FitSugar

DrSugar: How Harmful Is Oxybenzone?

DrSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:30:00 -0700

 DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I recently read a post on FitSugar about the dangers of oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen and other cosmetics. I am wondering if my sunscreen containing this chemical is doing more harm than good? What do you think about oxybenzone, and should I be worried?
-Easily Burned

To see what DrSugar thinks about oxybenzone, just read more.

Oxybenzone is a chemical in the family of benzophenones that is used in the vast majority of common sunscreens, as well as other skincare products, lip balm, etc. It is in the majority of sunscreens because of its ability to absorb and dissipate UV light, which causes sunburn and eventually skin cancers. Ideally, the chemical would simply sit on the skin and block sun rays until being washed off. Unfortunately, a study from the CDC suggests that the chemical is actually absorbed into our system, and can stay there for an unknown amount of time. The CDC randomly tested thousands of blood samples and found traces of benzophenones in 95 percent of the samples. It is certainly a scary thought that this chemical is being absorbed into our systems and causing unknown effects.

Currently, there are no studies showing a direct relationship between oxybenzone in sunscreen and negative health consequences. However, there is evidence that benzophenones can cause damage to cells and affect hormones in a lab setting. This means that if you expose animal cells to oxybenzone in a lab, you may see toxic effects. The caveat is that this does not always translate into cellular damage in the real world, usually because the concentration of the substance is much higher in lab studies. Many commonly used substances have been shown to cause cancer in rats, most famously the artificial sweetener aspartame. I think the most important thing is to wear some type of sun protection, oxybenzone-containing or not, because we know for a fact that sunburns and sun exposure leads to skin cancer. Playing it safe, however, is never a bad idea. Fit has some oxybenzone-free sunscreen ideas.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: Antidepressant, IBS, and Weight Gain?

DrSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

 DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar, 
I've recently been diagnosed with probable irritable bowel syndrome that is exacerbated by anxiety and depression. My doctor prescribed the antidepressant Citalopram to decrease my abdominal pain and stabilize my mood. I've read multiple reports about the correlation between antidepressant medication and weight gain. I was an overweight teenager with poor eating habits and have finally managed to lose a great deal of weight in the past year. I'd rather not pile it back on as a result of a pill. Is it true that Citalopram is likely to make me put on weight? Are there any other remedies that might help abdominal pain from IBS? Thank you.
- Concerned about Citalopram

This is a complicated issue and worthy of investigation, so to see what the doctor has to say on this matter, just read more.

Controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be very difficult, and getting a handle on anxiety and depression is a great place to start. Unfortunately, many antidepressants are associated with weight gain. The antidepressant Citalopram is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). While this class of medication is less likely to cause weight gain than older antidepressants, SSRIs still have about a 25 percent incidence of weight gain. Weight gain when starting an SSRI is not inevitable, but it is still a possibility. Alternative antidepressants not associated with weight gain, like buproprion and venlafaxine, have not been as thoroughly researched for effectiveness in treating IBS as the drug you were prescribed.

There are some simple IBS therapies, including dietary modifications and medication for constipation or diarrhea, that may help with your abdominal pain as well. Regular exercise can also help to relieve symptoms of constipation and uncomfortable bloating. If anxiety and depression are the main issues exacerbating your IBS, an antidepressant, like an SSRI, is probably your best option. Remember that if you begin to rapidly gain weight once you begin taking an SSRI, you can consult your doctor for other options. Good luck!

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: Do I Burn More Calories Running in Cold Weather?

DrSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear Doc Sugar,
As the weather heats up, I am wondering if I burn more calories running in the Winter when it is chilly or when temperatures are much, much higher? It feels much tougher working out in the cold, but is that just psychological? I have also heard that sitting in saunas raises your heart rate and therefore burns calories. Is that true?
- Climate Concerns

To see what DrSugar has to say about your caloric burn in hot and cold temperatures, read more.

It is true that different temperatures can affect your metabolism and lead to changes in calories burned. This effect is most dramatic at very cold temperatures when we shiver. Shivering alone can actually burn up to a few hundred calories an hour, but this effect of cold temperatures on metabolism is only significant if you’re actually shivering. It would have to be very cold to shiver while jogging, because so much body heat is generated from your exercising muscles. You will notice that sometimes you sweat less when jogging in the cold because the ambient temperature is keeping you cool.

Very hot environments, like saunas, can slightly increase your body’s baseline rate of calories burned, but it’s not dramatic. As discussed in this LA Times article, researchers have found that sitting in a hot tub burns slightly more calories than sitting on the couch, and we can extrapolate that a sauna would be similar to a hot tub. It is estimated that someone would burn 34 calories sitting in a hot tub for 20 minutes versus burning 23 calories sitting on the couch for the same amount of time. This is not a significant number of calories when you consider that walking for 20 minutes burns 100 calories. The long and short of it is that temperature extremes can affect calories burned, but not dramatically unless you are shivering for long periods of time.

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Source

DrSugar Answers: Are Herbal Supplements Safe?

DrSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I've never taken herbal supplements, but I know many people do. I read about herbal supplements that reduce body fat, specifically belly fat, and possibly stress. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me? What do you think of herbal supplements in general? How does someone find quality herbal supplements . . . do you recommend any? I would love some advice on the matter.
- Herb Curious

This is an increasingly popular subject. Learn what the doctor has to say on the matter when you read more.

There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there surrounding the use and efficacy of herbal supplements. If you go to a local herbal supplement store, as I have recently, and read the bottle labels, you will see a wide variety of claims such as "stress reducer," "sexual enhancer," "ultra fat burner," and more. Most of these claims have not been validated by scientific studies and compared with a placebo. In some instances, product claims have been completely debunked. Vitamin E, for instance, has been proven to not reduce the risk of cancer despite its antioxidant content. Regarding supplements claiming to reduce belly fat and stress: if they really worked and were safe, who wouldn’t be taking them? Can you imagine a safe pill that took five pounds off the belly and relieved stress? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Some supplements and vitamins are effective and safe. Calcium supplements and vitamin D promote long-term bone health and can reduce risks of developing osteoporosis. Fish oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol. St. John's Wort has provided some benefits in treating mild depression, but not severe depression. A multivitamin can be beneficial for people who do not eat a well rounded diet due to dietary restrictions or other health problems. The list goes on.

The key is to be skeptical of herbal supplements claims and to research specific supplements from a reputable source. The Mayo Clinic's Drugs and Supplement site has an extensive review of supplements and highlights the supporting data (or lack of) for each use. Keep in mind that not all supplements are safe. Heavily advertised Hydroxycut, for example, was recently pulled from shelves for causing liver problems. Other "fat burners" were just stimulants and were pulled off the market for causing heart problems. Many herbal medicines can also interact with traditional medicines, so always talk to your doctor first if you’re already on other medicines.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: Stretch Mark Prevention?

DrSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I will be leaving my teen years behind soon - thank goodness. But I've noticed red stretch marks around my breasts and am greatly concerned. I have not gained or lost any weight and cannot find a reasonable explanation as to why I am getting these red lines. I thought stretch marks only occurred in pregnant woman and obese people! Why do I have them? Are they permanent? What can I do to prevent them from staying there? Please help!
- Stressed About Stretch Marks

To see DrSugar's advice on stretch marks, read more.

Stretch marks, know as striae in medical terms, can be very frustrating because they seemingly come from nowhere and are very hard to get rid of. Unfortunately, as your experience attests, stretch marks are not limited to pregnant women. Stretch marks can commonly form during puberty on breasts or hips. They also can form on the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs during periods of rapid weight gain at any age. While the biggest risk factor for developing stretch marks is any type of rapid weight gain or increase in body size, certain medical diseases and medications can also cause them. Prednisone, a steroid pill commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions, is the most common culprit in terms of medication. Cortisone creams can also lead to stretch marks because they cause thinning of the skin.

The fact that your stretch marks are only around the breasts makes the most likely cause normal breast growth. Unfortunately, the stretch marks you have are not easily reversible, but there are some treatments available. If there is redness or irritation along the stretch marks, this will generally fade and become less noticeable over time. If the stretch marks have occurred recently, like in the last two months, you can try a prescription of either tretinoin cream or Retin-A cream to improve their appearance. More expensive therapies are available as well; dermabrasion and laser therapy are two methods performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons that can reduce the appearance of the marks. If you have a dermatologist, make an appointment to discuss strategies for dealing with stretch marks. Although I don't think you could have prevented your stretch marks, here are some tips for preventing and decreasing stretch marks.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar: Tips For Healthy Weight Gain?

DrSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear Dr. Sugar,
I'd like some advice on how to gain weight the healthy way. I'm naturally petite and thin, yet I think adding a few extra pounds to my frame would be beneficial to my health, and I would probably look better too. The problem is I like to do cardio and other more vigorous sports (not to mention I work in a gym!), so it's difficult for me to keep my weight within a healthier BMI. Any suggestions as far as diet and exercise go? It's not as common to want to gain weight, but we skinny women are out there! Thanks.
- Looking to Add Lbs.

Thanks for writing in with your question. Although the majority of questions I receive are from women seeking weight loss advice, you are not alone. To see my advice on this topic, just read more.

Problems with low body weight are very important to address in order to maintain good overall health. Being underweight is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 18.5. While the BM scale is not a perfect gauge of health, a BMI lower than 18.5 is almost always worrisome. Low body weight can be related to a wide range of medical issues such as eating disorders, serious bowel problems, and other chronic illnesses. It sounds like you are healthy, but are naturally very small. Even petite people should attempt to stay above a BMI of 18.5 for optimal health.

Weight gain can be difficult for very active people like you with a fast metabolism. Weight gain really boils down to a very basic formula: weight gain = calorie intake – calories burnt. This means that you need to eat more calories than you burn over the course of a day to gain weight. Here is an example of a calories per day calculator. You can go to the site and enter your height, weight, age, and activity level and it will estimate your daily caloric needs to maintain an even weight. To gain weight, you will need to eat more calories than that amount. A healthy amount of weight gain per week is about one pound. To gain one pound per week, you need to eat 3,500 more calories than you burned (3,500 calories = one pound).

The healthiest way to gain weight is to eat a well-rounded, protein-rich diet. You should opt for lean protein like fish and poultry. Another way to gain weight is to add strength training to your workout regimen in order to increase muscle mass. Foods to avoid include junks foods, processed foods, and foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. It might also help to increase the number of meals you eat per day to four or five instead of three. For some more helpful tips, check out these tips on healthy weight gain.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: Spotting During Exercise

DrSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear Dr. Sugar,
I would really appreciate some information about women spotting after higher intensity exercise. What is the cause of the spotting? Are there any dangers? If I keep doing the exercises that trigger the spotting, will the spotting go away? I enjoy challenging myself but I do not want to damage my body. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.
- Nervous About Down There

To see what DrSugar has to say on this topic, read more.

I understand your concern and can tell you that vaginal bleeding between periods or "spotting" is fairly common and can have many different causes. From your description, it sounds like the trigger of your spotting is high-intensity exercise. When it comes to intense exercise, it is actually more common to have lighter periods or less frequent periods than it is to have spotting. However, spotting during very heavy exercise has been reported by some women. Either symptom, spotting or loss of periods, could be a sign that you are stressing your body too much. The bleeding itself is probably not dangerous, assuming it is only a small amount, but you could be causing damage to other parts of your body from exercising too much or too hard. I would recommend listening to what your body is telling you and try to cut back a little to see if the spotting goes away.

I would also keep in mind that there are many other issues that could be contributing to your spotting. It would be a good idea to make absolutely sure that you are not pregnant. Certain problems related to pregnancy can cause spotting. Also note that some women experience spotting during ovulation, so if you only notice the bleeding mid-cycle, this could be the cause. If the spotting does not improve with a lighter exercise regimen, I would recommend seeing a doctor for a full evaluation. For more online information check out the FitSugar health guide on vaginal bleeding between periods.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: How Can I Cut the Nicotine Habit?

DrSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I have been smoking ever since college, which I know is dumb, but I just haven't been able to cut the habit. I started smoking only at parties, but now I'm at about a half pack a day for the last few years. I'm totally healthy otherwise. I go to the gym three or four times a week and try to eat healthy. What do you recommend for quitting cigarettes?
- Getting Off the Butts

To see what the doctor has to say about ditching this unhealthy habit, read more.

Firstly, I applaud your desire to quit and wish you luck in your journey. There is good news and bad news when it comes to quitting cigarettes. The good news is that there is an abundance of resources, websites, help lines, medications, and doctors who are there to help you quit if you need it. The bad news is that quitting cigarettes is very hard and often takes multiple attempts because relapse is common. If you succeed in quitting, you will be greatly improving the future of your health. Smoking accounts for almost 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. It can also lead to heart disease, lung disease, and vascular disease or blockage of blood vessels.

Some people are able to stop smoking "cold turkey" without the use of any aids, but this is a tough task and often results in failure. I think that online resources, such as QuitNet, can be especially helpful in terms of getting more information and hearing about other people’s experiences.

Many people successfully quit with the help of nicotine replacement therapy to curb the initial cravings. Nicotine gum is available over the counter, while nicotine patches require a prescription. Though I recommend trying nonprescription methods first, there are also two prescription medications that have helped thousands of people quit: Zyban and Chantix. Zyban (Wellbutrin) is a type of antidepressant that cuts the craving for nicotine during the quitting process, while the newer Chantix is a nicotine-receptor activator that essentially tricks the brain into thinking there is nicotine in the system.

I suggest setting a quit date, formulating a plan for how to cope with the cravings (gum, medication, exercise, etc.), and trying to keep your mind on other things. Come up with a new routine at times when you used to light up. You should also check out these seven tips for quitting smoking, which offer great practical tips. Also remember that doctors love to hear that their patients are trying to quit and are always there to help. Good luck!

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: What Is DHEA?

DrSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
My mom was very fatigued most days, having to take naps between basic activities like shopping and putting away the groceries, until she started taking a DHEA supplement. Now she has more energy and makes it through multiple activities with no naps. I've started taking it the last few days and I feel much more alert and active. I also think you should know we have both suffered from depression and are being treated by a medical doctor for it. What exactly is it and why does it have this effect? Thanks in advance.
- DHEA User

To learn what DHEA is and how it is used medically, read more.

Secreted by adrenal gland, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) serves as a precursor to hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, and around age 30 the body produces less of it. Using DHEA as medication first became popular in the 1990s with hopes that it would be cure-all and antiaging drug. The drug did not live up to these high expectations; however, there are studies supporting DHEA for use in a variety of illnesses. Scientific evidence supports the use of DHEA in adrenal insufficiency as well as lupus and depression. It sounds like this medication has benefited your mother in terms of increasing her energy levels. The decrease could be related to depression, therefore it would make sense that she would benefit from DHEA. It's likely increasing the levels of certain hormones in her body, leading to higher energy levels.

Although DHEA shows promise in the treatment depression and other diseases, it also comes with potential side effects. Some that have been observed in higher doses include heart arrythimias, acne, and male-pattern hair growth. Because DHEA can elevate levels of testosterone and estrogen, this can also theoretically increase the risk of breast cancer or prostate enlargement. There is debate as to whether DHEA should be a prescription-only medication, and I recommend using it only in the setting of physician supervision.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

DrSugar Answers: When Will I Clear HPV?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I was exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus) in 2006. My test results were positive for HPV, but I had a normal pap smear in 2008. My doc said the first test was a baseline. I returned recently to test again and my results were the same, HPV positive, but a normal pap smear, and I am to be retested again in another six months. Here's my dilemma: it's going on three years since my exposure to HPV, so why hasn't it cleared my system? Also, should I be concerned with an HPV infection in my throat from oral sex?
- One Worried Woman

To see if DrSugar is able to ease this Sugar user's worries, read more.

HPV has received a lot of attention in the last few years and public awareness of the disease has skyrocketed. Recent strides in research have brought more information to light about HPV, and a new HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent 70 percent of cervical cancers. I want to make it clear to you and others that HPV is very common: over half of all sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. Luckily, the infection is not permanent. Recent data suggests that within one year of a positive test, 70 percent of women will clear HPV. Keep in mind that this is from the time of the first positive test, not from the time of exposure. Approximately 90 percent of HPV infections will be cleared in two years, and 95 percent in three years from the initial positive test. So there is a very good chance that your HPV will be cleared sometime in the next few years. In the meantime, it is important to follow up with your doctor every six months. When your body doesn't clear HPV, it means you have have a chronic HPV infection, which unfortunately puts you at higher risk for cervical cancer. If it clears, your risk drops markedly, but there is still some risk so make sure to continue to have an annual exam.

While the connection between HPV and cervical cancer is more established, there is increasing evidence suggesting a relationship between HPV and mouth/throat cancers. A Time article from 2007 gives an interesting review of the topic. Studies suggest that oral sex with multiple partners can lead to an increased risk of throat cancer due to certain strains of HPV. However, there are currently no guidelines or recommendations for doctors to screen for HPV infections of the throat or mouth. The best advice I can give is to always practice safe sex and see your doctor if you have more questions. For more HPV-related information, visit the CDC website.

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DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.