The Importance of Iodine | doctors in naples fl

December 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flDoctors in Naples FL reveals the type of medicine currently practiced by the vast majority of physicians in the United States is based on the scientific principle that a single substance can be used to treat a single illness. This principle originated in the early 19th century with the discovery of iodine. In 1811, a French scientist (Bernard Courtois) was working for Napoleon’s army while the supplies of gunpowder were running short. Saltpeter (potassium nitrate – a major component of gunpowder) required an abundant source of potassium carbonate (extracted from wood ashes) in order to be produced. It was suggested to use dried seaweed (abundant along the coast of Normandy) since the French troops had long run out of the preferred willow wood. This created excess sulfur compounds, so sulfuric acid had to be blended into the mixture. Courtois accidentally added too much acid – a violet vapor cloud appeared, condensing into colder, metal objects then forming lustrous crystals. Courtois eventually turned over his discovery to a pair of French chemists who later involved an English chemist (Sir Humphrey Davy). In 1813, Davy published a scientific paper describing the new element which was termed “iodine” (Greek for violet-colored). In 1819, a Swiss physician (Dr. Jean François Coindet), hypothesized the traditional treatment of seaweed for goiters (enlarged thyroid glands) was effective because of seaweed’s iodine content; he proved iodine (a single substance) could treat goiters (a single illness). Modern medical science was born. In 1829, a French physician (Dr. Jean Lugol) discovered iodine could be made water-soluble when bonded to the mineral potassium. His solution of potassium iodide dissolved in water (Lugol’s solution – 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide) is still available today.

Iodine is found in every organ and tissue in the body. Highest levels are found in the thyroid, breast, ovaries, prostate, liver, lung, heart, adrenals, stomach, saliva, eyes and skin. Iodine is used primarily for the formation of thyroid hormones – iodine when combined with the amino acid L-tyrosine builds thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine – T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It is also involved with the formation of many other hormones and numerous other body processes. Iodine is crucially important in brain function, fertility and the immune system. It also helps the body eliminate toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum and mercury)

Over the past 30 years, according to doctors in Naples FL, an epidemic of iodine deficiency has developed in this country. Our iodine intake has declined by 50% (it has been removed from the food supply) and our ingestion of competing toxic halogen compounds (bromine, chlorine, fluorine and perchlorate) has increased dramatically (in our food, water, medicines and the general environment). The most important of these toxins is bromine. Bromine is found in ALL flour or bread products (unless the flour or bread product is labeled “organic,” “without bromine” or “unbrominated”). Historically, the food industry decided to remove iodine from baked goods and replace it with bromine 40 years ago. Bromine is banned as a food additive in over 100 nations but not America. Bromine is also found in many beverages (citrus-flavored sodas and juices especially – like Mountain Dew, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Hi-C, Gatorade, Powerade and many other sports drinks). Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) allows natural fat-soluble citrus flavors to stay suspended in the beverage rather than form separate layers. Swimming pools, hot tubs and whirlpools use bromine as a disinfectant and the toxin easily seeps through the skin. Non-organic produce (especially strawberries) and farm-raised fish are also high in bromine content. In fact, they spray brominated pesticides on strawberry fields in California while wearing HAZMAT SUITS.

As our intake of iodine has declined and our (inadvertent) intake of bromine and other related toxic halogens has increased, the rates of thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and autoimmune thyroid disorders), breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, ADD/ADHD, autism and mental retardation have all skyrocketed. In Japan (where iodine intake in 100 times higher than in the United States), all these disease are significantly less common. Iodine deficiency has also been associated with parotid duct stones, epidermal inclusion cysts (“sebaceous cysts”) and vaginal infections.

The best way to diagnose iodine deficiency is an iodine loading test – a 24-hour urine collection following specific iodine ingestion (offered by Doctors Data Laboratories), says doctors in Naples FL. The test measures how much iodine is retained and how much is excreted. Healthy people retain 10% and excrete 90%. The average American retains 56% and excretes 44% – a sign of severe iodine deficiency. The test can also measure fluorine and bromine.

doctors in naples

Doctors In Naples FL

So how much iodine do we need? Please realize the RDA (recommended daily/dietary allowance) of iodine in this country (150 mcg) is based on the amount needed to prevent a goiter (similar to how the RDA for vitamin C is based on the amount needed to prevent scurvy) and is NOT an optimal amount. This is not new news. In 1917, an American scientist (David Marine) proved we needed well over 25 times more iodine than the RDA to fulfill the needs of the body. 5 mg seems to be the maximal amount the body can use each day. Once iodine stores are repleted, 1-3 mg per day is probably a good maintenance dose. Recommendations of 12.5 mg/day (what is found in two drops of Lugol’s solution) are based on French and Japanese traditions (the average iodine intake in Japan is 13.8 mg per day) and demonstrate dose tolerance and safety.

As alluded to above, obesity is linked to iodine deficiency. Toxic halogens accumulate in fat where iodine is normally stored. Patients with low iodine AND toxic halogen accumulations show an inability to lose weight beyond a certain threshold. A therapy of brief high-dose iodine (12.5 mg/day) with L-tyrosine (1000 mg/day), dry-heat/infra-red saunas (to detox accumulated halogens), 25% calorie restriction and daily exercise can be quite effective in such recalcitrant situations.

Doctors In Naples FL

If you are interested in determining whether or not you have iodine deficiency (and/or toxic halogen accumulations) and wish to restore normal iodine levels (and/or detox your body from the halogens), please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics doctors in Naples FL writes about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

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Nutrient Deficiencies Caused by Diabetic, Cardiovascular and Heart Failure Drugs

December 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flIndividuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer from insulin resistance which leads to elevations of blood sugar as well as blood insulin levels. Insulin resistance seems not only to be associated with T2DM; it also appears related to unhealthy aging, cancer, autoimmune disease and other disorders. Elevated blood sugar and blood insulin levels damage blood vessels, both large as well as small. In fact, once a person has developed T2DM, the likelihood is that they have also already developed cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD leads to premature death, heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure (CHF).

When an individual has T2DM, CVD and/or CHF, their body is out of balance. Genetics are involved, yes. The aging process is probably involved, yes. But, the main problem is a body imbalance. The body has things in it that it wants removed. Excess stress, excess sodium, excess sugar, excess starch, excess stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol), food products (“crap”), excess body weight, toxins, food allergies. The body doesn’t have things in it that it wants added. Sleep, exercise, healthy food, nutrients, hormones.

Medications many times are used to normalize blood sugar levels. But, as we realize with everything in life, all things have negatives to go with their positives. When blood sugar-lowering medications reduce the blood sugar, this is probably good. But they do other things as well that are probably bad. One of the common “bad” things blood sugar-lowering medications do is cause depletions of important micro-nutrients.

Sulfonylureas (like Glucotrol or glipizide – used in T2DM) decrease co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Biguanides (Glucophage or metformin – used in T2DM) deplete CoQ10, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (folic acid). in fact, 30% of people taking metformin develop malabsoprtion of vitamin B12 and in half of these individuals the malabsorption becomes PERMANENT (continuing even after the drug is stopped). Thiazolidinediones (TZDs like Actos or pioglitazone – used in T2DM) negatively effect bone formation, but it is uncertain whether or not this is due to calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K and/or vitamin D effects. Salicylates (like aspirin – used in CVD) decrease vitamin B5, vitamin B9, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium and sodium. Digoxin (or lanoxin – used in CHF as well as for various heart rhythm problems) depletes calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Timed-release potassium chloride (KCl – many times used in CHF) preparations decrease vitamin B12. Xenical or Alli (orlistat) which blocks intestinal fat absorption depletes vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E (and probably vitamin D, vitamin K and essential fatty acids as well). In fact, many of the “side effects” of these drugs are actually symptoms of the secondary micro-nutrient deficiencies they cause.

So, whenever you take a medication related to T2DM, CVD and/or CHF, make sure you have first done your best to get your body back in balance. Many times, when you do this, you might not even need the drug. When you do need to take the drug, make sure you also take the respective vitamin(s), mineral(s) and/or other micro-nutrient(s) that the drug is depleting. This is very important!

If you have T2DM, CVD and/or CHF and would like help in restoring natural body balance to minimize your need for drugs and/or in repleting any important related micro-nutrient (and/or hormonal) deficiencies, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from. doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

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The AMAZING Health Benefits of Vitamin D

November 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flVitamin D deficiency has been associated with cancer, heart disease, stoke, high blood pressure, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, depression and chronic pain. Technically, vitamin D is not a vitamin, but rather a pre-hormone very similar in structure to steroid hormones like cortisol, testosterone and estradiol. As a hormone, vitamin D helps control calcium absorption from the gut and aids in calcium mineralization in bone. Otherwise, vitamin D lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of infection, improves insulin sensitivity and decreases inflammation. Receptors for vitamin D are found in the nucleus of every single cell in the body.

Optimal blood levels of vitamin D3 (the active form of vitamin D) are between 60-100 ng/mL. Low levels are less than 30 mg/dL. Old-World primates have levels between 80-170; humans exposing their full skin surface to sunshine throughout the entire day have levels between 80-160; “normal” individuals living in temperate climates have levels between 10-50; individuals taking 1000 IU supplemental D3 per day have levels between 40-100; individuals taking 4000 IU per day have levels between 60-120 ng/mL. Each 1000 IU of extra vitamin D3 intake increases blood levels by about 10 ng/mL. By the way, no toxicity has ever been reported with daily intake below 30,000 IU or with blood levels below 200 ng/mL.

Foods will NOT give you enough vitamin D3. For example, 3 oz of herring only provides 1380 IU; 1 T of cod live oil 1360 IU; 3.5 oz of salmon 360 IU; and 1 cp of fortified milk 100 IU. Sunlight does help with vitamin D3 production but unless you get EXCESSIVE sun exposure, this will not allow optimal levels. For example, a lifeguard spending ALL DAY in a bathing suit in direct sunlight in the sub-tropics would produce around 25,000 IU per day.

In the United States, 36% of people 18-29 years of age have levels less than 20 ng/mL. This is true for 41% of individuals 49-83 years of age; 42% of African-American women 15-49 years of age; and 57% of hospitalized individuals.

Regarding Hispanic-Americans 60 years and older: 10-20% have levels less than 11 ng/mL; 40-70% have levels less than 20; and 70-90% have levels less than 30. Regarding non-Hispanic American blacks 60 years and older: 20-30% have levels less than 11 ng/mL; 60-70% have levels less than 20; and 90-95% have levels less than 30. Regarding non-Hispanic American whites 60 years and older: 5-10% have levels less than 11 ng/mL; 25-40% have levels less than 20; and 75-80% have levels less than 30.

The health benefits of vitamin D are incredible. Population analysis suggests: 17% of ovarian cancer would be prevented with a vitamin D3 level of 48 ng/dL; 18% of non-Hodkins’s lymphoma with a level of 37; 30% of heart attack in men with a level of 37; 35% of all cancers with a level of 40; 37% of endometrial cancer with a level of 52; 49% of kidney cancer with a level of 49; 50% of all fractures with a level of 46; 54% of multiple sclerosis with a level of 56; 60% of colon cancer with a level of 44; 66% of type 1 diabetes mellitus with a level of 53; 72% of falls in women with a level of 31; and 83% of breast cancer with a level of 52. In fact, the estimation is that around 50% of ALL cancer deaths are associated with low vitamin D3 levels.

Since many people suffer from various degree of gut absorption ailments, it is not that uncommon for certain people not to absorb oral vitamin D3 normally. To rectify this, daily sublingual (under the tongue) vitamin D3 drops and/or weekly intra-muscular vitamin D3 injections can be used. In my practice, I’ve even found high-dose vitamin D3 intra-muscular injections VERY effective for viral upper respiratory tract infections. 1000 IU per pound administered for three consecutive days can dramatically alleviate symptoms and signs of a viral “cold” or “flu” – even a bad one.

If you are interested in determining if you have vitamin D3 deficiency and/or in optimally correcting a low level, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

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Nutrient Depletion Caused by Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs

November 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flHypertension is defined as a resting blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Elevated blood pressure over time damages the cardiovascular system – the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels (large and small). When an individual has hypertension, their body is out of balance. Genetics are involved, yes. The aging process is probably involved, yes. But, the main problem is a body imbalance. The body has things in it that it wants removed. Excess stress, excess sodium, excess stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol), food products (“crap”), excess body weight, toxins, food allergies. The body doesn’t have things in it that it wants added. Sleep, exercise, healthy food, nutrients.

Medications many times are used to normalize the blood pressure. But, as we realize with everything in life, all things have negatives to go with their positives. When blood pressure-lowering medications reduce the blood pressure, this is probably good. But they do other things as well that are probably bad. One of the common “bad” things blood pressure-lowering medications do is cause depletions of important micro-nutrients.

Loop diuretics (like Lasix or furosemide) decrease calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Thiazide diuretics (like HCTZ) deplete magnesium, potassium, zinc and co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Potassium-sparing diuretics decrease calcium, zinc and vitamin B9 (folic acid). Beta-blockers (like Toprol or metoprolol) deplete CoQ10 and melatonin. ACE-inhibitors (like Altace or ramipril) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs – like Cozaar or losartan) decrease zinc. Hydralazine depletes vitamin B6 and CoQ10. Alpha-blockers (like clonidine and methyl-dopa) decrease CoQ10. In fact, many of the “side effects” of blood pressure-lowering drugs are actually symptoms of the secondary micro-nutrient deficiencies caused by these drugs.

So, whenever you take a blood pressure-lowering medication, make sure you have first done your best to get your body back in balance. Many times, when you do this, you might not even need the drug. When you do need to take the drug, make sure you also take the respective vitamin(s), mineral(s) and/or other micro-nutrient(s) that the drug is depleting. This is very important!

If you have hypertension and would like help in restoring natural body balance to minimize your need for blood pressure-lowering drugs and/or in repleting any important related micro-nutrient deficiencies, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

Filed Under: Latest News Category, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,

Nutrient Depletion Caused by Lipid-Modifying Drugs

November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples fl

Abnormal blood lipid levels (high total cholesterol [TC], high LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C], high triglycerides [TG] and/or low HDL-cholesterol [HDL-C]) have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As we have previously discussed, these abnormal blood lipid levels can best be understood and explained as an increase in beta-lipoprotein particle levels, mainly LDL particles. The thought is that excess LDL particles, when they are “abnormal,” can enter inflamed “abnormal” arterial walls and lead to atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.”

When blood lipid levels are abnormal, the body is out of balance. Genetics are involved, yes. The aging process is probably involved, yes. But, the main problem is a body imbalance. The body has things in it that it wants removed. Excess stress, food products (“crap”), excess body weight, toxins, food allergies. The body doesn’t have things in it that it wants added. Sleep, exercise, healthy food, nutrients, hormones.

Medications many times are used to normalize blood lipid disturbances. But, as we realize with everything in life, all things have negatives to go with their positives. When blood lipid-modifying medications reduce the excess LDL particles, this is probably good. But they do other things as well that are probably bad. One of the common “bad” things blood lipid-modifying medications do is cause depletions of important micro-nutrients.

Statin drugs (like Zocor or simvastatin) decrease co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin D. Fibrates (like Tricor or fenofibrate) deplete vitamin B12, vitamin E, copper and zinc. A particular fibrate drug (Lopid or gemfibrozil) also decreases CoQ10. Bile acid sequestrants (BAS like Welchol or colesevelam) deplete vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, essential fatty acids, vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. In fact, many of the “side effects” of blood lipid-modifying drugs are actually symptoms of the secondary micro-nutrient deficiencies caused by these drugs.

So, whenever you take a blood lipid-modifying medication, make sure you have first done your best to get your body back in balance. Many times, when you do this, you might not even need the drug. When you do need to take the drug, make sure you also take the respective vitamin(s), mineral(s) and/or other micro-nutrient(s) that the drug is depleting. This is very important!

If you have abnormal blood lipid levels and would like help in restoring natural body balance to minimize your need for blood lipid-modifying drugs and/or in repleting any important related micro-nutrient (and/or hormonal) deficiencies, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from. doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

Filed Under: Latest News Category, Nutrition Tagged With: , , , ,

Natural Remedies for Angina and Congestive Heart Failure

November 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flAngina occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is inadequate, with the patient usually experiencing pressure-like discomfort in the chest, which may spread to the shoulders, arms and neck. Congestive heart failure occurs when weakness of the heart muscle leads to buildup of fluid in the lungs and surrounding body tissues. The patient typically experiences fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.

Many medical alternatives for angina and congestive heart failure exist but various natural nutritional supplements can also be used with dramatic effect in patients suffering from these conditions. The science of such nutritional manipulation is termed metabolic cardiology. This science is based on the principle that the heart muscle in patients with angina and/or congestive heart failure is energy-starved due to severe nutrient depletion. Metabolic cardiology addresses the starving heart muscle to improve its energy production and oxygen delivery.

The heart uses six kilograms (slightly over thirteen pounds) of ATP (the energy currency within our cells) every day at a normal heart rate of 60-70 beats per minute. This represents 20-30 times its own weight and significantly more than any other organ. Loss of ATP production can result in angina and/or congestive heart failure. Unlike most other organs, the heart primarily uses fatty acids rather than glucose for its energy source (60% to 30-35%).

Chelated magnesium, copper, selenium and zinc; D-ribose, carnitine, malic acid and creatine; CoQ10, thiamine, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2; omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) and resveratrol; taurine, N-acetyl cysteine and lipoic acid; as well as whey protein, caloric restriction and a high potassium diet have all been shown to be helpful in the metabolic cardiology treatment of angina and congestive heart failure.

The most effective of the nutritional approaches listed above would be: 1) taurine at 3 grams twice per day; 2) D-ribose powder at 5 grams three to four times per day; 3) CoQ10 at 300 mg twice per day; and 4) carnitine tartrate powder at 3 grams twice per day.

If you are interested in a metabolic cardiology treatment for your own angina and/or congestive heart failure problem, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

Filed Under: Heart Health, Prevention Tagged With: , , ,

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar

October 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flElevated blood sugar levels in the adult are usually associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There are multiple lifestyle measures that help lower blood sugar levels – a low glycemic diet (low in sugars, refined sugars and refined starches), increased daily physical activity and a formal exercise program as well as other techniques that lower body weight, body fat and increase lean muscle mass.

Diets with total fat intake of less than 30% daily calories, saturated fat of less than 10%, as little trans fats as possible with relative higher consumption of omega-9 monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, raw tree nuts, avocados) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (cold water fish, fish oil, shellfish, krill oil) are also helpful to lower blood sugar.

Nutritional supplements that have been shown to lower blood sugar include: (1) chromium; (2) alpha-lipoic acid; (3) magnesium; (4) vanadium; (5) vitamin D3; (6) EPA+DHA (the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acid); (7) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA); (8) biotin; (9) gamma-delta vitamin E; (10) carintine and acetyl-carnitine; (11) carnosine (also helpful for cataracts); (12) taurine; and (13) arginine.

Natural botanicals that help lower blood sugar include: (1) ginseng; (2) fenugreek; (3) bitter melon; (4) soluble fiber; (5) aloe vera; (6) nopal (prickly pear); (7) gymnema; (8) bilberry; (9) cinnamon; (10) clove; (11) bay leaf; and (12) green tea.

If you need assistance in weight loss, proper diet and/or developing a formal exercise program as well as recommendations for natural techniques to lower blood sugar (with or without drug therapy), please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

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Pork with Persimmons and Mustard Greens

October 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pork with Persimmons and Mustard Greens

Active Time: 15 minutes  Total Time: 1 hour  Serves 6

Doctor NaplesIngredients:

2 pounds pork loin, tied
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound persimmons,tops trimmed, cut into 1 1/2 – inch wedges
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbl extra-virgin olive oil
1 bunch (14 oz) mustard greens, large stems removed
1/2 Cup Marsala wine

Directions:

1-Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Season pork with 1 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Place pork in a 12-inch cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet.

2-Toss persimmons and garlic with oil; season with salt and pepper. Scatter around pork. Roast 15 minutes. Turn over persimmons and continue to roast until pork reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees (20-25 minutes). Transfer pork to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest 15 minutes (pork will continue to cook as it cools). Meanwhile, if persimmons are still firm, roast until fork-tender.

3-Transfer persimmons to a serving platter. Add mustard greens to pan. Season with salt and saute’ over medium heat until tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer greens to platter. Add wine to pan and cook until reduced by two-thirds. Thinly slice pork and arrange on top of the persimmons and greens. Spoon sauce over top and serve!

Courtesy of Marth Stewart.com

Filed Under: Dr. V's Dinner Favorites

My Favorite Recipes

October 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

naples doctorI love to cook good, healthy foods and here are some of my favorite recipes. I hope that you enjoy fixing these recipes as much as I do and please, let me know what you think of the ones you fix.

Dr V

Filed Under: Tasty & Healthy

Attention Men… Are You Losing Interest In Sex, Feeling Depressed Or Experiencing Insomnia?

September 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

doctors in naples flIf you answered yes, then consider this… you might have low Testosterone!

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles that keeps the bones and muscles of men strong, maintains healthy interest in sexual relations and enlarges the size of the penis and testicles during puberty.

After the age of 30, most men’s levels of testosterone begin to decline in a gradual fashion. This can lead to a lack of interest in sex along with other psychological symptoms such as depression and insomnia. From a physical perspective, low testosterone decreases bone and muscle mass and also seems to be involved with insulin resistance (the foundation of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease). Low testosterone levels can increase inflammation and oxidation as well as interfere with normal immune cell function. Since the foundation of any cellular abnormality involves inflammation, oxidation and immune cell dysfunction, low testosterone can be involved with a whole host of disease states.

Blood tests of testosterone are the mainstay of making the diagnosis of low testosterone. Testosterone levels at most labs have a reference range of 300 to 1200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Optimal levels are probably on the upper end of this range – greater than 750 ng/dL or so. Scores of less than 100 to 200 ng/dL (VERY low) are not that uncommon.

In my experience, the best way to restore normal testosterone levels probably involves testosterone injections – usually given once or twice per week. Testosterone gels, creams and patches can also be used, but the absorption through the skin can be variable and sometimes ends up increasing estradiol (female hormone) levels as well as testosterone. Since many men with low testosterone also have relatively high levels of estradiol, topical testosterone can help one problem (the low testosterone) but worsen another problem (the relatively high estradiol).

Believe it or not, even though most doctors (wrongly) believe otherwise, testosterone DOES NOT seem to cause or worsen prostate cancer in the vast majority of men. Recent research shows that testosterone replacement is probably SAFE in men with a history of prostate who have received therapy and seem clinically stable.

In my experience, testosterone replacement actually ends up being beneficial to the prostate over time. Only rarely does testosterone replacement cause some worsening of benign prostate symptoms at the beginning of therapy with resolution of these symptoms with time.

Please understand in many men with low testosterone levels it is much harder to diagnose prostate cancer (PSA levels are testosterone dependent), so in a man starting testosterone replacement in whom the PSA shoots up and a prostate biopsy shows prostate cancer, it was not that the testosterone replacement caused the prostate cancer, it rather UNMASKED it. Some men receiving testosterone replacement therapy develop elevations of red blood cell counts, but this can easily be rectified by donating blood.

If you are interested in determining whether or not you suffer from low testosterone levels, please contact our office at 239-676-3410.

Choosing the right Doctor in Naples, Florida can be tough because there are hundreds of providers to choose from.doctors in naples fl

But wouldn’t the decision be easier for you to make if you could find a Doctor in Naples that…

  • Had excellent communication skills
  • Spent extra time with you, in order to better understand your personal situation
  • Emphasized disease prevention, instead of just prescribing medications
  • Promoted health and wellness education to enhance your quality of life
  • Focused on exercise training for all ages

If these things are important to you, then I would encourage you to select me as your personal physician, because this is exactly how I run my practice.

I specialize in all aspects of preventive medicine (such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia risk reduction) plus, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, dietary supplements, weight loss and other areas of alternative and complementary medicine.

So Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment: 239-676-3410

To learn more about the topics I write about online, use these search phrases… doctors in naples, doctors naples florida, doctors in naples florida, naples heart institute, real fitness naples, wellness center naples fl, naples fitness center, naples community hospital, naples hospital, hospitals in naples florida, weight loss naples fl, weight loss fort myers

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