Feeling sleepy after meals can increase Alzheimer's risk; hypothyroid symptoms

Do you feel sleepy or have intense cravings for sugar after meals? Are you a woman whose hair is thinning, yet you’re growing facial hair? Are you a man who cries at movies and has “moobs” (male breasts)? If so, you probably suffer from insulin resistance. Not only does insulin resistance gender bend your hormones, research shows it also raises your risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Insulin resistance also promotes inflammation, which can exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease that destroys the thyroid gland.

What is insulin resistance?

A high-carb, high-sugar diet consistently raises blood sugar levels, which in turn requires the body to secrete high levels of insulin to lower blood sugar. Eventually these insulin surges exhaust the body’s cells, which then refuse entry to the insulin, causing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance brought on by high blood sugar arises from eating a diet that is high in sweets, soda, and starchy foods such as breads, pasta, rice, corn, potatoes, etc.; a habit of overeating; and living a sedentary lifestyle.

The link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s

Insulin resistance has long been linked with many common health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and hormonal imbalances. More recently, researchers have discovered that it also increases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. In fact, the link is so well established that some researchers refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes”. This is because a high-carbohydrate diet has the ability to accelerate brain degeneration and cause dementia.

The link between insulin resistance and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Managing insulin resistance can also benefit those with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. An important aspect of managing any autoimmune disease, including Hashimoto's, is taming inflammation. Insulin resistance is a very pro-inflammatory condition that can exacerbate and even trigger autoimmune diseases. Stabilizing blood sugar is fundamental for supporting for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Insulin necessary for brain function

Insulin does more than regulate blood sugar in the body. Appropriate levels of insulin in the brain manage glucose levels for sustained mental energy. In turn, this regulates inflammation and helps produce brain chemicals that regulate mood.

The insulin surges and insulin resistance that result from a sugary, high-carbohydrate diet raises inflammation in the brain and disrupts the brain’s ability to perform even simple operations.

For many people, insulin resistance eventually becomes type 2 diabetes—the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar has broken down. Moreover, studies have demonstrated a clear link between diabetes and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Both insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes often can be reversed by changing your diet and lifestyle. So, it’s best not to wait until you have developed dementia or Alzheimer’s to take action. While a low-carb, ketogenic diet has been shown to be beneficial to those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, it is also key to prevention.

This diet is also very beneficial to managing Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases.

Reversing insulin resistance to prevent Alzheimer’s

Some of the most powerful tools to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s are, unsurprisingly, the same tools that can reverse insulin resistance. These include:

• Ditching all sweets, sugars, desserts, and sodas. Beware natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, and agave, as they still raise blood sugar and insulin. Also, avoid over-indulging in sugary fruits.
• Adopt a lower-carb diet. Some people will need a low amount of carbohydrates—coming primarily from leafy green vegetables—for optimal function, some will need more. Ask our office for guidelines to get started.
• Exercise regularly. Studies show a combination of both aerobic and weight lifting exercises offers the best brain protection. High-intensity interval training and weight lifting have been shown especially effective to reverse insulin resistance (but do not derail your progress by overtraining). Even just a half-hour walk daily can be extremely beneficial.
• Eat healthy, natural fats instead of processed vegetable oils. Coconut oil has been shown to be especially beneficial for brain health.

Hypothyroidism also linked with Alzheimer's risk

There's another reason to manage your blood sugar if you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism—research shows women whose TSH is above 2.1 mIU/L had a more than two-fold greater risk of developing Alzheimer's, even if they were on thyroid medication. Ask us how we can help you manage the underlying cause of your hypothyroidism so you not only can feel better but also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.

Persistent Wilmington NC Neck Pain Alleviated Naturally With Chiropractic

A Wilmington chiropractor can help when you are suffering from intense neck pain. If you are being inconvenienced by chronic soreness in this area, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible. The longer you delay is the more likely it is that you will experience an unbearable level of discomfort.

These professionals are trained to identify causes of this sort of symptom. This is done mainly through a physical examination, radiograph, and a discussion on your medical history. They will be able to address the underlying factors that bring about the constant, nagging tension and aches.

Many people nowadays spend their days engaged in activities that put the bones and muscles in their upper body under stress. For example, they may sit at a desk in front of a computer for hours without a break, typing. Or, they may be engaged in physically demanding sports such as football that expose them to injury.

A knowledgeable professional will use gentle manipulations to ease the bones back into their correct position. Be wary of persons who want to employ machinery to perform this kind of procedure. Certified top quality professionals will always utilize their own strength in order to apply the correct amount of force.

Massage is sometimes needed to relax the muscles that support the cervical vertebra. This also allows them to slide back into their natural position. After this happens, the body can begin to heal itself. If the damage caused by work habits or injury is not severe, a single course of spinal manipulations may be sufficient.

When a Spinal Care of Wilmington uses this type of therapy, constant throbbing is sometimes eased almost immediately. For some persons, a few additional visits may be necessary. Patients will also be advised of changes they can make in their habits to ensure that they do not develop the problem again.

Wilmington NC Chiropractors, Dr. Aaron Richardet And Dr. Jason Graf, Provide Natural Solutions For Back Pain

PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington, NC, 21-JUL-2012 - Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf offer patients the safe and natural solutions for back pain that will give the the ability to achieve greater mobility and function without the fear of recurring pain. The Wilmington Chiropractor uses a "whole body" approach when addressing pain that includes the use of chiropractic care, alternative therapies and education to help patients become more active participants in improvement their overall health and wellness.

When interviewed recently the doctors shared their commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients. "Individuals who suffer from back pain often are unable to function and participate in daily activities. There are many factors that can contribute to the back pain and it is important that all of the contributing triggers for the pain be addressed to achieve the level of mobility that will allow a person to begin enjoying their life without pain. We work very closely with our patients to ensure that they receive the care, support and education that is needed to achieve a greater quality of life and enjoy their normal activities without fear of pain."

During the initial consultation the doctor will review the past history of the pain, previous injuries that the individual has received and past medical history. The doctor will discuss the normal activities of the individual, their diet and exercise regimen as well as triggers for the pain. In addition, x-rays and a physical examination will be conducted to determine the areas of the spine that are injured or damaged.

After a review of the information collected, the doctor creates an individualized program that include chiropractic adjustment to realign discs and relieve pressure on pinched nerves. The doctor may use other therapies such as massage and cryotherapy to stimulate circulation, relieve inflammation and improve healing of the tissues and cells surrounding the damaged areas.

Exercises that are designed to increase circulation, strengthen the muscle groups that support the back, increase stamina and improve the body's ability to heal will also be recommended. The doctor may recommend changes to the diet to increase vitamins and nutrients that will increase the metabolism and reduce the intake of foods that may be disrupting the body's ability to heal.

To get more information about the methods and techniques used by Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf to safely and naturally relieve back pain. Or, to learn more about the solutions offered by the Wilmington Chiropractor visit http://www.SpinalCareOfWilmington.com today. Individuals and members of the press wishing to get more details about this press release will find contact information below.

Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf

Spinal Care of Wilmington

265 Racine Dr., Suite 100

Wilmington, NC 28403

Telephone: 910.798.5560

Website: http://www.SpinalCareOfWilmington.com

Summary: Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf provide safe and effective solutions to individuals searching for natural relief from back pain. The Wilmington Chiropractor creates plans that address the root cause of the pain and enhance the body's ability to heal.

Wilmington NC Chiropractors, Dr. Aaron Richardet And Dr. Jason Graf, Offer Safe Solutions For Headaches

PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington, NC, 21-JUL-2012 - The Wilmington Chiropractor team of Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf provide individuals who suffer from headache pain the safe and effective solutions that help them to achieve a greater quality of life. Dr. Richardet and Dr. Graf create individualized programs that include the use of chiropractic care, education and alternative therapies to address both the immediate pain and the triggers that are contributing to the headaches.

When interviewed recently the doctors shared their dedication to providing individuals suffering from pain the highest levels of care. "Headache pain often disrupts a person's ability to function effectively in their personal and professional life. When addressing this type of pain we work closely with the patient to determine all of the triggers that may be contributing to the pain and provide the patient with the care, education and resources they need to begin enjoying a fuller life without the limitations that headache pain can cause."

During the initial examination the doctors will review the past medical history of the patient as well as their history of headache pain. They perform an examination to determine the areas of the spine and neck that may be misaligned and disrupting proper circulation through the back. The doctor will discuss injuries that may have occurred previously and triggers for the pain such as stress or tension. They will also review the diet, exercise and normal activities of the patient.

After reviewing all of the information collected the doctors will create an individualized program that addresses the immediate pain and provides patients with the solutions they need to alleviate recurrence of the pain. Therapies such as massage and cryotherapy are used to stimulate circulation and oxygen to the tissues and enhance the body's ability to heal.

Dietary changes are often recommended to increase the vitamins and nutrients needed by the body to heal more effectively. Exercises designed to reduce stress and tension and increase circulation throughout the body are also recommended. The doctors provide stress management training to give the patient the tools they need to address external triggers for the pain and recognize the contributing factors of the pain.

To get more information about the safe, effective and natural solutions offered by the Wilmington Chiropractor team of Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf to address headache pain visit http://www.SpinalCareOfWilmington.com today. Individuals and members of the press wishing to get more details about this press release will find contact information below.

Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graf

Spinal Care of Wilmington

265 Racine Dr., Suite 100

Wilmington, NC 28403

Telephone: 910.798.5560

Website: http://www.SpinalCareOfWilmington.com

Summary: Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Jason Graph offer individuals suffering from headache pain the safe and effective solutions that will allow them to begin functioning in their normal activities more easily. The Wilmington chiropractor uses a holistic approach that includes chiropractic care, education and other therapies that enables the body to heal more effectively and gives patients the tools they need to become more actively involved in their overall wellness program.

Wilmington, NC Chiropractor for Back Pain Relief - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington, NC Spinal Decompression for Back Pain - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Hashimoto's moms take note—gluten can cause childhood cavities

While childhood is full of surprises, some parents are unprepared for the staggering dental bills and persistent cavities children get, even when they brush and floss regularly. Parents know to restrict sugar, but what they may not realize is that a hidden gluten intolerance and poor gut health, not a fluoride deficiency, may be the cause of those cavities.

This is especially true for moms or dads with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, an autoimmune thyroid disorder linked in a number of studies with gluten intolerance. Because gluten intolerance and celiac disease are genetic, parents with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism should be mindful of symptoms in their children.

Fortunately, help can be just a meal away. Many have witnessed a near-miraculous halting of dental decay simply by putting their child on a gluten-free diet and restoring gut health.

Gluten intolerance causes wide range of dental defects

Defects in dental enamel are common in children who cannot tolerate gluten. In some children, dental problems may be the only symptom of a gluten intolerance or celiac disease (an autoimmune gluten intolerance). In addition to tooth decay, one may see enamel defects: white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth; mottled or translucent teeth; pitting or banding of the teeth. Unfortunately, the majority of dentists peg these problems on excess fluoride or an early illness, missing an opportunity to alert parents to a possible gluten intolerance.

Going beyond gluten to repair the gut and stop cavities; similar to Hashimoto's hypothyroidism protocol

Just as a gluten-free diet may resolve or alleviate symptoms of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, for many children, transitioning to a gluten-free diet works wonders for halting decay and improving dental health. Also as with Hashimoto's, others may need more intensive dietary restrictions and nutritional therapy. This is because gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, causing it to become inflamed and porous. As a result, the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients from food, causing malnutrition. This also allows undigested food to escape into the bloodstream, triggering an immune reaction and intolerances to foods other than gluten, most commonly dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and other grains.

The inflamed and damaged intestinal walls also disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing bacterial and fungal infections to take root. The overall result is a chronically inflamed, poorly functioning gut. Sometimes (but not always) other digestives issues, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or acid reflux, are also present.

Gluten and food intolerances cause inflammation, which may lead to cavities

Together these conditions can cause not only tooth decay and poor dental health but also other inflammation-based conditions, such as eczema, allergies, or behavioral issues. Taming the inflammation and allowing the gut to repair may require your child follow a diet that eliminates foods in addition to those containing gluten. Parents can run a lab test to screen for problematic foods or have their child follow an elimination diet for several weeks before reintroducing potential problem foods, one at a time, every 72 hours to see whether they trigger a reaction.

Anyone doing the work to manage their autoimmune Hashimoto's may recognize the protocol. The objectives are the same: to repair the gut, tame inflammation, and restore balance to the immune system.

Although these diets can be a challenge to implement in our fast-food, sugar-addicted society, many parents find the pronounced improvement in dental health and other conditions makes it worthwhile. Bonus: as inflammation subsides on this diet, many parents say the palate of their normally picky eaters grows to include a wider variety of healthy foods, making meal times less of a struggle.

Ask me for tips and strategies to help improve your child's dental health.

Wilmington, NC Brain Based Therapy for Fibromyalgia - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Wilmington, NC Chiropractor - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Got hypothyroidism and PMS? Stress could be robbing your body of progesterone

It’s the time of the month that so many women dread, the PMS days. For some, premenstrual syndrome is simply an irritating inconvenience, but for others it is a cause of extreme suffering. Yet because it is so common, many women don’t take PMS seriously, even though the effect on their lives is serious indeed.

For women who also have hypothyroidism, symptoms can overlap and the causes can be the same.

Common or not, PMS, especially the extreme variety, is not normal or healthy. It is a sign that the delicate balance of female hormones is all out of whack. PMS symptoms may be a signal that the body is experiencing a progesterone deficiency due to chronic stress.

Symptoms of low progesterone include:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Crying easily
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Frequent or irregular menstruation
• Low sex drive
• Migraines

As you may have noticed, many of these are also symptoms of hypothyroidism. The chronic stress that lowers progesterone and causes PMS can also suppress thyroid function.

Natural remedies for PMS

Instead of reaching for the progesterone cream at your local supplement store, it’s safer to first address the underlying causes of low progesterone. For many women, progesterone levels take a beating because of chronic stress. Every time you experience stress, your body responds with cortisol, an adrenal stress hormone that works to keep the body in balance.

But in these fast-paced times, we experience stress so frequently that the body’s demand for cortisol is constantly high. To keep up with demand, the body borrows the materials needed to make reproductive hormones, including progesterone, and makes cortisol instead. This is called “pregnenolone steal,” when the body steals pregnenolone needed for other hormones to keep pace with the demands of stress.

Not only can chronic stress rob the body of progesterone, but it can also hinder function of the brain's pituitary gland. The pituitary gland directs function for the thyroid and other hormone glands. When chronic stress suppresses pituitary function, this can suppress thyroid function.

Factors that can cause chronic stress:

• Sugar and sweeteners, too many starchy foods (rice, pasta, bread, etc.), and excess caffeine
• Food intolerances (gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, nuts, grains, etc.)
• Gut problems (gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, etc.)
• Lack of sleep
• Chronic inflammation (joint pain, muscle pain, skin rashes and disorders, brain fog, fatigue, etc.)
• Autoimmune disease (such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism)
• Overdoing it; pushing yourself without breaks or enough rest
• Poor nutrition

Restoring hormonal balance naturally

Many times, the best way to reduce symptoms of PMS is to stop the pregnenolone steal, thereby allowing the body to make enough of its own progesterone. Strategies for stopping pregnenolone steal include an anti-inflammatory diet, which eases the body’s burden of stress. You may also need to work on restoring gut health, taming chronic inflammation, or managing your autoimmune disease appropriately, approaches that benefit from the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

These strategies can also help boost thyroid function.

Nutrients to ease PMS

Basic nutritional support can sometimes ease the symptoms of PMS. For instance, are you getting enough omega 3 fatty acids and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)? You may find that supplementing with a high-quality emulsified fish oil or krill oil is helpful, especially if you add one of the GLAs—evening primrose oil, borage oil, or black currant oil—as well.

Supporting serotonin, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter, may also alleviate symptoms when you’re premenstrual. Compounds that support serotonin activity include tryptophan, 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, and SAMe. Other nutrients that may offer additional support include magnesium, B6, and vitamin D3.

Ask my office for natural therapies to alleviate PMS and support healthy hormonal balance and thyroid function.

If you suffer from symptoms of low thyroid, you should also rule out Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Important note: If you are taking an antidepressant, do NOT embark upon a serotonin support regimen without the guidance of your physician.

Wilmington, NC Chiropractic Care - Dr. Aaron Richardet

Autism is often autoimmune; links with maternal Hashimoto's

The rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased 78 percent in the last decade, with autism now affecting a staggering 1 in 88 children. While parents scramble for answers, researchers increasingly find a common denominator: inflammation affecting brain function.

While some children withstand the assaults of modern life relatively unscathed, the child with autism has neurologically-based reactions to foods, vaccines, viruses, environmental chemicals, or other immune triggers. Some studies show this imbalance in immune function can begin in the womb, often influenced by the mother’s health. The question, of course, is why.

Children born to moms with autoimmune disease more likely to develop autism

For starters, recent studies show that autoimmune diseases run in families, and children born to mothers with autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, are three times more likely to be born with autism. Researchers say the mother’s circulating autoimmune antibodies may create an abnormal immune environment that can affect the developing fetus.

For the woman with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, this research illustrates the importance of managing your autoimmune Hashimoto's condition, which entails more than thyroid hormone medication. Addressing whole health and balancing the immune system are integral for the health of the mother and baby.

Maternal obesity and diabetes raise autism risk

An autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, isn’t the only risk. Any kind of maternal immune imbalance can affect the immune health of the fetus. For instance, women who are obese are 67 percent more likely to have a child with autism. Women with diabetes are also more likely to give birth to a child with autism. Both obesity and diabetes keep the body in a state of chronic inflammation, which can affect the immune health of the developing fetus.

Leaky gut and fetal immune health

Another risk factor that can pass to the fetus is intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as leaky gut. Excess sugars and starches in the diet (i.e., gluten and junk foods) along with chronic stress can inflame the gut and cause the intestinal lining to become porous, or leaky. Because some 80 percent of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, a leaky gut triggers a cascade of inflammation that extends beyond the gut and into the brain and body, including the placenta of a pregnant woman.

Damaged gut walls will allow undigested foods, bacteria, and other pathogens to escape from the intestines into the bloodstream. These circulating pathogens affect the fetus by stimulating an immune response that may affect the development of the fetal brain.

Leaky gut is commonly found in people suffering from an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. An anti-inflammatory diet can help repair leaky gut.

Immune health affects the developing brain

Since we know the immune system affects the developing brain of the fetus, it’s important to approach conception and pregnancy with immune health in mind if you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. This will not only reduce the risk of autism but also make the child less susceptible to other immune disorders, including asthma, eczema, food intolerances, allergies, and other brain developmental disorders (e.g., Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, ADD/ADHD, etc.)

You don’t HAVE an immune system; you ARE an immune system

Managing Hashimoto's hypothyroidism requires a whole-body approach that addresses diet, adrenal health, hormone health, gut health, food intolerances, and immune balance. An anti-inflammatory diet is foundational to a healthy immune system. Studies have shown the effectiveness of a gluten-free and dairy-free diet or, more ideally, the immune balancing autoimmune diet. Not surprisingly, many children see symptoms of autism resolve through a similar whole-body approach.

Of course, most children born to a parent with an autoimmune disease do not get autism, however properly managing an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism not only reduces the risk of autism, but also makes the pregnancy and postpartum period easier and more enjoyable.

Baywatch beauty brings Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism out of the closet

Talk to a group of women with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, and they’ll likely all share the same frustrating story. Frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or ignored by doctors, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is finally getting the recognition it deserves thanks to former Baywatch beauty and Playboy cover girl Gena Nolin.

Struggling with Hashimoto's on the Baywatch set

Nolin struggled through marathon days on the set of Baywatch in a tiny red tank while battling symptoms of Hashimoto’s: fatigue, depression, hair loss, and weight gain. According to one interview, she gained weight despite exercising and eating very little—a salad or a can of tuna a day—and her hair became dry and brittle. Exhausted and starving, she pushed on with the help of antidepressants.

Symptoms worsened after her first two pregnancies. Doctors simply pegged her problems on postpartum depression, and prescribed her antidepressants. After her third pregnancy she suffered from arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, a common symptom of Hashimoto’s. She visited a couple of doctors before one finally diagnosed her with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, explaining the mysterious symptoms she had been battling since the age of 18. After experimenting with different thyroid hormones, she was almost symptom-free after just three days of finding the right one.

Nolin stands apart as a hypothyroid celebrity

What separates Nolin from other celebrities with hypothyroidism—Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Cattrall, Jillian Michaels, and Mary-Louise Parker—is that Nolin uses her notoriety to speak up for the millions of Americans with hypothyroidism who are misdiagnosed or mismanaged by the health care system.

Nolin also recognizes and promotes the fact that for 90 percent of Americans, hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, which attacks and destroys the thyroid gland (explained in the book Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? by Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MNeuroSci.) Nolin advocates a gluten-free diet and other natural thyroid strategies outlined in Dr. Kharrazian’s book.

Imagine if Oprah Winfrey helped hypothyroid sufferers

Imagine if Oprah Winfrey had access to the same knowledge and information when publicly discussing her thyroid condition—she could have helped millions of sufferers and advanced thyroid care in this country. Faced with patient demand, doctors would have been forced to increase their knowledge and education to offer genuine help to their patients.

Nolin reaches out for those with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Online thyroid communities have warmly embraced Nolin. Her Facebook page Thyroid Sexy has almost 13,000 likes, and she posts frequently and communicates with her followers. Her post I am Hashimoto’s Disease—A letter for patients, family and friends, garnered a huge response for readers.

Nolin is the first internationally known celebrity who has made it a personal mission to bring positive awareness to thyroid disease. She is co-authoring a book about her journey and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism with thyroid author Mary Shomon. Shomon is the author of the About.com Thyroid Disease blog, and the author of several best-selling thyroid books.