Music City Plastic Surgery - November 2023

COFFEE CONUNDRUM: Could Your Morning Brew Harm Your Health?

Millions of Americans start their morning with a piping hot cup of coffee. There’s nothing like the familiar smell, comforting warmth, and hit of caffeine to get you ready for the day. But could this common habit actually harm our bodies? For some people, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach could cause unpleasant side effects. No definitive data suggests drinking coffee before breakfast will negatively impact you in the long term. Only limited research exists on the matter, and the results are inconclusive. However, some people anecdotally report feeling worse if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, and nutritionists and dietitians believe certain people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. People with digestive problems should be the most cautious about their morning cup of coffee. Coffee stimulates acid production in the stomach, particularly when it’s otherwise empty. That’s not a big deal for

most people, but it can be for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or who are prone to acid reflux or

the effect is more pronounced in people with anxiety disorders, possibly because jitters mimic anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest consuming coffee with food decreases the

heartburn. Coffee before food may make symptoms worse.

concentration of caffeine in our bodies and makes the effect less likely.

Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might also beware. Scientists have long known that coffee stimulates our colon muscles and can help people have bowel movements. Some

Ultimately, whether you should rethink drinking coffee on an empty stomach is up to you. People suffering from GERD, IBS, or anxiety should consider whether their liquid pick-me-up worsens

consider it a bonus, but IBS patients are already prone to diarrhea. Coffee causes increased cramping for some, and the effect can be more noticeable on an empty stomach.

their symptoms. The current research suggests that consuming coffee before food is probably fine for most other people, but it’s always wise to listen to your body for cues. If you feel less than your best after your morning coffee, see whether a change in routine improves the situation.

Coffee can also affect us emotionally. The beverage gives some people jitters, particularly without food. Research indicates

Injecting Hope

THE HALO LASER DIFFERENCE

It’s laser season! As winter approaches and we say goodbye to the sun’s scorching rays, now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your skin and address those nagging signs of sun damage, aging, and uneven skin tone. With reduced sun exposure and cooler temperatures, the risk of post-treatment complications such as hyperpigmentation is reduced, ensuring optimal results.

excited to share why the HALO Laser is an effective and popular solution for achieving a more luminous complexion and offer some quick facts about the laser procedure. CUSTOMIZABLE TREATMENT The HALO Laser is highly customizable, allowing Hope to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to address wrinkles, fine lines, pores, sun damage, or overall skin texture, the treatment can be adjusted to deliver the results you desire. MINIMALLY INVASIVE Unlike other laser treatments, which might require four or five treatments to achieve results, the HALO Laser requires one (sometimes two) treatment and allows you to return to your daily activities relatively quickly. Patients must, however, avoid the sun for a week.

COMBINED BENEFITS The HALO Laser is a hybrid fractional device that combines the advantages of using one wavelength for superficial skin layers and another wavelength to target deeper layers of the skin, allowing the treatment to target a wide array of irregularities. MINIMAL DOWNTIME While patients may experience some redness and swelling after HALO Laser treatments, they can expect to quickly resume normal activities. When compared with other skin treatments, the downtime is very short! If you are interested in rejuvenating your skin or addressing lingering concerns on your face, neck, or chest, call us today to set up a consultation to explore whether the HALO Laser is the right option for you!

Hope, our board-certified physician assistant, is our non-surgical and injectibles guru. She’s

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