Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss

November 6, 2014

Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss

A belief among the Mediterranean communities is that fish is good for the sense of hearing. What is not clear is the question as to how true this exactly is. So the whole suggestion simply remains a myth.

Yet it is common to find that the people living in such communities where fish is a staple food; communities where fishing is practiced as a tradition for survival; experience very rare cases of hearing problems. In fact there are some of these traditional communities where hearing problems are non-existent.

We know in our highly rated civilization that accumulation of wax in our ears may impair our hearing. We are aware of the effects that high pitched sounds may have to our ears. On this regard you see folks who work in studios or DJs who are constantly exposed to loud banging music always having advanced sound condensing appliances on their ears.

omega-3-fatty-acids

Digital appliances companies like Sony, Samsung and the rest do all they deem possible to create gadgets with very intense sound processing mechanisms; all in the name of protection of the hearing organ. That is why the very big headphones are greatly expensive. They condense the sound better and are thus recommended for safely listening to audio signals.

We are also aware of the kind of foreign objects that our ears should not be subjected to. Though there are other factors we know about that are rather hard to control should they affect us such as infections or tumors.

Another common myth, which is actually true, is that old age causes hearing loss. But how exactly? This condition is referred to as presbycusis.

Nutritional component

Looking at hearing problems from the above mentioned angles in isolation may be superficial. There is a great role played by the nutritional component in our sense of hearing that cannot be ignored. Folic acid, vitamin D, as well as vitamin B-12 are said to be key determinants of a healthy sense of hearing. Latest accumulated evidence point to the Omega 3 fatty acids as being central to the protection of the hearing system.

Studies have lately indicated that those who eat fatty fish are unlikely to suffer hearing loss, which takes us back to the Mediterranean mythology mentioned earlier. Such fish are known to be rich in the essential omega-3 fats suggesting that those who consume them take in the fats in their large quantities.

Prior research has indicated how these omega-3 fatty acids actually decrease the risks associated with cardiovascular infections while improving the fertility in both women and men. They have also been established to improve mood and prevent certain forms of cancer. The exact mechanism by which these omega-3 fatty acids prevent hearing loss and ensure a general healthy sense of hearing is yet to be established.

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids

omega-3 As has already been indicated, you can easily obtain these fatty acids by simply observing a diet well supplied with the fatty fish. That way then you get assured of a better life free from hearing problems.

That does not however mean that you should now become careless about the kind of environmental conditions and external objects you expose your ears to. The general health measure must still be put into consideration. Such things as loud music or expressly high environmental sounds may easily cause mechanical damage to your ears even if your system is well supplied with omega-3 fatty acids.

Another way that may be easier for those who are not good fans of the fish yet, is taking some fish oil supplement containing the omega-3 elements. Even an added advantage when you opt instead for fish oil supplement is the safety that comes along with it. The oil has been processed and any possible contamination that could be found in fresh fish has been gotten rid of.

So then, if you are even remotely concerned about what happens to your sense of hearing then it is time to consider making the fish part of your diet or going for the fish oil prescriptions available in many parts around the world.

Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss

The Power of Pumpkin

November 5, 2014

The Power of Pumpkin

Existing in a variety of sizes, tastes and colors, pumpkin is one of the most powerful yet easily ignored types of food throughout the globe. In the Americas in particular, folks more often use it as a core component in celebration of the Halloween festivities.

For many youngsters in this continent, pumpkin is more of a tool for the celebrations and place it at the heart of this liturgical spree. Despite the worldwide variety of items of celebration used during the Halloween festivals, to these teen-agers curving the squash is their only activity.

There is no measure to the extent of what these people and their likes the world over are missing. Reasons are different for not taking this form of gourd seriously. To some people it just ‘not that tasty’. In other parts of the world too, especially those places which often experience heavy rains and that are characterized with marshy conditions; the pumpkin often blossoms but is mostly watery and less tasty- giving the 21^st century typicals all the reason to dislike it.

If only they knew the power of the pumpkin. If only they could fully understand the complete nutritional value that the gourd contains. I highly doubt if in their correct states of mind they would throw away even the curved remains from the Halloween merriments.

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Nutritional values

If English acknowledges ‘super-food’ as a naming word, then pumpkin deserves that merit. It is not just the meat we are talking about here. We are actually referring to the whole thing, the whole pumpkin thing. Perhaps you are aware of the meaty part of it and a little about how valuable it is said to be.

Well, you know little. The seeds are no less important that the yummy body. In fact, they have far more content in small concentrated volumes than you might have ever fathomed. Those seeds alone produce a nutritious oil with intense flavor and when mixed with olive oil or honey, no culinary additive could taste better. It gives you a delicacy of a salad dressing. Hidden in that delicious taste is a wealth of essential minerals; essentially Zinc, omega-3 fatty acids as well as carotenoids.

No one knows this secret better than the Austrians. They consider the pumpkin seed oil with high regard and add it to several varieties of dishes. Nothing leaves it out, not even the ice cream!

The seeds aside, Pumpkin flesh is a rich source of high fiber. It is also high in vitamins E and C along with minerals including potassium and magnesium. This form of gourd has an astounding amount of carotenoids in different varieties. One thing you might as well marvel about: it is just one of the richest natural sources of these crucial phytonutrients.

Medicinal value of the pumpkin

pumpkin For centuries the seeds of this culinary product have been used to alleviate various functional gastrointestinal disorders, the well-known disorder it has cured over time being the Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The oil extracted from these seeds help in controlling the levels of cholesterol in the body, get rid of intraintestinal parasites and maintain good prostate health. It is also instrumental in dealing with depression given that it contains considerable amounts of the L-tryptophan.

The mineral Zinc is useful to persons with brittle bones while the oil also prevents kidney stones.

Considering that pumpkin contains rich amounts of carotenoids, it is essential for the prevention or dealing with cancer cases. Not only that, this dietary component is also associated with lower risks of other life threatening diseases such as blindness, heart disease, and cataracts. This is due to the fact that pumpkin has both of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene in rich amounts.

With the alpha-carotene you are assured of protection against a number of cancers while it keeps you young by guarding against aging.

The two forms of carotene when converted into vitamin A inside the body, the product plays a fundamental role in immunity as well as growth and development. The possibility of buildup of cholesterol in the body is prevented by the beta-carotene as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. This helps with protection from heart attack and stroke.

Good thing is, with the diverse variety of pumpkins around the world, you do not have to struggle with the species that do not go well with your taste glands. There are certain varieties that are quite delicious, when admittedly certain other varieties are not. So, go for the sweet one, and have your nutritional as well as medicinal benefits in one piece. The butternuts are a great preference if you are among those who consider the taste a priority.

The Power of Pumpkin

Combatting Cold Sores during the Holiday Season

November 5, 2014

Combatting Cold Sores during the Holiday Season

Cold-sore-triggers Holiday seasons are the time to come together among several families. Those married couples who work far apart are able to join together with the rest of their families at home or take the time out to go camping or just touring around.

The main idea here is coming together. For many fathers whose jobs are highly involving, this is the time to show your kids that daddy love.

You want to carry your kids around, peppering them with kisses often- time for cementing that paternal bond!

The problem is that it becomes hard to combat infectious diseases at such moments. If a research was to be done to assess the situation, hardly would anyone want to have such diseases during the holiday seasons. Reason is simple: it becomes so difficult to control them.

How do you show your love when you cannot mingle freely with them? How will you put them close when at the same time you wish to protect them from contacting the infectious virus you are fighting? At the end your entire liberty is stifled and you find yourself at a fix, especially in the Western cultures where the show of affection is mostly through close body contact.

Menace of the Herpes Virus

Infection by the herpes simplex virus in the middle of your holiday season may be catastrophic. Hanging around your family with your lips, mouth and/or your gums full of sores may not be very comfortable. You will be experiencing painful small sores on the same organ you wish to use to demonstrate care to your loved ones.

The most difficult part is that a person suffering from the herpes labialis can easily transmit these viruses through simple act of kissing or even from sharing the same cup of coffee or glass of a drink. Adults will generally transmit the herpes virus to their spouses and siblings through the simple body fluid– saliva.

If not approached carefully, an entire small family may end up being infected with the virus within a very short span of time.

Treatment and control

Good news however, is that this infection is curable. It has varieties of treatments available that can temporarily alleviate its symptoms. A number of over-the counter creams may be used to control the virus so you do not have to make a mess of your holiday season. With such a cream option you can be certain to get well just right before commencing the holiday celebrations with your family.

cold-sore

Considerable amount of caution is necessary when dealing with this viral disease. Stress is one of the most dangerous conditions that may antagonize recovery from cold sores in your holiday period. Stress usually releases harmful toxins that impedes the body’s normal workings.

As a patient of cold sores you are likely to suffer anxiety that is related to the attack whose effects are likely to overwhelm the immune system. This way the body may respond to healing process ineffectively. It is thus recommended that you avoid by all means actions or circumstances that may increase such stress levels or that may make you depressed.

The idea is: keep calm and give room for your immune system to perform its work. It will be easier that way to gain full recovery on your efforts to combat the condition.

Combating cold sores also involves ingesting essential nutrients including vitamin E, vitamin C as well as Zinc oxide. Vitamin C may always have adverse side effects and should therefore be consumed under clear instructions from your physician.

Meanwhile, it is highly recommended that you exercise as much as possible and change your eating habits to favor the fight against the disease. Nascent oxygen is one essential requirement and adequate exercises will help you with just that.

Combatting Cold Sores during the Holiday Season

Gabapentin and Alcohol Dependence

October 3, 2014

Gabapentin Is Useful In Fighting Alcohol Dependence

Gabapentin also known to many as Neurontin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic drug. This drug was originally developed to treat epilepsy however it also works well in relieving is neuropathic pain and is now used for pain relief in most hospitals worldwide. It is recommended as a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. This drug may also be prescribed for other off-label uses such as treatment of restless leg syndrome, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. There are, however, concerns regarding the quality of the trials conducted and evidence for some such uses, especially in the case of its use as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. More research needs to be conducted to ascertain the use of this drug as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder.

Gabapentin Versus Chlordiazepoxide for outpatient alcohol

Benzodiazepines are used to treat alcohol withdrawal (AW) but they are known to cause cognitive impairment, sedation, and ataxia, and interact with alcohol. Nonbenzodiazepine anticonvulsants are promising and possibly safer alternatives for the treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal.

There several studies that have been conducted on this area especially comparing gabapentin and Chlordiazepoxide. In one of these studies the objective was to find out which of these two medications was safe and effective rather the objective was to compare the safety and effectiveness of these two medications. In this study the patients were divided into two groups. The first group was given gabapentin while the other group was given chlordiazepoxide. The subjects were then monitored after 7 days alcohol abstinence, withdrawal severity scores, adverse events including ataxia, sedation, cognitive function and alcohol craving. The results of this study however were never published. To others it may seem useless speaking about a study whose findings was not even published but the very existent of the research speaks volumes. For a fact it shows that chlordiazepoxide that had been used in the past in dealing with patients of alcohol withdrawal had some inefficiencies or had some serious side effects that needed to be corrected therefore a better medication was indeed needed to replace it. However, this is the authors own opinion lets proceed to other research studies that had been done on this subject.

There is also another study whose objective was to compare follow-up measures of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), ataxia rating, and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol revised (CIWA-Ar) symptoms between alcohol-dependent individuals randomized to treatment with gabapentin or chlordiazepoxide. In this study it was found that in ambulatory veterans with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, gabapentin treatment resulted in significantly greater reduction in sedation (ESS) and a trend to reduced alcohol craving (PACS) by the end of treatment compared to chlordiazepoxide treatment. Although limited by the small sample size, the suggestion of reduction in sleepiness and less craving warrants replication of the study with a larger sample.

Gabapentin with Naltrexone for the treatment of Alcohol Dependence

In the fight to overcome alcohol dependence various strategies are used. In some cases a single drug maybe used successfully in fighting alcohol while in other cases two or more drugs may be combined for the same course to help fighting alcohol dependence more effectively. Gabapentin can be used singly to fight alcohol dependence but it can also be combined with naltrexone for more effective action against alcohol dependence.

There are some research studies that have been done on this subject and findings published. In a July 11, 2011 Raymond F. Anton, MD, professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, and colleagues reported their findings in the July issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The report indicated that the addition of gabapentin to naltrexone improved drinking outcomes compared with naltrexone alone in heavy drinkers during the first 6 weeks after they stopped drinking, but when the gabapentin was stopped the effects became the same in both groups, so this shows that gabapentin was indeed responsible for the positive effects.

“From work in mice and rats we know that the underlying biology of alcohol dependence, particularly alcohol withdrawal, is mediated by two neurotransmitters — GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid] and glutamate. Alcohol use causes these neurotransmitters to be abnormal and, particularly during alcohol withdrawal, to cause significant symptoms,” Dr. Anton told Medscape Medical News.

“We knew that the drug gabapentin works through these systems to normalize the balance of the glutamate and GABA systems in the opposite direction to what alcohol does, and we had done previous studies with gabapentin in mice and in humans showing that it reduced the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. That led to our hypothesis that using gabapentin, particularly during the first 6 weeks of attempts at abstinence, might improve the efficacy of naltrexone,” he explained.

gabapentine This study used randomly selected 150 alcohol dependent individuals who were put on a 16-week course of naltrexone, 50 mg/d alone; naltrexone, 50 mg/d, plus gabapentin up to 1200 mg/d for the first 6 weeks; or to double placebo. They also received medical management. Most of these participants were in their mid-forties. They were dependent on alcohol and drank 12-13 alcoholic drinks per day before the study entry. By week 6, about 50% of the individuals randomly assigned to placebo or naltrexone alone had a heavy drinking day, compared with about 35% of individuals who got naltrexone plus gabapentin. But by week 16 of the study, there were no differences between the groups. This show that gabapentin works better when combined with naltrexone than when naltrexone is used alone.

Dependence on alcohol and drugs is vice that has crippled societies and that is why here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and dependence on substances. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is always in the mood of helping any patient to be addiction free. Do not hesitate to call on her for help in managing any sort of chronic pain as well as other diseases.

Gabapentin Is Useful In Fighting Alcohol Dependence

Providing Understanding on Salvia divinorum and Kratom Mitragyna

September 28, 2014

Salvia divinorum and Kratom Mitragyna

Salvia divinorum is a plant from the mint family. It’s a species of sage and is grown in the Mazatec region of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico. It contains a substance called salvinorin-A, which is the most potent naturally occurring vision inducer. Salvia has large green leaves with white and purple flowers that typically grow in large clusters to more than 3 feet in height. The most effective component of this herb helps it in inducing hallucinations and today Salvia divinorum is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogenic chemical. The use of Salvia divinorum began long ago among the people of Mexico. It was used for medicinal as well as spiritual purposes.

In Oaxaca, Mexico Salvia divinorum is a highly valued herb and they called it the “leaf of prophecy,” Diviner’s Sage, or Yerba de Maria because they believed it was the incarnation of the Virgin Mary. To them the Virgin Mary had reincarnated into Salvia divinorum and so you can picture how holy they treated this plant. The Mazatec people treat the plant with respect, praying to it before cutting it. American kids pretend it’s a party drug even though it doesn’t have the recreational effects of other drugs or alcohol. It’s best used for meditative states, spiritual purposes and exploring consciousness. Not for “partying.” It does not induce euphoria in those using it and so it is not suited as a party drug.

Salvia divinorum and Kratom Mitragyna

This herb can be used in various forms; it can be crushed and then the juice is then squeezed in a glass and mixed with water, it can be smoked and it can also be vaporized. The Mazatec people mostly chew and swallow fresh leaves re-hydrated dried leaves can be used as well. 26 leaves is a common dose, but the size of the leaves vary greatly. The effects come from the juice which is absorbed through mouth tissue, so it’s good to hold the leaves in your cheeks for as long as possible. This is to allow you to absorb more of the components of this herb. The Mazatec will sometimes crush the leaves on a stone into a pulp and squeeze the pulp to produce juice which is added to water, but this produces a weaker effect. It is also effective when vaporized, where the dosage should be 1 milligram or less. There are different ways of taking this herb and so every user can choose the method that works best for him.

Those who have taken Salvia can sometimes induce visions with spirals and recursions, loss of physical self, a feeling of being connected to the entire universe, a sense of understanding and peace, and severe distortions of time and space, sometimes traveling to other worlds or dimensions. It’s sometimes described as an entheogen, a word that comes from Greek, loosely translated as “making possible contact with the divine within.”

Salvia peaks in one to three minutes after smoking it and the effects when smoked last for five to 20 minutes. But taken orally, it’ll take 10 to 20 minutes to kick in and can last from 15 minutes to over 3 hours. So taking it orally is much better than smoking it. Most of those who try it for the first time roll it like cigarettes but this is not effective but instead leaves a person feeling dizzy. When taken for the first time it may impact differently. To some people it does not cause any effect in them but to some people it will cause intense effect that sometimes makes them stop after taking it once.

Some of the effects of Salvia

The most effective component in Salvia is salvinorin A, binds on the on the kappa opioid receptors in the brain, causing an altered perception of reality. The kappa opioid receptor is thought to have a role in pain control and certain psychiatric disorders. Hence it may possibly have an effect on pain. Some of the effects that come after using salvia include visual distortions, hallucinations, intense dissociation and disconnectedness from reality, physical or visual impairment, disorientation and dizziness. Synesthesia is possible, where physical sensations become intertwined and it is possible to “hear” colors or “smell” sounds!

Salvia is not regulated in most countries and so used without fear of intimidation from authorities but is a handful of states it has been outlawed. However there are discussions whether to regulate it or not.

Kratom Mitragyna

Kratom Mitragyna Kratom refers to the plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth .Is a plant that is mainly grown in Thailand. The Mitragyna genus, part of the family Rubiaceae, is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa. This plant is used for medicinal purposes in Thailand but is also used for its fine timber products. When used for medicinal purposes, the dominant effects seem to be similar to opiate drugs, and include analgesia and cough suppression. These opiate-like effects appear to be mediated mostly by delta and mu opioid receptors. In lower dosages, mitragynine exhibits a yohimbine-like binding to alpha-adrenergic receptors, as well as some binding to the delta opioid receptors. As doses increase, binding to delta receptors increases, and in yet higher doses, crossover to mu receptors occurs.

Possible Side effects

Using this mitragynine may result in a reduction in smooth muscle tone, local anesthesia, and central nervous system depression. It also causes dry mouth, increased urination, loss of appetite, and constipation coupled with small, blackish stools. However it does not cause vomiting nor nausea as common with opiates. When used heavily it may cause prolonged sleep.
It also causes anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks. It also reduces sexual desire when used for a long time and is addictive when used in high doses. Addicts show such withdrawal symptoms as hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement. With all these side effects it’s therefore safe to avoid using Kratom Mitragyna.

Finally, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor who has been in the frontline fighting drug addiction. He runs a website that equips readers of better ways to overcome not only drug addiction but also serious health problems that have caused nightmares to the world population. Get in touch with her today and learn more.

Salvia divinorum and Kratom Mitragyna

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