Treat insomnia naturally to lose

February 25, 2014

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-sleep your weight off by Restoring sleep Cycle

The first step in treating insomnia is to find out whether the problem is being caused by stress or…

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is a relatively common sleeping disorder, affecting about one-third of the world adult population. Insomnia is more common in women, but quality of sleep often decreases equally in both women and men as we age.

There are a variety of factors that can cause insomnia: stress (including anxiety about not being able to sleep), extreme temperature fluctuations, environmental noise or changes, medication side effects, hormones, or disruption to the regular sleep pattern. Depression, chronic pain, a variety of health issues and sleep apnea can also contribute to insomnia. Lifestyle can also affect insomnia – studies have shown that alcohol and caffeine intake and smoking cigarettes before bedtime disrupts sleep, as can excessive napping in the afternoon or evening.

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-Secrets to Sleeping soundly
We have many reasons why people have a difficult time staying asleep. The good news is that common problems with sleep are often easily addressed without the use of medication – there are no guaranteed natural cures for insomnia, but there are effective steps you can take. One may need to answer some of these questions (and try the simple sleep aid recommendations) if you find yourself waking frequently in the night:

Are you physically uncomfortable? A too soft or too firm mattress, an uncomfortable pillow, or an older, worn-out bed can all impede a good night’s sleep. Check your mattress for signs of wear at least twice a year, and consider new pillows. You may also want to see an osteopathic physician who specializes in osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT). A session or two of this safe and effective sleep aid treatment can be life-changing.
Is your bedroom noisy? Consider a “white noise” generator, an inexpensive but effective device for making soothing sounds to mask jangling ones.
Is your mind overactive? If you can’t sleep because of thoughts whirling through your head, try the Relaxing Breath – it can help you put aside the thoughts that are keeping you awake. A few stretches can help with sleep aid, too.
Are you frequently getting up to urinate and then not able to get back to sleep? Eliminate caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime – both can increase nighttime urination and increase sleep disturbances.

Here are some natural tips to help you snooze peacefully through the night.

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-Lifestyle Modifications

Dim the lights an hour or two before bedtime to allow your body to increase natural melatonin.
Use window treatments to darken the room or wear a sleep mask.
Establish regular sleep-wake cycles, even on weekends.
Reduce the noise level around you and turn off the TV at least an hour before bedtime.
Reserve your bedroom for sleeping and making love.
Make your bed a sanctuary. Splurge on high thread count cotton sheets, a down comforter, a favorite pillow, or an extra luxe mattress, like Tempur-Pedic. Surround your bed with flowers and candles.
Eliminate or reduce caffeine, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Increase light exposure during the day to promote healthy melatonin balance.
Have sex or masturbate before bed.
Use breathing and relaxation exercises, such as guided imagery CDs.
Shut your brain off at night. Don’t work, watch stimulating shows, or engage in thought-provoking activities just before bedtime.
Exercise regularly.
Do leg exercises just before bed to divert blood flow to your legs, rather than your brain.
Visualize yourself asleep as you go to sleep. Practice deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation by tensing and relaxing muscles all over your body.
Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea before bed, using 2-3 teabags.
Consume no more than 1 serving of alcohol per day. Excess alcohol can disrupt sleep.

Nutrition

Eat foods high in tryptophan before bedtime, such as lean turkey.
Eat foods high in magnesium, such as halibut, almonds, cashews, and spinach.
Eat foods high in Vitamin B complex, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and legumes.

Fighting Fatigue with Insomnia Herbs
whenever you feel worn down or are lacking energy due to improper sleep, a hectic schedule or day-to-day stressors, learn how to fight fatigue naturally with insomnia herbs. Taking a few minutes for yourself and do simple breathing exercises this can be helpful, as can daily moderate exercise and getting adequate rest. Certain nutrients, botanicals and other compounds can also help to ward off or lessen the effects of general fatigue. Experiment with the following insomnia herbs and natural remedies for insomnia:

Magnesium and calcium. Oral magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue in persons with low magnesium levels.
Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Studies show that Eleuthero can help enhance mental activity as well as physical endurance.
Coenzyme Q10. This vital nutrient is involved in cellular energy production throughout the body.
Ashwagandha, ayurvedic herb prized for its ability to help the body deal with stress.
Cordyceps, a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom that may help fight fatigue and boost energy levels.

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-Natural Remedies for Insomnia
Sleep is an important part of reaching your health goals. Shakespeare called sleep “the chief nourishes in life’s feast.” Adequate sleep is a primary component of a healthy lifestyle. Although often the undesirable result of our busy lives, insufficient sleep may also be indicative of imperfect health, and can itself lead to future health problems.

Here are some suggestions for getting the sleep you need to protect body and mind:

Eliminate caffeine from your diet, especially in the form of soft drinks and coffee, as well as over-the-counter drugs (check the labels).
Practice daily breathing exercises, and the relaxing breath when falling asleep.
Take a warm bath before bedtime.
Get at least 45 minutes of aerobic activity every day.

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-Sleep for Weight Loss
Want help achieving and maintaining a healthy weight? Aim for eight hours of sleep a night. Research suggests that appetite-regulating hormones are affected by sleep and that sleep deprivation could lead to weight gain. In two studies, people who slept five hours or less per night had higher levels of ghrelin – a hormone that stimulates hunger – and lower levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin than those who slept eight hours per night. So make sure getting adequate sleep is near the top of your optimum health checklist!

In your effort to treat insomnia, to achieve optimal weight loss, I recommend a visit to AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care where focus is on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE is the key objective.

Treat insomnia naturally to lose-sleep your weight off by Restoring sleep Cycle

Constipation causes obesity

February 25, 2014

Constipation causes obesity-Find out

Chronic constipation is a common problem that can often be relieved by following a multifaceted lifestyle approach to treatment

We are well conversant with the term constipation, which is one of the common health complaints. The condition occurs mainly in women, elderly people and children. According to an international survey, around 10 to 12 percent of the human population suffers from constipation. Females are found to be more prone to this condition, as compared to males. It can be caused by various factors including certain medical conditions. Lack of physical activities, improper diet and stress are said to be the common causes.

While occasional constipation may not be a cause of concern, chronic type has to be evaluated by a health practitioner. This will help you rule out the possibility of any underlying medical condition. Apart from strained bowel movements, constipation may also cause bloating, nausea, headache, change in appetite and abdominal discomfort/pain. Those with recurrent constipation may experience weight gain too. So, what is the relation between constipation and weight gain? Let us find out.

Constipation causes obesity-Does Constipation Cause Weight Gain?

If the number of bowel movements in a week is less than three, such a condition is termed constipation. This condition makes the stools hard, as the fecal matter remains in the colon for a much longer time and most of the water in it gets absorbed. This leads to painful or difficult defecation and a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. Almost all people suffer from occasional constipation, but, there are some, who experience the condition more frequently. This could be a cause of weight gain and other health problems. The relation between constipation and resultant weight gain is still a much-debated topic, but, there are some theories that suggest a direct link between both the conditions. The following are some of the reasons that are put forward to substantiate that link.

In case of constipation, the body finds it difficult to eliminate the accumulated fecal matter. This affects metabolism, which becomes slow, resulting in weight gain.
Another reason lies in the simple fact that accumulated waste materials in the body add extra weight. The food we eat does not get eliminated, but gets blocked in the intestine, causing weight gain. Constipation may also cause water retention, which in turn causes weight gain.

Constipation causes obesity-How to Get Rid of Constipation and Resultant Weight Gain

Constipation may develop due to factors like dehydration, problems in rectum or colon, intake of certain medication, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, lupus, hypothyroidism, lack of physical activities, sudden changes in lifestyle, intake of certain foods, insufficient intake of dietary fiber, depression and stress. You have to find out the cause of constipation, in order to combat the condition. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, get it treated to avoid further complications. Otherwise, changes in diet and lifestyle will be sufficient to control constipation.

Regular Exercises: As lack of sufficient physical activity is one of the common causes of constipation, adopting a regular exercise regimen may prove useful to get rid of this condition. This will increase the rate of metabolism, thereby burning calories. Thus weight gain due to severe constipation can be tackled. Physical activities are also beneficial for smooth bowel movements.

Dietary Changes: Diet is another factor that is directly linked to constipation. Include lots of fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water and avoid consumption of caffeinated drinks and other processed foods. Avoid overeating and reduce intake of dairy products like cheese. It will be better to avoid ice cream, meat, refined carbohydrates, sugar and fatty foods. Resort to frequent, small meals rather than three heavy ones.

Constipation causes obesity-Other Tips

If you are a person with constipation, you must never ignore the urge to have bowel movement. There are certain drugs that can cause constipation. They include antacids, antidepressants, NSAIDs, iron supplements, etc. If you are taking any medication and are suffering from constipation, then consult your doctor and sort out the doubt. However, discontinuation of any medication without the advice of your healthcare provider is not advisable. Some people recommend colon cleansing as an effective method to control constipation and weight gain. However, seek the advice of your doctor, before adopting such methods.

In short, constipation is very common and can be easily countered with these remedial measures. However, medical attention is unavoidable for those with severe and chronic constipation. Laxatives are widely used for treating this condition. Long-term use of laxatives and stool softeners is also not recommended, as it can worsen the condition in the long run. The body will get used to these stimulants, and will find it difficult to expel the feces without an expected dose. In some cases (like those with rectal prolapse), surgery may be required to combat constipation.

The dynamics of life may bring in your way some uncomfortable conditions like constipation which causes obesity. When this happen you will need help to achieve optimal weight loss, at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury you will find the solution you are looking for Doctor Akoury cares she/they will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This way you will save your available time because you will get all you need about weight loss in this facility and may not look elsewhere again.

Constipation causes obesity-Find out

Testosterone and Pellets in weight lose

February 25, 2014

Testosterone and Pellets in weight lose

Testosterone and Pellets in weight loss-What are Pellets?

Pellet therapy has been around since the 1930s–the concept is probably about … Low testosterone often impacts a woman’s weight and sex drive. … women experiencing low levels may simply lose their interest in sex

Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tic Tac’. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile glass vials. There is a ‘FDA approved’ 75 mg testosterone pellet.

Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-5 months in women and 4-6 months in men. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. Estrogen delivered by subcutaneous pellets, maintains the normal ratio of estradiol to estrone. This is important for optimal health and disease prevention. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance. The maintenance of bone density and restoration of sleep pattern are good ingredients of weight lose.

Testosterone delivered by a pellet implant, has been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches. It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency. In both men and women, testosterone has been shown to increase energy, relieve depression, increase sense of wellbeing, relieve anxiety and improve memory and concentration.

Testosterone, delivered by pellet implant, increases lean body mass (muscle strength, bone density) and decreases fat mass. Men and women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which are associated with low testosterone levels.

Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. There is no other ‘method of hormone delivery’ that is as convenient for the patient as the implants. Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930′s. There is more data to support the use of pellets than any other method of delivery of hormones.

Testosterone and Pellets in weight loss-Insertion of pellets

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the lower abdominal wall or upper buttocks through a small incision, which is then taped, closed. The experience of the health care professional matters a great deal, not only in placing the pellets, but also in determining the correct dosage of hormones to be used.

Complications from the insertion of pellets

Complications from the insertion of pellets include; minor bleeding or bruising, discoloration of the skin, infection, and the possible extrusion of the pellet. Other than slight bruising, or discoloration of the skin, these complications are very rare. Testosterone may cause a slight increase in facial hair in some women. Testosterone stimulates the bone marrow and increases the production of red blood cells. A low testosterone level in older men is a cause of anemia. Testosterone, delivered by implants or other methods, can cause an elevation in the red blood cells. If the hemoglobin and hematocrit (blood count) get too high, a unit of blood may be donated.

After the insertion of the implants, vigorous physical activity is avoided for 48 hours in women and up to 5 to 7 days in men. Early physical activity is a cause of ‘extrusion’, which is a pellet working its way out. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a patient is diabetic or has had a joint replaced. However, this is a ‘clean procedure’ and antibiotics may not be needed.

Do men need hormone therapy?

Testosterone levels begin to decline in men beginning in their early 30′s. Most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid-40′s to mid-50′s, some into their late 70′s to early 80′s. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency. Even men in their 30′s can be testosterone deficient and show signs of bone loss, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping and mental decline. Most men need to be tested around 50 years of age. It is never too late to benefit from hormone therapy.

Side effects to estrogen delivered by pellet implantation

When a patient first starts on hormone therapy there may be mild, temporary breast tenderness, which resolves on its own. Hormone receptors may be very sensitive and take time to adjust. There may be a temporary water weight gain, which will also resolve on its own. Women, especially those who have not had a hysterectomy, may choose a different method of delivery of estrogen, as the risk of bleeding is significant.

Duration of patient recovery

Some patients begin to ‘feel better’ within 24-48 hours while others may take a week or two to notice a difference. Diet and lifestyle, along with hormone balance are critical for optimal health. Stress is a major contributor to hormone imbalance and illness; averagely pellets usually last between 3 and 5 months in women and 4-6 months in men. The pellets do not need to be removed. They completely dissolve on their own.

Testosterone and Pellets in weight loss-Monitoring hormones during therapy

Hormone levels will be drawn and evaluated before therapy is started. This will include a FSH, estradiol, testosterone and free testosterone for women. Thyroid hormone levels may also be evaluated. Men need a PSA, sensitive estradiol, testosterone, liver profile and blood count prior to starting therapy. Levels will be reevaluated during hormone therapy, usually prior to insertion of the next set of pellets, 4-5 months. After the first year of therapy, hormones levels may be followed less frequently. Men must notify their primary care physician and obtain a digital rectal exam each year. Women are advised to continue their monthly self-breast exam and obtain a mammogram and/or pap smear as advised by their gynecologist or primary care physician.

Is there a role for testosterone implants (pellets) in a pre-menopausal female?

Testosterone pellets may be used in pre-menopausal females (women who have not stopped menstruating). Testosterone has been shown to; relieve migraine or menstrual headaches, help with symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), relieve anxiety and depression, and improve sex drive and libido. If a pre-menopausal female has a testosterone pellet inserted, she must use birth control. There is a theoretical risk of ‘masculinizing’ a female fetus (giving male traits to a female fetus).

In conclusion, estrogen and testosterone therapy by implantation of pellets is a safe and effective method of hormone therapy for both men and women. Long, continuous administration of hormones by pellets is convenient and economical for the patient. Pellet implantation has consistently proven more effective than oral, intramuscular, and topical hormone therapy with regard to bone density, sexual function, mood and cognitive function, urinary and vaginal complaints, breast health, lipid profiles, hormone ratios and metabolites. However in the event you experience weight gain as a result the therapy, Doctor Dalal Akoury will help you achieve optimal weight loss at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury focuses on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Testosterone and Pellets in weight lose

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery

February 25, 2014

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-The understanding

mitochondrial abnormalities are associated with opiate addiction

Addiction is a disease in the body and the mind and successful therapy depends on treating both. Mind Body medicine is based on the unity of mind and body and focuses on promoting health and balance in the mind body, thereby providing highly effective therapy for addiction. If you detoxify, or withdraw, from alcohol or a drug, but do not address the conditions in the body that create fatigue, depression, and anxiety, then relapse is more likely and therapy has been incomplete. Similarly, if you withdraw from a substance and do not understand the psychological and spiritual issues that promoted the need for it, then relapse is likely and the “lessons of disease” have not been learned.

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-The body

Integrative, or, functional medicine provides the tools to assess and treat the conditions in the body that contribute to fatigue, depression, and anxiety, thereby increasing the likelihood of chemical dependency. These include:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) deficiency
Metabolic cofactor deficiency
Pyroluria
Hypothyroidism
Adrenal fatigue
And more

These “terrain issues” in the body need to be properly treated in order to make detoxification easier and to prevent relapse.

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) deficiency

NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is the chemical term for a molecule that reacts with oxygen in the mitochondria in every cell of your body in order to create energy so you can move, breathe, pump blood, digest food, think, and generally, live your life. Lack of this essential cellular fuel is now recognized as a key feature of chronic fatigue, apathy, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug addiction, weak immune system (infections and cancer), muscle pain and weakness, headaches, memory disturbance, sleep problems, focus and concentration defects and other chronic diseases. NAD deficiency may be an unrecognized epidemic of cellular disease.

Since NAD is so fundamental to good health, how is it that we can become deficient in this powerful molecule? First of all, the vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats come from our diet and provide the building blocks to citric acid cycle energy production. If any one of the nutritional factors is low, energy production is weakened. Since oxygen is just as important as hydrogen in cellular energetics, lack of exercise and shallow breathing due to stress are common factors that can reduce the amount of oxygen at the cell level. And finally the enzymes that catalyze the citric acid cycle are often inhibited or destroyed by chemical or physical toxins that create oxidative, or free radical, damage. Free radical damage comes from cigarette smoke, drugs, radio waves from cell phones and wi-fi, and the myriad chemicals found in all humans at this time on earth, including phalates, parabens, pesticides, styrene, benzene, toluene, and thousands more. For example, medical scientists now widely believe that Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease share the common feature of nerve cell degeneration due to impairment of the ATP producing enzymes with the citric acid cycle and mitochondria.

Genetic NAD deficiency may be present at birth and appear in children as poor sleeping, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, impaired concentration, academic stress and underachievement. Some people have been tired and depressed for as long as they can remember. For these people there is a greater tendency to try drugs and alcohol in order to improve energy and mood, and simply feel better, but the risk for addiction is high.

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-Genetics and addiction

A word of caution is necessary as we discuss genetics and addiction, or, any other disease. Inherited variations in genes do not invariably lead to disease. Lifestyle and mind style factors often override, so to speak, a genetic tendency. Basically the DNA is the hardware in the computer and the epigenome is the software, which is influenced by our lifestyle and the choices we make in our lives. The epigenome responds to our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and overall stress levels, as well as our diet, exercise levels and other features of our daily lives. Basically, the genes put the bullet in the gun, but it is our lifestyle and mind style that pulls the trigger.

NAD deficiency:

There may be a genetic polymorphism that reduces a gene coding for a mitochondrial protein which regulates NAD production. Since mitochondrial DNA is all received from the mother through the egg (no mitochondria are found in sperm) we can look to the maternal side for clues to energy production in the family history.

Dopamine D2 receptor impairment:

Since the primary neurotransmitter of the reward pathway is dopamine, genes for dopamine synthesis, degradation, receptors, and transporters are areas of research. Also, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, opioid, and cannabinoid neurons all modify dopamine metabolism and dopamine neurons. Therefore, defects in various combinations of the genes for these neurotransmitters may result in a Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).

The brain

The brain is composed of billions of nerve cells, called neurons. Brain activity is the interaction of neurons as they communicate with one another. Neurons do not actually touch one another; instead, they are separated by a small gap called a synapse. Activity within a neuron is electrical; however electrical activity cannot cross the synapse. When one neuron wants to signal another, it releases a number of neurotransmitter chemical molecules into the synapse. For each type of neurotransmitter, the receiving neuron has specific receptor sites on the surface. As neurotransmitter molecules bind to a receptor site, the process causes electrical activity in the receptor neuron. The receiving neuron then releases the neurotransmitter molecules so that the sending neuron can absorb them from the synapse in a process called re-uptake, stopping the communication.

Feeling the pleasure

The presence of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the synapses of the reward center of the brain is directly related to every feeling of pleasure we experience, from eating good food to falling in love. Other neurotransmitters mediate other emotions and attitudes.

Avenues of addiction

As people continue to use addictive substances, receptor function decreases, which requires the increased use of substances for pleasure or just a sense of well-being. In the absence of external substances, the body experiences a neurotransmission deficit. Some people begin by taking drugs to feel high while others begin by innocently increasing their prescription use to achieve the original effect. There are as many reasons to become addicted as there are people who become addicted. In most cases, NO ONE begins by believing they will become a slave to an external power which completely consumes and controls their life.

Understanding withdrawal

When a chemically dependent person is denied access to a substance to which s/he is addicted, the addicted brain goes into a frenzy that manifests itself in the physical symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms may be life threatening and may induce agitation, hallucinations, intestinal upsets, severe muscular aches, etc. After withdrawal, the body may be completely free of the addicting substance, yet neurotransmitters of the brain are still not in balance. This may lead to physical feelings of craving, an almost overwhelming desire to use the substance again.

Treatment process

The first step is a comprehensive functional medical evaluation which reviews all systems in the body, including digestion, nutrient absorption, hormone balance, immunity and the like. After that dietary recommendations are provided, along with nutritional supplements. Then the 10 day intravenous program is started. The IV infusion varies from day to day and is individualized for each patient. Each day of the treatment, a nurse inserts an IV line. The patient relaxes in a lounge chair while the intravenous formulation is slowly infused through the vein. The uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal and cravings subside and remain at bay surprisingly quickly. Between the fourth and eighth day patients typically report feelings of amazing mental clarity. Infusions are tolerated well and any mild side effects disappear at the cessation of infusion. The severe physical symptoms of withdrawal vanish; however, the full protocol is required to complete the treatment and minimize or eliminate physical cravings. Note that following treatment the psychological aspects of addiction still need to be addressed. During the day the patient may watch television, read, eat, and even doze. At the end of the day, the IV is disconnected and the patient leaves the outpatient clinic.

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-Life after treatment

After treatment the patient is no longer physically addicted and may certainly resume a normal life; however, an addicted person will typically not have been leading a normal life for some time. In order to rejoin the world successfully, a variety of aftercare coping strategies can be helpful. The patient upon receiving treatment needs to continue engaging with the different support groups and commit to:

Individual psychotherapy
Group psychotherapy
Family psychotherapy
Exercise programs
Affinity and other social groups
Residential and/or Intensive Outpatient Programs

Healthy Mitochondria and addiction Recovery-The understanding

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight

February 24, 2014

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight-Discussed

Vitamin A deficiency caused oxidative damage to liver mitochondria

Mitochondria are what we would call tiny factories that turn food and oxygen into energy. In each cell, there are hundreds to thousands of these little energy factories (mitochondria). They exist in greater numbers in active organs and tissues, like the muscles, heart and brain. Their malfunction needs to be corrected to heal completely for effectiveness in weight loss. This article discusses the relevant tools needed to have a strong working mitochondrial.

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight -Magnesium

Ah, magnesium, darling mineral of the Primal world, participant in nearly every physiological function known to man, and now essential cofactor for proper mitochondrial function. I believe so. Magnesium deficiency led to decreased mitochondria-per-cell count and increased size of individual mitochondrion in liver and kidney cells, which indicates that not only did low magnesium drop the overall number of mitochondria, but also increased the workload of the remaining mitochondria. Eat plenty of leafy greens, the occasional handful of nuts or seeds, and a starchy tuber when it suits you, taking care to supplement with good and you should be fine on magnesium.

Zinc and Iron

Deficiencies in both zinc and iron can reduce the mitochondria’s ability to synthesize heme, which leads to oxidant leakage (the increased free radicals that I mentioned in last week’s post), “DNA damage, neural decay, and aging.” Luckily, zinc and iron are present in animal products and shellfish, so few Primal eaters run the risk of severe deficiencies. If you need to, supplement, but do so wisely: zinc toxicity alters mitochondrial metabolism and lowers ATP production in liver mitochondria. The liver processes both fats and sugars and healthy liver mitochondria are crucial for that important task.

Manganese

You don’t hear a lot about manganese, but it plays a role in creating a potent mitochondrial antioxidant: manganese superoxide dismutase. Without adequate manganese, you won’t make enough superoxide dismutase, and without enough mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase, you run the risk of developing a neuropathology or suffering an ischemic brain injury (what often happens after stroke). Eat your mussels, raspberries, and dark chocolate.

Carnosine

In rats with a genetic predisposition to developing Alzheimer’s disease, supplementing with carnosine reduced the prevalence of classic AD hallmarks, the first and foremost of which was mitochondrial dysfunction. Carnosine is a potent scavenger of free radicals, and it’s a dipeptide of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. Meat eaters get plenty of carnosine, but supplements exist if you want to go that route.

Carnitine

Carnitine is biosynthesized from methionine and lysine, two amino acids which are highly prevalent in red meat and your mitochondria like a lot of carnitine because it’s required for shuttling fatty acids into the mitochondria for processing. Yeah, if you want mitochondria to do one of their most basic jobs – break down fatty acids for energy – you better consume ample amounts of meat, or supplement with L-carnitine.

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight -Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency caused oxidative damage to liver mitochondria in rats. Folks, in addition to handling fat and sugar metabolism, liver mitochondria also process ammonia, a potentially toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, so you’d better eat your egg yolks and liver and even cod liver oil along with your egg whites and steak and cod filets.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a universal antioxidant, internally produced by most organisms (except for us and a couple others), and it should come as no surprise to learn that it (along with resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid) reduces excessive reactive oxygen species production by the mitochondria. It does so by increasing manganese superoxide dismutase (remember that?). Just be careful about supplementing during heavy cardio, as vitamin C has been shown to dampen mitochondrial biogenesis by interfering with normal cellular adaptations to endurance exercise. Maybe that was the problem back in my endurance days when I was downing 25,000 milligrams of C a day during training (hey, Linus Pauling said to supplement vitamin C “to bowel tolerance.” How times have changed.) I doubt sticking to natural sources of vitamin C, like fruit, raw meat, or fresh vegetables would have the same negative effect on exercise adaptation.

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight-Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Our bodies make CoQ10, which is required for the transfer of electrons during mitochondrial oxidative respiration. Mitochondrial oxidative respiration is how we produce ATP for bodily functions and day-to-day life. Without enough of it (maybe we’re taking statins, which block the pathway responsible for synthesizing CoQ10, or we’re not eating enough foods high in CoQ10), our mitochondria’s ability to make ATP suffers, since CoQ10 is the only compound that can do its job. The best dietary sources of CoQ10 include animal hearts (since hearts need a lot of CoQ10 to generate the energy required functioning), sardines, and virgin red palm oil. Even so, it’s still tough to get significant CoQ10 from food, which is why I like to supplement it.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is the darling of the life extension set, and while I think some of its effects might be overstated, it does appear to improve mitochondrial function (in mice) and induce mitochondrial biogenesis (in rodent epithelial cells, the cells that comprise the lining of blood vessels). Furry little human’s mice are not, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight-Alpha lipoic acid

Naturally occurring most richly in heart, liver, kidney, spinach, and broccoli, lipoic acid supplements have been shown to reduce mitochondrial decay in humans. Another study, albeit in rats, found that alpha-lipoic acid, along with a few other “mitochondria supportive” supplements, improved rats’ athletic performance and recovery. In both cases, it stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis.

I’m sure there are more nutrients, minerals, vitamins and supplements that affect mitochondrial function, but this is a decent list to consider when trying manning your cellular power plant workforce. And I bet if you take care of the bulk of these, either by eating good food or supplementing, you can keep a couple Homer Simpsons around for comic relief without too many problems.

In all you do if functioning mitochondrial is not working for you in attaining optimal weight loss, a visit to AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s will offer much needed solution. Dr. Dalal Akoury cares she focuses on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE

Heal the Mitochondrial to lose weight-Discussed

Category Archives: Healthy Aging