Tag: Hormone

DHEA Facts

DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands.

This hormone is a precursor to other sex hormones.

In addition to having its own hormone effect, it results in a shift to an anabolic or protein building state.

It reduces cardiovascular risk by increasing lipolysis or breakdown of fat.

It also stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves mood, decreases cholesterol and body fat.

Recent studies point to DHEA as an anti-stress hormone, reversing the effects of stress on the immune system.

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Why Men Should Consider Bio-identical Hormone Therapy

NHT (Natural Hormone Therapy) is not just for the ladies, so guys pay attention! Why? Because your hormones have been on a decline since your 20’s (sad but true), and if you are approaching middle-age, are currently there, or have surpassed it, there’s a good chance you are experiencing hormone imbalance or even andropause (the unofficial medical term for “male menopause” and the result of a gradual drop in testosterone).

Certain signs of andropause and other related hormone imbalance issues:

  • Memory loss
  • Muscle loss
  • Weight gain
  • Sleep problems
  • Lower sex drive
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Hair loss
  • Urinary problems
  • Memory loss
  • Night sweats
  • Erectile dysfunction

While hormone imbalance and replacement treatments tend to be a hot topic amongst women, men seem to have a harder time discussing their own issues with hormone imbalance and the symptoms causing them discomfort. However, many men (the ones that want to talk about it) can attest to the many benefits to hormone restoration and treatments such as NHT. Therefore, not only should men start to feel more comfortable with the conversation of hormone issues, they should be open to the idea of fixing them. Here are a few reasons why…

Testosterone Balance May Reduce Risk for Disease

Several studies have linked low testosterone levels to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, prostate cancer, and other chronic diseases. By choosing hormone restoration treatments such as BHRT, you not only feel better, you also take drastic measures to protecting your health.

Balanced Hormones Help Men Feel Younger

We all want to know the secret to feeling younger, and NHT might just be the answer. Results of hormone imbalance such as memory and muscle loss, fatigue, depression, lower sex drive, and other symptoms listed above can improve or even be reversed with hormone restoration treatments.

Why should you live everyday life with the discomfort of hormone imbalance?

With NHT, you can live the active lifestyle that you desire, and there’s no better time than now to take action! For more information on our Natural Hormone Therapy, please give us a call.

Can the Advanced HCG Weight Loss Diet Help You Lose That Weight for Good?

A number of high profile media outlets like CNN, the Morning Show, and Dr. Oz have all endorsed the HCG Diet as an intense yet effective weight loss plan for those struggling with obesity. But the question is, can the HCG Diet help you reach your specific weight loss goals? It essentially pairs the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, with a low-calorie meal plan in order to generate fast, dramatic, and efficient weight loss results.

How the HCG Diet Works

HCG is a hormone that exists naturally in the body to help produce even more hormones. This means that HCG is responsible for placing the body in the anabolic state that supports muscle-building and prevents muscle-breakdown. This is critical because rapid weight loss tends to cause muscle loss as well. With HCG, your body will burn pure fat while retaining important muscle, meaning your metabolism will remain stronger and further propel your weight loss.

If those benefits weren’t enough, HCG can reduce feelings of hunger and cravings, so it supports the ability to stick to a lower-calorie meal plan than you might be used to. HCG even has the potential to help balance hormone-related conditions like hypothyroidism, menopause, and andropause that lead to unwanted weight gain.

Components of the HCG Diet Program

The HCG Diet program is simple and streamlined. After talking to a doctor about your plans, you will receive a prescription for the HCG injections, which have been proven to work. Under medical supervision, you will use the injections along with a lower-calorie diet of healthy, wholesome foods to lose your weight. By the time you are done with the HCG injections, you will have lost your unwanted weight and adjusted to the lifestyle habits that will ensure you keep the weight off.

Medical supervision is the key to a successful HCG Diet, because only a professional can properly gauge your doses of HCG and track your progress appropriately.

Sermorelin, HGH And Anti Aging

Sermorelin has generated a lot of buzz recently within the scientific community as a safe and effective way to increase growth hormone production naturally.  Sermorelin is an FDA approved prescription drug, first developed in the 1970’s, which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release human growth hormone (HGH).  Unlike HGH therapy, which directly replaces declining levels of HGH from genetically engineered growth hormone, Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete HGH naturally.  As such, Sermorelin is known as a ‘secretagogue’ which means it causes the pituitary gland to produce and secrete HGH.

The amount of HGH produced in the body declines with age. The body’s HGH output tends to be highest in our mid 20’s, however, declines anywhere from 30% to 50% by the time we reach our 40’s; this steep drop off leads to many of the signs and symptoms associated with aging, such as: loss of vitality, increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, reduced bone mineral content, insomnia, and a weakened immune, to name a few.  These changes can eventually lead to an increased risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Health benefits that have been reported with Sermorelin use include: increased energy and vitality, increased skin elasticity, improved bone density (strengthening of the bones), increased development of lean muscle mass, decrease in fat tissue, improved memory, improved sexual function, improved cardiovascular strength, lower blood pressure, higher HDL and improved immunity.

Sermorelin is usually taken as a subcutaneous injection for best results.  The cost of Sermorelin therapy is significantly less expensive than the cost of HGH therapy, making it a widely sought after treatment. To learn more about Semorelin and if could be right for you, call New Leaf Centers at 888-728-7555 for a FREE consult today!

The Benefits of Testosterone

Modern science has taught us much about the benefits and importance of the body’s hormones. Scientists and doctors now understand how important the balance of hormones in our bodies is, and how critical it is to maintain that balance.

Imbalance Side Effects

The side effects of a testosterone imbalance can be dangerous, and this is true for both men and women. In men, low testosterone is most commonly linked to a low sex drive, causing disruptions in romantic partnerships, as well as self-esteem issues. Clearly, the issue goes far beyond sexual performance.

Pros of Testosterone in Men

Properly balanced testosterone in a man results in decreased fat and increased muscle mass, impacting cardiovascular and muscular health. Recent studies have also found an interesting link between low testosterone and life expectancy. Men with less testosterone are statistically more likely to have shorter lives than men with high testosterone.

Women too?

Women also feel the effects of testosterone imbalance. Common knowledge holds that testosterone is just for men, but that’s not true. Low testosterone in women results in a wide variety of hard to diagnose symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, and weight gain are some common symptoms. These effects are commonly seen after menopause, but hormone imbalances can happen at any age. Properly balancing the body’s natural testosterone and estrogen levels prevents these symptoms.

Men + Women

In both men and women, imbalances in testosterone result in health issues like diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis. So testosterone is important for more than just men’s health issues; it crosses gender boundaries and affects all areas of the body. The Providers at New Leaf Wellness are aware of the risks and inconveniences that imbalanced hormone levels bring to the human body, and we are pleased to offer Natural Hormone Therapy to our clients.

NHT works to reach a targeted level of hormones in your body, restoring your body’s natural ability to keep healthy and fit. Hormones are beneficial at any age, but most commonly we administer the therapy to people in their 40’s, when your body naturally begins to slow production of certain hormones. Supplementing these declining hormones can keep your body fit and active for much longer. Bio-identical hormones are made from plants and are identical to the hormones naturally produced by your own body. We never use synthetic hormones, which have been shown to increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Benefits of Natural Hormone Therapy include:

  • Increased bone density
  • Weight loss
  • Sleep improvement
  • Increased vitality and energy
  • Higher libido
  • More muscle mass

Our clients love the results and energy they’ve get once their hormonal levels are fully balanced. Because hormones are so important, we’re proud to lend our medical expertise to ensure all our hormonal treatments are tailored to your specific needs. If you’re curious about NHT, you can take a short quiz to see if NHT would be a good fit for your body.

For MEN

For WOMEN

Why Men Should Consider Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

NHT (Natural Hormone Therapy) is not just for the ladies, so guys pay attention! Why? Because your hormones have been on a decline since your 20’s (sad but true), and if you are approaching middle-age, are currently there, or have surpassed it, there’s a good chance you are experiencing hormone imbalance or even andropause (the unofficial medical term for “male menopause” and the result of a gradual drop in testosterone).

Certain signs of andropause and other related hormone imbalance issues:

  • Memory loss
  • Muscle loss
  • Weight gain
  • Sleep problems
  • Lower sex drive
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Hair loss
  • Urinary problems
  • Memory loss
  • Night sweats
  • Erectile dysfunction

While hormone imbalance and replacement treatments tend to be a hot topic amongst women, men seem to have a harder time discussing their own issues with hormone imbalance and the symptoms causing them discomfort. However, many men (the ones that want to talk about it) can attest to the many benefits to hormone restoration and treatments such as NHT. Therefore, not only should men start to feel more comfortable with the conversation of hormone issues, they should be open to the idea of fixing them. Here are a few reasons why…

Testosterone Balance May Reduce Risk for Disease

Several studies have linked low testosterone levels to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, prostate cancer, and other chronic diseases. By choosing hormone restoration treatments such as BHRT, you not only feel better, you also take drastic measures to protecting your health.

Balanced Hormones Help Men Feel Younger

We all want to know the secret to feeling younger, and NHT might just be the answer. Results of hormone imbalance such as memory and muscle loss, fatigue, depression, lower sex drive, and other symptoms listed above can improve or even be reversed with hormone restoration treatments.

Why should you live everyday life with the discomfort of hormone imbalance?

With NHT, you can live the active lifestyle that you desire, and there’s no better time than now to take action! For more information on our Natural Hormone Therapy, please give us a call.

Why Should I Use Bio-identical Hormone?

The best answer is because they “do your body good”.

What in the world does that mean?

As both men and women age (grow older, for us non politically correct) the production of hormones decreases and with the decrease, “symptoms” begin to appear. We relate the obvious to the decrease: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido for women and decreased sexual performance for men.

However, some symptoms experienced, but infrequently realized to be hormonally related, are decreased energy, muscle mass, focus and mental clarity. In addition, mood changes and lack of motivation can be related to hormonal decline.

The development of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, bone loss and cancer are also increased with hormonal decline. Restoring hormonal balance not only alleviates the above detailed symptoms, but also helps to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes and decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s for women by 50% and 70% for men. Cancer risks are actually decreased by bio-identical hormone balance rather than the increase noted in studies using synthetic hormones and bone density and strength is dramatically improved.

Enough reasons?

Hormone Replacement Therapy

 Many people are turning toward hormone therapy due to its many benefits and long lasting healthy effects on the human body. These hormone replacement therapy methods are mostly required as a person gets older, probably in their thirties or after. People turn towards NHT because there must have been changes in his or her body and life that could be interfering with productivity, healthfulness, pleasure, vitality, and enjoyment. Hormone treatments are not just taken up by everyone, blood analysis is used to determine what will best suit for that specific individual.

Estrogen/testosterone therapy:

Women go for estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy. Mostly, men think about testosterone hormone replacement therapy to aid them in proper erectile function and improve their muscle tone. NHT also improves immunity and recovery, enhances cognitive abilities, stimulates production of thicker and fuller hair, enhances memory and concentration, improves sexual functioning, desire and also is known to lower cholesterol levels.

Anti-aging benefits:

For some people HT is a lot about the anti-aging benefits that you can get with it. The list of physiological enhancements talks about the inner working of the body like improved regeneration of new cells of skin, hair, muscles, nails, bones. All this along with improved lean muscle mass of a physically toned body and a lot more. Keep in mind that each of the main types of hormone replacement therapy that are used in adults has a particular purpose. It is not just a treatment that will help you age gracefully without putting your lives basic functions at rest. Detailed blood testing is what will show if any of these vital levels has declined in the body, and if you are in need of a hormone treatment or not, if so, which ones and to what extent.

Take our Hormone Health Quiz!

For WOMEN

For MEN

What is Glutathione and why do we need it?

Glutathione Series Part 1 of 3:

Glutathione is the master antioxidant and detoxifier of every cell in your body.

It is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids- cysteine, glutaminic acid and glycine. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant produced by the body. It prevents cellular damage caused by free radicals and peroxides. Some of its antioxidant functions in the body include:

  • Maintaining vitamins C and E in their reduced, active forms
  • Tightly regulating the production of hydrogen peroxide
  • Neutralizing lipid peroxides-breakdown products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in our cell membranes
  • Assisting in making drugs and other toxic chemicals more water-soluble for easier excretion

 

Frequently asked questions about this important antioxidant!

Q. Where does Glutathione come from?
A. Glutathione is synthesized in the body from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. The amino acid cysteine is responsible for the biological activity of Glutathione. Supplies of cysteine are the rate-limiting factor in Glutathione synthesis by the cells, since cysteine is relatively rare in foodstuffs. Furthermore, if taken as the free amino acid, cysteine is toxic and spontaneously destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma.

Q. Why is Glutathione important?
A. Increasing cellular Glutathione can dramatically raise energy levels, strengthen the immune system, fight inflammation, improve athletic performance, detoxify the body, aid in cellular repair and slow down the aging process.

Q. What depletes Glutathione in the cells?
A. Environmental pollutants, pharmaceutical drugs and a poor lifestyle all lead to lower levels of Glutathione.

Q. What toxins affect Glutathione levels?
A. Toxins affecting Glutathione include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other pharmaceuticals
  • Acetone, solvents, paint removers, fuels, fuel by-products
  • Pesticides, herbicides
  • Benzopyrenes: From tobacco smoke, barbequed foods, and fuel exhaust
  • Alcohol
  • Housewares: Certain non-stick coating of pans, plastic containers, plastic linings of tin cans and other food packaging
  • Formaldehyde and styrene: From photocopiers and toner printers
  • Chlorine in treated water
  • Medical X-rays
  • UV radiation

Q. What lifestyles affect Glutathione levels?
A. Life style factors that deplete Glutathione include:

  • Poor diet: Glutathione has to work hard to cover for missing or insufficient nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Strenuous exercise: Though not a toxic substance it produces many free radicals in the body.
  • Stress

Q. How can I increase my Glutathione levels?
A. Get a Glutathione Push at New Leaf Wellness.

What Is The Difference Between Bio-identical And Synthetic Hormones?

What is the difference?

In our last post we noted that many foods have been genetically modified, but unanticipated, negative effects of these products in the human body have caused many health conscious people to choose a nonGMO alternative to consume. 

Similarly, the hormones we produce in our own body are different from synthetic hormones produced by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.  The synthetic variety has enough similarity to the bio-identical hormone that it does turn on the main function in the body, but its unique structure allows it to be patented by the pharmaceutical company and thus sold for a profit. 

In contrast, a bio-identical hormone, being identical to that formed in our body, cannot be patented by a pharmaceutical company.  Equally important is the fact that the bio-identical form acts just as our own native hormone to produce the desired function without increasing risk, while the unique structure of the synthetic hormone also turns on effects in our bodies that does increase risk.  That is why “hormones” get a bad rap: the increase in heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and cancer  associated with synthetic hormones is enough to make anyone think twice before using them! 

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