Tag Archives: #healthandwellness

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seeds for Better Nutrition!

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I have been asked a ton lately about Chia seeds, and I have seen people snacking on them.  When I first saw it, I thought “hmm, it looks like a little bird eating a snack” but I had no idea how nutritious that snack really was….and I didn’t know what it was either.  Finally, I looked really dumb, but I asked some guy what the deal was with the “bird food” and his response was, “You don’t know about Chia?” and snarked off (which I completely deserved!) And now I feel like a chia expert….not just for being able to grow chia heads, but understanding the nutritional basis of the seeds, and why this is such a hot nutritional trend!

What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are these little edible seeds that comes from the Salvia hispanica plant, which is a relative of mint.  It was used as a staple of the Aztec and Mayan diets into the 16th Century, as it is easily grown in Mexico, and along with being pretty tasty, and easy to add to a multitude of foods, it is fully of fiber and fills you up quickly; the Aztecs used to eat some Chia and be filled up for 24 hours (that wouldn’t work for me, but it may just be mind over matter!).  So, in short, Chia seeds are full of fiber, vitamins, Omega-3’s that can be added into your diet in a bunch of different ways.  They are very low-calorie and they can be ingested wither whole or ground; either way your body can easily break them down and absorb the nutrients.

Why are they so good for me?

As stated before, they are chock full of fiber, which we know is food to keep you filled up longer, aids in digestion, and can help to decrease your risk of certain cancers (like colon). Approximately 25 grams of Chia has about 7 grams of fiber (that equivalent to a half cup of straight oat bran).  They are full of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and help to regulate cholesterol by increasing your LDL (good cholesterol), help with decreasing inflammation, and help to regulate moods and prevent depression. As well as bring full of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, and iron, they also are full of antioxidants, which help in preventing cancer.  These seeds are pretty power packed!

How do I eat them?

The great thing about Chia seeds is that they do not have to be ground to eat them, so you can add them whichever way you want to baked goods to add a nutty flavor packed with vitamins and fiber. In Mexico, it is common to add water to Chia seed with a little lemon or lime juice; as the seeds sit in water, they create a gel which thickens, and is how the seeds break down in the digestive system, but adds some thickness to beverages, and I imagine it would be like bubble tea.  Also, that gel can be used in cooking/baking so that you can halve your butter or oil, and make most of your favorite meals with half the fat and calories!  The gel is formed once the seeds are sitting in water for about 30 minutes- this idea both creeps me out and excites me; I’ve used it in baking, and my cookies still turned out delicious, just healthier! It can be sprinkled in yogurt, on top of ice cream, added to salads for some crunch.  Really there are no limits to how you can add chia to your diet.

The coolest thing is that when chia is added to the diets of farm animals, their proteins are changed: chickens with a diet with chia added to it, have higher amounts of Omega 3’s in their meat, and cows that have chia added to their diet, produce milk with more naturally occurring Omega 3’s. And another really awesome thing about Chia, is that there really are no natural predators (other than humans looking for a tasty treat) so they truly are organic, in that no pesticides need to be used in the cultivation.  Really?  I see no downside to Chia…unless of course you are allergic.

So, give it a try, tell me what you think…and use the chia gel in the kitchen when cooking, your body will thank you and me!

Yours in Good Health

B

It’s that time for itchy, dry skin: it may be more than just dry skin!

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I was recently asked by a reader about dry, itchy, scaly skin around and in the ears. This is  a pretty common occurrence and can happen around the change of seasons, or when we start to go into these colder months, and it is usually at its worst during the winter.  So what is this affliction?  Seborrheic dermatitis. And it is pretty simple to clear up, and once you know the signs, you can prevent it from happening in the future!

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

It is a common skin disorder causing red, itchy, scaly, dry skin, which can cause dandruff (flaking of the skin). It’s really uncomfortable, and doesn’t look amazing, but it doesn’t have any long-term effects or cause any other health issues. It usually occurs on your scalp but it can be found anywhere on the body there are a high number of sebaceous (oil) glands (i.e. between eyebrows, chin, nose,ears, groin area, & chest.) Also, it is NOT contagious, so rest assured that you cannot “give” this skin issue to anyone else!

What are the symptoms?

Well, it usually occurs in areas of high oil glands (head, chest, ears, eyebrows, chin, nose, groin, scrotum, or armpits), and has a red, dry, scaly appearance.  But it can vary on people, so some of the symptoms you might see are:

– Inflammation with redness of the skin

– Dandruff (flakes of skin) on your head, in eyebrows, beards/mustaches, etc.

– Red greasy patches of skin (scaly) that are covered in white flakes or yellow scales

– The areas can be sore, itchy, or feel raw (or a mixture if you scratch because it’s itchy it can become raw then sore)

– Crusts can appear on the scalp too

The most important thing to remember is that it can be a chronic condition that comes and goes, periods of inflammation, which usually occur with the change of seasons, and are worse in the cold weather months.

What causes it and how can I treat it?

It is sometimes caused by a (yeast) fungus that is naturally occurring in our sweat/oils called Malassezia, so it is basically a yeast infection of the skin, but with our own normal bacteria. So Over-The-Counter (OTC) treatments such as lotions/creams with an antifungal such as, ketoconazole (the same antifungal treatment for athlete’s foot or ringworm- like Lotrimin) will help to kill off the fungus and make the symptoms go away. It tends to occur more frequently in winter months for some reason, people with Parkinson’s disease tend to have a higher frequency of seborrheic dermatitis (it is not really understood why), and people with HIV/AIDS tend to get outbreaks more frequently (possibly due to a decreased immune response) and they have much more severe cases. Times of high stress can cause seborrheic dermatitis to occur as well, even if you have never had a problem with it before. Severe cases may need to be treated with Lamisil, an oral antifungal that is very strong and needs to be taken usually for a couple of months,and you need to abstain from alcohol. If it is merely itching and inflammation, you can use a hydrocortisone cream on top of the rash. Also, using medicated anti-dandruff shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione (in head and shoulders) or coal-tar (in Neutrogena T/Gel) on the affected areas can help.  My suggestion is to use the medicated shampoos on the areas, and merely dry yourself after bathing, pat dry but don’t vigorously rub at your skin with the towel, and apply the topical creams (if needed).  Start low and go slow is a good motto, try one treatment at a time, then add the others in slowly if you aren’t seeing results. Unfortunately, the reason that it occurs is not well-known, so if you get it, bummer, but at least you know how to treat it!

How is it diagnosed?

Your HCP will ask you about symptoms, where and when it occurs, if you have changed detergents/soaps/products recently to rule out that it is an allergic reaction to a new product.  They will also perform an assessment on your scalp, and areas affected by the rash, to diagnose it.  If they are not certain, based on physical assessment, of the diagnosis, they may do a biopsy, and when I say biopsy, I really mean a skin cell scraping; they just need to look at a few cells under the microscope to ensure that you do not have psoriasis or eczema instead (sometimes the rashes can mimic one another).

If you are diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, most likely you will be encouraged to try OTC treatments first, but there are prescription shampoos and creams that you may need to use, so tell your HCP if you have tried various OTC treatments and they just haven’t helped.  Also, remember to avoid harsh soaps/detergents, you may want to switch to sensitive skin/hypoallergenic products to prevent skin irritation.  If you have a mustache/beard/facial hair, shave it off; the more hair, the more oils that will be caught on your skin, and with hair there, it is tough to get the medication to have direct contact with the skin.  Also try to wear breathable fabrics, if you get the issue in your armpits, groin, chest; cotton allows for more air flow, and hopefully less sweating!  The best thing you can do is treat it when it comes, work with your HCP to find a medication regimen that works for you, and learn the warning signs that your skin gets before the rash erupts so you can start to preemptively treat it, and hopefully prevent the rash from getting into full swing!  And who knows, maybe we will start to learn why this rash occurs, until then, just learn your skins signals!!

Yours in Good Health

B

 

Contaminated Drugs: Have you been exposed?

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There was a recent contamination of some drugs that are commonly used to inject patients having open heart surgery, back pain, and patients having eye procedures/surgery.  The New England Compounding Center (NECC) located in Framingham MA somehow became contaminated with a deadly strain of fungal meningitis.  It is deadly because fungal infections can be really difficult to treat, and these patients are having the drugs with this fungal strain directly injected into their spines (back pain), hearts (for surgery), and eyes (procedures).  It is also a difficult issue because they are not certain how many of these drugs are actually contaminated, so many patients may have been exposed and we just don’t know how many, but we do  know that there have been around 15 deaths related to these drugs contaminations at this point, and around 14,000 patients in 23 states have been possibly exposed. And some of these drugs are used on transplant patients who we have to suppress their immune system so their bodies can accept their new organs.

Which drugs are affected?

– Methylprednilosone Acetate injection (a steroid commonly used for severe allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, for immune suppression, & can be used with some chemotherapy agents )

– Traimcinolone Acetate injection (a long acting steroid used for arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, some opthamologic (eye) issues, and many other diseases in other forms)

– Cardioplegic solution (a solution used to paralyze the cardiac muscles during open heart surgery)

What is fungal meningitis?

First of all, fungal meningitis is NOT CONTAGIOUS, which is the good news because it cannot be spread person to person, and it is actually a less common infection, which is why the FDA realized that there were drugs contaminated when there was an outbreak. It is caused by a fungus called Cryotococcus which is usually found in bird poop, and the fungal spores are usually inhaled then they travel into your blood stream and cross into your spine.  It is diagnosed by taking blood samples from blood near your spinal cord and sending off for fungal testing, if the blood sample is positive, then it is treated with high dose Intravenous (IV) anti-fungal medications and that needs to be done in the hospital.  The signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis are:

– fever

– headache

– stiff neck

– photophobia (sensitivity to light)

– altered mental status (feeling of confusion, or sleepier than usual, a change in personality)

– nausea & vomiting

How do I know if I am at risk and what should I do?

There has been a nationwide/worldwide recall issued, so if you have had any steroid injections recently for back/arthritis pain, any sort of open heart or cardiac surgery, or eye surgery/procedures then your Health Care Provider (HCP) should get in contact with you if there is any suspicion that you may have received a contaminated drug. BUT, if you have had any sort of recent medical treatment where you received an IV steroid, and you have any of the side effects (as listed above) contact your HCP to get checked out.

It is better to be proactive and be seen and treated early, then to wait: early treatment is key.  And if you have any fears that you received contaminated medication, you should be seen to alleviate your fears. But early intervention and early treatment is always better.

Yours in Good Health

B

Ever had keratosis pilaris? I bet you have….

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Every now and again people will tell me that they have rough skin on the back of their upper arms, almost like little white or flesh toned bumps, that come and go and they don’t know what it is.  Well, I’m here to tell you that it is super common and it is called Keratosis pilaris.  And while it can be a little frustrating to treat because it can come and go, it is really common.

What is Keratosis pilaris?

It is a skin condition that causes these patches of rough (can be dry-looking) skin, that may have bumps that look like very small acne and the bumps are usually found on the upper arms, thighs, and butt area. It can become inflamed or itchy at times, but it is not contagious, it doesn’t spread, and has no long-term health issues.  It is just more annoying than anything else as it tends to go away (or even completely disappear) during the summer months and start to act back up in the fall/winter months.

What causes it?

Basically, it is a build-up of keratin, which is the hard protein in your skin that acts as a protectant. The extra keratin builds up and blocks the pores, causing these hard little bumps and when many of them form, it makes the skin rough and patchy, and appear bumpy.  When your skin gets dry, the Keratosis pilaris tends to get worse, which is why it tends to act up during cold winter months, because our skin tends to be drier.  There is no real reason why it occurs because it tends to occur on many different people and isn’t linked to any other particular disease process.

How do I diagnose and treat it?

The good news is that your HCP or your dermatologist can diagnose your Keratosis pilaris just by assessing your skin; there is no need to have blood drawn or be poked or prodded!! The treatments can be a little more annoying, but usually pretty easy and over the counter (OTC):

– Exfoliate: You can exfoliate your skin to keep those pores open and prevent them from being blocked by the keratin.  You can also use medicated creams that help to soften and exfoliate the creams to alleviate the bumps.  The best creams to use, contain: salicylic acid, urea, alpha-hydroxy, and/or lactic acid.

– Daily Moisturizer: keeping the skin moist by using lotion daily can help to keep the bumps from occurring, and also drying off after the shower by gently drying with your towel and not vigorously wiping the towel against your skin can also help you.

– Corticosteroids: OTC hydrocortisone creams can help with the irritation and itchiness that can occur, but should really only be used short-term to treat any irritating symptoms. It can alleviate those issues.

– Humidify: Keeping the air in your home moist with a humidifier can also keep your skin moist and prevent that dryness that can make the Keratosis pilaris act up.

– Retinoids: Topical medications that are Vitamin A derived (Retin A, and Tazorac) which are by prescription only, can help the cells to go through their life cycle faster, thus promoting new skin cells and decrease/prevent the clogging of the pores by the keratin.  Retinoids can be a pain to get covered by insurance and require pre-approval by most insurance companies, but they are very helpful.

All of these treatments are really helpful while you use them, and can make the appearance of the Keratosis pilaris go away, but once you stop treating it, unfortunately the symptoms usually come right back and they can last for years. It cannot be prevented, it is just one of those things that happens to many people and for most people it gradually fades away and is gone by the time people are around 30 years old. Give these treatments a try, and talk to your HCP if they don’t work and see if there are other options for you.

Yours in Good Health

B

 

Your Blood Type Can Determine Your Risk of Heart Disease?

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There has been some interesting research coming out lately looking at various blood types (Type A, B, AB, or O) as an indicator for risk of heart disease.  To me, this is really fascinating, because there are so many times that people come up to me and tell me a horrible story about someone who is totally fit, eats right, young, and then “drops dead of a heart attack” (a quote I hear a lot).  I always think that there has to be a family history, something undiagnosed, or a predisposing factor. So, this research is important because maybe it really is part of those “genetics” that cause some people to be at a higher risk for certain diseases without having any other risk factors!

What is your Heart Disease risk based on your Blood Type?

There are two very large, ongoing studies that Harvard University runs, looking at various healthy populations, and they collect data on these research participants in all aspect of their lives: diet, nutrition, health issues, pregnancy, sleep, etc. and they continue to collect this data on these people for the duration of their lives. Between these two ongoing studies, the researchers looked at just shy of 90,000 people, analyzing data from 24 to 26 years for each participant, and what the data showed was pretty amazing.  People who have blood Type AB, have a 23% higher risk of heart disease as a baseline, whereas Type B put a 16% higher risk, and Type A was a 6% increased risk, as opposed to people with Type O blood, who have minimal risks (basically none).  Strange, right?  Just having one blood type, in particular, can seem to put you at a higher risk for heart disease and heart attacks.

How can your Blood Type determine your risk?

This part is still being studied for a more exact reasoning, because the way that the human body works, especially with blood and the clotting cascade, it is very difficult to pin point one factor (or explanation) for why different blood types carry within their cells innate varied risks for heart disease.  But the researchers have a hypothesis (a suggested reason) for why this phenomenon may occur: people who have Type O blood tend to bleed more (take longer to clot), so they would be less at risk for their blood spontaneously clotting to cause a heart attack or stroke. Also, people who have Type A blood, have been found to have higher Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels (which is the bad cholesterol) circulating in their blood, as they lack an enzyme (that Type O has) which makes removing cholesterols more efficient.  Cholesterol is bad because it builds up in arteries and causes plaques and hardening of the vessels, which leads to an increased risk of plaques breaking off and causing a heart attack, less blood flow to the heart, and also increases the risk of clots forming that can lead to a stroke or heart attack.  So, if you have more circulating cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease which can cause heart attacks.  Now, again, it is not truly known why people with Type O tend to bleed more or why people with Type A have more cholesterol circulating, but it is being studied to find more exact reasonings.

Is there anything I can do to decrease my risk for heart disease?

You cannot change your genetics, which is a bummer, but you can live a healthy lifestyle to promote heart health:

– Stay at a healthy weight

– Exercise at least 30 minutes per day 5-6 days a week

– Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products

– Avoid a high fat diet and load up on fresh fruit and veggies

– Get regular check ups to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels

Talk to your HCP about your risks, and have an open communication about what is the BEST way to maintain a healthy heart based on your life and lifestyle, and when/if you need to be on any blood pressure medication.  It is always good to be monitored for healthiness, especially if you have a family history or Type AB blood, as we now have learned.  And….if you don’t know your blood type, that test can be performed in about 30 seconds (I learned in 8th grade science class- we all took a drop of blood and figured out our blood types- which I am now learning from various people is really strange.)  So figure out your risk factors, talk to your HCP, and live a healthy lifestyle (as best you can!)

Yours in Good Health

B

 

The Superpowered Veg: Kale

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Some people love it, some people hate it, but there is no denying the fact that kale is the Wonder Woman (she’s a woman and she’s awesome, so yeah it works!) of veggies! I will be completely honest here: I used to absolutely despise kale.  I remember the first time I ate it because I thought it was SO vile; my brother and I bought it when I lived in New Orleans, and he was loving it, so I was super stoked to try it, and it was NOT a match.  I barely swallowed it down without gagging.  My issue is that I am a tactile eater, so if things feel weird in my mouth, I don’t like them, and the texture is much more intense than one would expect (as a kale virgin) and the flavor is über bitter.  But, with some help of my 3-year-old nephew this summer, I learned to love it…I just needed something other than raw kale and lemon juice to make it work.  He introduced me to the world of oven roasted kale (AKA Kale chips):  I think we devoured more kale than I ever thought would fit in our two bodies!


Why is Kale so awesome?             

– One cup of kale has only 36 calories and 5 grams of fiber 1020% of the daily requirement  of Vitamin K, 40% magnesium, 200% Vitamin C, 180% Vitamin A, and 15% of calcium and vitamin B6.  That is truly a powerhouse veggie- all that in ONE CUP?!?!

– It is full of antioxidants which help to prevent free radicals and are thought to prevent cancer. Vitamin A, C, and K are all antioxidants, along with carotenoids and flavonoids.

– The high levels of fiber, can help to decrease circulating cholesterol by binding to the free fats/cholesterols and helping to excrete them from the body before they can be absorbed in the blood and create plaques in the arteries.  Decreasing cholesterol, decreases you risk of heart disease!  (If you steam kale, it is more effective in lowering your cholesterol levels by stimulating a higher bile production by the digestive tract to decrease the circulating cholesterol)

– It is a green leafy veggie that thrives in cooler weather, so we can enjoy all winter long! And there are very few things to look forward to, as far as healthy eating goes during cold, winter months!

– It is a low carbohydrate food, so perfect for those of you looking to eat a lower carb diet.

– There is some research to specifically link the antioxidants present in kale to decrease you cancer risk for 5 different types of cancer: breast, ovarian, colon, bladder, and prostate.

How to prepare kale:

Add it in to any recipe instead of lettuce or half lettuce/half kale to ease it into your diet.  You can chop it up and add it to stir-fry, stews, soups, and really any other food that you want.  If you want to make a full on kale salad, most people just rinse and chop raw kale and add lemon juice to cut the bitterness.  That kale salad set me off on the wrong foot with this Wonder Woman veg…but kale chips couldn’t be easier (especially if someone makes them for you!): Cut kale into bite sized pieces, drizzle with some Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), a pinch of sea salt, and roast at 350 degrees in the oven for 10-15 minutes.  Yumbos!

Is there any downside to this magnificent veg?

I urge caution to anyone who is taking the blood thinner Coumadin (AKA Warfarin). You are totally able to eat kale and other green leafy veggies (cruciferous veg) which tend to have higher vitamin K levels, but be careful if you are all of a sudden increasing your intake because Vitamin K is actually the antidote for Coumadin, it increases your clotting factors and helps your blood clot, offsetting the medication which is a blood thinner.  So don’t stay away from these healthy, yummy foods, just be careful, and make sure to communicate with your Health Care Practitioner (HCP) if you eat a diet high in Vitamin K, you make require higher doses of the blood thinning medication, or they might choose an alternate treatment based on your eating habits!

Give kale a try, and your body will thank you! If the first way you try it doesn’t work, remember that you can add it in to almost anything, and there are tons of different ways to prepare….kale is certainly no one trick pony! And remember, if you are on any blood thinning medications, especially Coumadin, talk to your HCP before adding high amounts of Vitamin K into your diet.

Yours in Good Health

B

Belly fat may be worse for your health than obesity?

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I guess it is one more reason to get into shape: there has been recent research to support that those of us with belly fat but a “normal” weight are at a higher risk for cardiovascular death than those that are obese. Good gravy.  Another thing to be worried about, but I guess it goes back to the whole “fat” skinny thing.  You can be within your appropriate weight but if you don’t work out and tend to have a lot of belly fat, this might be the inspiration you need to improve your diet and tighten that tummy!

What’s the Scoop?

New research (within the past two months) from the Mayo Clinic highlights the fact that people with a “normal” Body Mass Index (BMI) with belly fat present are at the highest risk of cardiovascular death, even when taking into account various risk factors such as race, age, sex, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure).  Yikes.  It has been known that people with centrally based fat (thick around the middle) are at a higher risk for complications from their increased fat, but this is a new finding that people of a “normal” BMI are in this increased risk category.  This study was performed on 12,785 people over the age of 18 for over 15 years, and they found that people within their “normal” BMI with extra belly fat were 2.8 times more likely to die of cardiovascular causes, and 2.1 more likely to die from all other risk factors.  That is pretty significant. You think that you are at your normal weight, you could use to lose a little in the middle, but you are actually at a much higher risk for cardiac death?!?!  Ugh.  One more thing to worry about.

What can I do to decrease that risk?

– Get 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity a day (running, walking, biking, swimming, whatever gets you moving!)

– Drinks lots of water and ditch the high sugar sodas and other beverages

– Eat lots of fiber (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)

– Get your green leafy vegetables in your diet (power packed with vitamins and fiber to fill you up)

– Don’t smoke (or quit if you do!)

– Eat less saturated and trans fats (they fill you up but they sit in your arteries and slow your metabolism)

– Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may be beneficial (still being researched but is thought to help reduce circulating cholesterol to prevent plaques from building up)

– Keep your Cholesterol levels in check

– Get regular check ups with your HCP

Basically, the best thing that you can do is eat a clean diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, getting in your exercise, and talk to your HCP about your risk.  It is also a good idea to check your blood pressure, if you have a tendency towards high blood pressure- just buy one Over The Counter (OTC) from your local pharmacy to make sure that your blood pressure is in check even when you aren’t getting a physical! Talk to your HCP, see what your personal risks are, and try to minimize that belly fat!

Yours in Good Health

B

Are you on Antidepressants? Having Sexual Dysfunction? You are in good company!

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I feel like more and more people lately have been pulling me aside to ask me questions about either a low sex drive, no sex drive, or men are having erectile dysfunction (at young ages)…and each time I ask, “Is there any chance you are on an antidepressant or SSRI”? Without a doubt, the answer is always “yes, is this related?” and the lightbulb goes off.  This makes me think that HCPs don’t necessarily do a great job preparing patients for the side effects of these medications that can be used to treat anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with other issues.  It is neither abnormal to have these side effects nor be on one of these medications….just to get that out there! And there are certain Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)/antidepressants that cause more sexual side effects than others.

What is considered sexual dysfunction?

Well, a lack of interest in sexual intimacy for someone who once had a higher sexual drive is considered sexual dysfunction, along with erectile dysfunction (for men) and vaginal dryness and decreased sensitivity (for women).  Also, for both sexes, antidepressants can lead to a decrease in the ability to achieve orgasm….or make it much more difficult to reach orgasm.  This happens in one form or another to almost everyone at some point in their lives (whether they want to admit it or not) and many antidepressants just increase these issues, but they are so helpful in treating depression and anxiety.

What Antidepressants have a lower risk of sexual side effects?

-Buproprion (Wellbutrin- in all forms including XL and SR)

-Mirtazapine (Remeron and Remeron SolTab)*

*One study showed a very high rate of sexual dysfunction, while a couple of other studies showed much lower rates. Due to that, I am suggesting it as a lower rate drug, but you should talk it out with your HCP.

Which ones have higher rates of sexual dysfunction?

-Celexa

-Lexapro

-Paxil (almost half of all users experience sexual dysfunction)

-Prozac

-Zoloft

-Effoxor

-Cymbalta

Is there anything I can do to combat the sexual side effects?

YES!  If your antidepressant is working well and you feel good on it, there is no need to change medications (it is an option if you are just starting a medication or are switching meds, you can ask your HCP for one that may have lower sexual side effects), but there are also other options to help and improve your sexual desire while improving your mental state, because a huge component of the sexual dysfunction is mind over matter.  Really. People stress themselves out because they do not have a strong sexual desire, so they anxious about performing, etc. and then they have difficulty performing.  Some tips to try to work through it:

-Talk to your partner about your concerns…sometimes talking about it alleviates some of the fears related to sexual performance.

-If you take your antidepressants at night, schedule to take it a little later that night if you plan on having a special night with your significant other.

-Talk to your HCP about lowering your dose, do you ned to be on the dose you are?  Also, there are studies that show some people do very well on drug “holidays”; maybe taking their antidepressants Sunday through Thursday so they have a good level of the drug in their system but they can have more of a sexual desire on weekends.

-Add another medication: 50-100mg of Viagra or 5-20mg of Cialis taken before sexual activity has been shown in studies to improve arousal, erectile function, and lead to meaningful orgasm (men).  Low doses of Viagra have also been found to help women with their sexual arousal and ability to reach orgasm.

I am not advising to stop medications or decrease doses without talking to your HCP, they know you and your needs better than I do, but it is important to talk about these things with them.  Really, they should be asking you how your sex life is after you start these medications…but if they don’t screen you, tell them! We are so used to getting questions like this, it is great to have it out in the open, so please do not suffer in silence, your HCP will work with you no matter what route you want to take in treating your side effects from your antidepressants.

So get chatting with your HCP and get humping with your partner (safely)  😉

Yours in Good Health

B

 

To end the grounding debate: Pluggz vs. Juils

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As some of you may recall, I posted a blog on grounding and Pluggz flip-flops.  These flip-flops jumped right into the market and are loved by yogis and non-yogis alike not only because the flips are supposed to let you “ground” but the company also gives back.  They donate to a bunch of non-profit organizations that are pro-earth and pro-health.  After my blog, I was sent a pair of Pluggz (thanks to one of my friends from Middle School, whose Aunt actually started the company, and I had no idea!) but I was also contacted by another company, Juil, with a similar, yet different type of grounding footwear. And they also sent me a pair of shoes to trial and see what I thought about them.  Juil also gives to charities like Souls4soles to help those in need and eradicate poverty.  So I decided to wear each pair of flip-flops for a month, and decide for myself which ones seemed to help me ground more, were more comfortable, and basically, which pair would I wear more. There was one pair that definitely made me feel more grounded, and now that my trial month of each one is over, will wear much more.

Whats the deal with Pluggz?

Well, Pluggz are these flip-flops that have a black plug that is made from a custom carbon and rubber compound that help to ensure electrical contact between the most weight-bearing part of your feet and the earth.  They supposedly conduct a free flow of electrons from the earth to our bodies and assisting with reducing that positive electron effect on our bodies.  People who wear Pluggz report feeling more balanced, a sense of well-being, more energized, some are calmer, and fewer aches and pains.

Whats the deal with Juil?

Juil has a bunch of different style shoes that are created based off of the idea of being barefoot, but more comfortable and with the ability to ground you.  They are created with this Energy Flow Technology (TM) that uses copper conductors in the soles of each pair of shoes to help restore the bodies natural balance of energy by channeling energies from the earth.  These shoes (in various forms from clogs to flip-flops to sandals) were created to enhance well-being and promote wellness.

The Pros/Cons:

I love the idea of having a pair of shoes that make you feel better, just by wearing them. Doesn’t that just sound fab?

Pluggz

Pros: $39 for a pair, great color selection, sizes are true but they run a bit wide, broke in easily, comfortable, great when wet or dry (for all flip-flop appropriate temperature weather) and I really felt great wearing them.

Cons: very thin (which I guess was created for grounding), the core was a little uncomfortable at the beginning but I eventually got used to it, I sometimes tripped on them (I have no idea why).

Juils

Pros: very comfortable from the first wear, a varied array of colors and styles to choose from, sizes were true to fit, very durable leather, they felt great….and I got a ton of compliments.

Cons: Price ranges from $125-165, they were gross feeling when wet (just like wearing wet leather on your feet), they broke in quickly (as in they looked worn pretty fast).

And the Winner is:

I really did enjoy the Pluggz, very down to earth, comfortable, and could really wear them just kicking around and it didn’t matter if they got wet or dirty, because they washed right off. But, once I tried on the pair of Juils, the answer was clear: the Juil shoes, despite a hefty price tag, were well worth the cost because I felt grounded, they looked great, and I could dress them up or down.

I really thought that I would end up saying that both shoes were not any different from any other pair of flip-flops I own, but I must say, I did feel something different, and I did feel grounded. I do wear my Juil shoes to yoga and it might be the yoga, it might be the shoes, but I feel like I’m in another world both on the way there and the way home!

Try whichever suits your wallet and your lifestyle, and there may be no science behind the shoes, but you will feel a difference! I can’t wait to get another pair of Juils….perhaps the clogs for work!

Yours in Good Health

B

Does your Heart ever flutter?

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Now I am not talking about seeing someone that you have a crush on and your heart, figuratively speaking, “skips a beat”, I am talking about when it literally skips a beat…and you do feel a little flutter in your chest, which can happen at any time.  Most often when that happens, something is occurring in your heart which is known as a premature ventricular contraction (a PVC). It can happen to anyone at any time, but there are certain things that can put you at risk and can make you have them more frequently.

What are PVCs?

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs), are an abnormal (or extra) beats that  can cause a disruption in the normal contractions of your heart.  Basically, these extra beats, can cause a problem with the impulses that normally occur in your heart; it is a domino effect, and when the other beat occurs, it throws everything out of whack and most often your heart misses a beat altogether. It is normal that these beats happen, and if you are, in general, a healthy person, there is nothing to worry about. But, if you do have an underlying heart disease or heart problem, and these beats are more frequent, it is something that you need to talk to your Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) about.  When PVCs are occurring you will feel a fluttering in your chest, a pounding heart rate, or you will feel like you missed a heartbeat, but there are usually no other symptoms.

What causes PVCs to happen?

Well, as I’ve described before, there are four chambers of the heart: the right and left atria, and the right and left ventricles. The Sinus node (SA node) os the pacemaker of the heart and it sits within the right atrium, it shoots off electrical impulses that allow the cellular pathways to create contractions in the other atrium and ventricles, thus causing a heartbeat which pumps blood out to the lungs, brain, and the rest of the body through your  arteries.  With PVCs the contraction of the heart is started in the ventricles, and it initiates a heart beat sooner than the heart is ready. When this system is messed with, there can be missed beats, or an irregular rhythm and less blood is pumped out to the body than during a normal heart contraction.

PVCs can be brought on by underlying cardiac/heart disease, electrolyte imbalances in the body (like if you are extremely dehydrated from a hard workout and your potassium or sodium levels may be low OR if you take diuretics), high levels of stimulants (like caffeine or taurine/guarana/ephedra), anxiety and heavy exercise (strain on the heart), certain medications (like decongestants), and any injury to the heart/cardiac muscles (from coronary artery disease, cardiac surgery, myocarditis- infection of the heart), or high blood pressure.  Also heavy use of alcohol and illegal stimulant drugs (cocaine, meth, crack, bath salts, etc) put you at a much higher risk.

Are there any complications?

If you do not have underlying cardiac disease, normally it should not be a problem.  If you do have cardiac disease, or use stimulants (legal or illegal) despite feeling the PVCs, you are putting yourself at risk for arrhythmias (abnormal rhythm of the heart beat) and a lethal arrhythmia which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest/death.

*If you ever feel faint, light-headed, lose consciousness, or heave chest pain with these irregular beats, you should seek immediate medical attention and/or call 911/emergency services.

How will I be diagnosed?

Your HCP will perform a few tests if you come in complaining about PVCs or if you think you are having them, they will most likely draw some blood to check your electrolyte levels and make sure that they are all normal levels.  Also you may have:

–An EKG: an Electrocardiogram which is a 12 lead assessment of the electrical impulses of your heart. 12 little stickers are placed on the skin on your chest, and little plastic/metal leads are connected, you will be asked to stay still for about 30 seconds, then a print out of your hearts impulses comes out.  It shows what is going on and is not very invasive at all, and a snap shot of your heart.

–A Holter Monitor: A monitor with about 5 leads is attached to your for 1 to 2 days, and is worn under your clothing, it constantly checks the rhythm of your heart and if you feel symptoms, you push a button, and all of that information is downloaded by your HCP so they can correlate symptoms and your heart rhythm.

–An Event Recorder: Similar to a Holter monitor, but worn for a month, and it only records when you have an arrhythmia, and it sends signals to your HCP when you have those events, and it helpful at showing when arrhythmias happen at unexpected times (like during sleep.)

–Echocardiogram: basically an ultrasound of your heart through your chest wall, there is some lubricant applied to your chest, and a hard plastic wand is moved over it to show how your heart is functioning and can give  a 3D view of the actual functioning of the heart. It can help to diagnose if you have any structural abnormalities.

Are there treatments?

Most often, they are benign, meaning they come randomly and do not do any damage, so there is no real reason to treat them.  But if they are causing problems and your  HCP feels that there should be a treatment, usually they will suggest lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating healthy, increasing your water intake, cutting out alcohol/tobacco/caffeine/other stimulants.  The other treatment, is to decrease your heart rate by taking a beta blocker, which is a medication given to slow heart rates and decrease blood pressure.  Sometimes, depending on the origin of the PVCs other anti-arrhythmia drugs may be administered.

What can you do to prevent them?

Primarily, you can take note of when they occur: during stress? After cigarettes? When you drink? After using drugs?  WHen working out? And alter your lifestyle to include making healthy lifestyle changes, including cutting out tobacco, decreasing your alcohol intake, increasing your water, and eat a healthy diet.  To cut down on stress, you may want to include adding yoga or meditation to your daily routine, or taking to your HCP about other ways to de-stress.  If your PVCs occur with regularity after something easy to cut out (like smoking) then problem solved, but the tests run by your HCP will better help you to figure out the source of the PVCs.

Yours in Good Health

B