What is Metabolism and How Can We Improve Our Metabolic Rate?
Every cell in our body is constantly working to produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life, and metabolism is a process that’s essential for the continuity of these processes.
Despite the fundamental importance to our health and functioning, there’s quite a lot of ambiguity around the concept of metabolism – especially what it means when ours slows down and what we can do about that.
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we often hear people say, “I have a slow metabolism” or “they just have a fast metabolism,” and we all nod our heads in agreement. But do we understand what that means?
What is your metabolism? Can it be fast or slow? Does having a slow metabolism make you more inclined to gain weight? Does your metabolism really “break” when you diet?
Your Metabolism Is More Than One Thing
We often refer to our metabolism as a singular thing, like it is this black box or small engine that stuff goes into and then comes out of. But the truth is, our metabolism is a collection of many things. In reality, our metabolism is the sum of all the metabolic processes in our body.
One of the most straightforward ways to understand your metabolism is to refer to it as your total energy expenditure. This means that your metabolism is the cumulation of all the energy your body expends to function. We will refer to this as our total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).
What Does Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Mean?
This TDEE can be further broken down into three main categories:
resting metabolism (what most of us call our metabolism)
the energy it takes to process the food you eat
physical activity (more on that in a bit)
Resting Metabolism
Your resting metabolism is the sum of all the metabolic processes that are required for you to live. This means your cells use energy to do things like breathe, think, pump blood, etc. This represents about 60-70% of your TDEE.
The Thermic Effect Of Food (Tef)
The next piece is what we call the thermic effect of food (TEF). This is simply the energy it requires to extract the energy you get from your food. This is a relatively small amount of energy and represents about 10% of your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
Physical Activity
The last piece that makes up your TDEE is your physical activity, meaning the amount of movement you do throughout the day. This is often broken down into two separate categories: physical activity that is from structured exercise (we call this exercise activity thermogenesis) and physical activity from non-structured exercise (we call this non-exercise activity thermogenesis).
How does Metabolism Work?
When we eat food, our digestive system starts functioning. The digestive system uses different kinds of enzymes to do the following processes:
The initial process is the breaking down of proteins into amino acids.
Enzymes also convert fats into fatty acids.
Carbohydrates have been converted into sugars (Glucose) with the help of enzymes.
When the enzymes convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, the body can use them anytime as an energy source, and these compounds are absorbed by blood which helps in carrying them to different cells for their functioning.
After the blood carries them to the cells, and they enter into the cells, other enzymes start their functioning and act upon it, and a lot of chemical reactions also take place that involve “metabolizing” different compounds. The energy made by these compounds can do different purposes, including being used by the body for performing different tasks, and it can also remain stored inside the body into tissues, such as muscles, liver, and body fat.
Enzymes
A protein acting as a catalyst that facilitates reactions in biological systems is called an enzyme. Each reaction step in Metabolic pathways is catalyzed by an enzyme and it takes control of the biochemical reactions.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
It is an organic compound that provides energy for facilitating many processes in living cells, for example, muscle contraction, chemical synthesis and nerve impulse propagation. It is found in all forms of life, and is often referred to as the “molecular unit of currency”. When consumed in metabolic processes, it is either converted to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or to adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
Your metabolism adapts to calorie increases and decreases, with a large part of the adaptation coming from changes in physical activity. While metabolisms can decrease, they do not “break.” Lastly, lower resting metabolisms do not appear to be predictive of weight gain and by themselves are not overly helpful measures for most people.
In short: the answer to controlling our metabolic rate lies in following a healthy lifestyle, where we stay physically active, maintain a balanced diet (with plenty of protein) and find ways to de-stress and manage cortisol levels.
Thyroid disease: Can it affect a person’s mood?
Have you ever felt as if you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster, unpredictably swinging from lows to highs? While daily stressors undoubtedly impact our moods, sometimes the underlying cause is a health condition like thyroid disease. Could this be the hidden factor behind your mood swings?
The Crucial Role of the Thyroid in Emotional Health
The thyroid gland, situated in the neck, is pivotal for metabolic regulation through its hormone production. Malfunctions in this gland, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can upset your hormonal harmony. This imbalance doesn’t just affect your physical health; it extends to your emotional state as well.
How Thyroid Imbalances Affect Mood
Thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4, are integral to various bodily functions, including brain function. An imbalance in these hormones can alter neurotransmitter activity, essential for mood regulation, leading to various emotional disturbances.
Symptoms of Mood Changes Linked to Thyroid Health
In Hypothyroidism:
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and a lack of motivation.
- Anxiety: Persistent worry and tension.
- Irritability: Quick to anger and frustration.
- Brain Fog: Problems with focus, memory, and mental clarity.
In Hyperthyroidism:
- Anxiety: Feeling restless and unable to relax.
- Irritability: Low tolerance levels and quick frustration.
- Mood Swings: Rapid and extreme emotional shifts.
- Sleep Issues: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
While other conditions can also cause these symptoms, if you’re experiencing significant mood alterations alongside other thyroid-related symptoms, it’s crucial to consider a thyroid evaluation.
Diagnosing Mood Disorders Linked to Thyroid Issues
Identifying a thyroid-related mood disorder typically involves:
- Blood Tests: These check levels of thyroid hormones to pinpoint hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Psychological Assessment: Mental health professionals can evaluate mood symptoms and help rule out other causes.
Be transparent with your healthcare provider about your symptoms during consultations.
Effective Treatments for Thyroid-Related Mood Issues
Fortunately, thyroid conditions are manageable. Treatment aims at hormonal rebalancing:
- Medication: Synthetic hormones treat hypothyroidism, while treatments for hyperthyroidism may include medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.
- Therapy: Techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage mood symptoms and improve well-being.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management can support mood stabilization and overall health.
Prevention and Management Tips
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Keep up with thyroid function monitoring and medication adjustments.
- Mood Diary: Documenting mood shifts and potential triggers can help identify trends and refine your treatment plan.
- Emotional Health Practices: Engage in stress reduction activities like yoga or meditation and maintain a supportive social network.
Conclusion
Recognizing the connection between thyroid dysfunction and mood variations is key to managing both your mental and physical health effectively. If you suspect your mood swings may be thyroid-related, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly enhance your quality of life by restoring hormonal balance and stabilizing your mood.
The Purpose Of A Spirometry Test
A spirometry test examines the function of your lungs by measuring both how much air you can inhale and how much you can exhale.
Why is spirometry done?
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center a spirometry test determines if lungs are functioning at expected levels. It helps our specialist to diagnose lung and airway diseases. For example, the test can detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) before symptoms develop. The test can also check for pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lung tissue.
Other reasons why spirometry is done:
- To determine lung capacity
- To measure the changes over time of chronic diseases on lung function
- To identify early changes in lung function and in some cases to help guide treatment
- To detect narrowing in the airways
- To decide how likely it is that inhaled medicines may help with symptoms
- To show whether exposure to substances has altered lung function
- To estimate your risk of respiratory complications before undergoing surgery
What should I expect during spirometry?
Spirometry can be done in the doctor’s office or a special lung function laboratory. You can expect to go through the following during spirometry:
- Soft clips will be placed on your nose. This helps you breathe out only through the tube attached to the spirometer.
- You will be asked to take a deep breath in.
- Then, you will blow into a tube connected to the spirometer. You will be asked to blow as hard and fast as you can.
- You may also be asked to breathe in a medicine that helps to open your airways followed by blowing out into the tube again.
- The doctor will see the test results before and after you inhaled the medicine and determine whether you may benefit from treatment with it.
You feel no pain during the test. The test is repeated three times to make sure the results are reproducible and accurate. It usually takes up to 30 minutes to complete the test. You might feel lightheaded or tired due to the effort of breathing in and out so deeply. You may also cough as a result of blowing into the tube. Those symptoms should quickly resolve after completing the test.
Conditions That Spirometry Can Diagnose
Your doctor will look at your test results to figure out what may be making it hard to breathe. Common causes include:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Scars in your lungs (pulmonary fibrosis)
Spirometry Terms You Should Know
Here are some terms you will probably hear from your healthcare provider if you are doing spirometry.
FVC (forced vital capacity)
This is essentially your lung capacity – the amount of air your lungs can hold.
FEV1 (forced expiratory volume)
This is the amount of air you can release in a single second. Generally speaking, the higher the amount of air you can release, the healthier your lungs are. Low FEV ratings could indicate an inflamed airway.
FEV1%
Your FEV1% refers to your lung capacity as compared to other individuals of the same height, weight, age, and sex. A score of 70-80% is considered average.
What do the test results mean?
Spirometry can help doctors determine:
- If the patient’s symptoms are caused by asthma or another process
- If there is a blockage or narrowing in the airways
- If treatment is working
- If a disease is stable or getting worse
- Level of severity of the disease
- If lungs are lower in volume than normal which may warrant additional testing
What follow-up is necessary?
The doctor will review the test results with you. At that time, the doctor will set treatment goals and a long-term plan based on the results of the spirometer.
Benefits of Taking a Spirometry Test
Now that you know what a spirometry test is, why should you take one? Spirometry provides numerous benefits for those with chronic lung conditions. Here are just some of the benefits of taking regular spirometry tests.
Notice changes in your lung health.
Since there is currently no cure for chronic lung diseases, it is extremely important that you proactively look for changes in your lung health. Whether positive or negative, consistently measuring your lung capacity allows you to see changes as they occur. If you wait until your next doctor’s visit to see whether your lung capacity has increased, decreased, or remained stationary, you might miss something important.
Stay on top of your lung health by taking spirometry tests every day to every other day. It only takes a moment, and it can make a huge difference.
Develop an action plan with the help of your doctor.
Spirometry provides the perfect avenue for you and your physician to get on the same page. Remote monitoring of your spirometry data by the doctor provides insight into your overall condition. You and your doctor can use your scores to develop a “lung health action plan,” which details the best course of action for maintaining your health.
What are the Reasons to See an Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are specialized physicians who diagnose and treat hormone disorders. While you might think of diabetes first, the endocrine system plays a much larger role in your health. So, when should you consider seeing an endocrinologist?
A Wide Range of Hormonal Concerns:
Endocrinologists are equipped to address a diverse range of hormone-related issues. Here are some common reasons to seek their expertise:
- Diabetes: Endocrinologists specialize in managing all types of diabetes, from type 1 to gestational diabetes. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
- Thyroid Problems: The thyroid gland plays a critical role in metabolism. If you have an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid, an endocrinologist can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Adrenal Gland Problems: The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Issues with these glands can be addressed by an endocrinologist.
- Pituitary Gland Issues: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the “master gland” as it controls the function of many other hormone-producing glands. An endocrinologist can diagnose and treat pituitary disorders.
- Weight Management: Hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight management challenges. An endocrinologist can assess your hormone levels and develop a weight management plan that addresses any underlying hormonal issues.
- Bone Health: Hormones play a crucial role in bone health. If you’re concerned about osteoporosis or other bone problems, an endocrinologist can evaluate your hormone levels and recommend treatment options.
Beyond the List:
This list is not exhaustive. Endocrinologists can also address a variety of other hormone-related conditions, including:
- Growth hormone deficiencies
- Menstrual irregularities
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fertility issues
Listen to Your Body:
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be linked to hormonal imbalances, such as unexplained weight gain/loss, fatigue, mood swings, or sleep disturbances, it’s wise to consult your doctor. They can assess your situation and determine if a referral to an endocrinologist is necessary.
Early diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances can significantly improve your quality of life. An endocrinologist can be a valuable partner in managing your hormonal health and ensuring your body’s orchestra plays in perfect harmony.
What is a TM Flow Test?
Ever heard of a TM Flow Test? It might sound complex, but it’s actually a user-friendly and non-invasive way to assess your vascular (blood flow) and autonomic nervous system health.
Experience the power of TM Flow Test for seamless performance Try TM Flow Test today!
How Does the TM Flow Test Work?
The test combines three advanced technologies to give a detailed picture of your cardiovascular and nervous system health:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): This component measures the blood pressure in your ankles compared to your arms to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD), indicating blocked or narrowed arteries.
- Photoplethysmography (PPG): Using sensors, this method observes minute changes in blood volume in extremities (like fingers and toes), helping to evaluate blood vessel health and blood flow regulation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Often confused with an EKG, this test records the electrical activity of the heart to assess the performance of the autonomic nervous system, crucial for managing heart rate and blood pressure.
The Advantages of a TM Flow Test
Opting for a TM Flow Test offers several benefits:
- Efficiency and Comfort: The test is completed in just 7-10 minutes and involves no pain, making it an excellent choice for routine screening.
- Early Detection: It helps in identifying potential health issues in the vascular and autonomic nervous systems early, allowing for timely intervention.
- Non-invasive Procedure: The test does not require needles or any invasive procedures, offering a stress-free experience for patients.
- Comprehensive Analysis: By integrating multiple diagnostic technologies, the TM Flow Test provides a holistic view of your health, surpassing the capabilities of single tests.
Who Should Consider a TM Flow Test?
The TM Flow Test is particularly beneficial for those at risk or concerned about their cardiovascular and nervous system health. It is highly recommended for individuals with:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- A family history of vascular diseases
- Symptoms or concerns related to circulatory or nervous system health issues
Why is the TM Flow Test Important?
Regular monitoring of vascular and autonomic health is crucial, especially for those with underlying conditions or genetic predispositions. The TM Flow Test serves not just as a diagnostic tool but as a preventive measure that can guide lifestyle adjustments and treatments to enhance overall health and prevent severe complications.
Conclusion: Embrace Preventive Healthcare
The TM Flow Test exemplifies modern medical advancements in non-invasive diagnostics, offering a quick, painless, and efficient way to monitor essential aspects of your health. Whether you have specific health concerns or are interested in preventive care, the TM Flow Test provides valuable insights that can help you maintain or improve your vascular and nervous system health.
Tips on how to get pregnant with PCOS
Whatever your reason, whether it is advancing age or just excitement, at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we know most people don’t want to spend months taking pregnancy tests when trying to get pregnant. If you have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), then you will know that it can take longer for some women with PCOS to get pregnant. To give yourself the best possible chance of getting pregnant fast with PCOS, read on for some quick tips.
PCOS and your fertility
A common symptom of PCOS, and often the first hint that something might not be quite right, irregular, long cycles or sometimes, no periods at all. This is because your hormone imbalance and potentially the cysts on your ovaries affect ovulation. Ovulation is the process of a mature egg being released from the ovary. Some women with PCOS may ovulate irregularly or in severe cases, not at all. To get pregnant naturally, you need to ovulate, and it might be that you need to get advice from a doctor to help you with this.
The best way to optimize your fertility when you have PCOS is to make the right lifestyle changes and my PCOS action plan below details changes you might like to make.
Remember, it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS. You might just need a bit of help from a healthcare professional and a bucket load of motivation from yourself to make some healthy lifestyle changes!
PCOS Action Plan
- Nutrition
- Reduce your intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice and white pasta or sugary drinks, cakes and biscuits
- Enjoy high protein such as eggs, chicken, fish and lentils, green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale and fruits low in sugar
- Seek specialist dietary advice and support if needed
- Exercise
- Do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to help with weight loss, if needed, or just to improve your fitness levels
- Enjoy a mixture of cardiovascular exercise, muscle strengthening and a lovely walk in nature
- Reduce your time spent doing sedentary activities such as watching television or working on your PC
- Lifestyle
- Reducing your intake of alcohol and, if possible, try to avoid alcohol altogether while trying to conceive
- If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking
- Even just losing 5% of your body weight can improve your symptoms and your fertility
- Avoid recreational drugs
- Limit caffeine to 1 or 2 cups per day
- Keep hydrated as the amount of water in your cervical mucus can increase or decrease the ability of the passage of sperm to the egg
- Take action to try to reduce your stress levels
- Get empowered
- Start tracking your cycle to understand when you’re fertile
- See a doctor or specialist nurse and get as much information about PCOS as you can
- Have regular sex. Ideally every 2-3 days throughout your cycle
Getting pregnant with PCOS after 30
Natural fertility begins to decline significantly for women around age 32. With the addition of ovarian syndrome, women over 30 with PCOS will have greater risks associated with pregnancy, but a healthy pregnancy is still possible. Because of the insulin resistance that is often an issue for women with PCOS, one of these increased risks is gestational diabetes, when a woman develops diabetes during pregnancy. This condition is also more common in women over 25. To prevent and manage this, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Women with PCOS may also want to get a glucose screening earlier during pregnancy than at the routine 24-28 weeks.
Tracking your cycle is also very useful to improve your chances of conceiving as it helps you better understand your cycle and predict if and when you’re ovulating. There are a number of tools and apps available to help with this. Medication to treat PCOS and improve fertility is also available for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant.
Confirm ovulation with test strips
To find out when you are ovulating, you can buy ovulation kits from your local pharmacy which work much the same way as a pregnancy test. Make a note of when you ovulate each month so you can find out how regular your ovulation is.
Reverse any insulin resistance
Women with PCOS have problems with insulin resistance, which means that your blood sugar levels are elevated, as is your insulin level, this increases your risk of having trouble conceiving. Doctors can prescribe Metformin to help, but there are many side effects with this medication to consider. In the first instance, try cutting out sugar and refined carbs from your diet and making sure you get enough protein, fiber and healthy fats, and you will see your blood sugar levels and your insulin level drop. Myo-inositol has been proven effective in treating insulin resistance in some PCOS women. The new InofolicAlpha, which contains both myo-inositol and alpha-Lactalbumin, can help reverse insulin resistance even more effectively.
It is important to talk to your doctor at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center and get the help you need to prepare your body to conceive.
Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Patient Care
Holistic medicine is changing the way that doctors interact with patients for the better.
So, what is holistic medicine, and why is it important?
The word “holistic” means “dealing with the whole of something”. So, to take a holistic approach to medicine means to treat the whole person not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
Let’s say, a patient comes in with a stomach ache, a holistic treatment plan would not only include relief from the pain, but also seek to address any underlying causes. What’s the patient’s diet like? Could stress be a factor? In this way, holistic medicine is focused on both treatment and prevention.
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
A Holistic Medicine Doctor is a physician who considers a patient’s mind, body, and spirit to improve their health and wellness. They are focused on prevention first, and then on treatment.
Any doctor with a medical degree can practice holistic medicine, but not everyone who practices holistic medicine is a board-certified physician. Some holistic practitioners may call themselves “Doctor” but they are not actually licensed to practice traditional medicine.
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center our doctors are also holistic practitioners. By integrating conventional medical training with holistic treatments, they are able to provide care that is truly comprehensive for their patients.
The Mind-Body Connection: Treating the Whole You
At the heart of holistic medicine is the idea of the mind-body connection. Essentially, it means that thoughts and feelings can positively or negatively affect our physical health.
Most of the medical advice we receive is focused on the body—eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. But even if you do all of these things right, stress, anxiety, and depression can still have negative effects on your health. It also works the other way around—a poor physical state can have negative effects on your mental health, too.
A holistic doctor takes this complex relationship between mind and body into account to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for their patients.
Benefits of a Holistic Approach
When physicians apply a holistic approach to their daily practice, there are a number of benefits for both patients and doctors alike.
Holistic medicine considers all the elements of a patient’s health, not just their physical symptoms. This helps our doctors at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center to make more personalized recommendations.
Our holistic doctors take an empathetic approach to care and treat patients as individuals, not just a list of symptoms on a clipboard. This philosophy helps to create a patient-doctor relationship based on trust.
Patient Empowerment. The holistic approach to care empowers patients to take control of their own health and wellness. Everyone knows they should eat healthier and exercise more, but actually committing to a wellness plan is difficult. Holistic doctors understand this. Instead of listing recommendations, they include the patient in the conversation to find out what lifestyle changes work best for them.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR ALTERNATIVE AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE?
Many people are good candidates for holistic medicine. In our office in NYC, we conduct a thorough consultation and initial examination for each person who visits. It is our intent to ensure that the diagnostic and treatment modalities we offer meet the needs of each individual seeking to improve their health and quality of life.
If you’re curious about holistic medicine, contact our office to discuss your needs and goals.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Is Surgery Always Necessary?
Thyroid disease is managed by our hormone specialists called endocrinologists, individuals may present with different symptoms and after a comprehensive history and some investigative work, our doctors will work to understand each person’s thyroid function.
The frequency of Thyroid Disease has expanded fundamentally throughout recent years, and in large numbers because of growths being recognized unexpectedly on imaging studies. It is critical to take note of that notwithstanding the expanded pace of identification, the death rate from thyroid disease remains exceptionally low and unaltered. Consequently, a large number of these diseases are generally safe, and whenever left alone, would likely not represent a danger to the patient.
There has been significant research looking at monitoring low risk thyroid cancers without surgery especially when surgically removing the tumor could potentially do more harm than good. This monitoring approach without surgical intervention is known as active surveillance.
As a rule, to be qualified for dynamic observation: the cancer ought to be ≤1-1.5cm, there ought not be any proof of lymph hub metastases, there ought not be doubt of more forceful subtypes like tall cell or sclerosing variant papillary thyroid disease, and the growth ought not be situated almost a weak region where development could think twice about designs like the windpipe or the intermittent laryngeal nerve.
Dynamic observation ought to be done at a clinical focus with a multidisciplinary approach and ultrasound skill. Dynamic observation normally involves checking with ultrasound like clockwork at first with expansion of the reconnaissance span over the long run.
While going through observation, assuming there is critical development (≥3mm) of the knob, proof of lymph hub contribution, augmentation into adjoining designs, or change in understanding inclination, then, at that point, careful mediation is suggested. Medical procedures at the season of sickness movement have been displayed to have a similar superb visualization. There have been continuous imminent investigations on dynamic reconnaissance throughout the span of the most recent twenty years that have shown a low pace of movement (10-15%) and no passings or improvement of far-off metastasis during dynamic observation.
The choice to seek after dynamic observation is a common choice between the patient and the doctor after conversation of the dangers and advantages in light of every patient’s novel conditions. Extra factors while considering dynamic observation include: cost and time related with arrangements required for reconnaissance, period of patient, clinical comorbidities, and the conceivable expanded close to home weight or tension that can come about because of picking to not eliminate the disease at season of introductory analysis.
The “best” treatment strategy will differ depending on each patient.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHECK YOUR THYROID LEVELS?
Several years ago, the American College of Physicians recommended that all women over the age of 50 get thyroid testing once or more every 5 years. However, because thyroid disease can affect people of all ages, testing may take place far sooner than that.