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IV Nutritional Therapy

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health, Men's Health, Women's Health.

IV Nutritional Therapy

IV nutritional therapy provides improved health and a better quality of life

Patients with a variety of chronic health conditions can benefit from IV nutritional therapy at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee. IV nutritional therapy provides valuable nutrients, improves metabolism, boosts energy and offers immune support.

How does IV nutritional therapy work?

IV nutritional therapy consists of a series of IV infusions that take place at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee. Patients receive nutrients through an IV in the arm. The process takes between 30 minutes and six hours, depending on the patient’s needs.

This type of therapy works so well because it delivers vitamins, amino acids, minerals and other critical supplements directly into the bloodstream. IV nutritional therapy allows these nutrients to bypass the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This is significant for two reasons.

  • When nutrients are delivered to the bloodstream, they are fully absorbed, something that cannot happen if the GI system is damaged or inflamed.
  • Bypassing the GI system allows our practitioners to deliver much higher doses of nutrients to the patient than is possible with oral doses.

Why do gastric bypass patients and people with GI tract damage need therapy?

IV nutritional therapy is particularly useful for patients who have had gastric bypass, a surgical weight loss procedure. It can also benefit patients who have suffered damage to their GI tract due to viruses or bacteria, or who have conditions that affect absorption, including hydrochloric acid, or digestive enzyme, deficiency. Patients who lack the friendly gut bacteria needed to aid in proper digestion also benefit from IV nutritional therapy.

Damage, inflammation or deficiencies in the GI system make it nearly impossible for the patient’s body to absorb therapeutic doses of nutrients or medications. Directing the nutrients to the bloodstream ensures that all the nutrients reach the patient at the cellular level, bringing them the health benefits they so desperately need.

What other conditions benefit from this treatment?

Patients who have chronic problems, such as hypertension, asthma, HIV, Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure, respond well to IV nutritional therapy. Here are two lesser known conditions that also respond to treatment.

  • Metabolism disorders. People with metabolism disorders may not be able to convert the nutrients from the food they eat into the active form or metabolite. With IV therapy, the active metabolites are delivered directly to the cells without the body having to use energy to activate them.
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. People with this syndrome may have problems maintaining adequate hydration, but IV NACL can help.

IV nutritional therapy is a valuable treatment for patients with chronic health conditions. Contact us for an evaluation and let the experienced practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee put you on the path to better health.

Menopause in Women

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Women's Health.

Menopause in Women

Menopause is a time of change that actually begins with perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period that can last between eight and 12 years before menopause, the time when a woman stops menstruating. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we help women make this important transition, so they can enjoy a good quality of life.

We think it’s important to listen to women – to let them tell us their story – so we can work with them to heal their body and offer a natural way to help them feel better.

Symptoms of menopause

Menopause is different for every woman. Some women experience severe symptoms, while others notice little change after a shift in hormone balance. A woman may experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, particularly after having a drop in estrogen.

  • Hot flashes, which can be brief or long, and may occur as often as several times a day.
  • Sleep issues, including insomnia and night sweats
  • Emotional issues, including brain fog and mood swings
  • Issues with sex, including reduced libido and vaginal dryness
  • Weight gain

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we treat every woman as an individual and tailor our therapy to treat her menopausal symptoms.

We take an individualized approach to hormone therapy for menopause

Since the 1930s, hormone therapy has been recommended as a treatment for menopause, particularly during the past 30 years. The hormones that physicians in conventional medicine use are synthetic hormones, which have presented problems.

  • In the 1970s, researchers discovered that the synthetic estrogen physicians were using to treat menopause increased a woman’s risk for uterine cancer.
  • In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative study of combined synthetic hormone therapy (combining estrogen and progestin), was shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. As a result, many women shied away from hormone therapy altogether, which caused many of them to suffer a decreased quality of life.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we use bioidentical hormones, instead of synthetic hormones, to treat the symptoms of menopause. These hormones are made from wild yam and are chemically the same as what your own body produces. These natural hormones help prevent many side effects that women experience when taking synthetics. They also allow for a flexible application of doses, which are individualized for each patient.

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we have the tools and the skills needed to help you make the transition to menopause and beyond. There’s no need to suffer through this natural transitional phase of life. Contact us today for an appointment.

Low T

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Low Testosterone or Low T

1.  Have you lost your stamina?  Have you lost your motivation, strength and sexual desire? You are not alone!

“Low T” also known as andropause or male menopause, low testosterone happens to many men both young and old. Low T can occur from too much stress in your life, chronic pain, or just plan genetics.

2. Are you not feeling like yourself? Does your wife tell you, you need some help?

When that begins, we need can help you identify how to reach optimal performance and health at the same time.  Low T can be the cause for your irritability, mood changes and lack of desire.

3. Has your body changed? Have you lost muscle mass?

Low T decreases muscle mass, leading to increased body fat. Studies have also shown that proper testosterone levels are necessary to have proper blood sugar control.

If you answered yes to these questions, you can be helped with male hormonal therapy.

What Is Low T?

All hormones are made from cholesterol, this is why it is important to have healthy levels of cholesterol, and without them the body cannot make any hormone. Testosterone is a male hormone (androgen) made by the testes and adrenal glands.

A man is diagnosed with low T, by either a blood or saliva test, or when his testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. A man can also have subclinical low T when the testosterone level is less than 600 ng/dl. Testosterone levels peak at age 20, but rarely do people measure hormone levels at the peak of performance. Because we do not know where a man was at during peak performance, it can be hard to know if you are low simply based on a number. At Serenity Health Care Center, we do not order testosterone therapy based solely on lab values.

How do you treat Low T?

  • Gels/Creams

Bio-identical hormones can be compounded into many forms commonly, Testosterone gels and solutions are applied daily to a thin skin area.

  • Injections
    FDA approved Testosterone injections are often given intramuscular into the arm or upper buttock, and administered every 1-2 weeks.
  • Rapid Dissolve Tablets
    These are bio-identical hormones made in a sublingual form that is placed in the buccal membrane of the mouth, where testosterone is absorbed within about 20 minutes

At Serenity Health Center, we employ various treatment options for treating Low T. These therapies include:

  • Evaluating all hormone levels for optimal balance
  • We evaluate for low growth hormone levels if necessary and amino acid imbalance that can contribute to symptoms of low T.

If you would like to be evaluated for low T, please call and schedule a consultation at 262-522-8640.

PMS

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Hormones, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Premenstrual Syndrome – PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that women may experience about 7-14 days before their period (menstruation). The symptoms usually stop soon after your period starts. For some women the symptoms can be debilitating and can cause lost time from work or school and even can land them in bed for days.

What are some of the common symptoms of PMS?

At Serenity Health Care Center, we often find that women are confused about the symptoms of PMS.  This is because there are 150+ symptoms that can be associated with PMS.  Some of the more commonly noted are:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Bloating (water retention)
  • Depression (mild to moderate)
  • Food cravings, especially sugar and carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Breast tenderness

This is quite a list that can and does affect a woman’s quality of life.  There is no need to continue to struggle with PMS, month after month.  Help is available!

What is the difference between mild to moderate to severe PMS?

There are two medically defined categories for PMS.   Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe case of PMS. PMDD can cause extreme mood shifts and a majority of the symptoms note above are heightened. For women suffering with PMDD, at least one of the following emotional symptoms is present:

  • Extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness
  • Heightened tension and anxiety
  • Marked moodiness
  • Marked anger and irritability

Why do PMS symptoms occur?

Dr. Debra Muth explains that there are two main reasons why PMS symptoms occur; the first and commonly recognized in mainstream medicine is hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal imbalance can easily be evaluated by either saliva or blood testing. What is often found is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, two major players in the regulation of the menstrual cycle

The second, less commonly known, is hormone allergies. Hormone allergies are not recognized in mainstream medicine due to the fact that allergies occur after long term low grade exposure to an agent.

Are there any tests that can be used to measure my hormonal imbalance?

At Serenity Health Care Center, we employ a number of tests that are extremely helpful in measuring your hormone levels.  Salvia testing is conducted on day 21 of the menstrual cycle from the comfort of your home, or blood testing can be done.

What treatments are available for PMS?

Treatment for PMS at Serenity Health Care Center are customized for our patients and focused on preventing and minimizing PMS symptoms.  These include a combination of:

  • Evaluation and regulation of birth control pills and contraception
  • Dietary evaluation and nutritional supplementation
  • Herbal remedies
  • Lifestyle changes and adjustments

Adrenal Fatigue

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, General Health, Women's Health.

Adrenal Fatigue

Patients with adrenal fatigue experience a group of symptoms that conventional medicine doesn’t recognize or treat. Adrenal fatigue is not a disease, but a collection of symptoms that are classified as a syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands are not functioning at their normal level. In contrast, when the adrenal glands do not function at all, it causes Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease. At our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we treat adrenal fatigue syndrome with natural hormonal treatments and other remedies.

Stress can cause adrenal fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is related to cortisol, the stress hormone. Several situations can put the human body under stress.

  • Emotional or psychological distress
  • Physical injury or illness
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Environmental toxins

When the body is stressed, the adrenal glands produce cortisol, which regulates many bodily functions and the way they respond to stress. These functions include immune responses, metabolism and central nervous system functions. A person with adrenal fatigue doesn’t produce enough cortisol, and this has a negative effect on the body and quality of life.

Our experienced practitioners recognize the symptoms of this syndrome

Many conventional medical doctors do not acknowledge adrenal fatigue. They also don’t diagnose or treat the syndrome. At our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee, our practitioners have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat this syndrome, helping our patients improve their lives and feel better.

Patients should talk with our medical staff if they have any of the following symptoms.

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Low libido
  • Fertility problems
  • Low blood pressure or blood sugar readings

Patients who present these symptoms may be evaluated for adrenal fatigue.

Diagnosing and treating adrenal fatigue

Our medical practitioners perform blood and saliva testing to help diagnose adrenal fatigue syndrome. A saliva test indicates whether cortisol levels are normal, and bloodwork determines whether the body is producing sufficient amounts of DHEA, testosterone, aldosterone and progesterone.

If a patient has adrenal fatigue, the practitioners at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee will devise an individualized treatment program. Treatment includes hormone supplements such as bio-identical cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone and dietary supplements. Our practitioners also recommend lifestyle changes that can help the patient return to better health.

Patients who are suffering from fatigue or other symptoms that affect daily life should contact us. The staff at our alternative medicine clinic prides themselves on providing help for problems like adrenal fatigue that conventional medicine fails to acknowledge.

Types of Nutritional IV Therapy

Written by Serenity Health Care Center on . Posted in General Health, Men's Health, Women's Health.

Types of Nutritional IV Therapy

We offer nutritional IV therapy at our Serenity Health Care Center functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee.

Our nutritional IV therapies facilitate wellness through the speedy delivery of natural, restorative, healing ingredients. Intravenous injections of robust infusions comprising vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids bypass the stomach and liver and go directly into the bloodstream, achieving fast, powerful results.

Depending on the infusion mix you select, Serenity’s IV therapies will:

  • Increase your daily energy levels
  • Improve your digestion
  • Help prevent dehydration
  • Reduce cold and flu symptoms
  • Boost your immune system
  • Reduce inflammation

Why Should You Get Nutritional (Vitamin) IV Therapy?

At Serenity Health Care Center, we believe in helping our patients take responsibility for their health. We find that patients who manage their health are empowered to feel and be their best. Our IV therapies support the pursuit of health and wellbeing!

Nutritional IV therapy (sometimes called IV Vitamin Therapy) is about getting important healthy ingredients into the body with no barriers to absorption.

Vitamins delivered intravenously go right into the bloodstream for immediate and maximum absorption. Consider a Vitamin C delivery by IV. It achieves 50 times greater concentration in the blood over Vitamin C that is taken orally and must be processed in the stomach and liver before being dispatched into the bloodstream.

Nutritional IV therapy provides instant absorption and circulation of ingredients.

IV Therapy for Chronic Conditions & Disease

Do you struggle with chronic health issues? Our IV therapies benefit patients who live with diseases and ongoing conditions.

  • Cancer
  • Infection
  • Gut problems: Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Migraines
  • Asthma
  • Hypertension
  • Lyme Disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Stress
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Epstein Barr Syndrome
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Flu
  • Candida
  • Poor Circulation
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity

Nutritional IV Therapy to Maintain Good Health

Do you feel great? Good. Let us help you maintain that state. Choose the infusion that promotes overall cleansing and the removal of toxins from your body. Prevention and immunity boosts are key to sustaining optimal health and wellbeing.

How Nutritional IV Therapy Works

Nutritional IV Therapy is the intravenous delivery of potent, healthful infusions. These infusions contain the building blocks for robust health, plus warrior agents that fight inflammation and disease.

All-natural ingredients include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Zinc, Glutathione, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Amino Acids, NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and others.

Not all infusions are alike. We offer different cocktails that address the issues listed above, as well as infusions that go to work on:

mental fatigue, lack of focus, anxiety, depression, addictions, collagen deficiency, poor skin quality, headaches, tiredness, soreness, stress, sluggish metabolism, allergies, chemo side effects, body aches, malaise, exhaustion, and more

What Happens During an IV Therapy Session?

Before your nutritional IV therapy session, our professional Serenity staff will run bloodwork (if necessary) to make sure you are a candidate for this type of treatment. (See below for people who may not or should not get Nutritional IV therapy.) Additionally, we evaluate your health history and check your vital signs.

On the day of your therapy, we invite you to dress comfortably. We provide a pleasant, comfortable setting in which you may sit or recline and relax while receiving the IV infusion. You will find healthy snacks and refreshing drinks in the rooms.

Some patients choose to close their eyes and listen to music during their session. Others read, watch movies, or work on their devices. Your activities during the IV session are completely up to you.

One of our trained and experienced nurses administers the IV treatment. The infusion does not hurt. You may feel the initial small prick of the needle, and you may sense a slight weight in your arm as the ingredients begin to flow in. Other than those sensations, most patients feel nothing.

Depending on which infusion you have selected, its delivery lasts from 30 minutes to two hours. After the session, you are free to resume all your normal activities immediately.

Who Should Not Receive Nutritional IV Therapy?

Some people’s bodies cannot tolerate powerful vitamin infusions. These include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Frequent smokers
  • People who suffer from renal or cardiac dysfunction
  • Newly diagnosed cancer patients
  • People with certain genetic factors

Cooperate with Your IV Therapy for Optimal Health

At Serenity Health, we urge our patients to adopt a total lifestyle of selfcare, prevention, and beneficial habits. In conjunction with nutritional IV therapy, these practices facilitate optimal health and wellbeing.

We encourage our patients to:

  1. Drink six 8-ounce glasses of water per day
  2. Limit alcohol consumption (no more than 5 fluid ounces per night)
  3. Be aware of exposure to toxins in food and products; limit this
  4. Avoid processed and refined foods
  5. Avoid sugar as much as possible
  6. Boost consumption of high-quality saturated fats
  7. Move! (your body, that is)