May 2007 Eblast

Recently, Dr. Birken completed an advanced course on anti-aging and bio-identical hormones with Dr. Neal Rouzier, a nationally know physician who will be presenting scientific data to the members of the U.S. Senate on the importance and need for compounding pharmacies this coming summer.  Here are highlights from the three day intensive seminar.

For Health and Wellness:

Anti-Aging Live Style Changes

            Is it possible to reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes?  While there is no fountain of youth, scientific research has discovered many of the causes for aging and diseases, along with ways to stay healthy, improve vigor and vitality, delay degenerative diseases, and enhance quality of life.  To do so requires life style changes as well as reduction of free radicals caused by cellular oxidation and environmental toxins.  Daily intake of specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will reduce the degenerative effects of free radicals; fiber and probiotics will restore normal gastrointestinal balance; and optimizing hormone deficiencies will renew and boost natural immunity.   Here’s how:

Dietary

Being overweight or obese increases the risks and dangers of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, sleep apnea, breast cancer, and osteoarthritis.  Weight is a complex interaction of genetics, nutrition, and physical activity.  The best dietary changes include a low glycemic intake such as Atkins, Zone, or South Beach.  Go to www.lowglycemicdiet.com and learn how.  Eat like a caveman – if you can hunt or fish it, pick it off a tree, or pluck it from the ground, its okay.  Don’t eat anything in a bag, box, can, or jar.  If the concept is logistically difficult, or not appealing, then eat only half your food at each meal.  Low fat protein choices include fish, lean beef, turkey, chicken, egg whites, low fat cottage cheese, soy, and tofu.  Oatmeal reduces bad cholesterol while promoting good colonic function.  Stay away from refined or high glycemic foods, most grains (pasta, breads, cereals), starches (potatoes and rice), selected fruits (bananas, raisins, dried fruits), and high glycemic vegetables (corn and carrots).

Exercise

Whether it’s walking, running, cycling, swimming, or yoga, any type of exercise increases metabolic rate, improves sleep, and releases stress and tension: at least 200 minutes of exercise per week.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Anti-oxidants

Adequate intake of nutrient vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants are associated with a lower risk of cancer, arthritis, cataracts, diabetes, skin atrophy, cerebral deterioration, hypertension, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.  Supplementation includes Vitamins A, C, D E, K, selenium, omega 3 fish oil, niacin, CoQ10, zinc, chromium, lipoic acid, grape seed extract, calcium and magnesium, and glucosamine.  The products must be prepared properly and without heavy metal contamination.  Stay away from iron unless anemic.  Remember, you get what you pay for – cheap supplements have limited value.  It’s an investment towards your good health!

Probiotics

Lactobacillus, acidophilus, and bifidobacterium bifidum decrease intestinal bloating, constipation, as well as reducing skin allergies.  Fiber (psyllium) and flax seed oil lower the risk of colon disease.

Bio-identical Hormones

Reproductive and metabolic hormones decrease as we age.  Now, with molecular engineering, plant sources are turned into substances that are biologically identical to human hormones providing optimal levels for cardiovascular, bone, sexual, and brain function health.  Bio-identical hormones (BHRT) enhance immunity, slow aging, increase metabolism, improve energy, build skin collagen, increase bone mass, and reduce degenerative diseases.

For more information about healthy living, preventive care, and anti-aging recommendations, calls Dr. Birken’s office for an evaluation and consultation.  Also, Dr. Birken is researching nutraceutical laboratories for the best in vitamin, mineral, and anti-oxidants for his patients.