I just want to feel better but how?

Have you been experiencing weight gain, mood swings, sleep disorders, low or absent sex drive, memory disorder, the feeling of being tired or sluggish?

Have you been told that you have chronic fatigue, depression, thyroid disorder or fibromyalgia?

These and a host of other very common health problems can usually be traced to underlying deficiencies or imbalances of hormones in the body. Our bodies’ hormones must be in proper balance and harmony for us to function properly and feel our best. In fact, it is the imbalance and insufficiency of these hormones that cause us to age.

That’s right, we age because our hormones decline, not vice versa.

Rebalancing our bodies’ hormones with safe and natural Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy has shown tremendous health benefits that can often correct the health problems mentioned above while allowing us to live longer, age more gracefully, and with better health. This is precisely what Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is all about. CAM treats the whole body as a system to restore balance and ideal function, and to eliminate disease at the root. This is not like the usual medical approach where a patient reports a symptom and the doctor prescribes a drug to suppress that symptom – without addressing the imbalances that are at the root of the problem. CAM has given hope, health and relief to many patients who were being
treated unsuccessfully for their symptoms.

Because Bio-Identical Hormones are exact clones of the hormones produced and metabolized within the body, the risks that are associated with “synthetic hormone treatments” are not seen. Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormones include increased sex drive, improved sleep, improved exercise tolerance, improved muscle tone and weight loss, improvement in memory, reduced risk of cancer and heart disease and more.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Bioidentical hormones offer a natural, effective way to supplement hormone levels and treat symptoms of hormone imbalance without the reported side effects of conventional HRT.

In Depth: Hypothyroidism
Subclinical Hypothyroidism is a state of underactive thyroid gland activity that is not detected by conventional laboratory means. Well over 65% of the cases of hypothyroidism go undetected for years until the patient is so ill with symptoms that they themselves suggest the diagnosis to the doctor. All too often, physicians miss the diagnosis of hypothyroidism despite several classic symptoms because they rely solely on a single predetermined lab value (TSH) that was established over 50 years ago! In response to this, the Endocrinology Society Association of America revised the diagnostic levels of TSH thus “allowing” for more people to meet the criteria for diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Actually, subclinical hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by an astute physician through physical examination, patient based symptomatology, and evaluation of urine temperatures. Lab values should just be used as an aid in the diagnosis rather than the key to diagnosis. There have been advances in lab evaluation utilizing saliva, which is much less expensive than blood testing, but the key factor in testing is to be sure that your doctor obtains levels of both free T3 and free T4. These measure the actual thyroid hormones rather than the messenger brain hormone (TSH) currently used as the gold standard in conventional medicine.

Treatment is directed at supplementing what is missing. Traditional physicians most often prescribe Synthroid or Levoxyl, which is strictly T4. T4 is the most abundant thyroid hormone but it is not very active. T3, which comprises less than 15% of all the thyroid hormone in the body, is the active hormone. T3 is what is responsible for preventing, treating, and reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism. I prefer to use animal-based desiccated thyroid hormone containing both T3 and T4 in a ratio that is physiologic to the body. Also available is a synthetic non-animal based combination with a similar ratio of T3/T4. Each has their role and treatment should be individualized.

Untreated hypothyroidism can significantly affect quality of life and lead to misdiagnoses since many doctors attribute the constellation of patient symptoms to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and most unfortunately and too frequently, Depression. Don’t let yourself be a victim of this easily treatable disease. If you think you fit some of the criteria mentioned in this article, insist that the diagnosis be entertained.

For more information about hypothyroidism call us at 541-383-3424

Why Am I Feeling Old?

Do you feel like the weight of gravity is setting in? You keep telling yourself, that you’re too young to feel old, but your aching muscles, sore joints, and decreased energy tell you otherwise.

What are some key factors to feeling old?

  • Oxidative stress from diets high in sugar and processed foods
  • Inflammation from diets high in hydrogenated oils
  • Raised cortisol levels from poorly managed stress
  • Overuse of prescription drugs
  • Dehydration and large amounts of soda consumption
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Low thyroid function
  • Hormone imbalances

While life expectancy for humans has increased, for many individuals the quality of life has decreased. According to the World Health Organization, the United States ranks 37th in the world when it comes to overall health.1 More Americans are experiencing obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Surprisingly, women in other countries do not suffer from symptoms of hormonal imbalance to the extent that American women experience PMS, endometriosis, fibroid tumors and menopausal symptoms.

Why do Americans suffer more from health ailments? A key factor is found within hormonal imbalances. For women, an extremely common hormone imbalance is “estrogen-dominance.”

Estrogen-dominance

Severe symptoms of menopause, PMS, heavy menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis, as well as the progression of fibroid tumors and cancer, can all be related to estrogen-dominance.2,3,4Estrogen is a primary hormone found in men and women. While it is necessary for cardiovascular health, reproduction, bone development, and cognitive function, an excessive amount of estrogen can cause health problems.

How does estrogen-dominance develop? Obesity can be a major factor in estrogen-dominance, as estrone (a form of estrogen) is stored in fat cells.5 Another source can be found in compounds known as PCBs, BPAs, and Phthalates.6 These materials contain xenoestrogens (estrogen-like chemicals) that can be found in plastics, petroleum-based products, and household cleaning supplies. Xenoestrogens can also be found in herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides that are used on our food supply. These compounds can cause significant health ailments, including estrogen-related cancers.7 The high-fat, western diet that is based on refined, processed foods and saturated animal fats can also contribute to estrogen-dominance.8

While obese men store more estrone, they typically aren’t affected with estrogen-dominance. However, men can experience testosterone deficiency as they age, which can lead to increased body fat, low libido, mood imbalances, fatigue, and cardiovascular ailments.9

If you have concerns about hormone imbalances, you can check your hormone levels with simple blood tests. A hormone imbalance or deficiency can be safely and effectively treated with bioidentical hormone replacement. Maintaining healthy hormone levels can help restrain significant health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, depression, and menopausal symptoms.10,11,12

References

  1. Murray CJ, Frenk J. Ranking 37th – measuring the performance of the U.S. health care system. N Engl J Med. 2010 Jan;362(2):98-99.
  2. Ashby J, Tinwell H, Plautz J, et al. Lack of binding to isolated estrogen or androgen receptors, and inactivity in the immature rat uterotrophic assay, of the ultraviolet sunscreen filters Tinosorb M-active and Tinosorb S. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2001;34(3):287–291.
  3. Bentrem D, Fox JE, Pearce ST, et al. Distinct molecular conformations of the estrogen receptor alpha complex exploited by environmental estrogens. Cancer Res. 2003;63(21):7490–7496.
  4. Kubista E. [Diagnosis and therapy of fibrocystic breast disease]. Zentralbl Gynakol. 1990; 112(17):1091–1096.
  5. Turner N. The Hormone Diet: A 3-Step Program to Help You Lose Weight, Gain Strength, and Live Younger Longer. New York, NY: Rodale;2009.
  6. Tapiero H, Ba GN et al. Estrogens and environmental estrogens. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Feb;56(1):36–44.
  7. Fucic A, Gamulin M, Ferenic Z, Katic J, et al. Environmental exposure to xenoestrogens and oestrogen related cancers: reproductive system, breast, lung, kidney, pancreas, and brain. Environ Health. 2012 Jun;11(1):S8.
  8. Hall DC. Nutritional influences on estrogen metabolism. Applied Nutritional Science Reports. 2001:1-8.
  9. Watt PJ, Hughes RB, et al. A holistic programmatic approach to natural hormone replacement. Fam Community Health. 2003;25(1):53-63.
  10. Walsh B and Schiff I. Menopause. In Principles and Practice of Endocrinology and Metabolism. New York : Lippincott, Williams and Williams;2001.
  11. Cameron DR , Braunstein GD. Androgen replacement therapy in women. Fertil Steri. 2004;82(2):273-289.
  12. Formby B, Wiley TS. Progesterone inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells: inverse effects on Bcl-2 and p53. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1998;28(6):360–369.

5 Secrets To Longevity

Live long and prosper. What can you do to have a longer, happier life? In addition to a eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, life expectancy is related to your attitude, behavior, and beliefs.

Be Positive

Is the glass half full or half empty? Your attitude and perspective on the world contribute largely to your health.1Individuals who have a positive outlook when they are young tend to live longer.2 In a study where participants over the age 50 were followed for 30 to 40 years, researchers found that the individuals who had a positive attitude about aging lived about seven years longer than those who did not.3 Those who tend to hold on to negative emotions are more likely to experience harmful health outcomes, including heart ailments.4-6

If you find yourself feeling more hostile, bitter, and depressed, try to become an extrovert. Get involved in a community group, enroll in a community class, reach out to new people or try a new hobby that includes other people. Doing so will help you feel more positive and involved.

Be Conscientious

Just like keeping a positive attitude, personality traits impact longevity. Researchers have found that individuals who are more conscientious, organized, reliable, and competent live longer. A meta-analysis of 20 different studies dealing with a conscientious nature and longevity found that achievement (persistence, industrious nature) and order (organized, disciplined) were significantly related to longevity. Furthermore, conscientious people are less likely to smoke and more likely to have a stable marriage and job.7

Serve Others

By doing good works for other people, you can boost antibodies that stimulate the immune system, hormones, and cognitive function. Older individuals who volunteer have a sense of being needed and valued, which may be another underlying reason for greater longevity among those who volunteer.8

Reach out and get involved by becoming a mentor for an adolescent. People find great meaning in their service when they can help someone younger.

Socialize with Good Friends

Strong connections with friends can support a healthy immune system. Confiding in a good friend or family member can release negative emotions and tension. Furthermore, studies find that married people tend to live longer than those who are single.9,10

Prayer & Meditation

Our beliefs can play a role in overall health. Religious individuals tend to live longer by being involved in a community congregation. Additionally, religious people tend to avoid substance abuse that can weaken health. Researchers found that people attending a weekly religious service were 46% less likely to die over a six-year period than those who attended services less often.11 Furthermore, beliefs can bring comfort and peace to religious individuals, reducing negative stress and despair.

References

  1. Carver CS, Connor-Smith J. Personality and coping. Annu Rev Psychol. 2010;61:679-704.
  2. Ringbäck Weitoft G, et al. Is perceived nervousness and anxiety a predictor of premature mortality and severe morbidity? A longitudinal follow up of the Swedish survey of living conditions. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2005 Sep;59(9):794-8.
  3. Levy BR, Slade MD, Kunkel SR, Kasl SV. Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging. J of Personality & Soc Psychol. 2002;83(2):261-270.
  4. Brydon L, et al. Dispositional optimism and stress-induced changes in immunity and negative mood. Brain Behav Immun. 2009 Aug;23(6):810-6.
  5. Stewart JC, et al. Negative emotions and 3-year progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;64(2):225-33.
  6. Pedersen SS, et al. Type D personality, cardiac events, and impaired quality of life: a review. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2003 Aug;10(4):241-8.
  7. Kern ML, Friedman HS. Do conscientious individuals live longer? A quantitative review.Health Psychol. 2008 Sep;27(5):505-512.
  8. Gottlieb BH, Gillespie AA. Volunteerism, health, and civic engagement among older adults. Can J Aging. 2008 Winter;27(4):399-406.
  9. Johnson NJ, Backlund E, Sorlie PD, Loveless CA. Marital status and mortality: the national longitudinal mortality study. Ann Epidemiol. 2000 May;10(4):224-238.
  10. Kaplan RM, Kronick RG. Marital status and longevity in the United States population. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2006 Sep;60(9):760-765.
  11. Koenig HG, Hays JC, Larson DB, George LK, et al. Does religious attendance prolong survival? A six-year follow-up study of 3,968 older adults. J of Gerontology. 1999 Jul;54(7):M370-6.

Does Looking Younger Mean Living Longer?

How old do people think you are? Are you 60 going on 25? Then you are well on your way to a life of longevity. Perceived age is a term often used by physicians to recognize a patient’s level of health, in which an individual may look younger or older than his or her chronological age. Is there really an internal fountain of youth that radiates through your appearance?

Researchers from the University of Denmark decided to put this idea to the test. The study recruited 1,826 Danish twins (70 years and older) to take physical and cognitive tests. The twins also had their faces photographed. Next, volunteers looked at the photos and determined the subjects’ age based on their appearance. After a seven-year follow up, researchers found that longevity was significantly related to perceived age, as it was more likely that the older-looking twin died first. Additionally, younger-looking individuals had greater physical and mental capacities.

Researchers concluded common genetic factors associated with a younger appearance might also explain the findings. They determined perceived age is a strong indication of aging and longevity.

Reference

Christensen K, Thinggaard M, McGue M, Rexbye H, et al. Perceived age as clinically useful biomarker of ageing: cohort study. BMJ. 2009 Dec 10;339:b5262.

Keep Yourself Young

A friend of mine has a car that is 20 years old. It is safe and functions very well, even with almost 300,000 miles on it. Why is it in such great shape compared to other cars of exactly the same year? He took and takes care of it. Also, it has good genetics, so to speak. (It’s a Mercedes). Our bodies are similar. Some of us have good genetics. Some of us not so good. Either way, we all have work to do to take care of our body.

How? Many of us did not invest in our “body and health account” and as we age we began to have ailments. Is it too late, you may wonder, to be preventative? NO, as long as you are alive, even the smallest steps towards health and wellness count. This article is geared to answer the general question of “What can I do to have a healthier body and mind as I continue to age? ”

First, get a complete physical with a blood and urine workup. Many diseases can be avoided IF a person has the current information of the state of health of their body. And then compare, over time, under medical supervision, changes in these findings. Depending on your age and sex, other tests include regular pap and breast exams, thermograms, mammograms, EBT, dexascan, PSA and prostate checks, and colonoscopy.

Go over the results in detail with a physician. Give specific details of previous medical history, both personal and family. Ask questions if you need clarification of specific results. Keep records of your blood pressure, height and weight. Know your blood type, fasting cholesterol, and glucose.

Examine in detail your diet, lifestyles, and daily habits. If you are uncertain about the details of your life keep a monthly log and then examine. This includes sleep, food and drink, elimination, all over the counter supplements, prescription medications, exercise program, and weight changes.
QUIT SMOKING, chewing tobacco and taking recreational drugs. Aging is going to happen, like paying taxes and dying. However, these habits not only hasten the process, they can cause disease and decrease the quality of life along the way.

There are a number of supplements that are protective and may be part of a preventative program. These include antioxidants: vitamin C, selenium, zinc, B vitamins, including folic acid. Others are calcium and magnesium, and essential fatty acids.

We have all heard the expression “ Use it or Lose it”. Yes, if we do not use our muscles, we lose them. Resistance training or weight lifting and maintaining lean body mass is one of the key indicators of a healthy aging body. Exercise is important.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food”, is another expression we all have heard. And yet so few of us embrace and practice this philosophy. Water, fruits, vegetable, grains, nuts and seeds, quality proteins (free range, non-GMO, hormone free) must be the priority of our diets. There are so many benefits from these types of foods, such as vitamins, phytonutrients, and fiber just to name a few.

Taking care of injuries and symptoms as they arise before they become chronic disorders most often are excellent short as well long term investments into your overall health.

And lastly and certainly not least, the mind-body connection. Filling our lives with love and joy. Doing what we love with passion, loving and being loved in return nurtures our soul, spirit, and our body.

On average, the life expectancy age continues to rise. As we live longer, let us choose to also live healthier. THIS should be part of our legacy, an example to and for each other, and our children.

If you would like a consultation regarding this or any other health matter, please call (541) 383-3424 today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

Anti-Aging

The focus of this newsletter is anti-aging. This subject has become quite a buzz word in the health community. In my opinion, anti-aging is so much more than Botox injections and accomplished cosmetic procedures designed to make us look more youthful from the outside. I believe that there are a number of factors that are successful in protecting, preventing and restoring vitality, mental acuity and physical integrity within our bodies. With this thought in mind, “we age from the inside out”, here are the following ideas:

  • STOP SMOKING: Just do it!
  • WEAR SUNBLOCK:
  • DRINK WATER:
  • PAY ATTENTION TO NUTRITION

NUTRITION:

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food.” “You are what you eat”. Over time, the lack in quality of nutrition appears throughout the body, from the skin on the outside to the internal chemistry. I am not simply referring to eating well, which to most Americans means a lot. I am referring to eating organic vegetables, fruits, whole grains and quality proteins. It still amazes me when people say that they do not like vegetables and therefore do not eat vegetables. Get over it! There are so many healthy recipes to make even the least palatable vegetable taste good.

Also, it is not the amount of food that makes for a quality nutritious meal. Studies have actually shown that people who eat fewer calories are thinner and live longer. Three goals: Eat organic, eat local, and eat in moderation!!

  • BUSY ACTIVE MIND:
  • FEELING NEEDED, and/or CONTRIBUTING to SOMETHING:
  • MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS:
  • EXERCISE

EXERCISE

Gyms are failing all over the country. Is this due to the recession? Perhaps in some cases. Many patients have home exercise equipment and do not use them. Why is this? Study after study shows us how important physical activity is to our health both in the moment, and over the long run. I think people are confused with the term living an active lifestyle vs. exercise program.

Some people will always choose a personal trainer, and or a focused exercise regime available at gyms or with a personal trainer for personal reasons some of which may be convenience and time. However, there are no substitutes for a day out on the trail cross country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, alpine skiing, swimming, bike riding, dancing, yoga, horseback riding, cleaning stables etc. Make things fun. Go with friends. Take your kids, and/or grandkids. Our bodies are designed to move. To avoid boredom, change it up as the seasons change. JUST DO IT! It does not take a lot of exercise. In fact some studies show that too much exercise increases our oxidation rate, which increases the amount of free radicals in our body that actually encourages/enhances aging. If you are concerned you may be exercising too much, come in and see me. We will evaluate this on an individual basis.

SLEEP:

The quality and quantity of sleep matters. Did you know that one of our most important hormones is primarily released while we sleep? This hormone is responsible for growth (mostly during childhood), cellular repair and anti-aging. The big buzz currently is HGH injections, or sublingual preparations for anti-aging. If you have questions on this please come in and see me. We will evaluate this on an individual basis.

METABOLIC BALANCE
The blood and urine do not lie. Hormones and chemistry matter. What tests we order and how we interpret the results in the presence of an extensive history and appropriate physical exam matters. In some cases, this may be the difference between life and death. Practicing anti-aging medicine is really what I have always called preventative medicine. My personal goal has always been to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Also, do what I know and to continue to learn more about how to be preventative. Just because we are aging, does not mean we have to accept the most prevalent increase and incident of chronic disease in our own lives. Our science is amazing. We now can check to see if we have any evidence of plaque in our arteries, and inflammation (stroke and heart attack risk, chronic inflammatory disease) sugar and insulin levels (diabetes). We can test for all kinds of genetic markers and evaluate our risk factors of specific kinds of diseases. In this office I evaluate with you which tests are appropriate for you. The rate and the way in which we age is, after all, very individual. It is influenced by our genetics, yes, but our lifestyle and the choices we consciously make day to day absolutely affect our outcome.

So, at the beginning of this newsletter, I invited you to look at our daily routines. Are there things we should, can and are willing and able to change as we get older day to day? Let us pay attention. In some cases, time has not been so kind. Let us not take our health for granted.

I would like to close with a patient’s own story. A 76-yr old man came in for his annual checkup. We run annual blood and urine. (He sees a male physician as part of his health care team as well.) As we reviewed his labs and his case again, all appeared normal. I told him that everything appeared fine on his labs, and I wasn’t sure what I could do for him. He said, “I just want to make sure I am doing the right things. I want to stay healthy.” I told him, sir, keep doing what you are doing, because everything appears fine. Then I asked him what he thought it was that kept him happy and healthy. He said, “I take the supplements you prescribe, and try to exercise as regularly as I can with stretching, jogging, walking and golf. I am still working, where I feel needed, and keep my mind active. I have a wonderful wife and family. And I give back to the community which has been good to me.”

May this story inspire all of us, to be and become the best we can be. To all my patients, I continue to look forward to serving you. Thank you for your continued support through your referral of friends and family.

Sincerely
Dr. Brust