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.



These days, many of us are contemplating the best ways to keep ourselves well. A key factor in maintaining peak wellness is having a healthy immune system, which serves as the body’s primary defense mechanism. The immune system guards against potentially harmful invaders such as viruses, toxins, bacteria, and fungi.

An overall healthy lifestyle is beneficial to preserving a healthy and effective immune system. Efforts such as eating a balanced diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods high in antioxidants can aide greatly. Other lifestyle choices such as engaging inthree or more hours a week of moderate exercise and seeking at least seven hours of good-quality sleep a night can also assist in strengthening your immune system. Managing stress in a variety of ways, from counseling to practicing mindfulness and meditation additionally helps. While aspiring to the best quality of health as possible is beneficial to the immune system, research supports that the following supplemental ingredients provide a vital boost to the body’s defense system whenbattling viral infections.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the healthy, helpful microorganisms that live in each of our guts. Probiotics support immune healthy by harmonizing immune response and preventing the growth of harmful pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, unpasteurized pickled vegetables, and tempeh are all full of probiotics and can be easily woven into any diet. Besides traditional food options, probiotic supplements are available and may work to protect individuals against a variety of ailments including respiratory infections, colds, and influenza.

Vitamin C

The familiar advice of being told to consume citrus when feeling a little under the weather comes from the power Vitamin C. Not only found in citrus, but in foods such as broccoli, kiwi, yellow peppers, kale, and a host of other fruits and vegetables, Vitamin C is a major player in supporting the immune system. A deficiency may result in lowered immunity and a higher risk of infections and thus if your diet is lacking in foods such as the ones listed above, it might be worth investing in a Vitamin C supplement.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin required for mineral metabolism, bone health, and immune function, according to research displays a prominent position in supporting immune tolerance in autoimmune conditions. Supplements in Vitamin D are available, but can be found as well in foods such as fish and mushrooms, plus fortified milks, cereal, and oatmeal.

Zinc

Though many may be familiar with Zinc’s importance in battling a bad sunburn, it is also recommended to fight against the common cold. Options such as seafood, animal proteins, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, and cashews, as well as supplements, all contain Zinc. Research has found that when zinc lozenges, when consumed at the start of a cold for a minimum of one to two weeks, may assist in reducing symptoms of and the duration of colds.

Omega-3s

The particular Omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exert their health benefits from their anti-inflammatory properties. These Omega-3s additionally may help lower the risk of chronic diseases including cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Found highly concentrated in the brain, these Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to cognitive functions such as memory. Being deficient in this key area creates a host of problems, among which are fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, and more. Seafood, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are all great sources of Omega-3s.

In order to preserve your health, maintaining a well-balanced and strong immune system plays a key role. By living a healthy lifestyle and focusing on these nutrients you’ll be feeling better and your immune system will thank you for it! If you want to learn more, have a wellness evaluation and find out what supplements are right for you, call us at 410-565-6652.

Image source: iStock



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.



healthy meal prep
Preparing healthy meals is fun!

You’ve done all your shopping and preparation, now comes the fun part, cooking. Preparing healthy meals is fun! You get to use fresh ingredients with bright colors to make dishes with tasty flavors. What’s the best part? Not only is cooking healthy meals enjoyable, it’s also quite good for you!



4 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Lose Weight
While you’re on your weight loss journey, be sure to stay up to date on all current research and avoid these common mistakes.

Losing weight often feels like an uphill battle. You do everything you’re supposed to, but you’re still not getting the results you want. You may be hindering your own progress by following misguided or outdated advice. While you’re on your weight loss journey, be sure to stay up to date on all current research and avoid these common mistakes.

Putting too Much Focus on the Scale

You’re sticking to your diet plan religiously, but still feel like you’re not losing weight fast enough. It is important to remember that seeing the number on the scale go down isn’t the only measure of weight change.  Your weight can sometimes fluctuate by up to four pounds over the course of an average day. In women, hormone levels can lead to increased water retention, which can also account for a higher number on the scale. If you’ve been working out as well as dieting, you could be gaining muscle and losing fat. So if there is very little change at the scale, but you notice your clothes fit differently this can be an indicator of weight loss.

Eating the Wrong Amount of Calories

In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. For many years, it was believed that a decrease of 3,500 calories per week would result in 1 lb. of fat loss. More recently, research points to that number varying from person to person.  No two weight loss journeys are exactly the same. Even if you feel like you’re not eating many calories, you may be. Some healthy foods are still high in calories. The key to this is monitoring portion size.

Not Getting Enough Exercise, or Getting Too Much

If you don’t exercise at all while you’re dieting, you’re far more likely to lose muscle mass. When you’re getting enough exercise, it helps to increase your muscle mass. The more muscle mass you have, the easier it is for you to lose weight keep it off.

Over-exercising can also cause problems.  For most people, too much exercise is not sustainable in the long term and can lead to stress. Forcing your body to burn more calories by exercising too much is neither effective, nor healthy.

Eating Low-Fat or “Diet” Foods

Processed low-fat or “diet” foods are supposed to be good choices for losing weight, but they usually actually have the opposite effect. Most of these products are loaded with sugar to make them taste better. Low-fat products don’t keep you full, they actually make you hungrier. Instead of choosing processed foods, find less-processed alternatives.  Less processing is far healthier!

Contact Pria Wellness Center for Lasting Weight Loss Results

For a weight loss solution with real, long-lasting results, contact Pria Wellness Center. We will comprehensively assess your current physical condition and make recommendations based on your body’s unique needs. Dr. Fernandez is board certified in obesity medicine and weight management, so you can trust that you are being taken care of by a qualified specialist. And we take a holistic approach to weight loss, working with dietitians, psychologists, personal trainers, and physicians to ensure that all of your needs are met and you keep the weight off for good. What do you have to lose except extra weight? Schedule a consultation online by clicking here, or contact the office at (410) 565-6552.



Eating Healthier
Eating fruits as your afternoon snack is a great way to start eating healthier.

One of the reasons why lasting weight loss is so hard to achieve is because many people think they don’t have enough time to learn healthier eating habits. Our busy lives may often get in the way of healthier living, but the key to success in eating healthier actually is to change habits that we have already built up instead of adding new ones. Use these three guidelines as a base to start eating healthier today!



It can be easy to neglect our physical health in the modern world. Between taking the kids to soccer practice and band practice, running errands, and getting work done at your job, it can be really tough to remember to take care of yourself. But there will be times that you begin to question whether you should consider losing weight. In the first part of our two-part blog series, we will consider five of the ten common signs that should show you that you need to get serious about losing weight by joining a weight loss and wellness program.


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