Balanced Hormones and Health » Top Health Concerns

In the News: Study Looks at Fat and Sleep

tracyg — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:01 +0000

How did you sleep last night? We’ve heard all our lives about how important sleep is to our overall health and energy levels, but recent studies also indicate that sleep — or the lack thereof — can have an impact our on waistlines as well.

A study released today by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that the lack of sleep could lead to an increase in fat accumulating around vital organs, resulting in higher rates of metabolic diseases.

The results showed a connection between getting six or fewer hours of sleep and unhealthy visceral fat. The study also showed a connection in those who slept more than eight hours a night, though more slight.

“We put a lot of stock in diet,” said Dr. Kristen Hairston, an assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism and lead author on the study. “But this study brings up some interesting questions about the way we live.

“We may need to start looking at other behaviors — besides daily food choices — that could be contributing to the obesity epidemic in younger age groups.

Share on Facebook

Osteoporosis

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:06:00 +0000

For years, doctors have known that osteoporosis and menopause go hand-in-hand. In fact, women begin to experience bone loss rapidly in the years preceding menopause. At a certain point in the bone loss process, the bones become porous and enter the state of osteoporosis.

It is not uncommon for untreated cases of osteoporosis to result in a fracture – mainly because there is usually very little pain or symptoms. Most often, the fracture is located in the hip, spine or wrist. This makes osteoporosis a major public health threat, affecting 44 million Americans of which 68 percent are women.

Everyone, especially women, should be aware of the affects of bone loss and the potential for bone fracture. All women who are perimenopausal and experincing menopause should be tested. Treatments are available that can essentially stop and reverse bone loss.

Share on Facebook

Adrenal Fatigue

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:05:30 +0000

When adrenal glands function below average, a number of symptoms result. Those symptoms often include chronic infections particularly those associated with the lungs including influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia and fatigue that is not relieved by sleep.While those suffering from adrenal fatigue may look and act normal, they often report having a general sense of lethargy. It’s not uncommon for them to supplement their lack of energy with caffeine and sugar.

There are extreme cases of adrenal fatigue that involve such a severe lack of energy that the sufferer is unable to manage in life, sleeping most of the day and night.

Adrenal fatigue affects every organ and system in your body. Your ability to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins is greatly affected often resulting in weight gain. You may experience dehydration and reduced electrolyte levels. Your heart rate can be raised or lowered. Your sex drive may diminish or disappear entirely.

These are all responses your body is making to the reduced adrenaline levels and they can result in much more dangerous and permanent conditions. Those who think they may be experiencing adrenal fatigue should be tested immediately.

Click here to contact our staff to learn more about the BH2 programs that might be right for you.

Share on Facebook