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If You Are What You Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (Part 4/10)

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

What’s in Our Food?

Built-in Components:

 

Nutrients

Traditional nutrients

• Emerging nutrients (e.g., phytonutrients)

 

Intentional Additions:

• Enriching nutrients

• Preservatives and flavorings, incl. sugar, salt, MSG

 

Unintentional Hitchhikers toxins, xenobiotics):

• Waste and run-off (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and other industrial pollutants)

• Microbes, parasites

• Discarded medications that enter our food/water supply

 

 

Understanding Bioactives in Food

Q: Where are we on this journey in terms of understanding bioactives in food?

• Epidemiological studies show associations between specific foods or groups of foods and

health outcomes (health or disease)

• E.g., in general, populations with high fruit and  vegetable consumption have lower cancer

prevalence than those w/ low intake of fruits and vegetables

 

Functional Foods

Examples:

• Virtually all fruits and vegetables but especially the colorful ones ( e.g., berries, greens, tomatoes, citrus)

• Legumes (dried beans and seeds)

• Cold-water fish (salmon, halibut, mackerel, tuna)

• Oats, oat bran

• Teas, red wine, purple grape juice, dark chocolate

• Foods with live active cultures

• Obviously, these foods aren’t new; what’s new is our understanding of how they do what they do

• Note: all these foods contain bioactives

 

The Role Of Nutrition In the Treatment and Management of Chronic Disease

Nearly all (96%) of Primary Care Providers believe the nation’s health care system should be placing more emphasis on nutrition when it comes to the treatment and management of chronic disease.

Nearly all (96%) PCPs

The Role Of Nutrition In The Treatment And Management Of Chronic Disease:

A Survey Among Primary Care Physicians. Conducted by Hart Research

Associates, June 2009.

 

Chronic diseases – such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis – are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems in the U.S. ‐ CDC (2010)

http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm

One condition can be associated with many imbalances.  For example, obesity can be the result of imbalances of one or more of these:  inflammation, hormones, genetics and epigenetics, diet and exercise, and mood disorders.

 

One imbalance, like inflammation can result in many conditions, for example heart disease, depression, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes, etc.

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.   www.DrLiesa.com

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Posted in Blood Pressure, Cancer, Diabetes, Functional Medicine, Gut Health, Insomnia, Mood Disorders, Nutrition, Optimal Aging, Weight Loss | No Comments »

If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are in Trouble (Part 3/10)

Monday, January 30th, 2012

The Power of Food

What does food do that makes it an effective intervention?

• Provides essential nutrients

• Wires around genetic limitations

• Helps us adapt to our environment

• Protects against damage

• Supports repair

In short, food helps to:

–        Heal illness

–        Preserve wellness

–        Promote health and a high quality of life

 

 

A New Perspective on Food

• Food is a carrier of bioactive components

• Bioactives in food are dietary signals that carry information from the environment to the cells

 

• Thus, food = information

• Change the food and the information/signal can be changed and biological response can change

 

• Genes = targets receptive to information from the environment

 

• Change the gene (and its protein) and the transmission of the signal can be altered

 

 

Diseases    dis·ease definition: A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.

Most of the diseases you can name are what I would consider lifestyle diseases.  That means they can be prevented, and often can be reversed if lifestyle is strategically improved.   Often a person may have the genes for the disease, but lifestyle usually accounts for about 75% of the risk factor for actually developing a disease.  That means you often have more control that you realize.

Examples of Chronic Diseases/Conditions that are often Lifestyle Diseases:

–        Heart Disease

–        Heartburn

–        Irritable Bowel Disease

–        Headaches

–        Attention Deficit Disorder

–        Depression

–        Anxiety

–        Slowed Thinking

–        Insomnia

–        Obesity

–        Muscle Cramps

–        Joint Pains

–        Restless Legs

–        Skin Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea

–        Acne

–        Diabetes

–        Metabolic Syndrome

–        Hormonal Imbalances

–        Poor Oral Health

–        Stroke

–        Cancer

–        Arthritis

–        High Blood Pressure

–        Constipation

–        Dementia

–        Osteoporosis

–        Fatigue

–        Fibromyalgia

–        Pain

–        Various Inflammatory Diseases

–        Celiac Disease

–        Tremors

–        Numbness and Tingling

–        Asthma

–        Thyroid Disorders

–        Macular Degeneration

–        Vascular Problems

–        Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

–        Poor Vision

–        High Cholesterol

–        High Triglycerides

–        Premature or Accelerated Aging

All can be modified with diet!

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

 


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If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (part 2/10)

Monday, January 30th, 2012

 

Real Food Actually Communicates with Your DNA

 

The Human Genome Project ushered in a new era.  Not only did we identify the DNA sequence, but we understand better the molecular basis for health and disease.  We can use this information to our benefit to increase our health and decrease our diseases.

 

In my medical practice, I use my Functional Medicine training, which goes far and above my training that gave me my M.D. and my board certification in Family Medicine.  Functional Medicine physicians treat the causes instead of the symptoms.  That tends to eliminate the symptoms altogether.  Along that line, there is a systematic thought process that takes into account an individual’s genes and what environment the genes are exposed to each day.  The environment includes a person’s lifestyle.  Nutrition is one of the biggest lifestyle factors.  Most of us eat three or more times a day.  Even skipping meals has a nutritional influence.

 

Other lifestyle factors that influence whether our genes are expressed for health or disease include the toxins that we are exposed to, the amount of rest we get, the amount and type of exercise we get, our stress level, and our thoughts.

 

The sum total of our DNA is our genome.  The epi-genome represents the genes that are expressed.   It is clear that you can use food choices to modify gene expression.  Phytonutrients actually communicate with your genes and turn certain genes on and others off.  Scientists haven’t even identified what many of these phytonutrients are.

 

A fundamental universal biological principle is Genes + Environmental Factor = Function/Dysfunction.  These means that genes are not destiny.  Lifelong diet and lifestyle choices have strong influences on genetic outcomes.

 

 

What is DNA?

DNA is:

• The genetic material, our operating system

• 3 billion nucleotides, in a specific order

• Nucleotide = phosphorus + ribose + nitrogenous base

• 4 base options: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine

• Must be decoded and translated into proteins

• Faithfully transferred from generation to generation

 

Each human has:

• The same base set of DNA characteristic of our species

• A slight variation on that common human DNA theme

• A full complement of DNA (genome) in a cell’s nucleus

 

What is a gene?

• Analogous to a sentence – words that collectively convey something meaningful

• A sequence of nucleotides within the DNA that can be translated into a protein

• Proteins do the work: structural, enzymes, receptors transporters communicators hormones, receptors, transporters, communicators,

• Humans have ~23,000 genes

• We have two copies of each gene, one copy inherited from each parent

 

 

Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genotype

–        The sum total of our DNA and its information

–        Genotype is stable

Phenotype

–        The measurable outcomes of our DNA (genotype)

–        Phenotype changes as our genes and environment interact

 

• Genotype is like a musical score

• Phenotype is like a symphony played from that musical score and changes with the conductor

 

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

 

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If We Are What We Eat, Then Many Of Us Are In Trouble (part 1 of 10)

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

When I was in medical school and residency, I was taught that as long as people eat a normal diet, they get all of the nutrients they need and do not need to supplement.   Unfortunately, that is just not true for most of us.  The “normal” diet for Western Cultures and perhaps especially for  North America is the S.A.D.  That stands for Standard American Diet.  It really is “sad”, consisting of mostly brown, white, and yellow foods.   Think about it.  It is true for far too many people.

 

The current “5 a day for better health” slogan reflects a major government-industry campaign to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables.  Studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Academy of Sciences suggest that the nutritional goodness of fruits and vegetables, with a diet that is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, and that contains plenty of whole-grain breads and cereals, may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.  The U.S.D.A. and Department of Health and Human Services’ Food Guide Pyramid recommends 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruits.

 

Surveys say that as many as 42% of the population are eating less than two servings a day, one of which is likely to be french fries.   Based on my medical practice, for patients who are not already tuned into their nutrition, the percentage is much higher.  This is even though consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a substantially lower risk for many chronic diseases, including many types of cancers.

 

Unfortunately, modern diets are often heavily processed and loaded with fats, sugars, flavor-enhancers, and a long list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce, and lack sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables.   We are over-fed and under-nourished.

 

The popularity of high-protein, low-carb diets has further reduced or eliminated healthy fruits from the daily diet routines of millions.

 

Even if a patient is clever enough to eat five fruits and vegetables a day, there is a good chance these are contaminated with pesticides and are low in the expected vitamins and minerals because of the depletion of nutrients in our soil.  The nutrients from over-farmed fields are just not there.  This is one reason that eating organic fruits and vegetables is so important.   You don’t have to detoxify the pesticides, and the nutrient content is often 25 to 30% higher in organic fruits and vegetables.

If you’d like help knowing exactly what you should be eating, based on your genetics, your health conditions, etc., then call now for an appointment with me – Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D. at 512-537-8859.  www.DrLiesa.com

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What Would it Take For You to be Healthier in 2012?

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

As we celebrate the holidays and wind down 2011, it is common practice to start thinking of things large and small that we would like to change in the new year.

Many of these changes are health changes.  Perhaps the most common wish or resolution for the new year is to lose weight or “get healthier”.   In my opinion, this is very worthwhile.   I have been a doctor long enough to know that it is unlikely to happen without a plan.  I’m talking about a plan that breaks a good plan down into small, strategic, doable action items.

I am a master at helping people lose weight.  One reason is that I recognize that being overweight is way more than eating too much and exercising too little. Those are often important factors,  but usually there is more to it than that.

Did you know that food sensitivities can cause you to hold on to fat?   One of my favorite patients lost 60 pounds within 4 months after stopping eating gluten once I diagnosed her with a sensitivity to gluten!

Thyroid issues are a frequent contributor to weight issues.  Before I did my extra training in functional medicine and looking for and treating the root causes of my patients’ health problems, I was taught to just look at TSH.  Now I spend much of my day reviewing with patients their complete thyroid lab results.  Did you know that Free T3 accounts for about 85% of thyroid activity?   How about that Reverse T3 has no activity and increases if a patient is stressed or is taking a synthetic T4 like synthroid or levothyroid?

Just not getting enough sleep can even make you fat.  If you get less than 7 hours of good quality sleep, then you actually mess up your hormones than tell you when you are hungry and when you are full, and affect fat storage.

Being stressed causes you to pump out constant cortisol, which is a fat storage hormone.  It is one of the common causes of belly fat.

Eating a high glycemic diet, and having unstable erratic blood sugars cause you to spike your blood sugar over and over during the day, which causes you to spike your insulin over and over again.  Insulin is another fat storage hormone.

Having a toxin load of heavy metals or other toxins can cause you to hold onto many extra pounds of fat and water, too.

There are other causes, too!

So, what to do about it?  I recommend a personalized approach, with labs and a detailed history to identify any easily fixable causes or contributors to the excess fat.  I have many approaches to actually helping my patients to lose their excess quickly and painlessly.  Most of all, it is always my plan to help a patient to get healthy and to have the weight loss be a side effect of that.  There is no joy in helping patients to lose the same 30 pounds over and over.

I am thankful for the opportunity to practice my craft of optimal health functional medicine and to serve my patients.  I am a lucky doctor!

I am accepting new patients, so if you or a loved one could use a new doctor, call or email to make your appointment now at 512-537-8859 or drliesa@drliesa.com. Come see me in my new office at 1524 South IH-35, Suite 140, Austin, TX  78704 between Riverside and Woodland.

To your health!

Liesa Harte, M.D.

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Posted in Adrenal Health, Allergies, Andropause, At-Home Sleep Study, Austim, Bioidentical Hormones, Blood Pressure, Cancer, Diabetes, Functional Medicine, Insomnia, Menopause, Mood Disorders, Nutrition, Optimal Aging, Stress, Toxins/Detox, Uncategorized, Weight Loss | No Comments »

What is melatonin, how it decreases with age

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Melatonin is produced naturally in the body, by the pineal glan in the brain. It is a fundamental regulator of the body’s inner clock, or circadian rhythm, which determines the 24 hour sleep/wake cycle. Levels are higher at night, are suppressed by bright light, and decline as we age.

The length and height of the melatonin peak at nighttime determines the circadian phase of the biological clock and governs vital body parameters such as the variation of hormone levels, body temperature and sleep-wake cycles.

Hormones such as estrogens, testosterone, DHEA, growth hormone, and cortisol are subject to circadian fluctuations. Over 100 body functions fluctuate over a 24-hour period and are dependent on sunlight and darkness as cues.

Melatonin derives from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. tryptophan, consumed in foods we eat (especially turkey and milk), is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin, and is then further metabolized into melatonin at night. Melatonin levels are higher at night because bright light suppresses melatonin production.

The pineal gland is important or not only producing melatonin but it also helps in restoring the thymus gland. The thymus gland, located in the upper chest, is a player in immune function by producing T-cells and natural killer cells. Unfortunately, the thymus begins to shrink drastically after about the age of 12. Because of the pineal gland’s direct affect on the thymus gland, replenishing adequate melatonin levels may improve immunity.

As we age, melatonin levels decrease. That is one reason why older people sleep less, even thought they need the same amount of sleep as they did when they were younger adults. By about the age of 45 the pineal gland runs down. While melatonin secretion declines over many years, in middle age the hormone level plummets.

 

Come see me or my nurse practitioner Andrea Armstrong, FNP-C  at my office at 1132 South Lamar, Austin, TX  78704 inside the Lamar Plaza Drug Store!   512-537-8859 ,  drliesa@drliesa.com , or make appointment online by clicking on the link on my website at www.DrLiesa.com .

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Cruciferous Vegetables

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

 

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are amazing. These special vegetables play an important role in cancer prevention. In addition, these vegetables contain phytochemicals known as isothiocyanates . These phytochemicals alter the way estrogen is broken down in the body.
This in turn declines the risk of hormone or estrogen related cancers such as breast and uterine cancer. Cruciferous vegetables possess significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Since many nutrients can be destroyed in the cooking process, the healthiest way to consume these vegetables is either raw, lightly sauteed, or steamed to best retain the full array of nutrients.
Consuming a serving of these vegetables daily (particularly broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts) can help lower disease risk.
The following vegetables are included in the cruciferous family:
  • Arugula.
  • Brussels Sprouts.
  • Bok Choy.
  • Broccoli.
  • Radish.
  • Turnips.
  • Kohlrabi.
  • Daikon (a type of radish)
  • Chinese cabbage (napa)
  • Cabbage.
  • Kale.
  • Mustard greens.
  • Rutabaga.
  • Watercress.
  • Collard greens.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Broccoli rabe.
All of these cruciferous vegetables are low in fat and low in calories. It is recommended to add these cruciferous vegetables to your diet to receive the maximum benefits they proudly boast. Drowning these vegetables in cheese and gravy is NOT healthy.
  • Small cuts of raw broccoli and raw cauliflower make great snacks and party appetizers,  organic of course! Add organic hummus for a yummy dip!
  • For lots of vitamin C, add organic and raw chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage to your salad.
  • Cruciferous vegetables contain substances shown in research studies to help strengthen the body’s immune system.
  • Cruciferous vegetables lower cholesterol.
  • Cruciferous vegetables neutralize toxins.
  • Influence ones’ metabolism positively.
  • The average American eats only about one serving per week (instead of per day, as recommended). The Japanese, who have the world’s lowest cancer rates, eat eight servings of cruciferous vegetables per week.
  • Cruciferous vegetables prevent DNA damage.
  • Cruciferous vegetables are usually green, though cauliflower is a white/cream color. Cauliflower’s nutrition facts and health benefits should not be overlooked. Cauliflower aids in weight loss, clearing skin, and fighingt toxic substances in your body.
  • Cruciferous vegetables help to protect against cancer by reducing oxidative stress.
  • Kale has the most vitamin A and broccoli has the most vitamin C.
  • When grocery shopping, if the broccoli is limp, bendable, and has yellow coloration, do not purchase it. This indicates that the broccoli is OLD.
  • Purchase ORGANIC cruciferous vegetables.
  • A cruciferous vegetable diet is linked to lower levels of markers of inflammation in the body.

Make an appointment to come talk about your optimal health NOW by going to our website and making an appointment at www.DrLiesa.com and clicking on the Request an Appointment button or by calling our office at 512-537-8859, or by emailing us at drliesa@drliesa.com . Our office is located at Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1132 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704.

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What You Should Know About Sunscreen

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made recent changes to sunscreens to help protect consumers from damage caused by excessive sun exposure. These changes will take place in 2012.
The new measures include the following:
  • Final regulations that establish standards for testing the effectiveness of sunscreen products and require labeling the accurate test results.
  • A proposed regulation that would limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labeling to “SPF 50+”.
  • A data request for safety and effectiveness information in certain dosage forms (For example, sprays).
  • A draft guidance for sunscreen manufacturers on how to test and label their products in spite of these new measures.
The additional and final regulations include:
• Sunscreen products that are NOT broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that will read, “Skin cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburns, NOT skin cancer or early skin aging.”
• Water resistance claims on the product’s front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Two times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
• Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof, or identify their products as “sunblocks”. Also, sunscreens CANNOT claim protection immediately on application (For example, “instant protection”) or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless they submit data and get approval from the FDA.
Below, I have posted a link to a video that explains how sunscreen works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC-d9ZsnLds&feature=player_embedded#at=31
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and this new information will help consumers know which products offer the best protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Reading all of the labels, front and back, is recommended because we need to choose the appropriate sunscreen for our own needs.
Under these new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled “Broad Spectrum” and “SPF 15″ ( Or higher) on the front. Broad Spectrum protects our skin against all of the sun’s rays.
Wearing sunscreen everyday, even in the dead of winter, will protect our largest organ, the skin, from painful sunburns, skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin. Of course you can still wear shorts and tank tops, though just apply sunscreen to areas of skin that are  exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply frequently!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”.  Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. SPF numbers can be anywhere from as low as 2 to as high as  50. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to deflect the sun’s burning rays.
An SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-applied skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take 20 minutes of sun exposure for them to turn red instead.
Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year?
Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. You can use the sunscreen you bought last summer, though keep in mind that if you are using the correct amount, a bottle of sunscreen should not last very long.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Sunscreens are available in many forms, including wax sticks, oils, ointments, lotions, creams, and gels. Choose any type you’d like, its all a matter of personal preference. Gels are nice in hairy areas, a male chest and the scalp. Creams are good for individuals who have dry skin. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams are also typically thicker, and are best for face. There are also sunscreens made for special purposes, such as use on babies and sensitive skin.
There are many harmful chemicals in sunscreens and I definitely suggest usage of organic sunscreens. I recommend http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx
How much and how often should sunscreen be used?
Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outside. When putting on sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all skin that will be exposed to the sun-pay attention to the ears, hands, arms, neck, legs, back, stomach, feet, face, and lips! Rub thoroughly and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Water resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
When and who should use sunscreen?
Everybody should use sunscreen everyday! Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays and snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays. UVA rays can penetrate glass windows. Sunscreen can be applied under makeup, or there are many cosmetic products that already contain sunscreen in them, great! Also, limit in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, because this is when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Infants:
Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. So when you take your cute, little baby outside:
  • Avoid midday sun- Take walks in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Make shade- Use the stroller’s canopy or hood. If you can’t find a shady spot, put up an umbrella.
  • Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants under 6 months old- Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants and urge parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first.
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen SPF 70+ is absolutely the WORST sunscreen you can buy for your baby. It’s key ingredient is oxybenzone, which readily seeps through the skin and into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. Oxybenzone is dangerous to everyone, not just babies. 


They are plenty of safer and more effective products out there, my personal favorite sunscreens are all by Badger Balms. http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx

 

Make an appointment to come talk about your optimal health NOW by going to our website and making an appointment at www.DrLiesa.com and clicking on the Request an Appointment button or by calling our office at 512-537-8859. Our office is located at Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1132 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704.

 

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What Contributes to a Pro-Inflammatory Lifestyle?

Saturday, August 13th, 2011
 

Inflammation is Like "Body on Fire".

Inflammation is a reaction of tissue due to irritation, injury, or infection.   Pain, swelling, loss of movement or function, and/or red coloration of the area are several symptoms that may possibly take place.  One marker of inflammation is Cardio-CRP, which is four times more predictive of risk for heart attack and stroke than high cholesterol.  Do you know what your Cardio-CRP is?
Below, I have listed 12 reasons why you may have inflammation:
  • Vitamin D deficiency:  Boosts the chances of autoimmunity, causes inflammation, and raises the progression of osteoarthritis.
  • Foods high in sugar content:  Immunosuppression for 2-4 hours after eating.
  • Foods high in fat content: Food with saturated and arachidonic fats. This is usually animal and dairy fat.
  • Fatty acids deficiencies:  Lack of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, along with too much saturated fat and trans-fat results in inflammation.
  • Insufficient amount of exercise:  Adipose tissue (fat) is pro-inflammatory. Therefore, exercising your muscles will reduce inflammation and will improve insulin sensitivities.
  • Toxic relationships and emotional stress: Promote inflammation, causes immunosuppresion, and troubles wound healing.
  • Insufficiency of fiber:  Fiber lures in toxins from the GI tract and acts like a vacuum to suck them out.
  • Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies:  Particularly magnesium, which is seen in 20-40% of the majority of most industrialized and commercial populations.
  • Food Allergens: Allergens are inflammation causing and may possibly establish immune complexes.
  • Foods that promote bacterial overgrowth of the small bowel:  Complex carbs and simple sugars rapidly digested such as white potatoes and white flour.
  • Insufficient phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are wonderful to your health. They are mainly found in organic fruits, organic nuts, organic seeds, and organic vegetables. These all act on behalf as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, which relieve and decrease inflammation.
  • Xenobiotic/toxin accumulation:  Exposure to chemicals and eating NON organic food will, over time, precede to disease and inflammation. This is an underdiagnosed problem.
Your diet has a lot to do with how healthy you are.  Below, I present to you what foods to eat and what foods to avoid while living with an inflammatory lifestyle.
Foods to stay away from and avoid:
  • Junk food.
  • High-fat meats (Bacon and sausage, etc.)
  • Sugar.
  • Highly processed foods.
  • Refined white flours in bread and pasta.
  • Pre-sweetened cereals, rich desserts, candy, pastries, and sugary beverages.
  • Alcohol.
  • Fried foods.
  • Pizza.
Foods that are acceptable and nutritious:
  • Organic fruits, organic vegetables, organic nuts, and organic seeds.
  • Water, 100% organic fruit juice, herbal tea, low-sodium organic vegetable juice, and low or non-fat organic milk.
  • Lean poultry, seafood, tofu, tempeh, and canola oil.
  • Pumpkin seeds and flax seeds.
  • Olive oil.
  • Dark-green lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables will make a delicious and very healthy salad. All organic of course, though skip the dressing and croutons.
  • Tumeric, ginger, and garlic.
  • Green tea.
  • SoZo functional beverage.  Purchase by going to www.SoZolife.com/drliesa    I recommend two 3 ounce servings a day if you are suffering inflammation.

Come see me or my nurse practitioner Andrea Armstrong, FNP-C  at my office at 1132 South Lamar, Austin, TX  78704 inside the Lamar Plaza Drug Store!   512-537-8859 ,  drliesa@drliesa.com , or make appointment online by clicking on the link on my website at www.DrLiesa.com .

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What Smoking Does for Your Health

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

There is really nothing good about smoking.

Smoking
Smoking is the definitely one of the WORST action one can do to himself/herself. The good news is that it is never too late to quit. Just a day after stopping smoking, the body begins to heal itself. One year after quitting, the chance of having a heart attack is reduced significantly. After five years, the risk of developing certain types of cancer (throat, mouth, bladder and esophagus) is cut in half. If you have never smoked, PLEASE DON’T START!
1) One cigarette stick contains more than 7,000 chemicals and nicotine!
  1. 443,000 people die each year from smoking-related diseases.
  2. Breathing smoke causes blood vessels to thicken and narrow.
  3. Smoking makes diabetes more difficult to control.
  4. Smoking is expensive, why waste your precious money on crap?
  5. Smoking can damage sperm and decrease fertility chances.
  6. Aging of the skin, yellow teeth, bad breath, and smelling like cigarettes is gross. In NO way attractive.
  7. Most smokers do not have as much of a libido as their non-smoking peers.
  8. Smoking reduces your ability to do things that require endurance, such as sports, etc. You will have to breathe more to get the same amount of oxygen as if you didn’t smoke.
  9. Worldwide, about six million hectares of farmland is devoted to growing tobacco. If the same land was used to grow organic produce, we could feed up to 20 million people!
  10. Because smoking restricts blood vessels, it can prevent oxygen and nutrients from getting to the skin- which is why smokers often appear pale and unhealthy. There is also an increased risk of getting a type of skin rash called Psoriasis.

 

I am well trained in detoxification, and tests to determine how much toxic load your body has and the effects they are having on you and your health in general.  I can also do special tests to detect nutritional deficiencies. Make your appointment today by going to my online appointment scheduler at www.DrLiesa.com , by phoning us at 512-537-8859, or by emailing me at drliesa@drliesa.com .  See the link to the scheduler on the right hand side of the page.

Liesa Harte, M.D.

1132 South Lamar Boulevard

Austin, Texas  78704

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