Author Archives: dzadmin

10.03.17
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Coconut Oil – Healthy or Not?

coconut oil

There is so much hype online both ways as to the health benefits of coconut oil. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Honestly given the amount of debate its hard to know what to think.

Coconut oil is considered by many to be a “miracle oil” with a host of dietary benefits, and those who are pro coconut oil believe it boosts metabolism, improves digestion and immune health, supports hormone production and improves mental focus. Others say that the lauric acid content and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) it contains can help with weight loss.

What’s the verdict?

A science advisory was recently issued by The American Heart Association warning people not to ingest coconut oil due to its high levels of saturated fat. It warned that saturated fat from all sources raises LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels, which can contribute to the buildup and hardening of fatty plaque in arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

It was noted that coconut oil holds 82% saturated fat; by comparison, canola oil contains only 7% saturated fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 11 grams of unsaturated fat, just 2 grams short of the heart association’s recommended daily limit.

The warning triggered a massive outcry online, with some challenging nutritional norms by insisting that cardiovascular disease is caused by inflammation and oxidized cholesterol from sugars, carbohydrates, and vegetable oils. Others claimed the recommendation was tied to pressure from pharmaceutical and agricultural corporations, as well as multi-national food businesses collectively known as “Big Food.”

While a majority of Americans believe coconut oil is a healthy food, medical experts agree that there’s simply no evidence of long-term health benefits associated coconut oil. In fact, it’s calorie-dense and holds more saturated fat than butter, beef tallow, and lard, according to one weight-loss expert.

When cooking with oils, it’s important to pick the healthiest option and consume fatty foods in moderation, as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise.

Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, with offices in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, is ready to help you make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve your cardiovascular health. For a free screening and consultation, visit our website or call 813-975-2800.

09.15.17
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Gallstones – What you need to know!

Gallstones

GallstonesGallbladder pain is unmistakable if you have ever experienced it. It can range from a dull ache to a sharper debilitating doubling over kind of pain that seems to go straight through your core.

It is alarming to say the very least. With so many organs in your abdomen, there are many reasons this area can be experiencing pain. If you haven’t previously had a gallbladder attack you may not be able to pinpoint what it is without some medical intervention.

Let’s see if we can help narrow it down for you:

Where is your gallbladder located? The gallbladder sits in the upper right part of your abdomen just under your liver. This organ’s purpose is to store and concentrate bile, provide bile salts for fat digestion, and it also helps cholesterol transport and recycling.

Gallstones, for the most part, begin to form in the gallbladder when the cholesterol cannot be kept in a dissolved state, so it begins to crystallize and turn to stones. When these stone get larger, they’re known as gallstones. If they don’t affect bile movement a person will never know these stones are there because they have no signs or symptoms. Stones can be seen with imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scan.

A person’s gender and race seem to dictate the likelihood of developing gallstones. For example, gallstones are prevalent in 5 percent of black males but 64 percent in Native American women.

How do you know if your pain is gallstone pain? The pain you feel will be located in the upper center or right of the abdomen; this pain will be persistent for one to six hours, especially after eating fatty/rich foods. Often, this obstruction in the bile duct will resolve on its own and pain will disappear; however, if this pain lasts longer than six hours, the pressure in the gallbladder builds leading to distension, inflammation, and swelling; this is referred to as cholecystitis.

If a patient has cholecystitis and it is quickly diagnosed, it will be treated with fluids, bowel rest, and antibiotics. If they have another attack, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a recommended. If not treated right away, the cholecystitis symptoms will worsen; a person will become feverish, nauseous, and even vomit. The pain will begin to spread up to the upper part of the back, and this is when a person usually heads to urgent care or the ER.

Serious cases of cholecystitis can lead to further and more life-threatening complications such as infection of the liver bile ducts, gangrene of the gallbladder, and pancreatitis. All these conditions require hospitalization, drainage, and antibiotics.

If a cholecystectomy is needed, gallbladder removal, this is a same-day surgery and patient can eat later in the day or the following day. A person doesn’t need a gallbladder to survive. Without the gallbladder, only small amounts of fat can be digested at a time. If a person consumes too much fat, he or she will experience diarrhea.

If you been experiencing abdominal pain, it’s time to see your doctor. Gallbladder issues, left untreated over time will get worse. If it’s extreme and you are unable to see your doctor quickly, head to the ER or an urgent care center. For a primary doctor in the Fort Myers area, contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness. Through an examination and testing, Dr. Kordonowy can diagnose the cause of your stomach pain. To book an appointment, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.  Dr. Kordonowy is a concierge doctor and provides direct primary care services.

09.15.17
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Relieve Anxiety Naturally

Do you have anxiety but are reluctant to medicate due to the enormous list of possible side effects? We don’t blame you one bit!

Anxiety can be triggered by just about any stressor in life. Sometimes the source isn’t able to be pinpointed. That is what is classified as generalized anxiety disorder. It is often treated with either antidepressants and benzodiazepines. While both can have a calming effect, once the dose wears off, the anxiety almost always returns.

The medical community would have you buy into the idea that the only answer to anxiety can be found in pharmaceuticals. That simply is not the truth.

Anxiety is a complex emotion. It can stem from worry, stress and emotional issues. But what if your life is just fine, or at least at what you feel is a normal stress level where you really feel like you shouldn’t be having this issue? Can anxiety be triggered by an imbalance physically?

Yes – anxiety can be triggered by certain deficiencies. Let’s take a gander at what your body might be craving if you are feeling overly anxious or having panic attacks seemingly out of nowhere.

Tryptophan – An essential amino acid. It converts in the body to a compound known as 5-HTP, which then is turned in to Serotonin. Serotonin regulates appetite, sleep, mood and overall a feeling of well-being.

Vitamin D – If you aren’t getting your dose of sunshine daily you are likely in need of supplementation either through food or supplemental sources. Those who live in four season climates can fall prey to SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder), a mood disorder caused by lack of sun and resulting Vitamin D.

Magnesium – Magnesium helps to regulate the release of stress hormones. It plays a part in hundreds of biochemical reactions and is a vital nutrient.

Vitamin B-Complex – When you are under stress it can deplete your Vitamin B resources leading to mood problems, tiredness, and anxiety.

Calcium – Lack of calcium can have a large impact on both physical and mental health. Shaking, heart palpitations, anxiety, and mood issues all can be attributed to a calcium deficiency in the body.

Adrenal Fatigue. If your adrenal glands have been working over time they may need a boost as well. This can be achieved through proper diet and supplementation as well and results are noticeable rather quickly.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood swings, or fatigue before reaching for a prescription bottle to try and mask the feelings you are having, come in and talk with us. Let us do Nutritional Response Testing on you and allow your body to tell us what it’s missing and what it needs to be complete, healthy and happy again.

Give our office a call at 239-947-1177 or visit www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com to learn more or schedule.

09.14.17
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Chiropractic – Getting to the Truth

chiropractic

chiropracticFor those familiar with chiropractors already, they know from their own personal experience that chiropractic simply works. As for those who haves yet to experience chiropractic there seem to be a few rumors floating around out there. Today we would like to try and clear the air as to fact vs. myth.

Misconception #1– Chiropractors are not real doctors.

False. The biggest difference between medical doctors and chiropractors is not their level of education but in their method of treating patients.

Let’s look at both forms of treatment

Chiropractors – For soft tissue damage and misalignments, there is no miracle chemical compound that can correct this. It requires a physical solution. This is where chiropractic adjustment comes in as well as recommended exercises, stretching, and muscle therapy. Chiropractors are able to help your body to work and function correctly in order to be able to heal itself.

Medical doctors – Medical doctors are, as they are accurately named, trained in the use of medicine as well as surgery. If you have a chemically treatable problem, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a bacterial infection, medical treatment can be an answer.

Schooling for a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) and schooling for a Medical Degree, in curricula, are virtually identical. The Chiropractic degree actually requires more hours of classroom learning than the medical degree. Chiropractic students are required to complete a supervised residency just as medical doctors are. Upon graduation, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams where they intend to practice.

Chiropractors are subject to the same type of licensing, testing procedures, and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state programs, such as Workers’ Compensations programs, Medicare, and Medicaid cover chiropractic. Federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by D.C.’s.

Their doctorate is in every way equal to that of a medical doctor.

Misconception #2 – Medical doctors don’t believe in chiropractors.

Untrue. While it may have been the case way back in the 1940s and even as recently as the 1970s in the years following the overall opinion of the vast majority of the medical community has changed. There have been studies conducted showing that chiropractic does indeed help patients with a wide range of conditions and can work very well in conjunction with more traditional medical care. Hospitals across the country staff chiropractors as do many medical offices.

Misconception #3 – If you get adjusted once, you must go for the rest of your life. It’s better to just leave things be.

Though of course recommended is a lifetime of preventative wellness care, that is totally up to the individual. You can receive just a single adjustment in a life time or regular care. There is no mandate, and being adjusted and in alignment simply makes you feel better. The likely reason this idea got started was that once you feel what your body feels like in alignment and working properly, you will not want to accept a lesser version of your health.

Chiropractic is very much akin to going to the dentist. Can you get your teeth cleaned only once? Sure. But you may not experience full dental health if you don’t continue to go on a regular basis for preventive maintenance.

This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. It is only partially true. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits.

We hope this has cleared up some common misnomers about chiropractic. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you in our office sometime soon for an adjustment. If you would like to schedule an appointment in either our Fort Myers or Naples offices please give us a call at 239-332-2555 or visit www.drkasters.com.

09.14.17
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Do you have overactive bladder?

active bladder

active bladderThere is nothing quite as alarming as suddenly feeling that urge to run to the rest room at the most inopportune time. Especially if you are nowhere near a bathroom.

While experiencing the urge to urinate more often is normal and even expected if you’ve been drinking large quantities of liquid, especially carbonated drinks containing artificial sweeteners, coffee/tea with caffeine, or alcohol. Even some foods — like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and cranberries — might even make you take more trips to the bathroom.

When do you actually classify as having an overactive bladder?

If you feel the need to urinate more than 8 times in any 24 hour period, your bladder may be considered overactive. Taking constant trips to the bathroom throughout the day, regardless of fluid intake, may be a sign of OAB. Some might experience a full bladder feeling, yet only a small amount of urine is passed; others may even experience incontinence or leakage.

33 million Americans have overactive bladders. As many as 30% of men — and 40% of women – in the U.S. live with OAB symptoms. This is according to the newest data from the American Urological Association.

OAB can be embarrassing and anxiety provoking. It may also affect your sleep if you’re waking up two or more times each night to urinate; sleep disruptions over time can be harmful to your health and overall well-being.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to consult a urologist. Exploring treatment options with a knowledgeable doctor can provide a boost in your quality of life.  Involuntary contractions of the bladder may be the result of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or bladder stones.

Tracking food and drink intake can help you to get a handle on what provokes a urinary response and from there you can adjust accordingly.

It’s worth noting that so-called “stress urinary incontinence” is different than OAB, and typically involves the expulsion of small amounts of urine while sneezing, laughing, or doing physically demanding activities. 

Dr. Harry Tsai of Fort Meyers Urology, with offices in Fort Meyers and Cape Coral, is a member of the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County — a network of independent physicians committed to maintaining high-quality medical care in southwest Florida. For help selecting an independent physician or for more information on IPALC, call 239-314-0791 or visit the organization’s website.

09.01.17
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NSAIDs – Not All They Are Cracked Up to Be

NSAIDs

When you are in pain what do you reach for? Digging into the medicine cabinet most of us go for the major store brands of OTC medicines.  Tylenol, Aleve, and Ibuprofen are all in the NSAID family.

While they do help short term to alleviate pain and swelling, they also have the non-wanted side effect of slowing down the healing process and may have side effects, especially when used repeatedly or chronically over time. These side effects can range from mild to severe and can include stomach irritation, bleeding ulcers, and even death!

Though they do help to alleviate both pain and swelling, they also have the side effect of slowing down the healing process and may have additional side effects, especially used over time. Side effects can range from mild to serious and can include stomach irritation, bleeding ulcers, and even coma or death!

Natural remedies to try

Black Pepper (which works wonders in conjunction with Turmeric) – Black pepper is a wonderful anti-inflammatory as well as holding the properties of being an antioxidant and antibacterial.

Turmeric – Studies have shown that turmeric contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and has been used to treat infections, cold and even wounds.

It comes in swallowable capsules as well as in spice form to sprinkle on and add to your food.

Both delivery methods work well.

Cloves – Though research is still giving mixed reviews, cloves have been touted as an anti-inflammatory especially useful for dental and mouth issues. Make sure if you are using clove oil to mix it with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut before applying to the inside of your mouth on gum areas. It can be very hot on its own.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon can help to ease swelling and inflammation. Sprinkle on coffee, tea, cereal, oatmeal or take by capsule.

Garlic – Ah, good old garlic. Fresh is always best. As well as anti-inflammatory it is a very powerful natural antibiotic!

Plant Enzymes – when taken on an empty stomach also work phenomenally well as anti-inflammatories and help with pain and swelling.

Cayenne pepper – They contain capsaicinoids giving them anti-inflammatory super powers. They have been used to boost health since ancient times!

Along with adding these spices to your vitamin protocol changing up your diet to include some amazingly powerful anti-inflammatory foods can help drastically as well. Adding these into your normal eating routine can help boost your health and well being.

Top anti-inflammatory foods recommended are:

  • Celery
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Beets
  • Berries
  • Coconut Oil
  • Chia Seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Salmon
  • Pineapple
  • Bone broth
  • Flax Seeds
  • Walnuts

Are there foods that are inflammatory?

ABSOLUTELY

If you are already having inflammation and pain issues you would do best to stay away from eating refined sugars, refined grains, processed foods and artificial sweeteners.

 What you eat greatly affects how your body functions and how you feel. If you are not feeling your best Nutrition Specialists of Florida can help you by giving you personalized guidance on what to eat, what to avoid, supplementation and detoxification to give you the very best possible quality of life outcome.

Give us a call ay 239-947-1177 or visit us online by going to www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com.

08.08.17
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Restless Legs at Night – Here is the Cause

RLS

RLSWhen you try and lay down at night to fall asleep do your legs start moving and twitching involuntarily? This is what is known as Restless Leg Syndrome. It can range from uncomfortable to incredibly annoying, even painful and lead to insomnia, which in turn can bring about other lack of sleep related health problems.

 

Restless leg syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects up to 10 percent of Americans and twice as many women as men, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The movements make it difficult to sleep or sit comfortably for long periods of time and can lead to insomnia or trouble staying awake during the daytime.

While restless leg syndrome can have several underlying genetic and health causes, those suffering from venous insufficiency may have symptoms consistent with RLS. Venous insufficiency is typically the result of blood clots and varicose veins and occurs when there is inadequate blood flow through the veins, which causes blood to pool.

The most common treatment for sufferers of venous insufficiency is a compression stocking or an elastic stocking that creates pressure around a target area on the leg. Compression stockings can improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Additional relief may be achieved by keeping your legs elevated, keeping your legs uncrossed when sitting, avoiding dietary triggers and, of course, regular exercise.

Some physicians may prescribe medications, such as an anticoagulant to thin the blood or a diuretic to draw fluid from the body.

More serious cases of venous insufficiency may require surgery to repair or remove veins. Those procedures could involve minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to tie off varicose veins, laser surgery to close a damaged vein or sclerotherapy — the injection of a chemical into a vein to shrink and permanently close it.

For those with a family history of venous insufficiency, medical experts recommend staying active, not smoking or quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about what type of treatment is best for you.

For a vein specialist referral, or for more information on vein disorders and treatments, visit http://www.westfloridaveincenter.com/contact/

08.08.17
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Jaw Pain – Is it TMJ?

TMJ

TMJTMJ can be caused by your genetics, trauma to the jaw or even arthritis. Nocturnal tooth grinding and clenching can also play a role, though tooth grinders don’t always develop TMJ.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is an incredibly painful condition that is situated within the muscles of the jaw and cheekbone. The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge which is the connection from your skull to the jawbone.

Whiplash from auto accidents can be an initial cause of an onset of TMJ. When ligaments tear or stretch it can pull the jaw out of position. Other injuries involving the facial area can have the same results.

Common complaints include pain, stiffness, clicking sounds that are audible to others and even having your jaw lock up from time to time. It may even extend to a dull ache around the ear and back of the head. Chewing may cause pain as well. These are all a result of the jaw itself becoming misaligned. Over time if not corrected adhesions can form in the muscle keeping the jaw out of place.

If not treated properly, over time degeneration of the disc between the jaw and the skull can occur, wearing away which leaves only bone on bone to rub together wreaking havoc on the nerves located in that area.

Visiting your Chiropractor for jaw pain can be a tremendous help. They take an overall approach to well-being and help to determine the cause and the resulting best course of action.

Manual adjustments may be used as a treatment for the jaw disorder. Your doctor may press on areas of your skull, jaw and upper spine in order to help relieve irritated inflamed nerves increasing your jaw’s range. The active release technique which is a soft tissue based therapy is likely to be used. This manipulation can help your body break up the adhesions as well as scar tissue on the muscles and ligaments. When combined with regularly scheduled chiropractic treatment it has proven to be a very effective method to obtain healing and pain relief.

Leading experts at The National Institutes of Health recommend these treatments as the best course of action. Noninvasive treatments should always be tried first, rather than automatically leaning towards aggressive treatments such as surgery and implants, which penetrate the tissues of the face, jaw or joint.

If you have facial pain, jaw pain or grind your teeth in your sleep come in and talk to us at Nutrition Specialists of Florida ChiropractorBonitaSprings.com or give us a call at 239-947-1177.

08.07.17
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Vitamins, Supplements that are Good for Your Heart

vitamins

A healthy diet could aide in saving your life. By eating balanced, nutritious meals, you are fueling the body with what it needs to keep your cholesterol and sugar levels in check, while fighting off harmful diseases. Instead of thinking about what to take out of your diet, focus your attention on what foods you should be adding in to your daily eating habits. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, “good” fats, and whole grains are essential to your health, especially heart health.

However, no one has the perfect diet. Life gets in the way sometimes, and you could have a few days in the week in which you didn’t get in enough vitamins. Whether you were too busy or just not in the mood for a salad, your diet can sometimes fall short. That’s OK. If your consistently eating healthy over time, your body will reap the benefits. Since we cannot have the perfect diet, it can be good for you to supplement your diet with vitamins, but talk to your doctor about what you should or can take daily, especially if you think you may have a vitamin deficiency.

For this article, I wanted to share with you some vitamins and supplements that you can take to help with your cardiovascular health. Whether you currently have a heart condition or not, it’s always a good idea to try and keep your heart at its healthiest, since heart disease is the #1 killer in America. The following list are supplements and vitamins that can help keep heart conditions at bay, or keep your heart from further deterioration.

Magnesium – Magnesium helps sodium move throughout the cells in the body, supports relaxation and dilation of vascular arterial walls and stabilizes heart rhythm.

Omega-3 – Omega-3 helps the body balance cholesterol and triglycerides, which is great for people who are at risk for heart disease. Omega-3 is also known to lower blood pressure and slows down the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that fights off free radicals, and manages blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps with keep the arteries healthy and muscle cells optimally utilizing energy.

L-carnitine – L-carnitine helps transport fat into the mitochondria to be used and burned as fuel by cells.

Arginine – Arginine is an amino acid that helps improve vascular function.

Phospholipids– are necessary to “prime” the HDL particle thus allowing it to sop up cholesterol.

If you’re looking for help with your diet or have concerns about your heart health, Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers offers comprehensive dietary consults to his patients. Dr. Kordonowy also offers vitamins and supplements for you to purchase online here.   Dr. Kordonowy offers direct patient care membership and concierge services including the unique Inpatient Advocate Service™. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kordonowy, call 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here.

08.01.17
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Will The Side Effects of Medication Simply Go Away?

Side effects

Side effectsOddly, the answer may be “yes”.

The lists of possible side effects can be over whelming. While it is only a small percentage of people who will experience side effects – but what if you happen to be in that small percent?

You have spent the money and taken the time to go see a doctor in hopes of feeling better. They have assessed your situation and made recommendations based on your personalized health profile.

After filling your prescriptions you head home and hope for the best popping the medication into your mouth with some water. Now, you wait. While it’s good to be informed, reading the enclosed pamphlet or print out from your pharmacy can be unnerving. The list of possible side effects is generally not a small list. You push it from your mind and move on with your day.

What if you begin to notice that you just aren’t feeling “quite right”? Is it a side effect of the new medication or just an off day? It isn’t easy to know. Should you call your doctor? Wait it out? Keep taking the prescription? Stop all together?

Doing a little research on your particular medication may help put your mind at ease and allow you to make a sensible decision.

What you generally aren’t being told:

If you really don’t know what to expect as far as an experience with a specific drug, you might give up on it right before it begins its intended function.

Most side effects are temporary. (unless you are experiencing a side effect that is life threatening – in which case, seek medical attention immediately).

If you take a new medication and feel something that makes you uncomfortable the natural reaction is to stop taking it. The medical community calls this “non-adherence”. Stopping a medication abruptly can sometimes be detrimental to your health.

The reason many side effects are temporary:

When ingesting a new drug it takes some time to reach what is known as a steady state. Steady state is reaching a balance point where the medication coming in is equal to the amount going out. This is why it is important to take them at the same times daily so that the concentration levels in your blood stream stay on track.

Once your body adjusts and reaches this optimal steady state, many side effects will dissipate to tolerable if not completely gone entirely.

Never hesitate to call and talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner or even many insurance companies have nurse help lines. You should always feel comfortable with what you are taking and if there is a serious side effect, your doctor can change the dose or the medication entirely.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please use our free resource by going to www.ipalc.org/find to search by specialty and location.