- Tell us about yourself and qualifications
- He is an Endocrinologist who completed medical school in Puerto Rico. Completed his residency in internal medicine in Orlando. Moved to endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at USF. He now works in a private group of 6 endocrinologists based out of Maitland and Orlando.
- Explain to my listeners what is the Endocrine System
- A system that is less known. A organ system that involves all the glands in the body that makes hormones. It controls all the functions of your body. I.e the heart, thyroid, hormones.
- What are some things that contribute to low testosterone?
- The main one is keeping a good weight. As you gain fat tissues, your testosterone levels are suppressed. Other main factors are lack of exercise or quality sleep. Stimulate your muscles, weightlifting plays a role. There are other factors that play a role.
- What connection is there between our metabolism and our hormones?
- Metabolism is tied into how we process foods and break them down into energy. If you have poor hormones, you won’t be able to break down foods correctly. Your hormones are connected to how your body uses food and energy. Meiditiation, breathing exercise, walking are some things to balance your cortisol levels.
- What hormones are created by our fat cells and how do they impact our health?
- One is leptin, the hormone that tells you that you are full. Constantly eating can lead to a deficiency in leptin. We are still studying some of the hormones and what they do. Many are connected to insulin insensitivity. There is a hormone in our fat cells that takes testosterone and converts.
- Why do people who have diabetes struggle to lose weight?
- Gaining weight puts you at a higher risk of being diabetic. Insulin is an anabolic hormone which leads to weight gain. Excess sugars and insulin resistance tells your body that there is no sugar. Lack of protein, hydration and other factors can play huge roles.
- Give us a connection between Thyroid disease and diabetes?
- The most known connection is with type 1 diabetes which is an autoimmune condition. That is when the body is attacking a part of you. One you have an autoimmune condition, it raises your chance of getting another. The most common thyroid issue is hypothyroidism. People with low thyroid issues have an increased risk of type 2.
- What are some foods that tend to have hidden sugars and how can we learn to recognize them?
- It is important to learn how to read labels. A lot of sugars are added to things we think do not have them like yogurt, sauces, etc. Many cereals, sport drinks, and energy drinks are high in sugar. Look for words that end in ose, juices and other words that mask sugar name.
- If you had to put a finger on it, what are some habits that make it hard for us to manage our weight?
- One is a lack of physical activity. I.e walking. Eating a lot of the foods we are used to that may not be good for us. I.e a big glass of juice with our meal. Yo-yo dieting is a huge factor.
- Tell us how we can get in touch with you and request your services?
- Preferably via Instagram @dr.kenneth.rodriguez Their website is http://floridaendocrine.com/ and phone # is 407-629-4901
Take the scenic route and enjoy the ride!
