(1) Water is a natural appetite suppressant.
Drinking water before a meal will help you not to eat as much because it makes the stomach feel more full. If you drink water when you feel hungry, it will also curb your appetite so you can avoid unnecessary snacking.

(2) Water helps burn calories
Water makes up nearly 60% of human body weight. Therefore, water is a necessary component for the body to digest and metabolize food. According to recent research, energy expenditure is highest approximately 90 minutes after consuming water, and study participants burned more calories than those who did not consume water prior to their workouts. Even the body’s resting energy expenditure is higher after drinking water, which means you can burn calories even when you are taking a rest! More calories are burned if the water is consumed cold, since the body needs to expend additional energy to heat the water up before it can be absorbed. Think of it like double reward points on your credit card. Winning!

(3) Water helps you feel less bloated
Water keeps the body hydrated, which allows the kidneys and digestive system to properly filter and dispose of waste. Water helps to keep waste moving by softening or loosening hardened stool and can also help the body to recover for diarrhea, indigestion or other stomach problems. When waste is not moving through the body, it can cause constipation, bloating, swelling and fatigue. Retaining waste not only adds pounds to the scale, but inches to the waistline as well.

(4) Water is Calorie Free!
The Standard American Diet (SAD diet for short) is dominated by sugar, and many people will meet the daily recommendation for sugar intake just by consuming sugary beverages (soda, sweet tea, alcohol, juice, sweetened coffee, sports drinks). The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 25g of sugar in a day. 1 can of sweet tea (16 oz) contains a whopping 24g of sugar and 90 calories! These types of calories are what we refer to as “empty” calories because they do not provide viable nutrients to the body. In a 2015 study, women who drank 250 ml of water after lunch each day involved in a 24-week Weight Loss program, lost 13.6% more weight than women in the same program who drank the same volume of diet beverages after lunch. 1 sweetened beverage per day also increases your risk of developing diabetes over the next ten years by 18%!

(5) Water Burns Fat
Water is an essential component of lipolysis, which is the process responsible for metabolizing fat. The first step in this process is hydrolysis, in which water molecules interact with fat molecules to burn fat off from food, drinks and stored fat, such as carbohydrates.

Dr. Pacholec can help you track your water intake and set weight loss goals at either of our Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL weight loss clinics. You can also download and use our new mobile application, Pacholec MD, to monitor your weight loss goals, including your water intake and water retention. Contact either of our Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL locations for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pacholec today!

IIt's HERE! Our new app, Pacholec MD is available in both Android and Apple app stores for FREE download to be used by our current and new patients from both our Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations. This app has been proven to drastically improve weight loss outcomes, by as much as 84% in clinical trials! At Pacholec Center for Weight Loss, we are invested in your success and Dr. Pacholec hopes to help you not only lose weight, but improve your whole lifestyle. This app can help you track every factor in your life, including weight, calories, steps taken, supplement intake, water intake, exercise and also provides nutrition information on thousands of branded and generic food items. It is a great addition to our patients who follow the Keto Diet, Paleo Diet, Adkin's Diet or a low-carb diet, since it provides total carbs, total protein and total fat information that has been verified by licensed nutritionists. Using nutritionists to verify the label information on thousands of common food items enables users of Pacholec MD to receive the most accurate data concerning their calorie intake and ensure they are sticking to their goals. 

​Check out our new mobile application, Pacholec MD for patients at both our Lutz, FL and St Petersburg, FL offices. This app enables patients to keep track of their calories, meal planning, nutrition, exercise, supplement intake and water intake. For enhanced features, users can purchase a bio-impedance scale and wristband tracker to track weight, BMI, lean body mass, visceral fat, water retention, steps, sleep and activity level among others. Dr. Pacholec and our Nurse Practitioner, Lauren DeNeve will be able to access your information and view your progress. The dashboard is 100% HIPAA compliant, so all of your information will be safely stored and secure. The messaging feature on the app allows patients to communicate directly with Dr. Pacholec and Ms. DeNeve in regards to their progress, calorie intake or any other questions that may arise. This allows for better patient engagement in between visits and helps keep patients and practitioners accountable for progress towards a weight loss goal. It's so easy to use! Even people who struggle with technology will find this app to be a breeze. We are offering a huge discount on pre-sale orders of scales and wristband trackers at a bundled rate of $125 (retail $170!) to patients who order before the end of January 2019. You can purchase at our website, drpacholec.com or by contacting either our Lutz, FL office, 813-909-4430 or our St Petersburg, FL office at 727-502-2000. Happy Holidays!

Aging is a part of life; there are advantages, like getting wiser (hopefully) and there are disadvantages, like getting wrinkles. For decades, it was just assumed that as we got older, our bones would ache, our skin would lose elasticity, our minds would get foggy, our libido would become stagnant and our waistlines would increase, even as our appetites decreased! Traditional healthcare practitioners would tell patients that weight gain along with these aches and pains are “normal” or “expected” with age, but the truth is, these symptoms are not normal and should not be expected! Research in the field of anti-aging medicine continues to achieve significant results as they document the effects of lifestyle, diet, weight loss and nutrition supplementation on aging. A common mis-conception and critique of anti-aging medicine is that the field sells “endless youth” and “immortality” as a focal point, but the truth is, the field promotes taking responsibility for your own health and believes that well-being doesn’t have to be sacrificed as we age.

Making good health a top priority becomes more important as we age, because our cells are not immortal, and they do decay over time. The rate of the decay is the actual target of anti-aging medicine, and this is what anti-aging medicine refers to when it makes it claims to slow the aging process or even reverse signs of aging in some cases. If you can decrease the rate of decay, you have the potential to add years to your life by giving your cells the nutrition and support they need to sustain your body. Dr. Pacholec firmly believes that an active lifestyle, healthy diet, appropriate nutritional supplementation, medical weight loss, hormonal regulation and regular blood testing for biomarkers related to aging can significantly slow a patient’s rate of aging and add longevity to a patient’s lifespan. Dr. Pacholec encourages patients to take an active role in their healthcare while also promoting these principles at both her Lutz, Fl and St. Petersburg, FL weight loss clinics. Read below for Dr. Pacholec’s 6 Step Program on how you can significantly slow the aging process, increase your well-being and add years to your life!

Step 1: Stop Consuming Processed Foods, and Start Eating Whole Foods
We talk about it in pretty much every blog post but establishing healthy eating habits should always be a top priority! Processed foods are high in refined sugars, fat, salt, preservatives and other artificial flavors and colors which create an excess of free radicals in the body. In brief, free radicals are unstable molecules, meaning they are missing an electron so they are in a reactive state. They are responsible for many disease states and can adversely effect lipids, proteins and DNA. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and beta-carotene, are needed to decrease the abundance of free radicals, and organic fruits and vegetables are rich sources of these molecules. Without these powerful antioxidants, an excess of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress on the body, which increases inflammation, speeds up the aging process and has been linked to certain cancers and heart disease. Vitamin E, found in kale, spinach and almonds and sunflower seeds, increases immunocompetence by increasing immunity and providing resistance to certain bacterial infections as well as inhibiting tumor growth. Vitamin C, found in most fruits and vegetables, has been shown to prevent cancer in multiple studies by increasing immunity and detoxifying the liver.

However, it is important to note that not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. Genetically modified (GM), non-organic foods can also increase free radical damage due to pesticide use and these crops may also be of lower nutritional value due to genetic modifications used to increase crop yield. GM crops are also used in approximately 75% of all processed foods, and 80% of food consumed by Americans is processed. Free radicals also shorten the length of the telomeres on your DNA strands, which contributes to cellular aging and degeneration. In short, put down the cheeseburger, French fry, pizza and soft drink and pick up an organic apple and kale salad instead! Always choose water over soda. Your cells will thank you! Dr. Pacholec offers nutritional advice and meal planning as part of her weight loss and anti-aging programs at both her St. Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations. 

Step 2: Get Active and Lose Weight!
According to the US Department for Health and Human Services (HHS), only 5% of Americans get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day. 30 minutes of exercise can be anything from brisk walking to swimming to strength training. Exercise is not only important if you are trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss, it helps prevent certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Aerobic exercise, like running, jogging or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have been shown to increase memory, thinking skills and decrease one’s risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Research has shown that this type of exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the area of the brain linked to memory and learning. This research concluded that walking briskly for at least 1 hour a week can increase memory function.  Household activities, like active mopping, vacuuming, leaf raking or gardening also count as aerobic exercise and can help increase your memory function. If you want to try something more intense, try this 24-minute HIIT workout you can do right in your living room! In addition to weight loss, exercise also helps to lift your mood, benefits sleep, and lowers blood pressure, so stop making excuses, and get active today!

Step 3: Supplement Your Diet with Appropriate Vitamins and Minerals
Collagen peptides are one of the hottest topics in health and alternative medicine right now. Rightly so, because collagen is a structural protein which helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, supports the strength of bones, tendons and cartilage and helps build the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract, thus preventing or even reversing signs of leaky gut. It accounts for almost 30% of the body’s total protein, especially in connective tissue. Most individuals do not consume enough protein, and even if they do consume meat, they are not receiving the parts of the animal that are richest in collagen. Bone broth is the richest natural source of collagen, but it takes 24 hours or more to create a big batch. If you have the time, it is tasty and can be incorporated into many different recipes from pasta sauce to soups to curry. However, if you are on the go or do not like cooking, your best bet will be to take a collagen supplement. Dr. Pacholec recommends Whole Body Collagen, by Designs for Health, which is a synergistic blend of three different types of collagen designed to support bones, joints and skin and achieve optimal health and slow the aging process. Dr. Pacholec also recommends this supplement for patients who receive Botox or facial filler treatments, since it increases the skin’s elasticity and can help make the results of these treatments last longer.

Vitamin D3 and Fish Oil are other supplements Dr. Pacholec recommends specifically for anti-aging benefits. In recent studies, vitamin D3 has been shown to have specific anti-aging effects, increasing longevity of cells by 33% in genetic studies. It was also shown to slow aging effects on specific protein cells by suppressing protein insolubility. Protein insolubility has been implicated in a number of chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Type 2 Diabetes and some forms of heart disease. If you are deficient in vitamin D3, which you likely are if you don’t work outside or get adequate sun exposure (at least 30 minutes of direct sunlight per day), Dr. Pacholec recommends 2,000 International Units (IU) daily to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D3 in your blood. Some people may need more, depending on how low their current level is and Dr. Pacholec can test for this at both her Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations.

Fish Oil is another supplement promoted by health practitioners for its powerful anti-aging effects. Fish oil is composed of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential elements for brain growth, development and help tone and firm the skin. They cannot be produced within the body and must be acquired through food. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, tree nut oils, algae and krill. Anti-aging benefits include healthy skin, nails, hair and protections from heart disease, memory loss and reduction in inflammation. Omega-3s also prevent and curb side effects from diabetes, cancer and arthritis, and may even help reverse signs of these diseases in some cases. They also assist in weight loss, by maintaining a healthy metabolism. Fish oil can also be used to help combat wrinkles and fine lines by smoothing out the skin and helping the skin retain its moisture and elasticity. Dr. Pacholec recommends taking this supplement in conjunction with Botox or facial filler treatments, such as Juvederm or Volbella, for optimal anti-aging skin effects. Dr. Pacholec dispenses several different kinds of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplements from her St. Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations as well as on Dr. Pacholec’s online store.

All of the supplements described above are available for purchase at either Dr. Pacholec’s Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL locations and can also be purchased at our online store. All you need is your email address to set up an account and you can enjoy the convenience of having your favorite supplements shipped directly to your door! Free shipping is available as well.

Step 4: Regulate Your Hormones
Regulating your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels is a great way to reap the rewards of anti-aging medicine, with very little daily effort. A hormonal imbalance can affect everything from mood to weight gain to fatigue to libido. Dr. Pacholec only uses bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT), which utilizes hormones identical in structure to human hormones. These hormones, sourced from plants like yams, are more readily available in the human body and have a high rate of efficacy when compared to synthetic hormones. Dr. Pacholec creates gentle and custom formulations of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to treat patients with hormonal imbalances at both her St Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations. These treatments are safe with minimal side effects and patients rave about their powerful anti-aging effects. Many patients who have been on long-term hormone therapy report an increase in sex drive, a decrease in menopausal side effects, increased memory, better mood, weight loss and lower fatigue. When combined with Botox and facial filler treatments, Dr. Pacholec’s anti-aging program at both her St. Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations will have you feeling 20 years younger!

Step 5: Receive Botox and Facial Filler Treatments to Reduce Wrinkles
Botox and facial filler treatments like Juvederm and Volbella are the only FDA-approved ways to medically reduce the signs of aging. Botox injections smooth lines and wrinkles, while facial fillers can give a more youthful appearance to a patient’s face by enhancing the lips and perioral lines that run from the nose to the mouth. There are also proven medical benefits, including a reduction in migraines and sweating. Botox injections are administered every 3-4 months to keep wrinkles at bay. Facial filler treatments last longer, ranging from 9-18 months, depending on the type of treatment. Dr. Pacholec’s nurse practitioner, Lauren DeNeve, offers free consultations at the Lutz, FL location to give patients an idea of how many units or syringes they would need to start either a Botox or facial filler treatment. Appointments with Nurse DeNeve are by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays in the Lutz, FL office. In combination with the anti-aging supplements and lifestyle modifications discussed above, Botox and facial filler injections can help you look and feel younger and more confident.

Step 6: Use Anti-Aging Blood Tests to Monitor Markers of Aging
Although anti-aging medicine may sometimes sound cliché or make people skeptical about its claims for youthful regeneration, the foundations of this branch of medicine are deeply rooted in scientific studies on cellular biology. Anti-aging isn’t just about looking younger, and not even necessarily about feeling younger; the principal focus in anti-aging medicine concerns the age of our individual cells rather than our age in years. By targeting our cellular age, physicians in the field of anti-aging medicine can provide lifestyle and diet recommendations that are specific to our individual genes, which in turn makes us feel younger and look younger too. The best marker of aging at the cellular level are telomeres, which are sections of DNA at the tips of chromosomes that serve as a cap for genetic material. Each time a cell replicates, its telomeres get shorter. As telomeres get shorter, the life span of the cell decreases. Therefore, measuring the length of telomeres, or age adjusted telomere length, is the most accurate way to measure someone’s biological age. Specific recommendations on diet and lifestyle are based off these measurements and will help to slow a person’s aging and prevent age-related diseases. Things that amplify telomere loss include an inflammatory diet, including a high consumption of processed foods, artificial sweeteners, sodas, saturated fats and trans fats, an increase in oxidative stress (may be induced from diet), a high body mass index (BMI), a large proportion of belly fat, lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, micronutrient deficiencies (specifically vitamin D3), insulin resistance, diabetes, substantial weight gain and obesity.

Dr. Pacholec offers specialized testing through Spectracell Laboratories at both her Lutz, FL and St Petersburg, FL locations that calculates the Patient Telomere Score, which is based off telomere length on white blood cells (T-lymphocytes). This score is compared to average telomere length on T-lymphocytes from a sample of Americans in the same age range, and scores that are above the average are regarded as “younger” due to their increased telomere length. An above average score is therefore desirable. While it is not possible to “grow back” telomeres that have been shortened, a modification in diet and lifestyle following the recommendations outlined in this article can reduce the rate of telomere loss, which would increase the Patient Telomere Score. Dr. Pacholec recommends performing this test at least annually to determine the rate of telomere loss as lifestyle factors change.
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Another anti-aging test Dr. Pacholec recommends at both her Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations is the micronutrient test from Spectracell Laboratories or the NutrEval test from Genova Diagnostics. Generally, both tests determine the cellular abundance of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in different types of cells. These tests can accurately and precisely calculate what a patient’s nutrient deficiencies are. People who are low in antioxidants, for example, will be more susceptible for oxidative stress and a faster rate of aging and are at risk for various age-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s. When used in combination with the telomeres test described above, a patient can get a clear and accurate picture of what their risk factors are for age-related diseases and will also receive specific diet recommendations based on their nutritional deficiencies.

This program gives a clear overview of the approach Dr. Pacholec uses when assessing and treating her patients at both her Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations. Weight loss involves so much more than just an appetite suppressant and heart check. Hormonal support involves so much more than just a few applications of bio-identical hormone cream. Achieving optimal health and reaping the rewards of anti-aging medicine is a multi-faceted and holistic treatment that takes time, perseverance, and motivation. It is difficult to change your whole lifestyle, but with support from Dr. Pacholec and her staff at both her Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations, it can be done! Restore your confidence and vitality today with Dr. Pacholec’s anti-aging program. The results will speak for themselves. Remember, together, we will succeed!

References
Free Radicals, Antioxidants, and Functional Foods: Impacts on Human Health
President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition
Regular Exercise Changes the Brain to Improve Memory, Thinking Skills
​Antioxidants: What You Need to Know
New Study Uncovers Unexpected Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin D

 

Fall is a season of change; the signs of aging are all around us. Another year speeds quickly towards its conclusion, but just because we can’t slow down time doesn’t mean we can’t slow down the aging process. Injections of Botox Cosmetic help to keep a youthful appearance and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic is the most popular neurotoxin used for cosmetic procedures in the United States and is FDA-approved for cosmetic use. Facial expression, stress, genetics and other factors may lead to unsightly wrinkles that can make you look and feel older. Do you often find yourself wishing you looked younger? Does your appearance lead to personal insecurities? While you may have to watch the leaves decay outside, you don’t have to watch your face suffer the same fate! Botox Cosmetic is a non-surgical way to reduce or eliminate unsightly wrinkles and lift the brow. Botox Cosmetic can also be used as a preventative by weakening facial muscles that cause wrinkles to appear. Interested in learning more about Botox Cosmetic? Read below for 7 of the most frequently answered questions.

(1) What is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles, specifically the facial muscles, to temporarily alleviate moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults. Botox Cosmetic temporarily reduces the muscle activity in these areas of the face to visibly smooth these lines and wrinkles. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and has many clinical studies to prove its effectiveness and safety in use. On average, the effects of Botox Cosmetic last 3-4 months, so you will need to continue treatment to see results.

(2) How is Botox Cosmetic administered?
Botox Cosmetic is an injectible medicine, administered to the muscle surrounding the sides of the eyes for crow’s feet or the corrugator and the procerus muscles for frown lines. Botox procedures must be performed by a licensed medical professional. Results typically last 3-4 months, and usually results can be noticed right away with minimal side effects.

(3) What does Botox Treat?
Botox Cosmetic treats fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet in the face. This includes more specific areas like horizontal lines across the forehead, frown lines, lines on the sides of the nose, “lipstick lines” around the corners of the mouth and neck banding as well. Botox Cosmetic also has reported medicinal use, including migraine relief, sweating reduction, lifting the brow, and has been used to reduce eye squinting as well.

(4) What are some Benefits of Receiving Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic can increase your self confidence by helping you look younger and combat the aging process. Botox has also been proven to aid in migraine reduction, excessive sweating and eye squinting, although it is only FDA-approved for cosmetic use. There have also been clinical studies performed on patients who receive Botox Cosmetic treatments and its link to human emotions. These studies used volunteers who regularly receive Botox treatments for the treatment group and volunteers who do not receive Botox treatments for the control group, and asked them to respond to a questionnaire of emotion-producing sentences with three answers, “angry”, “sad” or “happy”.  When prompted with questions to encourage negative feelings, the participants took longer than the control group (no Botox) to read and understand it. The study was performed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin. Professor emeritus of psychology, Arthur Glenberg, said “normally, the brain would be sending signals to the periphery to frown and the extent of the frown would be sent back to the brain. But here, the loop is disrupted, and the intensity of the emotion and of our ability to understand it when embodied in language is disrupted.” Simply put, the angry and sad emotions did not compute as easily as before their frown and wrinkle lines were paralyzed. This research is part of an exciting field in psychology called, “embodied  cognition” which theorizes that most of our cognitive capabilities are rooted in and reflected by the body. Do the results of this research prove that people who receive Botox are happier? Not necessarily, but the best way to find out is by scheduling your Botox consultation today!

(5) Is Botox Cosmetic Safe?
There are minimal side effects from Botox Comsetic reported for healthy individuals who do not suffer from chronic nervous system diseases such as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In clinical studies, 3% of patients experienced eyelid drooping in the frown lines and 1% experienced eyelid swelling for the crow’s feet treatment. Other possible side effects include discomfort or pain at the injection site, headache, eye problems, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids and swelling of your eyelids. Make an appointment with our Nurse Practitioner, Lauren DeNeve, to find out if Botox Cosmetic is right for you!

(6) Why Choose Dr. Pacholec’s practice for Your Botox Consult?
Our Nurse Practitioner, Lauren DeNeve, is fully qualified to perform Botox injections and has been practicing for over 5 years. She thoroughly understands facial anatomy, especially the muscular network that underlies the skin. She is gentle, accurate and precise, making the Botox experience easy and comfortable for the patient. She truly enjoys performing Botox Cosmetic procedures and helping patients discover their vitality and recapture their youth!
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(7) What other cosmetic procedures does Dr. Pacholec offer?
At Dr. Pacholec’s practice, Pacholec Center for Weight Loss, we strive to offer the best treatments for our patients. Our nurse practitioner, Lauren DeNeve, administers the Botox Cosmetic procedures and also offer facial filler injections, including Juvederm and Volbella. Juvederm treatments last between 9-12 months and are useful for people with moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, specifically the nasolabial folds, which run for the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Volbella is the recommended treatment for lips, lines around the lips and fine lines and wrinkles. Volbella lasts for 12-18 months and is the longest lasting lip filler on the market. If you are interested in any of these cosmetic procedures, call the Lutz, FL office at 813-909-4430 to schedule your consultation with Lauren DeNeve!

 1. Diabetes Type 2: Weight Loss Program May Help
This disease results from the body developing a resistance to insulin over time. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for feeding the cells of the body with glucose, which is converted to energy that we use in daily activities and body system processes. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin isn’t being produced or used correctly, which leads to a buildup of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and more than 87% of people who are diagnosed with this disease are overweight or obese. Weight loss and being more active will help to control blood sugar levels and may even reverse the disease, when weight loss is significant and a shift in lifestyle occurs. The Diabetes Prevention Program found that losing 5-7% of your body fat and doing moderate to intense exercise (like brisk walking) for 150 minutes a week, can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes or even prevent it. Dr. Pacholec’s long term weight management programs can help to prevent this disease from occuring or even reverse symptoms of diabetes in a safe and effective manner. She oversees weight management programs out of her Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL offices in the Tampa Bay area.

2. High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease and Stroke: How Modifying Eating Habits and Losing Weight May Help
High blood pressure refers to the arterial pressure in your arteries, which is a good reflection of how hard your heart is working to supply blood to all your cells. When you are overweight or obese, there are more cells to pump blood too, which can increase your blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke or kidney failure. Modifying your lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, increasing exercise and quitting smoking can all help lower blood pressure. Excess fat also damages the kidneys, so losing weight is essential to lowering your BMI and bringing your blood pressure down to normal. Losing 5-10% of your body weight can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease which equates to only 10 pounds for a 200-pound person! Dr. Pacholec’s weight loss center in St Petersburg and Lutz, FL offers long term weight management programs to help prevent cardiac diseases and can even reverse symptoms of these illnesses, or cure them altogether in some cases.

3. Cancer: How Medical Weight Loss Can Prevent Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1/3 of cancer deaths are related to being overweight, obese, or suffering from poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. Cancer of the breast (post-menopause), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, kidneys and pancreas have shown a tight link with obesity, while cancer of the blood, liver, gallbladder, cervix, ovaries and prostate have shown a probable link with obesity in several research studies. Medical weight loss, especially losing belly fat, modifying your lifestyle, eliminating processed foods, increasing your consumption of leafy greens and vegetables, along with adequate exercise can drastically reduce your risk for these types of cancers specifically. A personalized weight loss program, such as the programs offered at Dr. Pacholec’s weight loss centers in St. Petersburg and Lutz, FL, can help a patient lose weight, regain their health and help prevent diseases, like cancer from occuring.

4. Sleep Apnea: How Diet and Weight Loss Can Prevent Sleep Apnea
Obesity is the highest risk factor for sleep apnea. Individuals who are overweight or obese may have more fat stored around the neck, which puts pressure on the airway and makes it more difficult to breath, especially when lying down. Inflammation also increases in people who are overweight or obese, and inflammation can occur around the airway, putting further pressure on it and making it difficult to breath, increasing snoring or inhibiting breath from coming out altogether. Losing weight can reduce one’s neck size and decrease inflammation, making it easier to breath and reversing sleep apnea completely! Dr. Pacholec creates personalized weight management programs and customized diet plans to help her patients lose weight successfully at both of her weight loss centers in St. Petersburg and Lutz, FL.

5. Osteoarthritis: Weight Loss and Collagen Supplements May Help Improve Symptoms
One of the main risk factors for developing osteoarthritis is being overweight. Excess weight puts pressure on the joints, tendons, bones and ligaments, which can lead to osteoarthritis. Being overweight or obese also makes one more susceptible to injuries, which in turn, can lead to osteoarthritis. Losing weight helps to alleviate pressure on the joints, which can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis or even reverse signs of the disease. Dr. Pacholec uses customized weight management programs that include appetite suppressants, such as Phentermine, and vitamin support to help patients who suffer from osteoarthritis lose weight safely and effectively at both her St Petersburg and Lutz, Fl locations. One of the supplements she often recommends for patients suffering from osteoarthritis is whole body collagen, which helps to firm the skin and support the joints, tendons, bones and ligaments. Collagen is a dense, insoluble and fibrous protein that accounts for approximately one-third of all protein in the human body and decreases as we age due to sun exposure, smoking and age-related processes, such as menopause.

6. Fatty Liver Disease: Weight Loss Can Prevent and Reverse Symptoms 
Fatty liver disease is also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and while the cause is unknown, it occurs when fatty deposits build up on the liver. This puts stress on the liver and diminishes its performance, leading to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or even liver damage. It is most common in people who are overweight, obese or diabetic. Losing weight, particularly belly fat, can help to reverse this disease once a person’s BMI is back in normal range. Dr. Pacholec works with her patients to tailor a weight loss program unique to their needs at both her St. Petersburg and Lutz, FL locations. This may include lifestyle adjustments, exercise recommendations, diet plans, meal plans, nutrition advice and appetite suppressants, such as Phentermine. Losing weight is the best way to prevent diseases like fatty liver disease from occurring and may also help reverse signs of this disease in the long term.

7. Kidney Disease: Medical Weight Loss Can Prevent Kidney Degradation 
The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating waste products from the body. Being overweight or obese can lead to a buildup of waste in the blood, especially if one is pre-diabetic or diabetic, which puts stress on the kidneys and inhibits them from functioning properly. Kidney disease is often linked with diabetes and high blood pressure, so weight loss can help combat all three of these disorders at the same time! Dr. Pacholec’s prescription weight loss and weight management programs at both her St. Petersburg and Lutz, FL locations are perfect for people battling these disorders or in danger of developing them. Losing just 10% of your body weight is enough to prevent diseases such as kidney disease from occurring and is also enough to reverse signs of these diseases in most people.

Dr. Pacholec is a board-certified Fellow by the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine and has over 20 years of experience helping people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Her anti-aging and prescription weight loss programs at both her Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations help patients learn how to take back control of their health, lives and longevity. Dr. Pacholec recommends clean eating with a diet full of organic whole foods, daily exercise, calorie counting and vitamin supplementation to help patients reach their weight loss goals. Dr. Pacholec also dispenses prescription appetite suppressants, like Phentermine, from her offices in Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL to further assist patients in their weight loss transformations. Dr. Pacholec's motto is, "Together we will succeed!" because weight loss is not only about counting calories and exercising; it takes motivation and support from family, friends and your doctor! You can read our reviews from both our Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations to see how Dr. Pacholec encourages and supports her patients every step of the way.

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States over the last few decades. This is due to diet, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, the early cessation of breastfeeding and lack of physical activity. People are consuming more processed foods than ever before and organic whole foods are often pricey. Walking, biking or running has become more of a leisure type of activity, rather than a necessity to get from one place to the next. Our reliance on technology for work and leisure leads to more time sitting in front of a computer, tablet or phone. Research shows that exclusively breastfeeding an infant leads to a decreased risk of obesity from childhood through adulthood, yet only 13% of infants are fed breastmilk with no supplementation after 6 months of age. While this portrait of our society may seem grim, these are all factors that can be changed with education and an adjustment to lifestyle and diet. Being overweight or obese can be rectified with motivation to lose weight and a shift to a healthier lifestyle and diet.

Dr. Pacholec has motivated and medically assisted patients to lose weight for over 20 years in her Lutz, FL and Saint Petersburg, FL offices. These 7 deadly diseases, including diabetes Type 2, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and fatty liver disease, are all diseases directly correlated with obesity. Weight loss can help prevent you from developing these disorders in the future and can even help reverse certain diseases once a patient loses weight. The best way to lose weight and keep it off in a safe and effective manner is with medical help, so call Dr. Pacholec today at either her Lutz, FL or Saint Petersburg, FL location to get started on your weight loss transformation!

Am I overweight or obese?
Measuring your Body Mass Index (BMI) is one quick and easy way to determine if you classify as “overweight” or “obese”. Even people who look outwardly skinny, may still have a high BMI depending on how much body fat they are storing. Dr. Pacholec measures BMI using a sophisticated bio-impedance test in both her Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL offices, that sends a painless electrical current through the body in a matter of seconds to detect body fat and mass. The computer then calculates a person’s BMI, along with a suite of other data, including lean body mass, body fat percentage, and muscle mass. A healthy BMI is considered 20-25, an overweight BMI is considered 25-30, a severely overweight BMI is considered 30-40 and anything over 40 is considered obese. Instead of focusing on losing pounds, it is better to focus on lowering your BMI. An increased BMI is what makes you more susceptible to these diseases. At both Dr. Pacholec’s Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations, Dr. Pacholec focuses on decreasing a patient’s BMI and increasing lean body mass, which equates to the percentage of a person’s weight attributed to bones and muscles. Dr. Pacholec recommends a diet rich in organic produce, meat and diary (when appropriate), lowering one’s caloric intake, decreasing belly fat, and regular exercise to help lower BMI and increase lean body mass. Dr. Pacholec may also prescribe appetite suppressants to assist in weight loss, which she dispenses from both her Saint Petersburg, FL and Lutz, FL locations. 

In America, obesity has risen almost 20% since the 1980s. We are consuming 20% more calories, 40% more meat and 45% more fat than our counterparts did in the mid-1900s.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Americans are also not burning enough calories and 80% of us don’t get enough daily exercise. When a decline in activity is combined with an increase in caloric intake, the final product equals more fat storage in the body. As the fat stores grow, they can contribute to inflammation and many different diseases, including cancer, insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease. Fat builds layer upon layer, from subcutaneous fat around our arms, thighs and face to deeper intra-abdominal fat which surrounds the organs and expands a person’s mid-section. This is what we call visceral fat but is more commonly referred to as belly fat. This is the most dangerous type of fat there is and forms a gel-like layer beneath the subcutaneous fat that is extremely difficult to lose if proper weight loss techniques are not employed. Losing this type of weight is difficult but can be done with proper nutrition, exercise and guidance. However, if belly fat is left untreated, it begins to act as an organ, triggering an inflammation response by the body and upsetting normal hormone functions as well. It can create its own hormones, which affect appetite, weight, mood and brain function through the brain/gut connection. Hormones and chemical signals are sent from the gut to the brain in response to our appetite and to alert us when we feel full. If there is a breakdown in this chemical feedback system, we are in danger of over-eating, which leads to excess fat storage. Excess fat storage also occurs when we eat refined processed sugars and carbohydrates, which triggers a large release of insulin from the pancreas and ultimately leads to weight gain.

The Role of Insulin: Belly Fat, Weight Gain and Fat Storage
Insulin is the main hormone involved in blood sugar control, affecting appetite, mood and weight gain. When we eat a meal high in carbohydrates or sugar, the food products breakdown in the stomach to usable sugars, like glucose and fructose. These sugars need to be transported to the cells to provide us with energy, and the hormone that is responsible for this transport is insulin. When there is too much glucose in the blood, also known as “high blood sugar”, the pancreas is prompted to release more and more insulin. When insulin levels creep too high in the blood, this can lead to problems like insulin resistance, where the cells don’t respond to the signals produced by insulin and therefore, do not accept the glucose molecules, which get stored as fat instead. This happens a lot more quickly when we consume refined processed carbohydrates, like white bread or white rice. Research has shown that insulin resistance promotes weight gain, and has been associated with abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL (the “good cholesterol”). Insulin resistance syndrome, or metabolic syndrome, occurs when most of these symptoms are observed in an individual and can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

How to Lose Belly Fat in 6 Steps
Luckily, when we lose belly fat, our risk of diabetes, dementia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and inflammation decreases as well. So losing belly fat is not only going to make your waist line shrink, it is also going to increase your longevity and vitality as well! Losing this type of fat is not easy, however, and requires dedication, support and motivation. Dr. Pacholec has outlined below the most effective ways to lose belly fat and keep it off. Call Dr. Pacholec at either our Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg,  FL locations to set up a weight loss consultation and get started on your journey towards better health and happiness!

1. Decrease consumption of refined sugars and processed carbohydrates​​
   1. Refined sugars come in many forms and labels can often be misleading. These sugars may be labelled as corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, juice concentrate, maltodextrin, raw sugar and brown sugar. Avoid juice, even those labelled as “natural”, “organic” or “100% juice”. Always avoid soda and other sugary beverages, as these are just empty calories that increase your risk for insulin resistance. This is especially important for children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no juice at all for infants under 6 months of age, a daily amount of 4-6 ounces of juice for children 1-6, and a daily amount of 8-12 oz for children 7 and older. If you still need a little sweetness in your diet (who doesn’t?!) opt for a natural sweetener like green stevia or raw honey, but it is still recommended to only use these in moderation.
   2. Cut out processed carbohydrates, like white bread and white rice. The rule of thumb is to buy 80% of your groceries around the periphery of the grocery store (think veggies, fruits, dairy, meats) and 20% in the isles (cereals, shelf stable goods, potato chips, etc.)
2. Increase consumption of complex carbohydrates from non-starchy, green vegetables, fats and proteins
   1. The best foods to promote weight loss and lose belly fat are green, leafy vegetables, coconut, sprouted seeds and free-range meats, including grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild-caught fish, lamb, venison and bone broth. Nutrient dense vegetables include kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus and carrots. Sprouted seeds include things like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds, which are nutrient packed and can be easily added to smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.
3. Exercise regularly
   1. Interval training, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or Tabata training can help you lose 3-9 times more body fat than traditional cardio and causes an afterburn effect, which helps you continue burning fat for up to 36 hours post workout! Because it’s high intensity, you only need to do between 20-40 minutes, at least 3 times a week. You could even do it on your lunch break!
4. Reduce stress and anxiety
   1. This one is easier said than done, right? Try yoga, deep breathing exercises and meditation for even 15 minutes every day to help relieve stress.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep!
   1. Sleep, sleep and more sleep! Try taking melatonin if you can’t seem to shut off your brain. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for sleep and can be bought as a supplement. Dr. Pacholec sells a high-quality melatonin supplement that can be purchased through our Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL office.
6. Use appetite suppressants and supplements under the supervision of a medical professional
   1. Call Dr. Pacholec to schedule your weight loss consultation and receive a personalized program to help you lose belly fat fast and effectively. Some of the supplements we offer to assist in weight loss include super-greens powder, Collagen powder, Opti-Cleanse for extra protein and liver detox, fish oil, probiotics and vitamin D. We sell these supplements at both our Lutz, FL and St. Petersburg, FL locations and on our online store, so call to set up your next appointment with Dr. Pacholec today!

If you read our previous post about our new product, Secretropin, you may be wondering what exactly human growth hormone (HGH) does in the body. Even though it sounds similar to human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), it is actually very different. Both are used for growth and development, but HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy to aid in growth of the fetus, while HGH is produced by the pituitary gland throughout life and has a wide range of metabolic and growth effects on the body. As we age, the production of HGH goes down, which contributes to many of the detrimental side effects of aging, including memory loss, poor sleep and insomnia, looser skin, hair loss, fatigue, and lack of muscle tone. HCG gets a lot of hype in the diet and weight loss industry, and in the past, HGH has been pretty well known in professional athletics for its physical performance enhancing abilities. However, HGH is responsible for so much more than just its ability to enhance performance. It is a natural testosterone booster, which can be used to increase vitality, improve sleep, stimulate hair growth, increase muscle tone and so much more. It is often used to treat both children and adults with signs of HGH deficiency, but more recently, has gotten popular for it's powerful anti-aging effects. Read below to learn more about this all-encompassing hormone. 

1. What are the anti-aging effects of HGH and how does it work?
HGH is responsible for many different metabolic and growth processes in the body. It keeps skin smooth and youthful, reduces hair loss, increases muscle tone and strength, builds stronger bones, reduces your risk of heart disease and it improves sleep, memory and cognitive function. HGH is a hormone which is closely linked to other metabolic hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, so any disruption to these hormones can lead to decreased production of HGH. The peak of HGH production is at night, between the hours of 8pm and 4am, and it is known to increase melatonin production during this time, which is why it promotes deeper sleep. Sounds great right?! So if HGH is produced naturally by the body and production continues throughout life, why do so many millions of people suffer from these ailments? Well, unfortunately, there is no easy answer, but there are many physical, emotional and environmental factors that play a role in decreasing the natural production of HGH over time. HGH naturally decreases as we age, but hormone imbalances in testosterone and estrogen levels, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of green vegetables and fresh fruit, obesity, nutrient deficiency, fatty liver or liver degeneration and depression are some of the factors which can decrease HGH and if not corrected, eventually lead to true HGH deficiency.

2. How do I know if I am deficient in HGH?
There are certain symptoms that are specific to true HGH deficiency in both children and adults. See below for more information. 
In Children:

• less than 2 in of growth per year and being significantly shorter than other children of the same age
• delayed puberty
• slow teeth development 
• increased fat around stomach and face
• underdeveloped bridge of nose
• prominent forehead
• slow hair growth

In Adults:

• depression/anxiety
• hair loss
• lack of interest in sexual activity
• decreased muscle strength and mass
• memory loss
• loose, dry skin
• fatigue
• increased belly fat
• those at risk for heart disease, with elevated triglyceride and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels
• insulin resistance

There are natural ways to increase your HGH, which include being more active, specifically engaging in a high interval intensity training (HIIT) workout, which has been proven to be the best exercise for increasing HGH levels. Supplementation of l-arginine, l-glutamine and vitamin C have shown to have a great effect on HGH levels and laughter has proven to also increase HGH levels by as much as 30%! Secretropin is a combination of amino acids, including l-arginine and l-glutamine, which has been proven to increase HGH naturally, thereby eliminating many of the negative side effects that occur with HGH injections. 

3. Can HGH be used to for weight loss?
Yes! Even though HGH isn't as effective as HCG, it does promote weight loss, primarily by inducing better sleep (which in turn speeds up metabolism), increasing muscle mass, and reducing belly fat. It also does not require you to adhere to a strict diet, so as long as you are eating a healthy and varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, you should start shedding some pounds. You won't lose weight quickly, but by improving your metabolism and overall well-being, the weight will naturally shed.

4. How does Secretropin differ from HGH injections?
HGH is notoriously difficult for providers to test, and levels can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. When patients receive injectable HGH, this eliminates their body's own production of HGH and therefore, they are relying on their physician to accurately administer a correct dose. Unfortunately, due to the many different variables affecting HGH levels as described above, it is difficult for physicians to prescribe an accurate dose for injections. This leads to many negative side effects, which are described below. 
Negative Side Effects of HGH Injections:

• enlargement of fingers and toes
• skeletal changes
• lengthening of the jaw
• growth of orbit
• internal organ enlargement (cardiomegaly is associated with HGH abuse)
• increased risk of carpel tunnel syndrome 
• fuller looking face
• thickening and coarsening of skin at high doses (known as "elephant epidermis")
• increased risk of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia

For these reasons, Dr. Pacholec believes it is safer to naturally support the body's own production of HGH. Secretropin, is an all-natural supplement to boost the body's own production of HGH, thereby eliminating all of the negative side effects associated with injection of HGH. It is a daily supplement, administered before bed, which elevates HGH to levels that are acceptable for each unique person. It has been in use for over 20 years, and no adverse side effects have been reported.

Interested in learning more? Call Dr. Pacholec's St Petersburg, FL or Lutz, FL offices to set up your anti-aging consultation today!

Secretropin® is one of the latest innovations in anti-aging medicine and natural hormone replacement therapy. Patients of Pacholec Center for Weight Loss in Lutz, FL and St Petersburg, FL who are looking to improve immunity, regulate their hormones or achieve better health and wellness overall can benefit from this easy oral bedtime spray. It is a natural alternative to Human Growth Hormone (HGH) injections and works to stimulate the natural release and production of HGH by your own body.

How Does Secretropin® Work?
As a secretagogoue, Secretropin® enhances the signals sent to the pituitary gland that tell it to secrete more HGH and it works with the body’s natural systems rather than eliminating the body’s own production of HGH, which often occurs with HGH injections.
Secretropin® combines natural amino acids to increase the production and release of natural human growth factors. This unique formula allows patients to experience the same results as they would receive from getting HGH injections, without damaging the body’s natural ability to produce HGH and Somatostatin.

Benefits of Secretropin® HGH Treatment

• Increased immune support
• Improved muscle tone and exercise performance
• Improved and deeper sleep
• Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
• Firmer skin
• Increased hair growth and vitality
• Improved memory and sharper vision

With Dr. Pacholec’s assistance, patients can experience the highest level of benefits from this amazing innovation in anti-aging medicine and natural hormone therapy. Call Dr. Pacholec's Lutz, FL or St. Petersburg, FL location to set up an appointment for your anti-aging consultation today!
 
​Directions for Use
Start with three sprays under the tongue and hold for 30 seconds. Administer at bedtime.