Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue Treatment in NYC

Adrenal fatigue is a syndrome that develops when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Adrenal fatigue can occur in all age groups and affects both sexes.

Dr. Cohen may administer a salivary cortisol test and determine the best integrative treatment, taking the patient’s overall lifestyle into account. Treatments can include hormone replacement therapy, supplements and vitamins, exercise and dietary modifications.

Allergies

Common Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Excess mucous
• Hives
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Joint pain
• Facial swelling
• Headaches
• Chronic sinusitis

Allergy Treatments in NYC

Allergies are an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to a substance that it incorrectly identifies as a foreign substance, virus or bacteria. The immune system perceives a particular substance (such as mold, pollen or dust) as a threat, and triggers the release of histamine in order to fight off the “intruder.” Allergies affect both the immune system and the autonomic nervous system, and can cause reactions the span the whole body, not only the site of the allergen exposure.

Dr. Cohen recognizes that allergies are a result of an immune system that is out of alignment, and believes that patients suffering from allergies can find relief through integrative treatments that seek to rebalance that system. Using specialized diagnostic tests, Dr. Cohen will pinpoint the patient’s specific allergies and work to a develop a treatment plan that includes changes in diet and the addition of vitamins and supplements that help to support the immune system and bring it back to a balanced state.

Arthritis

Arthritis Treatments in NYC

Arthritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the joints that causes pain and structural changes. It can be caused by an injury or infection, a genetic predisposition, or systemic issues. Among the most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and juvenile arthritis. About 50 million people in the United States live with some form of arthritis. Current conventional medical treatment often is inadequate when dealing with the more debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Cohen believes that patients suffering from arthritis can find relief through integrative treatments. With Dr. Cohen’s evaluation and guidance, patients may be able to mitigate the symptoms of arthritis by adopting,for example, an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing their intake of fish oil, adding supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and starting a gentle exercise routine that includes stretching, motion and ice or heat.

Asthma

Common Symptoms

• Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
• Coughing that won't stop
• Very rapid breathing
• Chest pain/pressure
• Tightened neck/chest muscles
• Difficulty talking
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Pale, sweaty face

Asthma Treatments in NYC

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs by inflaming and narrowing the airways. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing.

Dr. Cohen believes that while traditional medical interventions like rescue inhalers are a critical component of treating asthma attacks, integrative treatments can be very helpful in providing patients suffering from asthma relief from their long-term, chronic symptoms.

After an exhaustive evaluation in which she tests for allergies, environmental factors and establishes a lifestyle baseline, Dr. Cohen works with her patients to come up with a treatment plan that aims to minimize exposure to environmental toxins, optimize dietary intake to support lung heath, and, adding supplements or traditional medicine, if the individual’s biochemistry warrants it.

Blood Sugar Problems

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):

• Lightheadedness, irritability or shaky feeling between meals
  
• Feeling faint,weak and/or lightheaded
  
• Nervousness, anxiety
  
• Sweating, trembling
  
• Frequent waking in middle of the night
  
• Heart palpitations
  
• Nausea in the morning
  
• Cognitive dysfunction

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar (Insulin Resistance):

• Crave sweets after meals
• Fatigue/sleepy/ siesta after meals
  
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
  
• Waist is just as wide as, or wider than, your hips
  
• Eating sweets doesn't relieve sugar cravings
  
• High cholesterol levels
  
• Elevated blood pressure
  

Treatment for Blood Sugar Problems in NYC

Blood sugar problems range from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) to high blood sugar (Insulin Resistance). Regardless of the extreme, if your body can’t regulate its blood sugar and keep it within a certain healthy range, massive health issues can develop.

Dr. Cohen feels that an integrative approach to treating blood sugar problems can provide patients with the best overall care for their condition. She initiates the process with blood tests to understand the patient’s specific hormone and blood sugar levels.

She may also perform an insulin response test to determine how a patient reacts to drinking a glucose drink. She may also offer a Continuous Glucose Monitor to wear at home for a period of time. Dr. Cohen works with her patients who suffer from blood sugar disorders to eliminate sugars and processed carbohydrates, and to increase intake of lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Depending upon each individual’s specific needs, Dr. Cohen may also recommend a series of supplements. Additionally, Dr. Cohen believes that many of the problems associated with blood sugar disorders can be mitigated by proper control of stress and consistent exercise.

She works with each patient to determine a wellness plan that may include meditation and relaxation techniques, and an exercise goal.

Celiac Disease

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Chronic diarrhea
• Foul-smelling, fatty or discolored stool
• Weight Loss/Gain
• Anemia
• Bone pain
• Fatigue
• Rash

Celiac Disease Treatment in NYC

Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine due to an inability to process gluten. Gluten is the protein in wheat that makes dough elastic, and can be found in wheat, rye and barley.

Dr. Cohen feels that integrative medicine can be the ideal path of treatment for patients suffering from celiac disease. She will take time to explore how your condition developed, your specific symptoms, what medications and therapies you have tried in the past, and perform specialized diagnostic testing to determine the exact nature of your condition.

Dr. Cohen will then create a customized and multi-dimensional treatment plan that addresses not only your immediate discomfort, but also any possible underlying or co-existing conditions that may be causing or aggravating your symptoms. Treatment options may include nutritional counseling, herbal and nutritional supplements and intravenous supplementation. In some cases, meditation and massage therapies may help to promote overall well-being.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Common Symptoms

• Post-exertion fatigue lasting more than 24 hours
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Significant impairment of short-term memory or concentration
• Muscle pain
• Pain in joints without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
• Sore throat that is frequent or recurring



Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment in NYC

According to the CDC, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a “debilitating and complex disorder characterized by intense fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical activity or mental exertion. People with CFS often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before they became ill.”

Managing chronic fatigue syndrome can be as complex as the illness itself. There is no cure, no prescription drugs have been developed specifically for CFS, and symptoms can vary a lot over time. Chronic fatigue syndrome may be very challenge for conventional doctors to treat, but a patient has many options in alternative therapies. In fact, integrative physicians, with their broad range of therapeutic options, may be the best-qualified practitioners for these patients.

In particular, Dr. Cohen believes that nutritional therapy may be helpful for certain patients suffering from CFS. This approach to treating CFS is twofold. It works to strengthen the health, in particular the immune system, and to eliminate any dietary items that might be causing or aggravating the condition. IV vitamin therapy is also a powerful adjunct to the treatment of CFS.

Supplements such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B5, zinc and magnesium can support the activities of the immune system and adrenal glands, and can help provide relief to patients with CFS. Additionally, Dr. Cohen will complete a thorough investigation of the patient’s diet to determine what foods may be intensifying the symptoms of CFS, and work with the patient to gradually eliminate those foods.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's Disease Treatment in NYC

Crohn’s disease is a condition of chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, frequently affecting the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the large bowel. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved and there can be normal healthy bowel between patches of diseased bowel.

Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease may find relief through integrative treatments. Dr. Cohen has found success in mitigating symptoms of Crohn’s disease through, for example, probiotics, nutritional counseling to promote the ingestion of fiber and fish oils and vitamin and herbal supplements. Elimination Diets have been shown to have powerful effects on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These treatments can work in conjunction with physical therapies such as mediation and massage to promote overall comfort and well-being for a patient suffering from Crohn’s.

Diabetes-Non Insulin Dependent/Type 2

Diabetes Management in NYC

Type 2 Diabetes is a lifelong, chronic disease in which blood sugar levels remain abnormally high. Typical management of this disease consists of consistent blood glucose testing, possible injections of insulin, prescription medication, and maintaining healthy diet and levels of exercise.

Patients who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes can also benefit from integrative treatments in conjunction with the treatments prescribed by their primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Dr. Cohen believes that optimizing a patient’s diet and exercise or physical therapies can help regulate blood sugar levels, and in many cases, eliminate the need to insulin injections altogether. Dr. Cohen works with her patients who suffer from diabetes and determines the best course of action, in consultation with the patient’s endocrinologist.

Erectile Dysfunction

Common Symptoms

• Trouble getting an erection
  
• Trouble keeping an erection
  
• Reduced sexual desire

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments in NYC

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, lasting for months.

Due to the complex mechanisms that contribute to an erection, patients suffering from ED are especially good candidates for integrative treatments. Dr. Cohen feels that evaluating a patient’s diet, exercise, personal life, medical history and hormone levels can help uncover the underlying cause of an individual’s ED. Dr. Cohen works closely with her patients suffering from ED to fine-tune a specialized treatment that may consists of changes in diet, supplements and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Fibromyalgia

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sleep disorder
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bowel/bladder abnormalities
• Tingling
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Depression
• Anxiety

Treatment for Fibromyalgia in NYC

Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder of the soft tissues. It is categorized by chronic widespread debilitating pain and a heightened and painful response to pressure on the body. It is estimated that 5 to 8 million Americans are affected and almost 9 in 10 of those affected are women.

While fibromyalgia can be a very difficult disorder to treat, integrative treatments such as acupuncture, microcurrent stimulation, nutritional interventions, gentle exercise regimens, dietary modifications and gut rebalancing have had clinical success in providing patients with relief from their most acute symptoms, especially pain.

Heavy Metal Toxicity

Common Symptoms

• Memory loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability, depression, anxiety
• Skin inflammation
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Muscle weakness or poor coordination

Heavy Metal Toxicity Treatment in NYC

Heavy metal toxicity is defined by high levels of mercury, tin, lead, arsenic, aluminum and cadmium in the blood. Dr. Cohen goes further and looks for whole body burden of heavy metals in the tissues.

Dr. Cohen believes that a patient suffering from heavy metal toxicity can benefit from detoxification treatments. These treatments can range from nutritional and herbal supplements to intravenous chelation therapy. Dr. Cohen will work with you to understand the nature of your condition, and determine what therapy is the best choice based on your specific symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

Common Symptoms

• Most people with high blood pressure can have no signs or symptoms
  
• Headaches
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Nosebleeds

High Blood Pressure Treatments in NYC

High blood pressure is defined as prolonged raised blood pressure, that is, an active blood pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg, or a resting blood pressure consistently above 90 mm Hg. The condition has no symptoms, but in time it can cause blood vessel changes in retina and abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. People with untreated hypertension have a high risk for heart disease, kidney damage and other medical problems.

Traditional medicine aims to treat high blood pressure with prescription drugs that range from diuretics to flush out excess water, beta-blockers to help the heart beat slower, ACE inhibitors that keep the body from producing hormones that narrow the blood vessels, anti-anxiety meds that causes the brain to send signals to relax and widen blood vessels to vasodilators that relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls. These pharmacological treatments come with great risk of side effects, and can be dangerous when combined.

Dr. Cohen believes that high blood pressure can be treated with integrative methodologies that are much less harsh, and have fewer side effects. Dr. Cohen works with her patients suffering from high blood pressure to find the best course of treatment. She will test blood and hormone levels to determine what may be at the root of the high blood pressure, and then craft a regimen of treatment that may include changes in diet, supplements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and in some cases, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Hypothyroid Disorder

Common Symptoms

• Low body temperature
• Poor memory
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Depression/anxiety
• Immune dysfunction
• Weight gain/loss

Hypothyroid Disorder Treatment in NYC

Thyroid disorders are complex and often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether.

Dr. Cohen believes that proper evaluation of the thyroid, adrenals and hormone levels, and treatment using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and patient-tailored supplement regimens can help resolve the root cause of the thyroid disorder, and provide the patient relief from the associated symptoms.

Dr. Cohen utilizes a wide range of prescription thyroid medications, including synthetic T4, like Synthroid or Tirosint, T3 like Cytomel, porcine derived thyroid like Armour, to compounded T4/T3 combinations.She can determine what is the best course of action for you. 

Infertility

Common Symptoms

• Unable to establish a pregnancy
• Inability to sustain pregnancy

Infertility Treatment in NYC

What you eat, body composition imbalances, toxins in your environment, urinary tract infections that present no symptoms, and high levels of personal stress in the period before conception as well as during pregnancy all have a direct impact on your ability to become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. Most importantly, hormone imbalances can play a huge part in fertility disorders, as they help regulate the process of menstruation, ovulation, and the reproductive system as a whole.

Dr. Cohen specializes in integrative approaches to hormone-related disorders, and feels that women suffering from fertility disorders can find relief through specialized hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Cohen initiates the diagnostic process by conducting a blood test to determine levels of hormones and neurotransmitters.

If appropriate, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is initiated, with the levels of hormone being tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Additionally, Dr. Cohen works with her patients to ensure that diet, stress levels and exercise are all at optimal levels to increase the likelihood of conception.

Irregular Menstruation

Common Symptoms

• Missing a menstrual period
• Experiencing a menstrual cycle that is shorter than 21 days OR longer than 30 days
• Bleeding between menstrual periods

Irregular Menstruation Treatment in NYC

Irregular menstruation is a menstrual disorder which is characterized by irregular cycle lengths as well as vaginal bleeding between expected periods. The menstrual cycle is governed by hormonal levels and neurotransmitter levels in the body. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle can be caused by anything from stress, environmental toxicity or insufficient diet and nutrients.

Dr. Cohen believes that integrative treatments can be very effective in helping patients suffering from irregular menses find relief. She tests the levels of hormones and neurotransmitter present in the blood, and determines the nature of the patient’s condition.

Dr. Cohen then works with the patient to establish a treatment plan that includes dietary modifications to promote a low-glycemic, low-fat diet, a supplement plan to ensure the ideal levels of iron, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are being achieved, and a schedule of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in order to rebalance the hormone levels in the body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Common Symptoms

• Chronic abdominal pain
  
• Discomfort
  
• Bloating
  
• Constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any detectable organic cause

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment in NYC

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may begin after an infection, stress, or onset of maturity without any other medical indicators, and may also be related to chronic pain, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of life. Due to often unsatisfactory results from medical treatments for IBS up to fifty percent of people turn to alternative and complementary medicine or integrative medicine.

Dr. Cohen has successfully treated patients with IBS using a range of integrative techniques. Treatments such as probiotic supplements, dietary supplements and breathing techniques can promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut, relieve localized inflammation, decrease cramping, reduce incidence of diarrhea and reduce spasms and pain associated with IBS.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Insomnia
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Anxiety
• Fevers of unknown origin
• Gluten intolerance
• Migraines
• Chemical sensitivity
• Autoimmune disease
• Inability to lose weight
• Poor memory
• Skin rashes
• Hair loss
• Constipation/ diarrhea

Leaky Gut Syndrome Treatment in NYC

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the tight cell to cell junctions in the intestine wall break down. This allows toxins and other compounds to seep into the body resulting in inflammatory and infectious bowel diseases, chronic inflammatory joints, skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis and many diseases triggered by food allergy or specific food intolerance.

Leaky gut can be caused by exposure to substances which damage the integrity of intestinal mucus. The most common causes of damage are viruses and bacteria, alcohol consumption, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and yeast overgrowth, all of which contribute to toxin accumulation in the body.

Patients who suffer from leaky gut syndrome can find relief through integrative treatments. Dr. Cohen will begin with diagnostic testing using a urine test to determine whether or not the intestines are permeated and leaking. Once this is determined, Dr. Cohen will work with her patient to implement a treatment methodology that may include changes in diet and lifestyle, vitamin recommendations, and mineral, herbal and probiotic supplements.

Menopause

Common Symptoms

• Absence of menstrual period
  
• Hot flashes and night sweats
  
• Vaginal dryness
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
• Tiredness
• Stiff or painful joints
  
• Mood changes - depression, anxiety, and/or irritability

Menopause Treatment in NYC

Menopause is the permanent end of a woman’s menstrual periods. Menopause occurs naturally, or it can be caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. As women age, the levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones can change, and these changes are major factors in contributing to menopause.

Dr. Cohen believes that the undesirable symptoms of menopause can be relieved through integrative treatments. Dr. Cohen gives her patients suffering from menopause a blood test that can determine the levels of hormones. She may also want to do saliva testing on hormones.

Once these levels are established, Dr. Cohen works with her patients to determine the best treatment plan, which may include lifestyle and dietary changes, and in some cases, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Migraine Headaches

Common Symptoms

• Temporary blind spot
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Seeing stars or zigzag lines
• Tunnel vision

Migraine Treatments in NYC

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins.

Dr. Cohen feels that traditional medicine can often fall short of providing relief to those suffering from migraine headaches. She evaluates her patients who suffer from this condition to get a full picture of their lifestyle, and develops a tailored treatment plan that can include changes in diet, supplements and vitamins, acupuncture and relaxation techniques to minimize stress and anxiety.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Common Symptoms

• Severe mood swings
• Depression or feelings of hopelessness
• Intense anger and conflict with other people
• Tension and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Decreased interest in usual activities
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes or food cravings
• Sleep problems
• Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain
  

PMDD Treatments NYC

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which is a severe and debilitating form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically after ovulation and before menstruation begins.

While PMS symptoms can be mild and generally manageable, PMDD symptoms are more intense and can significantly interfere with a woman's ability to function at work, at school, and in her personal relationships.

The cause of PMDD is not completely understood, but it is believed to involve complex interactions between hormones and neurotransmitters. Treatment for PMDD can include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, stress management techniques, counseling or therapy, and medication such as antidepressants or hormonal treatments under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Common Symptoms

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Excess hair on the face and/or body
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Insulin resistance

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment in NYC

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which small, non-cancerous cysts form in one or both of a woman’s ovaries. It is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, infertility and other hormonal difficulties.

This condition is can occur when the pituitary gland produces too much of an ovulation-stimulating hormone, which causes the ovaries to produce too much androgen (male sex hormone) and not enough of the hormone that stimulates the follicles of the ovary. This in turn prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, which stays in the ovary and develops into a cyst.

PCOS can be a challenging condition to treat, but integrative treatments such as following an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding foods which may contain hormones used as growth promoters, daily exercise and integration of dietary supplements have been shown to moderate the effects of hormone imbalances, weight gain and insulin resistance.

Premenstral Syndrome

Common Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Tender breasts
• Food cravings
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depression

Premenstral Syndrome Treatment in NYC

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a collection of symptoms just prior to a woman’s menstrual period.

While traditional medicine typically treats PMS with antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics, Dr. Cohen feels that an integrative approach can bring relief to her patients suffering from PMS. Dr. Cohen will test hormone levels with a blood,urine or saliva test, and tailor a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy program that is specific to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Cohen also works with her patients suffering from PMS to make dietary modifications which can help mediate some of the symptoms of PMS. Typically, avoiding foods that contain caffeine, saturated fats, excessive salt, sugar and dairy can help prevent inflammation and fluid retention and promote more balanced blood sugar levels.

Shingles

Common Symptoms

• Itching, tingling or severe burning pain
• Red patches that develop into blisters
• Dense clusters of small blisters that ooze and crust
• Swollen lymph nodes

Shingles Treatment in NYC

Shingles is a secondary outbreak of the chicken pox virus, and typically occurs in people who have had chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccination. After being exposed to chicken pox, the virus becomes dormant in your nerve tissue, and can re-emerge years later as shingles. It is most common in adults between the ages of 60 and 80 and those with weakened immune systems.

Because the virus travels along the nerve to the skin, it can damage the nerve and cause it to become inflamed. This condition can be very painful. If the pain persists long after the rash disappears, it is known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

Dr. Cohen recognizes importance of of using traditional treatments such as antivirals to help patients who are suffering from shingles, but also places high value on integrative treatments that can help her patients find relief. In addition to antivirals and pain medication, Dr. Cohen will work with her patient to craft a specialized regimen of supplements that can help reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks, and bring the body back into a state of balance post outbreak.

Sleep Disorders

Common Symptoms

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive snoring
• Sleep paralysis
• Sleepwalking
• Oversleeping

Sleep Disorders Treatment in NYC

Sleep disorders are problems with sleeping, including trouble falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at the wrong times, sleeping too long or abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Dr. Cohen feels that the traditional medical approach to sleep disorders, sleeping pills, is not a good solution for her patients suffering from this condition. Instead, Dr. Cohen performs an exhaustive physical and lifestyle evaluation on her patients, in addition to blood tests that establishes the patient’s hormone and nutrient levels.

Once these baseline levels are determined, Dr. Cohen works together with the patient to craft a specialized treatment plan that may include supplemental neurotransmitter precursors, intravenous nutrients, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and behavioral sleep coaching. Some of Dr. Cohen’s patients have also found relief from their sleep disorders through acupuncture and meditation.

Stress and Anxiety

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Poor concentration
• Excessive sweating
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Trembling
• Sleep problems
• Elevated heart rate

Stress and Anxiety Treatments in NYC

Like other emotions, fear is a normal part of being human. It is a reaction to danger or something you believe to be threatening. It increases our awareness of the environment. It reminds us to protect ourselves. However, it can also move out of balance.

Anxiety should be treated if it is intense (more than people usually feel), chronic (felt many times during the day or most days of the week) or limiting (making it hard to do daily tasks or relate to others). Different forms of anxiety are linked to different chemical imbalances in the body. Levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, and many other chemicals, can affect anxiety.

The uniqueness of each person’s biochemical processes is only just beginning to be appreciated by traditional medicine. The evolving field of functional medicine attempts to take into account both the genetic information and the unique differences that occur in each person’s metabolism, including their extra need for certain nutrients.

Dr. Cohen feels that functional medicine can provide great relief to those suffering from anxiety. In order to provide specialized treatment, Dr. Cohen tests her patients suffering from anxiety for their blood sugar levels, hormone levels and nutrient levels, as well as conducting a thorough evaluation of nutrition, exercise and typical daily habits.

Once these levels are established, Dr. Cohen works with her patients to create a specialized treatment plan that can include changes in diet, exercise recommendations and nutrient supplementation (B vitamins, magnesium, folic acid, fish oil, probiotics and others). In some cases Dr. Cohen may recommend Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and intravenous nutrient supplementation, based on the individual’s biochemistry.

Yeast Infection and Candida

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal gas
• Headaches/ migraines
• Insomnia
• Excessive fatigue
• Cravings for alcohol or sweets
• Indigestion
• Thrush
• Vaginitis (burning, itching, discharge)
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Rectal itching
• Low sex drive
• Poor concentration, poor memory, learning disabilities
• Hyperactivity
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Chemical/ fragrance sensitivity
• Itching
• Acne or eczema, athlete's foot
• Depression, mood swings, anxiety
• Sinus inflammation
• Ear aches, dizziness
• Persistent cough
• Muscle weakness

Yeast Infection and Candida Treatments in NYC

Candida is a fungus (a form of yeast), and a very small amount of it lives in your mouth and intestines. Its job is to aid with digestion and nutrient absorption but, when overproduced, candida breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into your body. This can lead to many different health problems, ranging from digestive issues to depression.

The healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. However, several factors can cause the candida population to get out of hand. Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar or consuming a lot of alcohol can “feed the yeast” and lead to an overgrowth.

Taking oral contraceptives, and living a stressful lifestyle can also lead to an improper balance of candida. Also, taking antibiotics can in some cases kill too many of those friendly bacteria, and give candida and opportunity to grow.

Dr. Cohen specializes in diagnostic testing, and may perform blood, stool or urine tests to determine if there is a candida overgrowth in the body. In order to treat the overgrowth, Dr. Cohen may determine that it is appropriate for the patient to change his or her diet to a low carbohydrate diet.

Sugar is what feeds yeast, so eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms like candy, desserts, alcohol and flours. She may also prescribe an antifungal medication and probiotic supplements to aid in the process of rebalancing the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut.