Pioneer Health Newsletter forJuly 2011

Are You Feeling Energized Every Day?
Do you feel tired and worn out all the time? If so, you're not alone. According to the Harvard Health Letter, one in four Americans is too tired on a daily basis to carry out routine activities. With our nutrient-poor diets, it's no wonder so many of us aren't getting the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our bodies need to make energy.
According to the National Institutes of Health, substantial numbers of adults in the United States fail to consume recommended amounts of magnesium (310 mg/day for women, 400 mg/day for men). Nor do we get enough calcium (1000 mg/day for adult women, 1200 mg/day for adult men) and potassium (4-5 gm/day adults), or other key nutrients our cells use to create energy.
How Our Cells Create Energy
Every cell in our body derives energy from the food we eat through structures called mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the cell's "powerhouses" because they are responsible for the production ATP, a molecule whose function is to capture energy from food.
But in order to produce ATP, mitochondria need these essential nutrients. Without them, you will eventually begin to experience
•  Muscle pain
•  Fatigue, and
•  Muscle spasms
Do You Need A Power Surge?
If you're experiencing fatigue, muscle pain, or spasms, perhaps your body isn't getting the nutrition it specifically needs to create energy. If this is the case, please call my office and make an appointment. Together, we can develop a personalized plan that includes nutritional counseling including high quality, all-natural supplements to get your body up and running again!

Is Belly Fat in Your Way? Part 2

Last month we talked about managing cortisol levels which could ultimately increase belly fat. Just to recap, one of the jobs of cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal gland and also known as the stress hormone, is to restore balance after a stressful event. Excess cortisol production can lead to overstimulation of insulin into the bloodstream which could lead to hunger, cravings, and weight gain.  At the end of the article it was suggested to have cortisol levels checked through saliva testing.

Salivary testing for cortisol is done to provide an indication of how the adrenal gland is functioning. If the salivary test results show suboptimal adrenal function/cortisol levels then an adrenal cream may be prescribed or nutritional supplements may be recommended. A healthy functioning adrenal gland is essential to managing cortisol levels which could affect many factors such as weight management, quality sleep, energy level and many other symptoms in the body. For more information on saliva testing please contact our pharmacy.

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