What’s Your Adrenal Protocol?

What’s your adrenal protocol? Didn’t know you need one? First, you may need to understand what adrenals in order to figure out what the protocol should be for you and your body.

B Vitamins and Adrenal Function

Your adrenal glands manufacture a number of hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, aldosterone, estrogen and testosterone that regulate many processes in your body as well as help you cope with stress. This hormone production system is referred to as the adrenal cascade. Each of the eight B vitamins that make up vitamin B complex is essential in varying quantities throughout the adrenal cascade, as well as in many other processes from mood to DNA synthesis to energy production. Most B vitamins act as coenzymes, which means that they help form enzymes to become catalysts in biochemical transformations throughout your body.

Three Major Bs in the Adrenal Cascade

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is one of the most important of the B vitamins to the adrenal cascade. Large amounts of niacin are necessary to form the molecular structure of certain coenzymes critical for almost all of the steps in this cascade.

B5 (pantothenic acid) is another essential contributor in the adrenal cascade and is converted in the body into acetyl-CoA, a substance critical to the conversion of glucose into energy. It is present in all cells but in higher quantities in the adrenals because so much energy is needed to produce the adrenal hormones.

B6 (pyridoxine) is also a coenzyme in several of the biochemical pathways in the adrenal cascade and plays a role in the functioning of the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal (HPA) axis that modulates adrenal activity and the stress response.

Although proportionately larger quantities of B3, B5 and B6 are used in adrenal hormone production, all of the B vitamins help generate energy and work in concert with each other. Therefore, the presence of the complete B complex is necessary for each individual B vitamin to optimally do its job. Their relative ratios are especially critical to how well they are able to support adrenal function.

“B-12 injections give me the energy I need to help with my busy life. I’m more alert, I don’t need naps and I haven’t gotten sick when all my friends have had the flu. I would recommend B12 injections!”

– Angela H. New Leaf Wellness Patient, Read More NLW Patients’ Story

Vitamin B Complex – Optimal Ratios for Stress and Adrenal Fatigue

When buying a stress supplement containing B complex, the key is to look for one that has the B vitamins in the proper proportions for the human body to utilize, and specifically for the relative ratios that the adrenals need. The stress formulas that are composed of equal amounts of the B vitamins are not metabolized efficiently. An optimal formula for stress and adrenal fatigue should provide, per day, approximately:

  • 75-130 mg of B3 (niacin)
  • 700-1200 mg of B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • 90-150 mg of B6 (pyridoxine)
  • 15-25 mg of B1 thiamine)
  • 15-25 mg of B2 riboflavin)
  • 300-500 mcg of B7 (biotin)
  • 600-1000 mcg of B9 (folic acid)

Because some people do not absorb vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) well in a regular vitamin supplement format, it may be preferable to take this in a separate 200-400 mcg sublingual supplement.

Have you been tested to even know if your adrenals are low? What are reasonable levels? We have seen many patients who had no idea their symptoms were from adrenal fatigue!

Adrenal Fatigue – What You Need To Know >

Follow Up Treatment:

Lab tests and meeting with the Provider should be done every 3 months. It is also recommend to eliminate hard-to-digest foods and toxins from  your diet and to have a Food Sensitivity Test completed. Adrenal Fatigue can take up to 2 years to completely heal so follow all of the Providers recommendations.

Testosterone Pellets for Men and Women

We live in an imperfect world that has chemicals in our food, water, personal care products, cleaning products, etc. We are under stress from living in today’s rushed and “connected” world. We eat more processed foods and consume more sugar and gluten than past generations. All of this contributes to a hormone imbalance. Today, we want to explain the “why” of Testosterone pellets for men and women.

First, You Need To Know

Replacing your deficient hormones is one part of feeling optimal. Testosterone in particular is often found to be low in both men and women. Testosterone helps you to think more clearly, sleep better, have focus, be in a good mood, and recover better from exercise; among other things. When your Testosterone is low you may feel moody, grumpy, have more aches and pains, feel tired, have brain fog, etc. It is not just the “sex” hormone.

How Bioidentical Testosterone Pellets Can Help

Bioidentical Testosterone pellets are a great way to replace Testosterone for both men and women. They are about the size of a thin tic tac. The pellets are placed in the fatty area of your buttock area–somewhat near your hip in a simple procedure in the office. The Testosterone is released in small amounts on a consistent basis: just like your body should be doing but is not. When you have increased blood flow (from increased activity) your body will draw more Testosterone for its increased needs.

My strength and overall health has improved, sex life with my beautiful lady has been great. I sleep better and not [having] night sweats.

– Ken D., New Leaf Wellness Patient, More Testimonials

Bioidentical Testosterone pellets provide you with the Testosterone that your body needs in a manner that closely resembles what your body should naturally be doing but is not because of all of the hormone disruptors surrounding us. Proper hormone balancing is an important part of feeling optimal and getting out of the “rabbit hole” of not feeling good.

Don’t wait for symptoms to keep you from living your best life. Take our free and easy Hormone Health Quiz. Click the matching link below.

Hormone Health Quiz for MEN

Hormone Health Quiz for WOMEN

How To Get Strong, Healthy Nails

Let’s face it: That moment when you remove your 8-free polish and look down at your actual, bare nails can be disheartening. Without the cute nail art or trendy shade to make your manicure look fab, you may notice discoloration, brittleness, or spots—all of which could signal something important about your health. Here’s how to get strong, healthy nails.

May Be Time for Supplements

This is where supplements come in. Rather than keeping the problem out of sight, you can (and should) address your nail issues by attacking the deficiency at its source. “When it comes to maintaining proper nail health, there are many vitamins and minerals that play an active role in the growth and rejuvenation of your nails,” says Dr. Robert Sieman, Medical Director at New Leaf Wellness. “That’s why taking a supplement or multivitamin is an easy way to ensure that you’re getting sufficient nutrients.”

Just like how what you eat shows up on your skin (raise your hand if you break out after eating dairy), your diet can majorly influence what your pre-mani nails look like.  “A diet rich in biotin—cold water fish like salmon, almonds, peanuts, swiss chard, and eggs—is always a healthy way to go for good nail health,” says Dr. Robert Sieman, Medical Director at New Leaf Wellness . On the flip side, he cautions, “Trends like extreme juicing can lead to deficiencies.”

Instead of making a salon appointment the next time you break a nail, reach for a supplement, Revitalize Hair Skin & Nails.

In addition to helping hormones be balanced and regulated, we offer a variety of wellness programs that can act as supplements for the body when there’s a depletion as well as in need of a boost of immunity. See our full listing of wellness services here.

“Vitamin Cocktail. I have more energy! I don’t remember to take vitamin pills, so this way I know I am getting the vitamins I need.”

– Sharon C., New Leaf Wellness Patient, for more testimonials.

3 SIGNS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

1. BONE AND MUSCLE WEAKNESS

One of the many functions of vitamin D is muscle function and bone strength. Vitamin D regulates calcium throughout the body. Because calcium is integral to bone and muscle structure and function, appropriate vitamin D production and intake is necessary. Without enough vitamin D, our bones and muscles become weak, which result in a very noticeable increase in difficulty in daily motility.

2. INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTIONS

Vitamin D is also a fundamental part of the immune system. It acts a messenger between cells. Without exposure to sunlight and vitamin D rich foods or supplements, there are various issues that tend to crop up, one of them being an increased chance and rate of infections. Lack of communication between cells leads to lack of response from the immune system toward bacteria or viruses. So if you’ve been sick more times in the past few months than usual, there is a definite possibility of a vitamin D deficiency.

3. FATIGUE

Skeletal and Immune weakness can both result in general fatigue that stems from a deficiency. Vitamin D is directly related to the overall well being for most body systems. Without enough vitamin D, there is an increased chance of fatigue due to the gross effort the body must invest in normal function and process. This fatigue can lead to feelings of depression. This lack of motivation and general fatigue is definitely a symptom for a vitamin D deficiency.

Though these symptoms seems easy to recognize, remember that there is no greater accuracy than a diagnostic blood test. These tests are painless and the benefits are virtually endless. New Leaf Wellness aims to find the roots of illnesses to begin the preventative process through these simple diagnostic tests.

See our full listing of MEN and WOMEN services to better serve you! To contact a NLW staff member now, you can call us at 888-728-7555We look forward to speaking with you!

Part 2: How Do Bio-Identical Pellets Work?

Bio-identical pellets are made of an inert substance that holds it together along with either bio-identical Testosterone or Estradiol. If you require Estradiol it is one small pellet. Men, and also women, require Testosterone. There are different dosages (mg) of Testosterone pellets (25 mg up to 200 mg) and which mg pellet and how many Testosterone pellets you receive depends on the end dose that you require. This dosage is based on whether you are a man or woman, your weight, your baseline Testosterone level, and your activity level; among other things. A hormone specialist can determine what you require after your consultation. Want to learn more about how do bio-identical pellets work?

The Bio-identical pellets release a small amount of the hormone that they contain into the blood stream at a fairly constant level–a lot like your glands would do if they were functioning properly. When you have an increased cardiac output (I.e. with exercising) then you will get an increased amount of the hormone. This helps you to recover better from exercising.

The bio-identical hormone pellets give your body what it needs in as close to physiologic doses as is possible. Your body uses up the pellets at an individual rate and most people require a re-pellet after 3-6 months. Over time most people end up being able to have their pellets last 5-6 months.

Are you ready to check your hormone health? Take a short quiz to recognize what to look for when considering if you would be a good candidate for bio-identical pellets.

For MEN

For WOMEN

Read Part 1: What are Hormone Pellets?

Part 1: What are Hormone Pellets?

Bio-Identical Pellets

Bio-Identical are used in both men and women to treat hormone deficiencies and imbalances. Sterile pellets are small, about the size of a grain of rice, containing compressed bio-identical hormones. They are placed beneath the skin in the upper part of your buttocks area in the fat. It is a simple office procedure. But what are hormone pellets?

This method of bio-identical hormone delivery allows the body to slowly draw out small, physiologic doses of the needed hormone, providing for a more consistent steady-state delivery. The pellets typically dissolve over a period of three to four months, sometimes lasting up to six months. The timing depends upon how fast your body uses up the hormones. After a few pellet insertions, you will know how often to get re-pelleted.

“New Leaf has helped me get my hormones regulated. I feel god, have energy, get better rest and have not experienced the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. They make me feel together worthy and my sex life is great! I would recommend New Leaf to all couples wanting to improve their health, emotionally and physically. PS. I have also lost weight one jean size!” – Kathy B., New Leaf Wellness Patient, see more testimonials

Pellet hormone therapy has been used since the late 1930s and is often considered one of the most natural ways to deliver hormones to the body. The hormones are identical to the body’s own both structurally and biologically. Because the body does the work on its own once the pellets are inserted, many people find this type of hormone therapy easier than other forms.

Take our Hormone Health Test

For WOMEN

For MEN

More On Microneedling at New Leaf Wellness

Micro-needling also called derma rolling or collagen induction therapy is very popular amongst celebrities. Micro-needling, also known as skin needling is a procedure using a device covered with tiny, shallow needles to essentially poke holes in the skin surface. The therapy is very therapeutic, since they cause a ‘micro injury’ that prompts skin to stimulate collagen production, filling in fine lines, plumping the skin and contributing to a younger looking appearance. It’s a medical breakthrough because it can produce collagen without permanently injuring the top layer of the skin. Here’s more on micro-needling at New Leaf Wellness and how it works.

Concept of Micro-needling

The concept is quite simple when skin is injured or punctured fibroblast cells which are responsible for producing collagen fill the holes or injured areas with collagen, filling in fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. Micro-needling works great for sunken areas on the skin caused by acne or chickenpox, as well as for fine lines, discoloration and general skin rejuvenation. This safe procedure isn’t just for the face, though. It can also be used on many areas of the body, including the arms, neck, legs, abdomen, back and hands. The process typically takes less than 30 minutes, and afterward, your skin can be somewhat red, similar to a sunburn. It takes only a couple of days for skin to look fairly normal, but results gradually become apparent. Natural collagen growth happens over weeks and months, so it isn’t an instant fix, but your skin will be much improved over the long term.

“I love that New Leaf has added aesthetics! I have done Botox as well as Micropenning and have seen great results! My skin is clearer and just has a fresh look about it. It is great that New Leaf offers services that can help you from the inside out!”    – Caitlin S., New Leaf Wellness Patient, more testimonials here

You may need more than one treatment.

This isn’t a one and done procedure. Depending on the skin areas treated and what you’re trying to achieve, somewhere between three and six micro-needling treatments are typically required for optimal results. Those looking to treat deep wrinkles, stretch marks, severe sun damage or scarring may need six or more micro-needling treatments. To ensure the safety of your skin, treatments are usually spaced out three weeks to a month apart. Medical micro-needling belongs only in the hands of a skilled professional trained in the technique. Perish the thought of anyone going around and poking their own face in pursuit of skin health and beauty. Life happens but, in the right hands and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to show on your skin. Micro-needling can also be used as an easy complexion pick-me-up. Combined with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, micro-needling can deliver instant plumping, making it a great treatment to do several days before a big event. But that comes with a big proviso that you’ve had it tested first to know for a fact that your skin can tolerate it. It’s not uncommon that after the first few treatments at least, your skin will be slightly red and may feel sunburnt.

To have a New Leaf Wellness specialist answer your additional questions to schedule a micro-needling service with our aesthetician, contact us here.

Declining Hormones

Imagine moving around and being able to do the things that you love to do. Perhaps, you are already feeling vital and strong, but perhaps you are like the majority of people out there who yearn for a body that serves them better. Are you feeling tired, achy, moody, flabby or just feel that you have passed your peak?? Declining hormones? Men and women both can feel this way and it is not the way that you have to age. Having a slow decline in your health is not your destiny—you can live with vitality and when it is your time to go, leave this earth quickly and not after a slow deterioration over 30, or more years.

Improving the Quality of Life As We Age

With modern sanitation, medicine, and an abundance of food we are living longer lives. Unfortunately with longer lives we are seeing a marked increase in the number of chronic illnesses and the number of years that an individual is alive but is in a deteriorating state. We can not avoid dying but we can shorten the dying process and increase the number of years that we live feeling younger. If you are all about the quality of life then continue reading.

Declining hormones, along with poor lifestyle choices, are largely responsible for the slow deterioration that we are seeing all around us. The good news is that we have the capability to prevent this slow deterioration, and even reverse some of it . This gives us the ability to live long AND vital lives, not just long lives.

What You Need To Know About Reversing The Years

Decreased levels of Testosterone, Thyroid, Estrogen (women only), Progesterone, and Growth Hormone are often experienced for years before a person seeks medical attention. The decline can be subtle, especially for men, and is often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, the normal aging process, or simply that nothing is wrong with the person. The problem lies in the fact that the majority of doctors are not specially trained in detecting hormone imbalances as they are taught to look at normal values and they are not allowed the proper time to get to know you and your unique needs. Let’s face it–you do not want to be average, you want to be above average, right?? The “normal” values do not represent optimal.

Symptoms of Declining Hormones can Include:

  • Emotional changes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of muscle strength
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Increased wrinkles
  • Loss of focus
  • Increased body fat
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Loss of vitality
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Osteoporosis
  • Brain fog or decreased memory
  • Increase in body aches/pains
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Decrease in morning erections for men

Can You Replace What’s Lost?

Replacing your declining hormones with bio-identical hormones is the best form of hormone replacement since it replaces your hormones with a man made bio-equivalent hormone. This means that your body sees these replacement hormones as if your body made it on its own. There is no chemical difference between what your body makes and the bio-identical hormones given to you. This is different than man made “synthetic” hormones that have chemical differences from the hormones that your body makes. These differences are so that the “synthetic” hormone can be patented. These chemical differences can result in dangerous side effects. Doesn’t it make sense to replace your hormones with bio-identical hormones that are exactly the same chemically as the ones that your body naturally makes?

Bio-Identical Hormones Explained

Pellets, capsules, creams, and gels are different ways that you may get your bio-identical hormones. Which form you use depends on the hormone(s) that you need as well as your personal preference. You can only decide this after an informed discussion about the pros and cons of each form.

Taking bio-identical hormones are an important piece of the optimal wellness pie, it is also important to make lifestyle changes that enable your body to function optimally. A healthy organic whole food based diet that is low in sugar, devoid of gluten (as much as possible), and with no (or very little) processed food is also an important piece. Regular exercise and regular sleep are two other very important pieces. Living a full and vital life is within your reach. You first have to decide that you wish to go down that path and then obtain the personalized guidance that you require. You can reach your goals one step at a time with the right guidance.

If you’re ready to add some quality back to your years, and you want to do it with bio-identical hormone therapy, call us!

6 Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Sermorelin…

6 Questions To Ask Your Doctor Before Starting Sermorelin Injections

If you are considering Semorelin injections as a part of your medical weight loss treatment plan, you probably have a lot of questions. Be sure to ask your weight loss doctor these 5 questions before starting treatment with Sermorelin.

1. IS SERMORELIN RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are one of the many people who have seen an increase in your weight because of a decline in the amount of human growth hormone (HGH) that your body makes, you could be the perfect candidate for Sermorelin injections.

2. ARE SERMORELIN INJECTIONS SAFE?

Unlike HGH injections in which the hormone is artificially replaced, Sermorelin encourages the body’s pituitary gland to increase production of the hormone on its own.

3. WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM SERMORELIN?

As Sermorelin increases the HGH that your own body produces, you will notice an boost in your energy levels as your metabolism is revved up. Not only does this increase provide you with the motivation to get moving more, your body is better able to process the food you eat, as well as the fat already stored within it, to provide the energy you need.

“I’ve tried several different diet plans over the years and each time I ended up gaining more than I lost. New Leaf is not a diet, it’s a permanent lifestyle change. With this program, I buy all my food at the grocery store. There isn’t any “New Leaf” foods. It’s food you feed your family. The only difference for me is I weight and measure my food and keep a daily diary. I’m able to go out to eat with my friends and order off the menu. I’m making better choices. New Leaf has given me a “new life”.”

– Victoria S. New Leaf Wellness Patient, see more testimonials>>

4. WHY IS SERMORELIN PREFERABLE OVER HGH INJECTIONS?

One of the primary reasons why men and women choose Sermorelin over HGH injections is that Sermorelin is a safer alternative. It prompts the body to begin making the hormone on its own once again. It is a more natural process that doesn’t involve injected a foreign substance into your body. A third reason is that Sermorelin shots are less expensive than using HGH.

5. HOW QUICKLY DOES SERMORELIN WORK?

Because Sermorelin is gradually and naturally increasing the amount of HGH in your body, its results is also gradual. If you have had HGH injections in the past, you might be concerned that using Sermorelin is slower when you compare the two. Using Sermorelin is a healthier and more natural way of providing your body with an increased amount of a hormone that it is lacking. Of course, each individual’s results will vary depending on a number of factors. Once you have consulted with your weight loss doctor, he or she will be in a better position to give you a possible timeline during which you might see results.

“I started New Leaf in November of 2014. I weighed 285 pounds. New Leaf treatments gave me the energy to start working out again and over 18 months I lost 95 pounds through exercise and healthy eating, NOT DIETING, I’m too old for that. During my 18 months I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I was told I would miss several weeks of work and take months to recover. I missed 10 days of work and returned to the gym 2 weeks after my treatments which I attribute to my hormone therapy at New Leaf.”

– Van P. New Leaf Wellness patient, see more testimonials>>

6. WHAT SIDE EFFECTS ARE POSSIBLE WHEN USING SERMORELIN?

While side effects from using Sermorelin are rare, it is important to be aware of their possibilities. Some side effects include reactions such as swelling, redness or pain at the site that you received the injection, sleepiness, flushing, dizziness, hyperactivity, hives and headache. Your own doctor can provide you with advice on which side effects warrant further care as well as other potential issues to be aware of.

Are you a good candidate for getting Sermorelin shots? Only your weight loss doctor can answer that question. The best way to find out the answer is to make an appointment for a complimentary consultation today with a NLW Doctor

Why Our Doctors Recommend Nutrient IV Therapy Over Any Other Vitamin Supplement

New Leaf Wellness is a proponent of integrating nutrient IV (or intravenoustherapy into any health or wellness protocol. In this post, we are going to explain why our doctors recommend nutrient IV therapy over any other vitamin supplement! We have seen firsthand the power that 100% absorb-able IV therapy can have, as it can both prevent and correct a wide range of ailments and diseases. Here are all the reasons why New Leaf Wellness providers recommend therapy as an integral part of any health, wellness and anti-aging program:

IV Therapy Guarantees 100% Absorption

IV therapy has the highest level of absorption guaranteed. When you infuse your body with nutrients intravenously, the vitamins are released straight into your bloodstream. This means you can bypass the gut and don’t have to deal with all the absorption issues that can occur there as with food or oral supplements. IV therapy is a must for people who are trying to heal “leaky gut”, a condition that means you have intestinal permeability and therefore aren’t able properly absorb nutrients from your diet. Leaky gut is tricky, and a vicious cycle, because you need these nutrients to heal your intestinal wall, but you can’t get enough of them from your food or vitamin supplements. IV therapy is the answer.

IV Therapy is Instantly Effective

IV therapy delivers instant hydration plus the high dose of vitamins you need. After getting an IV, most patients report feeling more energized, hydrated, less anxious, and that they sleep like a baby that night. More importantly, IV therapy is preventative, meaning it will strengthen your immune system and help you fight off sickness, keep your energy levels high, and your body functioning at its peak performance. While you’ll likely notice certain benefits instantly, the effects of IVtherapy are cumulative, and this therapy has the best results when done regularly as part of a nutrient therapy treatment plan.

I loved my experience with IV Therapy! I saw a dramatic improvement, nearly immediately after the treatment I had cold symptoms and felt run down before the treatment. After the treatment, I felt refreshed! The IV Therapy room was relaxing and calming with very comfortable chairs. I would recommend this treatment again and again!! – Jessica K., New Leaf Wellness Patient, see more IV Therapy reviews

Not All IV’s are Created Equal

You may have noticed that mobile IV vans, “pop up” services or drip spas seem to suddenly be everywhere—and not just in Vegas! IV therapy is certainly becoming more popular, however it’s important to understand the differences between these “trendy” on-demand services and medical-grade, doctor-supervised IV’s like we offer at New Leaf Wellness. First of all, they usually do not check your bloodwork. Not only is this potentially unsafe, but it also likely means that their IV’s don’t contain a very strong vitamin dose. You are probably only getting a bag of saline with low levels of vitamins and still paying a high price.

At New Leaf Wellness, our IV’s are pharmaceutical grade, so we require bloodwork for most of them. Patient care and safety are our top priorities, so we want to be sure that any treatment we recommend is effective and safe. All of our IV’s are doctor-designed to deliver targeted benefits, so you can be confident that you are getting a true “treatment” dose. For those patients who need instant relief and don’t want to wait for bloodwork, we do offer some targeted IV’s for hydration and of course our  vitamin b12 injections for replenishment. However, we highly recommend getting your bloodwork done so the next time you can choose from our full menu of services (it is included in the price of the IV).

Customize Your IV Based on Your Needs

At New Leaf Wellness, as with all of our treatments, our IV’s can be customized for our patients based on your individual nutrient needs and desired benefits, we have a nutrient solution for everyone. The benefits of IV therapy can include increased energy, enhanced performance and stamina, faster muscle recovery, reduced anxiety, stabilized moods, better sleep, immune system support, firmer and more hydrated skin.

Enhance Your IV Treatment with Pushes and Injections

The fastest way to get an additional boost of nutrients and even more powerful health benefits is with a push. These 5-15 minute therapies can be done alone if you are short on time, or added to the end of any IV session. Our most popular push is Glutathione, but we also have our 9A/B Vitamin Cocktail injection, CALM injections and GAC injections.

If you’ve never experienced the dramatic health, wellness, weight loss and beauty benefits of IV therapy, I invite you to give it a try. I think you’ll be amazed with the effects it can have. Most of our IV’s take just an hour, and during that time you can relax in our IV Lounge, catch up with friends, or even enjoy a quick nap. Our dedicated team is here to make you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have.

Discover the power of IV therapy at the New Leaf Wellness today! Contact us.