Princeton's Ask the Doctor January-February 2020

QUESTION: I am65 years old and I feel great!! My recent fasting bloodwork showed slightly elevated blood sugar and a high MPO. Why does my doctor want me to see a

252 W. Delaware Ave Pennington, NJ 08534

biologic dentist? ANSWER:

Because you have an increased risk of heart disease and your doctor wants to treat the cause. MPO (myeloperoxidase) is a bleach-like substance. White blood cells release MPO to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Excess MPO in an area of infection can cause collateral damage to tissues and, in the arteries of the heart, it can promote inflammation and the formation of plaque. Free MPO in the blood is a specific marker for inflammation in the arteries and possibly vulnerable plaque. Elevated levels of MPO are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality. To stop the inflammation and lower the MPO level, one must find the cause. What is the target of the white blood cells attack? Your doctor wants you to be checked for “stealth infections” as a cause of elevated MPO and heart disease risk. Most of the time infections

are symptomatic causing swelling and pain at the site. Many gum and tooth conditions, however, generate lots of bacteria and cause no symptoms. Periodontal infection can create widespread inflammation as oral bacteria continuously enter the blood stream. A diverse range of oral bacteria have been detected in atherosclerotic plaque. Recently many other chronic diseases have also shown a link to oral pathogens. Biologic dentists understand the “mouth-body” connection and are sleuths at finding stealth oral infections. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular dental care can go a long way to improving andmaintaining robust health!! Dr Kate Thomsen’s office for holistic health care is located in Pennington, NJ. She is trained in Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She has been practicing Functional Medicine for 20 years. For more information see www.drkatethomsen.com or call the office at 609-818-9700.

CHILD, ADOLESCENT & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST

SERVICES FOR ADULTS & TEENS MENTAL HEALTH PARTIAL CARE & INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS 732.655.4CFW(4239) CENTER FOR WELLNESS PROGRAMS INCLUDE GROUP THERAPY, INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT AND FOLLOW UP COMMERCIAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED

INDIVIDUALIZED CARE EXTENDED SESSIONS DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED

FOUNDED BY A DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED CHILD/ ADOLESCENT & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST

Appointments in Freehold & Monroe Twp.

CENTERFORWELLNESSNJ.COM 312APPLEGARTHRD • SUITE 200 •MONROETWP 08831 Accessible within 5 minutes of the NJ Turnpike, Rt 33 & Rt 130

609.245.8550 WWW.GSINGHMD.COM

www.GuntherPublications.com

Publishing Enterprises, Inc. GUNTHER

57