March 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Does Your Bowel Need A Towel?

IBS

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you’re in a great mood but your bowels?  Not so much.  Irritable Bowel System (IBS) affects roughly 20% of the population.  IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that does not harm the gastric system but does cause discomfort and embarrassment.

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with IBS.  Unfortunately, the causes of IBS are somewhat murky.  A combination of mental and physical factors can lead to IBS but it’s impossible to predict.

For many, diet is a critical component in the trigger and relief of IBS symptoms.  Food allergies account for a significant amount of IBS-related discomfort.  Keeping a food diary can help you figure out what foods are problematic.

In general, IBS sufferers should avoid or moderate intake of greasy food, dairy, whole grains, raw fruit, vegetables, artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy food, nuts, seeds and chocolate.  While many of these items are part of a balanced diet, they tend to be harder on the gastrointestinal tract.  According to Dr. Mark Hyman,

A landmark paper, was recently published in the prestigious British medical journal Gut that found eliminating foods identified through delayed food allergy testing (IgG antibodies) resulted in dramatic improvements in IBS symptoms. Another article, an editorial in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, stated clearly that we must respect and recognize the role of food allergies and inflammation in IBS.”

Food allergies aside, what can you eat safely?

Fruits such as bananas, honeydew melon, mandarin oranges, raspberries and strawberries are easily digestible.

Focus on vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, corn, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and carrots.  These options are less fibrous than some of their counterparts and are therefore easier to digest.

Whole grains can trigger (or worsen) IBS symptoms.  Stick to gluten-free products or oats.

Fiber is an essential part of every diet but it’s especially important for IBS sufferers in order to keep “things moving.”  The trick is consume sources of fiber that are gastrointestinal-friendly.

If you are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, talk with your doctor about the relationship between food allergies and IBS.  A few lifestyle changes may help your irritable bowels become a little less… well, irritable.

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Filed Under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
March 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Don’t Be a Victim of Your Symptoms: Talking to Your Doctor about IBS

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The clock is ticking and you’re nearly finished with your doctor appointment.  You’ve covered the usual topics but you’ve failed to mention the one thing that’s nearly overtaken your life recently – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  IBS symptoms are decidedly NOT sexy and at best incredibly embarrassing.

However, you have to start somewhere.  If you think you’re suffering from IBS, use the following as a guide to initiate discussions with your physician.

  • What is causing my IBS?
  • How does diet affect IBS symptoms?
  • Is my fiber intake appropriate to control IBS?
  • Do I need prescription medication?
  • Are laxatives safe to use with IBS?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to alleviate my IBS symptoms?
  • Is this a long-term condition?
  • Do menstrual cycles affect IBS?
  • Should I supplement my diet with probiotics?
  • How does stress affect IBS?  How do psychological issues impact IBS?
  • Should I be tested for gluten intolerance or allergies?
  • Is exercise harmful or helpful for IBS symptoms?
  • What is the outcome for people with IBS?
  • Are clinical trials an option?

Diagnosing IBS is a complicated process.  Rather than simply treating the symptoms, it’s important to discern what’s actually causing your discomfort.  According to Dr. Mark Hyman . . .

Emerging research has helped identify the underlying causes. For over 15 years I have been successfully treating irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions using a very simple methodology based on functional medicine that helps identify and remove the underlying causes and restores normal digestive function and health.”

IBS is most common in women, people under the age of 50 and those with a history of IBS in the family.  It is commonly defined as a group of symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation.

Although IBS is termed “functional” (it does not harm the GI system), it can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient.  Not feeling in control of your bowels is both distressing and upsetting.  Your doctor is there to help you manage your symptoms and put you back in the driver’s seat.

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Filed Under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
March 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

How to Talk to a Doctor about Your Overactive Bladder

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If you’re speaking to your doctor about overactive bladder (OAB), congratulations—you’re already past the hardest part. The National Association for Continence says that thousands of Americans mistakenly believe that overactive bladder is simply a part of aging and even if they have symptoms, they never talk to their doctor about it.

Reaching out for medical help certainly takes courage, but for many individuals, the anxiety doesn’t stop there. You may be wondering: How should you start the conversation? What symptoms are important? What questions should you ask?

You’re not alone – the doctor-patient conversation makes many people nervous. Preparing in advance might make it easier for you. Take a look at these two lists. They provide a brief overview of questions that might be included at your appointment. You can start with these basic lists and add in your own personal questions, too.

4 Things the Doctor May Ask You

1. How often do you go?

Individuals with OAB urinate more than eight times per day. Keeping a diary of your bladder function over the course of a few days may be helpful.

2. When do you go?

Overactive bladder often causes individuals to go frequently during the day and at least once per night. Be sure to note the time of urination on your bladder diary.

3. Do you have any other health issues?

Other medical conditions can contribute to OAB. Examples include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, prostate issues, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

4. What medications do you take?

Both prescription and over-the-counter medicine can cause bladder problems. Examples include alpha-blockers, hormone therapy, diuretics, sleeping pills, antidepressants, and painkillers.

4 Things to Ask Your Doctor

1. Who gets overactive bladder?

Surprisingly, the condition is extremely common. Nearly 33 million Americans have overactive bladder. Older males, women who have gone through menopause, women who have been pregnant or who have had vaginal births, or those with certain chronic medical conditions are most at risk of developing OAB.

2. What tests will I need?

The doctor may suggest several tests to rule out medical conditions and test the severity of your overactive bladder. You might need a urine analysis, a urine flow test, a bladder pressure exam, a neurological exam, a pelvic or prostate exam, or other specific tests in accordance with your medical history.

3. What treatments will help me?

There are several types of treatments available to help OAB patients. A combination of lifestyle modifications (losing weight, doing kegel exercises, scheduling bathroom breaks, and bladder training), over-the-counter medications (Oxytrol), prescription medications (anticholinergics or mirabegron), injections (Botox), and nerve stimulation may be used.

4. Do I need to see a specialist?

Most of the time, your primary care physician will be able to treat you.  But you certainly have the option to see a specialist if you have an unique or difficult-to-treat case of overactive bladder. A urologist or incontinence specialist may be able to offer additional help.

Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of your overactive bladder. Remember, you are doing the right thing! Speaking with your doctor is the first step to relieving your bladder troubles.

Enjoyed this article? Find more information at beststethoscopeguide.com.
What’s The Matter With My Bladder?
Overactive Bladder: What’s Going Wrong with your Urinary System?

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February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

What Causes Hot Flashes? Ask Your Brain

brain causes hot flashes

If you’ve ever had a hot flash, you know the symptoms are undeniable. Your heart races, the sweat pours off your brow, and your face turns red (good-bye makeup!). While each hot flash might only last a few minutes, many women report that hot flashes have a substantial negative impact on their lives. In fact, up to 15 percent of menopausal women seek medical help because of their hot flashes.

Millions of frustrated menopausal women have spent countless days and nights wondering why they’re having hot flashes. Is it old age? Is it stress? Is the thermostat just set too high? The real reason behind hot flashes is actually quite scientific. Researchers believe they are caused by a complex interaction between a specific part of the brain and a woman’s hormones.

It all starts with the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, appetite, sleep cycles, and a variety of hormones. The changing hormones brought about by menopause directly affect the hypothalamus and its regulating capabilities. Estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and cortisol may all play a part in hot flashes. In the case of body temperature, these hormone imbalances cause the hypothalamus to go off the deep end. It mistakenly tells the body that it is way too hot. This faulty response triggers the common symptoms of a hot flash: the heart speeds up, the blood vessels open wide, the skin flushes, and the sweat glands go to work.

Because hot flashes are the result of a miscommunication in the body, scientific researchers have found several different classes of medications that can suppress the mistaken reactions. Examples include blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, and some herbal remedies. Doctors also suggest that women employ practical tips to lessen the impact of hot flashes: dress in layers, turn down the thermostat, avoid alcohol and caffeine, practice relaxation techniques, and exercise regularly.

Now that you know what’s causing your hot flashes, do you feel better? The scientific reasoning might not give you much comfort, but rest assured, hot flashes usually subside completely in the first or second year following menopause.

Related Article: Hot Tips For Menopausal Women with Hot Flashes

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February 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

3 Questions Diabetic Patients Should Ask About Their Heart

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The heart pumps close to 2,000 gallons of oxygen-carrying, nutrient-rich blood through the body every day. When the heart can’t function properly, the entire body suffers.

Due to a variety of factors, diabetes impairs the heart and damages the entire circulatory system. Experts say that the damage done by diabetes is just as harmful to the heart as smoking cigarettes. In fact, cardiovascular issues are the leading cause of death among diabetics.

If you have diabetes, taking care of your heart should be at the top of your to-do list. Together with your doctor, you should be monitoring the status of your cardiovascular system and addressing any problems immediately.

Don’t know where to begin? Discussing these three questions with your doctor will give you a good start.

1. What are my risk factors?

The well-being of your cardiovascular system depends on several different factors. Being a diabetic already gives you one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Here’s a list of seven other things that can cause damage to your heart and blood vessels. Remember, the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop problems with your heart.

  • Smoking cigarettes – The nicotine in cigarettes denies the heart of oxygen and makes the heart work harder. Because of this, your blood pressure and heart rate go up. Smoking can also cause blood clots and damage blood vessels.
  • High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) – Having too much “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and not enough “good cholesterol” (HDL) can damage the heart. High cholesterol clogs the arteries and restricts blood flow.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) – Diabetics are two times more likely to suffer from hypertension than the general public. It weakens blood vessels, narrows blood vessels, and overburdens the heart.
  • Obesity – Obesity feeds into several other risk factors. It can cause hypertension and high cholesterol.
  • Stress – Excessive stress can decrease blood flow to the heart, and make your blood pressure and heart rate skyrocket.
  • Gender – Women younger than 55 have a lower risk of cardiovascular health issues than men of the same age. After the age of 55, both genders have an equal risk.
  • Genetics – Having immediate family members with heart disease increases your risk of developing similar problems with your cardiovascular system.

2. What is the current condition of my heart?

As a diabetic, you should have a frank conversation with your doctor about the condition of your cardiovascular system. Listen specifically for these medical terms:

  • Atherosclerosis – the hardening of the arteries caused by excess cholesterol and fat in the blood. This condition limits blood flow to the heart and other organs. Diabetics often have severe atherosclerosis that advances quickly and causes damage throughout the body.
  • Microangiopathy – damage to the capillaries and small blood vessels that is caused by chronically high blood sugar.
  • Autonomic neuropathy – damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls the nerves of the heart and blood vessels. Blood flow, pulse rate, and blood pressure may be affected.
  • Endothelial dysfunction – damage done to the inner lining of the blood vessels. The vessels may lose their flexibility.

3. How can I keep my heart healthy for the future?

By knowing your risk factors and the current condition of your heart, you can make a comprehensive plan to keep your heart in good shape. Here are some preventative steps you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is a critical part of any diabetic treatment plan. Make sure to discuss these questions with your doctor at every checkup.  If you feel any unusual cardiac symptoms, alert your doctor right away or call 911.

Enjoyed this article?  Try reading these as well . . .
Why Diabetics are at Risk for High Cholesterol
Low-Stress Meals For Diabetics
Diabetes: Control Your Blood Sugars through Smoking Cessation

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Filed Under: Diabetes, High Cholesterol
February 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Opioid-Induced Constipation: 10 Ways to Make Yourself Go

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The pain has subsided and you’re starting to feel human again but now you’re looking at the bathroom longingly.  An unfortunate effect of pain management with opioids is opioid-induced constipation.  Opioids increase the amount of time it takes matter to move through the digestive tract.  In addition to that, they also partially paralyze the digestive tract further increasing how long it takes from “start” to “finish.”  Up to 90% of opioid users experience opioid-induced constipation.

Opiates are narcotics that treat chronic pain.  They attach to receptors in the nervous system and change the way the brain interprets pain.  Physicians generally prescribe opiates when common analgesics have failed to manage discomfort.  Opiates are especially effective because they are long acting and give the patient more reliable pain control.

Opioid induced constipation symptoms are:

  • Straining in the bathroom
  • Stomach distention or tenderness
  • Excessive bloating
  • Hard and dry stool
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Depression
  • Feeling sick
  • Flatulence
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn or acid reflux

If you can’t already tell, opioid-induced constipation is uncomfortable and often unavoidable.  While physicians can treat constipation with a number of medical routes, we do have several at-home remedies that we suggest you try:

  1. Mix powdered bulk-forming laxatives into juice.
  2. Load up on salads and fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal, whole grains and legumes.
  3. Drink water throughout the day.
  4. Schedule gym time.  Regular exercise helps regulate the digestive system.
  5. Add a stool softener to your daily vitamin regimen.
  6. Abdominal massage can stimulate the colon and speed things up.
  7. Eat yogurt!  Probiotics promote healthy “gut bacteria” and may assist digestion.
  8. Add supplemental magnesium (>500 mg per day) or red tea.
  9. With cold water, hydrotherapy can increase blood flow and motility in the stomach.  Spray your abdomen with cool water after your shower.
  10. Attempt bowel movements every day.

Let us know what you have found to help your constipation!

Learn more about opioid-induced constipation by reading Pain Relief with a Side of Opioid-Induced Constipation.

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February 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

What’s The Matter With My Bladder?

public restrooms

Do you immediately scope out the bathroom in unfamiliar places? Have you ever watched a movie straight through without stopping? Do you know the location of every restroom between your home and work?  Overactive bladders (OAB) are nothing to sneeze at (literally!).  For clinical purposes, eight or more urinations per day is the hallmark of an overactive bladder.  Nerves and muscles in the bladder are the major players in bladder dysfunction.  The nervous system is responsible for regulating the contraction and relaxation of bladder muscles.  The constant urge to urinate all the time is the result of inappropriate contractions.  Common causes of inappropriate contractions are:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Dementia
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Anxiety

Along with medication prescribed by a physician, OAB patients can also manage their symptoms with behavioral therapy, electrical stimulation, pelvic floor exercises, fluid management, urination schedules and bladder training.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol because both substances are diuretics and stimulate the bladder.

An estimated 15% of the United States population will suffer from overactive bladders.  Worldwide, 200 million people are affected.  Although prevalence increases with age, young people are not immune.  OAB occurs twice as often in women than in men.  Roughly, one in five adults over the age of 40 experience overactive bladders.  It takes women about 6.5 years to seek treatment after the first episode.   Unfortunately, there is a stigma associated with overactive bladders and embarrassment may prevent treatment.  The number of adults with overactive bladders is likely underreported because of failure to seek treatment.

The Urology Care Foundation has launched a public education campaign to reduce the stigma and shame of frequent urination.  If you’re experiencing frequent or excessive urination, talk with your doctor about the possibility of treatment.  Ask about symptoms, testing and treatment.  Writing down questions beforehand may help you feel less uncomfortable about broaching the subject.  Don’t accept this as a way of life.  Take control.

Enjoyed this article?  Try reading these as well . . .
How to Talk to a Doctor about Your Overactive Bladder
Overactive Bladder: What’s Going Wrong with your Urinary System?

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February 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Hot Tips For Menopausal Women with Hot Flashes

lady.fanIf you’ve ever experienced sudden and profuse sweating, you’ve probably had a hot flash. If your family is wearing sweaters indoors mid-summer, you just might be experiencing “nature’s change.”  Can’t unload the dish washer without burning up?  Yep, hot flashes.

Hot flashes, often referred to as vasomotor symptoms, are a short but extreme sensation of heat.  They can last just a few minutes or up to an hour. They will leave you splotchy, red-faced and covered in sweat.  So much for today’s make-up and good luck finding an anti-hot flash antiperspirant! In most cases, hot flashes are associated with menopause and perimenopause.

Perimenopause, also called the menopause transition, is the period of time when a woman experiences noticeable shifts in her cycle and/or hormone levels.  Perimenopause is the precursor to menopause.  Menstrual cycles become longer or shorter.  Fertility decreases and mood swings are common.  LDL cholesterol may rise with the decline of estrogen.  Interest in sex and sexual function may drop off.  Night sweats may cause sleep disruption.

The normal menstrual cycle includes hormone surges and as such, a woman’s hormone levels change as she moves through her cycle.  In the later stages of life, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone.  The end result is a stable hormone level but in the interim, women experience difficulty with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, called thermoregulation. It is a thermoregulation disorder that is primarily responsible for the flinging off of clothes at potentially inappropriate times, marital arguments about the temperature of the bedroom and the temptation to cool down via the refrigerator.

Hot flashes are just one of several symptoms of menopause, but they will affect nearly 75% of all women. Menopause (and consequently, hot flashes) is unavoidable.  Nevertheless, there are things you can do to keep cool-headed and cool-bodied.

  • Dress in layers that you can peel off without offending anyone.
  • Keep fans at home and work.  Keep a personal fan in your purse for stuffy/warm places.
  • Note any specific triggers that precede your hot flashes (spicy food, caffeine, sugar, etc.).
  • Wear cotton nightclothes and keep breathable cotton sheets on the bed.
  • Sip iced beverages throughout the day.
  • Upgrade your bed to a king for less heat transfer from your bedmate.
  • Try a cool shower.
  • Keep fabric ice packs in freezer for a quick cool-down.
  • Exercise can ease the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
  • Reduce stress levels with massage, meditation or yoga.
  • Go for a swim.
  • Try supplementing with black cohosh.  There have been mixed opinions about its efficacy but it’s worth a try.
  • Increase your consumption of phytoestrogen-rich foods such as, lentils, soy, and chickpeas.

It’s important to remember that your hot flashes WILL end.  Perimenopause and menopause are simply stages of life.  You just have to keep your cool. Related Article: What Causes Hot Flashes? Ask Your Brain Hot Flashses CTA

Filed Under: Women's Health
January 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Do You Need to Pick A Bone With Your Testosterone?

tired man

Commercials hint at it.  Doctor talk their way around it.  You’d rather draw pictures or gesture with your hands than say the words out loud – low testosterone.  It’s far more common than the media (or the men in our lives) would lead us to believe.  About 39% of men over the age of 45 have low testosterone.  Typically characterized by a low libido, low testosterone actually presents itself in a variety of non-sexual ways.  Men with low testosterone may experience depression, loss of muscle mass and unexplained fatigue.

Another unexpected “side effect” of low testosterone is increased abdominal fat.  Call it nature’s one-two punch – that all-important hormone affects things upstairs AND downstairs.  Researchers used to believe that obesity decreased testosterone levels but recent discoveries are proving otherwise.  In fact, there is new evidence suggesting that low testosterone might be a marker for metabolic syndrome.

The dreaded beer belly may not solely originate from too many Football Sundays.  In middle age, men enter “andropause”, or male equivalent of menopause.  Hormones naturally decrease during this stage of life and consequently, men may notice some changes.  Low testosterone can have a significant effect on metabolism, glucose, insulin and fat regulation.  In turn, losing weight is that much harder without adequate testosterone.

Body fat contains an enzyme called aromatase.  This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into estrogens.  Too much estrogen triggers the male body to reduce the production of testosterone.  Therein lies the vicious cycle.

Another incentive to get those levels checked is that normal levels of testosterone help to stave off the muscle loss that comes with aging.  Keep hormone levels stable with regular exercise, a healthy weight, regular sleep and good nutrition.  Healthy habits aside, doctors can monitor testosterone levels via blood tests.

Low testosterone IS treatable.  Men are seeing success with testosterone therapy in the form of transdermal patches, gels, injections or pellets implanted sub-dermally.  Testosterone therapy is not currently available as an oral supplement because it can cause liver damage.  The methods previously described deliver the hormone while also bypassing the liver.

However, there are risks involved with testosterone therapy.  Patients may experience prostate growth, local skin reactions, testicle shrinkage and a higher than normal production of red blood cells (which increases the risk for heart attacks).

Talk with your doctor to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for testosterone therapy.

Low T Primer

Filed Under: Low Testosterone, Men's Health
January 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

2 Steps to Treating Type 2 Diabetes without Medication

diet and exercise

There’s no denying that diabetes is a nasty disease. It affects the entire body and can lead to devastating complications involving the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and feet.

The worst part about diabetes? It keeps spreading! Experts predict that more than 53 million Americans will have diabetes by 2025. When compared to 2011, that’s an increase of 64 percent.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. In recent years, researchers and doctors from online treatment programs for diabetes in Indians have been paying special attention to the role that obesity plays in this disease. Reports show that being overweight is a critical risk factor and that losing just five to ten percent of total body weight can be extremely effective in treating type 2 diabetes.  Here’s how . . .

Step 1: Nutrition

Following a healthy and balanced diet is a critical part of managing type 2 diabetes. Individuals don’t need to go on a crash diet to have a positive impact on their condition. Most overweight patients can use this formula to calculate their dietary needs:

  • Current weight  x  10  –  500/1000 calories = daily intake

For example, a woman who weighed 300 pounds would regularly need to eat 3000 calories per day to stay at her current weight. If she was interested in losing weight to treat her type 2 diabetes, she would subtract 500 or 1000 calories from that amount. Her initial recommended daily intake would be 2000 to 2500 calories.

In addition to calorie counts, type 2 diabetics should also pay attention to what they are eating. Experts recommend that 45-65 percent of calories come from carbohydrates. Approximately 10-30 percent of calories should come from protein and less than 30 percent should come from fats.

These are some of the best foods for type 2 diabetics:

  • Whole grains
  • Nuts
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Leafy greens
  • Fish
  • Fruit
  • Low-fat dairy

Step 2: Exercise

When it comes to treating type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise go hand-in-hand. Exercise not only helps diabetics lose weight, but it also has a positive impact on insulin levels even if weight stays the same.

Just like eating healthy, starting an exercise routine doesn’t have to be a drastic change. Most diabetics can see great results just by engaging in 30 minutes of brisk walking or other moderate exercise at least five days per week. Lifting weights and practicing stretching exercises are also beneficial.

Diabetics should try these tips for getting active:

  • Talk to your doctor about exercise recommendations
  • Check blood sugar before and after exercise
  • Exercise with a friend or wear a bracelet that identifies you as a diabetic

With a commitment to a healthy diet and modest exercise, type 2 diabetics can expect to lose one or two pounds per week. This may not seem like much, but even losing a small amount of weight can help lower blood glucose levels and encourage the body to use insulin more effectively.

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