What are the symptoms of Inflammation? What’s happening in the body with inflammation? Irritable bowel syndrome? What advice does Dr. Watts have for people looking for natural ways to reduce inflammation?
How are environmental toxins affecting us? What’s the Dirty Dozen? Seven billion pounds of environmental toxins are being dumped into our air and water each year. These heavy metals, chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides then enter our bodies – stockpiling in our brain, heart, bones, liver, and other organs – literally stealing our health. These destructive agents load up in our body in the form of toxic metals and other harmful chemicals that simply cannot be shed by normal body processes.
At The Renewal Point, we value evidenced-based medicine and education, which leads us to use an integrative approach, combining the most reliable and effective therapies from traditional, metabolic, functional, and regenerative medicine.
Q and A with Dr. Watts’ about his career and academic path…. from managing an Emergency Room and Nursing Home…to being an OBGYN and Minimally Invasive Surgeon….to Anti-Aging Medicine….and, now, Metabolic Endocrinology and Integrative Medicine!
Your midsection is getting softer and chubbier, but it doesn’t make sense…you are eating right and just as active as you have been for years. It feels as if your body is out of balance… like there’s something else going on that is making your trim waistline a thing of the past.
You are right! That is actually exactly what’s happening…as we age there are many external and internal forces causing an imbalance which makes losing belly fat much more difficult than it was in our 20s and 30s. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do about it. The first is to understand why it happens. Once you do, you will be better equipped to lose the extra belly fat.
External forces such as kids, college tuition, mortgage, job and balancing life for yourself between marriage and/or an active social calendar can create stress. Stress can then lead to an increase in cortisol, triggering your body to store fat around the middle.
Additionally, internal forces brought on by menopause and perimenopause cause alterations in your hormones. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz ” the number one reason it is so hard to lose belly fat is hormonal imbalance.” Changes in hormones, which happen with normal aging, alter where your body stores fat, making women more prone to gain weight around the middle. Sleep disturbances alone, which are common in menopause and perimenopause are associated with decreased levels of leptin (an appetite suppressant) and increased levels of ghrelin (an appetite stimulant).
Belly Busters:
Balance your hormones. Estrogens, cortisol, leptin, progesterone, testosterone and all the other hormones which go out of balance as we age make losing weight hard without the help of an expert. What you have done in the past is most likely not going to work as well as it once did.
Exercise. NAMS, The North American Menopause Society, as well as almost all other reputable societies, suggest 150 minutes of HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training, each week to maintain a strong heart, strong bones, fit trim bodies, and an optimal body composition (fat/muscle ratio).
Eat more foods that burn belly fat. Some of these include organically grown nuts, coconut oil, seeds, avocados, wild Alaskan salmon, grass-fed meats, grass-fed butter, etc.
Eat less foods that pack on weight. Foods to avoid include: cakes, breads, processed foods and high-fructose fruits.
Eat less sugar and simple carbohydrates. One of the most efficient ways to trim your body is to remove most of the sugars and starches from your diet and replace them with healthier choices. This is true for everyone, whether you’re an elite athlete or a sedentary diabetic.
Experts in Hormone Balancing and Weight Loss
With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications and credentials, Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and Helena Williams, ARNP, MS are experts in the science and art of Integrative Medicine, Bio-identical Hormone Balancing, and Weight Loss. Hormones are an essential component of almost every cell and every major function of our body. Balance is critical and, when achieved, can make weight loss much easier and bring about remarkable improvements in many other aspects of life. Due to the sensitive nature of hormone balancing, it is imperative that you work in partnership with an experienced provider and program.
To learn more, come to an upcoming seminar (RSVP), visit the website at TheRenewalPoint.com, and/or call 941-926-4905.
Reference:
Dr. Mehmet Oz, “Dr. Oz, The Good Life” Essential Guide to Your Best Body; July 2019
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating, progressive illness, which can affect anyone after the age of 60. In fact, AD is the most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disease, responsible for 75% of all dementia cases today. Sadly, it affects women much more than men. The specific causes are unknown, but a physical build up of beta-amyloid protein (bA) in the brain is believed to eventually lead to AD.
Let’s use a case study for an example: For many years, a 64 year woman was afraid to consult a physician about her concern of cognitive loss. Having been blessed with good memory her entire life, she was beginning to lose things, forget names of friends and places and had a problem recalling what she had done only yesterday. Both her parents died from Alzheimer’s in their 70’s, and she had mistakenly believed she was fated to go the same way.
The latest research, however, indicates that environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle factors are more important than genetics. This is great news because these factors can be improved, thus decreasing her chances of ever developing Alzheimer’s.
AD is divided into two main categories: early and late onset. The early onset of AD occurs between the ages of 30 and 60 and is almost 100% due to genetics (mutations in several genes such as APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2). But only 5% of Alzheimer’s cases are early onset. This was more good news because I told her that she belongs to the second group. Therefore, we can significantly decrease her risk of developing Alzheimer’s and improve her cognition at the same time, if we run some lab tests to find out if she had any factors contributing to an increase in inflammation of her brain.
For this patient, we recommended an individualized lifestyle modification program, based on the identification of specific environmental triggers that contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques and tangles of nerve fibers.
*Hormone panel and rebalance: gonadal, thyroid, adrenal etc.
*Metabolic markers and genetics
*Identify and remove neurodegenerative triggers, ie. heavy metals, pathogens, toxic chemicals and food antigens that cross react with amyloid plaques
*Check for and correct nutritional deficiencies
*Improve physical conditioning
Based on science evidenced research by Dr. Bredesen (Reversal of COgnitive DEcline)and in line with the May 2019 WHO guidelines for “Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia”, this program has already helped thousands of individuals , especially those in preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease. And, it is currently being used at such prestigious centers of excellence as The Cleveland Clinic.
At The Renewal Point, we have successfully followed this program for over five years now and I have personally seen remarkably changes in our patients with early and moderate cognitive decline.
Intravenous Therapy is the method of getting nutraceuticals directly into the blood stream, which means that almost all of it is being absorbed. When nutrients are taken through the mouth (via food or supplement), they are only partially absorbed, especially during times of high stress.
EDTA Chelation
What is it for? A chelating substance, EDTA is given intravenously to remove heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminum, and arsenic from the body. High build ups of these metals can cause a multitude of problems ranging from acute lead poisoning to chronic disease.
How does it work? The chelating agent, EDTA, “grasps” on to heavy metals by forming a water-soluble complex with the metals, which is then removed through the kidneys into your urine.
Myer’s Cocktail with Vitamin C
What is it for? This vitamin and mineral combination (magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C) has been found to be effective in many conditions, as well as in boosting the immune system before travel, during flu season, and prior to other medical treatments.
How does it work? By administering these vitamins/minerals through IV, absorption issues are bypassed and patients are able to achieve blood levels of the nutrients which are 10 times the amount of that achieved through oral administration.
Glutathione
What is it for? Glutathione is the primary cellular antioxidant. In humans, glutathione deficiency is linked to a number of disease states including pancreatic inflammation, diabetes, HIV, liver cirrhosis, pulmonary disease, Crohn’s disease, and neurodegeneration.
How does it work? Among other things, glutathione participates in liver detoxification and tissue repair and has proven beneficial in reducing free radical damage due to radiation. It is considered to be the most potent detox and antioxidant agent made by the body.
Edetate Calcium Disodium (Calcium EDTA)
What is it for? Used in treatment of symptomatic acute and chronic lead poisoning or for symptomatic patients with high blood levels of lead. It is also useful in poisoning by zinc, manganese, and certain heavy radioisotopes.
How does it work? The chelating agent, EDTA, “grasps” on to heavy metals by forming a water-soluble complex with the metals, which is then removed through the kidneys into your urine.
Dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic Acid (DMPS)
What is it for? DMPS has been used in acute and chronic poisoning with inorganic and organic mercury as well as mercury vapors, metallic mercury, lead, arsenic, copper, antimony, chromium, and cobalt.
How does it work? DMPS has two vicinal thiol-groups that form stable complexes with a variety of heavy metals.
Hydrogen Peroxide
What is it for? Hydrogen peroxide kills, or severely inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms (bacteria and viruses that use carbon dioxide for fuel and leave oxygen as a by-product) which cause disease.
How does it work? When a healthy cell encounters peroxide, the high amounts of the catalase enzyme contained in the cell converts the peroxide to hydrogen and water. Unhealthy cells don’t have enough catalase and are therefore killed by the peroxide.
High Dose Vitamin C
What is it for? In addition to the possibility of high dose vitamin C being cytotoxic (causing death) to tumor cells it has also been beneficial for treatment of viruses and bacterial infections and helps boost the immune system.
How does it work? IV administration can produce plasma concentrations as high as 26,000 micromol/L (as opposed to a maximum of only 220 micromol/L when taken orally). Vitamin C is known to induce peroxide formation in human cells. Peroxide is known to kill unhealthy human cells.
Magnesium Sulfate (Relaxer)
What is it for? In addition to its beneficial effects for asthma sufferers, magnesium sulfate has been found to be effective for migraine headaches, neuropathic pain, and heart arrhythmias.
How does it work? Magnesium sulfate can help to reduce spasms which can occur throughout the body in areas such as muscles, vessels, and airways.
NAD
What is it for? NAD helps to improve cognitive function, boost energy, support metabolism, gain muscle, ease the inflammatory/pain response, and reduce signs/symptoms of aging.
How does it work? It aids in the production of ATP; thus, supporting the processes of cellular respiration, replication of DNA, and muscle contractions.
Plaquex (Phosphatidylcholine)
What is it for? It is used to remove fatty and hardened plaque build-up in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. By building cell membranes, it helps to improve the function of all the organs, including the kidney and liver.
How does it work? Plaquex restores cell membrane function and integrity. This, in turn, helps to normalize cell metabolism and clear out fat deposits.
Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA)
What is it for? It helps to reduce inflammation and signs/symptoms of aging; it may also provide relief to some forms of neuropathy.
How does it work? ALA is a powerful antioxidant that works with the mitochondria to help reduce inflammation, eliminate toxins, boost metabolism, and reverse some of the free radical damage to our cells.
If you are interested in any of our IV Therapy services, we encourage you to call (941-926-4905), email (info@therenewalpoint.com), or fill out the contact form on the website.
There are several way to get nutrients into our body…food usually being the main thing that comes to mind. Vitamins/supplements usually come in at a close second. But, what about Intravenous Therapy?
IV Therapy seems to be a buzz word right now and IV clinics popping up with fun sounding names of cocktails and drips. However, intravenous technology actually isn’t anything new…it’s been used in health care since the 1830s…when Dr. Thomas Latta of Leith used it for studies on cholera treatment.
The reason for getting nutrients through IV Therapy is that it allows the nutrients to by-pass the gut and go directly into the circulation and cells of the body…which means almost all of it is going to be absorbed. When nutrients are swallowed into the stomach/gut, they are only partially absorbed into the cells; and, in times of high stress and illness, they are absorbed by the gut even less so. While food and supplements are still important fighters during those high stress times, the body can definitely gain extra benefits from IV Therapy.
At The Renewal Point, we have many Intravenous Therapy options ranging from the basic Myer’s Cocktail (an immune and energy booster) to EDTA Chelation (aids in removal of heavy metal) and Magnesium Sulfate (found to be effective for migraine headaches, neuropathic pain, and certain heart arrhythmias). The type of IV therapy that is right for you depends on the symptoms you are experiencing and/or your goal.
If you have been suffering from depression, fatigue, illness, insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, brain fog, or just feel like something is “off”, we encourage you to come see us. Before prescribing any IV, we will always do a thorough medical assessment in order to determine the safest and most appropriate therapy for a patient. In some cases, IV Therapy may be the best course of action, while in other cases, it may not be.
Our IV Therapy Program is inside of our Sarasota, FL medical office, which means that your IVs will be performed by our highly skilled medical staff with oversight of all protocols by our providers. We have comfortable, reclining chairs, and WiFi available for all patients, making it easy for you to sleep or work during your appointment.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about the specific IVs we offer, we encourage you to call our office at 941-926-4905 or visit our IV webpage at: https://www.therenewalpoint.com/services/iv-therapy/
How understanding the Gut-Brain connection can help you lose weight.
Overeating can make us gain weight, especially if its high fat, high sugar or just plain old junk food.
“Well…. I knew that”, you might say. But how and why do some people feel full after a nutritious meal while others are still hungry ,or worse, left with an intense craving for poor food choices? Those were the questions a multi-institutional team at Baylor College of Medicine was attempting to explain when their research revealed a previously unknown gut-brain connection that is responsible for turning off the satiety hormone, leptin.
The Baylor study reports that mice consuming a high fat diet show increased levels of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), a hormone produced in the gut that is involved in managing the body’s energy balance. Excess GIP travels through the blood to the brain where it inhibits the action of leptin; consequently, the animals continue to eat and gain weight. Blocking the interaction of GIP with the brain restores leptin’s ability to inhibit appetite and results in weight loss.
In summary, the researchers found that controlling GIP levels, will control leptin signaling in the brain to have us feel full, not overeat, and not gain weight.
The gut-brain connection has been revealed to be one of the most promising targets in treating obesity.
Let’s meet some other players in the Gut-Brain connection to weight loss:
- Neurotransmitters– Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, produced in the brain and gut, control cravings and satiation. The number one craving that serotonin and dopamine control is sugar and carb addiction.
- Leptin- Leptin, a hormone produced in adipose tissue (fat cells), is responsible for making us feel full or not. When this hormone is too low or too high, our brain does not get leptin’s signal to stop eating and we continue to stay hungry.
- Ghrelin- Ghrelin, the “Hunger Hormone”, is responsible for stimulating hunger, and it also is the “go” hormone that tells you to eat.
- Probiotics- Having the right gut bacteria has been proven to be one of the best strategies for good health. It affects what nutrients you absorb, how energy is stored, what vitamins are produced in you intestines and whether or not you gain weight.
At the Renewal Point, we specialize in balancing body and brain hormones of all kinds in order to give you the best mind, body, spirit and health ever. Hormone balancing can also be one of your best game plans for fast, healthy weight loss. We have found that unless all the hormones are balanced, maintaining a healthy weight will be difficult, if not near impossible, for most of us.
With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications and credentials, Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and Helena Williams, ARNP, MS are experts in NeuroAdrenal and Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing. As hormone balancing is both an art and science, it requires expertise in individualized therapy and ongoing dosing changes based not only on a patient’s diagnostic lab values, but also their symptoms. Due to the sensitive nature of hormone balancing, it is imperative that you work in partnership with an experienced provider and program.
To learn more, we encourage you to come to our upcoming seminar (RSVP), visit the website at TheRenewalPoint.com, and/or call 941-926-4905.
By Dr. Dan Watts and Helena Williams, APRN
Patients in their 60’s and 70’s tell us they enjoy sex more now than when they were younger. Some people may find this hard to believe and ask, “I’ve heard that as you get older, you lose it. What’s their secret?”
Historically, one of the most distressing side effects of aging has been a loss of one’s sexuality, including romance, performance and satisfaction. Many men experience a decrease in erections, while women notice a decline in overall sexual desire and enjoyment. No doubt this can be an area of great frustration! In turn, relationships are challenged since healthy sexual function is often linked to intimacy.
So, in the battle of the sexes, men vs. women, who wins? Polling people of all ages reveals some interesting statistics and as it turns out, it’s a tie!
Most men say they think about sex at least once a day, while only a quarter of women say the same.
Of sexual encounters, men experience orgasms at 95% and women at 69%.
Just over half (55%) said men have more fun during sex, compared to 45% for women.
Women’s orgasms last longer, on average 15-22 seconds compared to men’s 5-9 seconds.
Women are more likely to experience multiple orgasms and have a higher number of erogenous zones.
Although women can have multiple orgasms, they tend to orgasm less during penetrative sex.
Most men can orgasm within four minutes, while most women take between ten to twenty minutes.
According to the latest research, active sex lives are common well into the seventies and eighties
How to Have Good Sex at Any Age
Sex can be a powerful emotional experience and a great tool for protecting or improving health, and it is certainly not only for the young. The need for intimacy is ageless. Studies now confirm that no matter what your gender, you can enjoy sex for as long as you choose. These tips will help you increase intimacy and enjoyment as you age.
1. Hormones of Love
When low levels or an imbalance of hormones occur, the ability to engage in healthy sex is challenging. Sex can be unsatisfying, difficult or even impossible. Correcting the imbalance achieves rejuvenation of the body, brain and other more critical areas. Simple lab tests can detect these imbalances and natural hormone replacement can correct the problem. While many hormones are critical for good sex, the leader of the pack is testosterone. Testosterone ignites the fuel for virility in men (erection), and increases libido, orgasm and brain function in both women and men.
2. Matters of the Heart
Effectively treating cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes can have positive effects on healthy sexuality. For men, these conditions can produce erectile dysfunction. In women, they can lessen desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Diabetes can literally stunt the ability to experience sensuality. Obesity also affects women’s arousal, orgasm and satisfaction.
3. Romance, Passion and Fun
John Gray, in his bestseller Mars & Venus in the Bedroom, states that for sex to be great there must be loving and supportive communication in the relationship. Couples who talk, get to know each other better. Partners who listen really begin to connect and, with communication, sex improves.
With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications and credentials, Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and Helena Williams, ARNP, MS, are experts in the Science and Art of Integrative Medicine and Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing. Hormones are an essential component of almost every cell and every major function of our body. Balance is critical and, when achieved, can bring about remarkable improvements in many aspects of life. Due to the sensitive nature of hormone balancing, it is imperative that you work in partnership with an experienced provider and program.
We know that you can keep that flame alive because we have helped hundreds of patients in these matters!
References:
- Sexuality in Later Life. National Institute on Aging.
- Christopher Ryan, Ph.D. Who Enjoys Sex more, Men or Women?
- Why sex becomes less satisfying with age. Science Daily. The North American Menopause Society.
- Sex in later life: Better for women than men? Science Daily. Michigan State University.
- Hormones That Affect Sexual Desire. Our Bodies Ourselves.
- Who Enjoys Sex More, Men or Women? Zeynep Yenisey. MAXIM.