Intravenous B Vitamins and the Addiction Disease

March 12, 2015

Nutrition plays a major role in keeping us safe from diseases of all kinds and even making our bodies able to fight these diseases when attacked. However addiction to certain drugs depletes some of the most crucial vitamins and other important nutritional components that are supposed to make us healthy and be safe from addictions. B vitamins are some of the most important vitamins in our bodies as they are very essential for the proper functioning of our brain and the entire nervous system. Supplements with natural vitamin B can help with drug addiction, stress, and depression. This is because most drugs are suppressants to the nervous system and in the long term they leave the nervous system incapacitated to work efficiently. Like sated earlier B vitamins are very crucial in our bodies but are often depleted by drug and alcohol use. To show how important B vitamins are let’s look at their roles in our body.

Intravenous B Vitamins

The roles of vitamin B in the body

One of the most important functions of B vitamins in our bodies in relation to addiction is that they can help in fighting addiction. Vitamin B3 or niacin are an effective bunch in treatment of addiction especially addiction to alcohol as they metabolize alcohol out of your body and regulates part of the stress-related hormones of the adrenal glands. Therefore in case of deficiency in these vitamins an IV supplementation of these vitamins will help. Another serious withdrawal symptom is Insomnia, this can be resolved by Vitamin B6 which is essential in production of the chemical serotonin, which helps in restoring calmness in case of anxiety and depression and also helps in regulation of melatonin levels to induce sleep. Brain is a victim of most drug of abuse, Vitamin B9 is crucial in restoring cellular as well as brain health. researchers have found out that when vitamins B3, B6 and B9 are given intravenously in higher doses they help in reducing alcohol cravings and anxious tension, as well as insomnia and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of withdrawal.

Other important B vitamins include Vitamin B1 also known as thiamin, and vitamin B2, known as riboflavin. these two vitamins helps in maintaining cell health by processing nutrients from foods and converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to usable energy. Thiamine supplementation is a recommended treatment in alcohol addiction treatment as it helps in reducing fatigue, maintaining mental clarity and decreasing disorientation. Riboflavin helps in reducing the severity of headaches and hand tremors associated with alcohol and other drugs withdrawal. These two vitamins can be intravenously supplemented in addicts to help them through the withdrawal phase of the addiction treatment. Owing to its importance in the body, it’s better to discuss thiamine in detail.

Thiamine in Detail

Thiamine or Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. This vitamin is needed so that our bodies can use carbohydrates as energy. It is a necessity for glucose metabolism. Thiamine also plays an important role in nerve, muscle and heart function.

Thiamine is found in many foods such as yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It is part of vitamin B vitamins with which it is often used in making vitamin B complex products. Vitamin B complexes generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid.

There are situations when a person will be required to take Thiamine, thiamine deficiency syndromes such as beriberi and neuritis that may arise during pregnancy require supplementation of thiamine. It is also used to treat digestive problems which may include ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and even poor appetite.

This vitamin has many uses, some of its uses include; it is used in vision problems like cataracts, it is also used by HIV patients as an immune booster, used in treating brain damage and in prevention of cervical cancer. It can still be used to enhance learning abilities and to enhance positive mental attitude. It also increases energy and is also useful in preventing memory loss.

Despite its many uses thiamine is widely used in treating a memory disorder known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy syndrome which is common in those addicted to alcohol. Therefore it has been found to be effective in fighting alcoholism which in itself is an indication of thiamine deficiency.

Intravenous B Vitamins

Generally deficiency of B vitamins has been found to be responsible for much of the fatigue, skin irritation, memory loss and depression experienced by people who are newly recovering from an addiction to alcohol. Therefore recovering addicts can benefit from IV B vitamins supplementation. Vitamin B in general, and particularly vitamins B1 , B3 and B5 have a role in ensuring there is enough energy in the cells as they are primarily responsible for turning sugars into energy. B6 and B12 play important roles in producing blood cells and the health of the nervous system. Naturally the B vitamins can be found in foods we eat particularly in pork, nuts, cereals, salmon, grains (whole grains), liver, egg and milk.

As can be seen above the functions of the B vitamins in fighting addiction are numerous and the effectiveness of having an IV B vitamins regimen cannot be underestimate as it is through the restoration of the normal levels of the regimen that we can heal the nervous system and provide the cells with enough energy throughout the addiction treatment and beyond.

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. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Intravenous B Vitamins and the Addiction Disease

Herbal Remedies to Fight Addiction

August 13, 2014

Embracing Herbal Remedies For Addiction

What Is Herbal Remedy?

It is also known as herbal medication. It is a medication system based on the plants or extracts from plants. These plants or extracts have been used for many years by different cultures and they are still in use. The herbal medicine has been preferred by many due to the fact that it has little or no residual effects and they have flexibility in the mode in which they are administered.

Why is herbal medicine considered helpful in addiction recovery?

When a person becomes addicted, he/she may be left with decreased immunity, sometimes a shot nervous system and even a badly damaged spirit. The herbal medicine seeks to address the problem of addictions by using herbs which can:

Be able to address the mind/body system damages or alterations
Perform the task of Detoxifying the body from the addictive substance (in this case using blood-cleansing herb)
Effectively neutralize the stress response as well as strengthening the adrenal glands
Effectively Promote feelings of relaxation and keep you from tense moods.
Reduce the levels of anxiety `
Be able to promote good digestion and absorption

Which herbal medication is helpful in addiction recovery?

The process of recovering from addiction is complex. The understanding of the addiction causation is vital for the process to be successful. This knowledge helps when one wants to assess the damage which may have been caused by the addiction and hence be able to address it.

In this article, we are looking at the various herbs which can help you in the process of recovering, by combating the symptoms of the addiction and cooling down the craving for the addictive substance. The following are some herbs which have proven effective in the whole process or some point of the recovery process.

Passiflora or passion flower: passion flower is a perennial vine which has been used for medicinal value for many years. It is particularly very useful in the recovery from addiction. It works by increasing the activity of the GABA system in the brain. It works similarly to another compound known as benzodiazepines, but unlike it, passion flower medicine doesn’t cause addiction. This medication is commonly used to treat the opiate drugs withdrawal effects since it has capacity to calm the jittery and agitated nervous system. Additionally, this medication can be used for treatment of anxiety, insomnia, asthma, the menopause related symptoms, ADHD, Pains, high blood pressure, seizure, just to mention a few. Passion Flower is considered most effective when administered combined with Valerian and other nerviness.

Herbal Remedies

Scullcap This is a broad spectrum nervine tonic. The herb has been successfully used the treatment in the cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Scullcap is one of the preferred herbs used in the easing of withdrawal symptoms during the recovery period. Scullcap naturally contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as anti-inflammatory agents. This is a property which is useful in the recovery period.
Rhodiola: This fabulous herb is important in the process of addiction recovery, due to its ability to stimulate serotonin and dopamine production. These chemicals are very important in our bodies and they should be maintained in the correct levels. Rhodiola herbs maintain the levels of these chemical at the right levels.
St John’s Wort : St John’s wort is a very special herb used for drug detoxification. When used in the recovery process, it serves two useful purposes: the first purpose is that it stimulates serotonin production helping depression and insomnia and then secondly it’s a powerful detoxifier of drugs from the liver hence preventing liver damage.
Valerian : this is yet another strong nervine. The extracts from this herb have been used for centuries especially in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety and depression. For patients who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol, this is a useful herb when it comes to recovery. It can also be used to treat people with nervous disorders.
Chamomile: This herb is commonly used for mild relaxation as well as in improving the digestion. It is made up from two compounds, azulene and guaiazulene. These two compounds have shown to stimulate growth of liver tissue in rats during experimentations. This herb may be very helpful when prepared as a homeopathic remedy.
Milk Thistle. This herb is very useful when the addiction had caused severe damage on the liver. The herb has depicted remarkable healing properties for the liver. A recent research done in Europe has shown that it is effective in treating diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcohol induced fatty liver. The extracts of Milk Thistle have hepato-protective properties, which is the property helpful in protecting the liver cells from damage by environmental and internal toxins. This herb can be administered in variety of form, either as a liquid extract, tablet, or capsule.

Herbal Remedies

Dandelion : This herb is very common in Europe and it is known to be an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It improves the liver’s health by increasing the flow of bile and encouraging both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used in many areas of the world historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout.

These are not the only herbs which can be used in the recovery process, there are a more good number of herbs being used to facilitate addiction recovery. The appropriate herbs for your recovery will be prescribed to you by a professional. The worldwide site which has proven professionals who can help you recover from any addiction is the awaremednetwork.com. If you need help on recovery you just need to call or visit awaremed wellness and resource center.

Embracing Herbal Remedies For Addiction

Nutrients and addiction recovery is Vital

March 21, 2014

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

Food Nutrients offers the best natural way for addiction recovery

The life style of the society today is surrounded with different kinds of food which are either beneficial to the body or otherwise. Whereas food is need for the growth of the body some of these are addictive hence the term addiction. It encompasses almost all imbalanced and self-destructive behavior. Substance abuse can create an illusory sense of well-being, but in the end it severely damages physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

There are many degrees of addiction. Some people are mildly addicted to one or two cups of coffee or a few teaspoons of sugar. Others consume two to three quarts of caffeine drinks with more significant amounts of sugar. Then, at the other end of the spectrum, are addicts drinking pints of alcohol daily, shooting heroin, and doing large amounts of other “hard” drugs. This leads us to history.

It has been shown that individuals with substance addictions may very likely be suffering from an assortment of one or more metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia, hypoadrenia and depression. Serious maladaptive patterns, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and candida albicans, have always been common among drug addicts and alcoholics.

Because of this continual nutritional support is instrumental in gaining real and lasting recovery from addiction. It is not uncommon for those who remain drug or alcohol-free to simply substitute their chosen substance with excessive use of another addictive substance, such as sugar, caffeine, or nicotine. This behavior is often indicative of some metabolic disorder that the individual is trying to self-correct.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery is a reality, check it out!

It is a good idea when beginning a nutritional program to include a clean diet: lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and fruits, low fat, and little or no refined sugars. Here are some nutrients that address common problems from which many recovering addicts may suffer:

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Detoxifying and strengthening the liver and digestive tract

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered to be one of the primary nutrients useful in the treatment of addiction. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body as well as lessen withdrawal symptoms. In 1977 and 1982 Libby and Stone reported that large doses of ascorbic acid combined with B vitamins and protein allowed heroin addicts to quit with minimal withdrawal symptoms. A dose of 10 grams daily prevented cravings from returning. The preferred form of C is buffered with calcium and magnesium or ester C.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery means stock up on healthy minerals:
Selenium. This important antioxidant plays a role in the body’s utilization of oxygen. Studies have shown that mice live longer without oxygen if they have been previously supplemented with selenium. Alcoholics, as well as patients with candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ARC, have all shown low levels of selenium. In addition, heart disease and cancer are higher in people with diminished selenium levels. Selenium also has a role in detoxifying poisonous phenols, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hydrocarbons, and chlorine. Many people with allergic reactions to these substances have found relief through the use of selenium. However, selenium can be toxic in large amounts. A safe therapeutic dose is about 100 mcg daily. Green leafy vegetables and several herbs, such as American and Siberian Ginseng, have bio-available forms of selenium.
Zinc. The mineral zinc plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. If one uses excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, drugs, or alcohol it is more than likely that a zinc deficiency will develop. Low zinc levels can cause liver deterioration and diminished functioning of the reproductive organs, immune system, and skin. Zinc picolinate is probably the most bio-available form, with a safe therapeutic dose between 15 – 20 mg, once or twice daily.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

Calcium. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to eliminate calcium. Caffeine, for example, has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Depressed calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. A recovering addict should consider 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
Magnesium. Magnesium and calcium are partners in keeping the nervous system strong and healthy. Most abused substances contribute to diminished magnesium levels in the blood. A recovering addict should consider taking 500-1000 mg of elemental magnesium daily in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA). DLPA is composed of two amino acids, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine. It is the raw material that the nervous system uses to make PEA (Phenylethylamine) which increases the body’s ability to utilize endorphins.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Nutrients associated with enhancing energy

B Complex. The B vitamins are usually seriously deficient in people who use excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or other drugs. It is not even uncommon for these people to have B complex deficiencies prior to establishing their addiction. As a result, it is believed by some that part of the physiological draw to addictive substances has to do with B vitamin deficiencies. A supplement with 25 to 50 mg of the basic B vitamins is usually sufficient, taken one to three times daily.
Potassium. A low level of potassium is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies found today. Excessive use of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, as well as an unbalanced diet, all tend to lower your level of potassium. Even commonly used pharmaceutical drugs such as cortisone and prednisone can create low levels of this important electrolyte. Decreased potassium levels are associated with depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Perhaps the best source of potassium can be found in fresh fruits such as oranges and bananas, and in vegetables such as leafy greens and potatoes. Numerous herbal extracts, including Nettle and Alfalfa, can provide bio-available forms of potassium.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs that detoxify the liver and digestive tract

Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle has displayed remarkable healing properties for the liver. European research has shown that it is effective in treating cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcohol induced fatty liver. Milk Thistle extract actually has hepato-protective properties; it protects the liver cells from damage by environmental and internal toxins. This herb can be used as a liquid extract, tablet, or capsule in most cases. However, the more serious recovery case should consider the standardized extract. Milk Thistle use is a proof that Food Nutrients and addiction recovery go hand in hand.
Goldenseal. The American herb Goldenseal is a superior liver and blood detoxifier. A natural antibiotic, it is known to help reverse liver damage and effectively treat a variety of infections. It is not a good idea to take this herb by itself in large amounts for an extended period of time.
Dandelion. It’s known throughout Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

Scullcap. It’s a broad spectrum nervine tonic. This herb has been used successfully in cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Scullcap is considered one of the preferred herbs to help ease withdrawal symptoms during recovery. During the first 72 hours of withdrawal, it may be taken every couple of hours. Scullcap contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Valerian. This is another strong nervine. Extracts of Valerian have been used for centuries in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety, and depression. It is known to be beneficial for individuals who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol use and also suffer from nervous disorders.
Passion Flower. Passion Flower is another great nervine. Milder than Valerian, it is excellent for relieving tension and for insomnia. Rich in flavonoids, Passion Flower is probably most effective when combined with Valerian and other nervines.

As you can see there are many nutrients and herbs which can assist the recovering addict. It is important to consider carefully which ones are appropriate for any given individual. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s you will be given the most you can ever ask for while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

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