Two Patient’s Stories

 Mike and Laura are both 52 years old and have been married for 29 years.  For the past 5 years, both have been experiencing many of the symptoms of "aging"...at least this is what they have been told.
 
At her last physical exam, Laura's gynecologist told her she was in good health for her age.  However, when Laura asks her doctor about her increasing aches and pains, insomnia and mood swings, he responds by telling her these are the symptoms of "getting old", prescribes her a sleep aid and antidepressant, and tells her he'll see her in 6 months.
 
Besides taking a medication for his high cholesterol, Mike feels he is in pretty good health.  He does, however, admit to feeling more lethargic and easily agitated by little things.  In addition to their mutual lack of interest in sex, Mike and Laura are both feeling the brunt of "aging"...increasing wrinkles on the face, difficulty keeping weight off, lack of desire to exercise, and a loss of vitality.  While Mike agrees that he has lost a certain amount of muscle mass in the past decade, Laura sees an increase in cellulite and varicose veins on her hips and thighs.
 
When a person or couple begins to experience symptoms, like those felt by Mike and Laura, it can be nothing less than disheartening to be told that these are the signs and symptoms of "aging" or "getting old". 
 

What Causes Symptoms of Aging?

 I believe the symptoms that many people, and their doctors, dismiss as "aging" are simply the result of years of unhealthy lifestyle choices.  There may be a mild amount of slowing that we experience with aging...most of us over age 50 can't expect to sprint the 100 meter dash like we could in high school track...but we should be able to still sprint.  In fact, we should be able to do most of the things we could do in our 20s and 30s, and the only reason we may be unable to, is due to years of abuse to our bodies. 
 
In other words, unhealthy lifestyle choices:
 

• Diets high in simple carbohydrates and low in protein, fat, and fiber
• Lack of appropriate activity or exercise
• Exposure to multiple environmental toxins
• and (above all) STRESS

 
All of the above mentioned factors age the body prematurely.  They set the stage for most of the diseases associated with aging, that is; Alzheimer's, Osteoporosis, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Obesity, and even Breast and Prostate Cancer.  Good health and graceful aging are really a choice...a choice you must make every day to eat clean, exercise often, keep the body detoxifying, manage stress, and maintain youthful hormone levels.
 

How Can We Help Slow Aging?

• We start by testing the hormones of youth (i.e. The sex, adrenal, and thyroid hormones).  Balancing these hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can quickly stimulate health and vitality.
• We seek out nutritional deficiencies and address them through oral supplements and/or vitamin and mineral shots (e.g. Vitamin B shots given weekly to help with weight loss, energy and mental clarity)
•  We identify food allergies and food sensitivities.  Frequently the most effective means for evaluating food allergies and sensitivities is through specific blood testing.
• Encourage regular detoxifications and cleanses.