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

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

GABA Metabolism in the CNS in Addiction

February 14, 2015

GABA Metabolism in the CNS in Addiction

What is GABA?

Known as Gamma-Amino Butyric acid, it is an amino acid that performs functions of neurotransmitters in the brain.it is the most abundant neurotransmitters occurring in the central nervous system (CNS).it acts as an inhibitor of transmissions in the brain thus in the process calming down activities in the nervous system. It is found as a supplement in which it acts as a natural tranquilizer. It has been shown to increase levels of human growth hormones thus is very popular among body builders.

The Neurotransmitters Question

The brain is made up of millions of cells. Communication takes place from one brain region to another through neurotransmitters. Neurons are individual cells of the nerves that make up the nervous system. They serve as the wiring for the body to transmit information form one region to another. The electrical signals generated are transported through the neurons as a single impulse. Ones the impulses reaches the end of the neurons, it is transmitted to the other cell through neurotransmitters.

The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and the brain. The two consist of neurotransmitters which pass from one end of the neuron to another. The peripheral nervous system which is made up of nerves that run to the rest of the body. The nerves transmit chemical signals from one neuron t adjacent gland cells and muscles.

GABA and glutamate are the most abundantly occurring neurotransmitters in the nervous system. The two are in abundance in the cerebral cortex which is the region where interpretation of sensation takes place and thinking occurs. The ending of the neurons are made up of sac like structures which are filled with neurotransmitters.

GABA

When the chemical and electrical signals reach the end of the neurons, they trigger the sacs to release neurotransmitters to act as a bridge between one nerve cell and another. The spaces called synapses act as a bridge through which signals pass to the other cells. On reaching the other neuron, the neurotransmitters attach to the cell receptors. This triggers the electric impulse to move from the end of the nerve cell neuron to the other cell completing the message transmission and triggering and effect.

Role of GABA In the Brain

It is formed in the cells of the brain from glutamate. GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which simply means that it blocks nerve impulses in the brain. On the other hand, glutamate from which GABA is formed is an excitatory neurotransmitter. When it binds to cells adjacent to it, it activates them to send impulses throughout the brain from one cell to another. GABA instead of telling the brain to activate and send impulses, it tells it he opposite. It stimulates the brain not to send nerve impulses from one cell to another.

In the absence of GABA nerve cells tend to activate more often sending signals regularly. Disorders associated with anxiety such as headaches, addiction, panic attacks, Parkinson syndrome, cognitive impairment and seizures are all linked to low activity of GABA.

It naturally hinders nerve impulses transmission from one cell to another. It brings about a calming effect in the process. The best way to understand the significance of GABA is by understanding the effects of caffeine on the brain. Caffeine acts as an inhibitor of the release of GABA. When the levels of GABA are low in the brain, more nerve transmissions take place. This leads to the sensational feeling that one gets when they takes coffee. This feeling is as a result of activity of glutamate with less GABA.

The reason why, caffeine does this is simply because other molecules tend to bind with the neurons near the site where GABA binds with these neurons. This is exactly the way that basic tranquilizers like barbiturates and Benzodiazepines work. They increase the effects of GABA in the body which in turns inhibits the transmission of nerves.

GABA Metabolism

It is synthesized in a metabolic path known as the GABA shunt. The first step in GABA formation uses a-ketoglutarate that is formed from metabolism of glucose in the Kreb’s cycle. Afterwards a-ketoglutarate is processed by a-oxoglutarate to form glutamate. In the final process, the glutamate undergoes decarboxylation to form GABA through the glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme. Like other neurotransmitters, GABA is stored in the synaptic vesicles of the brain and is only released when depolarization of the presynaptic membrane takes place.

GABA

GABA and Addiction

Alcohol consumption leads to loss of coordination of the motors as well as sedation as other high levels of inhibitory transmitters do. Studies therefore show that GABA effects contribute to some effects of alcohol in the brain. Past studies show that, GABA as an inhibitory neurotransmitter is affected by alcohol consumption. Continuous alcohol consumption leading to addiction lead to decline in GABA receptors found in the brain and his reduces the ability of the neurotransmitter t bind with cell receptors.

In this case, the body is forced to find ways to compensate for the declined levels of GABA neurotransmitters. These effects are responsible for brain function changes that lead to things like dependence and alcohol tolerance. When one withdraws from alcohol, the stimulating effects on the neurotransmitter disappear. The body has very few GABA receptors needed to balance the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters. Because of this the brain has too many excitatory nerve signals being transmitted. This translates to psychological and physical effects of alcohol addiction and withdrawal.

Dr. Dalal Akoury has years of experience with patients of addiction and other health conditions. This enables her to provide wise counsel to patients who may be going through certain health conditions. Many of these patients have gotten better and they now bear witness to her god works. To become part of this community and to receive regular health and awareness tips that will befit you, visit www.awaremednetwork.com today.

GABA Metabolism in the CNS in Addiction

Histamine, Metabolism, Neuro-excitatory and Neurotransmitters

February 10, 2015

Role of Histamine, Metabolism, Neuro-excitatory and Neurotransmitters for Addiction

Histamine refers to transmitter that is endogenous in nature and one that is involved in gastric secretions, allergic manifestations and vigilance regulation. It is found in tissues of all animals especially mamma also with high concentrations in the skin, liver and lungs. In the tissues, the transmitter histamine occurs in mast cells which are simply a group of cells whose cytoplasm has high concentrations of basophilic granulations.

In the mast cells histamine exists bonded to acidic compounds like heparin. In most cells with histamine, its production is slow and when it sis depleted t may take several weeks to go back to normal levels. The brain also contains histamine in certain level. Histamine occurs in the brain region in the hypothalamus based o circadian rhythm which occurs in the brain. Its concentration in the plasma does not exceed 1 microgram per liter but this concentration is high in patients suffering from asthma.

neurotransmitters

In the blood the level of histamine ranges from 10 to 100 micrograms in a liter and is primarily concentrated in the basophils. This concentration as studies show rises especially in patients suffering from medical conditions like gastrodudenal ulcers and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Histamine depreciates some times in the body. This means that more has to be produced to replace the one that is lost. This replacement is often slow and can take several weeks. However, histamine renewal in the nervous system and the gastric cells is at faster rate because it is released continuously.

Histamine and Metabolism

Naturally the distribution of histamine in the body is not usually uniform. It however, occurs in in higher concentrations in the mucosa of the gastric system. Its metabolism is dependent on enzymes such as diamine oxidase, histamine N-methyltransferase and histidine decarboxylase. These enzymes seem to be dominant in the stomach region. Studies have been carried out to determine exactly the concentration of histamine in the gastric system. For years this has been a subject of controversial debate and it was only recently that a solution was found. Studies show that the inactivation process of histamine by histamine methyltrasferase takes place in the gastric mucosa that has a significant activity of enzymes.

However it is worthwhile to note that the intestines, liver and spleen have much higher activities which points towards little specification of catabolism of histamine in the gastric mucosa. There have also been debates concerning the activity of diamine oxidase which for years was thought not to exist in the corpus mucosa. Recent studies however, show that moderate enzyme activities of this enzyme is present in some species among them man. In this case then, the metabolism of histamine n the gastric mucosa does not mean its existence in mammalian tissues. Activities of these enzymes could also act as an indication that it has significant physiological functions in the body.

The formation and inactivation of histamine has been shown to be regulated through enzyme activities by during the process of secreting acid. Histamine N-methyltrasferase and histidine decarboxylase are enhanced by gastrin activities and not necessarily influenced by vagal stimulation.

Neuro excitatory and Neurotransmitters for Addiction

Studies show that rugs especially alcohol affect to a great extent the brain as well as some physical processes of the body. There are several reasons that make a person an alcohol addict. These reasons may range from depression, stress, impulse of just mere pleasure. Once a person becomes alcohol dependent, a pattern has already been established and this affects the neural system of the person.

Histamine

The Neurotransmitter Process

In order to fully understand the neurological effects of alcohol addiction in the brain, there is need to understand how the brain transmitters work. The brain communicates through neurons that send messages form ne cells of the brain to an0ther. Transmission of nerve signals takes place from one brain region to another. Once a neuron has been activated, an electrical signal is produced which travels all through the membrane that surrounds the body and axon of the neuron. The signal reaches the end of the neuron and this triggers neurotransmitters to be released from the brain cells. The neurotransmitters then travel from one neuron to another. On reaching the other neuron, the molecules in the transmitter bind with receptors in the neuron and this triggers new electric signal to be produced. Production of new signals depends on the type of neurotransmitter that is involved in the process.

Most neurotransmitters exhibit inhibitory and excitatory effects. This is dependent on the region of the brain and the receptors present in that region. Neurotransmitters with excitatory effects include among others glutamate, dopamine and serotonin while those with inhibitory effects include gamma-aminobutyric acid most commonly referred to as GABA. When one takes alcohol it tends to reinforce the transmitter system. This affects many neural transmitter processes which trigger some long term effects like withdrawal, tolerance, dependence, sensitization and finally addiction.

This information can be found for free at www.awaremednetwork.com. Here you will also find other health and awareness tips.

Role of Histamine, Metabolism, Neuro-excitatory and Neurotransmitters for Addiction

NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

February 5, 2015

NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

Addiction is one complex problem faced by many. There is no limit to how many things people can get addicted to. If you cannot go a day without watching a movie, and then it gets to a point when you must slot in a couple of hours in your daily schedule to watch movies then that is your addiction.

If you keep getting those cravings for soda or sugary meals, you try to stay without them but the urge is so much that you only calm down after satisfying that thirst then that is an addiction.

Addiction can be good or bad. You can be addicted to work, you love your work that you can’t spend time away from your job. That is addiction. Such positive addictions too may be unhealthy. If you are addicted to work for instance, you will hardly spare time for other essential activities, such as being with your family.

Other forms of addiction often associated with the term, such as drug and substance abuse are detrimental to your health. A person who is addicted to alcohol for instance cannot live without it. Their lives often revolve around the liquor. The same applies to coke, cigarettes, marijuana and all other recreational drugs. The substance of addiction gets to dictate how you live your life.

the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter

Facts about addiction

The habit is a problem. You have to first admit it in order to be able to get over it. An addict who finds it difficult to get over the problem may often be tempted to blame it on someone, or something else. But that is not a solution, acceptance is key.

Giving in to one’s yearnings is a matter of choice. At the beginning of any addiction you often see yourself in control of the situation. You are not forced to do anything, you just do it because you enjoy the act. With time though, this control diminishes and you become increasingly more vulnerable to the substance of your addiction.

You are in a position to drop your addictions by saying ‘no’ to the substance. This is the premise under which psychosocial support for addiction recovery is usually built. Through guidance one is offered a way out of their drug or substance habit. At such point, it is upon you to decide whether or not you are going to adopt a clean lifestyle.

NAC and Addiction

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is a chemically changed version of the non-essential amino acids in the body. NAC works by purifying your body by removing harmful toxins. It is highly essential in recovery from drug addiction. alcohol and other drugs commonly abused cause a lot of damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys and other organs and this is likely to result in chronic ailments that are life threatening. This amino acid is essential as it protects cells from getting damaged in addition to its role in preserving functions of the liver.

It is a known precursor to Glutathione which is the most effective in destroying free radicals. The amino acid works to protect the brain and the liver from damages caused by toxins like alcohol, acidic mater, particles found in the air and cigarettes smoke. It also has other significant functions that are key to the wellbeing of an individual.

Among them, it helps the body to promote its burning of fat and aids the muscle building process. Studies also indicate that it can rid the body of copper by a chelating effect, and is used in the treatment of particular diseases including bronchitis, emphysema and certain respiratory problems among adults.

NAC plays a key role in the production of white blood cells necessary for body immunity. The white cells fight diseases that attack the body and help boost the natural immune response of the body. As such, the amino acid is essential for the defense of the body against disease attack. It further helps in insulin metabolism and functions, which is key to the body’s blood sugar regulation.

the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter

Sources of NAC

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine can always be naturally manufactured by the body on its own. The high-protein foods such as eggs and meat are however potent dietary sources of this amino acid. Other good sources include foods such as broccoli, garlic, wheat, onions and red peppers.

Other sources that can be recommended for this important amino acid for those who are recovering from the damage caused by drug addiction include nutritional supplements found in a number of nutrition outlets in different continents. It is however important to seek recommendations form a physician since this product is largely unregulated and health consumers are likely to purchase a product that contains incorrect amount of ingredients recommended for the particular patient.

NAC, the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Addiction

Alcohol Abuse Linked to Esophageal Cancer

January 21, 2015

Alcohol Abuse and Esophageal Cancer

Alcohol abuse has become prison walls to many people, needless to mention economies are crippled because of this societal vice that has made many people incapable of even fending for themselves. Apart from the whole known fight with alcohol addiction and its related consequences, alcohol abuse has also been identified by researchers as a cause of different cancers. Unfortunately alcoholism is not very easy to quit especially without professional help. Many people who try to stop alcoholism have to give in to the cravings for alcohol. Some may also be pulled back into alcoholism due to the withdrawal symptoms that may be hard to deal with. However hard dealing with alcohol addiction can be, there are numerous ways that medics can use to help an addict break the chain of addiction and help him reduce his chances of falling victim to certain cancers. One of the most important factors that will determine whether the addict will succeed in the fight against addiction is the willingness and commitment of the addict to put up with every advice of the doctors. If you are abusing alcohol and you haven’t seen the need to quit it, I guess you should since it has been linked to many different cancers. One of the cancers that alcohol abuse has been linked to is the esophageal cancer. You may not know much about it but it’s good to note that just like any other type of cancer, esophageal cancer is not lenient at all and so you should carve your path and walk away from this disease.

In this article we will look at how alcohol causes these two main types of esophageal cancers; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). In the past it has been known that tobacco smoking is a leading cause of different types of cancers including esophageal cancer but recently research study reports have also indicated that excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Today, esophageal cancer (EC) is the 8th most common incident cancer in the world and, because of its high fatality rate, ranks 6th among all cancers in mortality. It is not surprising, therefore, that the etiology of EC has been investigated for over a century. Based on clinical observations, Craver in his Clinical study of etiology of gastric and esophageal carcinoma in 1932 and Watson in 1939 list excessive use of alcohol and tobacco, low socioeconomic status, poor oral health, and consumption of hot drinks as risk factors for EC. These two scientists even cited past research papers on EC etiology published to back up their findings. In particular Craver cites a 1920 article from Argentina that suggests maté drinking as a risk factor for EC.

Alcohol consumption has long been known to be a major cause of esophageal cancer in most areas of the world just like tobacco smoking which is known by many people as a huge cancer risk. Classic ecologic and case-control studies by Tuyns and others in the 1970s and 1980s in his study Cancer of the esophagus: further evidence of the relation to drinking habits in France, established alcohol as a strong cause of esophageal cancer in many countries, and showed that alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking interact to increase esophageal cancer risk in a multiplicative manner. IARC has classified alcohol drinking as a known cause of esophageal cancer.

Generally, it has been found that excessive alcohol consumption is a cause of esophageal cancer however alcohol abuse increases the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma than it does with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA), but these are just different sides of the same coin-esophageal cancer. When used in excessive amounts (3 or more drinks per day), alcohol has almost universally been associated with an elevated risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; it typically increases risk by 3–5 fold. In contrast, there is little evidence for an association between alcohol drinking and esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, the majority of the case-control and cohort studies that have investigated this association have found no overall relationship between alcohol consumption and esophageal adenocarcinoma, or have found relatively weak associations between alcohol and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Nevertheless there has been some sort of controversy on this issue as some researchers have opined that some studies have suggested that only certain types of alcohol may be have effects on esophageal adenocarcinoma. for instance in this study; Obesity, alcohol, and tobacco as risk factors for cancers of the esophagus and gastric cardia: adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma, done by Vaughan TL, Davis S, Kristal A, Thomas DB in 1995, the reports suggests that drinking wine may reduce risk. However no other study has come up to support these findings.

Esophageal Cancer In the past the link between alcohol and cancer was not easy to establish since alcohol itself does not bind DNA, is not mutagenic, and does not cause cancer in animals but there are mechanisms that have been known that has since helped to establish the link between alcohol abuse and increased risk of certain cancers. One of these mechanisms is that it is converted to acetaldehyde which is harmful as it causes DNA alteration leading to gene mutation which escalates risks to cancer. Alcohol is also a solvent to other mutagens and also causes nutritional deficiency.

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.

Alcohol Abuse and Esophageal Cancer

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