April
2013
#9
Shah Family Medicine

Billing, again!
 
After a tremendous amount of feedback from patients I finally broke down and found a billing service. They seem fantastic and so far things have been going smoothly. I know you all must think I am crazy. I can live with that.
 
As of now I am contracted with Regence, Lifewise, Aetna, Cigna, First Choice Health, United Healthcare, Group Health, and Premera. Please confirm both lab and office visit eligibility before booking your first visit!

New Study on Heart Disease
 

A new study, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen of the Cleveland Clinic,  links TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide) with increased risk of heart disease. TMAO is a breakdown product of foods containing high carnitine by specific gut bacteria in humans and animals. TMAO then increases in the blood which causes increased deposition of cholesterol in, and decreased removal of cholesterol from, peripheral cells such as those in the arterial wall. 

 

So which foods contain a large amount of carnitine? Meat and fish. And then, of course, carnitine is added to most energy drinks and supplements. Many patients, especially those with a history of heart disease, are supplemented with carnitine. 

 

Is it best to avoid carnitine all together? We don't know for sure; it is still early on in this discovery. Additional research will help us narrow down the concerns, allowing us to direct supplement and diet advice more elegantly. 

 

It has long been known that a vegan diet can reverse heart disease and heal areas of the heart that have lost blood supply. I still suggest a meat free lifestyle to my patients with intractable hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis and for those who have had a history of heart attack, stroke or angina. For me, this study brings up concerns surrounding the paleo diet as well. We each need a personalized dietary plan that takes into account all of our lifestyle and dietary factors. So, less meat and more veggies and impeccable digestive health! Because, you are what you absorb.

 

Click on a link to the article that discusses this story in the New York Times:

 

TMAO and Heart Disease 

 


11 Ways to Boost Metabolism

1. Sleep! Researchers have found a link between metabolism and sleep, and not getting enough of it may seriously slow metabolism.

 

2. Drink green tea. Not only does this superfood pack an antioxidant-punch, researchers have found it speeds metabolism as well. Plus, it's naturally calorie-free, so there's no reason not to enjoy a mug (or two).

 

3. Amp up workout intensity. Slow and steady may not always win the race. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), such as interval runs, are quick intense exercises that can jumpstart metabolism and keep usburning calories long after the workout is over.

 

4. Don't skip breakfast. It may be time to reconsider hitting snooze in favor of getting up to grab a quick bite before starting the day. Studies show the importance of quick-starting metabolism with breakfast. No AM appetite? Snack on something small, like a bowl of Greek yogurt.

 

5. Pump some iron. The weight room isn't only to help bulk up or get lean. Lifting weights can also help speed resting metabolic rate, making those dumbbells our new best friends.

 

6. Gulp some H20. Forget converting it to wine- drinking enough water is a simple way to speed up digestion and burn calories. We may need more than those recommended eight glasses a day, too. 

 

7. Spice things up. The next time a chicken breast is cooking up in the kitchen, add a dash of cayenne pepper. The heat from the pepper is thanks to capsaicin, which wont only add a fiery kick- it could help boost metabolism, too.

 

8. Squeeze in some cardio. Hop on the bike and clock in some miles- one study found that 45 minutes on the bike sped up metabolic rate for over 12 hours.

 

9. Eat wisely. Who knew eating could actually help speed calorie burn? Certain foods like tuna and grapefruit have been shown to speed up metabolic rate. Packing in protein has also shown to boost metabolism, so pick some eggs over pancakes at the breakfast table for a morning metabolism boost.

 

10. Grab a cup o' Joe. This caffeinated morning beverage is not only a savior when it comes to pushing through a midterm paper or work meeting. A cup of coffee (or the caffeine in it) is absorbed into the blood stream very quickly, speeding up heart rate and provide a metabolic boost that peaks at about three hours after drinking.

 

11. Laugh a lot! A little laughter may go a long way. Scientists have found that as little as 10 minutes of laughter per day (or roughly half an episode of SNL) can burn energy. Just another reason to stay smiling!

 

Contact
Rian Shah, ND
Shah Family Medicine
(inside Urban Oasis Yoga and Wellness)
3310 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy, SE #I
Sammamish, Washington 98075

425-394-3385
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"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all of your thoughts break their bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."     

~Patanjali