Depression and Diet: new study shows a link

November 9th, 2009

According to a recent study, “Patients who consume a diet rich in high-fat dairy products and fried, refined, and sugary foods are at increased risk of developing depression.” Read the following article to learn more about the link between dietary habits and depression:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711867?sssdmh=dm1.552616&src=nldne&uac=65189FX

 

November Issue of Medical Wellness Association Magazine

November 3rd, 2009

The November issue of My Healthy Today contains timely health and wellness news. This “E-Zine” is an online newsletter published by the Medical Wellness Association. Read the current issue today at http://www.myhealthytoday.com/newsletter/mwa. You can find other sources of valuable information on our Resources page.

 

Compulsive Eating

November 3rd, 2009

“C” is for Compulsive Eating. We hear this complaint a lot at Texas Medical Wellness & Weight Loss. There are many causes, including constant hunger, a sense of failure from multiple failed diets, hopelessness about the prospect of trying to lose weight, and psychological issues where food is the one thing that offers comfort.

There are answers for most hunger issues, failure issues and hopeless feelings; we help patients restore a sense of pride in themselves as they rediscover that they are worthy and deserving of being loved, and their goals are possible. Weight loss may involve many issues and emotions; as specialists in Bariatric Medicine we have expertise in dealing with these issues. We also help patients choose the right calorie plan and type of calories for their individual weight loss or maintenance plan, and we tailor any medications to maximize effect and minimize risk.

HOWEVER, the most important thing we do with compulsive eating behavior is to harness that compulsion and turn it into a positive. We teach that eating throughout the day is not a bad thing, and in fact frequent eating is healthier. Eating the right foods frequently can help AVOID FAT GAIN and PROMOTE MUSCLE OR LEAN BODY MASS.

Remember, you can turn habits of compulsive eating to your advantage by making a few small changes to your food choices, leading you down a path toward having a healthy body, increased energy and improved self-esteem.

 

Bio-Identical Hormones

October 30th, 2009

B is for Bio-Identical Hormones. First, what are they? “Bio” means “life” and “identical” means “the same.” A hormone is a substance that circulates and sends a message to part of the body. For example, estrogen tells the ovary to release an egg, progesterone tells the uterus to get ready for pregnancy, and testosterone tells muscles to grow. A Bio-Identical Hormone is one that is identical to the hormone that is naturally produced in the body.
Synthetic hormones include Premarin (synthetic estrogen). Premarin actually comes from PREgnant MAre uRINe (thus the name PREMARIN); the hormonal structure is chemically altered, and the result is the synthetic preparation we know as Premarin. Therefore the structure of Premarin is not the same as that of the estrogen produced by human females.
Bio-Identical estrogen comes from Yams. It just so happens that its structure is the same as that of human estrogen, and thus it is “bio-identical” for humans.
Often the term “natural” is used when referring to bio-identical hormones, and you may hear that bio-identical estrogen is a natural hormone, and Premarin is not a natural hormone. Technically, Premarin IS a natural hormone (for a horse); however, it is just not “natural” for humans. Bio-identical estrogen comes from Yams, so it is NATURAL, and it just happens to also be a natural hormone for humans since its structure is the same as that produced in humans.
Bio-identical hormones also have different risk profiles from synthetic hormones, and that is one major advantage of the bio-identical substances. The risks and side effects of synthetic and bio-identical hormones are subjects for another day!
Hope you learned something!

 

Alphabet Soup

October 26th, 2009

For the next few weeks, we’ll go through the alphabet, with a wellness tip for each letter:
AVOID drive-thru fast food. A recent study of over 8000 people showed that the average calorie count of a fast food meal was 837. One third of the meals were over 1000 calories! Planning ahead can help; keep protein bars or snacks in your purse or car. When you have to stop for a quick meal, choose the smallest size offered, order grilled instead of fried, and have water or unsweetened tea rather than soda. This advice applies whether or not you are currently trying to lose weight, and it’s applicable to adults and kids alike!

 

Link to Interesting Video

October 22nd, 2009

Baby Weight Harder to Lose for Obese Moms

 

Welcome!

October 22nd, 2009

We are excited at the opening of our new practice- the idea was born many months ago! We hope to help many people in the community to successfully reach their wellness goals. Lifestyles today are so hectic, and there is so much information at our fingertips, it is hard for the average person to make the right decisions with regard to healthy eating and exercise. We are here to help! Email a question, stop in and grab some healthy protein snacks, and stay posted to hear the latest wellness news!
Here is a link to an interesting video I found today about how much weight pregnant women should gain, if they are already overweight. Some women may not need to gain any weight at all to have a healthy baby! And remember, pregnancy is a temporary normal condition, not a disease, so exercise is important as well. http://www.medpagetoday.com/OBGYN/Pregnancy/16553