Gluco Hx
Gluco Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to helping someone regulate their blood sugar one of my favorite supplements is Gluco Hx. But why is this such a great product? Well let’s get into it, shall we? To start with Gluco Hx …
Tag: InVite Health
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and Anxiety Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Before we move on to a different topic I felt it was important to talk about our mental health. Being diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness is much more than just the physical aspects of …
Hair Enhance
Hair Enhance
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to talk about a product that may be new to you, Hair Enhance! This is an excellent formula for helping with hair growth. It can help enhance hair strength as well. However some of the nutrients in Hair Enhance may seem confusing. So let’s review a few of these unexpected nutrients, shall we?
Let’s start with Saw Palmetto. In a 16 week study it was found that saw palmetto can help reduce hair fall. The study also found that saw palmetto helped to promote hair regrowth. Even scalp health was improved with saw palmetto use. (1) Another study found a 27% improvement in total hair when those who have alopecia used saw palmetto. The study also found that 83% of people that use saw palmetto had an increase in hair density. Lastly the study found that hair loss progression stabilized in approximately 52% of people using saw palmetto. In other words they did not continue to lose more hair. (2) Now when most people think of saw palmetto they think of men’s health. Which leads to a common question – is saw palmetto considered to be safe for both men and women? Well the answer is that saw palmetto is regarded as safe for both women and men. Please consult a professional if you are pregnant or nursing since pregnant or nursing induvial have unique medical concerns. (3) What is the take away message from all these studies on saw palmetto? Well between the studies and my clinical experience saw palmetto is very helpful for our overall hair growth.
The next item that may seem confusing is zinc. In one study it was found that having low levels of zinc promotes hair loss. (4) Zinc is also important for our hair because it helps to make keratin which is a protein that forms the hair stands. Zinc is also important for the health of our hair follicles. Zinc is also important for the balance of hormones that affect the overall quality of our hair. (5) So yes in my opinion zinc is an important nutrient for more than you would expect!
Tocotrienols is another nutrient that may surprise you. To start with what the heck is a tocotrienol? Well tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E. Studies have found that using tocotrienols can increase the number of hairs that you have. (6) Tocotrienols can also promote hair growth by protecting the hair from oxidative damage. (7)
Apple Fruit extract is one nutrient that may have you scratching our head. Studies have found that apple fruit extract can help to increase hair growth and even hair density after only 2 months of use. (8)
Hair Enhance also contains more expected nutrients such as biotin. Studies have found that biotin use can help those who have hair loss. (9) One question that I frequently get asked about a product for hair such as hair enhance is how quickly will it work? The answer is that it may take longer for you to notice changes in your hair than you expect. The reason is simply the fact that hair doesn’t grown very fast. The hair on the scalp typically grows between 0.6cm and 3.36cm per month. (10) If you look at a ruler you can see that it is quite a small amount. So in my clinical experience when it comes to hair growth patience is key! The Hair Enhance is a great formula. You just have to give it some time.
Our next blog will be the stress and anxiety associated with cancer.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10648974/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33313047/
- https://www.forhers.com/blog/does-saw-palmetto-shampoo-work-for-female-hair-loss
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124235/
- https://wimpoleclinic.com/blog/zinc-and-hair-loss-understanding-the-essential-minerals-role/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24575202/
- https://miriqa.com/blogs/educational-articles/singapores-best-hair-loss-treatment-tocotrienol-for-natural-hair-growth
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5775114/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_hair_growth
Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments
Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Cancer treatments can have different side effects when it comes to our hair and skin. Let’s start with our skin, shall we? Certain cancer therapies can cause skin to become dry. They …
Cancer Related Fatigue
Cancer Related Fatigue
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to talk about cancer related fatigue because it’s so common in those who have cancer. It can also be difficult to work with because there can be a number of reasons why a person feels fatigue. So let’s get into this interesting topic, shall we?
Well let’s start with the beginning. What exactly do we mean when we say cancer related fatigue? It is a physical, emotional and mental fatigue in someone with cancer that does not improve with sleep or rest. This can occur during treatment and persist after treatment is concluded. When you have cancer related fatigue you may notice that your fatigue isn’t alleviated by rest. Normal activities may make you feel more tired than usual. You may feel too tired to do things you want to do. You may also feel like it’s hard to focus and you have no energy. You may also notice you feel weak, sad, cranky and frustrated. It may be hard to lift your arms and legs. You may even feel that you need more sleep than usual. (1)
Why does cancer lead to increased fatigue? Well as I said there is a number of reasons that increased fatigue can occur. Certain types of cancer can cause the release of proteins such as cytokines which can cause fatigue. Certain cancer treatments also cause fatigue. Another cause for fatigue is anemia. Hormonal changes that can occur during treatment can also trigger fatigue. Chronic pain can also lead to feelings of fatigue. Certain life style factors that can trigger an increase in fatigue include poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a decrease in the amount of sleep you are getting. Anxiety and depression can also increase fatigue. (2) It’s important to rule out certain conditions that can also mimic cancer related fatigue. For example muscle weakness can mimic fatigue. Depression can also mimic fatigue as well. (1)
What are some blood tests you can talk to your doctor about that can help to determine anything that maybe making your fatigue worse? First the doctor should check your iron levels and red blood cell counts to rule out anemia. They can also check for vitamin deficiencies such as B12, folate, or even vitamin D. Please check out my blog on Methyl-B for more information on the B vitamins. The doctor can also check for certain hormones that can trigger fatigue such as your thyroid hormones. You can also ask your doctor to check for inflammation, infections and even certain chronic diseases such as celiac disease and diabetes. (3) You can also fill out the attached questionnaire and bring it to your doctor’s visit! (2)
Questionnaire:
- When did you begin experiencing fatigue?
- Has it progressed since your diagnosis?
- How severe is it?
- How long does it last?
- What eases it?
- What makes it worse?
- How does it affect your daily life?
- Do you experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort?
- How well are you sleeping?
- How and what are you eating?
- How are you feeling emotionally?
What can you do to help with your fatigue? The following suggestions are fine for both during and after treatment.
- Make sure to address any underlying concerns that are making your fatigue worse. For example if you are deficient in iron you would want to take iron to help with the deficiency. If you are low in the B vitamins it is important to correct the deficiency. (4) Please Invite’s Iron Plus and Methyl-B for these important nutrients.
- If you are experiencing pain turmeric has been found to help reduce pain levels. (5) Please see Invite’s Bio-curcumin & 5-Loxin and Turmeric with Ginger.
- L Theanine and Magnesium have been found to help with sleep quality. (6) Please see both Invite’s L-Theanine and Magnesium Glycinate/ Citrate. For those who don’t like pills don’t forget Magnesium is available in powder form, Bio Avail Magnesium!
- Nutrition – to help improve nutrition please check out my blog on Invite protein powders!
The following can be helpful for those who have cancer related fatigue that persists after treatment. Please note that these recommendations are for after treatment, not during.
- Alcar has been found to help with both mental and physical energy. (7) Please see Invite’s Alcar with ALA!
- Green tea has been found in studies to help moderate fatigue. (8) Please see both Invite’s Green Tea Tx and Hx!
- Coq10 has been found to help moderate fatigue in studies! (9) Please see Invite’s Coq10 Ubiquinol 60mg and 120mg as well as our Oral Q10!
Our next product highlight will be the confusing world of Iron!
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fatigue-weakness-sleep/fatigue.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fatigue-weakness-sleep/fatigue.html
- https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/tiredness-fatigue
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366#:~:text=Treatment%20for%20this%20form%20of,This%20might%20involve%20surgery.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812094/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017334/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-834/acetyl-l-carnitine
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10320999/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/