Dr. Taz MD Living Healthy, Naturally Issue 20

Expanding Your Options: Hypoglycemia

Eating organic food, using supplements and in-depth testing can seem costly. However, many people find it’s worth it to heal the body rather than treating or masking the symptoms. Over the years, I have found that treating the symptoms typically leads to additional conditions or the need for increased medication. In this column, I take common medical issues, show different approaches and offer an natural alternative to conventional treatment. I like to think of it as Expanding Your Options!

Flour SackTIP:  Hypoglycemia is usually the result of insulin going too high or too low in one’s body. It can be the cause of many uncomfortable symptoms including: dizziness, headaches, sweating, pale skin, feeling shaky, anxiety and more.

My integrative approach includes eating every three hours and incorporating lots of protein! I always recommend to my patients that they use their phone alarms to remind them when it’s time for a protein packed snack or meal.

I also urge patients to avoid simple sugars and refined starch as much as possible. These culprits contribute to insulin irregularity!

*This column information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. Prices are approximate and taken from online industry averages.

Beauty Buzz
Anti-Aging Blackberry & Kiwi Juice

file000191255983Blackberries and kiwi are packed with antioxidants that slow the clock by preventing oxidation (“rusting”) caused by free radicals (reactive molecules found throughout the environment). A small knob of ginger adds warmth while reducing inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive tract.

  • 1/2 cup blackberries 
  • 1 kiwi, peeled
  • 1 small slice of ginger
  • 1/2 lemon, peeled
  • 1 apple
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled

Juice the ingredients and stir. To your health! 

Ask Dr. Taz MD
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Q:  Dear Dr. Taz, I was diagnosed with high-risk HPV 4 years ago. Is there any thing I can do to help get rid of it? It is not clearing on its own and I don’t like the wait, biopsy, and see approach from my gynecologist.

A:  I would try vaginal pre and probiotics, as well as natural antivirals like cordyceps and astragalus. 

Click here to Ask Dr. Taz MD your questions!

Living Healthy Tip
Please Pass the Fat!

One of the great things about *truly* modern medicine is recognizing the important role of healthy fat in the diet. It is healing to the gut, crucial for the mind and … well, do you need any more convincing?  

And let’s be honest…Fat just tastes good!  

Here are a couple of ways to slip more healthy fats into your diet.

1. Eat a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil here and there. This is also great for the kids if they enjoy the taste. Coconut fat is very therapeutic and can effectively control Candida overgrowth. Start slowly and build up to 1-2 tablespoons a day (1-2 teaspoons for children). You can also utilize coconut oil to spread on toast, or mix in your rice or quinoa!

2. Make your salad dressing a superfood. Load up your plate with fresh greens and colorful veggies Drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil and a little flax oil, then toss to coat the leaves. Add a splash of healthy acid such as fresh lemon juice or raw apple cider vinegar and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.

 Check out more tips on my blog! 

Men’s Health Feature
Dr. Taz MD’s Top Supplement Picks for Men

Top Men’s Health Issues

Last week on my blog, we discussed the top health issues that a man may encounter. So many of my patients are curious about the supplements I typically recommend for men, so I’ve broken it down for you!   

Top supplements for men at various stages in their lives

My men’s health bundle contains supplements  

that help keep his heart, colon and prostate healthy!   

Baby Blues

People rarely talk about postpartum depression in men but it is a very real thing. One study in Pediatrics showed that new dads (who became fathers around the age of 25) noticed a 68% increase in depression symptoms over the next 5 years. The stress from the added responsibility of a baby, fears of inadequacy as a father and loss of freedom are just some of the many things that can burden new dads.

If you notice that his blues are persisting, it’s important that he seeks counseling to keep himself and the family dynamic healthy. Supplements can also help. I often recommend a b-complex andashwaganda (an adaptogenic herb that helps during times of stress) to help men get through this time.

Andropause (“Male Menopause”)

When men are in their late 30s to early 40s there begins a slow decline of testosterone levels. This subtle and gradual hormone shift is much different than the drastic change experienced by women as they stop ovulating, but over time it can cause symptoms such as sexual problems, fatigue, moodiness and loss of strength. These issues can be greatly counteracted with a healthy lifestyle – diet, exercise and supplementation as needed.  

Here are some supplements to consider: 

  • 7 keto DHEA or DHEA – 25mg
  • a daily b-vitamin complex
  • arginine 500mg – 1 gram
  • Gingko biloba – 500mg

Ready, set, GO! Enjoy the man in your life and keep him healthy!

Tips For Keeping the Man in your Life Healthy!

istock.manA question I get often from my female patients – a million dollar question – is what can I do to help keep my man healthy?

While I do not know the guy in your life, I have seen many male patients over the years and I also happen to be married to one. I’ll tell you, while this sweet husband of mine may be an expert on pulling teeth (he happens to be a dentist), I have learned a thing or two over the years, helping him stay on track with his health. Although, I will say it isn’t such a struggle anymore! Based on years of experience, I offer you…

Tips on how to nudge your man to better health

1. Remember that healthy living is a journey and it is to each his own. Rather than trying to single-handedly move a mountain overnight, trust that there will be opportunities to plant seeds along the way.

2. Keep it brief. Drop a line here and there. Print up an inspiring article and leave it lying around (maybe one of my posts from this week). Leave a post-it on his computer when it’s time to schedule his annual – and remind him to be open and honest with his doctor during the appointment! “Get your money’s worth.”

3. Take notice of healthy things he does and offer a little praise. “With all of that lycopene-laced salsa you eat you are going to have the healthiest prostrate on the block!”

4. Don’t talk…move! Your husband will be so inspired seeing you all aglow and energized after your nightly walk that he may just get off the couch himself.

5. Juice together! Fresh-pressed juices are delicious, offer an instant energy boost and provide a myriad of powerful nutrients in a single glass. Offer him a sip here and soon enough he will be making requests.

6. Add “and it keeps your hair follicles healthy!” as an automatic tagline to everything you suggest. Let’s face it, this will get his interest. It’s true – premature hair loss will slow as he moves toward more optimal health. Addressing food sensitivities and boosting gut health, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, drinking detoxifying juices (such as this refreshing liver detox juice), and taking supplements I recommend for general men’s health all contribute to healthier hair follicles.

7. Make it about you! Men love to support us so ask him to help you stay on track (*wink, wink*). Give concrete examples of how he can help – maybe you can go for a quick walk/run in the mornings, cook a healthy dinner together twice a week or move the coffee table and do some stretching during your favorite show.

8. Give the gift of supplements. Throw a bottle of b’s into the gift bag along with his virtual golf eyewear or Millennium Falcon bottle opener. He’ll get the drift.

Goal of Dr. Taz MD’s Living Healthy, Naturally

The goal of this guide is to inform you about current and topical health issues. To ensure that you have the best available information, our research team at our Atlanta Center of Holistic and Integrative Medicine is aboard to help vet our material from a broad group of established and reliable sources.

If you like what you’re reading, I encourage you to send this newsletter to a friend or family member so they too can enjoy living healthy, naturally.

With gratitude, 
Dr. Taz Bhatia MD