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10 Signs You May Need to Get Lyme Disease Treatment

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Lyme Disease. No Comments on 10 Signs You May Need to Get Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme disease is one of today’s most challenging healthcare problems. In addition to being difficult to prevent, the condition’s wide range of symptoms and individualized presentation also makes it difficult to diagnose. Worse, many people suffer inadequate treatment after a diagnosis, with long-term effects that can be disastrous to their health. Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI offers exceptional, specialized expertise in Lyme disease and the most complete Lyme disease treatment available.  

10 Signs You May Need to Get Lyme Disease Treatment

There are both acute signs of Lyme disease, which show up in a few days or weeks following transmission, and also symptoms of chronic Lyme disease, which develops over time when the disease hasn’t been treated right away. The symptoms of Lyme disease often mimic the symptoms of other diseases or discomforts we might experience in everyday life, such as fatigue or joint pain.

This “masquerade effect” makes Lyme disease easy to overlook, which can be extremely dangerous. The first five signs on the following list are acute symptoms that show up sooner than later. Left untreated, the second five signs are an indication that the disease may have been resident for months or longer:

1) The Bull’s Eye Rash

About a week after Lyme disease infection, 20-30% of people develop a telltale rash somewhere on their body. It’s not generally itchy or painful, but it grows larger over the course of a few days. As it grows, it sometimes looks like a target – a discolored circle of skin with a bull’s eye in the middle that looks like a bite.

2) Fever and Chills

These days we’re all especially concerned with fever and the need to monitor our temperature when we’re not feeling well. Ticks don’t travel through the air; they lurk in grasses. If you’re experiencing fever even when you’ve stayed safe in every other respect, you may have Lyme disease.

3) Joint Pain

Left untreated, Lyme disease can wreak havoc on the body’s joints and become a spearhead for painful chronic arthritis that lasts a lifetime. If you’re experiencing an unusual new pain or stiffness in one or more of your joints, it may well be a symptom of Lyme disease and you should be examined.

4) Headaches

We all get the occasional headache for a variety of reasons, so it’s easy to miss this sign. If headaches become persistent or have unusual intensity, it’s time to question why. Unfortunately, Lyme disease is extremely prevalent in our region.

5) Unusual Fatigue 

This is another symptom that’s easy to overlook. We live in busy, stressful times and stress is a natural lever for fatigue. However, if you’re feeling notably more tired each day than you think you ought to be, it may not be ordinary fatigue. Feeling inordinately tired is also a frequent symptom of Lyme disease.

6) Joint Inflammation

Moving beyond stiffness into severe inflammation and pain around the joints, later Lyme disease brings on arthritis, which is a chronic condition that can only be managed rather than cured. If your knees, ankles or other large joints are swollen and painful, Lyme disease may be the culprit.

7) Facial Disfigurement

Left untreated, Lyme disease induces a form of palsy on the facial muscles. If you’ve noticed that the skin or muscles around your mouth, cheeks or eyes have become numb or misshapen in any way, you may need to seek Lyme disease treatment.

8) Shortness of Breath

This symptom is one that everyone is aware of these days and should never be taken lightly under any circumstances. Respiratory changes, which lead to dizziness and contribute to fatigue, are a common effect of entrenched Lyme disease.

9) Ocular Infections

The bacteria in Lyme disease can interact with and even empower other harmful pathogens in our body. One of the most vulnerable organs is the eye, and eye infections, including conjunctivitis (pinkeye) are frequent advanced symptoms. These diseases are painful and contagious, and can permanently damage vision.

10) Heart Problems

Palpitations and irregular heart rhythms may be signs that the Lyme disease has attacked the heart muscle. This syndrome, called Lyme carditis, is a deeply serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme carditis appears in 1 of every 100 patients.

Thorough Treatment: More Than You Think

Most people who are familiar with Lyme disease assume that treatment is simple and the disease is completely cured with a course of antibiotics. The truth is actually much more complex. Clinical evidence shows that the typical antibiotic treatment does of course kill the Lyme disease parasite. However, it does not kill the toxic residue that the Lyme disease cells release when they’re destroyed.

This leftover after-effect, known as an “endotoxin,” remains a health hazard to the patient even after antibiotic treatment. The body needs to be detoxified, and its tools for discarding harmful toxins should be strengthened with vitamins and complementary therapies.  

An Integrated Approach

In considering the most effective Lyme disease treatment, antibiotics on their own are inadequate and leave many patients still-vulnerable to the disease’s effects. Our bodies have outstanding capabilities for fighting infections and eliminating harmful toxins. Lyme disease places tremendous strain on these systems, which require assistance during treatment and rebuilding once the antibiotics have run their course.

Beyond immediate therapy that destroys the bacteria at the root of Lyme disease, an integrated approach ensures that the body heals itself from the damages and symptoms that the disease has inflicted.

State-of-the-Art Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease should not be taken lightly. The disease is not only virulent, its symptoms often resemble other physical complaints, so they get overlooked. Many Lyme disease patients are misdiagnosed, and many that are diagnosed correctly are often treated incompletely. Effective treatment requires more than pills. Thorough recoveries are achieved through a holistic approach that engages the entire body

Detox and Rejuvenation 

A full approach for treatment includes a detoxification process that helps the body flush the harmful residue through its natural elimination processes. In order to do this, our Lyme disease experts map the patient’s specific body chemistry and needs in a finding called a “bio terrain,” so that an individualized treatment plan can be formulated.

Bodily depletions caused by Lyme disease can be rebuilt through an individualized regimen of intravenous nutrients and supplements. These therapies assist the body’s immune system and allow its regenerative abilities to operate at peak capacity. Finally, a considered selection of herbal supplements helps restore and retain overall wellness, without the need for additional medications.  

How Do I Get Started?

Lyme disease can be effectively dealt with, but early detection is critical. The longer the disease is present, the more damage it does and the more difficult it becomes to treat. If you suspect you may have Lyme disease because you’ve seen a telltale rash or connected the dots to other symptoms, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Our practitioners are experts in Lyme disease treatment. We offer the most accurate testing systems and an investigative approach that finds the Lyme disease that’s hiding behind other symptoms. If you think you may have Lyme disease, schedule an appointment today with Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, serving the greater Milwaukee area.

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Is HCG Weight Loss Right for You? 5 Things to Know

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Is HCG Weight Loss Right for You? 5 Things to Know

If you’re sick and tired of disliking what you see in the mirror, you may be the perfect candidate for HCG weight loss at Serenity Health Care Center in Wisconsin.

Today, we reveal five things you need to know about this program to help you determine if it is the appropriate solution for your needs.

5 Things You Need to Know About the HCG Weight Loss Program

1. You Will Lose Weight Rapidly

Our HCG weight loss program is probably appropriate for your weight loss needs if you need or want to lose weight rapidly. Whether you’re looking to mitigate your risk of life-threatening illnesses caused by obesity or you just want to fit comfortably into your favorite jeans again, this program will help you lose weight faster than you’ve ever lost weight in your life.

There are several reasons for this. However, the most significant driving factor of weight loss is the diet involves eating between 500 and 1,000 calories daily, depending on how quickly you want to lose weight. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average American woman burns between 1,600 and 2,400 calories daily, and the average American man burns between 2,000 and 3,000 calories daily.

hCG 1000 Calorie Diet

If you’re an average American woman and burn 2,000 calories daily, but you only eat 500 calories daily, you will experience a net loss of 1,500 calories per day. To lose a pound of fat, you need to create a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories.
If you’re achieving a net loss of 1,500 calories daily, you’re achieving a weekly net loss of three pounds weekly.

If you want to eat 1,000 calories daily while on the HCG diet, you will achieve a daily fat loss of 2/7 of a pound and, subsequently, lose two pounds of fat weekly nearly effortlessly.

Keep in mind, it is perfectly safe for you to exercise on the HCG diet, so you can lose weight even faster without cutting too much food out of your diet.

2. Not All of the Initial Weight Loss Will Be Fat

We feel you must know that not all of the initial weight loss will come from burning excess adipose tissue for fuel. In fact, quite a lot of the initial weight loss will come from water loss. If you lose seven pounds in the first week, remember that for every gram of stored carbohydrates that your body burns for fuel, it also purges itself of two to three grams of water.

We also find it crucial to note that you will not lose muscle mass on this diet. There is a common misconception that if you eat fewer than 1,200 calories daily your body will catabolize healthy muscle mass. This isn’t true. Your body only catabolizes dead or damaged muscle cells so they can be replaced with stronger, healthier muscle cells.

The Bottom Line

The only way to lose muscle mass on a diet is to cause your muscles to atrophy due to inactivity. In other words, if you maintain your daily routine of walking, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and working, your muscles will not atrophy.

It’s also important to note that the water weight loss you experience may be permanent. Your body only stores glycogen when you eat more carbohydrates than you need for fuel. Once you’ve gone into ketosis, your body uses dietary and stored fat for fuel. You may find that you have so much energy and mental clarity on ketosis that you don’t want to go back to the sluggishness and brain fog of significant carbohydrate consumption.

3. You Won’t Feel Hunger

One of the most common reasons people fail at their diets is that they feel like they’re starving. They ignore this sensation for as long as they can and then start to binge on quick carbs. As if the initial binge wasn’t bad enough for their weight loss goals, quick carbs provide little-to-no satiety beyond physically filling the stomach.

This leads to more hunger, more attempted discipline, and more binges.

You don’t have to worry about feeling hungry on the HCG diet. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is sometimes known as the pregnancy hormone because it is the hormone that is identified by pregnancy tests.

This hormone, among other functions, revs your overall metabolism, boosts your fat metabolism and helps to keep your hunger at bay.

4. It Is Divided Into Three Stages

The HCG diet is divided into three simple, yet effective, stages.

Phase 1 of hCG Diet

The first stage of the diet, also known as the loading phase, lasts for 48 hours and involves the administration of the HCG. We offer HCG supplementation in the form of injection. During this phase of the diet, you are encouraged to eat as much high-fat food as you want to while limiting carbohydrate consumption. This helps your body enter ketosis.

Phase 2 of hCG Diet

The second stage of the HCG diet, also known as the weight loss phase takes place over the course of three to six weeks. During this phase you will eat a significant amount of fat and protein to keep you full and focused while teaching your brain to listen to your body’s hunger cues.

Phase 3 of hCG Diet

The third and final phase of the HCG diet lasts for six weeks and may lead to starting the first phase again.

5. You May Struggle a Little at First

Another important thing you have to know about the HCG diet is it may not be easy at first.

While you don’t feel hunger, in part because you are put into ketosis, many people find it hard to resist the temptation to eat carbs, anyway. If you feel tempted to binge on carbs, go for a walk, drink some water, play a video game, or put together a puzzle. The temptation will wane.

One of the most exciting things about the HCG diet is that one of the effects of the HCG supplementation is that your hunger is quelled. Combined with the fact that ketosis also quells hunger and boosts mood, if you’re truly ready to lose weight, you won’t struggle too much on the diet. It becomes even easier once you see the progress you are making.

Helpful Tip

If you find your carbohydrate cravings are making you irritable, journal.
If you’re considering HCG weight loss, you want to change your life. Pull out your journal or the Notes app on your phone and write about a time you felt happy, healthy, and strong.
If you can’t remember what that feels like, journal about what you will do when you are happy, healthy,- and strong.

Discover How to Change Your Life for Good Today

If you’re ready to make a permanent change in your eating habits, our HCG weight loss program can help. You will lose weight rapidly, you will not feel hunger and you will learn how to reshape your eating habits so you can maintain your lower weight for the rest of your life.

If this sounds like a program you could stick to, contact us now at Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI to schedule an appointment.

We will review your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals to customize our HCG weight loss program to meet your needs most effectively.

We hope to hear from you soon!

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Adrenal Fatigue: What Causes It, and How to Treat It

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Adrenal Fatigue: What Causes It, and How to Treat It

With the world undergoing drastic changes and our individual lives feeling tossed around, many people feel stressed. This stress can build up and zap energy. It can also lead to adrenal fatigue. If you have been feeling exhausted even after sleeping well, are having headaches or dizziness for no reason, or are feeling depressed or anxious without cause, Serenity Health Care Center in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, Wisconsin can help heal your adrenal glands.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal gland fatigue is the name of several signs and symptoms that happen when your adrenal glands stop functioning at the normal level. Your adrenal glands produce important hormones that affect almost every organ in your body. If your glands are functioning at a lower level than necessary, your whole body will feel the weight and impact. This syndrome has had many other names through the years, such as non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, neurasthenia, and adrenal apathy.

The most common and debilitating symptom is in the name: fatigue. Fatigue is a tiredness that doesn’t ease with rest or sleep. It can be so debilitating that you may only be able to get out of bed for a couple of hours at a time. You may feel like you need to live on coffee or other energy drinks just to make it through a day. You may also have other symptoms such as feeling dizzy, generally unwell, depressed or experiencing headaches. 

Typically, it follows intense stress, but chronic infections can also cause it. It is not something to take lightly. It can affect every part of your body, from your heart to your metabolism to even your sex drive. Left untreated, it can become debilitating for some people. However, it is treatable. If you feel you are experiencing adrenal gland fatigue, you can make some simple lifestyle changes to begin healing it.

The Theory of Adrenal Fatigue

When you are under stress, your body’s immune system kicks into action. Your body produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when your brain signals a “flight or fight” mode. These hormones increase your heart rate and blood pressure. That helps you when you are in a high-stress moment, such as saving a child from a burning building or escaping a hungry bear. However, this mode can hurt us when we are intensely stressed for long periods of time.

Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and produce cortisone and adrenaline. When your body is over-producing them, it can wear your glands out and cause fatigue. Your adrenal glands can’t produce the necessary hormones properly and your body will feel exhausted. Adrenal fatigue can also be related to decreased thyroid function. It’s important to get properly tested. Anyone can experience it, even a completely healthy person who has suddenly gone through an intensely stressful period.

What Causes It?

This condition is caused typically by intense periods of prolonged stress. As the stress demands the production of the hormones, your adrenal glands slow and wear. They begin to be unable to meet the demands. This can also commonly occur after chronic infections, a type of immune stress, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or the flu. 

Stress can manifest in a few different ways. You can experience emotional stress, such as after losing a job or a loved one. You can also have physical stress, such as when dealing with a chronic illness or after a surgery. Intense stress can come from a single moment or from a set of repeated chronic stresses which build over time. If your glands are unable to keep up with production or maintain homeostasis, that’s when they are becoming fatigued from the stress. 

Testing

Whenever you feel you may have a syndrome or disorder, the best thing to do is consult a doctor. When testing for adrenal gland fatigue, seeking out a holistic medical practitioner may be your best bet. Conventional practitioners often overlook this syndrome, causing patients to suffer for years before being properly diagnosed. Testing can help your practitioner find the right diagnosis for you and help them create a treatment plan. 

Adrenal testing can be done using saliva or blood. The main hormone tested in adrenal testing is cortisone. It can be tested at home using a simple saliva test. If your body is producing too much or too little cortisone, it can be a sign of adrenal fatigue. You should also test other hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, aldosterone, and progesterone. These can be tested during an office visit or at a lab through a blood test or using a saliva test. If these other hormones are also out of homeostasis, it may be time to seek treatment.

Treatments

There are many different ways to treat adrenal gland fatigue. Many of them are things you can begin doing right in your home. The most important place to begin in helping your body heal itself is relieving stress. If you do not relieve your stress, your adrenal glands will only become more fatigued and your syndrome worsen. Yoga, warm baths, meditation, and other alternative therapies can help you destress. Sleeping well is also vital for your health.

Nutrition is another big one. If your body isn’t getting the right nutrition, it won’t have the proper building blocks to heal itself. A good place to start is cutting out junk food and caffeine. A low-sugar diet will also help with your energy levels. Boosting your vitamins and minerals by eating colorful fruits and veggies will help your body get back to healthy. You can also seek vitamin supplement recommendations or hormone supplements from your holistic physician.

Related Health Issues

Chronic illness can place intense stress and demands on your adrenal glands. Chronic illnesses are chronically stressful to your body. This means if you have a chronic health issue, such as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, etc., you may also have adrenal fatigue. The fatigue of the adrenal glands can follow chronic infections as well. Even certain medical treatments can decrease adrenal gland function. 

Thyroid and other hormone deficiencies are also related to adrenal deficiency. These can include syndromes like Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism. Your thyroid and adrenal glands both produce hormones that control most of your bodily functions. When either of these systems is out of homeostasis, it can affect the other system. This means thyroid issues can create adrenal wear and vice versa. 

If you think you may be experiencing adrenal gland fatigue, you don’t have to worry. While it can be a debilitating syndrome if left untreated, you can also make simple changes to your life today to begin the healing process. Emotional and physical stress can cause it, but eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and getting some stress relief are all important to treating fatigue.

Get the Help You Need

Some conventional doctors may overlook your adrenal symptoms, but adrenal testing from a holistic practitioner can help you determine what you have and get you the treatment that’s right for you. Visit us at Serenity Health Care Center in the Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area, where we believe in creating optimal health and wellness to help your body heal itself.

a woman covering her nose with one hand and holding a cat with the other

You May Need Allergy Testing if You Have These Symptoms

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Allergies, Blog. No Comments on You May Need Allergy Testing if You Have These Symptoms

If you’re not sure whether or not allergy testing is right for you, Serenity Health Care Center is here to help. Our team puts the focus where it fully belongs: on full health and wellness as well as tried-and-true holistic methods that help the body to heal itself. Allergies pose a problem for a considerable segment of the population and can seriously hamper your quality of life.

Getting tested for allergies can be the difference between living a full life and one that is overshadowed by common allergy symptoms.

Do You Have These Symptoms?

Hives

Hives look a bit like blisters and can form on any part of your body as part of an allergic reaction. Often they are painless, but they can be itchy and appear rapidly out of nowhere. Hives are a very common symptom of allergic reactions. They generally go away themselves after a certain period of time.

Rashes

Like hives, rashes are common side-effects of your body coming into contact with an allergen. Rashes are sometimes itchy and raised and other times are flush to the skin.

Tingling

Food allergies often manifest themselves in mouth tingles, and you might find that your tongue or lips are itchy and feel funny after coming into contact with an offending food.

Swelling

Allergic reactions can make parts of your body swell up. If you notice swelling, be on the lookout for shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or dizziness. These could be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that you must seek immediate medical care for.

Anaphylaxis Can Be Life-Threatening

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a serious reaction to an allergen and requires medical care and often hospitalization. Your body is trying to fight off the allergen and shutting down in the process. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call emergency services right away:

  • Extreme dizziness or fading in and out of consciousness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat

People with severe allergies often carry around Epi-Pens to administer emergency care to themselves. Understanding how to use an Epi-Pen properly and understanding your allergies save lives, which is why it’s essential that you get allergy testing.

Things That People Are Commonly Allergic To

Although you can be allergic to a whole host of different things, there are few elements that people are typically allergic to. Understanding your allergens and triggers will better equip you to be able to live a happy and fulfilled life.

Insects

Many people have insect allergies, and most don’t even know it until they have been stung. Common insect offenders include bees, hornets, and wasps, although you can be allergic to virtually any different type of stinging insect. Many people with insect allergies carry around Epi-Pens because they never know what the severity of their allergy may be.

Pets

Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who are allergic to our best friends in the animal kingdom; cats and dogs. If you get the sniffles around common household animals, you most likely have some kind of allergy. The good news is that there are hypoallergenic dogs and cats that allergic animal-lovers can adopt.

Foods

Shellfish, peanuts, milk, wheat, and soy are common foods that people are allergic to. The degree of the allergy will differ from person to person, but it can strengthen over time. That’s why it’s essential to understand if you have an allergy to any foods.

The Danger of Untreated Allergies

Untreated allergies can cause more than just discomfort. If left to their own devices, allergies can cause chronic problems like skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or other ailments. Additionally, some allergies can get worse as time goes on, making them much more dangerous in the long run. It’s better to identify and deal with the allergy instead of brushing it under the rug. It will only exacerbate the situation and become more irritating and potentially harmful as time goes on.

Allergy Tests Are Easy, Quick, and Painless

A fifth of the population deals with allergies. They are, by far, one of the most significant chronic complaints in the country. Fortunately, testing is quick and painless and can usually be done in a matter of a few minutes. Our expert team at Serenity Health Care Center can test you for multiple allergens without taking up too much of your time or putting your body under undue stress. There is no downside to getting an allergy test, but they can improve your life in meaningful ways.

Once you are diagnosed with an allergy, you can start to treat it properly. Knowledge is half the battle. There are plenty of different medications that you can take to combat the allergy, and you can start to avoid encountering it. If your allergy is severe, you can get an Epi-Pen to prepare for the worst-case scenario of anaphylactic shock. Allergy tests can make your life far easier and more comfortable. In some cases, they might even be able to save it.

Natural Allergy Testing

Our expert team embraces the power of natural medicine and employs body-friendly testing as part of our care plan. We use a treatment called intradermal testing to thoroughly vet your body and find out precisely what is causing the allergic reaction. The test is virtually painless and merely requires a short and concise injection right below the first layer of the skin.

You will get your results within ten minutes. Unlike many other types of allergy tests, our version is exceptionally accurate and will give you a clear picture of your health right away. Since the treatment is so rapid, you will be able to get back to your life almost immediately after your appointment. Most people find the treatment to be nearly painless, and there is no recovery time needed whatsoever.

Personal Care and Consultation

We treat every single one of our patients with personal care and consultation. After the allergy testing is completed, we will sit down with you and deliver the results of your diagnosis. Most people develop allergic symptoms right away, but sometimes our patients have adverse effects to the allergens after they get home. If you experience any such symptoms, we encourage you to consult a member of our staff, and we can help you address the problem and adjust your diagnosis accordingly.

If you have any questions before, after, or during your appointment, we are here to help you. Our goal is to increase your quality of life and help you enjoy an allergy-free existence.

Enjoy a Better Quality of Life Today

With allergy testing, you can enjoy a better quality of life today. There’s no reason why you should suffer from headaches, hives, or itchy skin. Learn more about your body’s reactions and take control of your life now. You will wish that you had gotten your testing done sooner and be amazed by how much richer your life can be. Contact Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin today!

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ADHD Treatment FAQs: What Are Your Options?

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on ADHD Treatment FAQs: What Are Your Options?

At Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, our team of integrative medicine providers specializes in ADHD treatment for children. Traditional pharmaceuticals can be ineffective and often cause side effects that make life miserable. We combine conventional medicine with biomedical treatment to treat your entire child.

FAQ About Pediatric ADHD Treatment

What Are My Child’s Options? 

The appropriate ADHD treatment for your child will depend on her unique needs. Just as your child is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. We offer several treatment options for ADHD, including biomedical treatment, nutritional therapy, and other alternative treatments.

What Is Biomedical Treatment? 

Biomedical treatment is the first step in treating your child for ADHD. It allows us to identify any underlying medical issues that her pediatrician may have missed. Such missing pieces of critical information can help us identify the cause of the ADHD. In turn, we can treat your child more effectively while treating the underlying conditions making her life more difficult.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed? 

Before we can identify the appropriate ADHD treatment methods, we must diagnose the type of ADHD your child has. During the diagnostic consultation, we will speak with you and your child. To speed the process up, bring any notes your child’s teachers have sent home to you.

Besides evaluating the character traits of your child, such as forgetfulness, rowdiness, or rudeness, we will also review your child’s social history, medical history, family history, and educational history.

What Do the Other Evaluations Reveal? 

Your child’s social history describes how she acts in daily life and how she functions. This identifies the most important areas we need to work on, such as drawing quietly during art class. Your child’s medical history will reveal any medical issues, such as thyroid disorders or sleep disorders, that can present symptoms that are similar to ADHD symptoms.

Your child’s family history is one of the most important diagnostic tools we have. One in two children with ADHD has an immediate family member with ADHD. If you ever found your mom’s keys in the freezer or your husband can’t find his wallet if it’s not on his nightstand, ADHD may have been passed on to your child genetically.

How Does Nutritional Therapy Improve ADHD? 

While a poor diet may not cause ADHD, eating processed foods certainly exacerbates the condition. To reduce the symptoms of your child’s ADHD, make sure she is getting all the micronutrients her brain needs for optimal functioning, such as choline and omega-3 fatty acids. If your child has special dietary needs, give her a nutritional supplement.

Furthermore, it’s important that you minimize the number of processed foods your child eats. Watch out for saturated fats, quick carbs, preservatives, and artificial colors. Easily digestible carbohydrates should be consumed in moderation. When consumed, they should be part of a well-balanced meal with plenty of protein and vegetables.

What Other Alternative Treatments Do You Offer? 

The most effective alternative treatment we offer for ADHD is hypnotherapy. At Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, we offer clinical hypnosis performed by a trained hypnotist. While some people may perform hypnosis as a party trick, hypnosis performed by medical professionals can actually change your child’s life.

If your child is susceptible to hypnotherapy, one of our hypnotherapists can help her manage her emotions. For example, he can encourage her subconscious to accept her differences. The more your child accepts herself, the less frustrated she will feel. The calmer she feels, the fewer emotional outbursts she will have.

Why Does My Child Have Emotional Outbursts? 

There are several reasons why a child with ADHD may have emotional outbursts. Some children with ADHD cry because they feel lost, isolated, and different from their peers. Others act out aggressively by headbutting walls and punching doors because they are so confused and angry as to why they can’t perform in school like other children.

Sometimes, cognitive behavioral therapy is necessary to help a child work through emotional issues. However, treatment for ADHD may be enough to prevent emotional outbursts as the treatment helps a child feel more normal and connected to her peers.

What Type of ADHD Does My Child Have? 

The only way to know for sure what type of ADHD your child has is to bring her in for an evaluation. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), there are three known types of ADHD disorders. These are inattentive-only, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

What Is Inattentive-Only ADHD? 

Inattentive-Only ADHD is the form of ADHD previously known as ADD. It is the most common form of ADHD in females and often presents itself as making frequent careless mistakes. These mistakes aren’t made because your child doesn’t understand instructions.

Children with inattentive-only ADHD make mistakes because they focus on several external stimuli at once. For example, a child without inattentive only ADHD can focus solely on detailed instructions. A child with inattentive-only ADHD will hear and understand the instructions while also noticing the squirrel outside the window and the sound of pens scratching paper.

What Are the Nine Most Common Symptoms of Inattentive Only ADHD? 

The nine most common symptoms of inattentive only ADHD are:

  • Forgetting to do chores or schoolwork
  • Losing things required for daily activities, like planners 
  • Avoiding schoolwork or games that require sustained attention
  • Struggling to manage sequential tasks
  • Failing to comply with instructions
  • Failing to pay attention to details, like meeting school deadlines
  • Failing to listen when spoken to directly
  • Failing to sustain attention during dinner, family game night or homework
  • Making careless mistakes

What Is Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD? 

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD is characterized by interrupting others when they are speaking, making disruptive noises, fidgeting while watching TV, getting up frequently at the dinner table and talking at inappropriate times, such as during religious services. Children with this type of ADHD often benefit greatly from changes to their diet.

What Are the Nine Most Common Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD? 

The nine most common symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are as follows:

  • Fidgeting, tapping and squirming
  • Getting up when expected to remain seated
  • Running, climbing and exhibiting other restless behavior
  • Failing to play quietly
  • Failing to sit still at restaurants or in the classroom
  • Finishing teachers’ sentences
  • Cutting lines
  • Talking over classmates
  • Feeling uncomfortable when forced to sit still

What Is Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD? 

Combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive ADHD describes the condition formerly known as ADHD. To be diagnosed with combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, a child must present with at least six symptoms of inattentive ADHD and six symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

Learn More About How to Improve Your Child’s Quality of Life Today

Living without ADHD treatment is overwhelming. Depending on the type of ADHD your child has, she may feel confused, frustrated, disconnected, out of control, or angry. With conventional and biomedical treatment at Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, your child can excel at everything she puts her mind to.

The only way to know which type of ADHD your child has is to bring her in for a diagnostic appointment. To learn more about your child’s special needs or ADHD treatment options, please contact us today at Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI to book an appointment.

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Can You Test for APOE4?

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Can You Test for APOE4?

As technology continues to make incredible advancements, we have new ways to help you identify potential risks to your health in the future. One of these novel discoveries is the ability to test for APOE4, a gene that is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. At Serenity Health Care Center of Waukesha, WI, we can test for this gene and many others as part of a complete genetic evaluation.

But what is APOE4, and should you consider getting tested for it? Find out if a genetic evaluation is right for you.

What Is APOE4?

APOE stands for Apolipoprotein E: a protein that performs multiple roles in the body. Most importantly, it is responsible for lipid (fat) transport in the blood and brain.

Studies have shown that when this protein does not operate correctly that it may affect nutrient transfer to the brain, which in turn could lead to late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. However, there are multiple variants of this gene, and only one is associated with a higher risk of the disease.

Understanding Alleles

If you can recall your science classes in high school, you might remember discussing genes and making Punnett Squares. Alleles are variations of a single gene. You inherit one copy from your father and another from your mother.

With APOE, there are 3 common variants: E2, E3, and E4. That last one is strongly associated with a higher risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s.

Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

The general population has about a 10% general chance of developing late-onset Alzheimers, and early-onset Alzheimer’s rates are between 1-5%. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, your risk doubles.

But your APOE allele has a significant impact on your risk. Individuals who do not have the E4 allele run a 9% risk of getting Alzheimer’s. A single copy of the E4 allele, from one parent, doubles your risk, while those with two copies of the E4 allele may have as much as a 25% (male) or 45% (female) risk of developing the late-onset version of the disease.  

Can You Test for APOE4?

As the cost of gene sequencing and testing has dropped dramatically in recent years, more and more testing options have opened up to everyday people. Scientists have been able to experiment and discover more associations between genes and disorders. As a result, today there is a highly accurate way to test your APOE alleles.

Testing Methods

Testing for APOE4 is quite simple. It can be done via a blood sample or a buccal swab. Both of these methods provide a sufficient amount of DNA to process. Most tests will require two samples, one of which is kept on hand for verification if the results are positive. This ensures that the samples were not tampered with or contaminated.

If both samples are tested and the results are different, then you would need to send new samples to determine which result was correct. However, in practice, this is uncommon as testing has become extremely accurate.

Who Should Get Tested?

Generally, doctors recommend waiting until you are older to get this test. For younger people, the test may actually complicate life, as a positive result for the E4 allele could have implications on your insurance coverage. It also can be stressful to receive results you can do little about if you’re too young.

Individuals in their 50s who are concerned about getting Alzheimer’s, however, and especially those who have noticed a mild cognitive decline, may want to learn more about their genetic profile.

What Do Your Test Results Mean?

If you choose to have a test to determine your APOE alleles, what should you expect from your results? How can you interpret this information? While there is still much to learn about Alzheimer’s Disease, you can get a better understanding of your risk by looking at your results.

Testing Positive for the E4 Allele

Since there are three alleles and you have two parents, there are 6 possible combinations that you can test for. These are E2/E2, E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E3, E3/E4, and E4/E4. If you have one copy of the E4 allele, then your risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease is increased compared to the general population.

If you have two copies of the E4 allele, a highly uncommon situation, you have a much higher risk of developing the disease. 50-70% of late-onset Alzheimer’s patients have at least one copy of the E4 allele.

Testing Negative for the E4 Allele

What if you don’t have any E4 alleles in your body at all? Are you totally safe? Not so fast. Approximately 30-50% of all Alzheimer’s patients do not have any E4 alleles at all!

However, if you test positive for the E2 variant, which is actually the rarest of the three, you may have a reduced risk of developing AD. It turns out that E2 has been associated with a lower risk, and it may even help to prevent the disease.

Regardless of your test results, you should consider taking steps to reduce your risk even further.
 

Ways of Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer’s disease? While studies are still ongoing, some have shown that there are indeed ways to reduce your risk. Even if you have APOE4, you can make decisions and adjustments to your lifestyle that can actually keep certain genes from expressing themselves.

Taking good care of your body and brain are ways to reduce your risk. So let’s look at some of the most successful methods.

Diet and Exercise

The National Institute of Health recommends the MIND diet, which incorporates a large number of plant-based foods. Leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, beans, and olive oil are highly recommended. When it comes to meat, go easy on the red meat and opt instead of poultry or fish.

High levels of saturated fats are discouraged, so stay away from fast food, deep-fried anything, and heavy servings of transfats.

The Power of Exercise

The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation has shown that regular physical exercise can actually reduce your risk by 50% regardless of your APOE makeup. Exercise improves blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain.

Staying physically active is a surefire way to keep your mind sharper for longer. Sedentary lifestyles often become boring as well, leading to a lack of mental stimulation.

Mental Stimulation

Exercising your body is only half the battle. Research has found that mentally challenging activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other types of brainteasers reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

When you put your brain to work, you stimulate new neural connections and improve your brain’s plasticity, or its ability to learn new information and adapt. This fights the decay that we witness in Alzheimer’s patients, and can even prevent further cognitive decline.

Book a Consultation Today

If you would like to learn more about how a genetic evaluation can benefit you, contact Serenity Health Care Center of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Not only can we test for APOE4 and other genes that may affect your long term health, but we can also show you how to adjust your lifestyle to prevent those problems from emerging. What’s more, we’ll help you unlock your genetic potential in order to activate the good genes that you have. All that and more is available when you book a consultation at Serenity Health Care Center.

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How Quickly Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on How Quickly Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?

As we age, the production of vital hormones in our bodies gradually slows down. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, is vital in the sexual and reproductive development in women. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is responsible for the development of reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics in men. When estrogen and testosterone levels drop, several physical and mental functions are negatively affected. To reverse the effects of testosterone and estrogen deficiency, Serenity Health Care Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers bioidentical hormone therapy.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment process that helps to boost hormone levels in our bodies. Hormone levels can drop naturally with age. Sometimes, hormone levels can drop because of an underlying health condition that affects the testes or the ovaries.

Also known as natural hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy that replenishes depleted hormones with plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to those produced in the body.

How Quickly Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Work?

Reaction to bioidentical hormone therapy varies from patient to patient. However, anxiety and insomnia usually reduce a week after the first treatment session. Women experience relief from vaginal symptoms and hot flashes after 2 weeks. Men and women notice a boost in energy levels and an improvement in cognitive skills after the third week. After 6 to 8 weeks, most patients experience relief from 80% of the symptoms associated with hormone deficiency.

Am I a Good Candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

BHT is ideal for men and women experiencing the negative effects of testosterone and estrogen deficiency, respectively. Although you need to visit a doctor for an accurate hormone deficiency diagnosis, there are several signs that show you might need BHT.

Signs of Low Testosterone (Low T)

Erectile Dysfunction

Since testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual functions, men with low testosterone struggle to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sex. Men with Low T might also notice that the spontaneous erections that used to appear while they were sleeping or early in the morning are no longer there.

Hair Loss

Testosterone controls secondary sexual characteristics, such as hair growth. When testosterone levels drop, men might lose body and facial hair. Low T is also known to accelerate the balding process.

Low Sex Drive

Although the appetite for sex dips naturally as we approach old age, the dip is more drastic in men suffering from low testosterone. Testosterone controls libido in men. Therefore, when testosterone levels drop, so does their libido.

Reduced Bone Mass

Testosterone is vital in the maintenance of bone volume and the development of bone tissue. Therefore, when the body is not producing enough testosterone, men become more susceptible to conditions that affect bones, such as Osteoporosis.

Reduced Muscle Mass

Testosterone plays a crucial role in the formation and growth of muscles. When levels drop, many men notice that their muscle mass reduces significantly. Fortunately, reduced muscle mass does not affect strength and function.

Increased Body Fat

While testosterone is the dominant sex hormone in men, their bodies also produce estrogen, but in smaller amounts. When testosterone levels drop, a hormonal imbalance occurs. This hormonal imbalance makes men more vulnerable to gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast tissue.

Fatigue

Men with Low T are always tired despite having enough sleep and rest. They also lose interest in activities they previously loved. Tasks that took them some minutes to complete can take hours. Constant fatigue is one of the significant signs of low testosterone. When testosterone levels drop, the male body produces less energy, leaving the man fatigued.

Smaller Testicle Size

As we have mentioned above, testosterone plays a vital role in the development of reproductive tissues, such as the penis and the testicles. Although other factors can contribute to smaller-than-normal penis and testicle size, health professionals believe men with Low T are more likely to be affected by this condition. Their scrotum might also feel softer than usual.

Trouble Sleeping

Men with Low T struggle to fall and remain asleep. They are also more vulnerable to sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea and night sweats. People with sleep apnea stop breathing momentarily while asleep. Sleep disorders can affect the quality of your sleep and general wellbeing.

Mood Swings and Changes

Besides controlling and regulating several essential physical functions, testosterone is also a vital part of some cognitive functions. Scientific research shows that men with Low T are more likely to suffer from depression, irritability, and poor focus.

Affected Memory

One of the signs of old age is poor memory. However, men with Low T experience memory problems earlier than men of the same age with normal levels of testosterone.

Causes of Low Testosterone

  • Noonan syndrome
  • Klinefelter syndrome
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Damaged testicles
  • Removed testicles because of a health condition, such as cancer
  • Aging
  • Infection
  • Radiation and chemotherapy
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Pituitary gland disease
  • Obesity
  • Antidepressant and narcotic pain medications

Signs of Low Estrogen

Irregular or Absent Periods

Typically, the menstrual cycle lasts between 21 to 35. However, around 25% of women experience irregular periods. Female health experts describe irregular periods as periods that are heavier or lighter than usual or periods that are longer or shorter than usual. Irregular periods can prevent ovulation or cause abnormal cramping.

Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Low estrogen makes the lining of the urethra thinner. This allows unhealthy bacteria to infect the urinary tract. Besides causing frequent UTIs, low estrogen can also make women more susceptible to other complications, such as urinary incontinence.

Painful Sex

When estrogen levels drop, the vagina might dry up. Women who suffer from vaginal dryness might experience discomfort and sometimes pain during sex.

Fatigue

Estrogen plays an important role in metabolism. When estrogen levels drop, women experience a significant dip in energy levels. Such women are unmotivated to complete routine tasks or engage in other physical activities, such as morning runs or cycling.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Women with hormonal imbalance are more likely to experience hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes are sudden waves of heat that hit your face, neck, arms, or back, causing reddening or flushing. Hot flashes vary in intensity and duration. They last between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night.

Mood Swings

Estrogen plays a vital role in the production of serotonin, a chemical that boosts moods. Therefore, a drop in estrogen levels interferes with the production of serotonin. This causes mood swings and increases the risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression.

Other signs

Additional signs of low estrogen include sleep apnea, reduced bone mass, trouble concentrating, regular headaches, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Causes of Low Estrogen

  • Excessive exercise
  • Eating disorders
  • Aging
  • Kidney disease
  • Pituitary gland disease
  • Turner syndrome
  • Premature ovarian failure

Diagnosis of Testosterone and Estrogen Deficiency

Since the signs of hormonal deficiency can be easily associated with other health conditions, it is common for a misdiagnosis to happen. To avoid this, you should visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will carry out a physical exam and review your medical history. They may also order further tests to determine the cause of the deficiency.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

BHT boosts hormone levels in the body, offering relief from the signs and symptoms of hormonal deficiency. BHT can be administered in several forms. Available options include skin patches, injections, gels, creams, and oral medications.

We Can Help

Are you suffering from any symptoms we have mentioned above? If the answer is yes, it could a sign of hormone deficiency syndrome. To regain control of physical and mental health through bioidentical hormone therapy, contact Serenity Health Care Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

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5 Ways Environmental Medicine Can Help You Get Healthier Than Ever

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on 5 Ways Environmental Medicine Can Help You Get Healthier Than Ever

Many people find themselves dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, respiration problems, or other health issues even after being treated with medication. Everyone deserves to achieve the best level of health possible, and the path to feeling better involves cultivating a more holistic approach to your overall health. There are many factors that contribute to your wellness, and environmental medicine can provide a focus that will bring you greater control over how you feel.

Too often individuals fall into a pattern of tolerating rather than eliminating health concerns. Everyone deserves to get more out of their life than mere survival. With the proper guidance and planning, you can embrace a lifestyle that improves how you feel both physically and mentally.

5 Ways Environmental Medicine Can Help You Get Healthier Than Ever

Our society operates at a breakneck pace, and often individual health is seen as an inconvenience instead of a fundamental quality of life issue. Symptoms are treated instead of underlying issues in a rush to return employees to the workforce. Unfortunately, the underlying causes tend to linger, which forces the individual to live with chronic pain and discomfort. Environmental medicine is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to identify underlying contributing factors to all health issues and help every individual identify the changes that can result in a superior quality of life.

Environmental medicine casts a wide net in its quest to determine the best possible conditions for health and well-being. It includes considerations over air quality, air pollution, food contamination, auto-immune enhancement, water quality, chemical contamination, and many other factors. Everything in your environment contributes to your health, and this can even include the stress of your workplace. There is no reason to endure unhealthy situations when the right focus can show you how to surround yourself with an environment more conducive to your health needs.

Helping the Immune System

One of the most important objectives of health care is to assist the body in curing itself. The human immune system is one of the most astounding creations in all of nature. It is capable of fending off disease and infection and restoring the body to superior health. However, as miraculous as the immune system is, it sometimes becomes overworked. It is always in our best interests to take our immune system into consideration and provide your body with the best possible environment to allow you to feel better than ever.

Toxins can remain in tissues and cartilage even after patients have completed the course of their medications. Also, your immune system requires certain raw materials in the form of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to combat health issues. Part of the focus of environmental medicine is to comprehend the whole picture of individual well-being. There are many avenues by which the immune system can be compromised, and it’s up to your care provider to attend to the areas of weakness so the patient can enjoy the greatest benefit.

Dietary Considerations

Your diet is probably the single greatest contributing factor to your overall health. Where your food comes from and how it is prepared can have a huge impact on your general state of wellbeing. Foods high in saturated fats or refined sugars can lead to weight gain, lack of energy, and a sensation of crashing at inopportune moments in the day. A healthier diet allows clients to enjoy greater energy, less fatigue, and can even boost memory response. Food contamination can also lead to illness or delay recuperation time from other health concerns.

Every person is different, and their bodies all have varying deficiencies. Many people believe they don’t have the time to evaluate their nutrition, but the investment pays off exponentially in the long run. We can help you determine what your body is lacking and provide you with a simple dietary strategy that will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of a healthy, superior diet that works for you.

Stress Management

Many people mistakenly believe that stress is an unavoidable consequence of adult responsibilities. Although it is very difficult to eliminate stress completely from your life, it is possible to manage your stress to assist your overall health. Stress evaluation is also important to determine if the stress you are enduring as part of your normal, daily routine is normal or if it indicates you are subjecting yourself to one or more unhealthy environments. Stress has a detrimental impact on your immune system and can be an obstacle to the level of health you deserve.

We have had great success managing stress through a variety of treatment options. These options include massage therapy, therapeutic massage, and our Serenity Cares signature massages. Reiki/Craniosacral treatments are also available, and we also offer hypnotherapy sessions to explore and unlock deeper levels of well being. These and additional tactics can be combined with other treatment methods to help flush toxins and achieve superior results when fending off a variety of maladies.

Air Quality

The air you breathe is an even larger health factor than the food you eat. Your eating is restricted to meals and snacks, but your breathing is regular and constant. Airborne pathogens are a constant concern that can lead to very serious health issues. Other dangerous elements to the air include toxic mold, food particles, pet allergies, and seasonal pollens. If you have a chronic breathing problem, for example, you may be surprised to discover that the condition is exacerbated by a contaminant in a piece of furniture you’ve owned your whole life.

We use the La Cross method to get a better overall picture of the response of our clients to various airborne allergens. The protocol involves an investigation of the patient’s symptoms and past health history. We examine your family history along with the environments where you work, live, and play. We also conduct allergy testing to see if there are any hidden ailments that might be affecting your quality of life. Once we have finished the evaluation, we will be in a position to provide a reasonable treatment schedule that takes your whole life into account.

Dehydration and Water Quality

Proper hydration is another very convenient way to boost your overall health and increase your energy levels. Consider how your vehicle struggles when it is low on oil and you’ll get a basic idea of the stress you subject your body to when you are dehydrated. The quality of your water source is also an important consideration. Pure, clean water prevents the introduction of contamination into your body and helps keep your immune system strong enough to fight off other attacks. If you suffer from chronic health issues, your water supply could play a major contributing factor in your overall health.

A Complete Approach for Better Health

Our society has largely conditioned our citizens to only seek out medical advice in emergency situations. We’d like to emphasize that there is nothing wrong with a patient coming into the doctor simply to ask how they can feel better. Taking proactive action to ensure that every component of your environment has been leveraged to the benefit of your immune system helps ensure you stay happy, healthy, and physically fit. Contact the Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin to learn more about how environmental medicine can have a dramatic effect on your overall health.



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Lyme Disease Treatment That Actually Works

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Lyme Disease Treatment That Actually Works

Lyme disease is commonly spread by ticks in the Northern Hemisphere, which can have a debilitating effect on your life. Many patients who are diagnosed with Lyme disease experience symptoms for months and struggle to return the strength and energy levels they had prior to infection. At Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, we pride ourselves on a holistic Lyme disease treatment that helps the body heal and ensures that the disease is completely flushed from your system. Read on to learn more about our Lyme disease treatment that actually works.

A Lyme Disease Treatment That Works

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdoferi bacterium. Individuals contract the disease via a tick bite, but because of its similarities to other illnesses, Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. The first sign is a red rash that manifests within about a week and is located around the area of the tick bite. The rash sometimes consists of a central spot with an outer ring giving it a bullseye appearance.

Symptoms can include fever, headaches, and general fatigue. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen to include facial paralysis, joint pains, migraines, neck stiffness, heart palpitations, heart complications, and memory loss. In order to maintain a healthy, quality lifestyle, it is important that anyone who suspects he or she might have contracted Lyme disease seek treatment immediately. We have had tremendous success treating Lyme disease, and all patients deserve to be restored to their prior level of health.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a critical component of Lyme disease treatment, but they need to be supplemented with other treatment methods in order to aid complete recovery. Antibiotics are most effective in the early stages of Lyme disease. This can be problematic for patients who have had their Lyme disease misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. In many cases, patients who only receive antibiotic treatments continue to have problems even after their treatment cycle has ended.

This is not meant to diminish the importance of antibiotics as part of the treatment schedule. Borrelia burgdoferi is a bacterium, and it must be eliminated in order to combat the disease. However, killing the microbe also releases toxins into the body, which in turn, require their own treatment. An effective Lyme disease treatment provides the body with the support and supplies it needs to achieve a superior state of health.

Lyme Disease Detox

Even when the bacteria is killed, endotoxins can be present in the patient’s cells, brain tissues, and cartilage. The bacteria can also have a detrimental effect on the patient’s immune system. The weakened immune system slow’s the body’s ability to heal and can leave the patient susceptible to other infections. Therefore, the best practice is to assist in restoring the immune system and allow the body to resume operating at peak healing capacity. This helps to prevent or eliminate additional infections that can prevent or delay complete healing.

IV nutritional therapy

IV nutritional therapy helps provide patients with the boost they need to allow their immune system to restore itself. Patients will receive an IV containing vital nutrients during a session that lasts between thirty minutes and several hours. An IV allows the nutrients to bypass the gastrointestinal system to ensure full absorption and allow for higher doses.

By absorbing critical vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other critical supplements, patients will experience improved metabolism, energy boost, and enhanced immune support. Damage to the gastrointestinal system that can develop as a result of Lyme disease makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. IV treatments bypass this problem and accelerate recovery.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy helps to relieve the chronic pain that often develops along with Lyme disease. Massage therapy can help to improve immune system functioning, assist with detox by removing waste products from muscles, and improve circulation. Massage also helps with the joint and muscle soreness that is sometimes associated with Lyme disease. It can even provide improvement if you are dealing with flexibility issues.

Bio Terrain Therapy

Bio terrain therapy is a schedule of treatments designed to target and improve a multitude of critical body functions. A biological terrain assessment takes measurements of the patient’s urine, blood, and saliva to get more information on the metabolic processes taking place within the body. Bio terrain therapy is appropriate for patients of any ages and is a non-invasive treatment that is implemented over a 14-day schedule and continues to yield results over a three-month timeframe.

The treatment consists of bio-magnetic pairing, Sacral Occipital technique blocking, Ondamed treatment, cranial sacral work, detoxification, and dietary recommendations. Each of the six sessions takes between twenty and ninety minutes. Many of our clients have expressed that bio terrain therapy had a miraculous effect in restoring a feeling of youth after Lyme diseases had made them feel like old men.

Herbal Supplements

Just as a carpenter requires access to raw materials to build a house, the body’s auto-immune system requires access to raw materials to fight off the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. The proper supplements give your body the tools it needs to aid in rapid recovery. All supplements are not created equal, and we are happy to offer our preferences and expertise to provide you with the most effective supplement schedule.

As with other medications, vitamins lose their potency as they age. We recommend certain lines of supplements that have shown to have superior production methods. Prothera, Medi-Herb, Pure Encapsulations, and Wellevate, are some of our preferences for our clients. Young Living Essential Oils have also proven highly effective for the specialized needs of patients suffering from Lyme disease.

IV Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy uses ozone gas to kill bacteria, disrupt unhealthy body processes, and provide a boost to the immune system. Ozone is a commonly occurring colorless gas made up of three oxygen atoms. It has commonly been used to disinfect medical items and is safe and painless to use. Ozone therapy helps flush out infected cells allowing the body to replace them with new, healthy cells.

Ozone therapy can be administered in several ways. The ozone can be applied directly to the tissue, intravenously, or intramuscularly. For the intravenous method, blood is drawn, mixed with ozone, and then returned to the body. For the intramuscular method, the ozone is mixed into your blood or sterile water and injected into the treatment area.

A Complete Lyme Disease Treatment

There is no reason for a patient to live with chronic pain, fatigue, or the mental fog that often comes as a result of Lyme disease. With an effective Lyme disease treatment, all patients should be able to defeat the bacteria and be restored to the level of health they enjoyed prior to contracting the disease. Antibiotics are a foundational component for battling Lyme disease, but antibiotics alone have proven to be ineffective at providing patients with a complete recovery. When other treatment methods are combined for a full recovery schedule, patients are allowed to recuperate their high quality of life.

It is scary how something so small as a tick bite can cause lasting, detrimental effects to so many people. Contact the Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI to learn more about how you can enjoy the benefits of a complete Lyme disease treatment that works.

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Allergy and Immunology: 8 Types of Allergies You Should Know

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Allergies, Blog. No Comments on Allergy and Immunology: 8 Types of Allergies You Should Know

Are you suffering from congestion, coughing, watery eyes, or dark circles? Do certain foods cause your mouth to feel tingly or parts of your face to swell? If you experience adverse reactions to harmless substances, you could benefit from allergy treatment. Many people don’t realize that their symptoms are the result of allergies, or they believe that allergies are just part of life. At Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, we provide educational resources on allergy and immunology. Our testing and treatments can help you overcome an allergic response. Here are 8 common allergies that you should know about.

First, Why Do We Suffer From Allergies?

Allergens Trigger Your Immune System

Allergens are foreign substances that your body believes are harmful. Normally, your immune system does a good job of keeping you safe from poisons, toxins, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. While the allergens themselves are harmless, they trigger immune responses that can cause you to feel unwell.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies Cause Your Symptoms

When your body’s defense system encounters an allergen, it releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to put up a strong fight. They send signals that trigger responses such as coughing or hives. While we evolved so that these reactions could help us in the face of real danger, the cure is sometimes worse than the disease. In the case of allergies, your body is sounding a false alarm. Unfortunately, this can cause anything from mild discomfort to a life-threatening situation.
Many people experience:

  • Runny nose and congestion
  • Cough
  • Rashes, hives, and itchy skin
  • Itchy eyes that water and swell
  • Dark undereye circles
  • Tingling in the mouth or tongue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, or lips
  • Digestive problems including upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Behavioral problems

The Good News About Allergy and Immunology

We Can Treat Allergies

While some people have extremely dangerous allergic reactions and need to monitor their conditions carefully, others only feel mildly inconvenienced. Individuals with less severe reactions sometimes think that they need to live with their allergies, either because they are not aware that treatment is available or because they don’t recognize the symptoms for what they are. The problem is that feeling out of sorts impacts your quality of life. Fortunately, whether your symptoms are mild or serious, allergy, and immunology treatments can improve the situation.

Allergy Drops Provide Lasting Relief

We treat allergies with sublingual liquid extracts that our patients take at home. This method provides controlled exposure to the allergen. First, the patient starts with a very light dose that is too small to trigger an allergic response. Over time, we ramp up the concentration. Doing so teaches the body that the allergen is not dangerous.

8 Types of Allergies You Should Know About

1. Pollen Allergies

Pollen is a dust-like substance produced by plants as part of their reproductive process. It is the number one cause of allergy symptoms among people. Hay fever, for example, is a pollen allergy. The pollen can come from many sources, including trees, flowers, grass, weeds, and other types of plants. It often triggers a seasonal allergic response that repeats annually, when the plant in question produces it.

While a common strategy is to avoid the allergen, this is difficult in the case of pollen because it is so prevalent at certain times of year. You could choose to limit your outdoor activities, but that would mean missing out on a lot of fun. Treating a pollen allergy with drops offers a better solution.

2. Dust Allergies

Even inside, you cannot be free of allergens. Dust can become trapped in pillowcases, carpets, and curtains. It can even build up on hard surfaces. In addition to giving you allergies, dust can aggravate chronic conditions like asthma. If you suffer from a dust allergy, airing out your house and cleaning frequently is a must.

3. Pet Allergies

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, it can be heartbreaking to realize when they are triggered by your pet. Unfortunately, the dander and saliva of almost all domestic animals can irritate some people’s immune systems. You might be allergic to certain animals and not others. For example, some people cough and get itchy skin around cats, but are ok with having a dog. Many people with pet allergies choose not to get an animal. However, if you already have one, giving it up can be difficult. Allergy drops can treat you and allow you to keep your furry friend.

4. Mold Allergies

Mold and mildew can pose serious problems for people, especially if they are toxic. Mold allergies are more prevalent in the fall, when decomposing vegetation and piles of leaves are present. In your home, mold can grow in the basement, the bathroom, and the walls. If you think your home has a mold problem, you should have it inspected and take steps to remove the spores.

5. Nut Allergies

Food allergies are a huge category, and nut allergies are among the most common types. In particular, many people are allergic to peanuts, and their immune response can be very dangerous. Sublingual therapy can cure a nut allergy over time, possibly removing a serious source of danger. Otherwise, it is necessary to practice extreme avoidance of peanuts, even if that includes some social isolation at meals.

People who are at risk for anaphylaxis need to carry an EpiPen at all times. Even if you don’t have a life-threatening response to nuts, the milder symptoms can have a negative impact on your life. They include swelling, dizziness, digestive problems, and hives.



6. Milk Allergies

Another common food allergen is milk. Dairy products, in general, can also be problematic, including cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Interestingly, some people who are allergic to other dairy products do not have an issue with butter. People who test positive for a milk allergy can choose to consume non-dairy substitutes, such as almond milk or coconut milk. This assumes, of course, that the person is not also allergic to almonds or coconut.

7. Shellfish Allergies

Like peanuts, a shellfish allergy can be very dangerous. Triggers include shrimp, lobster, squid, scallops, and other marine animals. In its extreme state, an allergic reaction to shellfish can induce anaphylaxis. Other symptoms include fainting, dizziness, hives, eczema, vomiting, trouble, breathing, and swelling.

8. Other Kinds of Food Allergies

Many kinds of foods can induce an allergic reaction. We test for over 50 of the most common triggers. In addition to the ones mentioned above, many people learn that they are allergic to:

  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Eggs

Finding out that you have a food allergy is an important step towards feeling better and possibly saving your life.

We Provide Expert Care in the Field of Allergy and Immunology

It can be surprising to learn that your symptoms are triggered by something that is harmless to many people, such as dust or eggs. However, advances in the field of allergy and immunology make it possible for us to test you for your triggers and provide lasting relief. Understanding your allergies and taking control can greatly improve the quality of your life and possibly help you avoid dangerous situations.

Contact Serenity Health Care Center in Waukesha, WI, for more information on how we can test and treat your allergies. We can help your immune system work for your body instead of against it.