Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

An animal study found semaglutide reduced lean mass by about 10%, with the liver shrinking nearly in half and skeletal muscles losing 6% of their size. In a clinical trial of 140 adults, semaglutide users lost about 15 pounds of lean muscle over 68 weeks.

As with everything it comes down to Risks and Benefits, GLP-1 agents have many benefits, however, simply recognize the risks such as loss of excess lean muscle mass, and decreased bone density. My recommendation would be to take a "Drug Holiday" which is a term used in the medical literature. For example, every 6 months take a 2 month break.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Vitamin D3 Benefits Several Aspects of PCOS

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, frequently associated with menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in PCOS and may contribute to impaired ovarian function and hormonal imbalance. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT investigated whether high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation could improve ovarian function in women with PCOS.

 

The study was conducted across eight sites in Hungary between 2016 and 2020 and included 84 premenopausal women (≥18 years) diagnosed with PCOS according to the revised Rotterdam criteria, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of 10–30 ng/mL and BMI<36. Exclusion criteria included hypercalcemia, other metabolic disorders, and recent vitamin D supplementation (>1,000 IU) or metformin/hormonal therapy.

 

Participants were randomized into two groups: the D12 group received placebo for 12 weeks followed by vitamin D3 (30,000 IU/week) for 12 weeks, while the D24 group received vitamin D3 (30,000 IU/week) for 24 weeks. Women with low dietary calcium intake (<1000 mg/day) also received calcium citrate 400 mg/day.

 

Primary endpoints were ovulation rate (luteal-phase progesterone >10 ng/mL considered “responsive”) and menstrual cycle regularity (recorded in patient diaries). Secondary endpoints included serum hormonal changes and ovarian morphology assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks.

 

Serum 25(OH)D increased significantly after 12 weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation, stabilizing above 30 ng/mL in 95% of participants (mean >45 ng/mL). No further increase was observed after an additional 12 weeks of treatment in the D24 group.

 

After 12 weeks, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual cycle length, particularly among women with more severe oligomenorrhea. Approximately two-thirds of participants experienced shorter, more regular cycles. Ovulation rates also improved significantly, most notably in women with a higher LH/FSH ratio (>2). Hyperandrogenic participants also showed a significant reduction in mean testosterone levels. Ovarian morphology improved in over half of the participants, although differences between groups were not statistically significant. No safety issues or adverse events were reported.

 

Weekly high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation significantly improved ovulation rates and menstrual regularity, as well as ovarian morphology in women with PCOS and vitamin D deficiency. Benefits were greatest among hyperandrogenic phenotypes, supporting vitamin D3 as a promising adjunctive therapy for PCOS management.

 

Note: Thorne offers a range of Vitamin D formulations to support diverse individual needs.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Melatonin Improves IBS Symptom Severity and Quality of Life

 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 7-16% of the U.S. population, disproportionately affecting young women. Because of the variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and physiological manifestations beyond the GI tract, interventions including pharmaceuticals, dietary changes, and complementary therapies are often used in these patients for symptom management and health improvement. The GI tract is the largest producer of melatonin outside the brain, where it acts locally to improve motility, decrease inflammation, and improve the microbiome.

 

The present study explored the effects of melatonin on the quality of life and sleep patterns of patients with IBS of all types, including pain-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, and constipation-predominant. Safety and efficacy were also measured by adverse event reporting and patient compliance.

 

Participants (n=76) were otherwise healthy adults aged 18 and older with diagnosed IBS at least one month prior to entering the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 3 mg melatonin or placebo daily for eight weeks. They completed three questionnaires before and after the study period: IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), which evaluates symptoms such as pain, distention, and bowel dysfunction as well as overall wellbeing; IBS Quality of Life-34 (IBS-QoL34), which produces a score ranging from 0-100 with lower scores indicating a better QoL; and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which measures subjective sleep quality over the past month.

 

After eight weeks, the IBS-SSS ranking was significantly lower in the melatonin group compared to placebo, with improved scores increasing the number of participants in remission from zero to 27 of 38 in the intervention group and decreasing the number of participants with severe scores from nine to only one. The melatonin group also reported better IBS-QoL34 scores compared to placebo. Interestingly, the PSQI scores did not significantly differ between groups after the study period, although both the placebo and melatonin groups saw improvements.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Magnesium has been recognized as a very important mineral which most individuals have low-normal levels from their diet alone, and require supplementation to maintain healthy levels. Magnesium is different from Potassium in that its much more critical to monitor your levels of Potassium as opposed to Magnesium when supplementing with them. High and low levels of potassium are harder for the body to regulate, and can be toxic to the heart muscle, causing fatal arrythmias.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Inflammation and the Nervous System - Neuroinflammation plays a large role in many disorders such as ALS, MS, Parkinsons.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Address the ROOT Cause and Lower Your Inflammation

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Critical role inflammation plays in atherosclerosis. Lower your inflammation daily.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to disease and injury. When you come down with a respiratory infection or cut yourself, your immune system activates white blood cells, which in turn release cytokines and other inflammatory molecules that attack invaders and protect the body’s tissues. When this response is temporary, it serves as an effective defense mechanism. But when inflammation doesn’t let up, it can contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleep deprivation is associated with markers of inflammation, such as increases in inflammatory molecules—including cytokines, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation that’s elevated in people at risk for heart disease and diabetes), and others— among people who weren’t sleeping well. While these signs of inflammation could be attributed to other factors—stress, smoking, or obesity, for example—they do suggest that sleep deprivation plays a role in the inflammatory process. And they could help explain why people who sleep poorly are at risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, among other chronic conditions.

How does a lack of sleep contribute to inflammation? One theory focuses on blood vessels. During sleep, blood pressure drops and blood vessels relax. When sleep is restricted, blood pressure doesn’t decline as it should , which could trigger cells in blood vessel walls that activate inflammation. A lack of sleep might also alter the body’s stress response system.

In addition, a sleep shortfall interferes with the normal function of the brain’s housecleaning system, termed the glymphatic system (not to be confused with the lymphatic system in the rest of the body). In the deepest sleep phases, cerebrospinal fluid rushes through the brain, sweeping away beta-amyloid protein linked to brain cell damage. Without a good night’s sleep, this housecleaning process is less thorough, allowing the protein to accumulate—and inflammation to develop. Then, a vicious cycle sets in. Beta-amyloid buildup in the brain’s frontal lobe starts to impair deeper, non-REM slow-wave sleep. This damage makes it harder both to sleep and to retain and consolidate memories.

Just one night of lost sleep can keep beta-amyloid levels higher than usual. The problem is not so much a single night’s poor sleep, which you can compensate for, but a cumulative pattern of sleep loss, leading to decreases in the structural integrity, size, and function of brain regions like the thalamus and hippocampus, which are especially vulnerable to damage during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

The above image depicts plaque build up inside of an artery. Plaque in an artery is a complex mechanism involving Inflammation as a root cause mechanism. Many factors are involved such as cholesterol, abnormal sugar processing, high blood pressure etc.. however, the Inflammatory process caused by these factors remains the root cause to be addressed in the prevention of cardiovascular disease which is the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A Plaque on the inner surface of the artery can contain calcium, however, plaques exist without calcium as well. These "soft plaques" without calcium, are not as firm and can create problems often more so than the calcified plaques which are more stable and have been in existence for a longer period of time. Therefore, simply because you have a low calcium score, doesn't mean you don't have a "soft Plaque" without calcium which is unstable and can cause artery blockage. A low calcium score can be misleading and a high calcium score can also be misleading, therefore if you have symptoms of cardiovascular disease have a complete work-up with your physician including Echocardiogram, EKG, Cardiac CT Scan, Stress Testing , and a possible Cardiac Catheterization if warranted.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Biomarkers play a large role in the diagnosis and treatment of many disorders. simply google what biomarkers are unique to your disease / disorder. Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO

 

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

B and T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages

This indicates that NK cells may provide an important immune defense against malaria, says Lewis Lanier, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of California at San Francisco. “These findings will prompt future studies in infected humans and suggest that augmenting NK cell function might provide a new therapeutic strategy for malaria,” says Lanier, who was not part of the research team.

An innate immune response is triggered during Plasmodium infection as first line of defense, followed by an adaptive immune response, which includes T-cells, B-cells, and antibodies. 

One of the biggest problems in controlling malaria in regions of high transmission, where it continues to account for over one million deaths yearly, is that protective immunity against re-infection does not occur. It is believed that inadequate formation and maintenance of infection-fighting memory T-cells are at the root of this immune malfunction. This phenomenon also frustrates efforts to develop effective malaria vaccines.

It’s known that malaria causes a highly inflammatory response in infected individuals that leads to the deadly clinical complications of anemia and cerebral disease. The Yale research team learned that the parasites produce their own version of a human cytokine, or immune hormone, which directs the inflammatory response during malaria. They also discovered that this cytokine, called PMIF, incapacitates the anti-malaria, memory T-cell immune response.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Over the past 5 years we have seen significant progress and understanding in how our Immune system plays a role in prevention and treatment of many diseases and disorders. Immunotherapy to treat Auto-Immune disorders with biologic agents has made a significant impact in the treatment and prevention of flares of Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma, Ulcerative colitis, Dermatomyositis, Psoriasis, Eczema etc. 

We have also encountered significant advances in Cancer therapy using Immunotherapy agents either alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. The synergy amongst using medications together enhances the effectiveness in many cases, as we have seen with the recent protocol of Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) & Azythromycin (Zithromax) to treat / prevent COVID-19.

Synergy is if you take Blood Pressure Medicine A, and it lowers your blood pressure by 10%, then if you take Blood Pressure Medicine B after stopping Medicine A, and it lowers your blood pressure by 10%; if you took them together you would expect a lowering of your blood pressure by 20%, however, with synergy between the two medications taken together, we observe a 30% drop in blood pressure.

Turmeric / Curcumin, along with Zinc & High doses of Vitamin C added to the above regimen of Hydroxychloroquine & Azythromycin, significantly enhances the Synergy and Efficacy of the regimen. Proper absorption of Turmeric / Curcumin is crucial, as it is difficult for our intestinal cells to absorb and thus deliver to our tissues via the blood. Combining the Turmeric / Curcumin with Quercetin, Resveratrol, Ginger & Black Pepper (BioPerine™), greatly enhances the Absorption (from your intestinal tract to your bloodstream), and Bioavailability (from your bloodstream to your tissues). See website listed above  for more info on my high potency, maximum absorption synergistic Curcumin / Turmeric Capsule, which has been in production for the past 3 years.

COVID-19, like all viruses require a host to function and replicate. They enter our cells through a protein on the cell surface, ACE2. This protein is abundant in our respiratory tract cells and upper oropharynx. However, it is much more abundant in lower respiratory tissues (bronchioles and small airways) in our lungs. Thus, once the virus starts replicating rapidly in our lungs, we fall behind the curve, and those with pre-existing conditions (Hypertension, Diabetes, Immune System dysfunction, Asthma, COPD), are more prone to develop an overwhelming flood of fluids and inflammation into the lung sacs (Alveoli), creating a barrier for oxygen to get to our blood, thus requiring a ventilator.

If the pressure builds too high in the lungs (ARDS)- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, the pressure placed on the chambers of the heart creates low cardiac output to the rest of the body, and the organs begin to shut down. There is also increasing evidence that COVID-19 causes direct injury to heart muscle (myocardial injury) or a Viral Myocarditis, in some patients, compounding an already stressed heart.

Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your immune system extremely healthy, as that is our main defense against any virus, especially COVID-19, which is new, and our immune systems need to program their mechanism of attack. Our Immune systems are overreacting initially to COVID-19, as this is a new virus, and thus we have a large surge of inflammation “Cytokine Storm”, and other inflammatory markers like Interleukins & Prostaglandins. Yes, Anti-virals and the above regimen are extremely valuable, however, we must not wait until we have symptoms, as staying ahead of the curve is vital for your health, not only with COVID-19, however relating to long term Health & Prevention  as well.

Unlike Bacteria, viruses do not get killed by an antibiotic, and anti-virals inhibit the viral load and replication, thus making it much more manageable for our immune systems to stop 

the active replication in our cells. A great example of this is the HPV virus, and Cervical Cancer; where the immune system plays a large role in how that virus will impact the cells on the cervix, and either cause them to mutate to cancer over years, or suppress the virus to inactivity, and thus stop damaging the cells on the cervix. Vaccines will be discussed in a later Blog.

There are many agents which can improve your immune system, natural & synthetic; also remember that 70-80 percent of your immune system resides in the GUT wall, MALT (Mucosal associated Lymphoid Tissue), therefore, improving your gut health with diet, and keeping inflammation controlled, is essential for a healthy Immune System.

Curcumin / Curcuminoids are the active agents in Turmeric Root. There are over 3000 studies confirming their healthy effect in dramatically reducing inflammation in our bodies, while improving functioning of our organs, and optimizing our Immune Systems significantly. Turmeric ROOT only contains 3-7% Curcumin / Curcuminoids, thus taking a high dose capsule, is crucial.

A very recent article / Study from March 12, 2020 reveals Curcumins effectiveness against COVID-19, as Curcumins effectiveness stems from its impact directly on the cell, via inhibiting or activating cellular surface proteins, specifically ACE2. With COVID-19, Via inhibiting / binding to this protein signaling molecule ACE2, the COVID-19 virus can’t bind and thus replicate, especially in the lower respiratory tract tissues, causing Pneumonia and ARDS. Thus, taking high doses of Curcumin/Turmeric can significantly improve the outcome of those who contract COVID-19, via inhibiting viral replication and inhibiting the surge of inflammatory markers- Cytokines, Interleukins, Prostaglandins etc.

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Newer Antidepressants for Post-Partum Depression

Antidepressants are medications that can help relieve depression symptoms, like fatigue and emotional numbness. Several different kinds of antidepressants exist, but the most commonly prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Fluoxetine (Prozac) entered the market  as the first SSRI, and for the next 30 years, many experts considered SSRIs the “modern” antidepressant.

In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new antidepressants, brexanolone and esketamine

Brexanolone

In 2019, the FDA approved brexanolone (Zulresso) as the first drug specifically designed to treat moderate to severe postpartum depression (PPD). Experts consider some SSRIs safe to take while pregnant or nursing, but these medications may not lead to much improvement for several weeks. When you have PPD, symptoms don’t just affect your own well-being — they can also have long-term effects on your bond with your baby.

Brexanolone, however, begins to take effect immediately. According to two randomized clinical trials published in 2018, this medication can significantly reduce PPD symptoms — benefits that held when researchers followed up with participants 30 days after treatment.

Esketamine

Esketamine (Spravato) is a chemical cousin of the anesthetic ketamine. The FDA approved esketamine in 2019 to treat treatment-resistant depression, or depression that persists after you try at least two different antidepressant treatments.

During clinical trials, doctors gave participants a nasal esketamine spray or a placebo spray. All participants also took an oral antidepressant they hadn’t tried before. Compared to people who took an oral antidepressant and used a placebo spray, those who used the esketamine spray reported greater symptom relief and longer symptom-free periods.

How it works

Esketamine sets off a chain reaction of chemicals that ultimately raises your levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps your neurons make new connections, which in turn enables you to form memories, learn new information, and develop different habits.

Depression typically involves low BDNF levels, and your brain may have difficulty adapting to changes. Esketamine helps restore BDNF levels, along with overall brain plasticity.

As with brexanolone, you have to take esketamine in the presence of a healthcare professional. Your doctor or clinician will give you a dose between 56–84 milligrams (mg), which you spray into your nostrils. You then relax in a chair for 2 hours. Your care team will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during this time.

This medication works quickly, with many people noticing relief right away. Treatment requires multiple sessions, typically twice a week for the first 28 days and then spaced out over time. The effects usually last until your next dose.

Safety and side effects

In clinical trials, participants tended to report mild to moderate side effects. You may feel sleepy, dizzy, or a bit “out of it” during your treatment session. These side effects often go away within 90 minutes after you take your dose.

On rare occasions, people have reported more severe side effects like:

• vomiting
• anxiety and confusion
• worsening depression or suicidal thoughts

Esketamine can also lead to significant increases in blood pressure during the treatment session, which is why you’ll need monitoring for 2 hours. If you have hypertension or another vascular condition, make sure to tell your doctor before receiving treatment.

Consult with your physician, as using other anti-depressants as maintenance, in tandem with these newer treatments, are often necessary and effective.

 

 

 

Dr. Joseph M. Miller DO - ROOT Cause Supplements, LLC

https://drjosephmillerobgyn.com

Bio-identical hormones

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormones are an important part of your body’s messenger system. These chemicals send signals to almost every part of your body. They control things like your mood, growth, and even body hair.  

Bioidentical hormones are man-made. They’re designed so your body uses them in the same way it does your own hormones. Bioidentical hormones can be very helpful for people who suffer from a hormonal imbalance or who might not make enough hormones naturally. 

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that are made by your endocrine glands. The glands release hormones into your bloodstream to be carried to the appropriate body part. Hormones control quite a few functions in your body such as: 

• Metabolism
• Reproduction
• Growth
• Sexual function

It’s difficult for you to function properly when your hormones are out of balance. A hormone imbalance can cause weight gain or mood swings that affect your day-to-day life. Taking hormones can help people whose bodies don’t make enough of a certain hormone, or whose hormone levels are unbalanced. 

Bioidentical hormones are just one type of man-made hormones available. Of all the hormones out there, the bioidentical type is the closest to the real thing. These hormones are chemically identical to the ones your body makes, so you can absorb them easily. Bioidentical hormones are made in a laboratory and can come in different forms.  

Natural hormones are another type of hormone on the market today. They come from natural sources like yams and soybeans. But don’t be fooled by the name itself. Natural hormones require lots of processing for them to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sold. 

Hormones can come in different forms like pills, creams, injections, and gels. 

Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

Every physical body is unique and has different needs. For this reason, some health care practitioners offer a compounded, or mixed, bioidentical hormone. The appeal is that it’s a blend of hormones tailored to the individual. But there are risks involved with using this method. 

Often, when hormones are blended, a saliva sample is taken from the patient to test current hormone levels to determine what hormone combination is most suitable. There are multiple reasons why this method can be unsafe. 

Saliva doesn’t always indicate actual hormone levels in the blood. And custom hormonal blends aren’t usually FDA-approved. They can contain a range of hormones and non-hormonal ingredients that haven’t been tested for safety. ‌

Compounding pharmacies are places where a pharmacist will mix a blend of hormones for patients. Some products might be given the FDA stamp of approval, but the final blends usually haven’t. More research is needed on the safety of compounded bioidentical hormones. 

Impact of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy On Your Health

People need to take replacement hormones for different reasons. Sometimes, it’s due to old age or life changes, like menopause. Taking certain hormones your body no longer makes can help improve your health and overall well-being. 

Without a proper balance of hormones, your body can go through unpleasant symptoms. Replacing the hormones you no longer produce with doctor-prescribed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can reduce symptoms and help you achieve a better quality of life.

BHRT can help with the following symptoms: 

• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Night sweats
• Low energy levels
• Memory loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased interest in sex‌

While hormone therapy can offer its share of benefits, there are also some risks involved. People who undergo not just BHRT — but any hormone therapy — can be at risk to develop blood clots and gallbladder disease. It can also increase your risk of stroke and breast cancer. 

As with most hormone therapies, there is an adjustment period when you first start taking a course. Side effects can appear within the first few weeks and subside as your body adjusts to the new hormone level. 

Some of these side effects can appear when you begin BHRT:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Increased facial hair 
• Spotting
• Cramps
• Acne or changes in the facial skin
• Headaches
• Tenderness in the breast ‌

Breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain are the most reported side effects of BHRT. It’s important to consult with your doctor if BHRT is right for you.