EXPERT
Dr. Melissa Hess Hummel
Internist
Dr. Melissa Hummel is an internist practicing in Irmo, South Carolina. Dr. Hummel specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Hummel provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons as well. Internists establish long-term relationships with their patients and incorporate disease prevention and mental health care into their practice.
24 years
Experience
Dr. Melissa Hess Hummel
- Irmo, SC
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
The Best Kept Anti-Aging Secret: Healthy Sleep
It seems we are all searching for the fountain of youth these days. The media is full of advice on anti-aging, from what we should eat to the optimal time to start botox and facial...
Anemic from low iron?
First of all, iron deficiency most often comes from loss of blood somewhere and the most common system is the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore if she has not seen a gastroenterologist READ MORE
First of all, iron deficiency most often comes from loss of blood somewhere and the most common system is the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore if she has not seen a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy and possibly endoscopy recently, that is where she needs to start. They can also look for other deficiencies that may be a part of wasting syndromes like this.
How long does it take for food to digest after overeating?
It really depends on the type of food, but up to 8 hours.
How do I know if my UTI has spread to my kidneys?
Blood work and you will usually have fever
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot?
The strongest over the counter treatment is Tinactin spray
The best way to combat obesity?
This is a subject we could talk about for months but to keep it simple I will highlight a few simple principles most of which are focused on what we consume since that is 90 % READ MORE
This is a subject we could talk about for months but to keep it simple I will highlight a few simple principles most of which are focused on what we consume since that is 90 % of the battle.
1. Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners completely! Healthy alternatives in very small amounts would be monkfruit, honey, agave.
2. Avoid or limit dairy
3. Avoid processed foods and foods with fillers ( fewer and fresh ingredients are always better)
4. Eat the rainbow! Make your diet colourful!
5. Eat fresh and organic whenever possible
6. Meat is fine in smaller quantities but make sure it is good quality ( meaning grass fed without hormones or antibiotics)
7. Get at least 7 hrs of sleep per night.
8. Be active. Make whatever exercise you do something you enjoy at least 30 mins 4-5 times per week.
9. Mind your gut biome. This one is so important. Antibiotics disturb your healthy bacteria in your gut for over a year. They are sometimes necessary but greatly overused. Avoid them if possible. You should take a good probiotic and prebiotics that feed them. Fermented foods are a great source also ( Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, apple cider vinegar such as in salad dressings etc)
10. Meditation is also very very good for your health overall. I love using the Headspace App!
1. Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners completely! Healthy alternatives in very small amounts would be monkfruit, honey, agave.
2. Avoid or limit dairy
3. Avoid processed foods and foods with fillers ( fewer and fresh ingredients are always better)
4. Eat the rainbow! Make your diet colourful!
5. Eat fresh and organic whenever possible
6. Meat is fine in smaller quantities but make sure it is good quality ( meaning grass fed without hormones or antibiotics)
7. Get at least 7 hrs of sleep per night.
8. Be active. Make whatever exercise you do something you enjoy at least 30 mins 4-5 times per week.
9. Mind your gut biome. This one is so important. Antibiotics disturb your healthy bacteria in your gut for over a year. They are sometimes necessary but greatly overused. Avoid them if possible. You should take a good probiotic and prebiotics that feed them. Fermented foods are a great source also ( Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, apple cider vinegar such as in salad dressings etc)
10. Meditation is also very very good for your health overall. I love using the Headspace App!
Can kidney stones affect bowel movements?
Kidney stones can cause blood in your urine but do not usually affect your bowels. You should be clinically evaluated by a doctor.
Can weight loss help me get rid of my diabetes?
Yes it can absolutely help you control your blood sugar and improve your body’s own insulin sensitivity.
Who is at risk of getting COPD?
Yes you are definitely at risk of developing COPD. There are medications both prescription and over the counter but the most powerful tool is your mind. You have to be ready READ MORE
Yes you are definitely at risk of developing COPD. There are medications both prescription and over the counter but the most powerful tool is your mind. You have to be ready and be completely on board. You need to also avoid triggers for starting back and have a plan in place ahead of time.
Can you really get the flu from the flu shot?
No absolutely not! The vaccine mounts an immune response to produce antibodies and that can make you feel a little under the weather but not illicit the full symptoms of the disease. READ MORE
No absolutely not! The vaccine mounts an immune response to produce antibodies and that can make you feel a little under the weather but not illicit the full symptoms of the disease.
Help me
I recommend getting a second opinion. Your symptoms are somewhat vague and need to be investigated further.
Could you recommend a diet for reducing triglycerades?
Yes! The first step is to cut out refined sugar, simple carbohydrates and processsed foods. Cutting out trans-saturated fats should be included as well but good fats such as avocados, READ MORE
Yes! The first step is to cut out refined sugar, simple carbohydrates and processsed foods. Cutting out trans-saturated fats should be included as well but good fats such as avocados, coconut oil, salmon and olive oils are good for you.
Can less water consumption cause headaches?
Absolutely! You need to increase overall water intake for your headaches and overall health!
Do i have mystery illness
No, I do not think there is one underlying cause, but rather several things causing these individual symptoms that point to likely minor, not life-threating health concerns. That READ MORE
No, I do not think there is one underlying cause, but rather several things causing these individual symptoms that point to likely minor, not life-threating health concerns. That being said, having regular yearly physicals and follow-ups with your physician are always recommended. The herpes test results just mean you were exposed at some point in your life and you may never have an outbreak of the disease. The cholesterol test has several components to it, LDL, HDl and trigl, that mean much more than a total chop level. Your body makes cholesterol on its own and there is also a hereditary component. The pain in your jaw is likely an irritated TMJ (temporal mandibular joint). This sometimes happens if you grind or clench your teeth or if your bite is off. The pelvic pain needs more evaluation, but cysts can develop despite oral contraceptives.
Horrendous painful arms!
I am sorry to hear this but with the severity you are describing and the wide range of potential causes, you really need to have a thorough evaluation with an internist or geriatrician. READ MORE
I am sorry to hear this but with the severity you are describing and the wide range of potential causes, you really need to have a thorough evaluation with an internist or geriatrician. You may also need to see a rheumatologist. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is one possibility which is autoimmune and usually controlled with a low dose of steroids. That being said, you need a face to face evaluation with your provider.
