Tag: wellness

Avoiding Ultra-Process Foods

WHAT ARE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS?

Many people suggest we avoid ultra-processed food and choose whole foods instead. What are ultra-processed foods? According to Harvard Health, food processing often involves adding ingredients like sugar, salt, fat, artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and/or stabilizers, so these processed products are “made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as fats, starches, added sugars, and hydrogenated fats.” In other words, it feels like a bit of a stretch to call them food in the first place.

AMERICAN DIET

Unfortunately, the typical American diet (and grocery store) is chock-full of these products, from cookies and crackers to frozen meals and sugar-packed sodas.

One 2022 report noted that a whopping 73% of the U.S. food supply can be considered ultra-processed—partially because these “Frankenfoods” are much more profitable for manufacturers, costing on average 52% less than minimally processed options. However, for the humans consuming them, they have many impacts that are far from positive—in fact, they’re downright health-destroying. Let’s look at just some of the ways in which they harm the entire human body, over both the short and long term.

EATING HIGHLY PROCESS FOODS CAN BE ADDICTIVE

One study, published in late 2022 in the journal Addiction, evaluated these foods according to the criteria established when researchers examined the impacts of tobacco in the 1980s. The findings noted that these addictive hallmarks include:

  • Loss of control over intake, such as seen with compulsive or binge eating
  • Intense cravings, or strong urges that are difficult to resist
  • Inability to reduce consumption—for example, eating even when not hungry
  • Continued use despite negative consequences, including serious health concerns like obesity

The study estimated that roughly 14% of adults and 12% of children exhibit signs of food addiction.

EATING HIGHLY PROCESS FOODS MAY INCREASE THE RISK FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE

We already know that high-glycemic, low-fiber foods and other nutritionally empty culprits, are potential memory destroyers. More specifically, a study presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, published in JAMA Neurology and reported by CNN, stated that consuming more than 20% of the daily calorie intake (that is, 400 calories of a 2,000-calorie diet) via ultra-processed foods may increase the risk for cognitive decline. This decline occurred at a rate of 28% faster among men and women who consumed large amounts of these foods, and they also experienced a 25% faster decline in executive function. Unfortunately, many Americans consume far more than 20% of their daily calories in ultra-processed foods, with one 2017 study reporting that number at 57.5% among its survey participants.

HIGHLY PROCESSED FOODS BOOST THE ODDS OF EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

A 2022 review of 17 studies researched the links between processed foods and mental health disorders. The findings stated that “greater ultra-processed food consumption was cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms” and “was associated with increased risk of subsequent depression.” Correspondingly, another study from 2020 found that participants whose ultra-processed food intake made up more than 73% of their total energy intake had a 35% higher risk of depressive symptoms, compared with those who consumed 34% or less of their total calories from ultra-processed foods. Clearly, there is a reason why the Standard American Diet spells SAD!

EATING ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS HAS BEEN LINKED TO INCREASED PHYSICAL HEALTH RISKS

In 2019, two large European studies were published in The BMJ. These studies established a positive association between eating highly processed foods and the risk of cardiovascular disease and even death. The first study, from NutriNet-Santé, surveyed 105,159 French adults (79% of whom were female, with an average age of 43 years). The conclusion was that a “10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed food in the diet was associated with significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease (an increase of 12%, 13%, and 11%, respectively).” Meanwhile, a diet higher in unprocessed or minimally processed foods is correlated with a lower risk of all these health issues.

The second study investigated the link between eating ultra-processed foods and the risk of death from any cause. Like the first study, it surveyed participants over 10 years. The BMJ results demonstrated that “higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (more than 4 servings per day) was associated with a 62% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with lower consumption (less than 2 servings per day). Each additional daily serving of ultra-processed food is correlated with an 18% relative mortality risk increase. These two studies point to possible links between Frankenfoods and poorer quality of life. More research is needed to establish cause and effect.

WHICH ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS ARE THE WORST?

Though eating anything that fits into the ultra-processed or highly processed categories interferes with optimal full-body health, researchers have hypothesized that certain foods are more likely to trigger addictive-like behaviors. For example, a pair of studies from 2015 compared the making of these toxic food products to the processing that transforms a coca leaf into cocaine—in other words, both have been altered to speed up absorption into the bloodstream.

Ultra-processed foods have large glycemic loads. Glycemic load relates to the food’s dosage of refined carbohydrates and the resulting blood sugar spike. A 2018 study noted that carbs with a high glycemic index “elicit a rapid shift in blood glucose and insulin levels, akin to the pharmacokinetics of addictive substances.” Like with other commonly abused drugs, glucose and insulin levels influence dopamine concentration, so sugar creates cravings and addiction. Accordingly, the these studies referenced above pointed to high-glycemic-load foods as the worst offenders.

15 ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS TO AVOID

Some of the worse ultra-processed foods that you should nix from your diet include the following 15 nutritional disasters:

  1. Processed meats (sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats)
  2. Sugary breakfast cereals
  3. Sodas and energy drinks
  4. Frozen pizzas
  5. Mashed potato flakes
  6. Packaged cookies
  7. Blended coffee drinks and flavored creamers
  8. French fries
  9. Pretzels
  10. Baked goods
  11. Candy
  12. Instant noodles
  13. Flavored chips and cheese puffs
  14. Processed cheese sticks
  15. Barbecue sauce

FINDING THE BEST OPTIONS AMONG PROCESSED FOODS

Researchers at Northeastern University have created an online tool that rates foods. This online tool rates foods within the same product category on a scale from 1-100 from least processed to ultra-processed. For example, in the “Spread & Squeeze” category, Whole Foods’ 365 brand almond butter scores 5/100 while the same brand of “Cookie Butter” spread is rated at 77/100. This tool can help us make better food choices.

Whole foods, of course, may contain sugar (like you’d find in fruit). Whole foods also contain fiber, protein, and water, making it slower to hit the bloodstream and do not cause that same feeling of a sugar rush. Stick to unprocessed or minimally processed foods in the produce section, such as nuts or legumes. Unprocessed foods promote maximum health and longevity over the long haul.

Finally, for more help in taking control of your health, New Leaf Wellness has a dedicated Wellness Coach. Join wherever you are via Zoom & save yourself from High Healthcare costs. Sign up for our online or in-person consultation services and receive personal attention! FREE 20-minute First session!

WELLNESS COACHING CAN HELP WITH:

  • Weight loss
  • Stress reduction
  • The management of chronic conditions
  • Improving diet and exercise
  • Preventive care and wellness
  • Illnesses and injuries prevention education
  • Disease management
  • Multi-cultural Workplace Wellness
  • And so much more!

Are you tired…feeling sluggish? Has your get up and GO …. GONE?
Contact New Leaf Wellness and schedule a FREE 20-minute session with a Wellness Coach by emailing healthcoach@newleafcenters.com.

Can Peptide Therapy Pep Up Your Fitness and Wellness?

Well, well, well… there’s a new safe and effective treatment that’s pepping up fitness buffs, health seekers and anti-aging enthusiasts with its impressive power to keep your body and mind at their best. How can peptide therapy pep up your fitness and wellness? We’re going to explain. And tell you how our clients are seeing optimal results! This exciting wellness wonder is well worth getting to know for how it can help improve your health, fitness, appearance and quality of life. We call this Peptide Therapy—but you’ll call it your fountain of youth.

What is Peptide Therapy?

Before getting to the beauty of this new treatment, let’s begin with the basics. So, peptides are tiny proteins made up of short chains of amino acids. They signal the cells in your body to perform in specific ways. While they may be extremely small, they’re really a big deal because they are responsible for all of the ways that your body and mind function. From your athletic performance and weight loss to your libido, appearance and memory, peptides play a role in how you feel, look and live. With different peptides affecting different cells and functions, they can be highly tailored and targeted to treat a wide variety of fitness, anti-aging, health and wellness conditions.

The Power of Peptides

Since peptides are able to improve a number of very precise concerns, they offer a wide range of benefits for overall health and appearance, including:

  • Boosts energy
  • Builds muscle
  • Enhances physical performance
  • Burns fat
  • Increases weight loss
  • Repairs muscles and tendons
  • Improves appearance
  • Increases sex drive
  • Enhances sleep quality
  • Sharpens memory and cognitive focus

The Perfect Peptides for Every Purpose

With more than 7,000 naturally-occurring peptides, the following are preferred for the ways they can help you achieve your fitness, anti-aging and wellness goals.

 

“My mobility is improving, almost zero stiffness when I woke up today, almost no pain when bending at the hips, it’s unreal!”

– R.O., New Leaf Wellness Client

Sermorelin + Ipamorelin

As one of a new and improved generation of peptides, this potent combination is more effective for most people and offers more targeted action to deliver these worthwhile benefits:

  • Fights the signs of aging
  • Builds collagen and reduces wrinkles
  • Increases fat loss and weight loss
  • Accelerates healing and recovery
  • Improves sleep and mood
  • Enhances cognitive function
  • Increases lean muscle mass
  • Improves immune system

Call New Leaf Wellness for a complimentary consultation!

BCP-157

Also, short for “body protection compound,” this power-packed peptide is a true healing hero for the way it significantly speeds up the healing process for all kinds of tissues, from muscles and tendons to your gut and your brain.

It can help in the following ways:

  • Accelerates muscle and tendon healing
  • Aids in reducing arthritis pain
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Increases collagen production
  • Repairs lean tissue throughout the body
  • Improves intestinal health
  • Enhances GABA neurotransmission
  • Counteracts the effects of Parkinson’s disease

 

“After years of doing the traditional medicine route, I finally have discovered the answer to overall body pain, fatigue, and lack of energy. I feel like I’m getting my life back.”

– M.F., New Leaf Wellness Client

AOD 9604

Next, stubborn fat and pesky pounds are no match for this fragment of Human Growth Hormone, which stimulates fat burning and weight loss without affecting blood insulin levels.

This fat fighter is a favorite for the way it:

  • Reduces fat
  • Regulates fat metabolism
  • Simulates the breakdown of fat
  • Triggers fat release
  • Increases your metabolism

GHK-CU Copper Peptide

Finally, an anti-aging powerhouse, this peptide is considered a skin savior for its many beautiful benefits, such as:

  • Improves overall skin appearance
  • Increases skin firmness, elasticity and clarity
  • Repairs the skin’s protective barrier
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation and free radical damage
  • Diminishes photo-damage and hyper-pigmentation
  • Stimulates wound healing
  • Protects skin cells from UV radiation
  • Increases hair growth and thickness

 

At New Leaf Wellness, our medical experts have a solid understanding of the complexities of different peptides. This expertise empowers them to customize these treatments to enhance your healthy lifestyle. Call New Leaf Wellness today to schedule your private, personal consultation.

“New Leaf has been a life changer with all the opportunities offered. It’s well worth it. It helped give me my life back….literally!”

– R.B., New Leaf Wellness Client, see more testimonials >>

Studies Show Vitamin C Can Reduce Colds

The human body cannot produce its own vitamin C. Vitamin C is water-soluble which means it is quickly excreted. Aging individuals tend to have even lower levels of vitamin C. Actually, studies show vitamin C can reduce duration and severity of colds so, we’re going to share those today! Therefore, it is necessary to supplement daily with vitamin C to ensure the proper function of vital bodily functions including the immune system. In fact, during times of inflammation or infection the immune system’s demand for vitamin C increases 100-fold.

More on Vitamin C

Studies have shown that 1000mg of vitamin C daily can reduce the duration and severity of the common cold, and even reduce the chance of developing a cold. Also, in two separate studies “absence from school and work was reduced by 14-21% per episode.” Additionally, studies found “common cold incidence decreased by on average 50%, and in four trials of British males common cold incidence decreased by on average 30% in the vitamin C groups.”

“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 testimonials >>

Inadequate Vitamin C

Without regular supplementation of vitamin C, your levels can quickly drop. With inadequate vitamin C, cells are less able to detect and destroy invading organisms or harmful cells, leaving one vulnerable to dangerous infections.

“I am a very busy business professional/traveler and when I needed a boost to my immune system, enhance my energy level and combat the stressful work environment I turned to New Leaf Wellness and the IV Nutrition Therapy. In just 45 minutes I was back at it, able to push myself and accomplish a very strenuous project. With IV Nutrition, essential vitamins and nutrients go directly into the bloodstream and for my busy lifestyle this gives me the edge I need.”

– Abraham A., New Leaf Wellness Patient, see more testimonials>>

Healthier 2019

IV Nutritional Therapy has made the difference in times of need for our patients. For example, have an upcoming milestone event you don’t want to miss, a trip you planned long ago you’ve been looking forward to or even a stressful project at work… Our patients experience less down time and quicker recovery when ill by choosing IV Nutritional Therapy. To learn more or see our locations, contact us today!

We offer a full range of supplementation that you may benefit from, click here.

G.A.C. Injections

G.A.C. injections are widely used as an effective weight loss supplement, and G.A.C. injections are helping many dieters lessen sugar cravings and stick to low carb dieting. But a common question we get is, what are G.A.C. injections? So, we’re diving in to how they work to help your body.

Glutamine, arginine and carnitine (G.A.C.) are amino acids when combined converts glycogen to energy, rather than fat. These three amino acids combined make it easier to burn calories and expel from the body. Luckily, this combination is newly made available as a pharmacy-grade prescription by ReGenesis HRT in injectable form. G.A.C. injections are specifically formulated for rapid weight loss and enhance athletic performance via the stimulation of the body’s metabolism (through the transfer of fatty acids to the mitochondria). Also, ReGenesis HRT’s team of medical researchers have found G.A.C. to be an important component in muscle repair, body sculpting and immune system enhancement.

G.A.C. Injections Benefits:

• Increases growth hormone levels
• Prevention of muscle loss
• Faster muscle recovery
• Improves circulation
• Powerful fat burning properties
• Conversion of stored fat into energy
• Increases energy levels
• Higher metabolic rates
• Balances hormones
• Improves mood
• Increases stamina

Below is a breakdown of each amino acid, and its role in fat loss:

G is for Glutamine

Glutamine is one of the body’s most abundant amino acids and is the building block for all essential proteins. It is most commonly used to boost the immune system, combatting the effects of bodily distress. However, Glutamine also enhances exercise performance and expedites muscle recovery allowing users to effectively burn more calories.

A is for Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that changes into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter shown to improve circulation and blood flow. Due to Arginine’s positive effects on blood circulation, workout performance and muscle recovery time improves, leading to an increase in your fat burning rate. Therefore, Arginine is extremely effective for weight loss.

C is for L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a substance produced by the liver and kidneys which converts body fat into energy. Studies show carnitine reduces body fat, increases muscle mass, improves stamina and strength and lessens fatigue, which may all contribute to weight loss. Likewise, its muscle building properties make it a favorite among weightlifters and bodybuilding professionals. Consequently, Carnitine boosts energy during times of caloric deficit eliminating fatigue and irritability while dieting.

Want to know more about G.A.C. injections, check out service page for more information and other wellness support programs.

Your Gut Health & Weight Loss

If only weight management were really as simple as they make it seem. Eat less, move more and in a caloric deficit you will lose weight; right? Wrong… Let’s talk about your gut health and weight loss today for a few minutes.

What is Gut Health?

If you try to keep ‘in the know’ of weight loss and health trends, there’s a lot of talk about probiotics, gut health and even diet changes such as dairy free and gluten free. Perhaps you personally have tried a supplement or reducing your processed food intake? It can be frustrating not truly knowing what your body needs. You see, the microbiome or gut plays a major role in the processing of nutrients and calories as well as influences how the body stores those nutrients and calories. If you are reducing caloric intake, exercising and still not seeing results, perhaps we need to shift our attention to your gut health?

Basic Ways the Gut Impacts Metabolism & Weight Loss:

1. Different bacterias are responsible for different functions. Some love to store fat! If your microbiome is out of balance, your bacteria could have an overabundance of “friends” trying to store some extra for the winter.

2. If your gut is off, you are likely missing many of the digestive enzymes needed to properly break down macronutrients, resulting in improperly stored calories as well as a lack of nutrient absorption.

3. The “bad” bacteria thrive on sugar. When we have an overgrowth of these bacteria, they will communicate their dietary desires to your brain encouraging you to eat more often as well as crave simply carbohydrates and sugars which are easily stored as fat.

4. Too much “bad” bacteria communicate stress signals to the brain, increasing cortisol the hormone associated with fat storage and blood sugar dips.

5. “Leaky Gut” leads to inflammation which negatively impacts metabolism. More on Leaky Gut >>

These are just some examples of how and why we need to balance our microbiome when trying to lose weight. If you feel this applies to your struggles with weight loss and just feeling ‘bloated’, contact us to take the Food Sensitivity Test and learn more about your gut!
We also have supplements specially formulated for you in mind! Visit our online supplement store for discount on your first purchase or contact us if you have questions.

What Now?

Follow the Dr’s recommendation on the elimination diet. Test yearly for the latest information on what is causing inflammation in your body. Be sure you are getting your follow up tests completed and you will not have chronic health problems due to inflammation caused by sensitivities of food.

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.

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.

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. 

Dietary supplements: Do They Help or Hurt?

Published by Harvard Health Publishing

Original article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dietary-supplements-do-they-help-or-hurt

What you need to know before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.

The average American diet leaves a lot to be desired. Research finds our plates lacking in a number of essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and D. It’s no wonder that more than half of us open a supplement bottle to get the nutrition we need. Many of us take supplements not just to make up for what we’re missing, but also because we hope to give ourselves an extra health boost—a preventive buffer to ward off disease.

Getting our nutrients straight from a pill sounds easy, but supplements don’t necessarily deliver on the promise of better health. Some can even be dangerous, especially when taken in larger-than-recommended amounts.

How Much of Each Nutrient Do You Need?

Here are the recommended levels of daily intake for several important nutrients.
Nutrient How Much You Don’t Exceed
Calcium 1,000–1,200 mg 2,000 mg
Folate 400 mcg 1,000 mcg
Iron 8 mg 45 mg
Vitamin A 700 mcg RAE* 3,000 mcg RAE
Vitamin B 6 1.5 mg 100 mg
Vitamin B 12 2.4 mcg No established

upper limit
Vitamin C 75 mg 2,000 mg
Vitamin D 600–800 IU 4,000 IU
Vitamin E 15 mg 1,000 mg
*Retinol activity equivalents

The Excitement Over Supplements

We’ve heard a lot of encouraging news about supplements. A series of studies hailed vitamin D as a possible defense against a long list of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, depression, and even the common cold. Omega-3 fatty acids have been touted for warding off strokes and other cardiovascular events. And antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene were seen as promising silver bullets against heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s the big caveat: Many of those exciting supplement studies were observational—they didn’t test a particular supplement against a placebo (inactive pill) in a controlled setting. The results of more stringent randomized controlled trials haven’t yielded the same good news.

“Often the enthusiasm for these vitamins and supplements outpaces the evidence. And when the rigorous evidence is available from randomized controlled trials, often the results are at odds with the findings of the observational studies.”

– Dr. JoAnn Manson, Chief of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Principal Investigator of a large randomized trial known as VITAL (Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial).

Because observational studies may not fully control for dietary factors, exercise habits, and other variables, they can’t prove whether the treatment is responsible for the health benefits. “People who take supplements tend to be more health conscious, exercise more, eat healthier diets, and have a whole host of lifestyle factors that can be difficult to control for fully in the statistical models,” Dr. Manson continues.

Diving Deeper

Some supplements that were found to have health benefits in observational studies turned out, with more rigorous testing, to be not only ineffective but also risky. Vitamin E, which was initially thought to protect the heart, was later discovered to increase the risk for bleeding strokes. Folic acid and other B vitamins were once believed to prevent heart disease and strokes—until later studies not only didn’t confirm that benefit but actually raised concerns that high doses of these nutrients might increase cancer risk.

How to Get Your Nutrients

We need a variety of nutrients each day to stay healthy, including calcium and vitamin D to protect our bones, folic acid to produce and maintain new cells, and vitamin A to preserve a healthy immune system and vision.

Yet the source of these nutrients is important. “Usually it is best to try to get these vitamins and minerals and nutrients from food as opposed to supplements,” Dr. Manson says.

What Are The Best Sources?

Fruits, vegetables, fish, and other healthy foods contain nutrients and other substances not found in a pill, which work together to keep us healthy. We can’t get the same synergistic effect from a supplement. Taking certain vitamins or minerals in higher-than-recommended doses may even interfere with nutrient absorption or cause side effects.

Food Sources of Nutrients
Nutrient Food sources
Calcium Milk, yogurt, sardines, tofu,

fortified orange juice
Folic acid Fortified cereal, spinach,

lentils, beef liver
Iron Oysters, chicken liver, turkey
Omega-3

fatty acids

 Salmon, sardines, flaxseed,

walnuts, soybeans
Vitamin A Sweet potato, spinach, carrots,

cantaloupe, tomatoes
Vitamin B6 Chickpeas, salmon,

chicken breast
Vitamin B12 Clams, beef liver, trout,

fortified breakfast cereals
Vitamin D Salmon, tuna, yogurt,

fortified milk
Vitamin E Wheat germ oil, almonds,

sunflower seeds, peanut butter

 

How Dr. Manson Weighs Supplements

Before you take any supplements for disease prevention, it’s important to know whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. To make that conclusion, you need to look at the results of well-designed studies. A recent randomized trial in men suggested multivitamins have possible benefits for cancer prevention. For many of the other popular supplements, including vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, results from randomized controlled trials should be available within the next five years, according to Dr. Manson.

Until then, be judicious about your use of supplements. If you’re lacking in a particular nutrient, ask your doctor whether you need to look beyond your diet to make up for what you’re missing—but don’t take more than the recommended daily intake for that nutrient unless your health care provider advises it.

Choosing supplements do not have to be hard with New Leaf Wellness‘s compounding pharmacy, New Leaf Rx. Learn more about you can have them delivered directly to your door step and formulated specifically for you!

Who Should Take This Food Sensitivity Challenge?

Do you ever feel like you may have certain symptoms related to foods, such as headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, or fatigue?Who should take a Food Sensitivity Challenge? Why? Do you feel you may want to try eliminating possible triggers, but you are not sure where to start?

Our Food Sensitivity test measures your body’s IgG immune response to 90 foods that are commonly found in diets.

An improvement in food sensitivity symptoms after eliminating the triggering food source is always the best test. Rather than randomly eliminating foods over many months and assessing your change in symptoms, you can have a directed elimination plan. An antibody IgG immune response can offer guidance on what foods may be the best to eliminate temporarily, then complete an add back challenge to identify symptom producing foods.

What To Look Out For

Food can trigger an immune response which may manifest itself in physical symptoms such as:

  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Other miscellaneous skin problems
  • Food intolerance
  • Feeling bloated after eating
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) distress
  • Stomach pain

To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss with one of our staff members, contact us today!

What Now?

Follow the Dr’s recommendation on the elimination diet. Test yearly for the latest information on what is causing inflammation in your body. Be sure you are getting your follow up tests completed and you will not have chronic health problems due to inflammation caused by sensitivities of food.