Little Known Health Benefits Of Melatonin

O.k., here’s the obvious. Melatonin helps with sleep. I know, I can hear through the waves of cyberspace the resounding… “Duhh.” More specifically, it helps influence sleep patterns – the fancy name is circadian rhythm. By influencing the deeper stages, Stage IV and REM, quality of sleep improves and health benefits are conveyed. 

Here are some published health benefits of Melatonin: 

Influences the release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH); which can affect weight loss and healthy weight maintenance 

• Energizes 
• Enhances Mood 
• Increases Natural-Killer-Cells 
• Modulates Immune Function 
• Protects Against Cancer 
• Potent Antioxidant 
• Free Radical Scavenger 

• Lowers Blood Pressure 
• Decreases Migraines & Cluster Headaches 

Melatonin is readily available in most all pharmacies. The best form to use is a “time release, micronized” form. This allows for better absorption and longer duration of action, compared to the standard over-the-counter versions, which more closely mimics the body’s natural Melatonin release. Typical dose range is anywhere from 1mg to 30mg per night. Because of the known health benefits and the relative low side effect profile, this supplement is a good all-around addition to any wellness regimen. 

To Your Health, 

Brian Brown

What Your Primary Care May Not Know About Your Thyroid May Hurt You

This past week, I accidentally recorded the Fox News Channel’s show, Sunday Housecall. Just as I was about to delete it from my DVR list, the show’s description caught my eye. One of the lead segments was on thyroid health. Out of curiosity, I decided to watch the recording. 

Dr. David Samadi made the following statement: “Your doctor may say that your thyroid hormones are normal, but they could be a low normal, not optimal enough. So, you may have to have a conversation (with your Primary Care Provider) and boost it toward the higher normal.” 

I see this all the time with our clients at Matrix Wellness Solutions. Sub-clinical hypothyroidism, as Dr. Samadi is referring to, is more common than one might think. It’s also one of the most overlooked disorders of aging. Now, don’t get me wrong. When I speak of “aging” in the last statement, I’m referring to anyone over 30 years of age. Few people realize that from age 30 to 50 years our thyroid hormone declines about 20-30% -- decline measured as decreased production, decreased conversion, decreased sensitivity, or a combination of these. It may still be in the normal range, but it’s definitely NOT optimal. 

Treating thyroid hormone to “optimal” levels is one of the most beneficial things we can do in medicine. It only takes a slightly different approach and mindset, but the benefits are numerous: weight loss, blood sugar regulation, osteoporosis prevention, mental clarity, short-term memory improvement, mood enhancement, and the list goes on. 

I’ve included the link to the Sunday Housecall segment, so you can check it out for yourself. 

Enjoy… 

Watch Video Here:
http://video.foxnews.com/v/2186625153001/

Fresh Manna Monday

David, of the Old Testament, has to be one of my favorite Biblical Leaders. That opinion stems from a lot of thoughts that I have about him, but most important was God’s opinion of him. God said of David “He is a man after my own heart” I am not sure about you, but if God were to say that about me, my first question might be “God, why did you say that about me?” 

I ask you, what does it mean to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? What character attributes are present? What kind of life or effort does it take to earn this worthy title? First of all, before I answer, I believe it is possible for you and I to be men and women after God’s own heart. You see, we know from scripture that it wasn’t a perfect life that earned that status. Sad to say, but David was both an adulterer and a murderer of one of his own men. In fact, God did not allow David to build the temple because of the “bloodshed” he had invoked during his time as King. So what was it about this man? I believe the answer is simple: David, although extremely far from perfect, was a true worshipper of God. I believe God fell in love with him and he with God as he lay on the mountainsides as a young boy tending the flock. Second, I believe he was “THE” man because of the fact that when he was wrong, he was quick to repent of those wrongs. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted David about his sin, David could have had Nathan beheaded and no one would have known the difference-except for David. Instead David fell to his knees weeping knowing that he had dishonored God and his family and the families of his men by his terrible actions. Third, but definitely not all inclusive, is the fact that David did not mind being who he was before the people God had called him to rule. I love the fact that David, when he became excited about God’s goodness, let the whole kingdom know that he was not ashamed to be a child of the Living God. Scripture portrays that David danced energetically and unashamed in the city streets of Jerusalem. What people, young and old alike, want from you and I the most is this: they want us to be real. I meet people every day who would greatly benefit from is someone who could be transparent about their lives and walk with Christ. 

In conclusion, Is it not awesome that there was and will always be only one who was perfect, Jesus Christ? One day we will see Perfection in all its Glory, when we see him face to face. At that time, he will say to us “well done good and faithful servant”. But until then, we must strive to be a man or woman after God’s own heart. 

David Hughes, NP 

Co-Owner Matrix Wellness Solutiuons

If Protein Is “King”, How Much Do I Need?

Most people don’t realize that, as we age, our demand for protein grows. Problematically, as we age, we generally consume less protein. As such, our body’s defenses become weaker which makes us more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Additionally, without the right amount of protein, we also struggle to maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin control, we feel hungry more often, and we struggle to regulate our weight. 

Sadly, most Americans consume a larger proportion of carbohydrates vs. proteins in their daily diet. This imbalance only accelerates the problems mentioned above and sets us up for failure with regard to our health. Another longstanding trend is to reduce fat intake. While there’s nothing wrong with reducing saturated fats in our diet, going to an extreme low fat diet can be detrimental to your health both physically and emotionally. Low fat diets are notorious for causing depression in those who ascribe to this type of diet modification. 

We must strike a healthy balance between carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In my recent review of current medical research, there is a large amount of evidence that proves the health benefits of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, moderate -fat diet. These benefits include weight loss, blood sugar regulation, insulin reduction, lower blood pressure, less blood vessel inflammation, and preservation of healthy metabolism. 

There is a quick way to calculate your protein need per day. The formula is as follows: 

Your Weight (in pounds) ÷ 2.2 = Your Weight (in kg.) 

Next… 

Protein Need FOR WOMEN: Your weight in kg. × 0.82 = Amount of Protein Grams/day 

Protein Need FOR MEN: Your weight in kg. × 0.89 = Amount of Protein Grams/day 

When increasing your dietary protein, it’s best to be medically supervised when doing this type of diet, so make sure you drink plenty of water and consult a wellness specialist before embarking on this type of diet.

Sneaky Thyroid Problems That Slip Under the Radar

I'd like to share story about a patient that I've worked with for the past few years. This person has struggled with anxiety and mild depression since about 1998, And has been on approximately 3 different antidepressants during that time period.

When this person discovered that we were treating hormone imbalances, they mentioned to me that they would like to get their hormones checked. When we got their results back we discovered that they had  subclinical hypothyroidism.

Let me explain what subclinical hypothyroidism is. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition in which a person has very minimal changes in their labs but have significant physical symptoms that relate to standard hypothyroidism.

This client of mine had symptoms such as thinning hair, sadness, low energy, low motivation, cold intolerance, muscle tension, weight gain, and mild anxiety. These are all the symptoms of standard hypothyroidism; however, when we checked their labs, they seemed "normal". As is the case 99% of the time, this type of hypothyroidism often gets overlooked. That's exactly what happened in this person's case.

Two weeks after starting thyroid medication, this person stopped their antidepressant on their own. When they came back for follow-up after one month, they discussed the fact that they had stopped their antidepressant. When asked how they were feeling, they said they were feeling better than they had felt in over 15 years. 

If this particular scenario sounds like you, or someone you know, give us a call at Matrix Wellness Solutions. There may be a good chance that there's a hormone imbalance that can be corrected.

Thanks,

Brian G. Brown

Fresh Manna Monday

2 Chronicles 13: 1-7 

In the passages above is written a remarkable recount of David’s leadership and heart as he pursued what really mattered in life. In summary, the Ark of God or the presence of God had taken a “backseat” under the leadership of King Saul, David’s predecessor. David knew that what the nation needed was God back in their midst. I really like the way he chose to involve everyone in the decision making. In verses 1 and 2 he met with his commanders and I believe laid out the plan and vision he had for reaching the God-inspired goal he had been given. I believe David had to encourage those of his leadership under him to take ownership in the “task at hand”. I envision David as he enthusiastically and with great energy laid out the plan for his nation as he shared with his immediate leadership. David knew that he needed everyone “on board” if his strategy was to be met with the least resistance from the people. 

After David was successful with encouraging the leaders of Israel, he then went to the people with his plan and once again laid out God’s strategy for the nation. The people emphatically rallied behind David and the leadership and moved forward with the plan to pursue God by reclaiming the Ark of God. The reason that I feel that this is such a great example of Leadership is that David understood the need to communicate clearly and effectively what he knew was God’s heart and direction. Effective communication is such an essential part of being the leaders that God intended for us to be. You may be thinking, “I am not a leader”, but the fact is we are all leaders. If we are parents, we are leaders. If we are aunts or uncles, or even brothers or sisters, we are leaders. In fact, a recognized position does not make us a leader, but if we are a person who gives advice or has influence on even one person then we are leaders. So, I am not sure about you, but this makes me realize that when it comes to my influence on others then I need to make sure I am communicating effectively to ensure that what is really important in life is heard by all who may be following.

Fresh Manna Mondays

Introducing "Fresh Manna" a weekly devotion by David Hughes, APRN-BC. 

Daniel 1:8-16

When I pondered on the HCG diet and the commitment and resolve it takes to achieve diet and lifestyle change goals, I immediately thought of a great story in the Book of Daniel of the Old Testament. 

The Book of Daniel is a great story about a young man, Daniel, who chose not to eat certain foods because of his realization and conviction that the higher calorie, higher fat content of the “palace foods” were not the choices that were BEST for him at the time of his palace training. This decision, like our own decisions to improve our lifestyle through better eating and lifestyle change was met with some resistance. In fact, the king’s trainer feared for his own life that Daniel would become sick from eating a diet of vegetables and water, and that he, in turn, would be beheaded. 

So, as you can see,” Diet” was a hot topic, even 5,000 years ago. As with anything in life that is worth doing, it starts with an inner resolve and a desire to make the right choices. Our food choices today are actually dictating our tomorrow in so many ways beyond just our weight. As a Nation, we are the most obese in the world, and here in Tennessee, we live in the center of the “Heart Attack and Stroke Belt” of the U.S. It doesn’t have to remain that way. We can be driven by the culture, or we can be driven to change the culture. 

If you don’t happen to know the end of Daniel’s story, he made the right choices with the vegetables and water. He was healthier, more mentally sharp, stronger, and more fit than his peers who ate and trained on the palace foods. The King was so impressed that Daniel’s Diet became “THE DIET” for the training recruits. Daniel became an agent of change in his God-given circle of influence. I personally feel that Matrix Wellness Solutions is called to this endeavor. Please join us in changing our corner of the world.

David B. Hughes, Nurse Practitioner and Co-Owner