7 Effects of Anxiety on the Body and What to Do About It Today

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Racing thoughts, increased heart rate, and trouble breathing are all common effects of anxiety on the body. Over the course of your life, it is natural to experience these anxiety symptoms at some points. So, recognizing the anxiety effects on the body can help you alleviate the symptoms when you start to feel them.

Before we explore deeper into the symptoms and causes, it is important to distinguish the different types of anxiety.

The Different Types of Anxiety

The term anxiety often describes a wide range of symptoms and has numerous possible causes. That is why it is beneficial to understand some of the different types and the effects that anxiety has on the body.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects about 3% of the U.S. population each year. It is characterized by excessive worry about a number of different things, such as money, family, work, health, etc.

With generalized anxiety, people can find it very difficult to control their worries. Generalized anxiety symptoms include restlessness, shortness of breath, a sense of doom, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, with the proper treatment and therapy, the effects of GAD can be greatly reduced.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

When someone experiences a particularly traumatic event, they may encounter a type of anxiety known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD usually arises from disturbing events like personal assaults, war, natural disasters, accidents, etc.

Those with PTSD might get re-experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and physical and emotional distress.

Phobias

Phobias can come in many different forms and refer to aversions to objects or situations. They often stem from excessive or irrational fears that can be caused by genetic or environmental factors.

Some common phobias include claustrophobia (fear of tight spaces), germaphobia (fear of germs), agoraphobia (fear of crowds or inescapable situations), acrophobia (fear of heights), etc.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves repetitive or compulsive behaviors such as counting, excessive cleaning, need for symmetry, etc. Similar to generalized anxiety, OCD can also be treated with medication and psychotherapy.

People with OCD usually feel a sense of doom if they don’t give in to their compulsions, which creates a repetitive cycle of obsessive or compulsive behavior.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder, or social phobia, refers to the intense fear of being judged or watched by others that stems from self-consciousness. This makes partaking in social situations extremely strenuous and can prevent people from doing everyday things like shopping, working, or going to school.

In the U.S., about 12.1% of adults experience social anxiety in their lives. Symptoms include blushing, sweating, stomachaches, racing heart, and the inability to keep eye contact.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is often characterized by unexpected bouts of intense fear or discomfort known as panic attacks. These can occur a few times a year or as frequently as a few times a day.

Common symptoms of panic attacks are heart palpitations, sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. In order to prevent the onset of a panic attack, it can be helpful to avoid triggers such as places or conversations that induce panic.

7 of the Most Common Effects of Anxiety on the Body

When people experience anxiety, they don’t usually think about how it affects their body’s ability to function. However, prolonged anxiety can lead to extreme health problems. This is why it is important to monitor your symptoms so they don’t have long-term adverse effects to your health.

Now that we know a few of the different types of anxiety, we can discuss some common physical effects of anxiety on the body that you may be feeling.

When you feel anxious, your heart rate may increase. Depending on the type and severity of anxiety you may feel light-headed, have difficulty breathing, shakiness, blurred or impaired vision (sometimes experienced during panic attacks), and have stomach pains.

1. Extreme Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. It can have mental, emotional, and physical effects on the body. For example, fatigue can lead to dizziness, irritability, headaches, slowed reflexes, and poor concentration.

2. Heart Disease

Because heart palpitations and an influx of stress response hormones can occur during a bout of anxiety, there is an increased risk of heart disease. These symptoms associated with high levels of anxiety can cause high blood pressure or heart attacks.

3. Chronic Pain

Many people with anxiety experience chronic pain and muscle tension because their brain sends distress signals to their central nervous system. This stress response can cause your muscles to tighten and lead to conditions like arthritis.

4. Loss of Libido

A loss of libido can arise when people are chronically anxious because their body produces more stress hormones. The body’s main stress hormone is cortisol, and increased production of cortisol can lower sex drive.

5. Decreased Immunity

In a chronic state of anxiety, the body’s fight or flight response is constantly being activated. When this happens, it can be very hard for your body to return to its normal state of rest, which makes it more vulnerable to sicknesses.

6. Insomnia

Since a persistent sense of worry or dread often accompany anxiety, this makes it hard to relax. When your mind is racing and your body can’t relax, falling asleep is very difficult.

7. Respiratory Problems

As we mentioned earlier, shortness of breath is a very common symptom of anxiety. Shallow, rapid breathing can lead to unhealthy breathing habits where more oxygen is inhaled than carbon dioxide is exhaled. This can restrict the brain’s blood supply and cause dizziness.

As you can see, chronic anxiety’s effects on the body can create a plethora of health issues which can be very dangerous. Carefully monitoring your symptoms is necessary for taking the steps to reduce anxiety.

How to Reduce Anxiety

It’s one thing to identify the anxiety effects on the body, but it’s another thing to be able to mitigate the severity of the symptoms before they worsen. Therapy, medication, and treatment can all help reduce anxiety symptoms. If none of those seem to help, you might want to consider IV therapy.

Benefits of IV Therapy for Anxiety

IV therapy is a very effective treatment because it delivers healthy minerals directly through your bloodstream. This makes it a better alternative for anxiety than oral medications.

IV therapy temporarily relieves anxiety and encourages a balanced mind and body by transfusing powerful minerals and amino acids that reduce anxiety and depression. That way, you can feel your best both mentally and physically.

Balance Hormones With BHRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT is an efficient treatment for a number of different disorders. In order to boost low hormone levels, BHRT can be used to regulate the hormones in your body.

Since anxiety causes imbalances in cortisol and other stress hormones, it can be very beneficial to employ BHRT (in cases where it’s needed), to treat symptoms like moodiness, sleep difficulties, weight gain, and decreased libido.

Alleviate Your Anxiety with Whole Health JC

If you are looking for an easy, effective solution to your anxiety, Whole Health JC’s anti-anxiety treatment IV may be the perfect remedy for your anxiety symptoms. This contains the powerful amnio acids GABA, taurine, and theanine, Vitamin B12, and the “relaxation” mineral, magnesium, to help with mental and physical relaxation.

So, let Whole Health JC relieve your anxiety with our proven IV therapies. Contact 573-893-5500 to schedule a free consultation today.

Dr. Jen

January 31, 2023

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Can Antidepressants Cause Hormone Imbalance?

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If you’re wondering if antidepressants can cause hormonal imbalance, the simple response is yes. About 8% of Americans 20 years and older experience major depression and 13% take antidepressant medications. Clearly, depression is a serious issue in Americans but what if your treatment causes more problems than it helps?

In this article, we will discuss this overarching question that many people have:

Can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance? The Short Answer: Yes, antidepressants can cause hormone imbalance in some cases, as antidepressants actually increase serotonin levels.

But, before we can get into the details, we first need to discuss what causes hormonal imbalances and the pros and cons of antidepressants.

What is Hormone Imbalance?

Hormone imbalance is when you have abnormally low or high levels of important hormones. Your hormones affect how your body functions, so when there is an imbalance it can cause a series of unpleasant symptoms.

Your hormones are chemical messengers in your body that tell your organs what to do. This controls your metabolism, reproduction, and even your mood. While small fluctuations are normal, long-lasting and severe changes can pose a problem.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

So, why may you be experiencing a hormone imbalance?

There are many causes of a hormonal imbalance such as:

Cancer treatments
Medications
Tumors
Eating disorders
Stress
Menopause
Pregnancy
Aging

Depending on the person, hormone imbalances will affect people differently.

Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance

Symptoms of hormone imbalance can range in levels of severity, often based on how significant the imbalance is.

Common symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:

Weight gain
Weight loss
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Increased or decreased heart rate
Sweating
Constipation
Frequent urination
Decreased sex drive
Depression
Nervousness
Blurred vision
Infertility
Thinning hair
Dry skin

Those with low levels of key hormones often also experience symptoms of depression.

This brings us to our next point: antidepressants.

Common Antidepressants

There are three commonly used antidepressants:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Used to increase levels of serotonin. These are medications like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox, Celexa, and Lexapro.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- These increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. This comes in medications like Effexor, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- These also increase serotonin and norepinephrine with medications such as Elavil, Anafranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, and Surmontil.

Depression is caused by an imbalance of chemical messengers such as serotonin. Antidepressants work to increase these neurochemicals so the nerve cells in your brain can pass signals to the rest of your body.

Tip: Be sure to trust a behavioral healthcare provider to prescribe the above medications that uses measurement based care.

The Pros and Cons Of Using Antidepressants

Antidepressants, just like any medication, come with their pros and cons. While you should discuss any medications you are considering taking with a doctor, here are a few pros and cons of antidepressants to be aware of.

Pros of Antidepressants

Antidepressants work with neurotransmitters in your brain to help stabilize symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many antidepressants increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, or a combination of these neurochemicals which can treat depression, anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and chronic pain.

Many individuals who take antidepressants noticed improvements in their mental health and a decrease in symptoms.

Cons of Antidepressants

While there are people who experience benefits from antidepressants, there are many that feel as though it does nothing. Even worse, there are those that have noted it causes more damaging symptoms.

Side effects of antidepressants may include:

Nausea
Forgetfulness
Drowsiness/Fatigue
Dry mouth
Dry skin
Sweating
Headache
Suppressed appetite
Insomnia
Tremor
Increased blood pressure
Sexual dysfunction

More importantly, many people who take antidepressants experience depression as a side effect. This brings us to the main point of our article, can antidepressants cause hormonal imbalance.

What the Research Shows: Can Antidepressants Cause Hormone Imbalance?

SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs increase levels of hormones, especially serotonin. While serotonin is a good thing in moderation, too much of any hormone can cause issues. Other antidepressant medications, like Olanzapine and Lithium Carbonate, can also affect the hormones in your body.
High prolactin levels coming from antidepressants can affect the production of hormones.

So what is the solution?

How to Alleviate Hormone Imbalance and Depression

Instead of covering up symptoms of depression with medication, treat the underlying causes with holistic functional medicine. There are several treatments that can help to alleviate depression and anxiety without negative side effects, such as:

Specialized diets
Exercise
Nutrients
Hormone therapy

While not all of these may work for you or give immediate results, talk to a doctor to see if hormone therapy is right for you.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, such as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), restores the hormone balance that your body needs to function properly. You can get your hormone levels tested through blood or saliva. Then a doctor can determine what hormones you need to bring your body back into balance.

Hormone therapy can treat depression and anxiety at their root cause to help alleviate symptoms and stabilize your mood. What makes hormone therapy better than typical medication is the treatment can be personalized to your unique needs.

Treat Your Hormone Imbalance With Whole Health JC

If you are experiencing depression and are looking for a low-risk treatment come by Whole Health JC to see if hormone therapy is right for you.

Whether or not you and your doctor decide antidepressants are right for you we recommend getting hormonal treatment. Antidepressants work best when combined with hormone therapy in treating anxiety and depression.

Our clinic offers Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment options for both men and women. Through a simple lab test, we can assess your hormone levels and create a BHRT treatment that fits your individual needs! Contact us at 573-893-5500.

Dr. Jen

January 05, 2023

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Can a UTI Cause Bloating and Weight Gain? Your Guide to UTIs

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Here’s a fact: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) cause many recognizable and uncomfortable symptoms. That burning sensation you feel ‘down there’ when you go to the bathroom is almost synonymous with a UTI. But, can a UTI cause bloating and weight gain as well?

As a matter of fact, it can!

In this article, you will learn what causes a UTI, the common symptoms associated with the infection, and how to treat it. You will also learn how a UTI can lead to bloating and weight gain.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about UTIs. First things first…

What is a UTI?

A Urinary Tract Infection, better known by its acronym ‘UTI,’ is a type of bacterial infection found in the urinary system. The infection can cause inflammation and irritation in the following areas:

Kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Urethra

In women, UTIs generally appear after a transfer of bacteria occurs in or around the lower urinary tract, such as through the urethra. Then, the bacteria travel to the bladder and begin to multiply. This leads to many uncomfortable symptoms.

Common UTI Symptoms in Women

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a UTI is during or after you urinate. For instance, if it hurts or burns when you pee, then a UTI might be the culprit. Other tell-tale signs of a UTI include:

Foul-smelling urine
Cloudy or bloody urine
Pass little to no urine when you go to the bathroom, even when you have a strong urge to relieve yourself
Frequent need to pee
Painful to urinate (burning, irritating sensation in the urethra)

Some more symptoms of a UTI that go hand-in-hand with urination issues include:

Pelvic pain
Abdominal or lower back pain
Chills
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting

Along with these common UTI symptoms, the infection may also cause some other lesser-known issues. This leads us to our next point.

Can a UTI Cause Bloating and Weight Gain?

Yes, a UTI can cause bloating and weight gain. The bacteria lead to a build-up of pressure in the lower abdomen. This results in abdominal pain and bloating. In some cases, weight gain also occurs due to bloating.

But, how do you know for sure if a UTI is the source of your bloating, weight gain, or other symptoms?

You Can Always Test for a UTI

When combined with other recognizable symptoms of a UTI, such as the burning sensation during urination, then the infection is most likely the root cause of a sudden onset of bloating and weight gain symptoms.

When in doubt, you can make an appointment with your doctor to check for a UTI or test yourself at home with a self-test kit like AZO Test Strips which can be ordered online.

How to Treat a UTI

If you test positive for a UTI, then you’ll want to treat it as soon as possible. When left untreated, you run the risk of kidney infection and sepsis. Plus, UTIs have a higher chance of occurring again in the future if the first one goes untreated.

Typically, your urologist will prescribe you antibiotics to combat the bad bacteria. Your symptoms should clear up within a few days. If you continue to experience discomfort after 3 days, contact your doctor for a follow-up appointment. Probiotics are also effective in helping your body fight many kinds of infections including UTIs.

Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. This will help regulate your body and flush out the bad bacteria.

Top Tips to Prevent UTIs

UTIs are no fun. For obvious reasons, you’ll want to do your best to avoid them in the future! Along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, here are 5 tips for UTI prevention.

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates UTIs. Although dehydration alone isn’t the root cause of a UTI, it can make things a lot worse.

Drink water every day to keep your body running smoothly, especially if you feel the onset of UTI symptoms. You can also try Hydration IV Therapy to replenish your body before, during, and after treatment.

2. Drink Cranberry Juice

Along with water, pour yourself a glass of cranberry juice. Believe it or not, Cranberry juice can help UTIs. The tannins found in cranberry juice actually fight bad bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder. Therefore, it’s a great way to prevent infections right from the start.

Vitamin C and probiotics will also help you deal with UTIs, which means a diet full of fruits and vegetables is always a plus!

3. Urinate After Sex

Be sure to urinate after sex. You may have heard this advice before, however, it is extremely effective. Here’s why it is so vital:

For women, sex is one of the leading causes of UTIs. During sex, bacteria from contaminated areas can easily enter the body through the urethra. For instance, the urethra is very close to the rectum, which is a common place for UTI-causing bacteria like E.coli.

To prevent a UTI from forming, simply go to the bathroom within 30 minutes after sex. When you urinate, you will kill and flush out any bad bacteria that entered through the urethra.

4. Wear Cotton Underwear

An easy way to avoid a UTI is to keep the genital area dry. Tight clothing and synthetic underwear (such as nylon) can irritate the genital area and encourage bacteria growth.

One of the best alternatives is cotton. Cotton garments are breathable and less likely to trap excess moisture. Opt for panties rather than thongs to further encourage breathability, especially if you are currently experiencing a UTI.

5. Improve Bathroom Hygiene

Down there care is extremely important when it comes to UTI prevention.

For starters, wipe from front to back after you use the restroom. This will help you avoid contaminating your genitals with unwanted bacteria.

Next, only use sanitary feminine products. Don’t use a pad, tampon, or protective underwear that has been opened and taken out of its protective casing or wrapper. Furthermore, change your feminine products regularly to keep bacteria at bay.

Get UTI Relief at Whole Health JC

Experiencing UTI symptoms? Don’t go untreated!

At Whole Health JC, we test and treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and other vaginal infections. Contact us directly at 573-893-5500 to schedule a same-day visit so you can find fast relief.

Can a UTI Cause Bloating and Weight Gain UTIs

Dr. Jen

August 11, 2022

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How to Prevent Gynecologic Cancer in 5 Life-Saving Steps

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Woman is Happy Due to Recovery From Gynecologic Cancer

One of the most heart-dropping diagnoses a woman can receive is news that she is at risk for or currently has gynecologic cancer. With approximately 100,000 women diagnosed in the United States annually, it’s important to know how to prevent gynecologic cancer before it becomes a life-threatening issue.

Here’s the good news: If you take the right steps early on, you will have a far greater chance of reducing the risk of getting it.

Plus, even if you are predisposed to gynecologic cancer, you will be able to recognize the symptoms sooner than later and talk to a doctor before it becomes a bigger problem. In this article, you will learn:

What gynecologic cancer is
Who is at risk for gynecologic cancer
Common symptoms associated with gynecologic cancer
How to prevent gynecologic cancer in 5 steps

Let’s get started.

What is Gynecologic Cancer?

Simply put, gynecologic cancer is a disease that takes place in a woman’s reproductive system. It is a female-specific disease where cells in the reproductive system begin to divide uncontrollably and spread into the surrounding tissue.

There are 5 main types of gynecologic cancer:

Ovarian cancer
Cervical cancer
Uterine cancer
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer

In some rare cases, fallopian tube cancer may also develop. You might be wondering, “Who is at risk for gynecologic cancer?”

Hundreds of Thousands are Affected Worldwide

Since this type of cancer manifests itself within the female reproductive organs, any woman could be at risk of experiencing the disease.

However, if you have a genetic predisposition to the disease (for instance, if you have a family history of cervical cancer), then you have a higher risk of developing it. Furthermore, you might be at higher risk for gynecologic cancer if you:

Smoke
Have HPV (Human papillomavirus) or an STD (sexually transmitted disease)
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a weakened immune system

Although many gynecologic cancers like cervical cancer are often slow-growing, they can cause a lot of pain in the pelvic region and even lead to death if not treated. Keep reading to learn some of the common symptoms of the disease.

Common Recognizable Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer

Oftentimes, the first symptoms you might experience during the beginning stages of the cancer are very subtle. These include:

Pain during sex
Unusual vaginal bleeding (that is not related to your menstrual cycle)
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Itching or burning in the pelvic region

As the disease starts to progress, symptoms may worsen and could include:

Pelvic pain
Stomach pain
Excessive fatigue
Difficulty going to the bathroom
Increased need to urinate
Changes in color and skin of the vaginal region (rash, ulcers, sores, etc.)

It is important to know and recognize these symptoms as soon as possible, especially if you believe you are at high risk of developing gynecologic cancer.

Stages of Gynecologic Cancer

Like all cancers, there are 4 main stages of development and progression:

Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
Stage IV

As a general rule of thumb, the lower stage of cancer, the easier it is to treat. This is because the cancer cells have not spread far enough to do extreme damage yet and are isolated to a particular spot.

For example, Stage I cervical cancer implies that the cancerous cells have not spread past a specific part of the cervix.

However, Stage IV cervical cancer is much more severe, as the cells have spread to the lining of the rectum or bladder. This makes the disease much more difficult to treat because the affected cells are more widely distributed throughout the body.

How to Prevent Gynecologic Cancer: 5 Vital Steps

As scary as this disease sounds, there are a few steps you can take to stop gynecologic cancer in its tracks. Keep reading to learn how to prevent gynecologic cancer and live a healthier life.

1. Receive an Annual Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a type of gynecologic test that examines a sample of cells from the cervix and determines if any abnormalities are present. If unusual cells appear, then further analysis of gynecologic cancer, such as cervical cancer, will be done.

This life-saving test is absolutely vital for all women to regularly receive, as it quickly notifies your doctor about incongruencies found within your cervix.

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

Women should have their first Pap smear by age 21. After the first test, it is recommended to receive a routine gynecologic exam every year thereafter.

This will help doctors keep track of your reproductive health as time goes on. If an abnormal pap smear occurs, then your gynecologist will be able to go back to your health records to determine what might have happened.

2. Protect Yourself from HPV

Here’s a hard pill to swallow: The human papillomavirus is one of the most common root causes of gynecological cancer, especially cervical cancer.

Commonly known by its acronym HPV, human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks cells in and around the vaginal region, often leading to painful warts, sores, irritation, pelvic pain, and cancer.

How to Prevent HPV

Thanks to recent advancements in the medical community, you can protect yourself from the infection with an HPV vaccine.

It is recommended that children and adults aged 12 to 26 years should receive the vaccine. However, consult a doctor if you are over the age of 26 and would like to get the vaccine.

Another way to reduce the risk of contracting HPV is to practice safe sex. For instance, use protection and avoid skin-to-skin contact of the genitalia.

3. Avoid Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking causes cancer. However, most people only link it to lung cancer.

But, did you know that smoking can also cause a variety of other cancers, including many forms of gynecologic cancer? In fact, if you smoke regularly, you have a higher chance of developing precancerous lesions of the cervix, which could lead to cervix cancer.

Studies also show that women who smoke cigarettes are 3x more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who abstain from smoking.

So, if you really want to know how to prevent gynecologic cancer, then it’s best to avoid smoking altogether.

4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reducing habits are all great ways to decrease the risk of cancer.

For instance, obesity in adults dramatically increases the likelihood of developing many types of cancer, including gynecologic cancer. However, if you maintain a fit and healthy body, you could drastically improve your odds of avoiding the disease.

How to Prevent Gynecologic Cancer in Everyday Life

Simple lifestyle and diet changes could greatly impact your future. For instance, healthy foods that aren’t heavily processed or overcooked, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts are all great to add to a cancer-free diet.

As far as exercise and maintaining a good headspace goes, be sure to spend time walking or hiking outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up some sun. All of these activities will help you reduce stress and harbor a healthier life.

5. Contact a Doctor if You Notice Symptoms

Last but not least, be sure to routinely visit your gynecologist for annual check-ups. This is one of the top ways to prevent gynecologic cancer.

Furthermore, the sooner you can detect the disease, the faster you can stop it before it spreads. Since many gynecologic cancers form slowly, you will have time to treat the disease before it advances into its later stages.

As long as you have a reputable doctor to help you recognize the symptoms right off the bat, you will be able to take the right steps to tackle cancer before it spreads to other areas in your body.

Prevent Gynecologic Cancer with Whole Health JC

Gynecologic cancer is no joke. That’s why it’s more important than ever to talk to a certified gynecologist and take the first steps of cancer prevention.

At Whole Health JC, we offer state-of-the-art gynecologic exams, including Pap smears to test for HPV and cervical cancer. You can also receive a free pelvic ultrasound with your annual examination to screen for ovarian cancer.

Dr. Jen

July 23, 2022

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The 5 Most Important Tips to Prevent Bruising After Botox

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Beautiful Woman Pondering How to Prevent Botox After Bruising

BOTOX® is meant to make you look and feel fabulous, not leave you black and blue! Although it is natural for bruising to occur after treatment, you may start to second guess your appointment.

Here’s the good news: There are several ways to help prevent botox bruising. So, if you are worried about bruising after botox or filler treatments, don’t cancel your appointment just yet!

In this article, you will discover why botox bruising takes place and 5 expert tips to prevent bruising after your botox treatment. Let’s get started.

There are 5 key steps to preventing bruising after Botox.

What Causes Botox Bruising?

Botox bruises can occur when the needle that administers the treatment accidentally hits a tiny blood vessel just beneath the surface of the skin. Bruising can also occur if the needle pinches or pulls the skin, causing capillary damage.

Additionally, some people simply bruise easier than others, due to factors such as age, & medication being taken. Because of this, bruising can not always be avoided, no matter how skilled the technician is. So, don’t fret. Bruising after your botox treatment is a normal part of the process.

Like all bruises, blood begins to leak underneath the skin, which causes the tell-tale sign of a bruise: discoloration.

How Long Does Bruising Last After Botox?

Botox bruising typically only lasts from 2 to 3 days, but in some circumstances, signs of discoloration or bruising could last for up to 2 weeks. The important thing to note is that bruises will disappear eventually, and you’ll be able to look your best in practically no time.

When Will You Notice Botox Bruising?

In the event botox-related bruising occurs, it usually doesn’t happen directly after the appointment. Instead, it often takes between 1-2 days to appear.

If you are going to bruise after botox, you will most likely feel tenderness near the injection site first. Then, a visible reddish area will appear that could turn black and blue over the next few hours. As the bruise heals, it will change to a brownish-yellow color and slowly disappear.

Luckily, botox bruising doesn’t happen to everyone. In fact, the large majority of patients see little to no bruising after a botox or filler treatments. According to a Botox study on the National Library of Medicine website, Botox led to temporary bruising in only 19% to 24% of patients. Botox also doesn’t hurt as often as you may be led to believe.

However, if you really want to make sure you do NOT bruise after your session, then these 5 tips can help you to reduce bruising and fully enjoy the benefits of botox.

5 Ways to Prevent Botox Related Bruising

Although it might be accompanied by some minor tenderness, botox bruising is nothing to worry about. Here’s what you should do to prevent or lessen the effects of bruising after your botox or filler treatment.

1. Good, Old-Fashioned Ice Pack

Do you remember a time that you fell and got hurt as a child? Your mom or dad probably picked you up, carried you to the freezer, and pulled out a bag of frozen peas. You were then instructed to hold the cold bag against your bruise or scrape.

Magically, the frosty treatment worked and you felt much better! Sometimes, you thought for sure a bruise would form, but it never did – all thanks to the frozen peas.

Cool enough (no pun intended), the same technique can work after botox!

How Ice Packs Reduce Bruising

Luckily, you don’t have to use a bag of frozen produce to mitigate botox bruising. Instead, a small ice pack wrapped in a gentle cloth will do the trick.

Ice is a great way to prevent bruising because it greatly reduces blood flow to the area by constricting the blood vessels around the injection site. With less blood coursing to the site, the less likely you will see bruising.

Simply hold the cloth-covered ice pack onto the site of injection directly after your session. This will reduce the chance of bruising in the future.

2. Vitamin C

You probably already know that vitamin C is the ultimate nutrient to combat colds and viruses. Well, surprisingly enough, it can also help prevent botox bruising! Here’s how.

Vitamin C naturally strengthens blood vessels and encourages healthy blood circulation. The stronger your blood vessels are, the less likely they will be damaged to the point of bruising.

You can opt to take vitamin C supplements or you can eat hearty foods that contain high levels of vitamin C. These include citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and more. You can also look into IV Therapy that fills your body with rich nutrients like vitamin C.

Orange you glad you took some vitamin C?

3. Bioflavinoids

Speaking of vitamins, you should also consume bioflavinoids to help activate the vitamin C in your system.

Simply put, bioflavinoids are antioxidants that support blood circulation, strengthen capillaries, and boost the active properties found in vitamin C. Interestingly enough, bioflavinoids are often medically used to treat inflammatory conditions.

Where to Find Bioflavinoids

Since bruises are often accompanied by minor swelling and inflammation, bioflavinoids can help prevent this from happening.

These naturally occurring antioxidants can be found in many fruits and vegetables or you can choose to buy a supplement that has them in it. Be sure to ingest bioflavinoids and vitamin C together – both before and after your botox appointment – to reap the benefits of these nutrients!

4. Avoid Intense Exercising

Did you ever think you would be advised NOT to exercise? Depending on the intensity of the workout, exercise can actually hinder your botox recovery.

Excess physical activity increases heart rate, which increases blood flow. Consequently, this also increases the chance of bruising after a botox treatment.

Obviously, daily exercise is really good for you since great blood flow keeps your body in balance. However, it’s safe to say that you can take one day to relax before and after your botox treatment to avoid the chance of bruising.

5. No Touching!

As tempting as it might be to gently massage the treatment area after your session, it is important to try to avoid touching it.

When you apply too much pressure to the sensitive area, it can further aggravate and cause more trauma to the blood vessels. This will only make bruising worse down the line. Instead, avoid touching the area for at least 6 hours after treatment.

If you really must soothe the area, use the ice pack to add minor pressure, but try not to deeply massage it.

Prop Yourself Up on Pillows

On a similar note, you might also want to avoid falling asleep within the first few hours after treatment. This will help you avoid accidentally rubbing your face or adding pressure to the treatment site in your sleep.

Once you are ready to get some rest, be sure to elevate your head on extra pillows. This allows the treatment to circulate correctly into your muscles and avoid excess pressure.

Get Beautiful Botox Results at Whole Health JC

Now that you know all of the expert ways to prevent botox bruising before and after your treatment, you can achieve amazing results!

Ready to schedule an appointment? Learn how BOTOX at Whole Health JC can help you get the natural youthful results you’ve been searching for.

Dr. Jen

May 26, 2022

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Junkie No More: The Benefits of Sakara Life (Get Your Discount Code)

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Studying under Dr. Andrew Weil for two years at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (the founder of the anti-inflammatory diet and Integrative Medicine) introduced me to the concept of using food as medicine. Any patients of mine & nurses I used to work with from the past 20 years of my private medical practice will tell you how much junk food and candy I used to eat: 3 snickers bars a day (what are we kidding,..more like in one hour), 12 donuts in a morning, a family size bag of BBQ Lays chips.

I ran across Sakara Life on Facebook and basically only paid attention to the ad because I noticed the two pretty women (the founders, Whitney & Danielle, and wanted to look like them: lean, healthy, and organic, but never ordered from Sakara Life due to the cost.

My husband at the time (and still does) was meal prepping for me every Sunday and packaging the meals up for me to keep me from eating the junk food during my hectic day as a physician. But I would commonly “burn out” after eating the same meals for about 6 months and he was quickly running out of ideas for me with healthy, palatable food.

So we decided to order it and when I saw the meals, I thought, “Ewww.” I don’t know what this is and I don’t think it looks tasty at all.”, but I would take the first bite and be pleasantly surprised EVERY time. And in fact, I felt better, my mind worked better, and my body worked better (teaching Zumba class was easier and I was more agile and even LOOKED prettier pretty much that same day—not kidding).

Sakara Life even include free Sakara Life Detox tea bags and Sakara Life Probiotics in my weekly subscription box and those made me look super pretty too!

I was hooked, but the cost was too much, so I would wait for their special sales (like for Black Friday, etc.) and I also went from ordering for 5 days to just a 2-day a week plan and found that each meal was generous in portion size to last me for two meals!

Sakara Discount Code: XOWHOLEHEALTHJC

I’m just saying, just give it one try…you get a 20% discount if you are NEW to Sakara Life by using my code: XOWHOLEHEALTHJC
It’s going to look gross, but trust me…once it hits your mouth it tastes SO GOOD!

I am a believer in Sakara Life being a lifestyle: I am more conscious about life, my breath, how my actions do affect others, and meditating.
So if I can go from hopping from gas station to gas station in search of some place that still has some decent hot dogs rolling on their little hot dog warmers….to eating Sakara Life AND getting benefits while enjoying the taste (JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES)..so can you.

With all sincerity,
Jennifer Su, MD, FACOG
Private practice Board-Certified OB/GYN since 1999 and loving every minute of it
Integrative Medicine Gynecologist since 2019 and a much better physician for my patients because of it

Dr. Jen

May 09, 2022

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Common Causes of Abnormal Pap Smear & How to Treat it

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The Abnormal Pap Smear: What Causes It & How to Treat it

Your gynecologist just called you and said you had an abnormal pap smear. You probably have a lot running through your head, including “Do I have cervical cancer?” and “What are the things that can cause an abnormal pap smear?”

As scary as the diagnosis may sound, don’t panic just yet. Before you jump to conclusions and start thinking of the worst-case scenarios, let’s discuss the actual causes of abnormal pap smear and then how to treat it.

First off, what does an abnormal pap smear mean? Keep reading to find out.

What is an Abnormal Pap Smear?

An abnormal pap smear means that changes in your cervical cells have been detected. When this occurs, your doctor will first test them to make sure it isn’t a false positive.

Once it is confirmed that the results are correct, your doctor may suggest a colposcopy for a closer look so they can offer you the best results and treatment options available.

Do I Have Cervical Cancer?

No, not entirely! While a pap smear is in fact one of the best ways to discover cervical cancer, it doesn’t always mean you have cancer. In fact, there are several other possible reasons why you have abnormal results.

While some infections that you can uncover through a pap smear could be linked to cervical cancer if they go untreated, it does NOT mean you have cancerous cells.

So, what are the other causes of an abnormal pap smear?

Common Causes of Abnormal Pap Smear

When someone gets the call from their doctor that their results are abnormal, it’s completely understandable to get nervous.

But, before jumping to the worst-case scenario, like cervical cancer, it is important to understand there can be many causes. These include:

Let’s take a closer look at the things that possibly cause an abnormal pap smear.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that should be treated as soon as it is detected to stop precancerous cervical cells.

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is commonly caused by HPV and is an abnormal cervical cell change. Sometimes it can resolve itself without treatments; but, if it doesn’t after two years, these cells will need to be removed.

Pre Cervical Cancer

If detected early, these precancerous cells can be removed before they progress to cervical cancer. That’s great news for you!

Trichomoniasis or Other STIs

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. It can be detected by a pap smear and your results will come up as abnormal.

Other Possible Causes

While an abnormal pap smear result can be serious and mean you need treatment, it can also be caused by other things such as:

Recent sexual intercourse
If you inserted a tampon
Lab error
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Use of vaginal products

These aspects can affect the accuracy of your pap smear, leading to an abnormal result, and is why additional testing is always recommended.

Types of Abnormal Pap Smear Tests

In order to be sure of which treatment option will be best for you, your gynecologist will run some examinations and tests to better understand what the cause is.

Here are some of the exams you may expect to receive if you need further testing.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy may be suggested based on the type of abnormal pap smear you have. This is a non-surgical procedure where your gynecologist gently places a speculum inside your vagina to carefully inspect your cervix under microscopic guidance.

Here’s the good news: a colposcopy feels just like a pap smear and doesn’t involve downtime.

Biopsy

If a biopsy had to be done during the colposcopy, it means that your gynecologist saw an area on the surface of your cervix that has abnormal features.

The amount of the biopsy of tissue taken is the size of a fingernail clipping. It is then sent to an off-site lab and results are often received back within two weeks.

One common biopsy performed is the Cone biopsy, where a cone-shaped tissue is taken for further examination. This type of biopsy will be discussed later in the article. For now, let’s discuss the type of treatments available for your abnormal pap smear.

How to Conduct Further Tests on an Abnormal Pap Smear

The type of treatment your gynecologist will recommend depends on several factors, including the severity of change to your cells, your age, and medical history. Here are some common treatment options your doctor may recommend.

Cell Removal

While there are many effective treatment options, by removing the cell you are able to send it off to get examined. This can help you better access the abnormal cell.

Once the cells are thoroughly examined and you receive more accurate results, then further treatment options will be explored.

Cone Biopsy Surgery

During this procedure, your gynecologist cuts a cone-shape sample of your tissue to examine in a biopsy. This surgery takes no more than twenty minutes, but the recovery process could last up to six weeks.

On the bright side, you will receive more accurate results that could lead to life-saving treatment options.

Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)

Using a thin wire, your gynecologist will use an electric current to cut away the abnormal cell while simultaneously sealing the wound. This procedure takes about fifteen minutes and the recovery process should not last more than four weeks.

Needle Excision of the Transformation Zone (NETZ)

This procedure is similar to LLETZ, but with a thin needle wire. The reason one may use this instead of LLETZ is if the cells are inside a passage.

How to Treat Abnormal Pap Smear

Once your test results come back and your doctor thoroughly analyzes them, you will be guided to the best treatment options for you.

Depending on the type of medical issue you are dealing with, your doctor might recommend the following treatment options.

Hysterectomy

In this procedure, your uterus and parts of your cervical cells are removed, which will stop any possibility of cervical cancer. This procedure is best for those who have had abnormal cells before or the cells are severe.

This is often recommended for women if they are past menopause or if they do not want to have any (more) children.

Note: It is important to take estrogen after a hysterectomy to prevent adverse symptoms.

Destroy the Cells

Aside from a hysterectomy, the second treatment option is to destroy the abnormal cells entirely. This allows space for new healthy cells to grow back in their place.

Your doctor may recommend a number of ways to destroy the cells, including:

Cold Coagulation: This procedure involves a heated probe to destroy the cells
Freezing the Cells: During this treatment, your gynecologist uses a cold probe to freeze the cells
Laser Therapy: During laser therapy, your abnormal cells are burned away with a light beam

Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you can expect the following results.

What to Expect After an Abnormal Pap Smear Treatment

Just like any other surgical procedure, you may experience some post-procedural symptoms. While every patient and treatment is different, there are common symptoms you may experience.

Post-Surgical Pain

After your treatment, you may experience some slight pain. This is normal and can be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen. If your pain continues past a week, you should see your gynecologist.

Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding and discharge can occur after treatment for about four to six weeks depending on the treatment method.

If the discharge or bleeding lasts longer than what your gynecologist suggested, then you should contact them right away.

While it is recommended to get these treatments in between periods, if you have to get the treatment during your period, then heavy bleeding should be expected.

Get a Pap Smear with Whole Health JC

As we mentioned before, pap smears can uncover many different cervix issues. The sooner the abnormalities are detected, the easier it is to treat them.

That is why it is important to regularly see a gynecologist for a pap smear, especially if you are sexually active.

Looking for a gynecologist you can trust and feel comfortable with? Dr. Jennifer Su can help you take control of your cervical health.

Dr. Jen

March 10, 2022

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3 NAD IV Therapy Benefits: Your Revolutionary Anti-Aging Treatment

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Nad therapy session - Woman relaxed, what is nad

Are you wondering what NAD IV therapy is and how it can help you live a healthier life? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and is an essential coenzyme found in all living cells. Among other vital processes, the active NAD+ molecule instills proper communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus to create cellular energy.

Unfortunately, as we gradually age, our NAD levels drastically decrease and result in a cellular decline. This leads to the common signs of aging, including a drop in energy, metabolism, and overall health.

Luckily, NAD IV therapy is a scientifically proven treatment that revitalizes NAD in the body and gives patients the boost of this vital coenzyme to live a healthier and more energetic life.

In this article, all of your questions about this powerful treatment will be answered, including:

What is NAD IV Therapy?
What can I expect if I receive this treatment?
How long does NAD IV last?

Without further ado, let’s get started.

What is NAD IV Therapy?

Simply put, NAD IV therapy gives patients the opportunity to receive a revitalizing boost of NAD+ coenzymes through intravenous infusions.

Similar to other types of IV therapy, such as immune-boosting Vitamin IV Drips, NAD IV therapy combines natural nutrients with NAD+, an infusion your cells will love. This anti-aging treatment promotes healthy cellular processes and serves to halt cellular decline.

In turn, NAD IV therapy will:

Increase energy levels
Improve cognition and memory
Restore metabolism
Stimulate cellular regeneration
Help with mental health concerns

So, what can NAD IV therapy do for you? Here are 3 key benefits of this revolutionary treatment.

3 Benefits of NAD IV Therapy

The science behind the treatment is simple: since NAD+ naturally declines as we age, all we have to do is introduce a high concentration of the coenzyme back into the body and replenish the decaying cells.

Here are three main NAD drip benefits.

1. Maintain Healthy Organs & Neurological Systems

First and foremost, one of the best benefits NAD+ treatment offers is its ability to create a prosperous relationship between your cells and the major organs in your body.

Did you know that your heart and your brain have some of the highest concentrations of mitochondria out of all your organs? This means that the coenzyme NAD has a significant role in the healthy function of these two vital organs.

With that being said, NAD IV therapy helps maintain your organs and keeps them running well.

Treat Depression Symptoms

Furthermore, NAD serves to preserve your neurological system. According to scientific research, there is a direct link between NAD and the body’s serotonin levels.

Serotonin is a hormone that regulates your mood and impacts your overall feeling of well-being and happiness. Interestingly enough, NAD naturally increases serotonin in the body, which reduces the negative symptoms caused by depression and anxiety.

Along with an increase in serotonin, NAD IV treatment also improves energy levels. This leads us to the next key benefit of this powerful anti-aging molecule.

2. Boost Energy & Metabolism

Here’s something we can all agree on: as we age, we tend to feel slower, more sluggish, and even less energetic. This is because NAD production decreases, our cells begin to decline, and our bodies produce less cellular energy.

Although this is completely normal, it’s not an enjoyable part of aging. Luckily, NAD IV therapy restores your energy and can help you live a more active and pleasurable life. NAD also improves:

Cognitive performance & memory
Proper brain function
Chronic fatigue symptoms

Those who have done NAD IV therapy have experienced improved mental health clarity, concentration, mood, and more.

And what’s more? With your energy restored, you may even notice a big boost in your metabolism. This means you have the ability to get back into shape and keep your body balanced.

Improve Athletic Performance

With improved energy, cognitive performance, & mental health, athletes can react faster. Additionally NAD has the ability to improve muscle development. It supplies your boy with fuel to improve muscle health during your workout as well as help in their repair afterwords.

As a result, you can build stronger muscles and increase your muscle mass making you a better athlete.

3. Promote Cellular Regeneration

Finally, NAD IV treatment is also proven to promote healthy cellular regeneration.

Since NAD+ naturally repairs and preserves DNA, extracts cellular energy from nutrition, and protects chromosomal and mitochondrial function, NAD IV infusion seeks to stimulate and renew these natural processes in the body. This gives the treatment its anti-aging properties.

NAD IV Reverses Signs of Aging

Sirtuin is in the family of proteins with NAD and plays a role in your metabolic regulation. Sirtuin, specifically Sir2p plays a significant role in the aging process and your overall health. Getting NAD IV therapy can help its effectiveness, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. So not only do you feel younger but you look younger too!

NAD IV Therapy Helps Combat Addiction

Due to the cellular repair and anti-depression properties of this treatment, NAD IV treatment is also used to treat addiction.

Not only does NAD+ stabilize mood and reduce anxiety and depression for patients who suffer from addiction, but the molecule also reduces negative symptoms often associated with the rehabilitation process. NAD IV therapy can help recovering addicts detoxify from prescription drugs, alcohol, and opioid dependencies.

If you struggle with addiction, anxiety, mental health, or another behavioral health concern, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. Treatment centers that utilize behavioral health consulting services are generally more trustworthy.

What to Expect During Treatment

Here’s what you need to know if you are wondering what kind of results you can expect from a NAD IV infusion session.

First, through the use of an IV drip, you will receive 100% of the NAD molecules. Unlike oral supplements, this will ensure your body absorbs as much of the molecule and other nutrients in the infusion as possible.

Next, you can expect to feel an increase in energy, metabolism, and cognitive performance once the coenzyme is administered to your body. Oftentimes, patients with chronic pain issues will experience a decrease in unfavorable symptoms as well.

The Results: How Long Does NAD IV Last?

If you’re interested in the amazing benefits of this treatment, then you’ve probably already asked yourself, “How long does NAD IV last?”

Typically, results last between 7-14 days after the very first NAD IV drip is administered. Oftentimes, patients experience longer-lasting results with the following treatments. However, results vary from patient to patient.

Reap the Benefits of NAD IV Therapy at Whole Health JC

Whether you want to try NAD IV infusion to replenish your energy, boost your metabolism, or improve your mood, you can reap the anti-aging properties of this revolutionary therapy with Dr. Jennifer Su at Whole Health JC.

Dr. Jennifer Su specializes in integrative medicine and offers several variations of IV therapy for her patients. Contact 573-893-5500 to schedule a free NAD IV treatment consultation today.

Dr. Jen

March 10, 2022

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