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Avoiding the Risk of Developing a Metformin-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Metformin is one of the most common drugs prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes. It acts to decrease absorption of glucose from the digestive tract, to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and to increase insulin sensitivity in tissues throughout the body. While it is generally well-tolerated and most users don’t experience any troublesome side effects, it has long been known that metformin can lead to very low vitamin B12 levels. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that metformin inhibits absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin. It cannot be synthesized by the body, so it needs to be consumed on a regular basis in the diet. It is essential for the production of red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Individuals deficient in B12 develop problems with the myelin that wraps around the nerves and insulates them. If there is a problem with myelin, conditions like peripheral neuropathy can develop. In severe cases of a B12 deficiency, cognitive impairment and even overt dementia can manifest. Initial symptoms of a deficiency include fatigue, pale skin, numbness or tingling sensations, and difficulty walking or using the hands.

What Food Sources Provide Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is readily available from foods that come from animal sources. Most people are not at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency unless they follow a strict vegan diet, have some kind of malabsorption syndrome, or chronically take certain medications, like metformin or some proton pump/H2 blocking medications used to treat heartburn.

How to Reduce Your Risk While Taking Metformin

Since metformin seems to inhibit but not completely block the absorption of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract, one approach is to adjust the diet to include a lot of animal-based foods. Taking proton pump/H2 blocking medications to treat heartburn should be avoided if possible because reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces makes it difficult for the digestive tract to release vitamin B12 from food in order to allow it to be absorbed.

Learn More

In 2018, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology released a guideline encouraging clinicians to institute routine testing of patients taking metformin for vitamin B12 levels and adding a supplement (either oral or by injection) to anyone testing low. Although most of the symptoms of a deficiency can be rapidly reversed with injections, once peripheral neuropathy develops, it may become permanent even after correction of the vitamin deficiency.

You can learn more by reading this helpful article Endocrinology Advisor article. If you are currently taking metformin, consider making an appointment at Quench Wellness to discuss your diet, medication, and testing regimen in order to reduce your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in Chicago.

Common Questions about Hormone Replacement Therapy

Our physician may offer hormone replacement therapy for a variety of health issues. If you have never heard of hormone replacement before, then you might wonder what this treatment includes. This therapy is an appropriate treatment for females who are experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, excessive perspiration or extreme fatigue. This type of treatment is also appropriate for women after the menopause phase. This is the time when menstruation has ceased for at least 12 months in a row.

The detrimental problems from menopause can also include other health issues such as losing bone mass or having severe hair loss from the scalp. Hormone replacement therapy is always customized for our patients, and the level of hormones that are required can change occasionally. In addition to a complete physical examination to determine if a woman has any other health problems such as heart disease or diabetes mellitus, our physician will collect blood samples to check the level of hormones in your body.

The thyroid gland is also affected by changes in the female hormone levels, so our physician will also check the hormone levels of this gland to determine if other medications are required.

How Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Beneficial?

In the past, there wasn’t much that a woman could do for her menopause symptoms, but today, it is possible for a female to overcome her discomfort along with preventing serious health ramifications. The loss of bone that can occur during menopause can lead to fractures of the hips or vertebrae as a woman ages. When a woman loses hair on her scalp, it can lead to anxiety or depression.

The excessive perspiration and hot flashes can make it nearly impossible for a woman to sleep, but the lack of sleep can affect the brain and body in several ways. The lack of sufficient hormones in the female body can also reduce the libido, and this can cause intimacy issues. Here are some of the benefits from using our customized hormone replacement therapy:

• Avoiding gaining weight
• Preventing dry and itchy skin
• Reducing hot flashes
• Reducing mood swings
• Preventing intimacy issues
• Increasing mental clarity
• Preventing bone loss
• Reducing migraines

With hormone replacement therapy, a woman’s daily life is improved. Our physician will use a woman’s blood test results to mix the proper hormones for her body. It can take a few weeks or months to notice the changes from hormone replacement therapy, and a woman must return to our office occasionally for new blood tests. Visit Quench Wellness in Chicago to learn more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Feel Your Best with IV Therapy

Imagine receiving all of the nutrients that your body needs in a simple visit to our office. No longer would you have to worry about fitting in all of the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins into your diet. You’d have everything you need and feel incredible because of it. Your busy life could be made just that much simpler without having to worry about something like nutrition and diet. That’s what IV therapy offers.

What is IV Therapy?

Typically, you receive your nutrients through your diet. Your liver and kidneys sort out the good stuff from the rest of the stuff, and your body utilizes it to feed your cells. Because the body does not run efficiently, some of those nutrients can be lost during the digestive process. As such, while you think that you may have received your daily intake of the required nutrients, that may not actually be the case.

You may start to notice that you suffer from low energy or find yourself becoming sick far easier than you should otherwise. IV therapy is a way to skip the digestive process altogether. At our office, you simply choose what IV therapy you want to undergo, and then relax while an IV is placed in your arm. The session itself takes only minutes while the nutrients are transferred directly into your bloodstream.

The cells receive the energy and food that they need to perform their jobs, and you’re done not long after that. That’s all it takes to feed your cells and improve your health. This incredibly convenient therapy can boost your health in a series of different ways.

Different Health Boosts

There are many different cocktails that can be crafted with various minerals and vitamins to offer up different health boosts. For example, one that is aimed at boosting your immune system is typically loaded up with vitamin C and other immune-aiding nutrients.

Another cocktail that people can benefit from is reserved for hangovers. Instead of just trying to struggle through the day or taking medication, you can actually have an IV that is designed to hydrate your body and flush out the remaining toxicity in your blood. You can feel remarkably better after the therapy is over.

Clearly, there are many cocktails and benefits that you can choose from when you opt for IV therapy at Quench Wellness in Chicago. Contact our office today to book an appointment and get started!

The Power of a Comprehensive Weight Loss Program

One look in the mirror is all it takes to confirm that you need to lose weight. The problem is you’ve tried different diets that guarantee results, but they never seem to deliver. Even if you lose a few pounds, they come back quickly. What you need is a comprehensive weight loss program that is developed with the aid of a qualified team of professionals. Here are some of the ways that type of program will succeed where others have failed.

A Plan Designed with You in Mind

One of the first things you should understand about your comprehensive weight loss program is that it’s designed for you and not for everyone else. While it may contain elements that also apply to other people, the plan is customized to take into consideration any chronic health issues present, your current level of physical ability, and even any food allergies that are present. This level of detail is one of the reasons that the program is more likely to work for you when all of those other plans accomplished little to nothing.

Losing Weight at a Safe Pace

You’ve seen diet plans that promised significant amounts of weight loss in a short time. Along with not always working, they can be damaging to your general health. A better solution is to lose weight at a steady but safe pace.

Your comprehensive weight loss program involves setting reasonable goals of losing a certain amount each week or month. This approach allows your body, in particular your heart, to adjust to the change without any sense of trauma.

Developing Healthy Dietary Habits

As part of the comprehensive weight loss program, you can become more aware of how to eat in a healthy manner. Along with expanding the horizons of your diet by including new and more nutritious foods, you can also learn a great deal about portion control and including variety in each meal.

Exercising Regularly

While much of your comprehensive weight loss program focuses on changing your eating habits, exercise will also be part of the plan. Depending on the current state of your health, you may begin with shorter periods of exercise. It all depends on the unique case.

Are you ready to do something about your weight? Schedule an appointment at Quench Wellness in Chicago Our team will help design a comprehensive weight loss program that will help you take off the pounds safely, feel more energetic, and develop positive habits that serve you well in the years to come. Contact us today to book your consultation!

Regain Comfort in Your Femininity with Vaginal Rejuvenation

Over time, different areas of the body can begin to suffer. Vaginal laxity is a common problem for women after childbirth or menopause. Fortunately, there are options out there to help with the problem. Vaginal rejuvenation is actually a broad term for a variety of treatments out there. They may work slightly differently, but they all aim to help you regain comfort with your femininity and restore your quality of life.

What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures typically aim to increase the amount of collagen production in the area. This allows for the tissues to become plumper and to function better. The term “vaginal rejuvenation” can also cover treatments performed to the clitoris and vulva. Many options have both internal and external applications and can do both in one session.

These procedures stimulate your body to create more collagen by gently and safely heating up the tissues. This can be accomplished with radiofrequency or CO2 lasers. Both options are quite effective and result in very little or no downtime.

Some women are able to make improvements simply by doing Kegel exercises. These exercises involve strengthening the muscles in and around the vagina. In extreme cases, a surgery known as vaginoplasty can be performed.

Why Choose Vaginal Rejuvenation?

If you are unsure if you could benefit from one of these procedures, consider the following benefits:

Increased natural lubrication
Decreased urinary incontinence
Vaginal tightening (both the opening and length of the canal)
Easier time achieving orgasms
More intense orgasms
Reduction in burning, dryness, or irritation
More intimacy with your partner
Increased confidence in the bedroom

Who Is a Good Candidate for Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Any woman who would like to experience the things listed above should consider a consultation about vaginal rejuvenation. The two biggest groups of women who seek out vaginal rejuvenation are women who are either postpartum or post-menopausal. When you have your consultation, we will discuss the types of symptoms you are experiencing. We will also discuss your medical history to help determine which treatment option will be the safest and effective one for you. It is helpful to be someone with a positive outlook and realistic expectations for your procedure.

The team at Quench Wellness would be happy to answer your questions and look forward to hearing from you. Scheduling your vaginal rejuvenation consultation may just be your first step on the path toward increased confidence and quality of life! We are conveniently located in Chicago. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

What is Hormone Imbalance Treatment?

All sorts of factors can impact the production of hormones. From certain types of ailments to injuries to prolonged exposure to unhealthy levels of stress, it’s possible to prevent the body from producing a hormone in a reasonable amount. When that happens, seeking some type of hormone imbalance treatment is the most practical move. Here are a few things you should know about these treatments, including how they can help you feel a lot better.

Correcting the Imbalance

The primary function of any type of hormone imbalance treatment is to ensure that your body has a normal amount of every type of hormone. The structure of the treatment will depend on which hormone is lacking and how severe the deficiency happens to be. Once your levels are back within the normal range, there’s a good chance you will benefit from ongoing therapy to keep them that way.

Providing More Emotional Balance

A hormone imbalance affects the mind and body in a number of ways. When it comes to your emotions, the imbalance can cause you to experience severe bouts of anger, irritation, or despondency. The shifts in your mood can come without warning and seem impossible to control. At times, you may wonder if you will ever feel normal again.

The good news is that the right type of hormone imbalance treatment will restore your emotional balance. At the same time, it will help with the brain fog and the trouble you’ve had with concentrating. While it will take a little time for the therapy to start working, some people notice a difference fairly quickly.

Helping You Sleep Soundly Again

One of the effects of a hormone imbalance that doesn’t always get much attention is the disruption of recuperative sleep. Even when you sleep, it’s never truly restful. There are days when you feel exhausted even after being in bed for eight hours. Fortunately, the right type of hormone imbalance treatment will correct that. Little by little, you will sleep more soundly at night and start to feel more refreshed in the morning. As the treatment progresses, you may begin to have no trouble getting to sleep and notice that you feel full of energy the following morning.

Restoring Your Energy

The energy you feel in the morning does not dissipate as the day progresses. Instead of feeling tired by lunchtime, the hormone imbalance treatment allows you to easily make the transition from morning to afternoon.

Getting Started

Do you suspect that you might have a hormone imbalance? Since all of the symptoms can be associated with other health woes, you need a medical professional to run the proper tests. Reach out to us at Quench Wellness and let’s get started. Once the results are back and we know exactly what’s wrong, we can determine if hormone imbalance treatment is what you need and talk with you about the possible modes of treatment. Contact us today to set up a consultation at our office in Chicago.

The Benefits of Vitamin D Shots

There are some medical procedures that are always available to you that you still may question. Any thinking person would take their time before committing to something that they don’t know enough about. This is particularly true when the subject matter is one’s own health and body. That is why it is a good exercise to consider the potential benefits of vitamin D shots.

The Sunshine Vitamin

You may or may not know that vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin. It has earned this name because our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun. You may have realized though that modern life often precludes at least some of us from getting the kind of sunlight that we need to produce enough vitamin D to remain happy and healthy. When someone doesn’t produce enough vitamin D naturally they may decide to get vitamin D shots.

Why Does Vitamin D Matter?

There are a whole host of reasons why vitamin D should matter to you. You may not realize all that this powerful vitamin is doing for you, but it is literally helping to keep you functioning and enjoying your day the way that you should be. It helps to keep your teeth and bones strong for longer. It also helps to regulate things such as the amount of insulin in your body. Insulin regulation is important to avoid diseases like diabetes. Your heart will thank you for having the right levels of vitamin D as well since this vitamin also has a direct impact on your cardio health.

Getting A Boost When You Are Not Getting Enough

There is no denying that most of us do not get outside at least as often as we would like to. We may have to rely on sources outside of the sun to get our vitamin D. The fact is that exposure to the sun alone is not likely to be enough to get most of us the level of vitamin D that we actually need. Thus, getting vitamin D shots may be the way that we have to go if we are to be serious about our health in this particular area.

Get In Touch with Us for More Information

Please get in touch with us today to discuss what the process is like when you go to get vitamin D shots. We completely understand that this concept is foreign to some people and that they may be hesitant to want to get this kind of shot. However, we are here to answer any questions and make the process a little easier to understand. Your body will thank you for making the choices that you make today to get these shots if they are appropriate for your situation. For more information, feel free to make an appointment with Quench Wellness. At our convenient location in Chicago, IL, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer your questions. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Grit & Grace: Promoting Mental Health Awareness

We have seen health and wellness programs incorporated more and more into corporate America. While measuring employees BMI or giving incentives for gym memberships are absolutely worthwhile advancements, mental health wellness is just as vital as physical wellness initiatives. I was so excited to partner with Cheryle Jackson and the Hyatt Corporation as they rolled out their initiative for wellness at their first ever Grit & Grace event. During our panel discussion and Q & A, which included Kalli Rimikis-Kerr (Licensed Marital and Family Therapist), we explored with the women of Hyatt themes spanning from sleep hygiene to the ability to say no to stress and it’s role in our mind body connections. I wanted these powerful women to understand that self care and wellness are not luxuries, but are vital to ensuring we are whole beings that can be present in our personal and professional lives. We at Quench Wellness truly believe in #LivingLifeQuenched and being present in our entirety. Whether we are replenishing hydration and nutrients through our IV vitamin infusions or balancing hormones with our pellet therapies, we continue to commit to giving our clients every opportunity to live replenished lives. We pride ourselves in allowing our clients during our time with us to carve out the space and time to replenish, recharge and recenter.

In Health,
Dr. Gameli
Co-Owner & Co-Medical Director, Quench Wellness

What Can IV Infusions Do for Me?

Intravenous therapy was once an experience that was limited to emergency rooms and hospital wards and was used mainly to re-hydrate and deliver critically needed medications into the body as fast as possible. The same is true today, but the scope of use for intravenous delivery of medications has been broadened to include vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that simply weren’t considered before. IV infusions can be used for recovering after an illness, as an alternative treatment for a current illness or for extra energy and endurance.

Energy to Support Weight Loss Efforts

If you are trying to lose weight, you need to remember that your body needs important nutrients that provide you with energy to exercise and burn fat. You need to nourish the body on a cellular level, and vitamin infusions can deliver much-needed nutrients directly into your bloodstream for immediate absorption. These nutrients can vary, depending on the individual’s health needs, but some of the most commonly used in infusions for weight loss and energy include:

B12 is the primary vitamin that is responsible for turning the foods you eat into energy. If you are attempting to lose weight, this is one of the most important nutrients you will need to get you through your regular workout sessions.

Vitamin C is included in many IV infusions. Its antioxidant power is beneficial for strengthening your immune system and regulating free radicals in your body.

These are just two of the most common base nutrients for an IV infusion. IV infusions can be prepared for individual health needs, so the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients differ for each treatment.

Recover From a Hangover Faster

If you have ever had too much to drink, you know what it feels like the next morning. The headaches, nausea and fatigue can keep you home all day in bed feeling miserable. One of the main reasons for the way you feel has to do with dehydration and the loss of important electrolytes. Drinking forces you to urinate often, and key nutrients your body needs for its well-being are forced out. When these electrolytes and other nutrients are replaced, you will quickly feel better able to face your day.

Learn More About Your Options

For more information about IV infusions, schedule a consultation at Quench Wellness in Chicago. We have a number of cocktails available, and we would be happy to determine the best one for your needs. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office!

Getting Started with Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in your body that ensures you remain healthy. If you have a B12 deficiency, you are at risk of experiencing various health problems. But you can supplement it by receiving vitamin B12 injections. This shot can help to deal with a couple of health issues such as:

B12 deficiency
Pernicious anemia
Fatigue
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)
General health

B12 happens to be an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps in energy production, DNA synthesis, nerve cell health, neurological function, and red blood cell formation. Its deficiency is most likely to occur on vegetarians, the elderly, and those who take stomach acid-altering meds and antibiotics regularly.

Vitamin B12 is mostly present in animal-based foods, and those who don’t consume such foods will most likely have a B12 deficiency. Fortunately, you can restore your health by receiving B12 injections.

Besides sourcing B12 from food sources, you can also get the nutrient via a man-made version called cyanocobalamin. The vitamin B12 injections that you receive contain high levels of cyanocobalamin, and the help to boost B12 levels in your body, restoring your general health.

Sometimes, the food you eat may not be enough to supplement the required levels of B12 in your body. At times, various genetic conditions can prevent the body from properly using vitamin B12. And it is such people that need B12 injections to stay healthy.

Those who are at a higher risk of having this deficiency than others should consult their doctor to establish if they should get these injections.

Health Benefits of B12 Injections

There exists a couple of advantages of receiving vitamin B12 injections such as.

Improved brain function

Low levels of B12 are associated with reduced brain function, but that can be resolved with these injections.

Reduce depression

Some studies indicate that supplementing the body with B12, especially in older people, could help prevent depression and promote better mood control.

Reduces fatigue

B12 injections can also help lower fatigue because it helps in the conversion of macronutrients, which minimize muscle weakness.

Improved metabolism

You can also opt for a vitamin B12 shot to improve metabolism and reduce weight loss. It could also help to regulate hormone production

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in your body. Its deficiency could lead to a series of health issues, but you could avoid them by receiving B12 injections. They work effectively in supplementing the nutrient, and they have a lot of health benefits. To find out if you could benefit from these injections, feel free to visit Quench Wellness in Chicago. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

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