Other | Dr. Joe Alaimo

Childhood stomach aches linked with adult depression and anxiety

February 7, 2012 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

childhood stomach aches adult depression anxiety

Many dismiss childhood stomach aches as a normal part of growing up. However research shows that chronic childhood stomach aches could result in anxiety and depression later in life. A Stanford University researcher found that gastric irritation early in life could pave the way for lifelong psychological problems. Of course, not all childhood stomach aches will lead to adult depression and anxiety; genetic makeup and when the stomach aches occur developmentally are also important … [Read more...]

Gluten could be causing your heartburn

January 24, 2012 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

Call it acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD, but having stomach acid splash back up into your esophagus is painful and distressing. Although researchers cite various causes, one that many doctors overlook is gluten, the protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley, and other wheat-like grains. Studies link gluten with acid reflux Research shows acid reflux symptoms more commonly affect those with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. One study found 30 percent of celiac disease … [Read more...]

Detox Diet Plan for the New Year

January 3, 2012 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

Now that the food comas, sugar hangovers, and holiday binges are over, it’s a good time to “clean house” with a detox diet. A detox diet calms inflammation, stimulates repair and recovery, and boosts energy. A detox diet should never involve frequent hunger or lack of nutrients, factors that only stress the body further. Finding food intolerances Many people don’t realize they have food intolerances. These foods trigger an immune reaction and cause such symptoms as low energy, rashes, … [Read more...]

Holiday sugar hangover cure?

December 27, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

The tin of peppermint bark is empty, the pies polished off, and the Yule log cake reduced to crumbs. Left in their wake, however, is the sugar hangover, that annual holiday tradition that may include an upset stomach, headache, lethargy, brain fog, skin problems, join pain, mood swings, allergy symptoms, and a heap of regret. How to recover from a sugar hangover While alcohol hangover cures are a folklore staple, you can take solid steps to recover from your sugar hangover: Quit eating sweets. … [Read more...]

Can stress cause your baby’s allergies?

December 20, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

A calm, healthy pregnancy and postpartum period could reduce the risk of allergies in your baby, according to a new Swedish study. Researchers found infants with lower levels of cortisol, an adrenal hormone released in response to stress, developed fewer allergies than other infants. Stress hormone cortisol triggers allergies The researchers believe environmental and lifestyle factors during pregnancy and early infancy raise adrenal cortisol levels, which increases the risk of … [Read more...]

Vitamin D outshines vitamin C at preventing flu virus

December 13, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

Move over vitamin C. When it comes to warding off the flu virus and colds, studies shows vitamin D trumps vitamin C. But are you getting enough vitamin D from sunlight and diet alone? Studies link low vitamin D levels with flu virus Compelling evidence links low vitamin D levels with illness. One study showed vitamin D-deficient subjects were 36 percent more likely to report an upper respiratory infection than those with higher levels. That rate jumped significantly for those with … [Read more...]

Can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism?

December 6, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

QuestionWhy did pregnancy trigger my hypothyroidism? AnswerNatural immune shifts during pregnancy, together with a genetic tendency and other predisposing factors, can trigger hypothyroidism in some women. Hypothyroidism is an immune disease for mostFor 90 percent of Americans, hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The immune system has two major arms of function, one that reacts immediately to an … [Read more...]

Fractures common today: Build stronger bones

November 29, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

QuestionIs it my imagination or are broken bones more common than ever today? AnswerBoys are 32 percent and girls 56 percent more likely to break a bone than children 40 years ago. Fractures are also common in older adults. Soda has replaced milkDairy provides 70 percent of calcium in the American diet. However 40 years ago children drank four times more milk than soda; in 2001 they drank two and a half more times soda than milk. Today males ages 12-29 average half a gallon a day of soda. Not … [Read more...]

Why does eating make me sleepy?

November 15, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

Question I practically fall asleep in my plate after every meal. Why does eating make me so sleepy? Answer Feeling sleepy after meals is a common symptom of insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. Starchy foods and too much insulin Insulin resistance is common today and is a stepping-stone to diabetes. Overeating and eating a diet high in sugar and starchy foods causes insulin resistance. These foods include breads, rice, pasta, pastries, chips, potatoes, soda, sweet coffee drinks, … [Read more...]

Food allergies can prevent weight loss

November 8, 2011 By Dr. Joe Alaimo Leave a Comment

QuestionI learned I have intolerances and allergies to certain foods, and that I need to avoid those foods if I want to lose weight. Isn’t it just a matter of eating fewer calories? AnswerSome people find they can’t lose weight through calorie restriction alone. When that happens several issues need to be investigated. One of the most important is food intolerances. Eating foods to which you are allergic or intolerant will prevent weight loss. Food intolerances cause inflammationFood … [Read more...]