Tag Archives: Amino Acid

Addictions and the Internet

December 1, 2014

The Potential of Web 2.0 Internet Technologies in Enhancing Treatment for Alcohol/Other Drug use Problems

Addiction and the internetOver the past decade there has been proliferation of e-health applications across disease categories. With the emergence of the next generation of Internet-based applications, Web 2.0, there are increasing opportunities for integrating these technologies into treatment approaches for alcohol/other drug use problems, in a way that engages and empowers like never before. No evidence currently exists to demonstrate the benefits of Web 2.0 applications, such as social networking and social media, on alcohol/other drug use problems. However, social learning and influence theories point to the possible mechanisms of action and effectiveness. More research is urgently required to examine the potential of Web 2.0 applications on alcohol/other drug use problems.

The internet has become very useful today. All information is sought online and medical information is no exception. As is evident the social platforms that came with the digital age are not only used to chat and catch up on social issues but have become a very valid platform through which professionals seek ideas and debate on crucial issues that are very important to their careers. The internet has become unequalled hub of information where professionals seek information and share ideas. Likewise patients have also found the internet a good place to air their concern and this has been boosted by the fact that you can be anonymous and still have your problems solved by professionals who may question and answer columns on their websites or blogs. The internet has the advantage of speed, unlike looking for information in a library full of books where you have to go through table of contents of many books to find what you want you just write the keywords on the search pane on the search engines like Google, Bing or Yandex and then the information will be brought within seconds. Even with many choices to select from you can still refine your search by keying in specific keywords that will make your search more local hence very effective. Today most internet users seek health information from the internet, it is estimated that 80% of internet users in America seek health information from the internet and 59% of them are adults.

The youth form the majority of the internet users, it is estimated that 71% of these youths seek health information online. Right now apart from email and search engines use, health information searching is the most popular activity for adults. There are also many forums that are created on online communities like Facebook and twitter that people use to access health information. On these sites people of like mind come together discuss their health problems and find solutions to their problems and drug addicts are no exception. The internet is a platform for seeking information but as it stands right now drug and alcohol addicts can get computerized treatments. Research testing the efficacy of computerized psychological treatments for alcohol and drugs addiction revealed that when coupled with weekly therapist support the computer-delivered alcohol and drugs treatment can be as effective as face to face treatment. With technology based for depression, it has been found that coupled with guidance it works twice better.

The web 2.0 technology

The emergence of web 2.0 technology may find the best solution that incorporates all the convenience and efficacy to the internet based treatment delivery while providing a platform for the development and maintenance of social connectedness and support which is key in achieving effectiveness in online computer-delivered treatments. However as stated earlier there is still little research reports that have been published on the subject of alcohol and other drug use and how they can be treated. But scientists opine that the web 2.0 has applications such as the social influence tool that can be useful in alcohol and other drugs use and treatment. This application allow individuals to learn in a more social context with changes in opinions, feelings , attitudes, thoughts and behavior as a result of group discussion. Interacting with like-minded individuals in the group helps in educating a person more on the issues of alcohol and other drugs abuse and how they can be treated.

internet
This application will help individuals to know more about drugs and alcohol before they begin using them. It is a known fact that most people who are now addicted to alcohol and other drugs of abuse were exposed to environments where these drugs were used, having a social forum where adolescents can seek information and learn about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs abuse they will stay away from the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Many youths now stuck in the use of drugs began using the drugs when they were cajoled by friends who told them that using drugs of abuse is ‘cool’ and so they knew all the good things associated with drug abuse but no one ever told them the dangers of these drugs on friendly and in social context as they will learn on the web 2.0 applications. It is a known fact that adolescents listen to their peers more than they do to their parents and therefore the adolescents are led into using these drugs by their peers. The internet therefore presents an alternative interactive platform where these adolescents can seek information and guidance from health practitioners.

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

The Potential of Web 2.0 Internet Technologies in Enhancing Treatment for Alcohol/Other Drug use Problems

 

 

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Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

November 29, 2014

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

The metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to produce energy (which includes ATP production) requires numerous magnesium-dependent chemical reactions. Magnesium is also required for a number of steps during DNA and RNA synthesis. Glutathione, an important antioxidant, requires magnesium for its production.

If that makes you think magnesium is such an essential metal then there is a host of more surprises for you. Magnesium is truly an essential mineral that your body requires for maintaining its normal nerve and muscles function. Magnesium helps keep the body’s immune system healthy. It is also essential in maintaining your heart rhythm and is necessary for the building of strong bones.

In addition, Magnesium is involved in a minimum of 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. This means that a deficiency in magnesium compound can lead to a wide range of disorders including muscle spasms, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety disorders, cerebral infarction and even osteoporosis.

A deficit in magnesium also referred to as magnesium depletion is caused as a result of dysregulation of the state of magnesium in the body. This is the result of dysregulation of the mechanisms that control the metabolism of magnesium. These could occur in the form of a failure of these mechanisms causing magnesium homeostasis. It could also be as a result of intervention of iatrogenic or endogenous factors which eventually disturb the magnesium status.

Some studies observe that this depletion cannot be corrected simply by nutritional supplementation alone. Rather, certain specific dysregulation correction mechanisms are crucial in remedying the condition.

Magnessium_Deficiency

Magnesium depletion should be clearly differentiated from magnesium deficiency in the body. Deficiency is a disorder of magnesium that simply results from an inadequate intake of the mineral in the diet. An oral magnesium supplementation is recommended and is enough to correct the disorder.

High Risk Groups For The Magnesium Disorder

There are certain groups of people that are more vulnerable to the magnesium related disorders given its primacy in a number of body processes. Studies have identified long distance athletes as a potentially high risk group with regard to magnesium deficiency. These are people who conduct strenuous long distance exercise. They tend to lose electrolytes through their sweat and need to replenish their essential minerals such as sodium, phosphorus and potassium, but most particularly magnesium levels.

People who drink a lot of alcohol may also need adequate replenishing of magnesium lost during dehydration. Those who suffer diarrhea as well as others who may be dehydrated through other means also need to replenish their magnesium levels as well as the levels of sodium metal, potassium and phosphorus.

The elderly and those who have poor functioning kidneys may be subject to loss of magnesium through urine. This happens when the kidneys cannot retain the magnesium in the blood or reabsorb it through its tubules resulting in dysregulation of this essential mineral. Consequently the person’s system will not be excreting less magnesium when the mineral stores are low. In addition, the elderly naturally need the mineral since the amount of magnesium absorbed by the body decreases with old age as the amount excreted increases.

If you have any form of gastrointestinal disorders, chances are that your colon will not be able to absorb enough of the mineral. Most magnesium in the gut is often absorbed through the large intestines. This means that people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease are faced with the risk a possible magnesium deficiency.

The same goes for those who consume high amounts of Fiber. The bodies’ ability to make use of magnesium has been found to be affected by taking in a lot of fiber in the diet. The ratio of this effect is yet to be established through further research. Still on the question of diet, low protein consumption is also said to have an effect on magnesium in the body.

Magnesium Sources

magnesiumMagnesium is found in a number of food products that can be found readily in the market. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, dark leafy greens, seeds, beans, fish, bananas, whole grains, dried fruit, avocados, yogurt and dark chocolate. This is however not the entire list of foods rich in magnesium. There are a lot of other products that contain magnesium in large amounts. These can be found at AwareMed. In fact, AwareMed is the best place where you can purchase magnesium.

Consuming too much magnesium may typically be dangerous and can make you diarrhea. This is why AwareMed emphasizes having the magnesium chelated.

Nuts, dark chocolate, molasses and seeds are high calorie foods and good sources of magnesium. They should thus be eaten in moderate amounts by those who have high body mass index (BMI).

Other sources of magnesium such as almonds, dark chocolate and spinach are rich in oxalates and these inhibit the absorption of some magnesium. The foods are however still good sources of the metal.

Noteworthy is, Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium. Too much selenium may lead to unfavorable conditions like bad breath, diarrhea and even loss of hair.

The following factors may affect magnesium absorption

Absorption of the mineral may be enhanced by taking diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates such as those found in dairy, grains and fruits. Protein foods also may help with the absorption of magnesium while eating foods that are high in insoluble fiber is likely to deter magnesium absorption.

Grains, vegetables and seeds may contain phyrates that somewhat deter the absorption of magnesium. On the contrary, the soluble fiber as well as the fermentable carbohydrates that are found in the same foods are likely to counter this effect. This makes most plant foods a powerful source of magnesium.

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

 

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Intoxication, Reward and Tolerance

November 25, 2014

Neurobiology of Intoxication, Reward and Tolerance

RewardAs stated earlier, neurobiology is the study of cells of the nervous system and how these cells are organized of these cells into functional circuits that process information and influence behavior. Neurobiology is a sub unit of both biology and neuroscience. Neuroscience is much broader as a scientific study of the nervous system than neurobiology. Neurobiology helps us to understand how the neurons are affected by whatever we ingest. The neurons as you and me now know are very crucial as they are the chemical messengers that transmit signals to initiate certain crucial responses. However these neurons are often affected by drugs of abuse that in most cases depletes them rendering them incapable to function normally. As studied earlier in our brain there are different neurotransmitters that perform different purposes to ensure that all functions of the brain are well attended to. There are inhibitory neurotransmitters as well as excitatory neurotransmitters and the balance between these neurotransmitters must be achieved for better functioning of the brain but these drugs of abuse interferes with these balance by causing depletion of certain neurotransmitters creating an imbalance between the different categories of the neurotransmitters in the brain. In this article we try to find out how intoxication, reward and tolerance come about to users of alcohol and other drugs.

Intoxication

According to World Health Organization (WHO) intoxication is a condition that follows the administration of a psychoactive substance and results in disturbances in the level of consciousness, cognition, perception, judgment, affect, or behavior, or other psychophysiological functions and responses. The disturbances are related to the acute pharmacological effects of, and learned responses to, the substance and resolve with time, with complete recovery, except where tissue damage or other complications have arisen. They further explain that the term intoxication is a term that is commonly used in alcoholism and is the same in meaning to the common term drunkenness. Alcohol intoxication manifests in such symptoms as slurred speech, unsteady gait, disorderly conduct, impaired judgment, slowed reactions, loss of memory, vomiting, euphoria and insensibility among others. Alcohol has contents of ethanol among other fermented stuff. When taken ethanol will produce its depressive effects on certain areas of the brain resulting in physical and mental impairments. These problems will continue as the level of alcohol consumption is increased, therefore more alcohol means more intoxication.

Here is what happens in the brain

When alcohol is taken it increases the effect of the body’s naturally occurring neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). As I mentioned earlier neurotransmitters are substances that chemically connect the signals from one nerve to the next allowing a signal to flow along a neural pathway. An inhibitory neurotransmitter (alcohol) reduces this signal flow in the brain. This explains how alcohol depresses both a person’s mental and physical activities. When you take alcohol 20% of ethanol will be absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach while 80% is absorbed from the small intestines. However the more the ethanol stays in the stomach the slower it is absorbed into the bloodstream and the lower the peak in blood alcohol concentration. This is why when a person takes alcohol with empty stomach he will be intoxicated within such a short time. The food in the stomach normally slows the rate of alcohol absorption lowering the peak in blood alcohol concentration.

The reward system

The reward system is mainly dominated by the excitatory neurotransmitter known as dopamine. This hormone gives the brain its ‘high’, the euphoric feelings that is commonly sought by people who use drugs of recreation. Close to all addictive drugs directly or indirectly target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system, which rewards our natural behaviors, produces the euphoric effects sought by people who use drugs and teaches them to repeat the behavior. The persistent release of dopamine during chronic drug use progressively recruits limbic brain regions and the prefrontal cortex, embedding drug cues into the amygdala through glutaminergic mechanisms and involving the amygdala, anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the obsessive craving for drugs Despite dopamine being the dominant neurotransmitter in the reward system there are also other neurotransmitters that work to modulate both the reward system and the psychomotor effects of addictive drugs. However there is still little literature to support this and so dopaminergic system is still the biggest consideration when reward system is to be tamed. Naturally the balance between the excitatory neurotransmitter and the inhibitory neurotransmitters enables proper functioning of the brain but with drugs the drugs will suppress the inhibitory neurotransmitters flooding the brain with dopamine which is the fuel behind reward.

RewardUnderstanding tolerance

Tolerance refers to a situation when a person ceases to react to a drug in initial doses and therefore higher dosage is needed for the effects to be achieved. This normally happens when a person has been using the drugs for a long time. This is common in the use of opioids in pain management, the patient will cease to respond to initial dosages and therefore need higher dosages to calm the pain. For example, morphine is often used for pain. It works by binding to opiate receptors where it triggers the inhibition of an enzyme called adenylate cyclase that orchestrates several chemicals in the cell to maintain the firing of impulses. After repeated activation of the opiate receptor by morphine, the enzyme adapts so that the morphine can no longer cause changes in cell firing. Therefore higher dosages will have to be administered for the pain to be calmed.

Finally, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is committed to helping all people trapped in drug addiction. Call on her today at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Neurobiology of Intoxication, Reward and Tolerance

 

 

 

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Understanding withdrawal

November 24, 2014

 

Neurobiology of withdrawal

WithdrawalThe biggest challenge to all addicts that makes it hard for them to quite using drugs is withdrawal. Most addicts are not using the drugs because the like using the drugs but rather because they are enslaved to the drugs in such a way that whenever they try to boycott the drug the withdrawal symptoms will be too overwhelming to deal with and so they end up succumbing to the intense craving of their drug of abuse, some choose to go back to their old life where drugs matter simply because they want an instant relief from the withdrawal symptoms. The instant relief will be achieved but this will escalate the problem even further as the patient will be following the same tradition.

To walk with everybody, we need to understand this whole topic, the term withdrawal is not new as it has been defined in previous articles. However we need to define neurobiology so that we all are on one ground.

What is Neurobiology?

Neurobiology is the study of cells of the nervous system and how these cells are organized of these cells into functional circuits that process information and influence behavior. Neurobiology is a sub unit of both biology and neuroscience. Neuroscience is much broader as a scientific study of the nervous system than neurobiology.

It is crucial to understand the functions of the neurons. Firstly, the neurons are cells that are specialized to receive, propagate, and transmit electrochemical impulses to initiate certain responses that are critical for proper functioning of the body. The brain of a human being has more than a hundred billion neurons. These neurons however are diverse in morphology and function.

The nervous system is very important owing to its many function, it is therefore good to note that it should be healthy at all times since any slight effect on the neurotransmitters goes a long way in affected not only the health of a person but also his behavior. Illnesses that affect the nervous system are known as neurobiological disorders. These neurobiological disorders are often caused by genetic, metabolic and other biological factors. Most of the illnesses termed as psychiatric disorders are neurobiological. These may include; bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, autism, Tourette syndrome and even schizophrenia. To avoid most of the neurobiological disorders, it is good to maintain a good nutrition and avoid substances that may deplete the neurons and interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system. In this article we will explore what happens to the nervous system that causes withdrawal.

What causes withdrawal symptoms?

A person using any type of recreational drug risks suffering from its severe withdrawal symptoms and each drug of abuse has its own unique withdrawal symptoms that those who depend on the drug have to suffer. However it is good to note that you cannot suffer any withdrawal symptom however long you use a drug until you become dependent on the drug. You first have to depend on the drug to suffer its withdrawal symptoms. Without dependence there is no withdrawal.

Neurotransmitters are naturally synthesized in the cell body and migrate down the axon to the presynaptic terminals. Here they are stored in little packets called vesicles which fuse with the synaptic membrane. When a depolarizing current is received, these vesicles release their contents into the synaptic cleft. These happen naturally without dependence on any drug.

The neurotransmitters relay signals between nerve cells, called neurons. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. However neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways. One of the biggest contribution to the depletion of the neurotransmitters is the use of drugs both prescription and recreational.

When you use drugs, especially the recreational drugs for a long time there are neurotransmitters that are affected. The neurotransmitters in the brain have specific purposes that together ensure the right balance in the brain for proper functioning of the neurotransmitters. There are both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. There must be balance between these neurotransmitters if the brain is to work normally. However when a person has become dependent on drugs, the balance between these neurotransmitters is interfered with. The inhibitory hormones include:

 

Serotonin- this neurotransmitter is anti-stimulant. It suppresses all the effects of drugs recreation that works to stimulate the brain. It should be available in good levels to ensure balance in moods too. When you become dependent on recreation drugs serotonin becomes depleted and so the ‘highs’ of the brain will be unregulated making the brain dependent on the drugs. Any attempt to stop using the drug will cause withdrawal. Plus it is serotonin that controls cravings for carbohydrates and even responsible for sleep cycles when it’s depleted the withdrawal symptoms become inevitable.

WithdrawalGABA –this also regulates the excitatory neurotransmitter firing to the brain, however when drugs of recreation are used for a long time this neurotransmitter becomes depleted further creating an imbalance in the brain.

Just like inhibitory neurotransmitter excitatory Neurotransmitters are also very important but are also affected by drugs of abuse. These include;

Norepinephrine- is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is responsible for stimulatory processes in the body. Norepinephrine helps to make epinephrine as well. Drugs suppress your brain’s production of neurotransmitters like noradrenaline. When you stop using drugs or alcohol it’s like taking the weight off the brain, and your brain rebounds by producing a surge of adrenaline that causes withdrawal symptoms. Plus when the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters are low it means the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters are increased and this causes anxiety and low moods which are common symptoms of withdrawal. Other excitatory hormones that are subject to drug abuse include dopamine and epinephrine. The imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is responsible for withdrawal in drug users. We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Neurobiology of withdrawal

 

 

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Recovering Addiction; Natural Medicine

November 18, 2014

 Natural Medicine for the Recovering Addiction

There are problems that we suffer from today that can be easily solved if we leaned on Mother Nature. We however have been blinded and tied to the orthodox treatment standards that do not offer lasting solutions to our diseases. Most if not all of the orthodox medical interventions focus on treating the symptoms of a disease and not on healing the person wholly. Addiction is one problem that many people have suffered from and still many people are stuck to even today. The biggest problem with Recovering Addiction  is that to help the addicts to stop using the drugs other substances are used to help satisfy their cravings these substances may make them dependent, they will not be able to feel normally without using the substances hence giving rise to severe withdrawal symptoms whenever they try to creep out of them.  The addicts therefore need to explore some of the most effective healing approaches that can only be availed by nature. The natural medicine has been used in fighting addiction for a long time. In most Asian countries the natural addiction treatments are used by many are greatly preferred.

People turn to substance of abuse for a momentary salvage from their physical and emotional problems but after along use of such drugs their physical and mental health becomes greatly debilitated. The nervous system becomes affected and the entire body becomes unable to perform most of its functions effectively. To effectively treat an addict a more integrative approach should be used to ensure that not only the symptoms are treated but the entire system that is affected by the use of the drug is rectified and the person can enjoy life without fear of addiction to the substance troubling him in the future.

Recovering Addiction

Recovering Addiction

Natural medicine is focused on the patient, Recovering Addiction

Most of the healers who use natural medicine in curing recovering addicts are integrative in their approach to healing the patient. This focus on healing the patient aims at detoxifying the body and all the affected systems by the long-term drug use, replenishing all the needed nutrients that the use of the drugs had depleted in the body and boosting the immunity of the addict to be able to resist the urge to indulge in drug use. The treatment is therefore focused on whole person healing. The drugs o not only affect the physical being of a person but affects the entire trinity; the body the spirit and the mind. With such a treatment everything about the addict changes including his behavior.

After along use of drugs the body loses some of the most valuable nutrients, therefore it is crucial to have these nutrients replenished during the recovery process. Some of these crucial minerals and vitamins that are depleted after long use of drugs include; calcium, magnesium and even zinc.

Detoxification is a crucial process in addiction recovery, the liver and the digestive system should be cleansed and the nervous system strengthened and restored treating any type of debility in the nervous system. Some of the crucial minerals and vitamins that are available naturally and in bio-friendly forms that can be supplemented to benefit an addict include;

Zinc– zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. As said earlier the use of alcohol and drugs of abuse causes a zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels can cause liver deterioration and diminished functioning of the reproductive organs, immune system, and skin. A recovering addict should supplement zinc using Zinc picolinate which is considered bio-friendly.  Eating foods that are rich in zinc like pumpkin seeds can also help an addict.

Calcium– Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to eliminate calcium. Caffeine, for example, has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Low levels of calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. A recovering addict should consider 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals. Nutritionists however advocate for green sources of calcium.

Herbs that can be used to promote healing in recovering addiction

Thunbergia laurifolia– This herb is commonly used in Thailand for detoxification. This herb is potent enough to cleanse the body of harmful; effects of the long-term use of drugs and alcohol. It also works well in reducing fevers. In a recovering addiction it may help in clearing all the debris of alcohol and drugs.

Dandelion– This herb is widely used in Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout. In the Recovering addiction it will ease the transportation of nutrients in the body and restore energy in the cells.

Recovering Addiction

Recovering Addiction

Ginkgo – this herb has many medicinal properties. It is known to increase energy by enhancing cellular glucose uptake. It is also a scavenger of free radicals. Its other benefits include; it encourages peripheral circulation and improves short term memory. It is good for a recovering addict as it’s improves cognitive functions.

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

 Natural Medicine for the Recovering Addiction

 

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