Tyler Perrin Bellelo, M.D.

10/28/2025

Happy National Internal Medicine Day!

Internal medicine is equal parts science and sleuthing — we are the detectives of medicine, piecing together stories, labs, and subtle clues to uncover the truth behind complex symptoms. But more than that, we see the whole person — not just each organ system in isolation.

We connect the dots between body, mind, and environment; between today’s complaint and tomorrow’s wellbeing. It’s curiosity with compassion, logic with empathy — and it’s what makes this field endlessly meaningful.

Forever proud to be an internist. 💙

Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, MD, FACP, D-ABOM


Ochsner Lafayette General

10/26/2025

Creatine in Perimenopause: Small Supplement, Big Support

When most people hear “creatine,” they think bodybuilders and protein shakes — but the truth is, this tiny amino acid compound may hold real value for women in perimenopause.

🧠 Cognition & Mood
Emerging research suggests creatine may support brain energy metabolism and cognitive function — particularly during times of hormonal fluctuation when mood and concentration can shift.
→ Meta-analysis: Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024 – “Creatine supplementation and cognitive function in adults”

💪 Muscle Mass & Strength
Women naturally have lower creatine stores than men — and as estrogen declines, so does our ability to maintain muscle.
Supplementation (typically 3–5 g/day, adjusted for body weight) paired with resistance training has been shown to improve muscle strength and lean mass in women, especially in perimenopause.
👉 For women under ~130 lbs, a dose closer to 2–3 g/day may be more appropriate.
→ Review: Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective, Nutrients, 2021
→ Study: The Effect of Creatine Supplementation During Resistance Training in Women, J Strength Cond Res, 2000

🦴 Bone Health
The evidence is still emerging. Creatine alone hasn’t consistently improved bone density in post-menopausal women, but there’s promise when combined with resistance training in perimenopause — supporting muscle-bone strength synergy and bone geometry.
→ RCT: Creatine Plus Exercise and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women, JBMR Plus, 2023

💧 How to Use It Safely
• Take it on days you engage in heavy resistance training, sprinting, or high-intensity exercise — consistency matters most when muscles are being trained.
• For women not engaging in these types of exercise, the evidence does not currently support creatine supplementation as effective for muscle or bone health.
• Choose a high-quality, third-party tested creatine monohydrate powder.
• Ensure your baseline kidney function is normal before starting; with normal renal function, long-term use has not been shown to cause kidney damage.
• Stay well-hydrated — adequate water intake helps with absorption and minimizes GI discomfort.
→ Hudson Institute Review: “Creatine Supplement Safe for Women”

🩺 As always, discuss any supplement use with your physician, especially if you have existing medical conditions, take prescription medications, or are unsure about dosing or kidney monitoring.

⸻

The bottom line:
Perimenopause is a time of metabolic change — and creatine may be a small, science-backed way to support strength, cognition, and resilience when combined with intentional movement and resistance training.

— Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, MD, FACP, D-ABOM
Internal | Obesity Medicine

10/25/2025

Thank you, Care Bears, for your amazing support and generosity! 💛 Because of you, we raised $9,485 for the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana.

Your kindness helps create more events, smiles, and opportunities for every member in our community.

With love 💗,
Chloe’ and family

10/24/2025

The latest blog is live — a little insight, a little inspiration. Enjoy!

Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system.

10/23/2025

The Power of a Post-Meal Walk: A simple 10-minute walk after meals can make a big difference.

1. Improves Blood Sugar Control: Walking within 10–30 minutes after eating helps muscles use glucose more efficiently, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Especially beneficial for people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes. Even a 10-minute walk can significantly lower glucose levels after a meal.

2. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity: Regular post-meal movement trains your body to respond better to insulin over time. This means less insulin is needed to manage glucose — a key factor in preventing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

3. Supports Cardiovascular Health: By lowering post-meal glucose and triglycerides, walking helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to heart disease risk.

4. Aids Digestion and Reduces Bloating: Gentle movement stimulates peristalsis — the wave-like contractions that move food through your GI tract. This can help with:

Reducing bloating and reflux
Improving bowel regularity
Preventing sluggish digestion, especially after heavier meals

5. Boosts Energy and Metabolism: Instead of feeling sluggish, walking helps distribute nutrients to cells more efficiently and prevents post-meal fatigue. Over time, it contributes to better metabolic flexibility and fat oxidation.

6. Improves Mood and Mental Clarity: A brief outdoor walk enhances serotonin and dopamine levels, improving mood and focus. It’s also a great mental reset during workdays.

GOAL: Aim for 10,000 steps per day. Even short walks after meals add up! Every step counts towards stronger metabolism, steadier energy and healthier hormones. Small, consistent movement after eating isn't just good for digestion - it is a midlife hormone hack for better energy, metabolism, and mood!

References:
Hashimoto, K., Dora, K., Murakami, Y. et al. Positive impact of a 10-min walk immediately after glucose intake on postprandial glucose levels. Sci Rep 15, 22662 (2025). https://lnkd.in/gne--w_9

—
Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, MD, FACP, D-ABOM
Internal Medicine | Obesity Medicine

10/21/2025

Yesterday and today we talked hydration — starting your day with water and electrolytes before coffee. That first step sets the stage for better energy, digestion, and focus.

👉 NOW we’re building on that habit:
Let’s talk about 30 g of protein before 10 AM — another small shift that makes a big difference in appetite, metabolism, and muscle preservation.

Protein early in the day isn’t about keto or extremes — it’s about physiology. We’re talking Mediterranean-style, lean protein paired with fiber for metabolic stability.

💪 Metabolism – Protein has the highest thermic effect of any macronutrient. Your body burns more energy digesting it than carbs or fat.

🧠 Hormones & blood sugar – Together, protein + fiber boost GLP-1 and peptide YY (fullness hormones), quiet ghrelin (hunger), and flatten glucose curves. Translation: fewer cravings, steadier energy.

🏋️‍♀️ Muscle preservation - Especially important in midlife and for anyone in a calorie deficit — morning amino acids tell your body to preserve muscle, not burn it.

🌙 Evening behavior –Patients who hit ~30 g of protein by 10 AM almost never end the day rummaging through the pantry. Stable hunger hormones + steady glucose = fewer evening cravings and better overall adherence.

🩺 Circadian rhythm – Morning nourishment tells your body: daytime energy in, nighttime rest out.

Small shifts → metabolic momentum.

Protein + fiber before 10 AM keeps blood sugar steady, hunger predictable, and focus sharp all day.

💬 Check out the comments for practical examples of breakfasts that hit 30 g of protein — easy, balanced, and delicious.

— Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, MD, FACP, D-ABOM

10/21/2025

FACTS:

People who do these things aren’t lucky — they’re consistent. They’ve figured out it’s not about 10-step routines, it’s about mastering what actually moves the needle.

💧 Electrolytes before ☕️ coffee
🍳 30g protein by ⏰ 10 AM
🚶‍♀️ Walks after meals
🏋️‍♀️ Strength train 3–4×/week
🔍 Check food labels
☀️ Sunlight before noon

Small daily habits → major metabolic payoff.
Consistency hits harder than motivation ever will. 🤯

Let’s focus on electrolytes before coffee first. See the comments below for more info!



—
Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, MD, FACP, D-ABOM
Obesity Medicine | Internal Medicine