Pria Wellness Center Archives - Pria Wellness Center

In a divided and diverse world, there aren’t many nearly universal human experiences. Yet one may very well be the consumption of caffeine, whether coffee and tea, first thing in the morning. Then another later in the day. And maybe one more. However, how exactly is caffeine impacting the human body? Is all caffeine created equal?

Over the course of hundreds of years, the consumption of caffeine has become integrated with cultural traditions, social life, and general human behavior. Found in obvious places such as coffee and tea, and less discernible ones like chocolate or guarana berries, the consumption of caffeine is a daily occurrence. In the United States alone, 85% of adults consume caffeine daily with the average amount being around 1.5 cups of coffee. It is in brewed black coffee the highest amount of caffeine is found, with 235 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces. A list found crafted by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore describes the most common sources of caffeine in descending order, working from the aforementioned black coffee, to other types of coffee, to teas, and then more sugary energy drinks or chocolate.

Caffeine, and coffee specifically, have long been a topic of debate in the health community. Concerns regarding caffeine’s potential contributions to cardiovascular diseases or cancers have persisted, yet in recent years there have also been studies published in support of caffeine. It is important to consider that all coffee is not created equal, with some coffee compounds offering gut friendly microbiome benefits or aide in boosting the metabolism, while others can affect cholesterol levels.

It is well known that caffeine can sharpen cognitive performances for an extended period of time, but it also can contribute to insomnia and anxiety for those susceptible. Furthermore, it is recommended to be careful with caffeine consumption during pregnancy, as it may reduce fetal growth or increase the risk of pregnancy loss. On a more positive note, metabolic research portrays that caffeine may be beneficial to weight loss due to its appetite reducing properties and raising an individual’s basal metabolic rate. The aforementioned study from the Yong Lin School of Medicine details many more points of contention, seeing both the pros and cons to caffeine.

When considering the benefits or detriments to caffeine consumption, it is essential to consider one’s health holistically. A proper consumption of caffeine depends on the person, though consuming overly sugary or modified beverages is never recommended. If you are curious about your own personal relationship with caffeine, and how it affects your body individually, reach out to the experts at Pria Wellness. They can work with you todetermine the best, safest way to boost your energy levels. Contact us on our website or reach out with a phone call to 410-565-6552 today.

Information sourced from the Saw Swee Hock School of Pub- lic Health and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In the health and wellness world, there are certain ingredients in food that when found, cause a sort of record scratch moment of horror. High fructose corn syrup is one example. At this point, it is well-known that this ingredient is detrimental to the health of anyone. However, what exactly is high fructose corn syrup? How does it affect the body? Where does it lurk?

High fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient in processed foods, is a major factor in the current worldwide obesity epidemic of the modern age. When ingested by the body over a certain threshold, high fructose corn syrup is converted into fatty acids and stored in the body as fat. A study of Princeton University finds that the small intestine is usually responsible for processing this fructose, but a high dose results in “fructose spillover” to the liver and colonic microbiota. This means that an overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the body’s metabolic processing and undermine your health. Beyond this, it can induce insulin resistance which may eventually cause diabetes as well as increases triglycerides in the blood. This worsens atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fats and cholesterol on artery walls and increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. In short, the overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup can be very dangerous for the human body.

Now that the risks have been outlined, how can one go about removing this troublesome ingredient from their diet? The key is to locate the culprit, especially in unassuming places. Certain foods may seem healthy, but they are not always as they appear. Food items such as soda, candy, sweetened yogurt, and store-bought baked goods might be the spot one would expect to find high fructose corn syrup. Yet foods like salad dressings, bread, juice, granola bars, breakfast cereal, and even coffee creamer can contain high fructose corn syrup as a prevalent ingredient. Be sure to read the labels when you purchase items at the grocery store, and seek healthier alternatives.

If you are struggling with how to remove high fructose corn syrup from your diet, or are looking for healthier alternatives, reach out to Pria Wellness today. Our experts can guide your diet in the right direction, and towards a much healthier lifestyle. Reach out over our website or call 410-565-6552 today.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-foods-with-high-fructose-corn-syrup#section19https://www.sdxtraining.com/articles/how-the-body-absorbs-sugar-high-fructose-corn-syrup

Maintaining a healthy gut biome and one’s digestive health is a key part of staying well. The ability to absorb the nutrients we consume affects all the other systems of the body. However, achieving balance in the gut is often easier said than done given the array of factors that might impact each individual person. Things such as inflammation, gut microbiota imbalance, and more can lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome which could allow potentially concerning substances to pass through the intestinal wall.

In fact, recent research from the University of Maryland displays that stressors such as poor diet, genetic predisposition and more can affect what the researchers coined as the zonulin pathway, a key part of maintaining gut health. However, there is a common protocol, known as “the 4R protocol,” that can aide individuals in supporting gut healing and health if something is amiss. The four steps are as follows: remove, replace, reinoculated, and repair.

In step one, removing inflammatory triggers and pathogens commonly known to affect the gut will make way for other steps to be more effective. Examples of these triggers include alcohol, gluten, refined starches and sugar, and other food sensitivities. Generally, these are the foods and beverages known to be less healthy for you.

The second step, replacing, marks an effort to replace the triggers removed in the first step with more gut-friendly alternatives. High-fiber foods including vegetables, fruits, and nuts are an easy first choice. Other nutrient dense foods like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, extra virgin olive oil, mushrooms, and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices can all aide in getting your gut back on track.

Step three, reinoculate is geared towards realigning the intestinal microbiota with beneficial bacteria. As such, probiotic supplements and fermented foods such as cultured dairy, fermented vegetables, fermented soy products, and beverages like kombucha are all incredibly helpful. The friendly bacteria residing in everyone’s gut need these probiotics to say in top shape.

The final step of repair strives toward repairing one’s intestinal lining with specific nutrients and herbs known to decrease intestinal permeability and inflammation. Depending on an individual’s diets, dietary needs, and supplement needs, this could look different for everyone. Common examples include zinc, Vitamin D, polyphenols, and more, but it is best to consult a health and wellness expert like the ones at Pria regarding your specific, individual needs.

These four steps, especially followed under the guidance of one of Pria’s health and wellness experts, can cure signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut. If you suffer from an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, sleep disturbances, or any other experiences you believe might be alleviated by reexamining your gut health, reach out today. Call our office at 410-565-6552 to speak with us today!

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Though testosterone levels are typically associated with men on a societal level, from a medical standpoint both men and women have key levels of testosterone and estrogen in the body. Both play a role of utmost significance in every individual’s health, male or female. This week’s focus on the testosterone levels of women touches on a topic of undervalued importance.

In fact, testosterone is one of the most abundant hormones present in all women and is furthermore essential to female health. However, a drop in the natural levels of testosterone present in females can occur in many women starting as early as age 20. A more significant reduction in testosterone production occurs starting around age 35. This drop can cause many adverse effects in older female patients.

But can anything be done to combat these impending effects? Yes, as restoring testosterone to optimal levels can help elevate mood, increase energy levels, improve muscle mass and definition, and help manage weight. Furthermore, many women report a return of libido after optimizing hormones, as is reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. By reintroducing the proper balance of testosterone into the body, vital systems regulating mood, energy levels, physical fitness, and overall physical and mental health in aging women are regulated.

The medical professionals at Pria Wellness possess expertise in the science of hormone balancing and can make sure yours are balanced to your own specific needs. If you feel you may benefit from a potential treatment, please reach out to 410-565-6552 or book an appointment on our website today!

In taking a holistic approach to one’s health, good quality sleep is a key, if under-appreciated factor. When thinking about achieving a healthier lifestyle and shedding extra pounds, it is instinctual to think of the foods you’re eating and daily exercise. However, the quality of your sleep may be undermining results and ultimately become detrimental, as studies from the University of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin, and published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity present.

The recommended amount of sleep for the average adult is between seven and nine hours a night, as stated by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. In studies, when this average sleep pattern is altered, the effects are startling. For example, sleep-restricted participants in a study consumed 130% of their caloric requirements, doing a large part of this additional eating in the late evening following dinner. The on average 550 additional calories during the night hours resulted in the study’s sleep-restricted group gaining 1 kg (2.205 pounds) after just five nights. On the other side of things, for sleep-deprived obese patients who increased their nightly amount of sleep, effects such as a reduced body mass index, a greater willingness to exercise, and fewer cravings for sweet and salty foods were noted.

A third study conducted in 2016 featured ten overweight nonsmoking adults with an average age of 41. The intervention in this group featured a moderate caloric restriction, typical to most weight loss efforts, but with either 8.5 or 5.5. hours of sleep an evening. The results of this study were indicative: the curtailment of patients’ sleep decreased the proportion of weight lost as fat by 55% in the just 14-day study. The conclusions of the study note that results “shed new light on the paradoxical association of human obesity with loss of the most energy-efficient and sedentary human behavior: sleep.”

The illogical nature aside, the results due not lie. A crucial component to a healthy lifestyle, especially for an individual interested in losing weight in a healthy manner, is to get between the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep. By slipping into bed a few hours earlier or rising a few hours later, you can remarkably impact the present and future of your own health. Used to a nightly four hours and supplementing that with a cup (or four) of coffee? The experts at Pria Wellness can help put you on track. Book an appointment online or call today at 410-565-6552.

During trying times, especially ones framed by a global pandemic, it is only natural to contemplate one’s own personal health and well-being. Perhaps the global and national situation have prompted you to reconsider your own relationship with wellness, especially those who are at home.

Pria Wellness is still open and eager to serve you during this pandemic, whether you are reflecting on new goals, re-evaluating old habits, or anywhere in between. Read on to learn all the different ways Pria Wellness can guide you from home, specifically on our expert weight management and hormone balancing services.

Regarding communication with patients, Pria Wellness continues to strive for excellence. Tele visits are offered during regular office hours using HIPAA compliant video conference software. Or, communicate with us through messaging in our electronic medical record patient portal. Both ensure personal, private, and effective consultations.

Despite the current situation, progress and developments in your health goals are still more than possible. A convenient phone application allows patients to monitor their nutrition, weight, blood pressure, sleep, physical activity, water intake, and exercise from their own devices. Most of Pria Wellness’ nutritional products including meal replacements and supplements can be easily ordered online and shipped to your door. Additionally, lab work orders are sent directly to most labs electronically and electronic prescriptions are the norm. All of these combined efforts ensure the efficient and thorough care of your wellness needs.

If anything can be learned from this moment, it is that there is no time like the present to value your own personal health and well-being. Contact Pria Wellness for more information on any of our services or to book an appointment today. Reach our office at (410) 565-6552.

The carbohydrate composition of diets increased the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in laboratory mice, a new study from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation found.

Tim Griffin, Ph.D., and his lab placed groups of mice on different high-fat diets to test the effect of obesity on OA. Researchers noticed that fiber and sugar in the diets were enough to alter the mice’s chances of developing OA. The high-sucrose diet caused joint inflammation, and the high-fiber diet changed cartilage genes as well as cellular stress-response pathways.

Though the experiment was performed on mice, Griffin pointed out that the study could be translated to humans.

“It’s important to understand how our diet affects the health of our joints,” Griffin said to Science Daily . “We were surprised to see so many OA-related differences between the two high-carb diets even though body weight and body fat were the same.”

OA occurs when the cartilage that cushions bones in the joints breaks down and wears away, causing the bones to rub against one another. It affects nearly 27 million people in the U.S., and is the most frequently diagnosed arthritis. It’s also the most widespread form of disability in the country.

Though there are several factors that could contribute to an increased risk of OA (i.e. previous joint injuries, genetics and age), carrying extra weight is the most common.

Even if the root cause of this disease isn’t certain, shedding weight — particularly in the form of cutting carbs — is the best way to avoid this affliction at all. Contact your primary care physician to see if your weight puts you at risk for OA. You can also simply give us a call to schedule a consultation at 410-565-6552!

Educate yourself on the risks associated with surgical weight loss. — Educate yourself on the risks associated with weight loss surgery.

At Pria Wellness Center, we offer a non-surgical, science-based approach to addressing your weight concern in a safe and effective manner. We stress the importance of a non-surgical weight program because we believe it’s the best way to achieve your weight loss goals without the possibility of harming your body. This week, we’re discussing a few risks involved with weight loss surgery. Though the results may sometimes be quicker, the procedure presents dangerous hazards to your health.

Weight Loss Center — A great weight loss and wellness center comes up with a personalized, complete plan.

There have been many approaches to weight loss over the last several decades. Some of them have proven themselves to be simply fads, while others have been demonstrated to work a lot better. But there does seem to be one thing that many of these programs have in common. The weight may come off for a time, but then it invariably comes back. Surgical interventions also exist which seem to be a more permanent fix, but these come with significant risks. There’s a chance of post-operative complications, including death, that could result from having surgery. Operations are also expensive to have performed and will cost you time away from work to recover.

It’s a safe bet that we all know someone – a loved one, a friend, or even yourself – who has tried to lose weight and keep it off. It can be really difficult to accomplish unless you are surrounded by a team of professionals.

Here at Pria Wellness Center, we have designed a new concept for weight loss and wellness, based on established science, that is guaranteed to work. Our team of professionals will personally supervise a program that is designed with the unique needs of your body in mind to help you lose the weight and keep it off for good! Your goals are our number one priority and your program will be continually tailored according to your needs. Here’s how Pria Wellness Center can change your life and help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Starting Your Morning the Right Way: Reflections on Caffeine

High Fructose Corn Syrup: High Risk

Follow Your Gut Feeling

Achieving Balance: Testosterone in Women

The Power of Beauty Sleep to Battle Obesity

How can Pria Wellness still treat you during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Study finds carbohydrates linked to osteoarthritis

3 Risks Involved in Weight Loss Surgery

What Makes a Great Weight Loss and Wellness Program?

Starting Your Morning the Right Way: Reflections on Caffeine

High Fructose Corn Syrup: High Risk

Follow Your Gut Feeling

Achieving Balance: Testosterone in Women

Being Deficient in this Vitamin Could Increase your Risk of Contracting COVID-19

Signup for our email newsletter: