A must-read breakthrough…

Sounds too good to be true, but that is exactly what researchers at the medical center of the esteemed University degli Studi, Naples, Italy, found and reported this year in a large, peer reviewed study.

“In a woman’s life, menopause is characterized by significant physiological changes often associated with an increase in body mass and obesity associated sickness.”

Numerous studies have described the effect of hormone deficiencies in aging, energy run down, and obesity in menopausal women.  The aim of this study was to determine whether obese, but otherwise healthy menopausal women, who underwent hormone replacement therapy could lose weight without changing their diet or sedentary life style.

In the group treated with natural, bio-Identical hormones, a significant drop in free fat mass was found without the addition of exercise or calorie restriction.  However, what researchers also found was that it was most important what type of hormone replacement therapy was used.  In a study by O’Sullivan et al, the participants taking synthetic, drug hormone therapy actually gained weight!

The results are important because they have a practical implication for prevention and/or treatment of obesity, as well as its associated illnesses.

If you have suffered the agony of calorie deprivation (dieting), but have failed to achieve any kind of fat reduction, this article pertains to you.  While eating less addresses some of the underlying causes of weight gain, the high failure rate of dieting is partially attributable to the severe alteration in hormone levels that occur as part of normal aging.  It’s no wonder that without correcting these imbalances, losing weight can be extremely frustrating, if not impossible.

Let a quick, but comprehensive blood test we offer at The Renewal Point reveal whether you have imbalances.  If we find any, we are then able to determine the exact type and amount of bio-identical hormones that are right for you!

Before concluding, I want to point out that while this article addresses just how effective bio-identical hormones can be on their own, at The Renewal Point, we always recommend additional lifestyle changes, such as a healthy nutrition and exercise.  After treating thousands of patients, we have found that the combination of Bio-identical Hormone Balancing, Nutrition, Physical Conditioning, and Toxin Elimination are the Four Cornerstones of Health.

Women often put themselves last on their list of priorities, but I encourage you to make your own health and happiness one of your New Year’s Resolutions this year ~ you deserve it!

Renew Your Hormones, Renew Your Life!

Visit our website at www.therenewalpoint.com ,call 941-926-4905, or come to one of our upcoming seminars for more information. 

References:

Monda et al. Frontiers in Physiology. 2017; 8: 773 “Role of Sex Hormones in the Control of Vegetative and Metabolic Functions of Middle-Aged Women.”

O’Sullivan et al. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1998; 102;1035-1040 “The route of estrogen replacement therapy confers divergent effects on substrate oxidation and body composition in postmenopausal women.”

Are you looking to…

• Get your game back?
• Get your figure back?
• Gain balance, stability, and joint health?
• Recover from injury?
• Get relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain?
• Increase good cholesterol and cardiorespiratory fitness?
• Improve physical performance (golf, sports competition, etc)?

If you answered yes to ANY ONE of these, then the CKC Fitness program, utilizing the Luedeka Body Weight Trainer, is just what you are looking for!

We use a researched, tested, and novel approach to fitness, developed by David Luedeka, MS, DPT. From the person recovering from a major fall to the professional athlete looking to increase their skills, our fitness program can help!

You will be tested to find out where imbalances, injuries, and weaknesses lie and then our Medical Fitness Professional will design an individualized program to be executed on the Luedeka Body Weight Trainer at The Renewal Point.

Want to get your game back and improve physical performance?

The Luedeka Body Weight Trainer provides assistance until you can do resistance. This means that whether you are just starting out in a workout routine or are a seasoned athlete, this fitness program will meet you where you are to help you strengthen and tone your muscles.

Want your figure back?

Strength and conditioning is proven to be one of the keys to long term weight loss. The Luedeka Body Weight Trainer maximizes metabolic conditioning (fat burn) through the use of individualized variations in exercise type, intensity, and amount.

Living with balance or joint problems?

You’re not alone! Almost everyone has differences between the right and left side, causing issues ranging from mild back pain to a serious fall. The Luedeka Body Weight Trainer will assist you in doing proper single leg functional exercises so that you can develop balanced strength and stability in your muscles and joints.

Recovering from injury?

The Luedeka Body Weight Trainer uses a closed chain training system with progressive resisted exercise to ensure proper form and equalized strength between the upper and lower body ~ allowing for safe recovery, joint stabilization, and prevention of further injury.

Need pain relief in your back, neck, or shoulders?

The functional and closed chain system of the Luedeka Body Weight Trainer helps ensure that stress (load) is placed exactly where it is needed, and never where it isn’t…allowing for functional movement and joint stabilization, which are both essential components for pain relief.

Looking for better heart health and increased metabolism?

Workouts on the Luedeka Body Weight Trainer maximize metabolic conditioning which helps increase good cholesterol and overall cardiorespiratory fitness.

Highlights of the CKC Fitness Program:

• Create balanced strength and mobility without injury
• Create improvements in power and speed
• Recover from injury
• Engage in overspeed training for all movements
• Participate in challenging, metabolic revving workouts for fat burn and conditioning
• Use gravity to protect from injury
• Increase good cholesterol and cardiorespiratory fitness
• Maintain or recover joint health

For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us at info@therenewalpoint.com. 

With numerous hurricanes having recently brought deadly winds and floodwaters, we are now left with a crisis on numerous levels.  For many, getting the basics of food, water, and dry shelter from more flooding is still a major concern; electricity remains to be a problem and could continue to be for quite some time; the elderly, young children, and those with special medical needs remain to be at high risk; and, the task of rebuilding is physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming, to say the least. 

Unfortunately there is another, more hidden, health risk looming in the future for everyone whose property was touched by the floodwaters…Black Mold.  And, in fact, this hidden risk has the potential to cause more harm to more people than the actual hurricane itself.  While dealing with immediate crisis and emergency situation needs to be the first priority, I urge everyone to make sure that they seriously consider whether they or family or friends could be affected by deadly black mold.

As you probably know, around the house and, indeed, around virtually any property for that matter, mold is a fairly common sight. Now, we know that black mold is bad for our health, but many people don’t realize just how harmful it can really be. Every day, people up and down the country are exposed to black mold and it, along with other similar forms of fungus, is responsible for countless chronic illnesses and disease symptoms, which we’ll be covering in more detail a little later on.

Black mold is such a problem that, recently, the CDC actually held its very first fungal disease awareness event. They also echoed what we have been saying for years, which is that, if you are suffering with an unknown illness or condition, with no obvious causes or triggers….please consider the possibility of it being caused by a fungal disease such as black mold. You see, the issue is that problems brought on by fungus, and fungal diseases, are often not diagnosed instantly because the symptoms are similar to those associated with other, more common, ailments.  As the CDC now says, “Think Fungus,” if you find yourself not getting any better with treatment and be sure to consult your doctor or integrative medicine specialist and raise your concerns over the possibility of a fungal infection.

What exactly is black mold? – Black mold goes by scientific names such as stachybotrys, aspergillus, and fusarium and, as mentioned in the intro, it is unfortunately very common in homes, even without the hurricane floodwaters. This form of mold thrives on materials where there are naturally high levels of cellulose present: wood, cardboard, hay, straw, wicker, fibreboard, and so on. Mold also thrives in locations that are warm, with high levels of moisture, which is why your bathroom, especially around the shower, probably has traces of at least some black mold, even if it isn’t visible to the naked eye. There are other forms of mold, but as you can probably guess, this particular form of mold is distinguishable because it is dark black in color. Sometimes it can take on a green tinge and will also emit an unpleasant odour which can be musty, similar to mildew.

Black mold poisoning and what to do about it – Black mold poisoning is far more common than a lot of people realize, and there are a number of common symptoms to be on the lookout for. These include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Tickly cough
• Allergenic symptoms

Integrative, holistic medical experts can help people suffering from black mold poisoning; and, the thing to remember, is that the severity of the symptoms will all depend on the amount of mold spores that you have inhaled and your state of health previous to the black mold exposure. If you suspect that you, or somebody you know, may be suffering from black mold poisoning, you should consult an expert. They can use ELISA urine testing to determine the presence of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, tricothecenes, and ochratoxins.

Other, more chronic, symptoms – One of the main issues regarding black mold poisoning is that there are certain misconceptions, even within the medical community, that the condition is purely allergenic. Therefore, many of the current tests out there will not test for the more aggressive mycotoxins found in individuals who have been more heavily exposed to higher traces of black mold. This is why it pays to adopt a more holistic outlook as high exposure can lead to very serious illnesses. Though the spores are not visible to the naked eye, once ingested, the spores can cause a whole variety of serious symptoms. This is known as mycotoxicosis and can cause things like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Asthma attacks
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypersensitivity
• IBS
• Memory loss
• Vision problems
• Brain fog
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hyper sensitivities
• Hair loss
• Weight changes
• Increased risk of cancer
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Seizure
• Ringing in the ears
• Flushing of the face
• Fertility problems
• Irregular heart beat
• And even death in more severe cases

Roger and Maggie’s story – Two patients who recently benefitted hugely from an integrative, naturopathic treatment plan were Roger and Maggie. Both in their fifties, this couple were the epitome of health: They ate organic, they exercised several times each week, took health supplements, drank filtered water, and really took care of themselves. They should have been in peak physical shape but for some reason they both began finding themselves being tired, lethargic, dealing with headaches, and generally feeling unwell.

They saw a doctor who couldn’t diagnose any clear problems and chalked their symptoms down to a mild cold virus, prescribed antibiotics and told them to come back in a couple of weeks if they felt no better. Weeks later, they felt worse but unfortunately the doctor had no idea what was going on, as all of their lab tests were perfectly fine.

Eventually, they mentioned their health issues to a friend, who happened to notice a musty odor in their home and advised them to speak to an integrative medicine expert and consider the possibility of black mold poisoning.  An ELISA test was performed and, presto, a diagnosis was finally made.

Further research into their environment revealed the problem in the AC ducts…water was condensing around improperly sized/fitted AC ducts, leading to the growth of mold spores.  So, not only were there localized spores around the ducts and in the walls and ceiling, but when the AC was switched on, the spores were actually being circulated throughout their home. Their bodies were riddled with toxins causing all types of ailments. This particular strain of mold is potentially very deadly; it actually produces a toxin which has been used by the military for chemical warfare purposes, to produce ‘yellow rain’.

Roger and Maggie were treated and, thankfully, they both recovered. They were incredibly fortunate as the doctor actually told them that the amounts of black mold spores found in their bodies were normally found during autopsies. Fortunately their healthy lifestyle may have been enough to keep them alive long enough to seek help, as people in poorer health would likely have lost their lives weeks ago.

We are here to help!

At The Renewal Point, we truly understand just how frustrating it can be to have symptoms with an unexplained root cause.  Furthermore, merely treating the symptoms (depression, cough, brain fog, etc) is not only pointless, but actually deadly because the root cause, such as mycotoxicosis in the body and black mold spores in the house, still remain.  We feel that it’s important to take a look at what could be behind the symptoms and make sure that we are targeting the problem at its source.

We are so relieved that the CDC is helping to bring awareness to this issue ~ too many people have suffered and died from black mold poisoning and it’s time to put an end to it.  Whether your house was damaged by floodwaters, you have the symptoms mentioned above, or you “Think Fungus” for any other reason, then we urge you to come to The Renewal Point, or find another expert in mold poisoning.  Determining the presence of mycotoxins and immediately beginning treatment could be your lifesaver!

To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905, email us at info@therenewalpoint.com, or visit our website at TheRenewalPoint.com. 

About Dr. Watts

With a Board Certification in Integrative Medicine and over 15 years of experience using integrative, holistic, and functional therapies, Dr. Watts has put together an Integrative Medicine Program that has helped thousands of patients,  including hundreds of those suffering from black mold.  He has over 35 years experience in surgery and family medicine and holds a post-doctoral certification in Metabolic Endocrinology and  a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine.    For more information on his credentials or to see his complete CV, please follow this link: https://www.therenewalpoint.com/sites/default/files/Dr.%20Watts%20CV081017.pdf

Tears flooded down her cheeks cascading onto her blouse. I reached out and handed her a box of Kleenex and waited, “Tell me what’s going on.” 

The room was quiet for a moment. 

“It’s my weight,” More tears. “And, I’m doing everything right; everything I know to do. I exercise almost every day; eat whole foods, no gluten or sugar.“ 

As I listened intently, eventually the real culprits began to surface: a troubled marriage, a stressful job, poor sleep, menopausal symptoms, tired all the time and high-strung. Her two children had grown and left home which only added to more feelings of loneliness. 

Modern-day life with its ‘pedal to the metal’ stressors can play havoc on our bodies. And, Martha is not alone in her struggles. At The Renewal Point, we hear stories such as hers every day. 

Are you doing everything right, but still struggle to lose weight? 

A lot of people think the weight loss formula is so simple, “Eat less and exercise more.” In many cases, especially in younger people, this formula may work quite well. However, when it comes to burning more calories than you consume, this so called weight loss equation applies only to perfectly balanced hormone specimens; people who have their cortisol, thyroid, insulin, estrogen and testosterone in optimal balance. (Remember being 20 years old?) 

After years of medical practice, working with thousands of women and men, I have found that until you get your hormones in balance, trimming the waistline will be as difficult as stopping a freight train with your little finger! 

Cortisol 

When too high or too low, you lose muscle and gain fat around the belly. 

Thyroid 

Low thyroid causes a sluggish metabolism along with depression, fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. Hormone medical experts believe your thyroid numbers should be in optimal range, not just the traditional normal range. 

Insulin 

Insulin is a hormone that stores fat. When your cells become numb to insulin you lay down fat, especially around your belly. 

Estrogen 

Yale researchers recently found that low estrogen levels stimulate appetite (much like leptin, a hormone released by fat that pushes your “hunger button”). 

Testosterone 

Low testosterone levels cause you to gain fat around the middle, arms and legs… and less able to remodel your musculature, even though you may be training like an Olympic athlete. 

When all of these hormones are working in harmony, you will find that weight loss is more like it was when you were in your 20s!  But, I do have a word of caution…getting your hormones initially balanced is only half the battle ~ the other half is keeping them balanced, as they continue to change throughout your life. 

Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM, Helena Williams, ARNP, MSN, and Angie Lenchinsky, CNM, ARNP are experts in Bio-identical Hormone Balancing and Weight Loss.  With over 25 years experience in hormone balancing, a Board Certification in Integrative Medicine, a Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic Endocrinology, and a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine, Dr. Watts has put together a Hormone Balancing and Weight Loss Program that has helped thousands of patients lose weight and keep it off!   

If you have been dieting and exercising with little to no result, we recommend that you come see us ~ Renew Your Hormones, Renew Your Life! To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us at info@therenewalpoint.com.   

References: 

1. Gold, MS. “Hypothyroidism and depression. Evidence from complete thyroid function evaluation.” Journal of the American Medical Association. (1981) 

2. Wartofsky, L, Dickey, RA. “The evidence for a narrower thyrotropin reference range is compelling.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. (2005) 

3. Gao Q, Mezei, G. “Sex hormones, appetite and eating behavior in women.” 

4. Sara Gottfried, MD. The Hormone Cure. (Scribner, 2014) 

 In a breakthrough decision, the American Board of Physician Specialties has recently established a new Board Certification in Integrative Medicine for medical doctors. Why has this new breakthrough in practicing medicine come about and what does it mean for you and your family?  Read on to discover the answer.

Here in the US, we’re constantly searching for that ever-elusive miracle cure for various health ailments. Per capita, we are spending more than double for healthcare, yet, at the same time, experts have found that life expectancies here in the US are significantly lower than those found in other first world countries.

One of the main issues we have with healthcare, here in the US, is the fact that we have gotten into the habit of thinking that drugs and surgeries are the end all be all. In reality, there is no magic pill. Practitioners and patients alike are now seeing that a whole body (holistic) approach to health is an important component to effective care.  Integrative medicine, which combines standard and holistic approaches is growing in popularity by the day, and can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Here’s a more detailed look at integrative medicine.

What is integrative medicine? – Though the term ‘integrative medicine’ is very broad, it primarily works by taking into account all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, personal circumstances, size, shape, gender, and genetic makeup. It then places an emphasis on building and establishing a relationship between the practitioner and the patient.  Integrative medicine allows the practitioner to see each patient as a living, breathing person. The philosophy of integrative medicine is not a new concept; in fact, it can be traced back to the times of Aristotle. Long before we had high tech computers and scanners, Aristotle was simply able to observe and reflect upon the human condition. One of the very first holistic physicians in the world, Aristotle believed that each person he saw was made up of a combination of spiritual and physical properties, with no separation between the spirit, mind, and body. Sadly, over time, that philosophy had been lost, though not entirely.

The resurgence of integrative medicine – Over the last decade or so, the general public began seeing the limitations of Western medicine. As people are beginning to realize this, they are showing a keen interest in functional naturopathic treatments and therapies which place an emphasis on holistic treatments. Before we had pills, drugs, and surgical procedures, medicine was very much based upon a much more spiritual and natural approach, involving nutrition, botanical and herbal treatments, meditation, massage, and manipulation. These treatments are now once again being discovered, which is why integrative medicine is seeing such a resurgence as of late.

Why is integrative medicine so effective? – As mentioned, integrative medicine works by combining modern, standard medicine with holistic approaches, where patients are seen as individuals, rather than diseases and conditions. It places an emphasis on their individuality and uniqueness. Just because a drug or treatment works for one person, does not mean that the same drugs or treatments will work for another. Integrative medicine stresses the importance of using evidence to understand how best to integrate natural and standard therapies to treat various ailments and health conditions of individual patients.

Integrative medicine does not reject conventional medicine, but at the same time it does not accept it as the be-all and end-all of medical treatment. Integrative treatments are designed to provide the patient with the least-invasive and most effective methods of dealing with whichever ailments they happen to be suffering with.

The key components that make up integrative medicine are as follows:

• Integrative medicine emphasizes relationships between patient and practitioner
• Integrative medicine implements complementary methods for the prevention and treatment of various health ailments
• Integrative medicine removes barriers which could restrict the body’s natural healing processes
• Integrative medicine uses less invasive, more natural interventions whenever possible
• Integrative medicine engages mind, body, and spirit in order to facilitate healing
• Integrative medicine places an emphasis on the fact that healing can always be possible, even if curing is not

Integrative Medicine and patient practitioner relationships – Integrative medicine is about so much more than simply curing a symptom. Instead, it involves a much larger mission as it calls for restoration of the whole person with a focus on health and healing. One key way in which it is able to achieve exactly this, is that it works on the provider-patient relationship. Many of the greatest healers that the world has ever seen, including Aristotle and Hippocrates, would often talk about the fact that the job of a health practitioner was to cure and heal whenever possible, and to support always. To help show just how powerful and effective integrative medicine can be, we’ll now take a look at a couple of fairly recent success stories involving integrative medicine:

Samuel – Samuel, a six year old boy, sadly suffered from severe seizures, often on a daily basis. He saw specialist after specialist, neurologist after neurologist, and none of them could get to the bottom of what was causing his seizures, nor could they treat him. He was placed on medication, he underwent MRIs, and EEGs, and life for the poor boy was anything but enjoyable. He was taken out of school and away from his friends, so not only did his health suffer, but so too did his education. His speech and basic motor functions were severely affected, and his parents sadly began losing hope. His mother was disappointed in the healthcare that Samuel had received, as each session was less than 10 minutes, and he was simply seen, seemingly, as quickly as possible so that the next patient could be seen, and so on. His condition worsened and his mother grew very concerned. Eventually his mother visited an integrative medicine specialist, who took a hair analysis and noticed a high lead toxicity. A lead detoxification was carried out and his seizures began to decrease and become less and less frequent. Eventually he came off all seizure medication and was placed back in school and he began to lead a normal, healthy, and happy life.

Martha – Martha was another patient who suffered from anxiety, stress, depression, and weight issues. She was prescribed diet pills yet her weight increased, which made her more and more miserable. A doctor recommended she visit a psychiatrist, who prescribed anti-depressants that only made her feel worse. Martha also visited a holistic expert who sat down with her and got to know the real her, rather than simply seeing her as another case of depression. The therapist found that some of the root causes of her depression were a stressful job, a troubled marriage, the menopause, and loneliness stemming from empty nest syndrome. All of these factors combined together to lead to hormonal imbalances, which resulted in her weight gain, and mental health issues. Once the cause of these issues was discovered, necessary treatments were prescribed, which helped get her back on the right track and helped improve her overall quality of life.

Jonathan – A mother was greatly disturbed about her 26 year old son. He had just graduated with a masters degree and had come home for the summer, yet he grew quickly incapable of normal speech.  She had taken him from ER to ER and quick care centers.  He was to the point of constant fatigue and sleeping all day long.  Sleep, balance, confusion, and speech problems persisted.  EEGs, MRIs, x-rays, tons of lab tests….none of these revealed his problem.  The mother was relentless in trying to find the root cause.  A simple integrative urine test found mold toxicity to be the root cause.  He was placed in integrative therapies for detoxification and black mold was found and removed from his room/house.  After mold detoxification, Jonathan was completely improved.

These 3 stories are all very common and a day-to-day look into the ‘patients of integrative medicine’.  By taking an integrative, holistic approach, we are looking for the most effective, safest route possible in order to knock out the root causes and get people back on the road to enjoying life!  We enjoy working with other specialists and physicians, and do so on a daily basis.

If you have been dealing with problems that you can’t seem to find the answer to, or you are wanting to prevent conditions that might be creeping up on you, we recommend that you schedule an appointment ~ we can help!  To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905, visit our website www.TheRenewalPoint.com, or come to one of our upcoming seminars https://www.therenewalpoint.com/calendar.

About Dr. Watts: With a Board Certification in Integrative Medicine and over 15 years of experience using integrative, holistic, metablic, and functional therapies, Dr. Watts has put together an Integrative Medicine Program that has helped thousands of patients.  He has over 35 years experience in surgery and family medicine and holds a post-doctoral certification in Metabolic Endocrinology and  a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine.  

What would it take to live a longer healthier life? Here are a few common health practices which may stand in your way.

1. Eat seafood for heart and brain health – Right?    Not Always – While the USDA Economic Research Service publishes an article about how Americans need to eat seafood for brain and heart health, high levels of mercury (a carcinogen and a dangerous neurotoxin that can disrupt brain function and harm the nervous system), have been found in some fish. It truly depends on the kind of fish you eat. Older fish, like tuna, sea bass and swordfish, have the highest mercury. While younger fish, like salmon and flounder, have the least. (1)
2. Eating fat makes you fat and causes heart disease – Right?  It depends – For decades, we have been told that the fat we eat turns into fat in the body, contributing to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and generally poor health. Yet, as Mark Hyman, M.D. explains in Eat Fat, Get Thin, “A growing body of research reveals the immense health and weight loss benefits of a high fat diet rich in eggs, nuts, oils, avocados, coconut oil and other delicious super foods.”  That’s right – as it turns out – one of the keys to losing weight, increasing overall energy, and achieving optimal wellness is eating the right type of fat, not less.
3. Switching to diet soda will help me lose weight – Right?  No – Everyone knows that drinking regular soda is bad for you – it’s full of sugar! But what about diet soda? It’s zero calories and tastes great, so it must be better for you – Well, not the case. Research has shown that artificial sweeteners are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of HDL/good cholesterol, and high fasting glucose levels. (2)
4. Struggling with menopause – just toughen up – Right?  No – Mood swings, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, physical degeneration ~ these symptoms are not in your head and you certainly don’t have to live with them.  At The Renewal Point we offer safe and effective Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing. You can enjoy life just as much (or even more) in the second half of life as you did in the first!
5. Conventional Resistance Training (weight lifting) can help me stay healthy and grow strong bones – Right?  It depends – Many of the more common gym exercises can actually harm you. Right, only if it is the proper kind of resistance training. Dr. David Luedeka, DPT CSCS, explains, “Many patients come to me for injuries caused from working out with weights in the gym. For instance, bench pressing can cause significant shoulder pain and increased rotator cuff tears. Additionally, rather than strengthening the body, bar bell squats can increase back pain and lead to bulging or herniated discs.” The good news is, here at The Renewal Point, we teach our patients a better, more enjoyable way to exercise. One that not only builds the body but also slims the waistline and decreases injuries to the joints and spine.

References

1. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/mercury-guide

2. Lutsey, P. et al. Dietary Intake the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome. Circulation. 2008. 117:754-761.

Let’s take a closer look at your thyroid…beyond the routine screening tests!

When Ms. M. L., a 45-year-old mother of two, came to The Renewal Point for a consult, she asked if I could help her with a frustrating problem. “I’m so depressed and fatigued that I don’t feel like stepping outside my house. I feel cold all the time. I’ve gained twenty pounds around my middle in the last few months and haven’t changed anything. I exercise, eat well, and take supplements. What do you think is going on?  I have all the symptoms of Hypothyroidism, yet my doctor tells me my lab tests are all normal.”

I explained to her that the thyroid gland acts like a set of internal batteries. When these “batteries” are fully-charged, your body works at peak efficiency to keep you slim and revitalized.  However, when conditions such as aging, autoimmune problems, nutrient deficiency, or high stress come into the picture, the thyroid can fade ~ a condition called Hypothyroidism. When this happens, your “batteries” power down and lead to symptoms of low energy and weight gain.

This encounter with people like M. L. is actually not unusual at all. Quite often, I see patients who come to my office with “normal” lab screening results, yet they are still battling weight gain and all the other symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

A quick scan of their lab tests usually reveals their thyroid profile was not complete. After running a full panel on them, I find that they are indeed Hypothyroid.

In this day of nutrient-deficient diets and our “pedal to the metal” lifestyle with adrenal gland imbalances running amuck, your thyroid gland may not be able to convert enough T4 to T3, the active and fat-burning hormones.  Without that conversion taking place, it’s nearly impossible to lose weight and feel better through diet and exercise alone.  This is just one of the many subtleties that isn’t picked up in a routine screening panel.

But, what about M. L.?  She got a new set of “batteries”! Within a few short months of treatment, her thyroid hormones returned to normal, her energy was restored, her cloud of depression disappeared, and she was able to lose the belly fat.

While the thyroid is one of the main culprits in weight loss struggles, there are a list of other hormones that can be holding you back from reaching your goals. We use precision and accuracy with our test and correct method of bio-identical hormone balancing, so that we are able to pinpoint the exact area that needs to be addressed and get you on track to reach your goals.

If you’ve been dieting and exercising with little or no results…or have just been too exhausted or depressed to even think about weight loss, I encourage you to call (941) 926-4905, email info@therenewalpoint.com, or visit one of our other webpages for additional information… https://www.therenewalpoint.com/education/blog/novel-approach-using-nutrigenomics-for-problematic-weight-loss/

References:

Leibel, R., Hirsch, J. Diminished energy requirements in reduced-obese patients. Metabolism. 33(2): 164-70.

Hage, M., Azar, Sami. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. Journal of Thyroid Research. Volume 2012. Article 590648.

Koulouri, O. et al. Pitfalls in the measurement and interpretation of thyroid function tests. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism. 27: 745-762.

When you think about testosterone, do you consider it for brain health in women and wonder about the power of balancing it?

At age 53, patient ‘L’ had it all together: two kids in college, married to the love of her life, and a successful real estate practice. Then menopause struck, and her world came tumbling down: sleep disturbance left her tired throughout most of the day with little energy for practically anything. Hot flashes were a constant bother, and she became irritated over even the most minor disturbance. As her desire for sex and love diminished to almost nothing, it caused marital problems, and she and her husband were seeing a marriage counselor. And, if that weren’t enough, she felt she could no longer perform at work. She told me, “My previously sharp brain simply cannot keep up with the younger women and men in my brokerage.”

“Plenty to worry about,” I concurred. “But your symptoms are most likely the result of hormone imbalances, especially the brain fog and lack of libido and we should be able to fix that,” I assured her.

‘The bodies and minds of both men and women change with age, and mental functions are no exception,’ says Harvard Medical School, “and memory is the most fragile mental function.” With menopause, new learning is slower, new information is processed less carefully, and details often slip. (1)

Harvard Health Publication writes, “As testosterone levels decline just when memory begins to slow, might falling testosterone levels account for some of the problem? Higher testosterone levels in midlife have been linked to better preservation of brain tissue and higher testosterone levels have been associated with better performance on cognitive tests.” (2)

“Within the brain, testosterone exhibits neuroprotective effects and potentially may exert favorable effects on blood vessel supply to the brain,” says Dr. Sonia Davidson of Monash University in Australia. Investigating the replacement of testosterone to a number of menopausal women, she found improved visual and verbal learning and memory. (3)

At The Renewal Point, memory and brain fog are one of the most prevailing complaints we hear associated with hormone imbalances. Thankfully, we have grown to expect these symptoms to improve with hormone optimization. In the case of Laura, within three months of a hormone balancing formula, her brain began to wake up. By six months, she felt “back in the game.” Hot flashes and sleepless nights were gone, her energy was back, and “Oh yes – sexuality returned!” She was happily back to her former self.

Testosterone is considered a hormone of virility, but ~ like most other brain and body hormones ~ is actually important to men and women.

TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENT                                                TESTOSTERONE BALANCED

Low sexual desire                                                                   Sharpness of mind

Irritability                                                                                Stimulates libido

Brain fog                                                                                 Reduces risk of heart disease, angina

Fatigue                                                                                   Counters high cholesterol

Memory suffers                                                                       Builds muscle

Lose competitiveness                                                              Tones body

Depression                                                                              Reduces fat, obesity

Flabby muscles, bloating                                                         Stimulates hair growth

Soft appearance “hips and breasts”                                           Prevents joint muscle pain

Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM is an expert in Bio-identical and NeuroAdrenal Hormone Balancing.  With over 25 years experience in hormone balancing, a Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic Endocrinology, and a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine, Dr. Watts has put together a Brain and Hormone Balancing Program that has helped thousands of patients renew their love and vigor for life.  If you have any of the issues that were talked about or listed in this article, we recommend that you stop putting your life and happiness on hold and come see us ~ we can help!  To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us at info@therenewalpoint.com.

References:

1. Testosterone may improve mental function. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 1, 2008.
2. Testosterone, aging, and the mind. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 2008.
3. Can testosterone improve cognition in older women. Mary Panjari. Health & Wellbeing. Monash University Healthline Newsletter. February 18, 2011.

(As printed in West Coast Woman)

How Harmful Algal Blooms Affect Humans

“What’s going on with me?” I woke up several mornings ago, with a swimmy-like headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, extreme fatigue, brain fog and muscular weakness. While I generally wake up full of ‘vim and vigor,’ it felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck.

“A virus,” I first thought. But, there was no fever and the symptoms felt strangely familiar to the ones my wife and I experienced from black mold toxicity ten years ago. “There is no black mold in our new home,” I reassured myself.

That same morning, our medical office phone began ringing with a myriad of patients having similar symptoms. Interestingly, all had recently experienced a nagging dry cough and sinus problems. Additionally, most of the callers had a history of either mold toxicity or Lyme disease. Suddenly, I remembered being overcome by the same respiratory symptoms the night before on a walk around my neighborhood.

“What’s going on with everyone?”

“Were the neurological and respiratory symptoms and a susceptibility to mold and Lyme Disease correlated?”

When I heard about an outbreak of Red Tide along the gulf beaches with fish kills I suspected a possible link.

A literature search into the world of Biotoxins soon gave me an answer and the answer astounded me. As it turns out, the same gene called HLA DR that makes people susceptible to Mold illness and Lyme disease also makes us susceptible to Karenia brevis outbreaks (Red Tide). (1)

While most people experience only a noxious odor or mild respiratory cough during a Red Tide outbreak, some, according to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, Director of The Center for Research on Biotoxins and Associated Illness, suffer a much more severe illness, called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome-CIRS. (2)

“Bingo,” I told myself for I knew I carried that exact gene as well as did some of the patients calling into my office.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) are detrimental to people through their elaboration of a wide variety of very potent natural toxins. These toxins can be lethal and can cause a wide range of both acute and chronic health effects in certain genetically sensitive people including: bizarre behavior and short-term memory loss, neurologic, dermatologic, pulmonotoxic and immunotoxic illnesses including cancer. (3, 4)

Historically, the doctors and epidemiologists who first reported seeing patients complaining of bizarre neurologic symptoms associated with Red Tide outbreaks thought they were witnessing mass hysteria. These patients were simply sent home with a pill for ‘nerves’ and told to take it easy. When the NIH and CDC concluded Karenia brevis can cause serious human illness, these patients were finally given the credit they deserved and treatment they needed.

At The Renewal Point we offer an array of services to help eliminate all types of harmful toxins from the body.  As always, we begin with testing and assessment to find out if toxins, heavy metals, chemicals or biotoxins are indeed present and then create an individual treatment plan specific to that patient’s situation.  This approach helps to ensure that we are targeting not only the symptoms, but also the root cause of illness.  And, of course, we are always happy to work in conjunction with our patients’ other healthcare providers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 941-926-4905, email info@therenewalpoint.com, or come to one of our upcoming seminars.

References:

1. The Epidemiology of Human Illnesses Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms. Fleming, Backer, Rowan.

2. Southern Medical Journal Shoemaker, Collier, Burke-2002. Environmental Health Perspective-2007, March.

3. Pfiesteria Hysteria, Journal of Extension-Oct. 2006, Vol. 44, Number 5.

4. Handbook of Neurology, Vol. 1. E. J. Massaro, Humana Press Inc.

At The Renewal Point, we love all of the Osmosis MD and Colour Products, but this month we’d like to highlight the Osmosis TOP 10!

1) Catalyst AC-11 – This product is a gem!  It supports collagen and elastin production and increases DNA repair by 33%…resulting in reduction of fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles, skin tags, broken capillaries, and more!  How does it do this exactly?  By using a patented formula that activates Zinc Finger, which is a key part of DNA repair!

2) StemFactor – Treats damage, aging, texture, and overall appearance ~ all without irritating the skin!  How?  By using over 150 skin growth factors!

3) Correct – This is a protect and correct formula!  Correct environmental damage, rejuvenate the skin, and protect your skin from new damage with this vital Vitamin A serum.  Say “Adios” to acne, pigmentation, and fine lines!

4) Polish – A weekly treat for your skin!  Providing a gentle exfoliation, this cranberry enzyme mask gently removes dead skin without damaging deeper layers, in order to reveal youthful, glowing skin!

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8) Replenish – One word: ANTIOXIDANTS!  Now for a few more words…Use this twice daily to boost your skin’s immunity to free-radical damage.  Coupled with Protect (Osmosis sunscreen), your skin will have top notch protection from sun and environmental damage.

9) Rescue – With Trioxolane (found in ancient Oriental medicine) as the star ingredient, this patented serum aids in healing inflammation, acne, scars, and even discomforts like eczema and psoriasis.  This formula helps neutralize daily toxins and improves the overall health of your skin!

10) Protect – Last but not least ~ protection from the sun!  This is a NEW ultra-sheer formula that provides SPF 30 to nourish your skin while keeping the rays away. This is great for all skin types and ages and is chemical and dye-free.

Our Advanced Medical Aesthetician, Jenny Califano, is a Licensed Esthetician and Certified Holistic Skin Specialist with over 10 years of experience in this field.  Additionally, she is an expert in the use of Osmosis products.  Mention this article for a COMPLIMENTARY Skin Health Evaluation with Jenny!