DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands. It is the single most abundant steroid in the human blood stream. It is the mother or precursor hormone because the body readily converts it on demand into active hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisone and progesterone. DHEA seems to be the only hormone that declines with age in both men and women and its decline triggers age related disease.
Why is DHEA important? According to scientist, the decline of DHEA is the body is the most reliable indicator of aging and susceptibility to disease. Most age researchers agree that to retard aging and prevent disease, the DHEA blood levels must be maintained at levels found in people in their 20’s. Controlled scientific studies conducted as long as 55 years ago definitely exhibited some of the most profound age retarding, healing and disease preventing benefits ever seen in a single compound. Recent studies have demonstrated that of 5,000 women monitored, those who developed breast cancer had less than 10% the average DHEA levels for their age group. Those with above average DHEA levels remained cancer free.
In testing, DHEA levels were dramatically lower in males with premature heart disease than in healthy males. Two hundred and forty two men, ages 50 to 79, followed for twelve years, all experienced declining DHEA levels. Those with the lowest levels showed the highest history of heart disease. Postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis have significantly low DHEA levels. Women with bone density loss have declining levels of DHEA. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease had a 48% less DHEA level in their body than the control group of the same age.
A study at Temple University School of Medicine found that elevated levels of DHEA caused weight loss without a change in appetite. This is not weight loss due to a breakdown of lean muscle or fluid loss. DHEA appears to create a stabilizing effect on all body systems. It has been bound to help overweight people to lose fat and underweight people to gain weight. Calories convert to heat rather than get stored as fat. DHEA helps the body to build lean muscle tissue. DHEA may be the most significant natural weight stabilization supplement ever to be introduced in holistic health.
Current research and studies show that DHEA may be beneficial in preventing and treating diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, auto immune disease, AIDS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, aging, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, PMS, menopausal symptoms and the elimination of many age related diseases. Most patients studied in a double blind study noticed enhanced wellbeing, more energy, better clarity of thought, and an increased libido.
We have seen wonderful results from the use of DHEA with our patients whether they are wanting to lose weight, gain weight or just improve their overall health. DHEA should not be used during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or in cases of liver disease or prostate irregularity.
SUCCESS STORY OF THE MONTH
We are so lucky to see incredible success stories each month. Periodically I will highlight a great success story. For this month we would like to congratulate Bill Heflin. Bill came to our office with the goal to lose some weight and get healthier. After evaluating Bill he was put on a 5 week program. Bill was everything the model patient could be. Followed the program to a tee. Did exactly what was asked of him and smiled along the way. It was such a pleasure to see the incredible progress he made. At the end of 5 weeks Bill had lost 32 pounds and felt better than he had in years. Knowing Bill, he will continue to get healthier until his ultimate goal is reached. We thank Bill and all of our patients for allowing us to be part of the transformations you are making in your lives.
Remember whether you are just trying to lose that extra weight or get over chronic health issues, take time to attend one of our free seminars on Wednesday evenings. Register or call our office and we will save a spot for you. I am currently giving every one who attends a copy of my new book, “Improve the Quality of Your Life – Why Live in Pain?” We look forward to seeing you.
As we approach this holiday season and we are all in the gift giving mood. I would ask you to give a gift you may never have thought of before. Whether you are a parent, spouse, brother, sister or friend. There are many people who love you more than you will know. They want you to be healthy and live a long life. They don’t want you to be another statistic of poor health choices that have taken many lives much to young. Give the gift of getting yourself healthy. Whether it weight that has burdened you for many years or other health issues that are sucking the life out of you. It is never too late to change but you must DECIDE to. No one can make that change but YOU. We have seen so many lives turned around and you can be next. Just DECIDE.