Blog - PearlMD Rejuvenation

REBOOT your GUT-IMMUNE AXIS to ENSURE your BEST HEALTH

By Dr. Jennifer Pearlman

Internationally recognized women’s health, hormone and aging expert and Medical Director of Pearl^MDRejuvenation.

With Winter time bugs emerging and flu season in the air, our microbiome and digestive health are facing seasonal challenges! A well-functioning gut is key to our optimal health and wellbeing. So if you have the belly blues- read below for science based tips to a complete mind-body approach to get your Gut back on track.

The digestive tract truly is the cornerstone to our health. From mouth to anus, the gut is like a wonderous garden that simultaneously serves as; a nutrient-absorbing surface, a barrier to potentially harmful waste, an immune defense system, a sensory signaling network and a home to the bugs of the microbiome. Optimizing the gut’s complex immune system, neural network and barrier function is key to digestive health and a thriving microbiome, contained within.

The microbiome is the collection of diverse microorganisms that have symbiotically evolved with humans housed largely in our digestive tracts (but also in other areas like our skin and nasal passages). The microbiome contains a range of bacterial species and outnumbers our own cells by 10-fold. The billions of bacterial cells lining our gut mucosal surface play a critical role in our metabolism. Referred to as a second genome, the microbiota bacterial DNA is 100-fold more abundant that human DNA and can further affect human health by altering expression of human genes. Dysbiosis describes unfavourable shifts in the microbiome leading to loss of bacterial diversity and overgrowth by pathogenic (disease causing) and immunogenic (inflammatory) strains. Dysbiosis is associated with a range of human health problems and disease including; obesity, diabetes, eczema, allergies, depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. While we may be born with a near sterile gut- the microbiome is shaped throughout our lifetime. Eating a highly processed diet void of soluble fibre, inadequate nutrition, exposure to infection and illness, medication use (especially antibiotics), sleeplessness, psychological stress and even negative emotions can all contribute to an unhealthy gut microbiome. It is thought that a one week course of antibiotics can alter the gut flora for over two years. Conversely, the practice of meditation can improve the microbiome and bacterial diversity. Clearly, gut bugs are vital in shaping our health, aging and contribute to an important gut-brain connection.

Indeed, the gut is equipped with a brain of its own. The enteric nervous system, or second brain, is a complex network of over 100 million neurons, more than is found in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons feed information from the lumen of the gut to the Vagus nerve which in turn sends 80% of all sensory information to the brain. Nerve conduction studies suggest that as much as 90% of the sensory signals carried within the Vagus nerve arise from within the gut. The gut brain not only plays a sensory role but also controls gut health, motility and function. Over 95% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, is produced by the gut and is involved with gut-brain signaling.

The intricate connections of the gut-brain-immune system and our microbiome necessitate a true mind-body-environment approach. With this in mind, these five steps can help repair, rebalance and restore digestive wellness.

The 5R GUT PROGRAM is a personalized mind-body-gut approach that involves the following steps:

REDUCE and REMOVE

This step involves removing harmful chemicals as well as inflammatory and immune triggering foods and substances. Reducing your intake of processed foods and selecting organic produce can protect you from ingesting potentially harmful chemicals. Screening tests can help guide the strategic elimination or rotation of immunogenic foods associated with food sensitivities or allergic reactions.

REPAIR

Increased intestinal permeability triggers the immune system and adversely affects gut health. Through direct measurement, the protein serving as the tight junctions between our luminal gut cells, known as Zonulin, can be determined. Increased blood or fecal Zonulin is associated with gut permeability and increased susceptibility to the deleterious effects of toxins, immunogenic food and pathogenic bacteria within the gut. Consuming soluble fibre and gut healing anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients, as found in Pearl^RX GI Revival Rx, can repair the barrier function and help heal a leaky gut.

REPLACE

Optimal digestion and metabolism depend on many vital factors. Replacing inadequate or missing micronturients (vitamins, minerals), enzymes, and other substances is key to digestive health. Through targeted testing for micronutrient deficiencies and enzymatic imbalances a personalized replacement plan can be determined.

REPOPULATE

A robust microbiome is the cornerstone of good health for the gut, body and brain. Measurement of the metabolic waste of pathogenic strains can be a clue to dysbiosis and further qualitative testing can be done to elucidate the type of bacterial strains comprising the microbiome. Measured spikes or overgrowth of specific pathogenic strains have been associated with a range of conditions and diseases. A multi-pronged approach can help favourably repopulate the microbiome through consuming prebiotic foods like asparagus and onions, with symbiotic or fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha. While the concept of single strain targeted probiotics is not yet mainstream, we can strategically supplement a gut healthy diet with evidence based strains of probtiocs, like Pearl^RX BioFlora, to support the microbiome and to target certain symptoms and disease.

REBALANCE

The intricate gut-brain connection requires that we address the neuro-psychological signals shaping digestion. Ensuring optimal sleep, stress management, and emotional wellbeing is key to a thriving gut and only through gut healing is total mind-body wellness possible. Employing evidence based practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing can help rebalance the microbiome and your digestive health. With neurobiofeedback tools, you can train yourself to masterfully use these practices in your day to day lives. Because even more than food, our thoughts and feelings are the fuel to our inner wellbeing.

The 5R Gut approach offers a step by step plan to better digestive wellness and health. From removing and rebalancing, to repairing and replacing, we can restore our digestive wellbeing for a more balanced and healthier gut, mind and body. So make this Spring time the season of your best gut health!

Dr. Jennfier Pearlman, MD CCFP CFA NCMP FAARM ABAARM

For a questions and inquires contact info@pearlrejuvenation.com or 416.644.1112. More information can be found at www.pearlrejuvenation.com. The above is not intended as medical advice but only general health information and does not constitute or replace a physician patient relationship.

Common Questions About Dysport

A woman’s age is her secret. With the help of anti-aging treatments, you can look years younger than your chronological age. At Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON, we proudly offer several anti-aging treatments to help you reclaim your youth and vitality.

Answers to the 14 Most Common Questions About Dysport

1. What Is Dysport?

Dysport is a neuromodulator that contains the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. Cosmetically, it is primarily used to treat moderate-to-severe laugh lines, frown lines and smile lines. This can be achieved because the active ingredient in this neuromodulator treatment is a neuromuscular blocking agent and acetylcholine release inhibitor.

While this may sound complicated, it’s actually beautifully simple. Lines and wrinkles on your face deepen when your muscles are hyperactive. The injection simply relaxes these hyperactive muscles to improve the texture of your skin.

2. Is It Safe?

Health Canada has approved Dysport for safety and effectiveness to treat many medical conditions and cosmetic concerns. These range from leg spasticity in children ages 2 and older to arm and hand spasticity in adults with cerebral palsy. It is also Health Canada-approved to treat lines and wrinkles between your eyebrows.

3. Is It the Same as Botox?

It is not the same as Botox. While both injectables contain the neurotoxin abobotulinum toxin A, the doses are vastly different. Moreover, there are distinct differences in how long the treatments take to work and how long the results last.

4. How Long Does It Take to Administer?

How long this anti-aging treatment takes to administer depends on several factors. These include the severity of the condition you’re trying to treat and how many locations you’re trying to improve in one treatment session. On average, however, you can expect your treatment session to last no more than 10 to 15 minutes.

5. How Long Does It Take to Work?

How long this treatment takes to work depends largely on what you are trying to treat. In the case of moderate-to-severe frown lines, you can expect to see a significant improvement in just one to two days.

6. How Long Do the Results Last?

Ideal results from this treatment last approximately four months. If you want to maintain your enhanced appearance, we strongly recommend coming in quarterly for a “booster shot”. This ensures that your results remain satisfying.

7. Can I Get It Online?

You cannot order this treatment online. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription. More importantly, it must be administered by a healthcare professional who is trained and licensed to administer this medication. Such healthcare professionals may include cosmetic aestheticians, plastic surgeons, primary physicians or dermatologists.

8. Is This Treatment Right for Me?

This treatment may be right for you if the following describes you:

There is no inflammation at the injection site
The injection site does not have deep scars
You do not have thick, oily skin
You have not undergone a brow lift or facelift
The muscles in the treatment area are fairly strong
Your face has a lateral symmetry
Your eyelids or eyelid folds do not droop or sag
Your wrinkles can be smoothed when spread apart
You are not allergic to botulinum toxin
You are not allergic to cow’s milk protein
You want to look younger
You do not want to undergo an invasive medical procedure
You are no older than 65
You are older than 18

9. How Long Does Botox Take to Work?

Unlike Dysport, Botox takes two to three days to take effect.

10. How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?

The effects of Botox only last approximately three months. Thus, to see continuous improvement in the quality of your skin, you would need to come in for follow-up treatments every two months. That’s six times per year!

11. How Long Does Botox Treatment Take?

Botox treatment sessions typically take 15 to 20 minutes. This may not sound like a significant time difference. However, you need to consider that Botox requires an additional two appointments per year.

And it’s not just the time it takes to receive treatment you have to consider. You need to consider the time spent traveling to and from your appointment, as well.

12. What After-Care Steps Do I Need to Take?

Fortunately, Dysport is non-invasive. Thus, there aren’t many after-care steps you need to follow. The best thing you can do for your skin after your treatment is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects your skin from sun damage that can make your skin look older.

13. How Much Downtime Should I Account For?

After your anti-aging treatment, you don’t need to plan for any downtime. You are free to go back to your daily routine as soon as your treatment is finished. Try not to engage in high-intensity exercise for the first 24 hours after your treatment, though. This gives the medication time to settle into the treatment site and ensures it does not shift to nearby locations accidentally.

14. How Can I Prepare for My First Treatment Session?

To prepare for your anti-aging treatment, remove all makeup from your face. To prevent infection, gently cleanse your face before you come in for your appointment.

Improve Your Life Today

To learn more about Dysport, schedule an initial consultation with Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON today. We can help you decide if Dysport is right for you.

A Breast Healthy Plan! An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Emerging research into the complex genetics of breast cancer and estrogen metabolism are opening the door to new risk markers that will better enable preventative health strategies and early detection. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk!

Breast cancer results from uncontrolled growth of breast cells. About 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Only 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer and known gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) account for only 5 to 8% of cases. This means that most breast cancers occurs in women without a family history.

Women living in the US have a 10-fold greater risk of dying from breast cancer as compared to women living in Thailand. When women migrate from areas with a low incidence of breast cancer (i.e. Asia) to North America their breast cancer risk increases. These facts suggest that environment, diet and lifestyle play an important role in shaping risk and combine with our genetic predispositions to determine our health, aging and risk of chronic disease and cancer. Breast biology is largely determined by hormonal and tissue factors. Estrogen is the dominant hormonal signal stimulating the breast and, in more differentiated cancers, the most common hormonal trigger for metastatic spread. Other tissue factors such as inflammation and injury (chemical, physical or radiation) can also increase risk. The transformation of a normal breast cell to a cancer cell often proceeds the diagnosis by 7 years. During this critical window, early breast cancer remains below the detection limit of our screening tests such as mammograms and physical exam. But in the early subclinical stage, there is the greatest possible impact of risk reduction and prevention through hormone balance, estrogen metabolism and detoxification support, and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative therapy. The following six steps provide a complete plan for breast healthy living:

Balance your Hormones!

Through the menopause transition hormone levels fluctuate. In peri-menopause, estrogen increases while progesterone, which blocks estrogen’s stimulatory effects, decreases. Unopposed estrogen is a potent stimulator of breast tissue and linked with hormone sensitive breast cancer.

After menopause, there is a shift in the type of estrogen produced in the body. Ovarian estrogen falls and estrone, an estrogen converted in fat tissue by an enzyme, aromatase, from testosterone becomes the predominant form. Estrone can have more toxic effects when it binds the estrogen receptor, and can increase the risk of breast cancer and stroke.

Maintaining hormone balance throughout the transition can support breast health. By maintaining a healthy body weight and consuming nutrients including omega3, green tea extract (EGCG), chrysin and flavonoids, you can support hormone balance. Prescription medications called aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole work in treating and preventing breast cancer by inhibiting this enzyme.

Enhance Estrogen Metabolism!

Detoxification and inactivation of estrogens is a complex process that occurs largely in the liver. The first phase of estrogen metabolism involves the cytochrome reactions to increase water solubility for elimination. These intermediates can be measured through specialized testing and can provide insight into risk. If the ratio of good to bad metabolite is low or unfavorable it has been shown to confer increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Phase 2 detoxification involves conversion of estrogen metabolites into a more water soluble compound that can be excreted by the body. Methylation is one of the most important phase 2 reactions that aids in the elimination and inactivation of potentially toxic estrogen metabolites. Women who are poor methylaters may be at increased risk of breast cancer due to accumulation of toxic intermediaries. Genetic risks, nutritional deficiencies and toxic exposures can all affect methylation status and therefore may increase cancer risk.

Dietary factors found in cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli support both phases of estrogen detoxification. Cruciferous consumption (unlike total fruit and vegetable consumption) has been associated with reduced risk of lung, colon and breast cancer. The effect is dependent on variations within human genetics and the presence of the ideal gut flora needed to activate the protective compounds.

Click here to view our PearlMD Breast Protect product designed to support estrogen metabolism and detoxification to promote breast health and hormone balance.

Combat Age related weight gain!

Carrying an extra 10 pounds of body fat after age 30 increases the risk of breast cancer by 25%. Deep abdominal fat is most toxic to the body as this fat store (unlike cellulite) is metabolically active and triggers inflammation. Fat also is the major site of estrogen production after menopause. Women who gain more than 50 lb from age 18 years or 30 lb through the menopause transition have double the risk of breast cancer after menopause. Whereas, women who are able to loose weight after menopause are rewarded with a lower risk.

Get Going- move your body!

Regular aerobic exercise reduces insulin resistance and body fat and independently can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Data from the Nurses Health Study has shown that even after a diagnosis of breast cancer, women who exercise enjoy better survival rates.

Give Sobriety a try!

Excessive consumption of alcohol is an important risk factor for breast cancer ranking after family history and obesity. Alcohol is a known liver toxin and impairs estrogen metabolism. Drinking more than 3 glasses per week increased the risk of breast cancer by 5-fold in the Nurses Health Study. More recent research suggests that there may be no safe limit. In the pan-European ECHO study, women who consumed within the recommended guidelines still faced a higher risk of breast cancer, all cancer and death.

Live Clean- Mind your exposures!

Over 85,000 chemicals have been produced and released into the environment since the end of the Second World War. Chemicals in industrial plastics, pesticides and herbicides (i.e. DDT) as well as chemical additives to food as personal care products as colours and flavours can bind to estrogen receptors. These hormone disrupters are called xeno-estrogens and have been linked to early puberty and breast cancer in women, and infertility in men. Xeno-estrogen exposure can be limited by consuming organically grown produce, avoiding plastic food containers -especially when rewarming food, and reducing intake of red meat as industrial pollutants bio-accumulate up the food chain.

These six breast health tips are designed to help you live your best life and take a proactive targeted approach to prevention. But a preventative health plan is not intended to replace the need for regular screening with mammograms. Breast cancer that is detectable on mammography has likely been evolving for over 7 years. This means that prevention is needed at least a decade before routing screening typically begins, which in Ontario is in a woman’s 5^th decade. Screening mammograms have been shown to save lives through early detection. While the provincial screening program begins at 50 years of age, early baseline testing may be recommended if risk factors are present.

It is never too early to get started with a proactive approach to health. This six step Breast Healthy Plan has been designed as a road map to help you get started. Prevention is within reach. New science, tests and technology can help to precisely build your plan. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Smooth Wrinkles and Eliminate Crow’s Feet: The Power of Botox

If you find yourself avoiding the mirror, or worse yet, purposely not smiling to avoid creating laugh lines, it may be time to consider Botox injections. This treatment has been around for many years and offers quick results to common, dynamic facial wrinkles. Treatments should only be done by specially trained professionals, like those at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, Canada.

What Is Botox?

Botox is an injectable serum derived from botulinum toxin. While this comes from the same bacteria that causes botulism infection, it is sterilized so there is no risk of infection. The serum itself is only available as a prescription, and it should be administered by a trained medical professional.

Once administered, the toxin works to paralyze your facial muscles by disrupting the communication between them and your brain. If muscles cannot move, they are also not able to form expressions that result in the appearance of wrinkles. Because the muscles are relaxed, new wrinkles do not form. This is how Botox works to take years from your appearance.

Botox has an excellent reputation as a cosmetic injectable. Despite its long history, there are no generic versions of the treatment. There are, however, similar treatments, like Dysport, that utilize other strains of botulinum toxin to address concerns about wrinkles.

What Types of Wrinkles Does It Treat?

Treatments are designed for what are called dynamic facial wrinkles. These are the ones that appear as your facial muscles contract with your various facial expressions. That is why it is especially effective for laugh lines and crow’s feet around your eyes. Treatments are also very popular for the horizontal lines that appear on your forehead and furrows between your eyebrows.

Does Botox Fix Wrinkles or Just Prevent Them?

Once your muscles are paralyzed from the treatment, your facial expressions will be more muted. Wrinkles that usually only appear when you laugh, frown, or have animated facial expressions will likely not be visible. If they are, their appearance will likely be minimized because your expressions will be smaller and more controlled.

Many people also feel that Botox prevents wrinkles from forming. This is true in the case of dynamic wrinkles that form as a result of repeated muscle contractions. Because you will not be using those facial muscles, they will not be contributing to the formation of new wrinkles. So, yes, Botox can help treat existing dynamic wrinkles as well as help slow the formation of new ones.

What Happens During a Treatment?

While everyone’s treatment experience may be slightly different based on their unique treatment plan, there are some things that you can expect at nearly every visit.

Analysis

First, a facial analysis will help determine exactly where injections will be administered. Careful placement is important to ensure the best results without affecting the natural appearance of your face.

Icing

Ice or a topical numbing agent may be applied to your treatment areas at the start of your appointment. Then your doctor will administer the injections. The treatment should only take about ten minutes to complete once it is started.

One of the nice features of Botox cosmetic treatments is that they can be performed right at your doctor’s office. They are completely non-surgical in nature and do not require a trip to a hospital or outpatient surgery center.

There is virtually no downtime after a treatment session. You can return to normal activities right after your appointment. That means you can even schedule your injections for your lunch hour and then return to the office without anyone being the wiser.

What About the Results?

You should expect to see results from your treatment in as little as two to three days. However, you should expect to see maximum results about one or two weeks after having your treatment done.

Results from a treatment session generally last several months, with some people seeing improvement for up to six months. There is no danger in having treatments repeated once results start to fade. Many people feel that, after several sessions, their wrinkles appear smaller and new ones do not form as fast. This may be because facial muscles become retrained to avoid certain expressions that lead to new dynamic wrinkles forming.

Are Treatments Safe?

Botox has been in use for many years with much success and widespread popularity. It is FDA approved and can only be obtained with a prescription for a licensed physician. Administered with a minimally invasive technique, it is widely considered as a safe and effective method of treating and preventing dynamic wrinkles in adults.

Are You a Good Candidate for Botox?

While only you and your doctor can decide if Botox is the right treatment for you, there are some general guidelines. Adults of virtually any age can use Botox, although it is most commonly used on those over thirty. Treatments are generally not advised for people over the age of 65.

You should not get Botox treatments while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients. People with nervous system disorders are also not good candidates for treatment. Contact the staff at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto if you think Botox may be right for you. They can schedule a consultation where you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals.

Reasons Why Hormone Health is Important to Your Wellness

Certain life events, such as pregnancy and aging, throw our hormones off balance. At Pearl MD Rejuvenation, we’d like to educate women on the importance of hormone health to your physical and mental wellness so that you can live your best possible life.

How Hormone Health Affects Your Wellness

Your hormonal system is simultaneously complex and fragile. If you have too much of one hormone or too little of another, you can experience many negative effects. These include rapid weight gain, an increase in visceral fat, depression and anxiety. Here are a few reasons hormone health is important to your wellness:

Mood Elevation

When it comes to hormone health, many people don’t think of its correlation to mental health. However, imbalanced hormones can wreak havoc on your mental health. Adequate levels of certain hormones are linked to improved learning and memory, certain muscular functions, digestive health and mood regulation. If there isn’t enough hormones in your system, you can experience weight gain, insomnia, extreme carbohydrate cravings, migraines and depression.

A Sharp Mind

Testosterone is typically thought of as a “male hormone,” but it is just as important for women. Testosterone, by nature, is an anabolic steroid which helps your body grow muscles and maintain muscle mass. This is particularly important as we age and begin to lose muscle mass rapidly. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in reducing your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, low libido, Alzheimer’s disease, dangerous visceral fat around essential organs and depression.

Regulate Stress

Excess levels of certain hormones lead to storing fat in your midsection, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, if you aren’t producing enough hormones, you are at a higher risk of developing health conditions.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

For more information on how hormone health affects your mental and physical wellness, you can talk to the dedicated medical professionals at Pearl MD Rejuvenation during an initial consultation. We can assess whether your hormones are imbalanced and recommend the best course of action to get them back in check. Our office is conveniently located in Toronto, ON. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!

Venus Freeze: Non-Surgical Body Sculpting

A newer cosmetic treatment is called Venus Freeze, and it’s one of the top options for non-surgical body sculpting. If you’d like to have toned, firm skin and need to get rid of cellulite, then this procedure should be considered. With Venus Freeze, you can stop dreaming about the body you’ve always wanted and get it.

How Venus Freeze Sculpts Your Body

This procedure is effective for smoothing away cellulite, and it can remove inches from problem areas. An additional benefit of undergoing this treatment is firmer skin. With the help of multipolar RF energy, the Venus Freeze system can penetrate deep into your skin and create energetic reactions within it.

When the multipolar RF is combined with pulsed magnetic fields, heat is dispersed into deep layers of your skin, and as a result, your skin will become toned and firm. Despite the name, Venus Freeze doesn’t freeze your skin, and the technology doesn’t cause any discomfort. Although heat is generated deep within your skin, it isn’t enough to require cooling cream, and when compared with other treatments, Venus Freeze is significantly faster.

What It Can Do for You

If you’re considering this procedure, you should know that it can eliminate unwanted fat from your body, which is measured in inches. The Venus Freeze system is especially good at recontouring the body, and it’s designed to target unwanted pouches and bulges.

This procedure will tighten and reshape your body and give you a firmer, leaner appearance. Unlike some alternative treatment options, this treatment uses three times the RF energy, and it requires significantly less time for treatment.

Are You a Candidate?

Before considering Venus Freeze, you should know if it’s a good fit for your cosmetic goals. Ideally, you should want a sculpted body, and the best candidates want to avoid traditional surgery. It’s important to know that Venus Freeze isn’t liposuction, and it focuses more on correcting problems with skin laxity and cellulite.

How the Treatment Targets Fat

This procedure is effective against fat because it harnesses the power of multipolar radiofrequency energy and pulsed magnetic fields. When applied correctly, this technology promotes the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which helps to facilitate FGF-2. As a result of the multipolar RF energy, you’ll end up with smoother, toned skin.

For non-surgical body contouring, you should consider treatments with Venus Freeze at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get started!

Boost Brain Vitality – Harness the Power to Build a Better Brain

Our brains are more adaptive than we ever imagined. Neuroplasticity describes the amazing ability of our brains to reorganize and adapt itself to form new neural connections throughout life in response to interactions with our environment. The brain is not hard-wired as once imagined, but rather a complex dynamic network that is both adaptive and malleable and can be “re-wired” by signals driven by our thoughts, body and environment.

The ability to rewire and even regenerate new neural connections indicates that there is a powerful role that our lifestyle and life choices can make in shaping our brain performance and its resilience to the deleterious effects of stress, disease and aging. The power to age well is within our reach and with a precise plan that targets our unique risks and susceptibilities -we can indeed build a better brain. From our thoughts to our actions, here is an 8-step plan to get started.

Challenge your Brain Daily!
If you don’t use it, you risk losing it! Between the ages of 60 to 70 years, women who continued to work had 40% less risk of memory problems than those who never worked. By challenging your brain often with novel and engaging activities, you can improve focus, concentration and recall while buffering against the risks of dementia. Learning to play a musical instrument, speak a new language or taking on a new hobby can provide the mental stimulation to boost brain vitality.
Build a Healthstyle for your Brain!
It takes 30 days to entrench a new habit and can take even longer to break old ones. But- swapping healthy lifestyle habits such as a daily night time walk for the less healthy ones- such as a nightly glass of wine or late night sugary snack, can have an enormously favourable impact on your health. Persistence even in the face of adversity can be the key to break through the barrier to positive change.
Practice Positivity and Action-oriented Thinking
Optimism works like a buffer to protect the brain from stress. On the other hand, ruminating, negativity and self-doubt can actually kill neurons and prevent the creation of new ones. A morning ritual of inscribing in a gratitude journal can stimulate positive thinking. When optimism becomes automatic and habitual, the brain is more likely to be ready to plan. Planning and action-oriented thinking is an effective brain building habit. When the brain thinks about an activity, the learning and neural networking that occurs nearly matches the mental memory laid down by actually performing the action. As the Canadian psychiatrist, scientist, and acclaimed author of “The Brain that Changes Itself”, Dr. Norman Doidge, has said; “imaging an act engages the same motor and sensory programs that are involved in doing it.”
Keep your Body active
Sitting is the new smoking. In addition to the many physical benefits of exercise, being active is critical to mental and cognitive health. Exercise has been shown to increase production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that signals growth and differentiation of nerve cells and synapses as well as promoting survival. BDNF is essential for learning, memory, recovery from injury and protects from aging and senescence. Exercise-triggered increase in BDNF has been associated with improved concentration and memory as well as reduced risk of anxiety, depression and dementia. Outdoor activity like a brisk nature walk may boost memory and mood while also reducing stress.
Superfoods for a Better Brain
A nutrient enriched diet high in healthy fats may improve mood, memory and brain performance. The omega 3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) earns top rating as a brain superfood. DHA is found in the flesh of cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod liver and tuna. Populations with shore-based diets and increased dietary intake of DHA have been shown to have lower rates of depression and better memory. Other brain super-nutrients include the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients found in blueberries (anthocyanins), broccoli (vitamin K), turmeric, pumpkin seeds (zinc), dark chocolate (flavonoids), green tea (L-theanine, polyphenols), and coffee (caffeine and anti-oxidants).
Sleep Soundly
A good night’s sleep is vital to brain health. During sleep the brain actively reorganizes and recovers from daytime tasks. Key brain activities during sleep include the cementing of memories and new knowledge while flushing away accumulated metabolic waste (like beta-amyloid the hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s). While the ideal sleep duration is about 7.5 hours –there may be night to night and individual variation. Research has shown that even small reductions in sleep duration can have deleterious effects. After 2 weeks of sleeping 6 hours nightly the impairment in memory and reaction time is similar to having not slept at all. Sleep disturbance often proceeds, and is now considered causally linked to, the diagnosis of depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s Disease and is commonly seen following traumatic brain injury. So sleepy time is critical for not only the body but for the brain as well.
Buffer Stress
Stress serves as a common denominator in aging the brain and body. The toll of sleeplessness and depression on the brain is similar to that of chronic stress; with shrinkage in the key areas of the brain; the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex responsible for memory, learning and biofeedback. While what doesn’t kill us may make us stronger, when stress is too intense and too chronic in nature- the impact on brain health and performance can be extreme. In fact, stress induced changes in neural networks can be transmitted to future generations through the transgenerational effects of epigenetics. Although stressful situations cannot always be avoided, we can indeed become more adept at implementing stress reducing techniques such as the practice of meditation, deep breathing, tai chi and yoga. Neurobiofeedback devices can facilitate these practices by improving self-monitoring.
Boost your Social Network
Spending time in the company of friends can be good for your brain. Social interactions have been shown to boost mood and memory. On the contrary, social isolation is an important risk factor for dementia in older adults. So cherish your friends as they are another key to your brain vitality!

The power to build a better brain is within your reach. Harness the science of neuroplasticity to shape a healthstyle and daily habits that will help you boost your brain vitality.

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM
Dr. Pearlman is a Women’s health, hormones, and aging expert and Medical Director of Pearl MD Rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art Women’s health and wellness facility in Toronto. To learn more, contact info@pearlrejuvenatio.preview.crystalcleardm.com.

What to Do if You Have a Hormone Imbalance

Experiencing some shifts in your hormones is normal at different times in your life. However, some hormonal shifts are unexpected or severe and can cause a number of problems within your body. You are warmly invited to learn more about a hormone imbalance and discover some of the symptoms you should be aware of, as well as some common treatments that are available to treat this issue.

About Hormone Imbalances in Women

Hormones are chemical messengers within your body. The endocrine glands produce chemicals and send them throughout the bloodstream in order to control various organs. They’re responsible for a number of your body’s functions such as reproduction and metabolism. A hormone imbalance simply means that your body is producing either too little or too much of a particular hormone. Unfortunately, even the smallest changes can have serious effects.

While some changes are normal throughout your life or during different times of your cycle, other imbalances can be more problematic and longer-lasting. If your endocrine glands are malfunctioning, it can cause you immense upheaval that affects your body, mind and emotions in a wide variety of ways.

Common Signs of a Hormone Imbalance

Your health and well-being can be affected greatly when your hormones are out of balance. Therefore, it’s possible to experience a broad array of symptoms if you have a hormone imbalance present. Various symptoms are affected by different hormones, so these symptoms will likely vary depending on the root cause. However, there are some symptoms that are rather common. They can occur in both women and men. These include:

Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
Constipation or frequent bowel movements
Weight gain
Puffy face
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Increased thirst
Sudden weight loss
Increase or decrease in heart rate
Dry skin
Increased hunger
Depression
Thinning, fine or brittle hair
Sweating
Blurred vision
Pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints
Decreased sex drive
Infertility
Increased or new stretch marks

As you can see, this list of symptoms is extensive. The variety of symptoms indicates the kind of havoc a hormone imbalance can wreak on the body. There are some signs of an imbalance in hormones that occur specifically in women. They are:

Heavy or irregular periods
Missed, frequent or halted periods
Thinning hair or hair loss
Excessive hair on the face, chin or other body parts
Upper back, face or chest acne
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Skin tags
Vaginal atrophy
Darkening of the skin in areas such as under breasts, neck creases or near the groin
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Painful sex

Hormones can normally change due to puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. You may notice some of these symptoms during such times.

Causes and Treatments

There are lots of reasons you might develop a hormone imbalance. As noted, some of these are normal and to be expected. The cause may vary based on which hormones are being affected and other factors.

The following are common causes of a hormone imbalance:

Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hypogonadism
Cushing syndrome
Diabetes
Medications
Eating disorders
Hormone therapy
Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
Thyroiditis
Benign or cancerous tumors
Cancer treatments
Injury or trauma
Stress
Adrenal Insufficiency
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Pituitary tumor

Some causes specific to women include:

Menopause
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Premature menopause
PCOS
Birth control or other hormonal drugs
Primary ovarian insufficiency

A physical exam and discussion of your symptoms with a professional is the first place to start when it comes to diagnosing an imbalance of hormones. You should also talk about your medical history and share any medications you’re currently taking. Testing for a hormonal imbalance is varied; however, there are some common options used when an imbalance is suspected.

Again, depending on what may be causing your hormone imbalance, there are various treatment options available. Estrogen therapy is common for treating symptoms associated with menopause. Vaginal dryness that causes painful sex can be alleviated.

Learn More

Here at Pearl MD Rejuvenation, we are proud to offer bioidentical hormones to women who are dealing with a hormone imbalance. However, it is impossible for you to determine on your own that you qualify for treatment. That’s one of the reasons why an initial consultation is so important. This is a safe and effective treatment for those who qualify, but we want to make sure it is right for you. We also want to make sure you have realistic expectations regarding the treatment and what it can and cannot do for you.

These are just some general things you should know about a hormone imbalance and how to treat it. As you can see, the effects are vast. Book an appointment at Pearl MD Rejuvenation to talk to a professional and discover which type of treatment might be right for you. Our office is conveniently located in Toronto. Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started!

Taking Charge of your Aging

The new science of aging is shedding light on the coveted fountain of youth. Our midlife represents both risk and opportunity. As we creep into our middle years we often begin to experience disruptive symptoms and face increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is at this critical time that we have the most important opportunity to take charge of our aging. Forget aging gracefully, our generation can choose to age proactively and design the second half of our lives.

But to age well requires that we first understand why we are aging. As we approach midlife, we begin to face accelerated loss of vital factors; our hormones, our nutrients, our sleep and our telomeres. As a result of these losses, rapid aging ensues. Indeed, from the age of 40 to 50 years women age twice as fast as any other decade. While men’s aging speeds up too, by about 60 percent, they do not face the same cliff in the aging process.

The rapid loss of ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, during the years saddling a woman’s menopause contributes to this accelerated aging. By 50 years of age, many other critical hormones have dwindled including melatonin (which sets our sleep-wake cycle), the adrenal hormone DHEA (which has been linked with vitality and libido in women) and other hormones regulating our metabolism.

It is not only our hormonal rhythms that begin to fail, but so too our nutritional status. Even if we take in the required nutrients in our diet, our guts become less able to absorb them. Acquired deficiencies in essential minerals and vitamins may arise interrupting key pathways and functions.

Just a few years ago, Nobel prize winning research unlocked the code to our biological aging. The discovery of telomeres and an enzyme telomerase, has shed light on cellular aging. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes that shorten as we age and place a finite limit on our lifespan. Telomerase is a housekeeping enzyme that functions to preserve telomeres. With defects in the enzyme and shortening of our telomeres, cells face programmed senescence. More recently, it has been shown that telomere length can be improved with comprehensive lifestyle changes including; diet, exercise, stress management and social support.

While hormones and telomeres are important, so too are nutritional factors. Food-gene interactions play an important role in shaping our health, risks of disease and aging. Indeed, our diet provides energy, micronutrients to support our body processes and shapes microbiome (the collection of bacteria housed primarily in the colon). Our diet can also predict our aging. Dietary factors are thought to determine approximately 30 percent of how long we live and can add as much as a decade to our life.

In fact, one of the most robust models of longevity is based on caloric restriction in mice. Mice fed low calorie diets remain more youthful; both on the inside and out. They have longer life expectancies and are also less likely to have cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They look younger too, with richer fur, fewer wrinkles and less body fat.

In mice and other animal models, caloric restriction has been shown to promote longevity through the activation of sirtuins, proteins known to regulate the lifespan and contribute to genomic stability. A lot of attention has been given recently to the role of sirtuins in aging, because they play an essential role in the cellular response to environmental, physiological and psychological stress.

For sirtuins to work, they depend on a co-enzyme called NAD+. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 , is a precursor to NAD+ and plays the vital role in replenishing the supply of NAD + in the cell. Nicotinamide Riboside, as found in the health supplement Tru Niagen, when taken in a single oral dose has been shown to increase human blood levels of NAD+ by 2.7-fold. So it may be possible to mitigate age related decline in NAD+ levels and accentuate the benefits of caloric restriction through the use of NR supplementation to ramp up NAD+ production.

Despite the potential benefits of caloric restriction, it is not a lifestyle intervention that most would be able to follow successfully. To mimic the benefits of starvation, several caloric restriction mimetic diets have been developed. The most popular is the intermittent fasting (IF) diet and the ketogenic diet (KD). Intermittent Fasting (IF) combines moderate caloric restriction with time restricted eating. At least 3 days per week, a prolonged fast of 12-15 hours sometimes coupled with high intensity exercise (HIIT), is used to activate the sirtuin pathway and other metabolic modifications that occur during fasting. The Ketogenic Diet (KD) shifts the macronutrient make up of the diet, to restrict both carbohydrates and often calories. The ketogenic diet drives a switch in the body’s primary fuel from glucose to ketosis, a state where a more energy efficient form of fuel is used, ketone bodies which are derived from stored body fat as well as dietary fat or dietary ketone supplements. The low carbohydrate ketogenic diet is the best studied low carb diet for weight loss, energy, brain health and longevity. IF and KD are complimentary dietary interventions involving sirtuin activation and NAD+. Supplementation with the dietary ketone, betahydroxybutryrate (BHB), and NR may potentiate the benefits of both IF and KD.

Clearly it is not just calorie counting and timed fasting, but rather qualitative factors that can contribute to a longer lifespan.

So, is there a longevity diet? To design one, it is instructive to look at populations who boast the highest proportion of centenarians and longest life expectancy. With an average lifespan of 81-years. Okinawa islanders of Japan are considered the oldest demographic in the world. Compared with other Japanese diets, theirs is lower in calories, carbs and salt and higher in nutrients such as calcium, iron and vitamins.

The Okinawa diet is plant-based with little red meat. American gerontologist, Dr. Craig Willcox authored a book “the Okinawa Program” describing his findings of a 25-year study of Okinawan longevity and recommends that we “eat as low down the food chain as possible.” According to the JAMA network, other studies have confirmed that very low meat intake may contribute to longevity. Vegetarians in three continents have been shown to live longer than people on the Standard American Diet (SAD), high in refined sugars, trans-fats and meat products.

Life stress, especially when it is chronic and extreme, works like the common denominator when it comes to aging. Stress shortens telomeres, depletes NAD+ as well as the pool of precursors needed for healthy hormone balance, impedes nutrient absorption in the gut and leads to inflammation. It is estimated that chronic stress may shave more than seven years off the lifespan due in part to the shortening of telomeres. Proven stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing and visualization as well as tai chi may favorably affect cellular aging by reversing the deleterious effects of stress. New mindfulness based apps and digital tools and technology are making some of these practices more accessible to a larger population who may not access more conventional psychological resources.

The emerging field of “epigenetics” is revealing how our lifestyle, our stress and environmental exposures can affect the expression of our genes. Our DNA is not our destiny but rather a roadmap that is shaped by our lifestyle and life choices. The understanding of how these gene-environment interactions shape our health is the new frontier of Personalized Medicine.

The science of aging is complex and evolving rapidly. Achieving a lifestyle optimal for your genes and body type is the cornerstone to maintaining health and vitality through the ages. We can now choose to take charge of our aging and live longer better.

Make the Menopause Transition Easier with Hormone Therapy in Toronto

Menopause can be a very difficult time in the life of a woman. Many women in Toronto are finding that navigating this important transitional period is much easier when undergoing hormone therapy.

Menopause

Menopause is the stage of life when you naturally cease having menstrual periods. It occurs when your ovaries stop making the hormone estrogen that governs your menstrual cycle. Menopause signifies the end of your reproductive years.

Perimenopause is the time period leading up to menopause. Starting in your 30s and 40s, your estrogen levels begin fluctuating. A change in your menstrual cycle is a hallmark of perimenopause. Your cycles may grow longer than normal or shorter. There may be periods of time when you skip periods. Your flow amount may grow lighter or heavier.

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause

There are few hard rules to go by when it comes to symptoms of both menopause and perimenopause. Some women go without symptoms and others have only a few milder symptoms. In some women, symptoms can be severe. Common symptoms and signs of menopause are:

Hot flashes: This is a sudden rush of heat to the face and upper body that can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Hot flashes may occur a few times monthly, but others have this symptom several times daily. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night that can interfere with your sleep and make you feel sluggish during the day.

Sleep problems: you may have difficulty falling asleep or have problems sleeping throughout the night without waking up.

Hormone Therapy in Toronto

You can get relief from the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by undergoing hormone therapy, which means taking estrogen and a hormone called progestin if you have never undergone a hysterectomy and still have your uterus. Combined hormone therapy involves taking estrogen and progestin. Progestin can lower your chances of developing uterine cancer that may develop when estrogen is taken by itself.

Estrogen can be taken in a number of different forms including: capsules, patches, creams, and vaginal therapies. Progestin can be administered separately or in combination with estrogen in the same form of delivery. Systemic therapy involves the release of estrogen into your blood where it travels to where it is needed.

Benefits of Hormone Therapy

Those with hot flashes seem to respond best by undergoing systemic estrogen therapy. Vaginal dryness can be relieved using both systemic and local forms of estrogen therapy. Bone loss can be prevented using systemic estrogen. Colon cancer chances can be reduced using a combination of estrogen and progesterone therapy.

Contact Us

If you would like to receive more information about how hormone therapy in Toronto can help you with symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, reach out to the team at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!