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The Immune System

2020-03-13T19:21:49+00:00March 13th, 2020|Categories: Functional Medicine|

Your Immune System The main function of the immune system is to protect the host from harmful environmental factors such as microbes or chemicals, which preserves the integrity of the body. Components of your Immune System White blood cells are also called leukocytes. They circulate in the body in blood vessels and the lymphatic vessels that parallel the veins and arteries. White blood cells are on constant patrol and looking for pathogens. When they find a target, they begin to multiply and send signals out to other cell types to do the same. Our white blood cells are stored in different places in the body, which are referred to as lymphoid organs. These include the following: Thymus — a gland between the lungs and just below the neck. Spleen — an organ that filters the blood. It sits in the upper left of the abdomen. Bone marrow — found in the center of the bones, it also produces red blood cells. Lymph nodes —small glands positioned throughout the body, linked by lymphatic vessels. Immunity - 3 Types Innate immunity We are all born with some level of immunity to invaders. Human immune systems, similarly to those of many animals, will attack foreign invaders from day one. This innate immunity includes the external barriers of our body — the first line of defense against pathogens — such as the skin and mucous membranes of the throat and gut. This response is more general and non-specific. If the pathogen manages to dodge the innate immune system, adaptive or acquired immunity kicks in. Adaptive (acquired) immunity This protect from pathogens develops as we go through life. As we are exposed to diseases or get vaccinated, we build up a library of antibodies to different pathogens. This is sometimes referred to as immunological memory because our immune system remembers previous enemies. Passive immunity This type of immunity is “borrowed” from another source, but it does not last indefinitely. For instance, a baby receives [...]

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Seasonal Affective Disorder Package

2020-02-21T18:17:14+00:00February 21st, 2020|Categories: Functional Medicine, Vitamin D|

Seasonal Affective Disorder Let's face it. Michigan winter's are downright depressing and dreary. The cold season causes us to retrea to our homes until spring finally arrives. If you are finding yourself stuck in a funk all of winter, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder. (S.A.D.) Due to the lack of sunlight during the daytime in winter, residents of michigan are more prone to SAD than more southern states.   Warning signs of SAD: Less energy Trouble Concentrating Fatigue Greater appetite Increased desire to be alone Desire to sleep   Weight Gain In order to treat the symptoms and stay true to yourself through the winter season, Age Management of West MI has created a Seasonal Affective Disorder Package in order to deter the symptoms. Vitamin D3 Injection Intramuscular injections instantly bypass the digestive system to ensure 100 percent absorption of key amino acids, vitamins, and mineral nutrients in therapeutic dosages. This IV therapy is meant to treat Vitamin D deficiency. The body manufactures vitamin D from cholesterol, through a process triggered by the action of sunlight on skin, hence its nickname, “the sunshine vitamin.”  Yet some people do not make enough vitamin D from the sun, among them, people who have a darker skin tone, who are overweight, who are older, and who cover up when they are in the sun. With the use of a Vitamin D3 injection at 100,000 iu/ml 1 time a month, energy levels will increase while fatigue levels will significantly decrease.   Neurotransmitter support  Our supplement store offers multiple supplements that support optimal serotonin and dopamine levels.  L-Tryptophan is an essential alpha-amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. Supplementation with tryptophan has been shown in numerous clinical trials to be safe, well-tolerated, and supportive of well-being, calmness, relaxation, sleep, and appetite control.  DopaBoostTM is designed to support the body’s natural production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with attention, [...]

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PRP Hair Restoration

2020-02-14T16:55:36+00:00January 31st, 2020|Categories: Uncategorized|

Hair Today The desire to have a luscious head of hair is very apparent in today’s society. Hair plays an essential role in social status in both men and women, that we often don’t recognize. But what makes us realize how vital our hair is to our self confidence, self esteem, and outward appearance? The lack of hair tends to be the answer. Often times, hair loss can derive from stress, heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss, but most commonly, men suffer from hair loss the most.  Hair Loss Prevention There is absolutely nothing wrong with allowing hereditary hair loss to run its course untreated.  It all depends on who you are and what makes you feel confident and like yourself. There are multiple options for those who would prefer to preserve their hair. For instance, there are hair transplants, but this involves invasive surgery, recovery time, and high expenses. On the other hand, there is an option that offers non-surgical, minimal pain, and minimal downtime. Platelet Rich Plasma Hair Restoration involves using the patient’s own blood and taking advantage of the nutrients and proteins within its makeup. How the Process Works Blood is made of 2 main components, red blood cells and plasma. Plasma contains white blood cells and platelets, which are rich in growth factors. These growth factors signal skin cells to function because they help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promotes new hair growth. To begin with, a small blood sample is drawn from the patient. It is then collected into a tube and placed into a centrifuge. The tube is rapidly spun, which initiates the plasma to be seperated from red blood cells. Then, the plasma that is drawn from the centrifuge is injected into the scalp about every half inch over the area of the thinning hair. The Ideal Candidate  Anyone who is experiencing hair loss, has normal balanced hormone and vitamin levels, no [...]

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Sweet Dreams

2020-01-24T15:28:13+00:00January 24th, 2020|Categories: Functional Medicine|

Not Enough Time in the Day? How often do you find yourself yawning, thinking about the chance you'll be able to get back to sleep? Everyone seems to wish for more time in the day to catch up on sleep, work, or relaxation. In reality, you don't need more time in the day, you just need more sleep to carry yourself through the day. There are multiple pharmaceutical grade supplements that can aid in getting yourself to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling well rested and ready to take on your day! Melatonin To begin with, Melatonin is a supplement that helps with sleep issues. Societies modern lifestyle prevents the human body from winding down the way it should. This is due to the blue light we surround ourselves through our phones, the TV, and the computer. In order to promote an effective sleep cycle, melatonin has been proven to normalize abnormal sleeping patterns. Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (internal clock) and with sleep. Light exposure in the evening can prevent melatonin production.  The typical dose of Melatonin for adults can be between two tenths of a milligram and five milligrams 60 minutes before bedtime.  It is recommended that children  take a smaller dose. If you've tried melatonin and would like to try a different supplement to assist with your sleeping habits, there are other options. Click the image to shop. Magnesium Click the image to shop. Secondly, Magnesium is a critical element for overall health- including sleep! The body does not produce magnesium, but it is pretty easy to get from food or supplements. It is not uncommon for people to have magnesium deficiency. If that is the case, the lack of minerals can throw the body off track across a broad range of functions. Insomnia is [...]

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Feeling Hormonal?

2020-01-10T14:37:01+00:00December 16th, 2019|Categories: Hormones, Integrative medicine|

AMWM Hormone Experience Over the past 15 years, Dr. Ali has been working with a wide range of patients requiring hormone treatment.  One specific patient sticks out to her because this patient started her hormone replacement treatment past menopause and well into her retirement years. She originally came in with symptoms of overall weakness and fatigue, and muscle weakness. This current patient has been utilizing hormone treatments for 12 years now. The treatment has played a large role in keeping her independent, out of a nursing home, and buying her own groceries!  What is Menopause?  Menopause is thought to occur once a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones, and also no longer have a period over the course of a year. They may experience hot flashes, night sweats, decline in overall energy. This occurs when ovaries are no longer producing Estrogen, Progesterone, or testosterone. All of these hormones are interconnected in relation to sleeping and stamina.  Another Common Hormone Deficiency: Perimenopause Perimenopause occurs 5-10 years prior to the onset of menopause. It is characterized by the decline and fluctuation of ovarian hormone production that causes women to experience many subjective signs or hormone deficiency. Lifestyle changes may improve perimenopause symptoms in some women, others may need hormone replacement therapy. Hormone Deficiencies aren’t always below the surface. Take a look at the stress and demand you have in your life. The more of these stressors present, the quicker your hormones will run out.  Each age group presents different possibilities for their symptoms. There is no specific age that determines when you hit menopause. Our specialists take into account multiple factors including diet, stressors, addition of hormones, modification of medications- in order to treat the symptoms of hormone deficiency.  Common Misconceptions Human growth hormone (HGH) injections are prescribed for people with hormone deficiencies. Despite some positive anti-aging effects that can result from taking growth hormones, they are not intended for this purpose. HGH is actually made from [...]

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Are you Vitamin D deficient?

2019-12-06T16:45:04+00:00December 5th, 2019|Categories: Integrative medicine, Vitamin D|Tags: , , |

The Importance of Vitamin D       With fewer daylight hours and colder temperatures, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D during the winter months. Vitamin D is an essential component to your overall wellness. It has a wide range of benefits such as motivating your heart, lungs, and muscles to work cohesively and prevent infection. Vitamin D is needed to absorb the minerals found in calcium and phosphorus in order to develop strong bones. We refer to Vitamin D as a pro-hormone because it is needed for a range of other hormones to function optimally. Immune System Muscle function Cardiovascular function Respiratory system Brain Development Anti-cancer effects Thyroid function What happens when we don’t get enough Vitamin D in our systems? Bone discomfort or pain (often throbbing) in low back, pelvis, lower extremities Muscle aches or weakness Seasonal Depression: Low energy, fatigue in daily activities, lack of motivation and social withdrawal, irritability.  Weakened immune system: More susceptible to illness, more frequency, chronic sinus issues. How do we get Vitamin D? When your skin comes in contact with ultraviolet B rays Vitamin D is produced. It doesn’t take nearly as much time for vitamin D to absorb as it does for you to become tan or sunburnt. Judging by the time of day, the pigment of your skin and the amount of skin you expose to the sun, these are all components that will play a role in the amount of Vitamin D you absorb. Supplements are also a reliable source of Vitamin D when you are located in an area that doesn’t receive much sunlight. (Our fellow Michiganders know what I’m talking about!)   Fatty Fish (Tuna, salmon, mackerel) Beef Liver Egg Yolks Milk/Orange Juice Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some cereals Age Management’s Solution to Vitamin D Deficiency  To begin with, we offer a Vitamin D Injection containing 300,000 iu of Vitamin D3. Intramuscular injections [...]

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