• Antibiotic use
• Certain health conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, asthma, certain cancers, depression, obesity)
• Certain nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitaminsA, B, C, D, and E, copper, iron, selenium, zinc)
• Chronic stress
• Excessive alcohol consumption
•  Intense or excessive exercise
•  Intestinal dysbiosis
  (i.e., imbalanced gut microbiota)
• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking and e-cigarette use

WEIGHT LOSS Q & A

Why am I having a hard time losing weight?

The answer to this question is anything but simple. There are numerous factors that may contribute to your challenges of shedding excess weight and maintaining those results.

Our modern food supply is a big part of the problem. In many communities, fast food is readily available (and less expensive) than high quality produce. Highly processed food products line grocery store shelves.

Many people also spend the bulk of their day in front of screens for school, work, and entertainment. This doesn’t leave much time for getting fresh air and exercise.

High stress levels and poor sleep quality further complicate matters. This may be why overweight and obesity rates are on the rise, even among the nation’s children.

How is medical weight loss different?

You’ve probably tried a range of diet and exercise plans, and some of those efforts probably delivered results, even if temporarily. Medical weight loss is a unique approach that places your health and wellness at the center of the whole process.

It begins with a comprehensive physical exam and lab testing to learn more about how your body is functioning. The information gleaned from those efforts shapes your customized weight loss plan.

Some of the tools available within medical weight loss include:

• HCG diet plans
• Sermorelin injections
• Vitamin B12 and lipotropic injections
• Phentermine
• Semaglutide injections

Additional medications might play a role in your weight loss journey. Your provider works closely with you to determine which of these tools, in addition to healthy nutrition and routine exercise, offer the best path toward a healthy and sustainable weight.

When you’re ready to get started, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

There are several health risks associated with carrying a significant amount of extra weight. Few things have a more significant impact on your daily life.

Some of the health problems researchers link to being overweight or obese include:

• Heart disease and heart attack
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney disease
• High cholesterol
• Cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Sexual dysfunction
• Cognitive issues
• Osteoarthritis

This is far from a full list. While every organ and system in your body are impacted when you’re overweight or obese and can cause physical deterioration, you might also develop mental health problems like anxiety and depression as well.

There is great difference between physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is a general term that is applied to any movement that contracts the muscles. It can include gardening, cleaning the house, to more rigorous sports like basketball, swimming or running, which raises the heart rate and build endurance. 

Exercise is a planned , purposeful movement specifically intended to boost physical fitness. Therefore, running, walking, biking, swimming, hot yoga, and dancing are all activities that require effort, expend energy, and work core muscle groups. 

Exercise is divided into 2 categories: Aerobic vs Anaerobic Exercise. Aerobic exercises includes activity that is continuous and prolonged and therefore, increases heart rate and requires additional intake of oxygen. 

Anaerobic exercises requires very little oxygen, is shorter in duration and of higher intensity. These activities are strenuous, involve quick bursts of energy, and result in muscle fatigue rather then oxygen deficit. 

Examples of Anaerobic Exercises: 

• Weightlifting
• sprinting
• jumping
• rowing
• doing push-ups
• doing sit-ups
• serving volleyball
• serving a tennis ball 

Examples of Aerobic or (Cardiovascular) Exericises: 

• running
• cycling
• swimming
• skating
• climbing stairs
• jumping rope

According to American Health Association and Surgeon General, adults need about 30 minutes of moderately intense cardiovascular activity 4-5 days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity three times a week. 

Exercise has effects on both your body and mind, including: 

• anti-inflammatory influence
• blood pressure control
• decrease risk of depression and anxiety
• enhances mood
• enhances immune system
• improves sleep 
• helps maintain memory 
• increase self-esteem
• lowers blood suger
• promotes weight loss
• prevents premature death 

Information from Dr. Nancy Appleton's book "Suicide by Sugar."

Sugar is related to almost every major illness. 

An excess of sugar can lead to the following negative health issues: 

• Suppress your immune system
• Cause hyperactivity, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and crankiness in children. 
• Increase Cholesterol
• Increase risk of developing several different forms of cancer
• Increase risk of Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Increases risk of devoting cataracts
• Can cause premature aging 
• Cause inflammation 
• Weight gain and obesity 
• Increases risk of arthritis
• Increases risk of developing osteoporosis 
• Contributes to food allergies
• Can Interfere with the absorption of protein
• Can damage the pancreas
• Contribute to fatty liver
• Contribute to fluid retention 
• Increases risk of developing kidney stones
• Contributes to hormonal imbalances
• Can worsen ADD/ADHD
• Can contribute to seizure
• Increases risk of irritable bowel syndrome
• Can contribute to acne
• Contribute to development of diverticulitis
• Increase risk of developing gout

what is hcg (human chorionic gonadotropin)?

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is not another diet pill or risky appetite suppressant. HCG is a complex amino-peptide protein that exists in every tissue of the human body in minuscule amounts and is found in all living things. Using HCG for weight loss is a proven, scientific, and medically-based solution that is completely safe and highly effective when prescribed and supervised by a medical expert.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a 100% natural, water-based hormone present in both men and women and produced in great amounts in pregnant females. During pregnancy, HCG enables a woman’s body to provide a constant nutrient supply to her baby from her stored fat supplies. The same mechanism helps men, and non-pregnant females, access and burn stubborn fat stores all over the body when they take HCG. HCG imparts a feeling of satiety, so you aren’t frustrated by hunger pains that often come with low-calorie diets.

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that helps with weight loss.

It is part of a class of drugs called amphetamines.

Phentermine works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine, a chemical that your body uses to speed up your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. This can help you feel less hungry and more energetic, which may help you stick with a diet and exercise plan.

It's important to note that phentermine isn't a magic pill — it won't work without changes in diet and exercise habits.

The FDA has approved phentermine weight loss when prescribed by a doctor as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet, exercise and behavior modification therapy.

CBD SERVICES OFFERED IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN

CBD (cannabidiol) products are becoming more popular as people are looking for alternative treatments to ease their symptoms. CBD may help relieve pain, soothe anxiety, and promote better quality sleep. At Sure Success Wellness Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sheila Thomas, DO, may recommend CBD if other treatments aren’t helping you find improvements. To receive CBD treatments, call the office or book an appointment online today.

CBD Q & A

What is CBD?

CBD is a type of chemical found in cannabis plants. It doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance that causes people to feel “high.” However, many patients may find that CBD products provide them with better relaxation or a sense of calm.

Your endocannabinoid system helps the rest of your body systems maintain balance. It plays a role in regulating appetite, mood, sleep cycles, energy levels, and pain.

While the body naturally produces cannabinoids to support your optimal functioning, cannabinoid levels often decrease with age. This leads to fluctuations in your bodily processes, causing it to be out of balance.

Using CBD products may stimulate your endocannabinoid system to help your body feel more balanced and calm. It may also help with pain relief.

What conditions can CBD help with?

At Sure Success Wellness Center, your provider may recommend a range of CBD products to help with conditions such as:

• Mood regulation
• Immune system health
• Difficulty sleeping
• Focus and concentration
• Chronic pain
• Cardiovascular health
• Anxiety and stress
• Weight loss

If you’re interested in learning how CBD products may benefit your wellness, reach out to Sure Success Wellness Center. The practice is dedicated to helping you lead a healthy, pain-free life and can answer all your questions or concerns about CBD.

What are the benefits of CBD?

You may find several benefits when incorporating CBD products into your health care plan. CBD doesn’t contain any psychoactive elements. It also doesn’t come with the addictive side effects of prescription opioids if it’s used for chronic pain relief.

CBD products are derived from plant sources, making it an excellent, natural alternative to traditional treatments.

What is the best way to use CBD products?

At Sure Success Wellness Center, your provider can give you advice and recommendations on CBD products and how to properly use them. They may include CBD products in your treatment plan to help ease chronic pain, reduce anxiety and stress, or other conditions that negatively affect your quality of daily life.

To schedule a CBD consultation, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

IV VITAMIN THERAPY Q & A

What is IV vitamin therapy?

Intravenous (IV) therapy is treatment for a wide range of health conditions. IV therapy, also called IV vitamin therapy, delivers a powerful surge of nutrients directly into your bloodstream.

The process uses a sterile needle to place a piece of thin medical tubing into a vein on your hand or wrist. The other end of that tubing connects to a bag of custom-blended nutrients suspended in saline. As you relax and lay back, the solution slowly enters your bloodstream one drip at a time.

What are the benefits of IV vitamin therapy?

You should always strive to get the bulk of your nutrients from high quality food sources. But meeting your daily needs through food alone may be challenging at times. You might not have the time or resources to complete meal planning, shopping, and food preparation necessary to take in sufficient vitamins and minerals.

Supplements can help, but choosing the right supplementation among thousands of available options isn’t easy. Significant research shows that a large portion of pills and tablets pass through your digestive system intact, meaning you might not absorb the nutrients.

IV vitamin therapy offers a way to deliver essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream, without having to pass through your digestive tract. This means your cells are nourished within moments of your IV therapy session (at their full strength and in a known concentration).

Is IV vitamin therapy painful?

IV vitamin therapy shouldn’t be painful. At Sure Success Wellness Center, placing an IV is a simple, swift, and painless experience. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle enters your vein, but there is no significant discomfort.

In fact, many people report feeling immediately refreshed and invigorated during and after their treatment sessions.

You’re encouraged to relax during your session. Some people choose to read, listen to music, or play a game on their phone. Others simply close their eyes and take a few moments to recenter and recharge.

To learn more about what IV therapy can do for you, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SERVICES OFFERED IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN

A functional medicine approach to your health involves treating and caring for every aspect of your wellness. At Sure Success Wellness Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sheila Thomas, DO, offers expert functional medicine-based care for the prevention and treatment of acute illnesses, chronic disease, and mood disorders. To receive holistic, patient-focused care, call the office or book an appointment online today.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Q & A

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is an approach to health that involves assessing and caring for every aspect of your overall well-being, not just focusing on your symptoms. This integrated view of your health evaluates and treats the underlying cause of disease and identifies where you need support for optimal healing.

Functional medicine combines the best of traditional medicine, integrative medicine, and naturopathic medicine to develop highly personalized care plans that take into account your:

• Physical health
• Emotional wellness
• Mental health
• Nutritional status
• Lifestyle and habits

Functional medicine uses the expertise of a wide range of specialties to treat acute and chronic illnesses.

For instance, a poor diet and lack of exercise might not be the only factors that contribute to excess weight. It may also be caused by hormone imbalance. A functional medicine program might address the underlying hormone imbalances with hormone replacement therapy.

What conditions can functional medicine treat?

At Sure Success Wellness Center, functional medicine is used to treat a wide range of health problems, including:

• Chronic fatigue
• Mold illness
• Mood disorders
• Menstrual issues
• Ovarian cysts

Functional medicine can also address digestive problems and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The goal of your treatment plan is to help relieve your pain or other symptoms that affect your quality of daily life and treat the factors that contribute to your condition.

What can I expect during a functional medicine consultation?

At Sure Success Wellness Center, your provider reviews your medical history and works closely with you to identify the underlying cause of your condition. They take the time to understand all the factors that may play a role, which may include your family medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle (diet and exposure to environmental toxins).

They may also recommend testing, such as blood work or a mental health assessment, to gather more information about your condition.

Based on the information gathered, they personalize your treatment plan to improve your overall well-being. Throughout your treatment, you’ll have the support of Sure Success Wellness Center. Your provider can address any questions you have during your follow-up visits.

To schedule a functional medicine consultation, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

Functions of Progesterone

• balances estrogen
• positive effect on sleep
• helps build bones
• helps prevent anxiety, irritability, mood swings
• helps maintain bladder function
• lowers LDL cholesterol
• helps maintain pregnancy
• protects breast health
• anti-inflammatory
• diuretic
• immune builder
• increases metabolic rate
• helps the body to eliminate fats
• enhances the action of the thyroid

LOW DOSE NALTREXONE Q & A

LDN has been shown to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, improve digestion & gut health, boost energy levels and help regulate blood sugar. LDN has not been approved by the FDA for these uses, however there are multiple studies that have shown these benefits.

What is low dose naltrexone?

At full strength, naltrexone is FDA-approved for treating opioid addiction, as well as alcohol addiction. In lower doses, naltrexone is often used “off-label” to treat a number of conditions. However, it’s important to understand that low dose naltrexone can cause negative interactions with other drugs, so be sure to let your provider know about any other medications or supplements you take.

What are some uses for low dose naltrexone?

Low dose naltrexone is a powerful treatment option for several health conditions. Under the care of a skilled provider, this medication can deliver improvements for:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Emphysema
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple types of cancer

Many people find relief from these conditions through low dose naltrexone after other efforts have failed to yield similar results. The medication can be used as a stand-alone therapy, or in combination with other drugs. You might also consider incorporating treatments like IV therapy and nutrition support to help you move closer to your goals.

How do I know if low dose naltrexone is right for me?

As with any drug therapy, determining if low dose naltrexone is a good fit for your needs requires working closely with an experienced health care provider. When you meet with your provider at Sure Success Wellness Center, be prepared to share the full details of your health history, including any previous therapies you’ve tried.

Low dose naltrexone is shown to be a safe and effective treatment option. However, side effects are possible. You might experience:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

If these side effects arise, your provider can adjust your dose or provide other treatments to relieve them.

To find out how low dose naltrexone can help you, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

Leaky gut syndrome is a medical condition that causes chronic gut issues and can lead to autoimmune disorders.

In a healthy gut, there are tiny cells called tight junctions that help keep the intestinal lining intact. When you have leaky gut syndrome, these junctions loosen, allowing undigested food particles or pathogens to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to an immune response that causes inflammation throughout the body.

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition characterized by intestinal permeability, or "leakiness." This can cause chronic gut issues and lead to autoimmune disorders.

It's important to note that leaky gut syndrome is not an actual disease; it's a set of symptoms that can be caused by many different conditions. The name itself is misleading because the intestines aren't actually leaking like a pipe would. Instead, the tight junctions between cells are compromised, which allows food particles and other harmful molecules to enter your bloodstream through the lining of your intestines.

When these molecules enter your bloodstream, your immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and attacks them. This causes inflammation in any area where you have autoimmune problems (such as arthritis or psoriasis).

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that causes chronic gut issues and can lead to autoimmune disorders.

It's not a new condition, but it's also not well-understood. Basically, it happens when your gut lining gets damaged or weakened and allows food particles and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

That sounds bad! But what does it mean for you? Well, if you have leaky gut syndrome, your immune system will respond by attacking those particles as though they were dangerous invaders. This can lead to a whole host of problems, including inflammation and autoimmune disorders like diabetes or lupus.

Do you often suffer from gas, bloating and loose stools? You may be suffering from leaky gut.

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the lining of your small intestine becomes damaged. When this happens, it allows large particles of food, bacteria and other substances to pass through the intestinal wall into your bloodstream. The immune system recognizes these foreign particles as invaders and attacks them. This leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body.

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS Q & A

What are autoimmune disorders?

Autoimmune disorders develop when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells and tissues. The immediate reaction is antibody production in an effort to fight off the perceived attacking cells. Some autoimmune conditions attack a specific organ, while others attack your entire body.

There are a number of different autoimmune disorders. Some of the more common include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Psoriasis
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Crohn’s disease

Determining which condition you have is the first step in creating a treatment plan. Blood work, imaging tests, and a comprehensive review of your personal and family health history are all part of the diagnostic process.

What are some signs I might have an autoimmune disorder?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to seek treatment for an autoimmune disorder. Some of the symptoms of these conditions include:

• Low grade fever
• Skin rash
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Aching muscles
• Difficulty concentrating

If you experience these or other troubling changes, come in for a diagnostic workup. Because the symptoms of autoimmune disorders are also common among many other medical conditions, achieving a proper diagnosis requires working with practitioners with the right skills, training, and experience.

What treatments can help with autoimmune disorders?

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help you find relief from autoimmune conditions. It often takes time to find the right course of treatment, so try to be patient as you work with your provider to find the right fit for your needs.

Medications may play a role in your treatment plan. Some drugs work to relieve individual symptoms, while others work by altering the way your immune system responds. For many autoimmune disorders, treating hormonal imbalances is good treatment option that delivers lasting results.

Improving your nutrition and reaching a healthy weight can also go a long way toward improving your experience with an autoimmune disease. Sure Success Wellness Center offers nutrition guidance, IV vitamin therapy, and medical weight loss to support your health.

When you’re ready to get started, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

TELEMEDICINE Q & A

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is an approach that uses technology to provide an alternative to traditional in-office visits. While telemedicine is currently receiving a great deal of attention and hype, the approach has existed for a long time.

Ever since most homes were equipped with a telephone, patients and providers have been connecting outside of an office setting.

Today, advancements in digital and video technology have expanded the ways that you can connect with your health team.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Convenience is a primary benefit of telemedicine. Though certain needs can only be met through an in-person interaction, there are many others that don’t require a face-to-face visit.

Through telemedicine, you can meet with your provider from the comfort of home. There’s no need to travel across town or sit in a waiting room to get the care you need. This is not only convenient, but is a safe option for those who are ill or have compromised immune function.

Some acute health conditions can be diagnosed through telemedicine. Chronic disease management is also an area where telemedicine can be a great way to check in with your provider and receive guidance on how to improve your quality of life.

At Sure Success Wellness Center, you might be interested in incorporating telemedicine visits into your medical weight loss plan.

How should I prepare for my telemedicine visit?

Taking a few moments to prepare for your telemedicine visit is a great way to make the most of your appointment. Begin by thinking about the setting for your visit. If you share your space with others, try to find an area where you won’t be interrupted.

Consider the acoustics of your setting. A place with loud, ambient noise can interfere with your ability to hear and be heard. You may want to check that the microphone and speaker on your device is a good fit for your setting.

Lighting is also important. Your provider needs to be able to see you clearly in order to assess your overall condition, and you need to see your provider clearly as well.

Any device equipped with solid video and audio capabilities is a good fit for telemedicine visits. A desktop, laptop, tablet, or even your phone are all options.

If you’d like to incorporate telemedicine in your health care, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY Q & A

What are some signs of hormonal imbalance?

Your body produces all the hormones you need to thrive, but as the years pass, production naturally declines. This can cause a wide range of changes, some of which can be uncomfortable or disruptive to your daily routines.

Some of the signs of hormonal imbalance in men include:

• Loss of body hair
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Gynecomastia (swollen breast tissue)
• Loss of muscle mass

Some of the signs of hormonal imbalance in women include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Brain fog
• Mood swings
• Anxiety or depression
• Irregulary menstrual cycle
• heavy menstrual cycle 
• Breast tenderness 
• Sluggish thyroid

If you notice these or other changes, hormone replacement therapy offers a solution.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, uses top-quality bio-identical hormones to replace a portion of the hormones your body is no longer producing at high levels. HRT seeks to restore optimal hormonal balance, which in turn relieves the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

HRT is a highly personalized treatment. The process begins with lab testing to determine your current hormone production. This allows your provider to craft a customized supplementation program to meet your needs.

There are a number of ways to deliver supplemental hormones. Pills, creams, and injections are available. 

Another popular approach is pellet therapy. This option uses tiny pellets inserted just beneath the surface of your skin to release a slow and steady stream of supplemental hormones.

How long does it take for hormone replacement therapy to work?

It takes time for your body to adjust to supplemental hormones. Your therapy may need to be adjusted over time to achieve optimal results. Rest assured you have the full guidance and support of the Sure Success Wellness Center team as you navigate this process.

Your active participation is an important part of successful hormone replacement therapy. Pay close attention to the messages your body sends, communicate with your provider about the ways your HRT is helping, and discuss with them areas that still need improvement. Be patient as you move through the process of tailoring your therapy plan.

To learn more about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, call Sure Success Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.