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Alcohol and Breast Cancer

January 18, 2015

Alcohol Abuse Increase the Risk of Breast cancer

Breast CancerThe risks of alcohol abuse are well known by even elementary school kids. However the link between breast cancer and alcohol abuse is something ma y people have never known. This is not so appropriate given that most recent research findings have shown the clear link between these two conditions. Studies have proved the links between alcohol use and breast cancer. Research findings points out that one in five (21.6%) of all alcohol-related deaths are due to cancer globally. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women coming second after lung cancer.

According to Drinkaware’s Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Paul Wallace, people should know that alcohol abuse can increase women’s risk of getting breast cancer.

“My impression is that my patients don’t know about the link between alcohol and breast cancer any more than they do about the association between alcohol and fertility. We can do more to increase awareness.” he says

The professor continued to give the following details on the link between alcohol abuse and breast cancer. True to his words there seems to be a lot of evidence that alcohol abuse increases the risk of breast cancer. However, he made it clear that drinking alcohol does not guarantee that you will get breast cancer but it increases your risk of getting the disease. How much you drink over your lifetime is what increases the risk.

He opines that although alcohol does increase the risk, taken with all the other factors, its contribution to overall causation of breast cancer is estimated to be about 4%. The advice is that if you do regularly drink it should be within the government’s lower risk guidelines.

However the evidences availed by Dr. Wallace aren’t the only ones available to back up this link between alcohol abuse and breast cancer. There are older evidences which show that alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Professor Wallace confirms that they have known for years that your risk of developing breast cancer increases when you overindulge in alcohol consumption. Overall, women have a 9.5% chance of getting breast cancer before they are 75.In one of these studies it was found that drinking every day even a small amount raises that risk to 10.6%. (4) Professor Wallace says, though, that the overall risk (anything that affects your chance of getting a disease) is based on how much you drink on average each day over a lifetime.

According to Professor Wallace, this link is real based on past research findings which have been reinforced by a recent research that was even done on a larger scope to establish the link between alcohol abuse and breast cancer. This study however is still going on. This study is done on 1.3 million women across the United Kingdom. This study has indicated that the overall risk of a woman to develop breast cancer increases by 7.1 percent for each 10 grams of alcohol drank

Despite the evidences that have been availed, the exact ways alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer are still not fully understood but researchers have made known some of the highly potential mechanisms through which alcohol consumption links to breast cancer. one of the mechanism that is suspected to be the major contributor here is the fact that ethanol is broken down into a toxic substance known as acetaldehyde, which can cause genetic mutations, a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up genes. This can trigger a response from the body leading to the development of cancerous cells.

Several studies have also reported that alcohol can potentially increase the production of the female hormone estrogen in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. One characteristic of a cancer cell is that it multiplies out of control and in certain types of breast cancer; high circulating levels of estrogen can make this more likely to happen. Alcohol also weakens the immune system leading to nutritional deficiencies, including folic acid, vitamins A, B6, D and E and zinc, all of which may make it more difficult for the body to fight cancerous cells making a person more vulnerable to breast cancer.

The risk of developing breast cancer as always known is much higher in women than in men; this can be attributed to the higher levels of hormone estrogen in women which has been known to increase risks of developing breast cancer. Professor Wallace therefore advices women to stop indulging in excessive drinking and to drink below statutory drinking regulation limits as that is the only way they can reduce this risk of breast cancer apart from dropping alcohol use entirely.

Breast Cancer“Drink within the government’s lower risk guidelines. When taken overall, looking at all the things alcohol does, the risk at these levels is minimal. Life isn’t about zero risk. Even if you lived in a bubble and didn’t ever go outside, you would still be likely to get osteoporosis because you didn’t exercise!” He adds.

Even men are at risk

The risk of breast cancer is not only to worry women but men as well. Though breast cancer is synonymous to women, men also are at a high risk of getting this disease especially later as they age since that is the time when their levels of hormone estrogen increases. It is therefore advisable for men to reduce the amounts of drinks they take and reduce this risk.

Finally, Alcohol abuse, addiction and cancer are problems that people cope with every day. 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.

Alcohol Abuse and Breast cancer

 

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Supplements That Replenish Dopamine and Serotonin Levels

January 18, 2015

Supplements That Can Rebuild and Replenish Depleted Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Addiction

SupplementsThe benefits of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine can never be underestimated. In the previous articles we explored their specific functions and therefore repeating them here will be scratching your ears. However I would like to remind you that the use of opiates has a negative effect on these neurotransmitters and after a person has been using opiates it is important that he find ways to restore the levels of these neurotransmitters failure to which he will suffer undesired consequences related to opiate withdrawal.

Here are some supplements that can be used to restore dopamine and serotonin levels after opiate use

L-Tyrosine– The conditionally essential amino acid tyrosine is a precursor of catecholamine neurotransmitter, dopamine included. L-Tyrosine is available in the foods we eat such as egg, meat and fish. It can also be synthesized in the body. Tyrosine forms DOPA, which is then converted to dopamine, and this, in turn, forms norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter related to mood. By supporting production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, L-tyrosine supplements can enhance mood, sleep, emotional well-being, and mental function, especially under situations involving environmental and emotional stress or when dopamine levels require additional support in most cases after long periods of opiate use resulting in depleted dopamine. As for some people they are born with low levels of dopamine and hence a genetically inherited problem but just like people with depleted dopamine and serotonin from opiates use, they can also eat foods rich L-tyrosine.

Mucuna pruriens– commonly known as velvet bean, murina naturally contains up to 5% L-Dopa often referred to as levodopa. Lovedopa is the same biochemical that is made in humans from the amino acid L-tyrosine and is then synthesized into dopamine. When it is taken as a supplement, the L-DOPA from Mucuna can cross the blood-brain barrier to elevate brain dopamine levels. The Indian traditional medicine champions the use of powdered mucuna seeds in treatment of myriad illnesses including the Parkinson’s disease. Recently, studies utilizing Mucuna supplements have shown promising results not just for Parkinson’s but for other conditions related to dopamine deficiency, including depression and psychological stress. Mucuna extract has been shown to increase not only dopamine concentrations, but also other neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine too. Look for an extract of Mucuna pruriens standardized to contain 15% L-DOPA. Take 300 mg twice a day and you will be amazed at how effective this extract can be.

L-theanine- L-theanine is an amino acid uniquely found in green tea that creates an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine is known to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase dopamine levels in the brain. In animal studies it has been shown that L-theanine also increases brain serotonin and GABA. L-theanine has anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. It reduces mental and physical stress, and leads to improvements in learning and memory in humans and animals. Even just a single, small dose of L-theanine (100 mg) significantly improves the ability to pay attention and maintain focus compared to placebo. Take 200 mg of L-theanine 2-3 times daily.

Rhodiola– Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root is a popular plant in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia, with good reviews for improving depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue and treating symptoms resulting from intense physical and psychological stress. It exerts its benefits via multiple effects on the central nervous system, including enhancing the stability of dopamine and supporting its reuptake. This leads to notable decreases in depression, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as an increased ability to handle stress. In human studies, rhodiola has been shown to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress-related fatigue compared to placebo. Basing hope in past research findings you are encouraged to find its extract and use it daily to end your troubles with opiate withdrawal effects. For the standardized supplement just use 170mg per day.

Multivitamin- some minerals and B-vitamins are known for their effects on the neurotransmitters. These includes; Zink, folate, Vitamin B6. These are very necessary for dopamine synthesis and neurotransmission. These nutrients are often depleted in individuals due to medications, inadequate diets, excessive stress, and toxic environmental exposures, compromising the ability to properly synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine. Therefore there is need to supplement these nutrients especially with high-potency, high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplements. This will help in enhancing neurotransmitter function and playing a complementary role in supporting emotional wellness that is required for a recovering addict.

SupplementDespite the benefits of having a high level of dopamine, too much of it is dangerous and needs to be avoided. You therefore need to work with the supplements strictly as instructed to avoid any problem that may arise in case of overdose. It is also advisable that you desist from getting and using these supplements without the help of a doctor specialized in the area. For better outcome you should seek the services of an experienced integrative doctor as they are more versed in this kind of treatment. You should not use different supplements at a time without consulting your integrative doctor as some supplements may react and therefore bear even more grave consequences.

Drug addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Supplements That Can Rebuild and Replenish Depleted Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Addiction

 

 

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Nicotine Addiction in Females

January 13, 2015

Role Of Progesterone In Nicotine Addiction In Females

Nicotine addictionProgesterone is a found in good quantities in women and is often thought of as a female hormone. this hormone is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. however current research findings have indicated that this hormone has a role in inhibiting nicotine addiction.

today many people are using drugs with nicotine content and nicohtine addiction is on the rise. it has been causing death that could rather be prevented especially in the developed countries. this stimulant is used by all genders and is appreciated for a feel of high sensation and relaxation after sometime but researchers have noted that women and teen girls appear to be more vulnerable on certain aspects of nicotine addiction compared with men and boys. However the mechanism of gender differences in nicotine addiction is not yet clear, but there is evidence that endorses the suggestion that progesterone may protect females against nicotine addiction unlike estrogen that some researchers have linked to enhanced vulnerability in females to nicotine addiction. Therefore, progesterone may have therapeutic use for nicotine addiction, especially in female smokers. Researchers are working to establish the reason for this gender variation in nicotine addiction and the discovery will provide a greater understanding of the role of progesterone in nicotine addiction. this is important not only from a treatment purposes but also from a prevention perspective. The changes in hormones in the body of women such as those that occur at adolescence and during pregnancy and following birth. The changes in hormones that are also caused by hormonal manipulation like using methods of hormonal birth control may all contribute to changes in vulnerability to nicotine addiction.

Here, we will explore in reference to recent evidences from clinical studies how progesterone affects the health of a woman in relation to nicotine addiction. Depending on the data already availed from past researches we will find out the effects of progesterone during the initiation stage and even during the later stages of nicotine addiction process as a potential relapse prevention treatment.

Several studies have indicated that in spite of the public knowledge that nicotine addiction can be dangerous to one’s health, tobacco use has been on the rise especially on young women and teens. In a 2007 study results on National Survey on Drug Use research done by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration often shortened as SAHMSA found that Females aged 12–17 are also more likely than males initiate smoking. It has also been found out that women take shorter time to develop tobacco dependence syndrome after their initial use of tobacco.

Similar reports of enhanced vulnerability in females versus males have been reported among adult smokers. For example, among adults (18 years and over), although more men than women smoke, women take less time to become dependent after initial use, report shorter and less frequent abstinence periods and smoke for longer periods of time in their lives compared with men with the median cessation age of 33 years for males versus 37 years for females. This finding was reported by a research done by Pierce and Gilpin in 1996 in a study titled: How long will today’s adolescent smoker be addicted to cigarettes?

Of all the studies that have been available on tobacco use it has been found that women are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction as they also appear to respond less favorably to smoking cessation treatments.

Donny and Clark study on rats

A preclinical study on rats done by Donny and Clark with other researchers provided information that is Consistent with the above findings. In preclinical studies, adolescent and adult female rats showed faster acquisition of intravenous nicotine self-administration and higher break points on a progressive-ratio schedule compared with adolescent and adult males. Similarly, female mice showed a greater preference for nicotine in a two-bottle choice task compared with male mice indicating greater sensitivity of females to nicotine’s reinforcing effects. These studies point to important gender differences in initiation and maintenance of nicotine use that may contribute to smaller gains in curbing nicotine addiction in women.

Progesterone and GABA receptors

Several research findings point out that Progesterone and its metabolites interact with multiple neurotransmitter receptors including GABA, glycine, sigma1, kainate, serotonin3, and nicotinic cholinergic receptors. However, most relevant for nicotine addiction are interactions with GABA. Progesterone’s active metabolites, pregnanolone and allopregnanolone, have positive modulatory effects on GABA receptors which enhance GABAergic transmission. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and has significant influence on multiple central nervous system (CNS) function. The positive modulatory effects of progesterone metabolites on the GABA receptors have been proposed to weaken drug reward. Remarkably, the effects of progesterone and its metabolites on GABAergic signaling vary with menstrual cycle phase and at hormone transition phases including during adolescence and during pregnancy. For instance, during puberty, allopreganolone’s effects on GABAergic transmission are opposite to those seen before and after puberty with results showing a reduction in GABAergic transmission.

nicotine addictionIt has also been reported that progesterone also affects signaling at nicotinic receptors. Specifically, both progesterone and allopregnanolone are negative modulators of the α4β2 nicotinic receptors. Progesterone has also been reported to increase mRNA expression of α5 nicotinic receptors.

Despite the research findings that have been published on this issue, the available literature is still insufficient to anchor a strong decision on the use of progesterone hormone in fighting nicotine addiction. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center is an expert in integrative medicine for addiction. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Role Of Progesterone In Nicotine Addiction In Females

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Oxytocin May Remedy Drug Abuse Effects

January 13, 2015

Oxytocin May Reverse Corrosive Effects of Long-Term Drugs Abuse

oxytocinA person’s social life has a great influence in his possibility of using drugs of pleasure. Most of drugs of pleasure are used in social circles and therefore it is appropriate to say that social factors play an important role in the initiation, maintenance and recovery from addictions. There is now accumulating evidence of an interaction between the neural substrates of affiliate behavior and those of drug reward, with a role for brain oxytocin systems in modulating acute and long-term drug effects.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that is made in the brain, in the hypothalamus, and it is transported to, and secreted by, the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Chemically it is known as a nonapeptide, (because it is a peptide containing nine amino acids), and biologically, as a neuropeptide. It acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter. Due to its roles in behavior, this hormone has been given different names such as the love hormone, cuddle hormone, bliss hormone, moral molecule and even hug hormone. Researchers say that it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.

However this hormone seems to have many functions that can be very helpful to clinical treatment of those enslaved by drug addiction. Researchers have been able to establish a link between addiction and oxytocin and the findings are promising as new approaches can be developed on the basis of the influence of oxytocin on drug addiction to help quell drug addiction and free addicts enslaved to drug use.

Past researchers have indicated that exogenous oxytocin administration can prevent development of tolerance to ethanol and opiates, the induction of stereotyped, hyperactive behavior by stimulants, and the withdrawal symptoms associated with sudden abstinence from drugs and alcohol. In addition to this finding, stimulation of endogenous oxytocin systems is a key neurochemical substrate underlying the prosocial and empathogenic effects of party drugs such as MDMA often referred to as Ecstasy and GHB mostly known as Fantasy. According to these early research reports, brain oxytocin systems exhibit profound neuroplasticity and undergo major neuroadaptations as a result of drug exposure. Many drugs, including cocaine, opiates, alcohol, cannabis, MDMA and GHB cause long-term changes in markers of oxytocin function and this may be linked to enduring deficits in social behavior that are commonly observed in laboratory animals after going through repeated exposure to these drugs. Very recent preclinical studies have illustrated a remarkable ability of exogenously delivered oxytocin to inhibit stimulant and alcohol self-administration, to alter associated drug-induced changes in dopamine, glutamate and Fos expression in cortical and basal ganglia sites, and to prevent stress and priming-induced relapse to drug seeking. Oxytocin therefore has fascinating potential to reverse the corrosive effects of long-term drugs abuse on social behavior and to perhaps inoculate against future vulnerability to addictive disorders. However clinical studies that are examining intranasal oxytocin effects in humans with drug use disorders are still awaited but hopes are high that the results may open ways into a new dimension in fighting drug addiction by using this hormone.

Targeted as a novel treatment of Drug addiction

Over the years researchers have had speculations that oxytocin may have an effect on drug addiction and related behaviors. Clinical doctors and other researchers have got the knowledge that people who are addicted to certain drugs exhibit antisocial traits and exhibit poor decision making in the social domain. There has also been a link between high levels of oxytocin and blossoming relationships as well as stable social bonds. Due to its speculated effects on drug addiction related behavior, oxytocin has been targeted as a novel treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. This has been catapulted by the realization that the acute prosocial effects of some popular recreational drugs most likely involve stimulation of oxytocin systems and that the neural substrates of social bonding and drug reward may be intertwined.

Some drugs of pleasure like MDMA when taken affect the person in a way that he becomes more loving and close to the people around him. He also becomes more naïve as to trust those with him and even to agree with most of their arguments. In preclinical tests these prosocial behaviors have been seen in animal models, for instance in strange pairs of rats meeting for the first time, MDMA markedly reduce aggression and increase a behavior known as adjacent lying; the rats cuddle inhibiting a feeling of love and trust as always the case with human beings under the influence of this drug. MDMA and its metabolites stimulate hypothalamic oxytocin release and after this hormone has been released in high levels then the prosocial feelings are exhibited.

OxytocinMany researchers have now proposed that the reason why many addicts go through drug addiction recovery programs successfully in rehabs may be because of this hormone. The addicts who are majorly summoned to anonymous meetings in the rehabs experience surge in this hormone as they relate to their fellow addicts, this is said to have therapeutic effects as they help resettle dysfunctional oxytocin pathways. In spite of it’s clearly involvement in the prosocial effects of some drugs, it is not clear whether oxytocin itself is rewarding. It is however appropriate to mention that there is still a lot that should be done on this field to avail information on how these past findings can help ease drug addiction treatment.

Finally, Drug abuse, addiction and independence are problems that people grapple with every day. 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.

Oxytocin May Reverse Corrosive Effects of Long-Term Drugs Abuse

 

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Addiction and Cancer Development

January 12, 2015

Role Of Addiction In Cancer Development.

Cancer developmentThe term addiction is not very friendly to many ears, it prickles and no one ever want to be associated to addiction as it’s a state that leaves you vulnerable and out of control of your life. depending on the drug or habit you are addicted jyou will suffer given symptoms some of which are very adverse. drugs of pleasure are a major curlprit of addiction as people will always tend to use them again and again to get the rare euphoric feelings which brings them closer to addiction by and by enslaving them in a tight grip they can’t break free from. Addiction bto certain drugs have also been linked to cancer development.

Dreaded by all cancer is a monster that has perfected the art of terrorism. It very expensive to manage and so the very day some people get the information that they are sick of this disease, that becomes a death sentence to them as they can’t afford to treat the disease. The disease is not easy cured though not incurable. However the cost of curing this disease has made it a death sentence to many people especially in the 3rd world countries where it has continued to rob people of their loved ones due to high bills that can never be afforded. The disease is synonymous to pain and this has made it the most dreaded disease. The fact that it can’t be easily treated therefore leaves us with one better option which is to avoid it all costs. Prevention is the best option when dealing with cancer. When it comes to avoiding cancer then whatever goes through your mouth becomes a concern, you need to eat healthy food and desist from anything that may beckon tumor growth and this include avoiding use of drugs that may eventually cause cancer. Addiction has very many health risks cancer development included. It is a known fact that smoking causes cancer and anybody addicted to tobacco has higher chances of developing cancer. However there are other drugs that when a person is addicted to then he comes closer to cancer.

Cigarette addiction causes cancer

cigarettes contains a concoction of about 5000 chemicals that are not very safe for health. It also contains nicotine which is very addictive. Taking it once may not be so dangerous but with the high nicotine content you are bound to get addicted exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. Other chemicals, including nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are formed when the tobacco leaves are processed or burnt. This is all before the tobacco industry adds the hundreds of other chemicals to cigarettes. This is why there is no safe way to use tobacco.

When you smoke the chemicals in cigarettes get into your body causing myriad of problems including cancer. The main way that smoking causes cancer is by damaging the DNA and altering the functioning of key genes that protect our bodies against cancer. Many of the chemicals found in cigarettes have been shown to cause DNA damage. These chemicals includes; benzene, polonium-210, benzo, pyrene and nitrosamines. Cigarettes also contain chromium which makes poisons like benzo and pyrene which stick even stronger to the DNA causing more harm. And chemicals like arsenic and nickel interfere with pathways for repairing damaged DNA. This makes it even more likely that damaged cells will eventually turn cancerous. Therefore to evade cancer you should try to avoid cigarettes addiction.

Smoking cigarettes causes cancer but that does not mean that when you smoke it once you will be cancerous, at the same time it does not mean that if you have been smoking cigarettes for a year and you are still cancer free then you can’t ever get cancer through smoking. Cancer is a multi-step disease-it grows over a long time; it may even take a decade for smoking to cause cancer. This is because naturally our bodies are designed to deal with a bit of damage but it’s hard for the body to cope with the number of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. Over time DNA damage builds up and makes it more and more likely that our cells will become cancerous. It is therefore necessary for a beginner to stop smiling before he becomes addicted as that will increase his chances of getting cancer.

Alcohol addiction linked to cancer

Alcohol consumption is common among people of different ages despite the many risks that it poses to a person’s health. Alcohol addiction has been linked to cancer though researchers are yet to understand how it directly beckons cancer. Here are some of the ways alcohol addiction is thought to cause cancer. Firstly, when alcohol is taken it is converted into a very harmful chemical known as acetaldehyde. This chemical can cause cancer by damaging DNA and stopping our cells from repairing this damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified acetaldehyde formed as a result of drinking alcohol as being a cause of cancer. Acetaldehyde also causes liver cells to grow faster than normal. These regenerating cells are more likely to pick up changes in their genes that could lead to cancer.

Cancer developmentAlcohol also affects the delicate balance between estrogen and testosterone hormones. When the levels of estrogen hormone become then the risk of breast cancer is increased. Alcohol can cause cancers through many ways and therefore it is necessary to avoid alcohol addiction as that may favor cancer development.

Drug addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Role Of Addiction In Cancer Development.

 

 

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