What Is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Part II – Low SIgA And How Do We Treat
Shane Hemphill, MD
Part II – Low SIgA And How Do We Treat
So your functional medicine provider ordered a Comprehensive Stool Analysis and your SIgA levels are found to be low. What is your next step? The answer is going to vary from person to person, but the ultimate answer is in finding the root cause.
This may include evaluating for and removing a food sensitivity, mold sensitivity, or infection that has over time depleted the immune response.
Once we have eradicated our offending agent we need to look at ways to improve our SIgA levels.
As a general rule the first step is to use an anti-inflammatory diet such as a Mediterranean diet. This is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and fish and low in red meat and saturated fats. One can also eliminate fried foods, processed foods, sugary snacks and soda.
More specific treatments Include:
A diet rich in Polyphenols such as cacao, green tea, and grapeseed extract which have shown to increase SIgA levels.
Saccharomyces Boulardii – This probiotic yeast has been shown to raise SIgA levels while also being very effective against Clostridium Difficile and Candida Overgrowth.
Colostrum – an Immunoglobulin secreted in the early stages of breast-feeding. This has shown to stimulate SIgA levels.
Beta Glucans – This is a type of soluble fiber found naturally in a variety of food sources including oats, barley, rye, rice and mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitaki.
Bone Broth – This is made by simmering the bones and the connective tissue of animals. This forms a stock for making soups, sauces and gravies. Depending on which part you use it contains vitamins, minerals as well as collagen and other amino acids that increase SIgA levels.
Fat Soluble Vitamins – Vitamin A is needed for the transport of SIgA over the mucosal lining. It is suggested that Vitamin A is also involved in the synthesis of other immunoglobulins and has an important influence on our humoral immune system.
Stress Management – Last but not least, Cortisol is the main stress hormone that can decrease SIgA levels. We need to look over your current stressors or perceived levels of stress and then work to reduce them. This can be done through aerobic exercise, yoga, breathing techniques, meditation as well face to face conversations with your friends, family or therapist.
Our functional medicine physicians can help you understand the root cause of low SIgA and design a treatment plan specifically for you, please call our office at 919-999-0831 to get scheduled.
Your Partner in Health!
Shane Hemphill, MD
Camu Camu the Superfood
Clarissa A. Kussin, ND, FMCHC, ERYT-500
| Lets dive into the powerful benefits of a superfood called Camu Camu. Known for its exceptional nutritional profile, Camu Camu offers a wide range of health benefits. Additionally, we’ve included a delightful smoothie recipe to help you incorporate this fantastic fruit into your daily routine. Understanding Camu Camu Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a small berry native to the Amazon rainforest in Peru and Brazil. It has gained popularity worldwide due to its extraordinarily high vitamin C content, containing up to 60 times more vitamin C per serving than an orange. However, Camu Camu offers more than just vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that support overall well-being. The Health Benefits of Camu Camu Immune Support: Camu Camu’s exceptional vitamin C content plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and strengthen immune defenses. Antioxidant Powerhouse: In addition to vitamin C, Camu Camu contains a range of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and ellagic acid. These compounds combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall health. Collagen Formation: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which supports healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. Regular consumption of Camu Camu can contribute to the maintenance of youthful skin and overall joint health. Mood Enhancement: Some studies suggest that Camu Camu may have mood-enhancing properties due to its high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Including Camu Camu in your diet may help support mental well-being. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Camu Camu contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, including anthocyanins and catechins. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Here’s a refreshing smoothie recipe that combines the goodness of Camu Camu with other nutritious ingredients: Camu Berry Blast Smoothie: 2 servingsIngredients:1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)1 small frozen banana1 /2 teaspoon Camu Camu powder1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)1 tablespoon chia seeds1 tablespoon honey, date paste or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)A few ice cubes IF your berries are not frozen Instructions: Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding honey or maple syrup. Pour into a glass and enjoy this antioxidant-rich, vitamin C-packed smoothie. Note: You can customize the smoothie by adding spinach, kale, or your favorite protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. Where to Find Camu CamuCamu Camu is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and freeze-dried berries. Look for organic and sustainably sourced Camu Camu products from reputable health food stores, online retailers, or local farmers’ markets. Consider adding Camu Camu to your daily wellness routine by incorporating it into smoothies, juices, yogurt bowls, or even homemade energy bars. Experiment with different recipes to explore the unique tangy flavor and reap the numerous health benefits. Your Partner In Health, Clarissa A. Kussin, ND, FMCHC, ERYT-500 |
ANTIBIOTICS AND THE GUT MICROBIOME
Didem Miraloglu, MD, MS
Since their discovery, antibiotics have been a godsend in terms of eradicating infections and saving millions of lives. Without antibiotics, common infections and minor injuries used to be life-threatening, and surgeries and chemotherapy were nearly impossible. Today the tables have turned on us, whereas, 50 years ago we were reaping the benefits of antibiotics, in the past 2 decades antibiotic resistance has become one of the leading causes of death in the world for people of all ages.
To comprehend the weight of this problem, we must first understand what the gut microbiome is and the role it plays in human health and disease. The gut microbiome is comprised of almost 40 trillion bacterial cells and has anywhere from 500-1000 bacterial species comprising nearly 2 million genes. The gut microbiome contributes to human body functions such as digestion, metabolism, protection from pathogenic microbes, production of vitamins, as well as the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory reactions.
A healthy gut microbiome has high diversity, and any kind of disruption may lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance between the commensals (those bacteria which normally reside in and on us without harming us) and the pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic use can reduce the diversity of the species in the gut microbiome, alter their activity and select and breed antibiotic-resistant organisms. Short term effects of antibiotic use include diarrhea, Clostridium Difficile infection, and antibiotic resistance, whereas long terms effects can be the development of allergic conditions, such as asthma, food allergies, and obesity.
The problem of antibiotic overuse and misuse does not only stem from treatment of human infections but mainly from their use within the animal industry. The amount of antibiotics used for human infections is four times less than the quantities used for breeding livestock. Antibiotics in the animal industry are added to the feed of animals to improve their growth. They accomplish this by inhibiting the growth of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract which triggers immune responses in the host. This in turn is cost-effective to the producer since more meat can be produced with the usage of less feed.
Antibiotic misuse in both animals and humans has led to a significant increase in antibiotic-developed resistance. This is where a particular antibiotic is no longer effective in treating an infection. The consequences are anywhere from increased human illness, suffering and death, increased cost and length of treatments, and increased side effects from the use of more powerful medications.
There are many suggested solutions to alleviate this ongoing health crisis. Some things you can consider to prevent further antibiotic resistance are:
- Don’t rush to treat your runny nose or cough. Be sure that the antibiotic is necessary and not just convenient to use for shortening the duration of the infection. In up to 95% of the cases, bronchitis is viral and there is no cure for the common cold, it gets better on its own with over-the-counter remedies.
- Consume antibiotic-free dairy and meat products, pasture-raised farm animals rather than factory-farmed animals
- Ask your doctor to use a narrow spectrum antibiotic if possible to treat the most common organism causing that particular infection rather than a “shotgun” approach, using an antibiotic that kills all
- Shortest effective duration of antibiotics (this does not mean discontinuing the antibiotics once feeling better, there are specific guidelines for a minimum duration of use for certain infections)
- Adhere to the antibiotic prescription
- Take a high-quality daily probiotic while on an antibiotic
Taking a high-quality probiotic as soon as you start antibiotics is another way to counteract the side effects of antibiotics. If you are able to, start taking probiotics a week before taking the antibiotics. Separate them out by two hours while on the antibiotics and continue for 3-4 weeks from the start of the antibiotics. After a month you can decrease the dose to your minimal effective dose for your optimal health outcomes. The probiotics help to restore some of the healthy gut microbiomes lost through antibiotic therapy. Strains of Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces (a beneficial yeast) can help mitigate antibiotic side effects. This in turn contributes to better adherence to antibiotic prescription thereby reducing the evolution of resistance.
Generating and maintaining diversity in the microbiota is a new clinical target for health promotion and disease prevention.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation FMT) is a therapy and is one of the main treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections. This is whereby stools either from the same individual before the antibiotic use or from a healthy donor are introduced orally or via enema or probiotics. This stems from the premise that the gut microbiota in healthy donors is dominated by a large number of probiotics. Many studies have shown that FMT restored both the gut microbiota composition and function in patients who suffered from recurrent Clostridium Difficile-associated diarrhea. Some studies have shown that the worldwide mean cure rates of FMT for diarrhea are approximately 91%. To date, this is better than any other treatment we have for antibiotic-associated C.Diff colitis.
We can envision in the not too distant future, antimicrobials and therapies which will be prescribed for their direct anti-pathogen benefit while simultaneously limiting collateral damage to the microbiome. Until then it is essential to keep our bodies healthy by taking good care of our gut microbiome.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment to learn more about optimizing your health.
Your Partner in Health!
Didem Miraloglu, MD, MS
Benefits of Infrared Sauna
Caroline Wilson, M.Ed., FMHC
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Curious about how using an infrared sauna can benefit you? Keep reading to learn why this has become one of my favorite health practices. Infrared saunas can provide a host of health benefits by using far- and near-infrared light to penetrate body tissue. Now they are even more accessible with smaller, in-home options. Unlike traditional saunas, which must heat the air to very high temperatures, infrared saunas heat your body while the surrounding air stays cooler. Infrared saunas are definitely more comfortable than traditional saunas which is a big bonus if you are sensitive to heat. Plus, infrared energy can go deeper into your skin, helping you sweat even more and helping your cells eliminate toxins better. 7 Benefits of Infrared Sauna: 1) Detoxification – Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins, making it a crucial part of detoxification. 2) Cardiovascular Health – Countless studies have shown that the cardiovascular benefits associated with infrared sauna therapy are numerous and varied, and include improved circulation, lower blood pressure, enhanced vascular function and lower risk of heart-related disease. 3) Immunity/Cell Health – The heat generated by an infrared sauna stimulates energy at a cellular level which, in turn, increases the body’s production of white blood cells. Infrared sauna usage can also strengthen the immune system by stimulating cell regeneration. This kind of regeneration can help your body dispose of cells that might be old, damaged, or ineffective and replace them with new cells. 4) Pain Relief – If you suffer from muscle aches or joint pain, infrared saunas can relieve this form of inflammation by increasing circulation and relaxing your muscles. 5) Physical Fitness – The heat generated by an infrared sauna will cause your core temperature to increase, which can also lead to an increased heart rate – the same increase in heart rate that you experience when exercising. An article titled, Effect of Sweating, in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that a 30-minute infrared sauna session could burn roughly 600 calories. 6) Relaxation – The heat generated by the sauna will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, allowing you to relax and de-stress. 7) Anti-Aging/Skin Purification – Infrared sauna technology can help purify your skin by eliminating toxins from your pores and increasing circulation, resulting in clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin. If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of infrared saunas, here are a few things to keep in mind: Start slowly. It doesn’t feel as hot when you walk into an infrared sauna, so you may feel inclined to stay in there a long time right off the bat. Start off by sitting for 5-10 minutes and work your way up from there. Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink enough to stay hydrated, as you’ll lose fluid through sweating. Listen to your body. Our bodies are wise and will start to show signs if they are unhappy. Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Warm and sweaty is OK – but if you feel excessively thirsty, dizzy, nauseous, headache-y, or have any other symptoms that do not feel right, get out of the sauna. Don’t eat a huge meal. You wouldn’t gorge before going for a run or other vigorous exercise – it’s best to sit in a sauna on a light or empty stomach. Rinse off in a clean shower. With all of the impurities released during a sauna we want to ensure they are washed away  There are many local spas that offer Infrared Sauna as a service or you can explore purchasing one for your own home. Two reputable companies are Sunlighten and Therasage. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coaches to learn more about healing health practices, like infrared sauna, that can help you along in your journey to optimal health. Your Partner in Health! Caroline Wilson, M.Ed., FMHC  References: Biro, S. (2003, November). Clinical Implications of Thermal Therapy in Lifestyle-Related Diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood), 228(10), 1245-1249. Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Intern Med, 175(4), 542. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187. |
Meditate on your feelings to get calm, grounded, and healthy.
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| Meditate on your feelings to get calm, grounded, and healthy.Our emotions can hold us hostage when their stormy winds of intensity and disharmony blow through the body. For example, when you’re angry, your belly can tighten, your heart might pound, and agitating thoughts can plague you for minutes, hours, or even days. This is because emotions, be they angry, peaceful, anxious, sad, or happy, activate your nervous system to release chemicals into your bloodstream that can pull your focus and energy away from other matters. When emotions are that strong, we may be tempted to label them the “enemy.” But refusing to accept how you feel only postpones the inevitable; every emotion you deny will always return, trying to convey important information. In a world full of stress and demands, rest is one of the most important factors for creating wellness. Restorative activities can include mental, physical, and/or emotional activities that help to promote resilience. Particularly if you are under chronic stress, restful activities can break the cycle of stress and assist you on the path to health. Get Unstuck Knowing that the brain is not static, but instead has plasticity, underlines one of the key reasons to practice restful habits: you can learn to be healthier, happier, and more connected. Focusing on the process of restoration, rather than current complaints or states, allows you to take charge of your own health and wellness. You can become more resilient and healthier. The Right Activities Many people turn to television, alcohol, or other semi-harmful activities to counteract stress. Replacing even a few minutes a day of those activities with ones that scientifically promote healing and restoration can trigger lasting improvements. Restoration activities like meditation, guided imagery, breathing techniques, gratitude, and mindfulness are time-honored, science-backed ways to make a difference internally. They have calming effects not only on the state of mind, but also helping to balance hormonal and immune function. Don’t let stress run the show. Select a restoration activity and see if it works for you—whether that’s finding something to feel grateful about every day or trying a new yoga pose. Be intentional and open. Take back a few minutes a day of your life, balance your emotions, and your health and wellness will follow. Restorative Activities Meditation Gratitude Journaling Deep breathing and breathing techniques Guided Imagery and/or Visualization Massage, Sauna, or Water Therapy Mindful Eating, Walking, or Body Scan Many others! A wide variety of conditions are assisted by restoration therapies, including: Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders Cancer Chronic pain and fibromyalgia Gastrointestinal disorders Sleep disturbances and stress disorders Heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension Hot flashes Asthma Emotions are messengers, here to deliver information about empowering actions you need to take in your life and relationships. Just as it takes time to strengthen muscles, it also takes time to strengthen your ability to welcome and respond to your emotions, rather than avoid them. Lean on them to find creative solutions and successfully navigate life. Your Partner In Health! Clarissa A. Kussin, ND, RYT-500 |
Health Benefits of Napping
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| “No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap.” — Carrie Snow With the hectic pace of day-to-day life, many people don’t get the recommended amount of sleep each night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults typically need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night in order to function at their best. Getting a few less hours for even a few nights in a row can have the same effect as staying awake for 24 hours straight. And, over time, chronic sleep debt can contribute to fatigue, increased stress levels, reduced attention span, and declined cognitive performance. One way to combat the effects of sleep deprivation—and repay some sleep debt—is to incorporate daytime napping into your schedule. The length of the nap and type of sleep you get during that nap help determine its potential health benefits. The table below identifies these benefits. Nap Duration and Potential Health Benefits 10-20 minutes: Reduces sleepiness; improves cognitive performance; increases alertness, attention, and energy levels; improves mood; improves motor performance; reduces stress levels 20-30 minutes: Enhances creativity; sharpens memory 30-60 minutes: Sharpens decision-making skills, including memorization and recall; improves memory preservation 60-90 minutes: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is critical for problem solving; helps make new connections in the brain; enhances creativity; reduces negative reactivity; promotes happiness The following is a list of tips and tricks to help you make the most of naptime: Choose a dark, quiet, comfortable place where you can relax. Try to limit the amount of noise and light in the room, and make sure the temperature is comfortable. Choose a time that works for you, and aim to nap at that time each day to establish a routine. You may find that restricting your naps to early afternoon (between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, or an hour or two after lunch) is less likely to interfere with your nighttime sleep patterns. Set an alarm on your cell phone, watch, or computer so you don’t sleep for too long. If you’re napping at the office, try closing your door and hanging a sign that says, “will return in 20 minutes.” Alternatives to this are napping in your car or on an outdoor bench. Wherever you nap, bring along something that you associate with sleep. Some ideas include a sleep mask, neck pillow, relaxing playlist and headphones, cozy blanket, warm socks, and lavender essential oil to dab on your pulse points. Keep in mind that longer naps may be accompanied by sleep inertia, or a period of grogginess that sometimes follows sleep. Give yourself time to wake fully before returning to any activity that requires a quick or sharp response. Your Partner In Health! Susan D. Denny, MD, MPH |
COVID-19 Vaccination Prep: Supporting Resiliency
By: Blair Cuneo, PA-C
Blair Cuneo, PA-C, Pediatric Team Lead
Start 2 weeks before and continue for 1 week after vaccination:
1. Clean water: 8–10 glasses a day or ½ body weight in ounces
2. CTW Complete Vitamin C: 1 cap (500mg) two times a day
3. CTW Daily Multivitamin 2 caps two times a day OR MitoCore: 2 caps two times a day
4. Daily Probiotic
5. Vitamin D3 4000IU daily
6. Zinc Glycinate 15mg daily
In the days leading up to your vaccination, fuel your immune system with healthy, organic colorful foods that are nutrient dense. Avoid pro-inflammatory junk foods and sugary foods. Rest when you need to rest.
If able, consider receiving the vaccination the day before you have time off work to have a day to rest.
Day of and day after vaccination:
CTW Vitamin C: 2 caps twice a day
After your vaccination, think muscle, immune and lymphatic system support:
Engage your deltoid! This is the shoulder muscle which received the vaccine. Movement and engagement of the muscle will reduce the tenderness and soreness which can start setting in a few hours later. Example exercises include arm circles, shoulder presses or modified push ups.
Go on a walk! Perform some light cardio and exercise after your vaccination to provide a healthy stimulus for your immune system for optimal response and reduce side effects.
Stimulate your lymphatic system! After the vaccine, you can begin gentle skin brushing of the vaccinated arm. When able, incorporate whole body lymph support with options like whole body dry skin brushing, gentle rebounding, or deep breathing.
If you have questions about COVID 19 vaccinations, please contact your provider!
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