What About Protein Supplements?

Add comment November 26th, 2008

Today I was asked about using protein supplements to help build muscles.  Creatine is sometimes taken as a nutritional supplement in weight lifters.  But it can cause an allergic reaction in the kidneys called interstitial nephritits.  And if you have any early kidney problem, it can make it get worse.   Eating a high protein diet is associated with increased pressure in the kidneys in experimental animals; this is called glomerular hypertension and leads to scarring in the kidneys.   If you know for sure you will never get any problems putting you at risk for kidney trouble - that is, no hypertension, diabetes, weight problem, vascular disease or need to have a kidney removed - then you kidneys will be safe if you eat a high protein diet.  Especially if you do not plan on getting old.  But we don’t know what the future holds for us, do we.  You may want to donate a kidney to someone.  Or maybe you do want to get old, after all.  And you probably will get at least one of the above conditions at some point.  So my advice is to avoid protein supplements that are not prescribed by your doctor, and avoid a high protein diet.  Eat a well-balanced diet, following the “food pyramid” published by our own government.     John C Maynard, MD      Rockford Nephrology Associates 

Snoring, Nuisance or Health Problem?

Add comment November 25th, 2008

Snoring is caused by a vibration of the soft palate frequently associated with narrowing of the upper airway.  The narrowing may be caused by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, uvula or a deviated septum.  Snoring may also be associated with a more serious health problem known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).   It is estimated that more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea and most are undiagnosed.  OSA occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that increase the risk.  Having a small upper airway(large tongue, tonsils or uvula), being overweight, having a small jaw, recessed chin or a large overbite, a large neck( 17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), smoking and alcohol use, being age 40 or older, having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and daytime tiredness.  OSA is a disorder in which people actually stop breathing while they sleep.  Muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.  You arouse yourself with a snort or a gasp for breath to resume breathing and this typically disrupts your sleep.  This pattern repeats itself throughout the night and can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.    This may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mood and memory problems.  Sleep apnea also increases the risk of automobile crashes and can be life-threatening.   Contact your doctor or SwedishAmerican Sleep Disorders Center if you feel that you suffer from it.

Introducing Dr. Mike Teuscher’s Dental Blog

Add comment November 10th, 2008

Welcome to the Register Star’s first ever dental blog.  I’m Dr. Mike Teuscher, and I have been practicing dentistry in Rockford since 1985.  The focus of my practice is holistic family care, and we emphasize  creating plans to help folks stay healthy over a lifetime.  I have advanced training in adult reconstructive, implant and cosmetic dentistry.

 We hope that this blog creates an opportunity to share accurate information on dental health.  I will base my responses to your questions on the scientific data that drives our health care strategies.  It is truly possible today to establish and maintain a completely healthy mouth.  I’m excited to have this chance to discuss what today’s preventive dentistry has to offer.

I look forward to your questions and comments!

 For more information about our practice please visit us on our website at www.teuscherdental.com

Dr. Mike Teuscher