diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, stress reducing programs and hormone replacement therapy.
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 all stages of menopause, while also helping to create the foundation for a healthier and happier life.
To learn more about menopause 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.