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Alternative to Joint Replacement Stem Cell for Joint Diseases

February 28, 2015

Safe and Time-Proven Alternative to Joint Replacement Stem Cell for Joint Diseases

Joint diseases are common these days maybe because of poor eating habits that depletes the most important nutrients in the body. The most common joint diseases are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These joint diseases have maimed many people as they interfere with motion and movement around the joints. These diseases may occur as a result of wear and tear that happens around the joints. The bones in the joints are supposed to be separated from each other by cartilage however when there is wear on the cartilage the bones may begin grinding interfering with normal movements and leading to pain. there has been several ways through which the joint diseases were fought some pharmaceutical products have been in use for a good time some of which has yielded great results while some have not been very efficient . In cases of extremes a person may have a joint operated on, surgical treatments are mostly used after the pharmaceutical products have failed to yield any desirable fruits and the pain is unbearable.

Another promising approach to treatment of joint diseases is by utilization of the stem cells. The stem cells have become useful in regenerative medicine owing to the fact that they are able to differentiate into other types of cells that play crucial roles in the body. These stem cells can differentiate to give rise to daughter cells that are of their same type or give rise to even more differentiated cells forming bones, cartilage, tendons, and muscles among others. Due to this rare ability they have been targeted for treatment of not only joint diseases but also other diseases like cancer, diabetes, autism among other disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells that are found in large quantities in the adipose tissue and the bone marrow are useful in treatment of regenerative diseases. The treatment through stem cells is also safer with autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplant, which means that the stem cells are from the body of the patient and therefore there is no risk of the patient’s body rejecting the stem cells transplanted. With several research institutions working on the stem cells medicinal abilities there is hope that treatment of bone diseases will be much easier. however the technology that may make stem cell transplant a reality may not be available in some countries or worse still may not afforded by a particular patient therefore there are other natural ways that have been in use over the years to manage joint diseases.

Joint Disease

Here are some of the natural alternatives of treating joint diseases

Use of supplements

We eat foods that we may get essential nutrients that may help us to fight against certain diseases. When our body fails to acquire these nutrients in the foods we eat it is logical to seek the nutrients from the supplements. There are quite a number of supplements that have been used for joint diseases. A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is believed to help reform and repair worn or torn cartilage. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil or flaxseed oil are anti-inflammatory agents. Studies have found that SAMe (s-adenosyl-L-methionine) can help reduce osteoarthritis pain. Early evidence has shown that the natural vegetable extract called avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) could be an effective osteoarthritis treatment that might even slow progression of the disease. Therefore you may consider shopping for appropriate supplements that can help you in case you are suffering from this disease.

Practice Mind-Body Medicine

Body and mind medicine may help you to reduce the pain on the joints. There are practices that encourage stretching the muscles and straightening the joints while relaxing the mind and shifting the mind from the pain. These practices include yoga and Tai chi. Yoga can improve your flexibility and strengthen muscles important to the support of arthritic joints. Tai chi also can relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. There is not enough literature to show the benefits or the effectiveness of these practices but there is a study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology that found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who participated in a yoga program over a three-month period had greater grip strength than those who did not practice yoga. Another study published in the same journal reported that people who practiced yoga showed a significant improvement in pain, tenderness, and finger range of motion for osteoarthritis of the hands. The benefits of exercises are known and yoga and tai chi are exercises that are even more effective that they also emphasize body mind connection and wellbeing.

Use Acupuncture

stem cellAcupuncture has been in use for centuries now. This practice was common in the ancient Chinese medicine. It involves inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body to help relieve pain. Several clinical trials have shown that acupuncture can be very effective in relieving pain though most doctors believe that it cannot be used solely for long-term healing goals. Be it for short term pain management it is effective and so its use is encouraged.

Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.

Joint diseases are characterized by persistent inflammations. It is these inflammations that mostly cause the unbearable pain. There are a number of foods that can help to reduce these inflammations and quell the pain that arthritic patients go through. Some of these foods include the following; horseradish, mustard, garlic, onions, watercress, parsley, celery, pickles, lemon, and rose-hip tea. The omega-3 fatty acids in nuts, seeds, and fish also can reduce inflammation. Using natural means to manage joint pains may be beneficial but again you need help of an integrative medicine expert, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) an expert in integrative and regenerative medicine will be able to help. Visit her at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Safe and Time-Proven Alternative to Joint Replacement Stem Cell for Joint Disease

 

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Substance Use Disorder Treatment with Nervine Herbs

February 27, 2015

Substance Use Disorder Treatment with Nervine Herbs

The basic knowledge of drugs is that they are substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the body. This therefore means that after using some drugs and substances a person’s behavior will be altered by the substances he has used. However it should be known that there are far more damages that drug and substances use cause to an individual health wise. Substance use disorder, also known as drug use disorder, is a condition in which the use of one or more substances leads to a clinically significant impairment or distress. In this context contrary to common knowledge that substance can mean any physical matter, the term substance here is used to mean drugs. Substance Use Disorder refers to the overuse of, or dependence on, a drug leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health as well as the effect on other people’s welfare.

The diagnosis of substance abuse disorder has improved treatment of patients. Before his approach to treatment of addiction related cases, doctors used to treat addiction and other clinically significant abuse as separate issues but with substance use disorder diagnosis, doctors can simultaneously treat both addiction and non-addiction related dysfunctional substance abuse in patients. the rule of this approach of treatment is that the doctor will identify the specific cause of problems to an individual for example if a person is alcohol-related issues then he Is termed to suffer alcohol use disorder  while a person suffering from cocaine is termed to be suffering from stimulant use disorder.

Nervine Herbs

a person suffering from any substance use disorder will exhibit at least three and at most eleven specific symptoms related to the use of the substance with the most prominent examples of these symptoms being substance cravings, an inability to curb substance intake, the development of tolerance to a substance’s effects, serious life disruptions that stem from substance use, use of substances in clearly dangerous circumstances and devotion of significant time or resources to either using a substance or recovering from substance intake. However, people affected by the minimum number of symptoms have mild substance use disorder, while people affected with many or most of the required symptoms have major or severe substance use disorder but all of these people need substance use disorder treatment in order to be free from the effects of the drugs they are using.

Treatment of substance use disorder with nervine herbs

What are Nervine Herbs?

The Nervines are herbs that are very essential in supporting the nervous system. The nervines may work as tonics and to create a mild calming effect. The tonic nervines may include the Skullcap and the oat tops while Catnip and chamomile can be used for mild calming of the nervous system. Apart from these two categories there are also nervines that work as strong sedatives on the nervous system, they may include the Hops and the Valerian among others. Generally the nervine herbs are used to relieve nagging muscle tension and spasms, circular thoughts, insomnia, and the occasional worry that has become a part of day to day life. Some of these herbs provide multiple nervine actions, such as Skullcap which relaxes the muscles, helps calm worried thoughts, and nourishes the nervous system. Others such as Oat Tops, are not necessarily relaxing to the physical body, but help restore and support healthy nerve functioning when taken on a regular basis.

The nervous system is Composed of the all the nerve tissues in the body and plays very critical roles in the body. They are composed of the nerve tissues that receive stimuli and transmit stimuli to the nervous systems and to initiate responses. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord and functions as the points of collection of all the nerve impulses. This is how the nervous system works; the sensory nervous system receives the stimuli, the central nervous system interprets them while the motor nervous system initiates responses.

The nervous system are very vital in the body and so they ought to be performing at optimum always, however due to some of the substances that a person may use such as drugs and alcohol the communication between these nerve tissues may be tampered with leading to rise of some complications in a person . Therefore there is need for the entire nervous system to replenished, relaxed and strengthened and nothing does that better than the nervines. The nervines are herbs that are specifically for the nervous system. They correct all the defects in the nervous system as well as strengthening the nervous system.

Nervine Herbs

Here are some of the useful Nervine Herbs

Catnip – this nervine is a very gentle sedative that is used in solving insomnia related problems. Some drugs may often leave the user with sleeplessness after along use. Catnip could be the answer. It’s also good for headaches.

California poppy – this herb has anti-anxiety, sedative, and analgesic properties. It’s used to promote relaxation in those seeking rest from nerve pain.

Passion flower – This stunning plant offers anti-spasmodic power and is helpful with tension headaches, occasional nerve pain, nervous restlessness, and restful sleep. Good for many symptoms of substance use disorder.

Lavender – Calming herb that is often used in aromatherapy applications for its mild calming action. This herb is uplifting hence good for low moods. It is good for mild anxiety and improves sleep quality.  For persistent depression use lavender with holy basil and damiana.

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. In case you are struggling with addiction just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment with Nervine Herbs

 

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Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation

February 26, 2015

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation modulates Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mesenchymal stem cells are a rare type of cells that are multi-potent and can be isolated from the adipose tissues, bone marrow among other crucial sources.  These cells have very unique properties that have seen them become targets of very many medical therapies especially in treating degenerative diseases like aging and even joint diseases like arthritis. These cells have been found to be also very effective in modulating the functions of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocyte or macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. T cells, activated to perform a range of different effector functions, are the primary mediators of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as of transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Some of the well-defined T-Cell effector cells include; CD4+ (T helper cell) subsets Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes which are derived from antigen-specific activation of simple CD8+ precursors. In addition, naturally occurring and induced regulatory T cells represent CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell phenotypes that potently suppress effector T cells to prevent autoimmunity, maintain self-tolerance, and limit inflammatory tissue injury. The ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to suppress the effector T-Cells and limit inflammation has made them very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis which is characterized with inflammations around the joints. Typically, many immune-mediated diseases entail an imbalance between regulatory T cells and effector T cells of one or more phenotypes. Mesenchymal Stem Cells broadly suppress T-cell activation and proliferation in a controlled environment outside of a living organism via (Vitro) a plethora of soluble and cell contact-dependent mediators.  These mediators may work in two ways; first they can work directly on T cells or indirectly via modulation of antigen-presenting cells and other accessory cells. Mesenchymal Stem Cells administration has also been shown to be variably associated with beneficial effects in autoimmune and transplant models as well as in several human clinical trials. However, in a small number of studies Mesenchymal Stem Cells administration has been found to heighten T cell-mediated tissue injury. The multiple effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on cellular immunity may reflect their diverse influences on the different T-cell effector subpopulations and their capacity to specifically protect or induce regulatory T-cell populations.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

 Mesenchymal stem cell modulation of T cell-mediated immune responses

To repeat for emphasis, the T cells are the primary cellular effectors of the adaptive immune system and their functional properties are central to antigen specificity and memory associated with cognate immunity, this therefore means that to a greater extent they are responsible for rejection of implanted cells of varied specificity.  Antigen-specific activation and differentiation of naïve T cells result in the generation of a range of T-cell phenotypes that may be defined by the acquisition of characteristic cytokine secretion profiles, cytolytic mechanisms, or counter-regulatory properties.

Following antigen-specific adaptive immune responses, a small proportion of activated T cells persist as memory cells and have the capacity to respond more rapidly and potently to secondary encounters with the same antigen. These memory cells may retain the effector phenotype imprinted upon them during primary activation. When these memory cells are appropriately coordinated and regulated, the diversity of T-cell effector phenotypes allows immune protection against a multitude of pathogenic microorganisms while maintaining self-tolerance and homeostasis. On the other hand, over exuberant pro-inflammatory T-cell responses may lead to auto-immune and allergic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and asthma. Therefore it is crucial to have a modulatory strategy on the effector T-cells. Furthermore, life-saving treatments such as allogeneic bone marrow and solid organ transplantation may be complicated by alloantigen-specific T-cell immune responses, resulting in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or transplant rejection.

Study finding

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and InflammationIn a research study done at School of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain by Gonzalez-Rey E, Gonzalez MA, Varela N, O’Valle F, Hernandez-Cortes P, Rico L, Büscher D,  and Delgado M  it was found that human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppressed the antigen-specific response of T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibited the proliferative response and the production of inflammatory cytokines by collagen-activated CD4 and CD8 T cells. On the contrary, the numbers of IL10-producing T cells and monocytes were significantly augmented upon human adipose stem cell treatment. The suppressive activity of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was cell-to-cell contact dependent and independent. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells also stimulated the generation of FoxP3 protein-expressing CD4 (+) CD25 (+) regulatory T cells, with the capacity to suppress collagen-specific T cell responses. Lastly, human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells down regulated the inflammatory response and the production of matrix-degrading enzymes by synovial cells isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The study had sought to find out the immunosuppressive activity of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on collagen-reactive T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  The method used involved investigating the effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on collagen-reactive RA human T cell proliferation and cytokine production as well as effects on the production of inflammatory mediators by monocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Stem cell therapy is a promising approach to treatment of degenerative diseases like arthritis but still you will need an expert in degenerative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) an expert in integrative and regenerative medicine will be able to help. Visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation modulates Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Herbs That Increase Dopamine Level

February 25, 2015

Herbs That Increase Dopamine Level

Popularly known as the brain’s feel good hormone, dopamine is responsible for sending feelings of well-being and pleasure into the body.  Apart from this known function, other functions of dopamine include; control weight, energy levels, and supports brain and heart health. Without it, we would be more fat, unhappy, and tired. Dopamine is one of the most crucial neurotransmitters in the body. Dopamine has very many functions in the body but to many people it is famous for its good feeling effects that it is always identified with but this should not be the case as it has functions beyond the mesolimbic pathway. In the brain dopamine plays such roles as: It plays a big role in starting movement, and the destruction of dopamine neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra is what produces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine also plays an important role as a hormone acting to inhibit prolactin to stop the release of breast milk. Back in the mesolimbic pathway, dopamine can play a role in psychosis, and many antipsychotics for treatment of schizophrenia target dopamine. Dopamine is involved in the frontal cortex in executive functions like attention. In the rest of the body, dopamine is involved in nausea, in kidney function, and in heart function. Owing to its many functions that are all crucial, it is important that dopamine be in good levels for the optimal performance of the body.

Ginseng

Dopamine is crucial in our bodies but the use of drugs of abuse will lead to depletion of dopamine giving rise to some diseases like depression among others. Some drugs of leisure are loved for their euphoric feelings; they affect the normal production of brain chemicals. At the beginning they may induce a sudden surge in the production of feel good brain chemicals, however when you have used the drugs for some time they will lead to depletion in the levels of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. In the brain the production of neurotransmitter happens naturally without intervention of any other drug. These basic neurotransmitters include; dopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine. The body also produces other chemicals known as endorphins which work as the body’s own opiates functioning to fight pain naturally.

These neurotransmitters have specific functions that they accomplish in the body. Each function is important and works in conjunction with the functions of the other neurotransmitters to make life what it ought to be. These functions are; Serotonin regulates sleep and appetite, Acetylcholine for processing information and memory, GABA acts as your calming neurotransmitter while dopamine is the feel good chemical, plays an important role in mood, energy, attitude, motivation.

When you use these drugs of pleasure thy hike the levels of dopamine in the brain beyond the accepted levels. This will force the brain to find a means by which to suppress the production of the neurotransmitter that has been hiked by drug use. naturally, the production of dopamine will be reduced by the brain after sensing that the hike in the levels of dopamine is caused by factors out of the body, therefore when a person who has been using drugs stops using them, the levels of dopamine and serotonin will be too low below the normal levels and this beckons such feelings of depression, anxiety, nervousness and lack of interest in everything. The level of dopamine in the body can however be restored naturally by use of herbs. Here are some of the herbs that are effective in restoring levels of dopamine even after drug use.

The Dopamine Boosters

St. John’s wort Ginseng– ginseng does not only increase the level of dopamine in the body but also works in rejuvenating, restorative, boosts energy and vitality and is tonic to the brain. Ginseng is often prescribed for patients fighting depression which is a common symptom of withdrawal from drug use. This herb is a better therapy for those who are under physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress as it is a very strong antidepressant and adaptogenic. Ginseng promotes strong nerves, sound sleep, improves memory, clear thinking and enhances concentration.

Red clover -Red clover not only increases the dopamine levels in the brain but also nourishes the entire body, provides plenty of protein, B vitamins, and calcium, all essential brain nourishing nutrients.

St. John’s wort -St. John’s wort is effective against mild to moderate depression, alleviates anxiety, insomnia, and irritability and eases pain. It increases the level of dopamine in the brain as well.

Peppermint– contrary to what many people believe, peppermint is not psychoactive but is rather sedating, stimulating and pain relieving. Peppermint is one of the many herbs that can be used to restore the level of dopamine in the brain and restore the normal bodily functions.

Fenugreek -Fenugreek is a herb and a spice commonly eaten in many parts of the world, and has been used for centuries by practitioners of Ayurvedic Herb medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It also increases the levels of dopamine and so can be used by patients whose dopamine level have floored as a result of drug use.

Today the patients have varied options when it comes to restoring the levels of testosterone in the body, however going the natural way is more beneficial as it is safe and inexpensive as well. It is good to note that by increasing the level of dopamine in your body, you are setting good grounds for addiction treatment and recovery. However, these problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this.  Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Herbs That Increase Dopamine Level

 

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Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

February 16, 2015

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

The immune system is an important part of normal body functioning. It is constantly modulating a balance between tolerance to non-harmful antigens and responsiveness to some pathogens. The process that facilitates tolerance is not known. However, recent studies show that this tolerance is due to tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine metabolic pathway. The breakdown of tryptophan requires several enzymes which. These enzymes are found in various cells which includes those of the immune system.

Some of these enzymes involved in the breakdown of tryptophan produced through activation of the immune system. This process involves among others limitation of enzymes that are present in the dendritic cells and macrophages, 3-dioxygenase and indoleamine 2. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of these enzymes can result in the body rejecting allogeneic fetuses. This means that breakdown of tryptophan is necessary in immune tolerance aspects.

Some theories have been invented to try and explain how catabolism of tryptophan facilitates tolerance to drugs like alcohol. One such theory holds it that breakdown of tryptophan ends up suppressing proliferation of T cells by greatly reducing the supply of this amino acid that is critical in body processes. The other theory states that the down streaming of the metabolites involved in catabolism of tryptophan act as suppressors of some immune cells mainly through mechanisms of pro-apoptotic processes.

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle

What is tryptophan?

It is an amino acid that is required by all processes of the body for the synthesis of proteins and other body metabolic functions. Tryptophan is synthesized mainly from molecules like phosphoenolpyruvate that are present in bacteria, plants and fungi. Such organisms activate the tryptophan throughout the food chain. Animals are incapable of synthesizing this amino acid and because of this it must be taken in the diet in form of proteins which are then broken down into the respective amino acids in the digestive tract. The tryptophan that results from diet is deposited in the liver via the hepatic portal system. The protein that is not broken down in the liver enters into any of the two metabolic processes.

Because animals are incapable of synthesizing tryptophan, they must take it in the form of proteins, which are then hydrolyzed into the constituent amino acids in the digestive system. Dietary tryptophan is delivered to the liver through the hepatic portal system, and that portion which is not used for protein synthesis in the liver can then follow one of two basic metabolic fates.

In the first place, the protein that does not undergo synthesis can enter into the blood stream to later be used for synthesis of proteins and other cell functions in the body. Secondly, it can undergo degradation in the liver via a number of steps of metabolism which is basically referred to as the kynurenine pathway. Besides being a building block for proteins in the body, tryptophan also acts as the only source of substrate used for the production of important molecules in the body. Tryptophan is used in the gut and nervous system for serotonin synthesis and on the other hand pineal gland is useful in melatonin synthesis.  In case the content of niacin in the body is not enough to carry out metabolic processes, tryptophan come in to facilitate cellular cofactor synthesis and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) synthesis. NAD + synthesis as research shows take place mostly in the liver.

The kynurenine pathway

The kynurenine pathway results from proteins that are not synthesized in the liver. The enzymatic reactions take place proceeding from tryptophan. The main intermediates of the metabolic system include quinolinate, 3-hydroxyanthranilate and kynurenine. A catabolic reaction is completed in the liver and this result in the total oxidation of the amino acid tryptophan and in the process carbon dioxide and adenosine triphosphate are produced.

Tryptophan metabolism and addiction

Tryptophan metabolism and addiction

 

The three stages that take place in the kynurenine pathway include an intial stage that involves tryptophan being broken down into kynurenine. The second stage starts from the produced kynurenine all the way to production of quinolinate. The final stage of the process involves enzymes that translate into total oxidation. The other processes that occurs within the three major processes picolinate production, kynuretic acid synthesis and synthesis of NAD +.

Most cells in the body have some of the enzymes that are involved in the kynurenine pathway. However, only hepatocytes have been shown to contain each and every enzyme that is used in every stage of the kynurenine pathway.  Since the liver is the only tissue in the body that contains all thes enzymes of the pathway, the liver then acts as the major site in which NAD + is synthesized from tryptophan. Diet and intake of certain substances like alcohol can affect the flow of metabolisms in the kynurenine pathway. For more information about this topic visit www.awaremednetwork.com. At AwareMed you will also find other health and awareness tips that will benefit you.

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

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