The Low Down on Gut Health: Why Is It So Important?

| July 4, 2019

Your gut (also known as the gut flora or gut microbiome) is home to millions (trillions, really!) of gut bacteria. In fact, the bacteria growing in your gut is all-powerful, and necessary for your health. But some of those bacteria, like viruses and fungi, are bad—in fact, they’re so bad they’re linked to a host of common diseases and health conditions.

But why would something you eat have such a huge impact on your health beyond weight gain or maybe some post-dinner bloating?

Well, you might have heard of something called the blood-brain barrier. According to a study published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, interactions between the gut microbiome and the brain can affect the central nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems: “Data from preclinical and clinical studies have shown remarkable potential for novel treatment targets not only in functional gastrointestinal disorders but in a wide range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression, among many others.”

In short, the phrase, “You are what you eat” is all too accurate.

Your gut is sort of a microcosm of your overall health, since what you put into it affects everything from your physical to your mental wellness. Known associations exist between gut health and immunity issues, adrenal problems, weight fluctuations, and metabolic issues such as diabetes. There are even studies pointing to findings that the gut can influence conditions like anxiety and depression.

So is everyone’s gut the same? Nope. What you eat may affect you differently than how it may affect someone else. Probiotic strains, or certain foods, for example, may affect you in a way totally unique to your body. Not to mention the fact that gut health is largely influenced by everything in your particular environment, like toxins from foods or chemicals, increased stress levels, alcohol intake, and medications you use (like antibiotics, which kill tons of bacteria, including the good ones that live in your gut).

 

Is Your Gut Causing Issues for Your Health?

There are plenty of signs of poor gut health—and not all of them have to do with bloating, constipation, or intolerance to certain foods. A physician within the BodyLogicMD network can help you map out the issue and come up with a path of healing for you.

For instance, you may be suffering from some of the below issues—all of which have a potential connection to gut issues.

Autoimmune conditions: Studies show that autoimmune disorders have a well-documented connection to gut health: “Evidence suggests that the composition of the intestinal microbiota can influence susceptibility to chronic disease of the intestinal tract including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as more systemic diseases such as obesity, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes,” according to a review in the journal Nutrients.

Skin rashes or conditions: “The beneficial effects of gut bacteria on skin health and appearance have been documented in several rodent and human studies,” according to a 2018 article in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology. “The intestinal microbiome contributes to skin allostasis, the restoration of homeostasis after a disturbance or stressor, through gut microbiota-mediated effects on both innate and adaptive immunity. Studies have demonstrated that gut bacteria can positively impact the response to disturbed skin barrier function.”

Sleep disturbances: Your gut health is affected by your sleep patterns—and this can largely impact your cognitive health, according to a 2017 study in Sleep Medicine: “Inadequate sleep increases the risk for age-related cognitive decline and recent work suggests a possible role of the gut microbiota in this phenomenon. Partial sleep deprivation alters the human gut microbiome, and its composition is associated with cognitive flexibility in animal models.”

 

Supplements for Gut Health

  1. Fiber, fiber, fiber

According to the Food Revolution Network, fiber is king: “When it comes to the bacteria in your gut, every time you eat, you are feeding somebody,” the network says. “Unfortunately, the modern industrialized diet is all too often feeding the bad guys and, just as important, starving the good. To put it simply, ‘bad’ bacteria tend to feed on sugar and unhealthy fats. And the single most important nutrient that good bacteria need to thrive inside you is fiber.”

It goes on to explain that when your body gets plenty of fiber, it’s able to really do its job; your digestion, your mental acuity, and even your mood can benefit. You need 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day—so you should be using a supplement if you’re not eating that much (and many people are not!). You can also eat more dark, leafy greens, pears, avocados, apples, bananas, carrots, beets, broccoli, and more. Focus on integrating a more plant-based approach into your daily eating.

  1. Daily probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics can help your body replenish all the good bacteria it needs to thrive. One study found that people who took daily probiotic supplementation or ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt per day (probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that your body needs to thrive at its best) experienced greater general health, and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress levels. The proof is in the pudding—or, the yogurt, in this case!

BodyLogicMD’s Pure Probiotic is a gut-loving supplement that contains active strains of both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and is designed specifically to support a healthy gut flora. It promotes digestion and the regulation of bowel movements, and it promotes immunity. Make sure you take daily probiotics within 30 minutes of eating (so the probiotics won’t get destroyed by stomach acid).

If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, or are at risk of developing infections, check with your doctor before adopting a probiotic regimen. (Although you should always check with a physician before taking any supplement anyway).

  1. A gut cleanseIf your practitioner thinks you are a good candidate for a gut cleanse, BodyLogicMD’s 14-day Pure Detoxification Cleanse is a nutritional program that was comprehensively formulated for safe and powerful detoxification. It contains functional food powder to support detoxification, so you’ll drink it with eight ounces of water twice per day. Easy!

BodyLogicMD’s 14-day Pure Detoxification Cleanse supports detoxification, promotes efficient digestion and absorption of the protein, provides nutrients and fiber, and helps your body get back to metabolic health.

  1. Digestive enzymes

Digestzymes, a BodyLogicMD product, contains specially designed digestive enzymes—along with betaine HCl (which supports proper digestion and intake of nutrients)—to support optimal digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It helps your body break down gluten and lactase, and it can even reduce the experience of gas and bloating after eating. Additionally, it wards off constipation and uncomfortable feelings of fullness. It’s also made with non-GMO ingredients.

  1. Glutamine

According to integrative medicine doctor Taz Bhatia, MD, “This is an amino acid and one of my favorite supplements since it helps with digestion and re-establishes the gut lining by literally sealing the gut. Take 1 to 2 grams daily, in the morning or at whatever time you can take it most consistently.”

GlutaMED Rx is a glutamine supplement that supports a healthy intestinal lining and optimal gastrointestinal function. It’s made with high levels of glutamine.

  1. Licorice

In supplement form, licorice can be used to promote digestive health, according to the National Institutes of Health. To kick up the benefits, BodyLogicMD’s Adapto Pure contains licorice and provides adrenal support. This helps your body manage stress, which can, in turn, support a happy gut.

  1. Marshmallow Root

According to the European Medicines Agency, “Marshmallow root preparations ….can also be used to relieve mild discomfort of the stomach and gut.” And Amy Myers, MD, says, “This multipurpose herb has a high mucilage content, which covers your digestive tract with a protective lining and eases inflammation in your gut, helping to soothe ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as restoring the integrity of the small junctions found in your digestive system. This is one of the reasons why marshmallow root has been found to be so beneficial for people suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.”

Try GI Revive, which contains marshmallow root and offers comprehensive support for optimum gastrointestinal health and function.

 

Other Ways You Can Support Your Digestive Health

Beyond the above supplements, there are loads of things you can do to take care of your gut. A happy gut is a healthy body!

  • Eat fermented foods (which are natural probiotics), including kombucha, yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut.
  • Eliminate or limit foods that can negatively affect your gastrointestinal health, including processed and sugary foods.
  • Stay well hydrated and opt for water rather than sweetened or caffeinated beverages.
  • Talk to your physician about how you can get off medications that trigger gastrointestinal distress.
  • Get enough sleep. In fact, “The majority of the body’s serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut,” according to For this reason, it’s key you aim for seven to nine hours per night.
  • Manage your stress level as stress can negatively impact your gut health. According to Lise Naugle, “Stress has many negative effects on gastrointestinal function, including increased intestinal permeability.” You can manage your stress levels by adopting daily stress-management rituals, like meditation, journaling through your anxieties and worries, morning or evening yoga, deep breathing, and stepping away from stressful or triggering situations.

In the end, a happy gut means a healthy body, and a physician with advanced training in nutrition and lifestyle, like the doctors in the BodyLogicMD network, can help guide you to the solutions that will best support your health and wellness.

The post The Low Down on Gut Health: Why Is It So Important? appeared first on BodyLogicMD Blog.

Gluten Intolerant? Here’s How You Can Stay Healthy

| June 26, 2019

If your body doesn’t respond well to gluten, it can be challenging to avoid the range of products and foods that might trigger an allergic reaction or other unpleasant symptoms. This is especially true if you’ve got celiac disease and your daily quality of life is affected by gluten sneaking into something you didn’t suspect.

Whether you’re dealing with celiac or gluten sensitivity, going gluten-free can be challenging—in more ways than one. But there are ways to manage your gluten-free lifestyle easily, healthfully, and in a way that makes sense to you.

 

What Is Gluten and Why Can It Be Harmful to Some People?

When going gluten-free, it’s in your best interest to have a solid understanding of what gluten really is as many people just associate gluten with bread. But besides wheat, gluten proteins can also be found in foods containing barley and rye. There are also loads of not so obvious foods (and even beauty and household products) on the market that contain hidden gluten. It can be overwhelming for anyone, so when it comes to avoiding gluten, your best bet is to opt for products that specifically state “gluten-free” (or ‘GF’).

Even those without a gluten sensitivity can have a hard time digesting gluten, and gluten intolerance can show up in different ways and for different reasons. For some, it may come in the form of celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Other people may just be allergic to wheat, which can show itself as hives or abdominal pain. A person’s unique gut flora, hormones, immune health, and genetics can all play a role.

Celiac disease is an , which is a disorder characterized by the immune system fighting itself rather than foreign or toxic invaders. Celiac disease causes gluten to actively damage the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients (more on that below).

People who suspect they are suffering from celiac disease often get tested for the genes HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 to determine if they have the disease. While not everyone who tests positive has the disease, getting the test can still help determine whether celiac is a possibility. Others have an endoscopy to determine whether celiac disease is the culprit.

Those who don’t have celiac disease but still have problems with gluten may have something called non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This condition tends to be accompanied by symptoms such as leaky gut and brain fog.

Other symptoms can include bloating, lethargy, mood changes, numbness in the arms and legs, diarrhea, tummy pain, fatigue, and inexplicable skin rashes.

There’s also a link between celiac disease and hormonal imbalance, which is something to keep in mind if you’re having hormonal problems such as hormone-related fertility issues or autoimmune thyroid issues.

If you’re not sure whether you are sensitive to gluten or not, the physicians within the BodyLogicMD network can guide you to a diagnosis that explains your symptoms, whether they are gluten-related or not.

 

Getting Adequate Nutrients on a Gluten-Free Diet

People with celiac disease often experience nutrient deficiencies. That’s because gluten can damage the small intestine and prevent the absorption of nutrients.

Furthermore, some people who start a gluten-free diet may not get enough nutrients because they’re used to eating gluten-containing foods that have been enriched with vitamins and nutrients. Because many of these foods are fortified, it’s important to get enough vitamin B6, folate, vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin when going gluten free, according to Very Well Health.

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, “Inadequate consumption of these nutrients may put individuals at increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, neurological decline and other health problems. It is important to include plenty of nutrient-dense foods in the gluten-free diet, such as: whole grains (e.g. quinoa, gluten-free oats, teff), vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts & seeds, meats and dairy products.”

It’s also important to supplement as necessary in addition to eating healthy, well-rounded foods. If you do use supplements, you should be aware that many contain gluten. You’ll need to read the label or check with a healthcare professional before using.

While some gluten intolerant people use digestive enzymes, it should be noted that there’s not much evidence to suggest that these sorts of supplements can actively contribute to healing or the ability to eat gluten, according to

Many people who suspect they have a problem with gluten benefit from an elimination diet—particularly the low-FODMAP diet, which eliminates (and reintroduces) certain foods in stages, allowing you to identify which foods trigger your reactions. Generally, though, you’ll want to avoid all foods containing wheat, rye, and barley.

You may also want to look into trying BodyLogicMD’s Gluten Support Program. This is a kit composed of five formulas chosen for their ability to support the repair of damaged tissue and revitalize overall health in gluten-sensitive individuals.

You could also talk to your healthcare provider about adding a probiotic supplement, like Pure Probiotic (which is gluten-free), to your daily regimen. In a 2008 study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Immunology, specific probiotic strains, such as B. lactis, were found to benefit those on a gluten-free diet.

According to the study’s authors, “Inclusion of B. lactis….could be beneficial in cases with, for example, poor response to a gluten-free diet. Moreover, intake of B. lactis might speed up mucosal recovery after adoption of a gluten-free diet or provide protection to the small-intestinal mucosa against the traces of gluten in some supposedly gluten-free products. Thus consumption of B. lactis-containing products by coeliac disease patients could promote the small-intestinal mucosal health of the patient and lead to a general health gain.”

In the end, you have lots of options when it comes to managing a gluten-free lifestyle. While you must be willing to do a little work when it comes to researching which foods you can eat and what products you can use, it can be done. You’re not alone! The physicians within the BodyLogicMD network have advanced training that goes beyond just disease—they can help bring you back to a state of wellness.

The post Gluten Intolerant? Here’s How You Can Stay Healthy appeared first on BodyLogicMD Blog.

Does Testosterone Therapy Make You Sterile? The Truth About Preventable Male Infertility

| June 25, 2019

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing. Widely recognized as the best treatment for low testosterone, TRT can significantly improve mood, energy, and libido, helping you feel like yourself again. With these benefits, it’s no surprise that between 2003 and 2013, androgen prescriptions increased fourfold.

But while TRT does have incredible benefits for men who experience symptoms caused by low testosterone, it’s not right for every man. Importantly, if you’re already struggling with infertility, this treatment could make things worse. And if you’re planning to father children in the future, TRT might seriously inhibit your ability to do so.

Does testosterone therapy make you sterile? In some cases, yes. Most men experience a significant decrease in sperm count when taking TRT—which is why testosterone is being studied as a form of male birth control. While a lower sperm count doesn’t necessarily cause infertility, the lower it goes, the more difficult it will be for you and your partner to conceive. Some men even reach a sperm count of zero while on testosterone. For most individuals, this infertility is only temporary and their sperm count rises to normal levels when treatment is discontinued. But some men never recover their sperm count after treatment.

For hypogonadal men who do not plan to have biological children in the future, TRT may be the best path to addressing the symptoms of low testosterone. But if you’re concerned about your fertility, you need to seriously consider the risks of TRT before taking any medications that supplement testosterone.

How Does Testosterone Therapy Make You Sterile?

The male body naturally produces testosterone through a complex process of hormone interactions. To simplify, the brain constantly monitors the body’s level of testosterone and produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) when it detects that levels are low. In turn, the pituitary gland secretes follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), signalling sperm and testosterone production in the testes.

When you take exogenous testosterone in the form of medication, this process is disrupted; if brain never detects a low level of testosterone, so it doesn’t produce more GnRH. Without GnRH, the body doesn’t produce its own testosterone—nor does it produce more sperm. Depending on how long you use testosterone replacement therapy and which dose you’re taking, your sperm count could completely zero out.

It’s common for men on TRT to experience significantly diminished fertility and to struggle with conceiving due to low or zero sperm count. This is how men can become sterile by taking testosterone. In most cases, this infertility is temporary. The effects can be reversed by stopping TRT and waiting for sperm and internal testosterone levels to rise again. This process can take six weeks, six months, or a couple of years. But some men never recover their fertility at all.

The Misuse of Testosterone as a Fertility Treatment

If the risks of TRT were widely known and talked about openly by doctors and patients alike, this wouldn’t be such a big problem—each man could decide for himself is the risk is acceptable. But many men don’t know that their testosterone medications could be impacting their fertility in both the short and long term. Even worse, some doctors are still prescribing testosterone to treat infertility. One survey of practicing American Urological Association members found that 25% of respondents were prescribing TRT to infertile men who were actively pursuing pregnancy. International studies have had similar results and indicate that a significant number of practitioners incorrectly believe that testosterone therapy increases sperm count.

In some ways, the thought process makes sense. Testosterone plays some part in the reproductive function of the male body. If a man is found to be infertile, why not administer doses of this incredibly accessible treatment?

It’s all a matter of education. The doctors who prescribe TRT as male infertility treatment aren’t aware of the consequences and may not have the necessary qualifications to be administering complex hormone treatment in the first place. More education on the effects of exogenous testosterone on male fertility could help reduce this unfortunate occurrence.

If you are struggling with infertility—either naturally or due to previously administered testosterone—it’s important to know that there are alternate therapies available that could help you and your partner achieve pregnancy. For instance, studies show that the high testosterone levels and resultant infertility associated with obesity can be reversible through nutritional and lifestyle changes. It’s also possible that taking GnRH hormones, estrogen receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors, or beta hcg may help increase spermatogenesis.

The Benefits of Expert Guidance

If having biological children is a priority for you, it is best to not take testosterone replacement therapy. But if you have no desire to have biological children, if that time in your life has already passed, or if the potential benefits of testosterone outweigh the risk of infertility, TRT could be the best choice. For the right men, the advantages of testosterone therapy are significant and may include:

  • Higher energy
  • Increased muscular strength
  • Higher libido
  • Reduced depression
  • Improved sleep issues

If you’re interested in the possibility of testosterone replacement therapy, we highly recommend speaking with a qualified hormone health practitioner before beginning treatment. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and adequately measure your testosterone levels to see if you’re a good candidate for this therapy. If you decide to try TRT, they can provide ongoing monitoring to track your progress and make adjustments as necessary. If TRT isn’t your best option, they can help you identify a more appropriate treatment method.

By partnering with real experts, you can avoid all the pitfalls that are possible with inappropriate or poorly-administered hormone treatment. The right practitioner will be fully knowledgeable on the potential side effects and risks of hormone replacement therapy and can help you weigh the pros and cons. Regardless of your ultimate decision, the best practitioners will support you in achieving your health and lifestyle goals.

The BodyLogicMD network is comprised of experts in male hormone health, helping men find relief from the symptoms of low testosterone and recapture their sense of vitality through hormone medications and nutritional/lifestyle counseling. BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioners are dedicated to making sure that every patient receives the individual attention and one-on-one consultation time they need for the best possible outcomes. Contact a local practitioner to schedule your first appointment and find out whether testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. Or, take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to learn more about how testosterone (or lack of testosterone) may be impacting you. 

 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

The post Does Testosterone Therapy Make You Sterile? The Truth About Preventable Male Infertility appeared first on BodyLogicMD Blog.

How to Treat Mood Swings During Menopause

| June 20, 2019

Mood swings are some of the least-understood aspects of menopause—and the most misrepresented. While pop culture representations of menopause tend to center specifically on mood, they typically treat menopausal women as a caricature of irrationality and hysteria rather than capturing the variability and complexity of menopause-related mood disturbances. Not only does this trivialize the very real suffering many women experience during this pivotal phase of life, but it may also leave you feeling ashamed and immobilized.

In reality, menopause-related mood swings happen due to a variety of physiological and psychological phenomena and the interplay between them. Critically, mood swings can be a direct result of the hormonal changes that women undergo in the years leading up to and after menopause, including falling levels of estrogen and progesterone. In other words, mood swings are far from irrational; they are a symptom of physical transformation.

Unfortunately, the cavalier treatment of menopause-related mood swings in our culture (pop and otherwise) keeps many women from seeing these mood swings as a symptom that can be—and, sometimes, should be—treated medically. But mood changes can have a dangerous impact on both mental and physical health. They can interfere with your confidence and functionality, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. In other words, mood swings can be far from trivial features.

Not all women have mood swings during menopause and the level of intensity can vary significantly amongst women who do. But one thing remains certain: you deserve to be happy, and you have the right to treat mood swings during menopause in the healthiest and most effective way possible.

The Causes of Mood Swings During Menopause

“Mood swings” is a phrase that everyone says but which has no strict definition. Typically, however, mood swings are understood to include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Unexplained sadness
  • Crying/weeping episodes
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

Critically, there is no one single cause for these symptoms; they can be affected by a broad range of factors and can vary for each person.

Let’s start with proximate causes. Menopause can be an emotional time. It is the end of your reproductive years, which can deeply affect how you see yourself and experience the world around you. It is a time that many use—fairly or unfairly—to mark the passage toward being “old”, which can spark fear, sadness, anxiety, and even mourning in a culture that valorizes youth, particularly in women. It may also be a time of reflection, of evaluating your life thus far and contemplating what the future will hold. These can be hard things to grapple with, and the psychosocial aspects of menopause can have a profound impact on your emotional state.

But of course, menopause also comes with significant hormonal shifts that can impact mood on a physiological level.

Menopause is often marked by hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, and insomnia, all of which can impact mood and functionality. Additionally, sex hormones—including estrogen and progesterone—are known to impact serotonergic activity, which plays a critical role in emotional and behavioral regulation. As estrogen and progesterone levels fall, you may therefore experience shifts in your mood and behavior, including depression, anxiety, and irritability. Researchers have also found that perimenopausal and menopausal women have higher levels of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), an enzyme linked to mood disorders like depression, than younger women.

It’s important to note that menopause can both introduce new mood disturbances and exacerbate pre-existing mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it is therefore prudent to watch for new or changing symptoms, as you may need to make changes to your treatment plan. In other cases, menopause might be the first time that a pre-existing mental health condition becomes noticeable or disruptive enough to seek mental health treatment. It is important to not assume that symptoms of these conditions are a normal part of menopause.

In short, menopause can affect mood in complex ways. The physical, psychological, and cultural are not separate. Rather, they are intimately intertwined and their impact on emotional and behavioral health can be powerful—and deeply personal.

How to Treat Mood Swings During Menopause

There is no universal silver bullet for mood swings during menopause. Every woman’s experience is unique, and what works for one woman may not be relevant for another. However, many women find that a personalized combination of the following helps to support greater psychological well-being:

Exercise

We know that exercise during menopause is important for preventing osteoporosis. But research also shows that exercise can play a significant role in mental health by prompting the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters and stimulating nerve cell growth in critical areas of the brain, improving brain function and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise is known to reduce hot flashes, raise energy levels, and improve sleep quality—all of which can support greater psychological well-being during menopause.

Mind-Body Practices

A growing body of evidence suggests that mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi can alleviate a range of menopause-related symptoms, including mood disturbances. Whether you sign up for yoga classes or prefer to meditate in solitude, these practices have the potential to support greater emotional stability and fulfillment in this new stage of life.

Psychotherapy

Whether your mood swings are new to you or you have been struggling with mood disturbances for years, therapy can be an essential part of restoring mental health. An experienced therapist can give you the space and support you need to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, disrupt harmful patterns, and develop meaningful strategies to address your symptoms.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

For many women, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is one of the most essential components of maintaining emotional wellness during menopause. Under the guidance of a bioidentical hormone replacement expert, BHRT can restore estrogen and progesterone to levels that are comfortable for you and may reduce—or even eliminate—menopause-related mood symptoms. However, its benefits do not end there. As noted by Drs. Claudio Soares and Benicio Frey in Psychiatric Clinics of North America, “[T]he use of hormonal strategies, particularly estrogen-based therapies, has shown to not only improve depressive symptoms but also to promote alleviation of menopause-related complaints (eg, vasomotor symptoms, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption) and better overall functioning and quality of life.”

Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants, can be life-changing for women who experience serious mood disturbances in the years leading up to and after menopause. If you are already taking such medications, new mood symptoms that arise during the menopause transition may require changes to your treatment plan, including medication and dosage changes. For the best outcomes, it’s important to seek treatment from a highly-trained psychiatrist who understands the unique challenges women face during menopause and can create a treatment plan based on the latest knowledge in the field. Interestingly, there is also evidence that some psychotropics can alleviate flushing, hot flashes, and night sweats, potentially contributing to greater emotional wellness.

Sleep Disorder Treatment

A 2018 study found that 26% of women undergoing menopause reported experience insomnia with “severe symptoms that impact daytime functioning,” and many more experience less severe sleep disturbances. This can have a hugely deleterious impact daily life, with both immediate and long-term consequences for your mental and physical health, social and professional functionality, and overall mood. Getting treatment can help you sleep again, reduce the intensity of mood swings and protect your long-term health.

Although some women can address their mood symptoms using only one of these strategies, many must use multiple strategies to fully achieve relief. In fact, some strategies are known to work better when used in concert. For example, research suggests that using estrogen therapy with an SSRI is more effective at treating depression in perimenopausal women than either estrogen therapy or SSRIs in isolation. By combining multiple paths to healing, you have a greater chance of recapturing your sense of wellness.

Getting the Help You Deserve

If you are approaching or have gone through menopause and are experiencing mood disturbances, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Today, there are more resources available to help you address the impact of hormonal changes than ever before.

If you don’t know where to begin, a health care practitioner who specializes in hormone health is a good starting point. They can offer state-of-the-art hormone testing to gain greater insight into your hormone levels, help you explore your treatment options, and create a holistic treatment plan that makes sense for you. They can also work with any other practitioners you may need, including your psychiatrist, to ensure you receive safe, effective, comprehensive care.

But first, you have to accept that you want—and deserve—help for your mood swings. This can be hard. Women often feel they have to ignore or dismiss these symptoms of menopause. Or feel ashamed of them and apologize for being so emotional. But there’s nothing to apologize for. Mood swings are a logical outcome of menopause because of how our minds and bodies function. You shouldn’t apologize for being human. Instead, you can vow to live your fullest life. Part of that is treating mood swings. The other part is remembering that no matter what, you are still you, still in this world, and still a vital part of it.

Are you looking for ways to treat mood swings during menopause? BodyLogicMD can help. The BodyLogicMD network is made up of the top bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specialists in the country. When you partner with a BodyLogicMD practitioner, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan designed to help you achieve optimal physical and emotional health—both now and in the future. Contact a local practitioner today to schedule your first appointment and start feeling like yourself again. Or, take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to learn more about how hormones impact the female body.

 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

The post How to Treat Mood Swings During Menopause appeared first on BodyLogicMD Blog.

3 Reasons Women Need Probiotics Every Day

| June 14, 2019

Probiotics have grown in popularity these days—with very good reason! They are linked to tons of health benefits and are beloved by doctors and wellness enthusiasts alike.

There are so many valid reasons why a high quality probiotic is a good thing—especially for women. They can boost energy levels, improve digestive health, help combat fatigue and stress by reducing cortisol levels, and reduce symptoms of illnesses like autoimmune diseases (which disproportionately affect women).

So, what, exactly, are probiotics? And what are the different reasons that women should take them?

 

A Primer on Probiotics & Your Gut Flora

Probiotics are supplements that contain some of the types of good bacteria that live and thrive in your gut (also known as your gut microbiome or gut flora). When there are enough of these good bacteria, they can conquer the effects of the bad bacteria that inevitably grows within your gut as well. Bad bacteria are normal; they live in everyone, but they shouldn’t take over the beneficial gut flora.

According to Kelsey Kenney, dietitian, “Potential pathogens are gut flora that have the potential to be pathogenic (harmful, causing symptoms)… Pathogens or pathogenic bacteria are the bad gut bugs—these are ones that, if found, are very like to make you symptomatic. Depending on the pathogen, that could mean symptoms from anything like bloating, excessive gas, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, and more. When your gut microbiome is well-balanced, it helps you digest food, make nutrients, influences the immune system and the metabolic system, and more.”

Probiotics are best obtained from eating a healthy, natural diet, and while most people could probably benefit from the addition of a probiotic supplement, they are not appropriate for everyone—and taking a probiotic supplement should not be a replacement for eating healthy. You should discuss if you would benefit and which one to take with your doctor before adding it to your daily regimen.

 

The ABC of Probiotics

There are a few different strains of beneficial probiotic bacteria—the main ones being Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Lactobacillus can help improve digestive health while Bifidobacterium has been found to reduce inflammation. Saccharomyces boulardii (which is actually a yeast) can also help reduce digestive issues and issues associated with antibiotics.

Not every probiotic strain is a quick fix for everything. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about which particular strain can help with your specific symptoms.

This is because not all probiotics are created equal. In fact, far from it. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Probiotics are not all alike. For example, if a specific kind of Lactobacillus helps prevent an illness, that doesn’t necessarily mean that another kind of Lactobacillus would have the same effect or that any of the Bifidobacterium probiotics would do the same thing.”

The NIH also states, “We still don’t know which probiotics are helpful and which are not. We also don’t know how much of the probiotic people would have to take or who would most likely benefit from taking probiotics. Even for the conditions that have been studied the most, researchers are still working toward finding the answers to these questions.”

It’s important that you look at probiotics like you would any supplement: they can be beneficial, but they’re also not regulated. And they still need to be studied more, even if there is anecdotal and researched evidence that they can promote health. In short, use high-quality probiotics sold from trusted sources and know that they’re not a one-stop-shop to fix all your health concerns. They should be used alongside a good lifestyle: proper diet, exercise, good sleep, and stress management.

There is a great deal of evidence suggesting a strong link between poor gut health and digestive problems (like leaky gut or celiac disease), metabolic diseases (think heart disease and diabetes), adrenal fatigue, and mental health issues, as well. One study in the journal Autoimmune Diseases found a real link between disease prevention and gut health maintenance as well.

A great example of bad  being linked to illness comes from the journal Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, which found that the bacteria called Klebsiella has been linked to immune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease. It stated, “Thus, probiotics showed therapeutic potential for diseases, including several immune response-related diseases.”

Other bad bacteria that are linked to diseases include Blastocystis hominis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and irritable bowel syndrome), Giardia (diarrhea), H. pylori (rosacea, ulcers), and Proteus mirabilis (rheumatoid arthritis), among many others.

  1. Probiotics May Help Promote Healthy Weight Loss

For women who want to maintain a healthy weight, probiotics can help. According to a 2016 study published in Nutrition & Metabolism, there are many strains of probiotics that can help suppress body weight gain and support anti-obesity effects. These include the strains Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601, Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 and Pediococcus pentosaceus LP28, among others.

 

Additionally, the same study found “promising effects of probiotics in improving liver function, fat metabolism and insulin resistance in patients with obesity related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

  1. Probiotics Can Help Restore the Body’s Bacteria After Antibiotic Use

    Antibiotics can wreak havoc on the body, as they destroy bacteria that protects the vagina, as well as other systems. After using antibiotics to treat an illness (like strep throat), lots of women also develop a vaginal yeast infection—which is frustrating, itchy, and inconvenient. If this is the case for you, probiotics can help by restoring the good bacteria your body needs.

 

  1. Probiotics Can Support Mental Health

Because what is in the gut can affect your brain, it’s no surprise that a study published in 2016 also found that people who consumed 100 grams of probiotic yogurt per day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced benefits for general health, depression, anxiety, and stress. For the busy, working women and mothers among us, there’s no doubt that supporting mental health and reduced stress levels is important.

 

The Best Probiotic Supplements for Women

Pure Probiotic

Pure Probiotic is a unique formula that delivers active organisms to promote healthy gut flora, boost immunity, and protect intestinal integrity. Every capsule contains probiotic strains that can endure the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Thanks to BioShield technology, the probiotic organisms are preserved and released in accurate amounts inside the intestines for optimal benefit.

Pure Pre/Probiotic DF

The Pure Pre/Probiotic DF formula is designed with probiotics and phages, which increase the function of the probiotics. Phages are harmless to the host (and to good bacteria) and can help kill bacteria.

Ultra Probiotic for Women

Ultra Probiotic for Women is a specialized combination of probiotics that have been supported by research for over 25 years. Delivering two billion live probiotic cells, this is the complete probiotic for women’s urogenital and vaginal health.

Pure Probiotic 225 Billion CFU

This highly concentrated supplement packs 225 billion CFUs of “good” bacteria to support your gut flora. The strains included here were included due to their ability to thrive in a gut where millions of bacteria are taking up space.

Besides supplements, probiotics are also found in fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, apple cider vinegar, live-cultured yogurt, and kimchi.

 

What About Prebiotics and Synbiotics?

You already know that probiotics are good bacteria. But prebiotics are actually food for your probiotics! They feed the good guys, helping them flourish. Sound complicated? Don’t worry. That’s where synbiotics come into play; they’re products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics, like the above Pure Pre/Probiotic DF. Win-win!

Taking Probiotics

You should take probiotics with meals. This maximizes the chance of survival in your gut, since your stomach acid won’t destroy it. There are long-term and short-term benefits of probiotic supplementation. Some probiotic strains work more long-term (to sustain gut health), while some others are faster-acting (to relieve diarrhea), according to GutSpace. It may also be a good idea to take your probiotic supplement along with a digestive enzyme, which can help aid digestion. You can feed your gut the good stuff by drinking plenty of water, eating clean foods, and not overdoing it on the alcohol.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about the best option for your needs. And make sure you let them know about any other health issues you may have, as some probiotics do come with risks.

Contact a physician within the BodyLogicMD network today about how starting a probiotic regimen could boost your health. If you’re experiencing digestive distress, antibiotic-induced yeast infections, or day to day bloating, probiotics may be for you. And even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s in your best interest to maintain a healthy gut—because a healthy gut is a healthy body.

 

 

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The Connection Between Low Testosterone and Depression Opens Up Treatment Options for Men

| June 11, 2019

Most people know that testosterone is a critical part of physical wellbeing. However, a growing body of research suggests that this multifaceted hormone can also play a role in mental health in men. For example, a 2016 study on older men found that “low serum testosterone was associated with an 86% increased hazard of depression.” This study echoed earlier research, which has consistently found a strong correlation between the two, indicating a likely causal relationship. In fact, even borderline testosterone levels are associated with significantly higher rates of depression and/or depressive symptoms. This is significant not only because it may help some men uncover the roots of their depression, but because it offers a potential solution: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Indeed, a 2019 review and meta-analysis of 27 randomized controlled trials found that “testosterone treatment appears to be effective and efficacious in reducing depressive symptoms in men.”

If you’re struggling with depression, seek help from a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist as a first line of defense. But if you’re also experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you may want to speak with your mental health team about the possibility of starting testosterone replacement therapy. TRT could be instrumental in your treatment plan and help you regain a sense of vitality and wellbeing.

How Testosterone Therapy Helps Treat Depression

Testosterone is a powerful hormone that’s involved in much more than just reproduction. In addition to regulating sex drive and body fat distribution, testosterone helps your body maintain bone and muscle mass and produce red blood cells. We also know that testosterone, like other sex hormones, impacts the brain in terms of both cognition and psychological wellness. More specifically, while normal levels of testosterone help promote healthy brain function, low levels may disrupt it, potentially causing or aggravating depression in some men.

While most available research points to testosterone’s antidepressant quality, researchers have not yet been able to explain the mechanism of this reaction. It’s possible that testosterone affects the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, or amygdala—the areas of the brain that change the most in those who experience severe depression. Testosterone may also impact the body’s natural production of chemicals like serotonin and cortisol, which help with mood regulation.

Regardless of the mechanism, restoring testosterone to normal levels via hormone replacement therapy could help alleviate depression as the brain to a healthy state. In fact, research suggests that TRT may even be used as monotherapy in hypogonadal men with minor depression while potentially acting as a powerful augmentation therapy for those with major depression

Other Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men

Aside from relieving symptoms of depression, testosterone replacement therapy also helps with a wide variety of other symptoms, many of which play an important part in overall functionality and wellness. Indeed, the benefits of TRT are impressive, well-documented, and highly impactful in the daily lives of men.

Some of these benefits may include:

If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or any of the other symptoms of low testosterone, these benefits alone could do a lot toward raising your mood.

Of course, every man is different. You may not experience all of these outcomes, and your depression may be influenced by more complex factors than low testosterone alone. However, for many men, TRT is essential for mental health, whether used alone or in combination with other treatments.

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Works

Testosterone replacement therapy comes in a wide variety of forms. To figure out which is right for you, it’s best to speak with a board-certified practitioner who specializes in hormone replacement therapy. Your practitioner will spend time going over your symptoms and medical history in detail in order to provide you with the best possible care. They’ll perform all the necessary tests to evaluate the hormone levels in your blood, saliva, or urine as necessary.

From there, you’ll be ready to choose which preparation works best for you. Testosterone replacement therapy is offered in gels, creams, pellets, and injections—all of which have pros and cons, depending on personal circumstances and preferences. An excellent practitioner will explain the benefits of each of these preparations and help you decide which option is most appropriate for you. They’ll also determine the correct dose for your body and the treatment schedule that will be most effective for your needs.

As your treatment progresses, your hormone levels will be tested at regular intervals to ensure your body is responding well to the medication. Your practitioner will also help you monitor and reduce any side effects you may experience—which tend to be mild and go away on their own after the first few weeks. The most common side effects include oily skin, acne, decreased testicular size and sperm count, elevated red blood cell count, and mild fluid retention.

Hormone replacement therapy may be associated with more serious risks. By partnering with a highly qualified hormone health practitioner, you can make sure you’re aware of the possible risks associated with this potentially life-changing therapy.

Seeking Treatment for Depression and Low Testosterone

TRT might not be for everyone, and the exact role it plays in depression treatment depends on each individual’s unique situation. If you’re struggling with depression, it’s important to seek comprehensive care—potentially including psychotherapy, psychotropic medication, and guided self-care—from mental health experts. However, for those with low testosterone, TRT can be not only helpful, but necessary for restoring physical and psychological wellness.

Many men seek treatment for low testosterone directly from their primary care physician. While that’s a fine place to start, it’s likely that your primary doctor isn’t as knowledgeable as they could be in the field of hormone health. That’s why we always recommend going straight to the experts—like the specialists in the BodyLogicMD network.

BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioners are fully dedicated to helping men and women manage the symptoms of hormone imbalance, using a powerful combination of bioidentical hormone medications and lifestyle counseling. Critically, these hormone health experts can work in concert with your mental health team to help resolve your symptoms in a way that makes sense for you. With a comprehensive, customized treatment plan in place, you can take the next steps toward a more joyful and fulfilling life.

BodyLogicMD is a network of highly-qualified hormone health practitioners who specialize in helping men find the right treatment for the symptoms of low testosterone. BodyLogic-affiliated practitioners work with men from all walks of life and all stages of the aging process to feel their best and achieve optimal wellness. Contact a local practitioner to start your journey toward improved emotional, mental, and physical health. Or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to get a better idea of how testosterone and other hormones might be impacting your everyday life.

 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

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Should You Be Using Workout Supplements?

| June 10, 2019

If you’re looking to get healthy, stay fit, achieve weight loss, prevent muscle loss, work on body composition, or make serious muscle gain, you probably know that nutrition—vitamins and minerals—is the key.

The gym is obviously where you need to be to work on your fitness, but the kitchen is where you nourish, heal, and support muscle growth. Not getting enough vitamins and minerals can impact your workout gains — and that’s exactly where workout supplements come into play.

Supplements can help with muscle growth and recovery while also boosting your general health and wellbeing. In short, supplements are worthy additions to your healthy lifestyle.

Ideally, you would get every single one of the nutrients you need from the foods you eat. Unfortunately, that can sometimes be hard to do—partially because the standard American diet favors processed over fresh foods. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states that “Most people have vitamin B6, iron, and vitamin D deficiencies.” That’s a lot of deficiencies, but the good news is that you can find more information on what your body needs to function directly from the US Office of Dietary Supplements.

Luckily, supplementation comes to the rescue, especially with regards to fitness and working out. You’ll want to first focus on getting adequate protein, carbs and fat—which are called macronutrients—as well as nutrients and mineral (also called micronutrients).

A registered health coach, trainer, and doctor can help you determine what you should focus on for your specific health and fitness goals—everyone’s needs are different!

 

Myths About Supplementation: To Supplement or Not?

One common supplementation myth is that all proteins are equal. Not true! According to Muscle and Fitness, “There are thousands of different types of protein at the molecular level. It appears there are two sides to every protein debate: isolate vs. concentrate, quick release vs. sustained release, and whey vs. casein. The absorption rate is the speed at which protein is digested. Quick-release proteins like whey hit your muscles faster, ideal for post- or intra-workout shakes when your muscles are literally starving. Sustained-release proteins like casein have a much slower absorption rate.”

Other myths? First, supplements work even if you don’t go to the gym. Answer: not true—both exercise and nutrition are required.

Another myth: all fitness supplements contain steroids. That is false. You can work out and make gains without steroids. While some athletes do take a form of steroids—known as anabolic-androgenic steroids or just anabolic steroids (like testosterone)—to boost their muscle growth, strength, and endurance, there are plenty other kinds of supplements on the market.

There are plenty of other myths out there, and they’re all important to get past to unlock your fitness and health potential.

What Are Some Supplements for Beginners and Advanced Athletes?

Beginners may want to focus on a few things in their supplementation regimen: protein, carbs pre- and post-workout, greens, creatine, and fish oil. More advanced bodybuilders may want to focus on BCCAs (branch-chained amino acids), glutamine, and citrulline malate, among other items.

Some popular pre-workout supplements include creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitrate—helping you power through your workouts.

Vegetarian? You can take part in all of this too! If you want to stick to plant-based nutrition in your workout, there are plenty of plant-based proteins available, usually focusing on pea protein, hempseed, and more.

 

The Best Supplements for Fitness

Vitamin D

This one is known as the sunshine vitamin. It helps calcium absorption and regulates over 200 genes in the human body. It also acts like a hormone, helping with protein synthesis.

Once ingested, vitamin D helps to improve nutrient absorption, support insulin, promote repair of the muscles and even lower the risk of depression. Most people could benefit from a vitamin D supplement as it’s a very common nutritional deficiency. When hungry, opt for foods such as fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, and other options like soy milk, beef liver, egg yolk, and cheese.

Also, keep in mind that when taking a vitamin D supplement, you may want to find one that include vitamin K2 with vitamin D3. According to Healthline, vitamin D ensures that your blood levels of calcium are as high as your body needs them to be. Vitamin K steps in to help direct the calcium to the parts of your body that need it.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a key player in muscle growth and contributes to red blood cell production, which helps delivering oxygen to the muscles.

Since this compound is found mostly in animal foods, vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk for deficiencies in B12. If that’s your case, consider taking vitamin B12 supplements. You can also eat lean meat, fish, poultry, and dairy foods, which are all packed with vitamin B12.

Vitamin B3

A lot of bodybuilders and fitness models load up on vitamin B3 (also called niacin) before photo shoots because it helps promote muscle growth and gives you better pumps.

Its benefits go well beyond athletic performance, though. This bodybuilding-friendly vitamin promotes glucose, metabolism, supports growth hormones and the increase of good cholesterol. Focus on adding this into your diet via eggs, bananas and meat. Easy!

Vitamin B6

If you haven’t noticed, the family of B vitamins are essential when it comes to bodybuilding and muscle repair. B6 is sort of like its counterpart, B12. It can help promote blood cell production, and glucose metabolism, and it can also support athletic performance and muscular growth by increasing nitric oxide levels.

You can find it in beef liver, and fatty fish. If you’re a vegetarian, chickpeas and bananas are an excellent source of B6 and will become your friend. For example, one can of chickpeas can deliver over 55 percent of the daily recommended amount of B6, and a medium-sized banana can deliver 20 percent of the daily allowance of B6. A good, professional grade vitamin B6 supplement can help as well.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is well known for its skin-loving properties. However, vitamin E isn’t just for skin. It not only helps slow down aging and scavenges free radicals (substances from the environment or toxins that are harmful to your health and can cause chronic illness), but also helps flush out metabolic waste.

When you exercise, you create oxidative stress (free radicals) within the body. The good news? Vitamin E neutralizes these potentially harmful compounds while also boosting your heart health. Find it in olive oil, leafy greens, fish and nuts.

Vitamin A

Anyone looking to make major gains in the gym will also want to turn to vitamin A. That’s because vitamin A synthesizes protein and promotes glycogen production. Additionally, it works as an antioxidant and promotes bone health. Therefore, if you have a deficiency in those areas, it could be linked to excessive alcohol intake, diabetes or a low-fat diet. You can get vitamin A in eggs, carrots, cheese, and fatty fish.

Vitamin C

This is probably the one vitamin you know all about; most people started taking it at their mother’s request in childhood! This essential nutrient strengthens your natural defenses, fighting infections and diseases, in addition to working as an antioxidant. It can support tissue growth, which means it’ll help you get back on your feet after a hard session in the gym. Top up your vitamin A by munching on peppers, leafy greens, tomatoes, citrus fruits and broccoli.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

According to a 2015 study, omega-3 fatty acids (like those from fish), “can influence the exercise and nutritional response of skeletal muscle,” and reduce post-exercise muscle soreness.

In addition to providing support to cardiovascular, eye, joint, brain, and skin health, omega-3s have also been found to speed up recovery and boost muscle growth. The body gets omega-3 fatty acids from healthy fats such as walnuts, eggs, fish (like mackerel and sardines), and avocados, but can also benefit from a high-quality fish oil supplement.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin and can help support energy, fat oxidation, and increase post-exercise recovery — an absolute must for athletic performance. With its potential ability to decrease recovery time, B2 a must-have for anyone looking to decrease soreness or pain. Starting a vitamin B2 supplementation is a smart choice, but it can be also be found in lamb, liver, spinach, almonds, and dairy foods.

Vitamin B9 (or Folic Acid)

Vitamin B9, which is often referred to as either folate or folic acid (although they are not interchangeable), is key for muscle growth. The synthetic form of vitamin B9, folic acid, is found in many supplements and foods that have been strengthened with the vitamin. Folate, however, is naturally occurring in food, according to BreakingMuscle.

 

According to one study, “Energy production and the rebuilding and repair of muscle tissue by physical activity require folate and vitamin B12 as a cofactor.” This benefits growth, synthesis of new cells, and the repair of damaged cells and tissues. Eat plenty of lentils, spinach, avocado, and mangos to increase this one. You can also take a supplement (you will want to consult with your healthcare practitioner to determine which type and amount is best for you).

Many of the vitamins listed above can be found in a high quality multivitamin, which can help promote overall health and fight inflammation. Getting enough vitamins and nutrients every day can help you stay healthy enough to make big gains in the gym.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Workout Supplements?

If you’re looking to start a definitive workout supplementation program, a physician within the BodyLogicMD network can help you do so in a healthy way that takes into account the risks, which can include heart health issues, liver damage, and more.

Your BodyLogicMD-affiliated physician can also help you make sure you’re taking the right dosage and type of each supplement (for example, they can help you decide how many grams of protein powder you should be taking and what ingredients to avoid). There’s a major health and safety benefit to working with a professional and buying only professional-grade supplements.

According to the Better Health Channel (a program of the Australian government), “There are certain situations in which a person might truly benefit from a supplement—including those who are pregnant, have dietary restrictions, take certain drugs, or have chronic health conditions. But these people should only take the type and dosage recommended by their doctor. They may even be able to take a prescription-strength supplement, which must meet the same safety and efficacy standards as other prescription drugs.”

The good news: BodyLogicMD only carries the best quality supplements. How? By working with only ethical manufacturers who produce the safest and most effective products with rigorous testing procedures. You can search for all the supplements you need to stay healthy and fit at shop.bodylogicmd.com.

In the end, make sure you eat clean, sleep well, manage your stress, and prioritize consistent workouts. All of these actions will ensure you stay healthy while making sustainable fitness gains.

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Dealing With Low Testosterone?

| June 7, 2019

This Men’s Health Month, it’s in your best interests to take some time to learn all about testosterone—including the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and the potential remedies that can support healthy hormone levels.

According to menshealthmonth.org, the purpose of this month is to “heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.”

Part of this is understanding the possible signs of hormonal imbalance and what it could mean for you (or someone you care about), now or in the future.

Symptoms of testosterone imbalance can be very upsetting, and may include erectile dysfunction, weight gain, gynecomastia (also known as the development of breast tissue in men), loss of muscle tone, fatigue, and moodiness. These issues can diminish your quality of life, leading to very real mental health issues, like social isolation or depression and anxiety.

If you believe you may be experiencing any of these hormonal issues, you should know that you’re not alone—and that the issue can be managed.

Almost 40 percent of men 45 and older will experience these hormonal imbalance symptoms, often caused by low testosterone—also known as hypogonadism, which is a failure of the testicles to produce enough testosterone.

There are two forms of hypogonadism: primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism is caused by a problem in the testicles whereas secondary hypogonadism is caused by an issue in the brain or the pituitary gland.
With the right approach to treatment—and an understanding of the root cause of your low testosterone—you can work with your doctor to find relief from these frustrating symptoms.

 

What Role Does Testosterone Play in Your Health?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, and in males, it’s responsible for a lot—including the growth of body hair and facial hair, muscle development and strength, the timbre of your voice, sperm production, sex drive, energy levels, and many health factors.

In males, it’s made mainly in the testicles, and then it’s passed into the bloodstream. The brain, specifically the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, regulates its functions.

Around a man’s middle or late twenties, however, testosterone levels tend to drop off, diminishing year by year. Older men may lose over one percent of their testosterone per year.

The changes caused by low or dwindling testosterone in men may seem gradual and almost undetectable at first—until they’re very obvious.

The symptoms may also be mistaken for general tiredness or fatigue from the workday or other stressors.

Dropping levels of testosterone can cause other hormones, like estradiol (estrogen) or the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) protein, to become imbalanced as well, increasing the problem ten-fold.

If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can work with your doctor on advanced lab testing, which will be able to more precisely indicate the exact issue at play.

A word of warning: many doctors will simply test for “total” testosterone, which can tell you how much testosterone you have in your body in total. This includes both biologically active testosterone (or free testosterone, which is basically hanging out in the body available to work) as well as testosterone bound to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Because this testosterone is bound, it’s not doing much work. “This can make it hard to interpret test results that are low-normal,” Dr. Carl Pallais, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Harvard Health.

You should also know that there is no standardized or “normal” level of testosterone that can be applied to all males. In fact, levels change throughout the day, and can be affected by anything from what a person eats to how much alcohol they’ve consumed.

Medication, sickness, and even exercise can have an effect on testosterone levels as well. That’s why it’s so important to work with a practitioner who understands your unique needs, rather than painting your situation with one brush stroke.

Even if you haven’t begun to experience symptoms of low testosterone, you may want to get your levels checked so that your doctor knows which levels are best for you ahead of any future changes.

Low testosterone can be caused by many things; for one, age is a natural culprit. Beyond that, other causes include testicular trauma, medication, alcohol abuse and liver failure, inflammatory conditions, HIV/AIDS, extreme weight loss or gain, diabetes (type 2), hypothyroidism, anabolic steroid abuse, and sleep apnea, among many others.

 

Treating Low Testosterone: Hormone Therapy & Other Remedies

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for men are many, and can truly help balance hormones and restore quality of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which uses hormones that are biologically identical to those your body produces, is a method that many hormone specialists find to be a safer and more effective way to increase testosterone levels. This form of therapy is customized to your needs, based off of your health and wellness goals.

As you can see, inadequate testosterone, as evidenced by the many symptoms men experience as they age, can lead to many problems, including increased risk of death. Beyond the symptoms associated with low T, there are a number of benefits that can be attained when using replacement therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy has been found, according to a 2017 study, to have a number of excellent benefits: it can provide relief from erectile dysfunction, support bone health (especially around preventing osteoporosis), decrease fat mass, and improve cardiac health. It can also benefit serum glucose and insulin resistance in men with diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions. It can even improve exercise capacity.

In fact, the almighty hormone can positively impact red blood cell production, helping ward off cardiovascular disease and helping the body pump blood and oxygen. However, it is also possible that increasing red blood cell production too much can be dangerous, which is why it is important to be closely monitored by a hormone specialist if undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone is also responsible for increasing muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis, in addition to increasing lean body mass and decreasing fat. So if you’re suffering from weight gain and muscle flab or the inability to grow muscle, testosterone therapy may be the key to unlocking your body’s healing.

More so, testosterone helps improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and processing speed. Additionally, some patients with low testosterone see improvements in their depression when using testosterone replacement therapy.

Despite there not being many side effects, you should know that there are some risks associated with testosterone therapy, and, therefore, it is not appropriate for everyone. For example, men with a history of breast or prostate cancer should not use testosterone therapy. Additionally, trans men should know there are other risks and side effects.

Additionally, men with heart, liver, or kidney issues should approach this treatment plan with care. Other issues may include acne and breast swelling.

If you do choose to use testosterone therapy, your treatment options may include testosterone boosters in the form of pellets, patches, creams, injections, and other forms.

The road to balanced hormones is multi-layered, however. While testosterone therapy may be the main approach, your practitioner will also work with you to introduce sustainable, holistic lifestyle changes. You will need to update your diet, exercise moderately, and perhaps use vitamins or other hormone supplements.

Many men’s health issues can be improved by adopting an overall healthy lifestyle. You can start by improving your diet. Include more pomegranates, fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout), olive oil, ginger, and leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard. You’ll also want to eliminate or decease some foods from your diet, including soy, processed foods, and alcohol, as these foods may lower testosterone levels.

You may also consider taking natural supplements to support testosterone function, but be sure to speak with your practitioner before starting any regimen, especially if you’re using testosterone therapy.

NuMedica’s Functional Male is a blend of eight synergistic ingredients that can help support testosterone levels, support sexual health, and increase energy in men. It can also help support dopamine and cortisol levels.

ResTor-T, by Compounded Nutrients, takes an herbal approach to managing stress, which can impact cortisol levels. This is important because high cortisol levels can lead to low testosterone levels.

Beyond what you eat, how much you sleep matters as well. One study found that poor sleep, even for a week, had a major impact on men’s testosterone levels. If you have chronic sleeping issues, this can wreak havoc on your hormones or even introduce adrenal fatigue, which can only further issues with your testosterone.

Creating a nighttime ritual that facilitates better sleep is key—that might mean stretching or taking a bath before bed or getting into bed earlier than you would normally.

More so, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting adequate exercise, as it can improve the effects of testosterone therapy, according to research. Specifically, there is some evidence that high intensity interval training, or HIIT) can actually increase testosterone. In fact, research shows that exercising while using testosterone therapy is more effective versus than just testosterone therapy alone.

This Men’s Health Month, take the initiative and speak to your doctor if there are any health issues affecting your life.

If you’re ready to take the step toward hormonal balance, happiness, and true wellness, the bioidentical hormone specialists within the BodyLogicMD network are here to help support you every step of the way. You don’t have to suffer the effects of low testosterone any longer.

 

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These Are The Best Supplements for Men’s Health

| June 1, 2019

Men’s health needs are pretty specific—especially with age. If you’re looking to maintain good health, keep your muscle tone in check, or amp up your hormones (like testosterone), nutrition and supplementation is key.

If you’re a man in your 20s, establishing a healthy routine and daily supplement regimen now is smart; you’ll give yourself a real chance at staying strong, energized, and healthy in the long run.

Older men may be noticing more noticeable drags in energy levels and even libido. This is especially true if you live with an illness, like autoimmune disorder or even prostate cancer, or if you don’t have a solid workout or sleep schedule.

Another culprit for older men is low testosterone. This is also referred to as andropause (essentially, it’s the male version of menopause, and it’s caused by dropping testosterone levels). This can cause confusing and frustrating issues like erectile and sexual performance problems, hair loss, weight gain, low sexual drive, and other issues.

However, no matter your age, if you’re not eating well and focusing on nutrition, you are putting your health, your sex life, and your quality of life at risk. The good news is that these all-too-common issues can be corrected or reduced with the proper nutrition and supplementation for you. It’s time to start feeling better and taking action.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Men

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, men have more muscle and are typically bigger than women, so they require more calories throughout the day. Moderately active men will want to focus on eating 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day. The food you eat should be healthy, though!

The Academy also says, “For energy and disease prevention, men should eat whole grains such as brown rice, oats, barley, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fiber, help manage hunger and fullness and help fend off certain cancers, such as prostate and colon.”

In fact, research has shown that “eating patterns that include relatively high intakes of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are linked to a significantly lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, conditions that rank among the top 4 leading causes of death in adults living in the United States.”

Plant foods (like dark, leafy greens), lean protein foods (like chicken or turkey), and dairy products (like plain Greek yogurt) are all important sources of micronutrients that can help ensure your health and prevent disease.

Of course, you may still not be getting everything you need from your foods, (especially if you’re vegan or have digestive issues). This is where men’s health supplements come into play.

What Are Dietary Supplements?

According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, “Vitamins and essential minerals are components of enzymes and cofactors the body needs to accomplish the everyday miracle.” They help the heart, the blood vessels, the digestive system, the bones, and the brain—along with everything else.

Supplements can help fill the nutritional gap, and can include everything from vitamins and minerals and herbal supplements to amino acids and enzymes. They also come in plenty of forms—capsules, powders, soft gels, gel caps, and liquids. Some popular ones you likely see or take include fish oil, folate, creatine, vitamin D, or calcium.

Men’s Supplements for Nutritional Support

Multivitamins

First things first: a high quality multivitamin is one of the best ways to fill in any gaps in your nutritional intake. It can also help you sleep better, manage stress, and feel more energized throughout your day.

According to one large study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Compared with placebo, men taking a daily multivitamin had a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of total cancer.” The study looked at 14,641 middle-aged and older men and found that multivitamins “significantly but modestly reduced the risk of total cancer during a mean of 11 years of treatment and follow-up. These data provide support for the potential use of multivitamin supplements in the prevention of cancer in middle-aged and older men.”

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is actually a hormone, so it’s no surprise that one study found that lower levels of vitamin D were associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone.

Vitamin D also helps your body stay strong and healthy. A review in PLoS One found that vitamin D may affect the body’s response to infection, keeping the immune system healthy and active. If you’re not getting enough sunlight—and most people are not—a vitamin D supplement is probably your best bet.

Protein Powder (& Collagen)

Are you mostly seeking men’s supplements for fitness? Protein is a man’s best friend, as it optimizes muscle growth and promotes weight loss. In fact, research has found that men lose up to five percent of their total muscle mass per decade, starting around the age of 30; for this reason, you’ll want to add a protein supplement to your daily routine. And if you work out, you’ll need to increase your protein supply even more, since a 2011 study found that “more protein should be consumed during periods of high frequency/intensity training.”

There are a few different kinds of protein (whey, casein, soy, and pea, for example), and you can easily take them daily or in a pre-workout drink. A physican within the BodyLogicMD network can help you determine the right protein for you.

Absolute Protein is a pre-workout supplement that comes in vanilla or chocolate and includes, “the lowest possible levels of naturally occurring sugar (carbohydrate) and fat” with “only the leanest nutrients based on their biological merit.”

You should also add a collagen protein to your mix. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it’s found in the muscles. Bad news? It starts to dwindle with age; boosting your collagen supply can help you keep your joints, muscles, and sexual prowess intact.

Energy Blends

Looking for more daily energy, stamina, and power? BodyLogicMD’s Pure Lift offers a powerful combo of vitamins A, B, and C, micronutrients, adaptogenic botanicals, and adrenal concentrate to address the body’s response to stress, promote healthy energy levels, and support proper adrenal gland function.

Be sure to use only professional-grade supplements; these are made with high-quality, well-sourced ingredients. BodyLogicMD offers only professional supplements, ensuring your supplements contain only the good stuff—no fillers and no toxins.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You probably hear all about these—and with good reason. Omega-3s actually support everything from your brain to your heart, and taking them can have a major impact on your longevity and health.

A 2012 study found that “Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to healthy aging throughout life. Recently, fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have been associated with fetal development, cardiovascular function, and Alzheimer’s disease.” Your body can get a lot out of a fish oil supplement.

Zinc

Looking for men’s supplements for sexual health? For older men who may be experiencing a lag in libido (and other low testosterone symptoms), zinc is actually considered an aphrodisiac, as it can help support steady testosterone levels and sperm count in men with low testosterone or sperm count.

Maca

Maca root was also found to have a major effect on sexual desire in men. According to a BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine review, it helped kick up sexual desire after six weeks of use. And because it’s an adaptogen, it can help your body respond to stress, which can restore balance to your adrenal system and help your body get back to stasis.

Probiotics

Everyone can benefit from a probiotic, and that’s because your health and wellness comes from the inside; what you eat has a major impact on your health, and it all starts in your gut. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that influence reactions all over your body, including your brain. If you don’t feed your gut the good stuff, you are at risk of getting hit with all sorts of issues, including autoimmune diseases and adrenal fatigue. Your gut makeup (or gut flora) can also be influenced by everyday actions, too, like stressing out or not getting enough sleep.

Probiotics (which contain the ‘good bacteria’ your gut needs to balance out the bad bacteria) can do plenty of things for your health, including supporting healthy weight loss, immune health, metabolic health, and mental health as well as preventing diarrhea and lessening allergy symptoms.

By taking probiotics, you might even be able to reduce the issues caused by illnesses like Crohn’s disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. A 2015 study found that probiotics “may help to restore normal bacterial microflora and effect the functioning of the GI tract by a variety of mechanisms.”

Oh, and for all you guys who hit the gym: one study found that probiotics helped to reduce problems in immune function after exercise. This means your body will be better prepped to make gains.

Saw Palmetto

For men who may be at risk of prostate cancer, there is some evidence that saw palmetto may be used to support health, according to Cancer.gov.

Though inconclusive, one study found that, “Saw palmetto is an herb used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In vitro studies have found that saw palmetto inhibits growth of prostatic cancer cells.” Another study found a slightly more conclusive result: “Saw Palmetto might be useful for the treatment of individuals with prostate cancer.”

Boron

Boron may also promote prostate health, a must-have for any man over 40. One study found that boron, “has demonstrated preventive and therapeutic effects in a number of cancers,” including prostate, and “may help ameliorate the adverse effects of traditional chemotherapeutic agents.”

It goes on to state that, “dietary boron is inversely correlated with prostate cancer incidence.” Referring to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the study found that, “the risk of prostate cancer was 52 percent lower in men whose diets supplied more than 1.8 mg/d of boron compared with those whose dietary boron intake was less than or equal to 0.9 mg/d.” Additionally, it was found that boric acid inhibits human prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

A Note on General Health

In the end, the most important thing that men can do to is pay attention to their health. One study found that men tend to ignore their health issues: “It has been established that males are less likely to seek medical assistance for managing their health. They are also less likely to follow medical prescriptions and sometimes refuse long-term therapy. Since American males typically visit the doctor or wellness centers to a limited extent, they often do not receive consultations involving general health tests and preventative therapy. Moreover, it has been shown that men are more likely to disregard pathological conditions and pain, and are more likely to delay medical therapy.”

Because of this, it’s key that men avoid being reductive about their own needs. In short, don’t assume that you’ll be fine! If you’re not feeling well, see a medical provider.

Make sure you’re eating healthy food, engaging in moderate amounts of cardio and toning exercise, keeping excess weight off, sleeping at least seven hours per night, managing your stress and anger levels, drinking loads of water, and seeing a doctor regularly. If you need support in your health journey, find a physician within the BodyLogicMD network can help.

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Do You Have Gluten Intolerance?

| May 31, 2019

These days, gluten-free foods are just about everywhere, even in most restaurants. Maybe you’re thinking about going gluten-free because you have digestive issues, or you’ve heard from friends that it can make you feel better. Or perhaps you have an autoimmune disease that is alleviated by the removal of gluten.

Long story short: The gluten debate is a long and arduous one, made even trickier by issue misunderstandings around food allergies and diseases like celiac. So what is gluten intolerance, and if you’re gluten intolerant, what do you need to do to live gluten-free?

Gluten is a protein that is found inside foods like wheat, barley, and rye. Seems simple enough, but there are actually loads of foods (and beauty or cosmetics) that contain gluten—many of which are not so obvious, like veggie burgers, conditioner, beer, roasted nuts, and makeup (to be safe, opt for packages that say gluten-free).

Gluten sensitivity actually has a range: a person can have diagnosed celiac disease, or they can be sensitive or fairly intolerant to gluten. The symptoms generally include  like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tiredness, and even rashes on the skin.

First off, what is celiac disease? It’s an autoimmune condition, which is a condition where the immune system fights its own body as if it were a bacteria. People with the genes HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 may have the disease. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI), you’d need one of those genes to have celiac disease. However, many people with the genes don’t actually develop the disease. For people with celiac disease, gluten wreaks havoc in the body, leading to major inflammation within the intestine. This, if ignored or neglected, may lead to all sorts of issues, including fatigue, skin issues, spleen problems, neuro issues, anemia and even cancer.

To determine whether or not you have celiac disease, you’ll need a blood test. Unfortunately, it’s not always 100% accurate. You’ll want to talk to your doctor or a BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner about any family history or strong suspicion you have around your symptoms.

You may also need an endoscopy, where a tube is inserted through the mouth into the small intestine for the purposes of observation and biopsy. Important to note: this test needs to be done while you have been eating gluten. And if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, you’ll need to remove all gluten from your diet.

Only one percent of the population has the disease, although other people experience something some experts refer to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or mild gluten sensitivity. in this case, you’d have gluten-induced symptoms, but your blood and endoscopy tests would be ‘normal.’

According to the AAAAI, symptoms may include, “Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, foggy mind, lethargy or fatigue.” When gluten is removed, the symptoms may lessen. The AAAAI also says, “The existence of NCGS is controversial because there are no tests for it. It is not thought to be an autoimmune disease and is not associated with complications of celiac disease.”

Also, can you be allergic to wheat without having celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity? Yep.

In the case of a food allergy, the immune system doesn’t react normally to gluten. This could lead to hives all over the body, vomiting, or lung (and breathing) issues. This is not an autoimmune issue, however, but it is an immune-mediated reaction.

 

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Many common symptoms include diarrhea, problems going to the bathroom, abdominal pain, fatigue, brain fog, aches and pains, rashes, weight loss and anemia.

There are a good amount of symptoms related to gluten A intolerance—which may indicate anything from an allergy to full-blown celiac disease, so it’s important to see a doctor to know for sure.

For many, there are a handful of common issues. Almost everyone knows how awful it is to be bloated, and gluten is often the culprit. According to a 2018 study, there is an association between non-celiac gluten sensitivity and bloat — especially in women.

Another study found that a diet that is lower in gluten can positively impact the microbiome in people who have gluten tolerance issues. This includes a decrease in bloating.

But the symptoms don’t stop there. People with gluten intolerance may even experience depression and anxiety— and that’s because research suggests that gluten sensitivity can actually present within the body as a neurological problem.

This makes sense, because what you put inside your body has a tremendous effect on your entire being. According to Dr. Will Cole, the blood-brain barrier is responsible for these reactions. Cole found that certain foods, like gluten-filled foods, can cause inflammation within the brain. When you have a poor gut, the issue crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates the brain’s glial cells, which cause inflammation in the brain.

 

Treating Gluten Intolerance

Filling your diet with   may be the key to getting a handle on gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. According to Dr. Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist and author, it’s not as simple as limiting gluten. You actively have to avoid gluten. This may sound difficult, but you have a lot of options, so don’t worry. You can eat, free of guilt:

  • Healthy fats. These include avocados, olive oil, nut butters, seeds, olives, and cheese and ghee.
  • Seek eggs, salmon, sardines, meat, poultry, and pork.
  • Focus on the dark, leafy greens, like kale and spinach. You’ll also want to fill up on broccoli, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, green beans, eggplant and cucumbers.
  • Herbs and seasonings. You can eat mustard horseradish but avoid ketchup since it has gluten.Nosh on gluten-free products, too (like any gluten-free bread) and non-gluten grains. These include quinoa, rice, and millet, but no pasta is allowed unless it’s gluten-free. Dr. Perlmutter suggests limiting these grains to a few times a week, though, because they can still be inflammatory.

    Whole fruits (stick to berries), cow’s milk and cream, carrots and parsnips, and legumes (although you can totally snack on hummus) should also be eaten in moderation. If you do drink, stick to red wine—and in moderation.

    Another idea? Pay attention to FODMAPs, which is a diet often used by people with irritable bowel syndrome, but also makes for a good gluten intolerance diet. FODMAPs stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. (Don’t worry—you don’t need to remember that!)

According BeyondCeliac.org, low FODMAPS is one way of managing your gluten issues. The organization explains that the research behind gluten is always expanding, so treatment plans around gluten sensitivity is also always changing. Recent research has shown that gluten may not even be the sole culprit; in fact, FODMAPS, because they’re so poorly digested, might be behind your symptoms as well.

A low-FODMAP diet limits a bunch of foods (like garlic, apples, mushrooms, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, milk, yogurt, mangoes, watermelon, and more), but there are other options.

Here’s what you should know: Eating low-FODMAPs is a process with three stages. First, you’ll go through a total food restriction phase. You’ll avoid FODMAPs foods for about five weeks, more or less during this time. Everyone is different, it could take anywhere from a few days up to several months for you to notice and feel any change. Then you will carefully and slowly introduce foods into your diet, making notes of what causes possible issues, and which seem to leave you unaffected. By doing this, you can personalize your food list to your body’s reactions.

Dine out a lot? You’ll have to keep your gluten intolerance in mind when ordering foods. According to Gluten.org, you’ll want to ask your servers if the foods contain wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. You’ll also want to do some research ahead of time and be sure to study the menu items. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs!

Although it would be great if there was a quick fix, gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance requires understanding and patience. It’s a tricky issue, with, as you can see, a lot of variables.

That’s where expert help comes in handy. Talk to your doctor or contact a BodyLogicMD physician about your symptoms. You don’t have to live with abdominal pain, bloating, and other distressing symptoms when a small change to your diet could mean big things for your health!

 

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